GATE: Thus The JSDF & USMC Fought There!

Ch 37: Flame Dragon Arc 2

Date: April, 2024

Maverick's Pov

Alnus Hill: Alnus Hill Village, Tavern

After Itami went to check on Tuka, she continued to believe that Itami was her dead dad. Itami decided to indulge in her delusion for several days now. Taking her shopping, picnics, etc. all while wearing her dad's clothes including sleeping with her... in a literal context. I and a few others personally don't think it's helping. We have a mission tomorrow in the Imperial Capital so I decided to meet Mari at the tavern ahead of everyone so we could try to have a date around here. We got a table and I got our drinks and brought them to her.

Me: Here you go, sorry it's not much of a date.

Mari: Thanks, and it's no problem. I'm happy I get to spend time with you. So how's Tuka been?

Me:*sighs* From what Itami told me, she's suffering from a delusion brought on by Post Traumatic Stress.

Mari: Guess you'd know all about that.

Me: You're talking to a guy who recently lost his stepdad, but is also serving in his third war now.

Mari: And how have you been?

Me: Me? The night terrors have gotten less frequent... thanks to you, Mari-san.

Mari: *smiles*  I'm glad I could help, but how do you handle your stepfather's death and your PTSD?

I sigh deeply.

Me: I forced myself to confront the reality that he was gone and that there was nothing I could do about it. But it still hurts, you know I haven't talked to my Mom since Tokyo. As for my PTSD. I have my good moments and I have my bad moments... you've seen them first hand. I've have seen this disease turn solid Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, and even ex-Special Forces guys into blubbering messes. Some turning to drinking or drugs to cope with it... some even committing suicide. It is why a high number of Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan veterans turn to those.

I get depressed thinking about it when Mari reaches over the table and grabs my hand.

Mari: Do you regret not going home when you could have?

Me: I have a lot of regrets, but here are some things I don't regret. Joining the Corps, coming here, fighting with my half-sister, being apart of 5th Recon, seeing my other half-sister... and being with you.

Mari: *smiles* I'd glad I'm with you as well, though I wish we didn't have to hide it.

Me: *grabs Mari's hand back* Tell you what, when this next mission is over... we'll tell everyone.

Mari: Really? Everyone?

I nodded.

Me: Yeah and whatever happens, happens okay.

We got lost looking into each others eyes when the others started showing up including Itami and Tuka and we immediately let go of each others hands and acted like two troopers having drinks.

Mari: *giggles* Guess the date's over.

Me: Yeah. I'd better get going, I have to double check my gear for the mission tomorrow.

Mari gets up and walks up to me and leans into my ear.

Mari: *whisper* I'll visit you later~

I feel my ear and face turn red hearing that, I look over to see Itami still wearing Tuka's dad's clothes. I wish he would stop indulging in Tuka's delusion, but I'm not going to bud my nose in it. I finish my drink and leave to go check on my gear while everyone enjoys themselves.