I walk along the path with a smile, nodding my head at Tennessee politely as I pass her by. The weather was pleasant, the sun beating down onto the back of my neck. It did mean my Commander's uniform was a bit stuffy, but I appreciated the warm weather nonetheless.

I was currently on my rounds, just idly walking around the port's various facilities, making sure everything was ok and functioning smoothly. Really, it was an excuse to get out of my office, and the paperwork contained therein. But I liked seeing all the girls going about their duties, and in such nice weather, I didn't want to be stuck inside.

Normally, my secretary would join me on such a stroll, but unfortunately, York had been called away for a fleet exercise. While she was my secretary, she was still not exempt from such events. It was only a small one, so she should be back soon enough. It was a shame… I would have liked to walk in the sun alongside her…

As I continue walking, greeting the occasional ship, I ponder. It had been a week since York had become my secretary, and what a week it had been. We now shared a bond… although I was still very unclear as to the exact nature of that bond.

She relied on me to sustain her, and I was more than happy to accommodate her. In fact… every time she fed, be it morning or evening, my heartbeat quickened, my cheeks flushed. Just the very thought of her feeding on me was enough to send me crazy.

Even the thought of returning to my office, and having her ready and waiting for me, helping me with my work, giving a sultry smile and offering me a cup of tea. Her very presence sets my heart aflutter.

While I had tried my best to ignore such feelings, it was clear what they meant, although I dare not give a voice to them. She was a ship. A kansen under my command. I shouldn't have such indecent thoughts and feelings for her.

…but…

I can't help it.

Other ships had of course made advances in the past. I didn't really know why, what did they see in me? But I had denied them all, either by avoiding the questions or gently turning them down.

My job as commander was important, and I had no wish to jeopardize that. I can't imagine Naval HQ would take kindly to a Commander fraternizing with his subordinates. Though… it wasn't exactly against any set rules.

But with York… I don't think I would be able to resist. Yet… I have no idea what thoughts run through her head. Sometimes she seemed merely to be toying with me, as some ships did. Other times… she seemed genuine… loving and caring.

But then, perhaps that's all it was? Simple care for her Commander, nothing more? Perhaps not even that, just pity for the one she has been bound to, the one that quenches her thirst?

I shake myself from my spiral. All in good time. Maybe… I should just ask her?

The thought of asking York about her feelings, or out on a date, makes my stomach churn. Oh god…. She could just laugh and laugh, then tease me mercilessly for having the boldness to assume she could ever love a human.

She could tell all of her sisters, then that could spread, and everyone would know I had tried to court the lovely vampiress… someone who was so totally out of my league, it wasn't even funny…

Besides… she still relied on my blood to survive… it could make it incredibly awkward between us if she said no… would it look like I'm taking advantage of our relationship? Would she feel obligated to say yes, just because I keep her alive?

Damnit! My thoughts were spiralling again! Stop! I demand myself.

She wouldn't… surely? York was strong and confidant enough to deny me if she wanted… Maybe… I could try and work it into my gift for her somehow? Be more subtle about it, and brush it off if she denied me…

Hmm… that could work. I had just less than a week to get a gift for York, once her time as my secretary came to an end. I had a couple of thoughts for gifts. She seemed to like literature, going off her shelf, a 1st edition, or a signed copy of a horror novel, perhaps?

But how would I slip asking her out for a date into that? Hmm.

Then it hits me. The theatre! She had mentioned on more than one occasion that she enjoyed the shows at the theatre in town. I could buy 2 tickets, gift them to her, saying she can take who she likes… and hope that she picks me as a pseudo-date? Maybe hint that I would like to accompany her?

It was a cowardly, underhanded way of asking her out, and relied on her reply entirely. She could easily pocket the tickets and choose to take one of her sisters or a friend. But it was the only thing I could think of. And if she did choose someone else, she and anyone else would be none the wiser.

The more I think about it, the more I think it's a good plan. I could preserve my dignity, and if she happened to choose me, that was great.

Of course… her choosing me didn't necessarily mean anything, but it was a start… maybe I could kiss her goodbye at the end or bring some flowers? Make it romantic somehow?

Oh god. The thought of doing any of that burns my cheeks vividly. Maybe I should just wait… Maybe I should forget about it all entirely… I didn't have the confidence for any of that… Just leave the lady be, it would be easier…

All of a sudden, I collide with a soft body breaking my jumbled thoughts and I stop dead in my tracks, attempting to right myself as a gasp of surprise comes from the ship I had accidentally walked into.

