Ah... finally my headache's gone. Mostly, at least. I grunted as I stretched my limbs, rubbing the residual sleep out of my eyes. Nothing like a nap in my private hideaway to cure a hangover. Relaxing in my hammock, the waves brushing upon the beach down below, the mention the usual breathtaking view, and in my swimsuit to let the cool, salty air grace my bare skin. Doesn't get much better than this.

Although... I wouldn't mind being with the commander right now. I wouldn't even mind if we were right here, so long as he could keep a secret.

I started playing with my hair. I wonder what he's up to right now. Maybe napping? Staying up until five in the morning... what a moron. Now that I think about it, I could've totally brushed his hair without any worry.

Though... he was at least being productive, and not goofing off. And he didn't have to do it. Apparently, Belfast has told him plenty of times not to stay up late, so he likely knew he was gonna get an earful from her at least... just to give me a day off.

Hmph... he really went out of his way for me... and I yelled at him for it.

Suddenly it felt like ice cold water swallowed my heart. I'm so... stupid. I'm usually fine with being blunt, but with him... it feels like too much. Not that I'm gonna stop speaking my mind anytime soon, but he doesn't deserve to be yelled at whenever my heart wants to speak, and I have to shut it up. He doesn't know about my feelings. Nobody does.

I sighed. So many things I wanna say to him... but I can't say any of it. It feels like my feelings are a flood, and I gotta constantly build a higher wall to keep them from spilling over.

I'm starting to hate having a crush.

I need a distraction. Something to take my mind away from the commander. Got more than enough time to do whatever I want, and it's a beautiful day. Distant clouds, calm water, bright blue sky... so captivating. I think I have the perfect way to take advantage of it. I got out of the hammock, grabbing some oxy-cola from the cooler and eyeing down my surfboard leaning against the wall. Nah... not really in the mood for surfing or being active today, although maybe I could invite the commander for a round sometime. Right now, I was interested in what was behind the surfboard. I moved it aside, revealing a covered bin. I pulled the cover off and opened it, smiling at the contents. The hobby I've never told anyone about, but also fills me with zen.

My painting supplies.

I took out some colors I knew I'd need, as well as my palette and one of my brushes. I set them aside before on the hung both ends of the hammock on one hook, making space for my easel. After I set it up, I looked behind the bin, fishing up my latest attempt at painting the view from this hideaway. That's all I do... paint this view repeatedly. Not very creative, but it's a relaxing way to eat up time.

I placed the canvas on the easel, squeezing some paint onto my palette and chuckling to myself. Never thought I'd pick up a hobby like painting. Honestly, I find modern art to be aggravatingly vague and pretentious. Perhaps it's because landscape painting is more obvious without hidden subtext to bog it down. There's also something oddly tranquil about capturing the beauty in front of you. Or at least making a shoddy attempt at it. Heh... as if I'd ever be skilled enough to do this view any justice. I've seen other paintings that make my work look like something from a child's coloring book.

I placed the canvas on the easel, studying the painting so far. Well... it's better than my previous attempts. Still nothing I'd dare show my friends... or the commander.

Tch... it always comes back to the commander with me, doesn't it?

Maybe one day I'll share my work with others. Maybe they'll think it's adequate if I pass it off as abstract. I'll spare myself that embarrassment for now, though.

I chugged some of my oxy-cola and turned my attention to my painting. Let's see... what if I try a fan brush for the clouds?

Once the sun began to set, I went back to the dorms to change out of my swimsuit and made my way to the office. I hope he took me seriously when I said I'd come check on him.

He wasn't at the office, which was already a good sign. Belfast told me he'd gone to his personal quarters, so that's exactly where I went.

I took a deep breath. I hope he's not mad about how I treated him earlier.

KNOCK KNOCK

Instantly, I heard papers being scrambled. Hmph... should've known. Although, I might let him off the hook since I was such a bitch to him earlier.

"Come in!" he called out.

I walked inside and saw him lying on the bed with his phone. The sunset beamed through his window, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw how it shined off his hair. I can't let that distract me though, no matter how cute he looks in his casual clothes.

No sign of those papers I heard. I wonder where he's hidden them.

"Hi, Jean Bart," he said.

"Bonsoir," I said, walking up beside his bed. "Just checking in like I promised."

"Ah, okay," he said. "Everything's fine."

Hmm... haven't even asked anything yet. Guilty conscience?

"Good to hear," I said. "Whatcha up to?"

"Just chilling," he said. "Resting up for tomorrow. Like you said earlier, I need rest just as much as y—"

I put my hand up to silence him. So obvious.

