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Pentagon, Global Defense Agency
Donald approached the command center nervously, he knew there was a very high chance Cecil would deny his invite. As a matter of fact, Cecil probably was more likely to deny than accept an invitation to dinner since Mark decided to turn his back on the agency, but it was a special occasion so he was willing to try anyway. As he walked through the door, Cecil immediately turned to greet him.
-Ah, Donald, just in time. We are dealing with a problem. The Guardians have been called and are on their way. Meanwhile we have to watch this lunatic.
Donald turned his attention to the big screen.
“FEAR ME MERE MORTALS FOR I AM THE MAGE!!”
Cecil sighed.
-It would be a pathetic sight if he had not already killed three police officers.
-Sir. -One of the workers at the command center called. -The Guardians have arrived.
“Hey Gandalf knock off!! Lemme show you what a real explosion looks like!” Rex Splode’s voice filled the room.
Donald shook his head, it appears it wasn't’ the right time.
* * *
Once the situation at hand had been dealt with, Cecil went to his office to go over some paperwork and Donald was left by himself. He pondered if he should follow him and ask the question. What the hell, why not.
Donald knocked on Cecil’s door.
-Come in.
He did.
-Hello sir, might I talk to you for a moment?.
-Sure, Donald, but make it quick.
-I don’t know if you remember but, around twenty years ago, we first met here. Your very first day as the director of the GDA.
-Is it? I can’t seem to remember…
-It’s your anniversary sir, as director.
-Huh. Well, congratu-fucking-lations to me then. Thanks Donald for reminding me of how old I am. -Cecil said, although Donald knew there was no real anger behind those words. -Is that all? You wanted to congratulate me?
-Yes, sir, but I uh- Wanted to make an invitation as well. For dinner.
Cecil finally lifted his eyes to look at him, a puzzled expression on his face. His brow was furrowed, deeping the wrinkles he had there.
-Dinner?
-In all these years together, sir, we have barely had time to talk, due to crisis back to crisis. It’s a special day so I thought maybe we could celebrate. Get our minds off of things.
- I… appreciate the invitation, Donald, but I’m afraid I cannot spare the time for dinner.
Donald, despite already knowing this was likely going to happen, couldn’t hide his disappointment. Should he try to convince Cecil? It would be selfish to demand him to walk away from work during very sensitive times, but Donald knew Cecil needed some rest, and he had been wanting to bond with his boss for a long time. Perhaps boss wasn’t the correct term for them, after all they went through hell together, but Donald felt like he was overstepping by thinking of him as his friend.
-I see. That is understandable. If you excuse me sir.
Donald turned to leave.
-What was dinner going to be? -Cecil asked from behind him.
-Italian, sir. We would have spaghetti and wine, pudding for dessert. -He answered over his shoulder.
-What would we even talk about? With everything that’s happening I doubt we could make small talk.
-I would have tried. I had plans of asking about your favourite western movies, since I know you like watching those. And what bands from your youth you still listen to.
-That… sounds very nice, Donald. Too bad the world can’t stop for a couple hours.
-I agree, sir.
They stayed in silence for a few seconds, neither too sure of what to say.
-Happy anniversary, Cecil.
-Thank you, Donald.