Our Bonds

Looks like Shouhou and the others are doing well. I just read a report from Yokosuka, saying that the Supply Depot Princess has been eliminated. Shouhou and Yuubari were sortied to replace Junyou and Yura, who were stuck at the docks after being severely damaged. They was able to do bring the Supply Depot Princess down to the point where Nagato can finish her off. It's was right to send them there after all. With the Supply Depot Princess gone, the second phase will start in a few days time.

As I finished reading the report, I heard the sound of running footsteps before my door swung open.

"Admiral! I'm back!" (Rei)

"Lieutenant Commander Rei! I thought I told you not to- What is with that hairstyle?"

Rei was back from her training course. The course lasted for two weeks at Yokosuka Naval Academy and she will be promoted upon completing it. Getting promoted twice in a span of a few months is definitely unusual and unheard of, but since her father was behind pulling the strings, she is on the fast track to being the same rank as me. Though she did say she is going to slap her father if he tried to push for her promotion again.

Anyway, Rei came back with shoulder length hair, instead of her usual long ponytail. What happened during her course? Did she fail? Since she barged in here so happily, I don't think thats the case. Or was it because I kept rejecting her advances? Oh, now I feel bad.

"Rei, I'm so sorry. I know I rejected you many times but I didn't try to understand your feelings. Is there anything I can do to make up for it?"

Rei just looked at me in confusion.

"What are you taking about?" (Rei)

"Didn't you cut your hair because of me?"

"Oh this? IIt was getting hot so I thought I would cut it off." (Rei)

Thank goodness. So it wasn't her being depressed and love-sick.

"More importantly, look!" (Rei)

Rei showed me her certificate and the three thick golden stripes with a gold sun on the rank insignia attached to her shoulder epaulettes. She is officially a 'Commander'.

"Congratulations! You did great!"

"Ehehe~" (Rei)

She is elated. I remember being like this when I got promoted.

"Now, this means you can help me manage and take control of the fleet. If you want I can ask the fairies to build an office for you."

"No need for that. I'm actually comfortable I'm the infirmaey. I'm still classified as a medical officer after all." (Rei)

"Okay... Then is there anything you want?"

"Give me a kiss." (Rei)

"Rejected."

"Aww..." (Rei)

Yep. This is the Rei I know.

"Sheesh. I'm surprised you didn't go after the other cadets during the course."

"They are not my type. There was this cute engineer though." (Rei)

"Then why didn't you go for him?"

"I'm not a easy woman. I don't just go around asking boys to be my lover." (Rei)

"I highly doubt that."

She just puffed her cheeks.

"You were different. I can tell that you are the kind that is caring and gentle to the girls you meet. You have a little mean-streak though. Maybe that's what made me fell for you back then, and even now." (Rei)

"Rei-san..."

Rei's words are making me feel embarrassed. It's like she is confessing to me. I thought she was like Ashigara, preying on any men she finds attractive. Rei is definitely attractive. No doubt she can find a suitor if she puts in a little effort. Persobality-wise, I would say she is like Suzuya. Playful, cheerful, and maybe a little mature. There is no reason not to go after her.

Wait wait wait. What am I thinking?

"Sorry. I already have Zuihou."

She just gave a gentle but lonely smile.

"I know that. But just so you know, I always available. For now." (Rei)

"A-anyway, congratulations on being promoted to Commander. Now you can help with my work."

"Eh?" (Rei)

"I will tell Ooyodo to split the work between us. Don't worry, you will get the easier ones for the time being. When you head back, think of a fleet you want to be in charge of. So you can have some practice managing a fleet on your own."

"Wait. What are you saying?" (Rei)

"You are a commander now. It's time for you to do the same job as me."

"Geez. You just ruin a moment!" (Rei)

"You said yourself, didn't you? I am a little mean after all."

Rei laughed a little.

"Hahaha. That's true. Now then," (Rei)

Rei stood at attention and gave a salute,

"Commander Hashimoto Rei, reporting for duty!" (Rei)

"You should have done that first."

As soon as Rei left the office, Zuihou popped in. Perfect timing.

"Admiral, Who was that?" (Zuihou)

"That was Commander Rei."

"Huh?! That was Rei-san?! I didn't recognize her. Wait, she's a commander now?!" (Zuihou)

"It's the hair, right? And yeah, she just got promoted. More importantly,"

I tapped my lap, gesturing her to come over.

"What is it?" (Zuihou)

She went over and sat on my lap. I just hug her as tight as I can.

"Wha- Oww. Too tight. What's wrong?" (Zuihou)

"Sorry. Just let me stay like this for a while."

"Hmm? what a weird person you are." (Zuihou)

I can feel the warmth of her hands across my arm.

"Until you're satisfied." (Zuihou)