"Commander, I heard papers rustling when I knocked," I said. "Ain't a very good liar, are ya?"

His face immediately went pale. Got him.

He looked as if he was trying to come up with something to say, but after a few seconds of silence, he sighed. "I'm sorry. It was busier than I thought it'd be today, and I wanted to get a head start."

"You could've just told me that," I said. "Lying won't help anyone. Where'd you stow all the papers anyway?"

He went to the drawer next to his bed, pulling out a mountain of papers, slamming them down on the bed with a thud.

"Like I said, today was busier than I thought it'd be," he said.

Eh... it didn't look that bad. Pretty comparable to a pile we'd both get through on a slightly busier day.

"Coulda gotten it done in no time if ya kept me around," I said.

His cheeks flushed. "Yeah..."

I shook my head. Did Dunkerque ever have to deal with this? Catching him working late when told not to?

"I guess... you're gonna knock me out then?" he asked.

I pursed my lips. He looked somewhat fearful, which tied my heart in a knot. I can't imagine he'd work late to purely do it behind my back. He came clean soon after I called him out.

I sighed, setting the papers aside on the nightstand. He flinched when I moved.

"Don't worry. I ain't gonna hit ya," I said, taking a seat next to him. He seemed confused. "Look, Commander. I'm only being hard on ya because I don't want ya to overwork yourself. Getting crap done is important, but ya can't be working 'round the clock. Take my word for it, I'm no stranger to shortsightedness. You'll get a little ahead now, but the lack of rest will catch up, and then you'll collapse like I did. Ya might lose days of work if that happens, and there's a whole fleet counting on you to lead them. I know this isn't your first time being told this, and I don't appreciate being lied to. But... I feel bad for yelling at you earlier. I know you meant well, and the time off turned out to be good for me. So I'll let ya off the hook, but next time it better be an emergency, or I'll really give ya a piece of my mind. And if ya lie to me again, I'll knock you out cold for real. I don't wanna go that far, but I will if I have to. Got it?"

He looked down for a moment, saying nothing. It was kinda heartbreaking to see him like this, as if he's being scolded by his mother. Nevertheless, I had no choice. I gotta let him know I won't put up with bullshit.

Eventually he looked back up, giving me some admittedly heart-wrenching puppy-dog eyes. Not sure if it was on purpose, though.

"I'm sorry for lying, Jean," he said. "I just panicked, I swear."

"Commander, I don't need excuses. I need trust," I said, trying not to let his big eyes get to me. "You have me for a reason. If you're not honest with me, then I can't be a good secretary for ya. Just don't let me down again. Not just me but the entire fleet too. Please? Be the amazing commander I know you are."

I felt a lump in my throat. Did I just say that? Or was that my heart speaking again? Can't even get it to shut up when trying to lecture him, huh? Though, I don't regret what I said this time. After all... my heart and I both know he's better than this.

His face flushed red. "Amazing commander?"

Heh... made him blush again. Another point for me.

I shrugged. "Everyone thinks so. Hey, you're good enough to bring all these fleets together under one banner. But that doesn't mean you're not in trouble still. Treat this as a reminder that if you let me down, you let the fleet down too. Tu comprends?"

Ugh... so much for not being mean to him anymore today. What else am I supposed to do, though? I can't let this kind of thing slide.

Thankfully, after some silence, he gave me a smile.

"I'm sorry, Jean Bart. I promise, this won't happen again," he said.

I nodded. "Good."

"I hope you enjoyed your day off at least," he said.

"Yeah. Like I said, it turned out to be good for me," I said. "A good nap does wonders for a hangover."

"I bet. Glad you're feeling better," he said with a chuckle. "Hey... what are those spots on your hand?"

"Spots?" I asked, looking down. "The hell are ya talking abo—"

My heart dropped. There were spots of white and blue paint on the top of my hand! Crap! How did I miss that?!

"Oh... um... it's paint," I said. "I-I was helping Le Malin with something earlier."

Immediately I felt knives in my heart. God damn hypocrite...

"Le Malin's into painting?" he asked. "I didn't know that."

"Me neither," I said quickly, trying to ignore how fast my heart was racing. "Hey! Um... wh-what were you looking at before I came in, anyway?"

I reached for the stack of papers, simultaneously wondering what the hell I was doing. He seemed shocked in the abrupt change in subject, but I had to do it before he scrutinized me further. If he finds out, he'll definitely ask to see one of my paintings. I think I'd die of embarrassment.

Ugh... don't think about that. Let's just see why he's working after hours when he shouldn't be.

"There's apparently a Siren stronghold being constructed nearby," he said. "If we strike soon, we can take it out before they even finish building it."

