Our Bonds

It has been about two months since we found out about Zuihou's condition. During this period of time, I have decided to personally care for her. Occasionally, she would have sudden mood swings and cries for no apparent reason. Otherwise, she still goes through her daily life. Recently, I could say her condition has improved. She doesn't cry as often now and she is more talkative then before. It's a little early but she has been able to go on 'simple' sorties, the type which are usually deals with a small fleet of Abyssal Cruisers and Destroyers. It's good progress, if you ask me.

"And then, Suisei dropped her bombed and scored a direct hit on the Ho-class. And BOOM!! The abyssal fleet got eliminated!" (Zuihou)

"I see. Great job, Zuihou!"

"Ehehehe!" (Zuihou)

"So, what are you doing here?"

Sitting on my sofa, a individual dressed in similar fashion as me was sipping the tea Ooyodo made.

"Oh come on. Don't be so cold. I came to hang out, of course. I brought the others with me too. Don't worry, it's only the Sakura girls this time." (Commander)

"You wouldn't come here unless you have business to attend to."

"No no. I really came here to hang out. I didn't plan to but the the small ones wouldn't stop pestering me about it."

I heard screaming coming from the field outside my window. Along the path, Yuudachi was being chased by the other Yuudachi.

"Waaahhh! Yuudachi isn't tasty at all poi!" (Yuudachi)

"Your Destroyers are really... wild, aren't they?"

"And yours come in all sizes."

"What the heck is that supposed to mean?"

Ooyodo, who was still around, stared down at the commander. She is currently helping me escort him.

"Oh er... I mean that they are cute and... very lovely."

"Hmph! Let's keep it that way." (Ooyodo)

"Yes ma'am!"

Wow! She really got him under control.

"Admiral, when can I start going on harder sortie? I want to get back in shape as fast as possible." (Zuihou)

"Not to fast, okay? You still haven't recover fully yet."

Zuihou puffed her cheeks.

"Alright. I will put you with Abukuma's group tomorrow. They are going to sortie to the Southwest Islands."

"YAY!" (Zuihou)

"Just be careful ok?"

Zuihou nodded her head, grinning from ear to ear. I need to ask Abukuma to take care of her. tomorrow.

"Ooyodo?"

"I understand. I will inform her about the change." (Ooyodo)

"Thank you."

Originally, Abukuma was going out with four other destroyers. So now there will be six. The more the merrier.

Zuihou left the office to have her dinner followed by a bath. Ooyodo went to find Abukuma and inform her about Zuihou's addition.

"She looks better now compared to the last time I saw her." (Commander)

"As long as she is happier, I'm fine. Though I wish she would talk about her feelings more. I mean, it's natural that they would talk about destroying their enemies."

"You have it rough, do you?" (Commander)

"No thanks to you!"

"That's why I said I'm sorry! Anyway," (Commander)

"Anyway?"

"Enterprise wanted to come here and apologize for all she has done. She feels responsible for Zuihou-chan's condition." (Commander)

"First of all, you are not allowed to call Zuihou Zuihou-chan. Secondly, the Eagle Union girls can come only when Zuihou is more comfortable with them. Right now, it's too early."

"I going to just ignore the first thing you said." (Commander)

"Don't."

It was already late, so Commander returned with the all Sakura Empire girls. I didn't personally see it, but I know the other girls were good hosts to them.

"Hah~ I'm tired poi. That Yuudachi really has a lot energy."

"Good work. She really chased you all the way."

"Zuihou, how are you feeling?" (Shigure)

"I'm fine. Just thinking about tomorrow." (Zuihou)

"What's going on tomorrow?" (Shigure)

"She is joining Abukuma on a sortie."

"Eh!? You can go on harder sorties already?" (Yuudachi)

"Ehehe~ Bit by bit. But I definitely be rejoining you guys." (Zuihou)

"That's great! I can't wait to sortie with you again!" (Shigure)

"Shigure...." (Zuihou)

"Okay okay. It's already late. Go back to your rooms to rest. Great job hosting the Sakura Empire girls today."

I pet both Shigure's and yuudachi's heads. As usual, they responded by nuzzling into my hand.

"Now then, I will go back first. See you tomorrow, Shigure!" (Yuudachi)

Yuudachi waved Shigure goodbye. Wait! What did she mean by that?

"Admiral. Today... Can I...?" (Shigure)

Shigure looked at me with longing eyes. So this is what it's about.

"It's been a while, hasn't it? Alright, I gong to pamper both of you to your heart's content!"

"Yes!" (Shigure)

I gave Shigure a little more than the usual amount of skinship I usually give her. No, I don't mean touching her in a perverted way. I just stroke her head and cheeks while she sticks close to me. She must have felt lonely since I have been paying more attention to Zuihou lately.

As for Zuihou, she was already falling asleep, so I pat her sides till she fell asleep. Just by doing that, she knows I'm by her side. Or at least that's what I think.

"Admiral, is it really alright to let Zuihou sortie so early?" (Shigure)

"I'm worried too, but it's what she wanted. Besides, I think she can handle a few Cruiser and Destroyers now. And Abukuma will be there too."

"I hope Zuihou returns to us soon. Things aren't the same without her." (Shigure)

"Zuihou will be happy if she heard you say that. Now, get some sleep. You are on secretarial duty tomorrow."

"Eh? Why so sudden?" (Shigure)

"It's still not enough, isn't it? We can have tomorrow to make up for it."

"Hmm... Please do it." (Shigure)

"Then let's continue tomorrow. Good night."

"Good night, Admiral." (Shigure)