Our Bonds

Sigh...

"Zuihou-san, what's wrong?

"Eh? Shigure? Taking a bath?"

"uhum. Where's Mutsuki?"

"She left earlier. Destroyers have short repair time after all."

"How long till you're fully recovered?"

"Another four more hours."

Wow, that's long for light damages.

Zuihou let out another sigh.

"Something on your mind?"

"Nothing really important, but I feel as though I'm out of shape recently. I could have easily dodged that torpedo back then. In the end, I froze up and got hurt. I wonder why."

"Want to talk to Admiral? I pretty sure he will do everything to help you."

She shook her head.

"I can't rely on Admiral all the time. He has already cared for me for way too long. I got to help him back."

"I know how you feel, but don't get danger yourself in the process. Admiral will be very sad."

"I know. Admiral is kind and cares for us deeply. He hates to see us get hurt during our missions."

"That's right. Getting hurt may be inevitable. That's why, we need to do our best to come home!"

That's true. Admiral tends to see us as girls rather than weapons. That's why, we all like Admiral.

We soaked for a while, talking about random things. After that, I left the baths, leaving Zuihou with another one hour to soak.

*Yawn~* Nothing beats a good night sleep after a bath.

I entered my room and was greeted by Yuudachi, who was grooming her hair.

"Welcome back, poi."

"I'm back."

"Today was kind of weird, right?"

"Huh?"

"You know, with the appearance of our enemy's enemy."

"Oh, the other Shigure."

"That's right!"

"Animal ears and a tail... do you think that's cosplay?"

"I don't think so. Her tail moved when Fusou-san said she would take care of her."

"Heh~ That sounds interesting poi! If your counterpart is like that, I wonder how mine looks. Maybe a huge tail and big tails."

"Ahahah. Come on, we should sleep now. I turning off the lights."

"Good night, Shigure."

"Good night, Yuudachi."

Tomorrow I need to get up early. Since I'm the secretary ship for the day.

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.... Can't sleep.

Is it one of those nights again? I feel as though something bad might happen if I fall asleep. I'm still not used to seeing those nightmares. Maybe I should go to Admiral's side.

I picked my pillow and left my room.

"I'll be back later, Yuudachi."

Nights in the Naval District are rather peaceful. Despite all the fighting, everyone is able to sleep soundly. Occasionally, you can see some destroyers doing some practice at night. They are usually the ones that were recently posted here and want to catch up to the rest. I was like that a few months ago, back when was I was still haven't gotten my remodel, but I feel as though I have been here for a long time. The hallways are lit most of the time. So I don't need to worry about the dark. Besides, I already know my way to Admiral's office.

"Pardon my intrusion."

I opened the door as slowly and quietly as possible. Apart from the moonlight shining into the office, everything was almost dark. Good, he is asleep. I thought he might have been working through the night again. Since he tends to slack off during the day, he will always work through the night and not get enough sleep.

I make my way to his room, make sure I do not make any unnecessary noise. There he is, sleeping so peacefully. I made sure there isn't any other girls around and underneath the covers.

"Teehee. I can have Admiral all to myself."

Slowly and gently, I snuggle beside him.

Hahh~ Admiral's back. Admiral's scent. As I thought, I can relax the best when I'm with him.

"Please don't replace me..."

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"Wake up, Shigure. It's morning already."

"Mgh?"

I open my eyes slowly. Everything was a little blurry at first so it took a while for me to realise what was going on...

"Admiral?!"

"Good morning!"

"Good morning... Wait, that's not it! I'm sorry for oversleeping! I planned to wake up earlier to get ready. I didn't mean to show you this unsightly behavior!"

Oh no! This is the worst! He is going to hate me! He is going to hate me!

I felt a something on my head. What's this? A hand?

"Calm down. Don't worry. I'm not going scold or punish you for this. Let alone hate. Go get ready. I'm counting on you today."

"Yes!"

Thank goodness! I thought he will be mad. This was better than I thought. I better go get changed. Can't keep Admiral waiting. I'm gonna do my best today as well~