I let out a tired sigh as I descend into the soft chair, moving my legs under the desk before turning my attention to the work in front of me. It really was endless. Luckily, today was one of my favourite days, as after all this paperwork was done, I was due to make some rounds of the port, checking up on the various facilities and Kansen under my command.
My eyes kept drifting towards the door, waiting for the knock that I was expecting. My new secretary was due any minute, and I was unusually eager to see them.
I return to the timetable in front of me, organizing the work I had for the day. My eyes glide over the first item on the agenda and my chest tightens.
9 AM: Meeting with Enterprise
I pick up my pen and draw a line through it, writing cancelled next to the slot with a heavy heart. I hadn't spoken to Enterprise since the Royal Navy's gala. She hadn't turned up to any set meetings, and when I had gone to the Eagle Union dorms looking for her, I had been unable to find her. The other girls had seen her around, and even I had caught a glimpse of her from a distance occasionally, so I knew she was safe, and was at least completing her set sorties and patrols. But she was avoiding me, that much was clear.
A sharp rap on my door, followed by another, pierces my thoughts. "Come in." I exclaim at the door.
The knob turns and in strides the long-legged beauty that had caught my eye some weeks ago at the Royal Navy's Gala. Her eyes fix on me and she offers me a tight-lipped smile. "Bonjour, Commander."
Jean Bart had been transferred to my port a week ago, and I saw it as the perfect opportunity to assign her as my secretary and allow myself to get to know her better, as her time was limited here. It helped of course that it meant for a whole week, I would have a very pleasant view of a lovely women I had only seen from afar most of the time.
This… had not gone down well with one of my wives.
I did take the liberty of informing them when I chose her as secretary. Unfortunately, Kaga had immediately reprimanded me by relegating me to the sofa for several nights.
Eventually, I had managed to calm her, promising that nothing of any sort would happen, swearing on it completely, and submitting to a full 'sniffing' when I got home each day, to assure nothing untoward had happened. Akagi had been surprisingly ok with it. Annoyed, yes, but not to the degree of Kaga.
My thoughts return to the pink-eyed pirate in front of me. "Morning. Err... would you prefer to be called by your full name or just Jean?"
"Hm, Jean is fine. What needs doin?"
I point towards a shelf full of binders. "Several of those binders need reorganizing." I then point towards another shelf. "And I need those request forms ordered then brought to me for signing. Thanks." She gives a curt nod before starting on the jobs I had pointed out. She works away diligently and silently, all things considered, a very good secretary.
I myself work through the paperwork already on my desk, and before I know it, Jean is handing me the request form she had organized. "Hm, you have more to do than I expected." Her tone remains indifferent, but a slight smile of pity graces her lips.
I let out a small laugh. "Yes, one of the downsides to being Commander I'm afraid. But its important work." I take a handful of completed forms and hand them to her. "Could you put these in that drawer there please?"
I point towards a low drawer on the other side of the room and she obliges. She doesn't kneel, instead simply bending low to open the drawer. Her bodice rides up as she does, which along with her short hot pants offer a generous view at her bare skin as her ass faces me. I feel my cheeks heat up at the view, yet too distracted to pull my eyes away.
She must feel my gaze as she suddenly turns her head towards me and I quickly bury my face in the work before me. "Ya lookin at something Commander?"
My face immediately burns as I deny it. "I…err… No, just making sure you knew what drawer I was pointing too." She makes a *hmph* seemingly not buying it, as she straightens back up and sets to work organizing the binders I had mentioned previously.
The rest of the day proceeds smoothly, and before I realise it, it is time for the rounds. Jean follows diligently, not saying much. "Anyone you know assigned to this port?" I try making small talk as we walk towards our next stop.
"Not especially. Dunkerque and Richelieu are currently back home. I don't really know anyone else."
"That's a shame."
"Hm… I'm not bothered."
"So, you haven't talked to any of the other girls yet? You're assigned here for 2 months, aren't you? You should try and make some friends."
"Hm…maybe."
Man, it was like trying to get blood out of a stone. I knew different ship girls had varying personalities, some were naturally energetic and bubbly, others less so. Maybe she just didn't know me well enough, really, I had only seen her in passing before today.
We enter the training area, various cannons are being fired at targets, some ship-girls are even sparring in pre-designated courts.
One such court catches my eye as I see a flash of fur and crimson red as a large explosion echoes around the area. Akagi is currently sparring with Zuikaku, and from the looks of it, winning completely. Zuikaku has various minor scrapes and burn marks over her body as Akagi stands a few feet away, virtually untouched. Her eyes are aflame with the excitement of combat as her tails stay puffed up around her.
"Come now, are you not a part of the Empire's glorious Fifth Carrier division? I would barely call this a fight, let alone a duel." Akagi smiles arrogantly as she trash talks her opponent.
Zuikaku snarls in response, just about to launch another attack, but her strength fails her as her feet buckle and she uses her sword to help stand upright. She sighs, all trace of resistance gone. "I yield… I yield." With the match over, I clap my hands from the sidelines, congratulating my wife.
Shoukaku immediately rushes to her sisters' side and helps her exit the court, and to a waiting repair ship.
Akagi strides towards me, giving me a warm smile before embracing me tightly. "Enjoy the match, dear?"
"I only saw the end I'm afraid, but it looked like it wasn't much challenge for you." Her tails coil around me as her ears twitch slightly at my praise.
"It wasn't… but it did get Akagi all hot and bothered… How about another type of duel…?" She grins at me before pouncing, her hands keeping me in place as she forcefully shoves her face into my own, our lips meeting.