She is precariously holding a tin, which she manages to keep a grip on as she shoots me a smile.

"Oh, Howe, I'm so sorry… I was in a world of my own." I blush lightly, most of the impact had been absorbed by her generous assets and her strength had allowed her to steady herself quickly.

"No worries Commander… I was in a hurry getting this to George… So, I'm just as much to blame. You certainly seemed distracted though… everything ok?"

"I… yes. Just a lot on my mind, don't worry. Sorry again."

She smiles warmly. It's a smile you could just sink into. Howe had always been a kind soul, willing to help anyone who needed it, and was naturally beloved by many ships, although her tendency to give out cookies probably helped with that.

Speaking of, she opens the tin and offers me a tasty looking chocolate chip cookie. "Would you like one Commander? Help put your mind at ease?"

I gratefully accept, munching on the delightful biscuit and humming in approval. It was lovely as always, soft and ever so slightly still warm.

"Commander… you said you had a lot on your mind… you wouldn't happen to be thinking about York? Would you?"

I almost choke on my cookie, crumbs getting lodged in my throat as I splutter, and heat floods my cheeks as I squirm in shame. Was I that transparent? How did she know?

She chuckles lightly at my reaction. "Sorry, I've never been one for being indirect. It's just that… you had an odd look on your face… and well, both Wales and Monarch have been talking about you two…"

They had? I suppose I couldn't blame Monarch, the cat was already out of the bag the second Wales knew about it. I just hoped no-one outside the sisters discovered York's blood-sucking antics.

"Don't look so confused Commander, we're quite the tight-knit group of sisters. And rumour gets around. Besides, York had tea with George and me yesterday and I'm afraid you were the main topic of discussion."

My mind immediately spirals at this news. What in the world could they be talking about me for? York hadn't said anything about any tea party? I can't imagine they would have been talking about York's feeding habits, but then, what other connection did I have to her?

"…and… what was said? If you don't mind me asking."

She must sense my trepidation because she smiles reassuringly at me.

"I… I'm aware of York's… diet. I hate to admit it… but it's a topic that makes me uncomfortable… It's something that I'm trying my best to overcome, for York's sake… but, that was not the subject of our tea party. Rather… York led the conversation."

She grins at me even more. "As I said before…. I'm not one for being indirect, so I'll be frank with you Commander. She talked non-stop about you. All she had was praise for her beloved Commander. You were all she talked about the whole time. The second George pointed this out, she clamped up of course. But still… I thought it was sweet. We teased her a little, it was quite fun. Sometimes I struggle to follow Wales or York's thought process, but not so yesterday. It was clear she has grown fond of you Commander."

My heart quickens at this news. Could she really? Surely not. I was just a friend, a helpful friend. One she could tease occasionally, yes. But certainly nothing more.

She continues. "And then… I caught you daydreaming out here about her… I think you two might need to have a talk about some things…" She giggles.

I immediately object. "I never said I was thinking about York…"

"Oh please, Commander. Your easier to read than an open book. I could see it in your eyes."

I cave, sighing. I suppose… It wouldn't hurt to share my burdening feelings with another. "You promise, absolutely promise not to tell any of your sisters, or anyone else?" She nods seriously.

"Of course, Commander, my word is my bond. I am still a lady of the Royal Navy, one does not make a promise lightly."

I look around quickly to check there are no other ships listening in. "I-I… I was thinking of… um… getting her tickets… to the theatre…"

She giggles excitedly and bounces slightly on the spot. "I knew it! You like her! Awww… She'd love the theatre. Good choice Commander."

I give a resigned sigh. "But… if I'm honest… I had given up on the idea before I bumped into you… I'm not a very confidant guy, and York is… well York."

She stops her excited movements and mellows down, giving me another smile. "You want my advice Commander? I think she really does like you. But… like me, she is neither an indirect, nor patient woman. None of us KGV class are. You need to brave, you need to be bold, she'll admire that more. I promise."

My stomach starts doing loops even thinking about it again, but Howe's words comfort me. York had been talking about me yesterday huh? And Howe seemed convinced that York was at least fond of me… Maybe… asking her out wouldn't be a terrible idea?

Howe takes me in a quick hug. "Sorry Commander, I'm already late. George wanted these cookies for the canteen, I need to go. But think about what I said." She smiles then waves and heads off down the path.