"Hmm... looks like a small one too," I said, perusing the topmost paper. Looks like he didn't get too far before I showed up.

"A Siren stronghold is still a Siren stronghold," he said.

"True," I said.

He readjusted himself on the bed, grunting loudly as he did so.

"You okay?" I asked.

"My back's really stiff," he said. "Been like this all day."

"Tch... probably from your rude awakening this morning," I said.

"Maybe," he said, trying to stretch. He grunted again. Sounded like he was in pain.

Damn it... I keep going back and forth about this morning. Of course, he's sore. I pushed him off the bed. In hindsight, might've been a dumb idea. Hard to think when your head's pounding like a hammer on a nail. Maybe I shouldn't drink anymore.

Regardless... I think I have a way to make it up to him.

"Do ya want a backrub?" I asked.

His eyes widened. "That'd be nice, actually. Don't feel like you have to, though."

I shrugged. "I offered to give you one whenever the other day, didn't I? Besides, it's the least I could do for being such a bitch this morning."

He chuckled. "You weren't a bitch."

"Commander, remember what I said about lying to me?" I asked.

"I'm not lying," he said. "You were a bit on edge, sure, but you were just trying to do your job. Not to mention you were hungover. I don't hold it against you."

I paused when he gave me that warm, tender smile. I... I don't understand. Why is he so nice to me? Not that I hate it, but... he's not the least bit mad with me? I managed a grin, feeling my heart tingle. As if I needed another reason to like him...

"Well... I appreciate your understanding," I said, trying not to blush too much. "Anyway, lay on your stomach."

He looked confused.

"You heard me. On your stomach," I said. "It's easier for me that way."

He followed my instructions, and I felt relief now that he couldn't see my face. My cheeks were so warm, knowing what I was about to do. I gotta stay calm. It's not like I don't know what to do. What's the big deal, right? Who cares if he's... letting me touch him...

Argh! Why am I getting so worked up? I'm not even touching his skin. Besides, I've already offered, so there's no backing out. And he's waiting on me. I steeled myself as I reached my hands out. My heart sparked when I made contact, though he didn't react one bit. See? No big deal. I carefully pressed my thumbs into his skin...

"Oh..." he groaned.

My face immediately grew hot. I expected him to make a sound like what I made when he did this for me, but I didn't expect it to be so... cute.

"This alright?" I asked, pressing a little harder.

"It's perfect," he said as his head sunk into the pillow.

"Lemme know if I press too hard," I said, going to work. Damn, there were more knots than I expected. He had this adorable, constant low groan as my thumbs travelled around his body. Damn it, even his smile was cute. Why is everything about this guy so cute?

I can't believe I'm actually touching him. Good thing he can't see how red my face is.

Alright, I've gotten most of the knots out. Let's see if I can crack his back. I firmly pressed my thumbs into his spine...

"Hngh!" he yelped as his spine popped in multiple places. "Ohh..." he groaned. His eyes went wide for a split second before rolling up and closing, and his body practically collapsed.

I stopped. That was... not the reaction I was expecting. It was like he was just smacked by the bliss he was swimming in.

Suddenly, I started cracking up. Something about his reaction really tickled me. Can I get him to do it again? I pressed into his spine...

"What's so funn—ACK!"

"Pfffft!" The air escaped my mouth, and now I was full-on laughing. And completely involuntarily too. I could barely keep my balance.

"Jean... what happened?" he asked, looking back at me weirdly.

"Sh-Shut up! I... I-hahahaha!" I stammered, unable to stop. My mind was constantly replaying his yelp, trapping me in an endless loop of laughter.

I tried to fight through it, but... crap! I'm laughing too much! I can't apply the pressure I need. But even his weaker sounds were cute! I toppled over onto my side. God damn it, why is this so funny?!

Eventually my laughter tapered off. Phew... my sides hurt from that.

"You okay, Jean?" he asked. He was sat up now, looking down at me like I was crazy.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I said, sitting up. "Sorry. Your sounds were really funny for some reason."

He blushed. "Couldn't help it. You give a good backrub. Thanks."

"Tsk... would've been better if I hadn't laughed like that," I said. "I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard."

He chuckled. "I like your laugh."

My face flushed again. "Ah... damn it... it's so annoying, though..."

"What? No it's not," he said. "That's the cutest laugh I've ever heard."

As if my face couldn't get hotter. His compliments are like a drug. Damn... it's hard to look at him now. He's giving me that smile again.

"If you're trying to sweet talk yourself outta trouble, it ain't gonna work," I said, despite... how much I was blushing.

