"Cheers!"
The clinking of glass cups echoed in the room as everyone seated sipped from the contents. Dan, Himura, and Tomen were at Leo's house, gathered to celebrate Alene, who sat cradling a red-haired baby sleeping soundly in her arms.
"Congratulations once more, Mrs. Alene," Himura said.
"Thank you very much, Sir Himura," Alene replied with a smile.
"Please, enough with the formalities. We're friends, aren't we?" Himura smiled, sipping from the cup in his hand.
During the six months that Dan had been away, there had been a bit of bonding between everyone involved in the job. The task had brought them closer, allowing them to learn more about each other.
"But I'm still thankful you came here," Alene added.
"What kind of person doesn't celebrate with their friends?" Himura replied.
Dan sat beside Himura, squinting as he looked from one person to another, observing how casually they interacted. He hadn't expected this at all.