Before I even have time to process her words, a gaggle of Destroyers appear in front of me with a shout, it was Shigure that called me, but Kiyonami and Cygnet are also by her side.

"Hello, girls. How are we today?" I smile, trying to right my spinning mind at the frantic afternoon I was having.

Kiyonami replies with a smile. "We're great! We just came back from the fleet exercise. It was lots of fun! B-but… it was also kinda scary…"

I furrow my brow. "Scary how?"

"It was cool too though! I've never seen anyone stand up to Miss Akagi like that!" Cygnet and Shigure both nod in unison agreeing.

Immediately I pale. Someone stood up to Akagi? Oh god… she was bound to be in a foul mood for the whole week now… just what I needed… alongside everything else right now.

Shigure then speaks excitedly. "York showed her what's what. I wasn't surprised. Akagi, seemed to be getting on her nerves."

Kiyonami continues in a scared low tone. "B-but… I've never seen Miss York that angry…"

My chest tightens. York! What had she done? "They… didn't fight, did they?"

I'm worried that if it had come to blows, then that would be even worse.

Shigure shakes her head. "No… York just threatened her with her fancy sword… and cannons."

Shit. Akagi was going to be furious. And if she lodged an official complaint…

I thank the destroyers and swiftly head off to my office, where York should have returned too. My heart quickly beating away nervously. Why did stuff like this have to happen… couldn't everyone just get along… We were all on the same team after all…

I reach my office quickly and open the heavy door finding York already sat in the corner of the mid-sized room, legs crossed with an annoyed expression on her face.

She looks up when I enter and shoots me a fanged smile, although it is not as bright as normal.

"Commander." She greets me.

I decide to not beat around the bush and sigh, frustrated. "York… what's this about Akagi?"

Uncharacteristically, she blushes slightly and looks down at the floor. "Ah… so thou knoweth about our little confrontation…"

She looks back up at me, renewed fire in her eyes. "She brought it on herself. Apparently, rumour has spread far about thy visits… she did not take kindly to it. Twas none of her business, so I put her in her place."

"I… York… I don't blame you or anything. But if…" I'm cut off by a knock on the door behind me, and I swivel on the spot towards the door. I back away towards my desk and call out.

"Enter."

My chest tightens and my heart clenches as the expected happens. Akagi waltzes into the office with an air of complete confidence. She's wearing a sickly-sweet smile, directed at me. She glances over at York and purses her lips in distaste.

Her tails bustle around her as her ears twitch atop her head. "Oh… My Shikikan. Pleasant to see you, as always… although I would prefer there were no… pests… present, of course…"

One her tails snakes out and whips past York in warning before retreating. York doesn't say a word but stares daggers at the kitsune instead.

"Akagi…" I say in a warning tone.

It was something I had warned her about on many occasions, name-calling and the like. Akagi just smiles back, fluttering her eyelashes coyly.

"Yes? Shikikan? It was only a jest…" Her smile widens in complete insincerity.

She steps closer, her tails creeping towards my legs. A light growl from the corner stops the carrier.

"What is thy reason for thy presence? Fox." York spits her words out, her anger clear as day.

Akagi shoots her an angry stare in return, and returns her attention to me, ignoring York. Her tails reach my legs and slowly sneak up, skimming upwards. She does it teasingly, possessively.

She knows better than to go any further though and stops before speaking. "I wish to file a formal complaint. I was rudely attacked while watching today's exercise. It was such a traumatic experience…" She puts on a mock voice of horror.

York immediately speaks up again, her fangs bared in anger. "I barely touched thee, thou art a conniving slut!"

The second she utters the words my heart sinks. This, of course, is exactly what Akagi was fishing for.

She gasps theatrically, her hands going to her chest and she speaks in a hurt voice, her ears lowering to her scalp. "See. And now that same ship assaults me with her words! Oh Shikikan! This behaviour is unacceptable… my beloved… you must punish her immediately!"

Fuck… I mean. I did agree with Akagi, to a degree. Undoubtedly, she had done or said something rile York up, and that was definitely wrong, but at the same time. York should not have reacted and most definitely shouldn't have threatened her, the insults were just making it worse.

I hold my hands up stopping Akagi. "York. What's your side of the story?" I had to at least hear why this had happened. It was my job to mediate disputes within the port and doll out punishment as I saw fit. While I absolutely hated the thought of disciplining York, I couldn't play favourites, so the best I could do was try and listen to both of them and go from there.