"Well... what if I'm not?" he asked.

I forced myself to look at him, and my heart was enveloped in warmth. I couldn't stop myself from smiling even if I wanted to. How can I when he's looking at me with those big, beautiful eyes?

"You really like my laugh?" I asked.

He nodded. "Of course."

...wow... he sounded so sincere. Is my face on fire? It sure felt like it. I could listen to him compliment me all night.

"Hmph... thanks," I said, finding it hard to make eye contact again. "A-Anyway, I should get going. We both need to sleep early tonight."

"Oh..." he said, looking surprised. "Um... okay. I guess you're right."

Yes, we both needed sleep, but truth be told... I was feeling a bit impulsive. Not to go that far, but despite getting into trouble, he's been so sweet... I had this urge to... kiss his cheek. Heh... wow... that's where my mind's at, huh? I can't do that, though. Just thinking about that gave me anxiety. Besides, he's still in trouble. I don't wanna kill that message.

Speaking of which...

"I'm gonna take these papers back to the office," I said. "Gotta make sure ya won't go behind my back again."

He chuckled. "I understand."

"Remember, Commander, if you don't betray me, I won't betray you," I said. "Don't let me down."

He nodded. "Don't worry. You can trust me."

"I hope so," I said. "Get some sleep and be on time tomorrow, alright?"

"Yes, ma'am," he said.

I smirked. I love when he calls me that.

"Good night, Commander," I said.

"Good night, Jean Bart," he said.

I exited his room with the stack of papers, and immediately my face felt hot. Even when he's in trouble, he gives me more reasons to like him. The bastard... he just has to be perfect, doesn't he?

As I walked to the office, thoughts of the commander dominated my mind. I couldn't stop thinking about him... nor did I want to...

After dropping the papers off, and a nice nighttime walk, I was back at the Iris dorms. I sighed. I wish I could've patrolled with the commander today. Oh well. There's always tomorrow, and the time off today was good for alcohol detox. Yeah... I'm never drinking again, or at least not that much.

As I was about to walk up to the entrance, the gentle sound of a flute filled the air. I looked around for the source, and my eyes landed on a familiar snow-haired aircraft carrier sitting on a bench in front of the trees and shrubbery. Her song came to a cadence, and when she was finished, she looked up at me.

"What do you think?" Shoukaku asked. "It's a requiem for the dead."

"Really?" I asked. "Sounded pretty gentle for a song about death."

She giggled. "I prefer to think of it as soothing them in their eternal rest. Like rocking a baby to sleep. That's not why I'm here, though. I came to give you a warning."

"Warning?" I asked. "About what?"

"Akagi," Shoukaku said.

"Ugh..." I groaned. "Tell her that if she wants to confront me about this morning, she can do it herself."

"Oh, I'm not here on her behalf," Shoukaku said. "She is mad at you, though. Very mad."

"Tch... why should I trust you about not being in cahoots with her?" I asked.

"Jean Bart, I consider you my friend. I'm trying to help. And let's just say Zuikaku and I have a difficult history with the First Carrier Division," Shoukaku said. "Long story short, they betrayed us, and we've never forgiven them."

I pursed my lips. "Still seems suspicious."

"I understand, but nevertheless keep your senses sharp," Shoukaku said. "Cowardly as Akagi may be, she's sneaky. And when the commander's involved, nothing's off limits. Keep an eye out. When someone's getting close to the commander, she always talks about..."

"Oh, Shoukaku... what are you doing?"

Ah... I know that voice. Shoukaku looked visibly annoyed. Seems like she knew too. We looked above us to see Akagi sitting on a branch.

"I told you and the rest of the Sakura girls to stay away from this wench, didn't I?" Akagi said, hopping down.

...the hell did she just call me?

"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised," Akagi said. "You've never been one to obey your betters, have you, Shoukaku?"

Shoukaku rolled her eyes. "For your information, I happen to think quite highly of Jean Bart. You spread nothing but lies around the Sakura ships."

"Lies?" Akagi beckoned. "After what I've seen tonight, I'd argue my suspicions have been confirmed."

"Tonight?" I asked. "What're you talking about?"

"Like you don't know," Akagi said. She paused for a moment, turning towards Shoukaku. "Shoukaku, you are dismissed."

"Dismissed?" Shoukaku beckoned. "I came here on my own terms!"

"I said you're dismissed," Akagi said, pointing one of her planes at Shoukaku. Shoukaku looked furious, taking a deep breath and walking over to me, whispering in my ear.

"No one would blame you if you taught her a lesson here and now," she whispered.

