[centre][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/181008/b02a8e514a847d83c3d8892fffdb6f35.png[/img][/centre][hr] The call went through his hippocampus, yet had not settled in properly to his complicated decision making mechanism. For he was still trying to squeeze in something perhaps a lot more important than just loaves of bread. Holding up by his small yet tough hand was the small piece of paper he had placed in his pocket the other day. The map of the Amone tunnel that he jotted down when Middleton was still bastardizing about their task. It was dandy and all when he accepted (rather without other choices) the order from Baker about the tunnel attack, but reality still hit him with the fact that this is a pretty ridiculously one-sided fight. Now that he actually thought about it, this may be the closest he would ever arrive to certain death, probability speaking. Would the four sappers be enough to deal with the entire underground city? He'd only ever receive one answer tomorrow. But eventually, the encouragement from other fellow soldiers convince the aristocratic Edinburghian to enjoy the feast of Francian garlic bread. But before the whole thing was Jean's announcement to the squad about the next day's mission and the scouting mission. It was already clear that this wasn't Michael's problem. He had his own mission issued already, and the man was there to witness it. While Michael still attentively listened to Jean's words, they were mostly non-useful info that the only use he'd have is to re-inform some slow pokes who were late. Michael just tried to recite the direction of the tunnel while waiting for the long-awaited call to dive in the food... His brows quickly folded as if he just saw someone trying to scratch their fingernails on a solid pieces of metal. Or in this case, Jean imprudently trying to get a taste of the garlic breads like a hungry mouse falling right into the trap if there is one in the way. In one fell swoop, our beloved squad leader just violated most, if not all, of the basic table etiquette ever taught. Sure you can call this a warzone and that no one would care, but apparently that claim looked easily falsifiable. Other soldiers were already looking his way with a rather not so impressed face. [color=bf00ff]"Hahhh..."[/color] He's even giggling at Michael. Like what? Is this even funny? It's so aggravating to watch someone embarrass himself in front of everybody else. Deciding to spare the pain to him and him only, Michael took a couple of garlic bread and placed it on the small handkerchief he had before moving away from the commotion for a quiet meal. Seeing how Jean act upon seeing what appeared to be one of his favorite cuisines reminded him of the proper way he did at home, or at least as proper as he could with what he had. Held the bread with merely tips of the fingers, a gentle bite, not too much but not too little, followed by an occasional wipe of handkerchief. Out of this entire army, the son of a certain Edinburghian noble already seemed too unique. It may already be second nature to him already, but perhaps he was just subconsciously trying to cope with how his NCO just acted. But in anywho... [color=bf00ff][i]'I want to go home already.'[/i][/color] Would the fall of Amone be the last battlefield he and his squad'd be fighting, or would there be more than that? Would this be his grave? He probably asked that a little too many times now though. He had grown tired of dreaming of home now, but he couldn't help but crave for that day when he'd be able to be set free, to return home with the wish that his beloved mother had carried for him all the way. Back to his normal life, where he'd go to university, get a job, get a house, get married and... Married... Now that he mentioned it...would he be able to bring home Lucia? Of all the people he cared about in this squad? She seemed like a perfect woman for him. A naive foil to his philosophical mind, and a caring white to his devoted black. But as of the moment, she was also as chained to Michael's free spirit. She was under the control of that accursed Middleton. The name brought the blood tension rising to critical mass again, but again, things get boring real quick. Now he was just wondering if she'd ever be set free, or he'd ever be able to do that for her. He didn't intend on playing the knight in shining armor, but if that was the case. Or even more short-term than this: [color=bf00ff]"I wonder how she's doing right now?"[/color] [color=0072bc]"Who's doing what?"[/color] Before he realized it, the girl from company D before was already right beside Michael's shoulder. [color=0072bc]"May I have a seat?"[/color] Anna was it, Michael recycled his earliest memory? The blue side ponytail was a little unique to be unrecognizable. He gestured her a seat next to him. [color=0072bc]"Thanks."[/color] She subconsciously held onto her skirt to straighten it out before sitting down. The problem was...there was no skirts. Only pants. And she seemed to realize that just now, as she flustered and tried to laugh it off. [color=bf00ff]"No be my guest. We're on the same boat."[/color] You don't particularly wear dresses and be mindful about it unless you originate with a wealth privilege. [color=0072bc]"Ahaha, sorry for that."[/color] She giggled. [color=0072bc]"Though I'm a little surprised. I thought I'm the only upper classes here in this war."[/color] Michael leaned his head on his shoulder a little before answering. [color=bf00ff]"Let's just say unfortunate circumstances brings me here."[/color] He said. [color=bf00ff]"And brings me to cooperate with you tomorrow. We were supposed to finish that a week ago."[/color] [color=0072bc]"Are you ready?"[/color] Anna asked. Michael pondered for long. [color=bf00ff]"No matter how much, I can't be fully prepared."[/color] [color=0072bc]"It really is a thing of luck and chances sometimes. If the rolled dice appeared our name, we're goners."[/color] She replied. [color=0072bc]"There's not much we could prepare for it right now than rest I suppose. But I hope we could compile some sort of strategy, you know, to maximize our chances of survival."[/color] Strategy? Well, he did have the map. Whatever works. [color=0072bc]"Though later. I wanna enjoy my dinner first. Is that garlic bread you're having?"[/color] She said, and Michael nodded. [color=0072bc]"Oh I love those! I miss the old days with these."[/color] Seemed to be a Francian thing. [color=bf00ff]"I can grab you one, if you don't mind."[/color] Anna brightened considerably upon the proposal, and accepted without hesitation. With a small chuckle, Michael headed back to the kitchen area. Today seemed like a day full of surprises somehow. Now before him was Isaac playing with a dog. He didn't know it even existed on the battlefield, and Isaac even seemed to know it much better than anyone else. An intrigue a little too much to let go. [color=bf00ff]"You know him, Isaac?"[/color] Michael couldn't contain his curiosity as he turned towards the Lance Corporal instead. [@FalloutJack]