Akagi immediately protests. "Commander! I do not think her input is ness…" I cut her off with a sharp gaze and she settles down. While Akagi was certainly a handful, I had learnt that she at least respected me enough that if I really put my foot down, she would comply. In fact, I seemed to be the only person she would listen too about anything.

York speaks up, she seemed to have calmed herself, catching on to the fact that Akagi wanted her riled. "Akagi threatened me verbally. She said that I should… keep my distance from you. If I knew what was good for me. And I quote that directly, Commander."

I sigh. "Akagi. We've been over this…"

She shoots York a withering glare before smiling at me. "Oh… but Shikikan… I was simply protecting you. Akagi would be beside herself if anything was to happen to you… or if you got any fanciful ideas in your head about… other girls…"

She grins and plays her winning card. "Besides… I merely spoke. This barbaric battleship is the one who escalated it, threatening me with her weapons!"

"Is this true, York?" I'm obligated to ask. Damnit… I hated this. I knew full well what Akagi could be like… how she could poke and prod with her words until you snapped. She was sly, manipulative and incredibly possessive of me.

Yet… I have a duty to perform. York looks surprised at my question, her eyes widening. "I… yes. But… she…" I sigh once again and hold my hand up stopping her.

I come to a quick decision, one that will hopefully not displease York too much.

"Both of your actions were inflammatory and unbefitting of ships of this port. Seeing as you both share the blame, neither of you will take part in the next major sortie, you can stay at the port and both of you can attend one of Amazon's classes about co-operation within a fleet. Am I understood?"

York narrows her eyes at me in annoyance and my heart sinks. She wasn't angry at me, was she? It was hardly my fault that I had to do my job as her commander.

Akagi's tails bustle around her angrily. "Shikikan! I must protest! This… thing… has been spending far too much time with you! I…"

I cut her off as I speak loudly, my voice thundering with anger. "What exactly do you mean by thing, Akagi?!" It's quite clear she means York's vampiric nature, but the second I challenge it she mellows down, opting to not push her luck.

She stands up, her entire demeanour changing in an instant as she smiles at me. "Nothing… Of course, I will accept whatever decision my lovely Shikikan comes to, your judgement is impeccable. I do hope you come to visit the Sakura dorms soon… I shall pamper you as much as you desire…"

She struts out the door, her tails swaying behind her and she mutters to York as she passes. It's quiet, but I manage to catch it. "Do not touch things that do not belong to you, pest…"

I breathe a sigh of relief the second she leaves the room. Jeez… She was a powerful ship, and a great help against the Sirens, but she certainly had her quirks, and more besides.

"What work needs to be done?" York suddenly speaks up, her tone flat as she regards me coldly. Her gaze pierces my chest and makes it ache with pain.

I point towards some paperwork that she could fill out, and she turns and gets to work, not giving me a second glance.

The rest of the day continues much the same. York barely speaks a word to me, no coy smiles or fanged grins. She avoids looking at me where she can. I can tell she is clearly annoyed, but I don't really know what to say or do about it.

Akagi was in the wrong, yes. Absolutely. But so was she. As Commander I had to take everything into account. If I'd purely punished Akagi she would have been utterly furious, more than she already was, and it would have become an even bigger problem.

The clock finally signals the end of our joint shift and I look up at the battleship. "Here, or your room?" We had taken to alternating where she fed, after the incident with Wales and rumour of the two of us spreading.

"Here is fine." She says in that same cold voice. She locks the door and comes over to me.

"Arm." She requests bluntly.

Before I give her my blood, I decide to try and talk to her at least. "York… I…"

She speaks up suddenly, indignation in her voice. "Since when did thou have permission to shorten my glorious name?! My name is Duke of York... You should not call me by such a disparaging pet name." My heart stops and a pit opens in my stomach at those words.

The second she finishes speaking however, she looks embarrassed and sighs in exasperation.

"I… sorry, Commander. I did not mean that… I like thou referring to me as York… It is fine…" She looks distracted once again, not looking directly at me.

I choose to continue the sentence I was going to say. "I'm sorry… but you know I didn't have a choice right? To discipline you, both of you... I didn't want to…"

She gives me a quizzical look then understanding dawns on her face.

"Ah… I see Commander. My Apologies. My mood has indeed been soured. But not by thee. By her… and also mine own actions. Sorry for my uncouth behaviour towards thee…" She tries to give me a smile, but it comes across as very half-hearted.