"Shoukaku, no dawdling," Akagi said teasingly.

Shoukaku shot Akagi a piercing gaze before taking her leave. Damn... she really hates her.

Now Akagi and I were alone. God help me...

"What do you want with me?" I asked. "What you mean, 'after what I've seen tonight'?"

"I knew you would be trouble," Akagi said.

"Just tell me straight if you're mad at me for yelling at ya earlier," I said, even though I ain't the least bit sorry for that.

"This morning? Ha!" Akagi said. "That's nothing compared to what I saw in the commander's room."

My heart dropped. "The commander's room?"

"I saw everything," Akagi said. "Sitting on the bed with him, getting close to him, and rubbing his back with those filthy hands—touching him like he's yours?"

"How do you know... were you spying on us?" I asked.

"Hmph," Akagi grunted. "I like to make sure my commander is safe... from temptresses like you."

Huh... I may have underestimated how obsessed she is.

"I was there for business," I said.

"Business? In that outfit?" Akagi said. "Showing up in the commander's quarters alone with your midriff out? And these shorts that leave so little to the imagination? It's obvious what you were there to do."

I felt my face heat up as her tail batted my midriff and thighs. True, this outfit was more revealing than my work clothes—shorts, a crop top, and a leather jacket—but it wasn't that revealing. Not to the point where I wanted to tempt him like she was implying.

"If you must know, I was there for a welfare check. It's after hours, I can wear whatever the hell I want," I said. "Besides, who are you to talk? That skirt's hardly there, and your top's barely holding in those cow tits."

"Hahaha!" Akagi cackled. "Jealous, much? You only wish you could have a chest as voluptuous and delicious as mine."

Jeez... and she wants to call me out for showing off a little skin?

"If nothing else, I know I'm more beautiful than you. You're not as pretty as his last secretary. She almost crossed the line," Akagi said. "Still... it's a shame my dear commander's standards have stooped so low. How could he have chosen such an ugly whore?"

"Alright, that's enough!" I barked.

"Oooh, touched a nerve, have I?" Akagi teased.

Ugh... she's really testing my patience. I know I'm not as pretty as Dunkerque, but... I'm not ugly, am I?

No! Don't show doubt! It's... nothing but low blows! Be strong!

"Whatever you wanna say, just give it to me straight," I demanded. "I'd like to sleep soon."

All the playfulness suddenly melted from Akagi's gaze, leaving nothing but coldness.

"Hmph... you're definitely not as nice as his last secretary either," she said. "You need me to tell you plainly? Fine." She got in my face, leering at me. "He gave you a look. A look I've never seen him give any of his secretaries. A look that's mine, and mine alone. Nobody will take my commander from me, understand? You're an insect, and if I find you trying to steal the commander's heart again... I'll exterminate you."

I chuckled. "You think I'm scared of you, foxgirl?"

"You should be," Akagi sneered, poking my chest. "Don't forget this little chat of ours... or else."

She flicked my midriff with her tail again before walking away with that sassy sashay in her hips and a troubling, crazy cackle.

Bitch...

I think I understand the commander's fear now, and why Shoukaku hates her. Can't say I'm too fond of her either—a feeling that appears mutual. Psh... if she thinks she can stand up to the flagship of the Vichya Dominion, she's got another thing coming.

She really thinks I was there to... tempt him? Heh... as if I had the courage to do something like that. But was she telling the truth? Did the commander really give me a special look? Maybe I was too busy laughing to notice. God... I can't believe I broke like that. So embarrassing.

I sighed. I didn't think part of my job would be dealing with a jealous aircraft carrier. If only she knew the truth about his feelings for her... or lack thereof.

If Akagi is this worried... this envious... maybe the commander actually...

Tch... no. Why would he? What have I done for him other than boss him around and yell? I couldn't even give him a damn backrub. At this point, I can only imagine my feelings are as unrequited as Akagi's. Regardless of how he feels about me, one thing's clear... I can't let Akagi hurt him. Not on my watch.

Sorry this took so long, but hope you enjoyed this chapter! I'm trying to figure out who I want to do next. I like this way of storytelling and there's so many other lovely ladies in the game who I wanna try. I was considering Perseus, but I think she's a bit too similar to Jean Bart. Candidates I have are: Illustrious, Howe, Cleveland, Shinano, Essex, Zuikaku, Prinz Eugen. Perseus was up there too, but I think she's a little too like Jean Bart. I'm really leaning towards Illustrious, because of how different she is from Jean Bart, but that's for WAAAY down the road. This story is nowhere near complete, so don't worry. Anyway, thanks for reading, as always! Cheers!