She sighs, brushing her hair behind her shoulders idly, a sad awkwardness clear on her expression. "I shouldn't have allowed her to rile me so. It was unbecoming. I acted rashly, foolishly. Most unlike a lady of the Royal Navy. Her possessiveness of thee… it irked me greatly. Apologies Commander."

I stand out of my chair and cross the distance between us. God I just hated seeing her like this. It was so unlike her usual self.

I gently take her by the shoulder, rubbing comfortingly. "Hey… don't beat yourself up about it… I know what Akagi can be like. You shouldn't have done it, yes. But everyone makes mistakes… everyone has their breaking point… and…"

I gulp nervously before continuing. "…honestly? I'm kind of glad… that you felt that way…" I admit to her. It's true, the fact that Akagi appropriating me annoyed her, it brought a warmth to my heart and made me think… maybe… that meant she cared? Truly cared? About me?

She flashes me a smile. Not a sad one, a proper warm smile and I'm flooded with relief. Then, before I can react, she's taken me in another deep hug.

She clutches me close, wrapping her arms around me, her head buried atop my shoulder. Normally having her body so close, her chest pressed so tightly against mine, it would fluster me greatly. But instead… it's just comforting, sweet and warm.

I chuckle softly and whisper into her ear. "I thought Wales said you weren't much of a hugger?"

"Shhh, little sparrow. Thou will ruin the mood." She speaks softly and sweetly as she holds me close, her heartbeat so tantalisingly close to my own.

Then she continues at barely a whisper. "…and thou art not Wales…"

We stay like that for at least a couple of minutes in complete silence, just the sound of us breathing against one another, until she eventually pulls away, just as reluctantly as last time.

"I think you secretly like hugs." I take the opportunity to tease the women who had relentlessly teased me for the past week.

While I am satisfied to see a light blush creep up her neck at my words and her hand shoots to her golden earrings, toying with them bashfully, she quickly regains her composure and gives me a fanged grin. "Perhaps I am simply discerning with whom I choose to hold close to me…"

Her eyes light up with fire and she quickly changes the subject. "Regardless. I must feed."

I nod, and start undoing my cuff. York surprises me when she places her hand on my own, her touch electrifying as she stops me.

"Thy neck… if that is acceptable." Huh? Didn't she ask for my arm before? Must be her change in mood. I'm more than happy with the change and undo my top few buttons, baring my neck to the vampire.

She grips me by the shoulder, then spins us around, and places me against the wall. She presses herself against me, far more than is actually necessary, giving me a quick peck on the cheek.

"Thy payment." She smiles teasingly before moving her lips downwards to my throat. She wastes no time in sinking her fangs into my jugular, drinking slowly. It takes all my willpower to keep my hands from wandering as she grinds her body against me.

I'm worried she might discover my rapidly growing hardening arousal, although it was hardly my fault in such circumstances.

I try my best to keep my mind busy to distract myself. Right. Tickets. I needed to buy tickets for the theatre, but what show? I try to take my mind back and remember what York had said she liked, but she had only mentioned it in passing, no particular favourite shows or genre's.

Well… no time like the present, and hopefully she would be too distracted with feeding to wonder why I was asking.

I force my lips to move, competing with the feeling of bliss her fangs produced. "So… um… Duke of York. What do you like to watch, at the theatre?"

She finishes drinking at my throat, wiping her mouth and giving me an odd look. "Oh please… York. I meant what I said… I like it, I was merely being petulant. And what an odd question, why doth thou asketh me?"

Well… I knew I was being optimistic when I hoped she wouldn't question it.

"I…um… was thinking of going? And I wondered what you would recommend?"

She smiles. "Oh Commander, I did not knoweth of thy love for the arts. Personally, I have no preference, I find performing arts of all varieties and fictions riveting. Such stories told with conviction and aplomb. Almost as good as a glass of wine and a good book."

Well, that helped, kind of. Basically, she'd be happy with anything. I make a mental note and smile back. "Oh, no worries. I'm sure I'll find something I like."

She chuckles at me before retreating. "Well. I must be off Commander. Sleep well, and I shall see thou tomorrow morn. And hope that I meet no foxes on the way…" She gives me a wave before unlocking the door and leaving the room.

The second she does, I pull out my phone and start searching for theatre tickets. I could do this… I would just give her the tickets… and maybe… just maybe, she would pick me to go with her…