Her tongue wrestles with my own, very much in their own type of duel as Akagi phrased it, one which Akagi is winning, as she always does. I can't help but become embarrassed by the passionate nature of our kiss in public, but I get the feeling that was the idea.
Akagi's eyes flit back and forth between me and looking to the side, where Jean was currently standing. She was clearly gauging the battleships reaction, and making a point, marking her territory. Jean herself had a light blush on her cheeks as she tried to avoid looking at us, yet occasionally would shift her eyes up to us before moving them right back down to the floor.
Akagi further presses herself into me, then, with a glint in her eye, bites my lower lip, causing me to groan at the strange sensation of both pain and pleasure. Eventually, after what seems like an age, she pulls back and we both gasp for breath.
As I recover, my wife joins my side, wrapping an arm around me before looking straight at Jean with a smile. "Ah… you must be Jean Bart. Apologies, I just get so… passionate… when I see my husband. I know he's on duty, but you can forgive his wife for showing him some affection, can you not?"
Jean looks uncomfortable but nonetheless replies curtly. "And you must be Akagi… I've heard of ya. Both you and your sister are well known."
"All good, I hope." Akagi lets out a chuckle. "Excuse me for a second, I wish to borrow my husband for just a bit." She starts pulling me aside, just far enough from Jean that she cannot hear us.
"Hmm. I can see why you are attracted, as I've said previously, she has a rather fetching figure. Although her sense of fashion leaves something to be desired… What is with all that skin… and those shorts… I thought she was a pirate, not some common street whore."
"Akagi!" I exclaim. "As I've already said, I was just wanted to know more about her, her looks have nothing to do with her appointment as my secretary. What was with that kiss?"
Akagi appraises me. "Yes, yes, I know. I was just making sure she knew you were mine… Can't have her thinking that ring is just for show, can we? She seems courteous enough at least. If you find her that attractive, would you like me to ask her round for the night sometime? I suppose I could share a bed with her…" She grins at that last statement.
I quickly start to panic. "I don't think that would be wise. I don't think she would be the type, please just be nice. I don't have much longer on my rounds anyway, then I'll be returning home, and you know how Kaga will be."
Akagi laughs. "Yes… you have rather annoyed my dear sister. She gets jealous even easier than I. She values your affections highly, both emotionally… and sexually…" I blush at her words. She wasn't wrong though.
Akagi has always been willing to share, at least in the bedroom. Her sister on the other hand did not take kindly to me even thinking about other women, I still remember the deep bite she had given me for the incident with Taihou.
I wave goodbye to my wife, collecting Jean and continuing my rounds. Before long, it is the afternoon, and I'm saying goodbye to Jean, turning towards home.
As I unlock the door and proceed down the steps, I tense up as I descend towards my fate.
Sure enough, Kaga is stood waiting, arms crossed with a sour expression on her face.
I give her my best smile as I discard my overcoat, but her expression does not waver in the slightest as she glares at me.
The second I've put my coat down she comes over to me. "Arms up." She demands. I obediently raise my arms, so I'm stood in a T shape like I'm being scanned at airport security. She immediately sets to work, placing her hands on my chest before moving her nose close and sniffing away at my body.
The experience is, if I'm honest, far from unpleasant. The way she moves her face around, so close to my body, with her hands exploring alongside, is stimulating. I try to distract myself and lighten her mood by making small talk. "How was your day?"
She continues, not responding until she has moved to my back. "Ok." She says curtly. Not with any particular anger, just annoyance. I sigh.
"Kaga… what is the point in this? Surely you could just ask me if I have been unfaithful. I could respond, you would know I speak the truth, then we could move on."
Her hands rub along my back, eventually pulling up my shirt as she sniffs my bare skin. "Spoken truth is subjective. I've noticed you've become rather skilled at manipulating your words recently, so as to avoid our ears tripping you up."
I squirm uncomfortably slightly, I guess she wasn't wrong, as I think back to the party some weeks ago. As long as I spoke the technical truth, I could get away with omitting information. I feel her nails suddenly grip my back, not enough to hurt, but enough to make me wince. "So. How was she?"
"Fine, she seems like a decent secretary." Kaga remains out of view, running her nails down my back slowly.
"That is not what I meant… Did you enjoy her company? Did you ogle her form…? Did you fantasize about her, making love to you?" Her voice raises in irritation and anger. And her nails dig in deeper, and I gasp at the pain.
"I…yes…I enjoyed her company. No, I absolutely did not fantasize about her, or bed her. Are we done now? Please?"
I feel my wife's hands withdraw as she finishes sniffing the back of my arm. She appears in front of me with an annoyed glare. "See what I mean, dear husband? You have become very slippery with your words. You only answered 2 questions. Did you appreciate her body as you worked?"
Damnit, she was sharp. Nonetheless, I was starting to get irritated. I understood Kaga's right to be annoyed as my wife, but all of this was a bit over the top, wasn't it?
"Kaga… why does it matter? Why does it bother you so? Your sister does not mind half as much. Do you really not trust me?"
Her expression morphs from anger to hurt as she avoids my gaze. "You… did not answer the question…" She feebly attempts continue her interrogation.
I walk up to her, taking her by the shoulders and trying my best to look her straight in the eye. "I.. did. But, you should know, I would never, and I mean never, sleep with another woman without your permission. I wouldn't dream of being unfaithful."
I pause, then decide to press the issue. "Kaga, surely your ears can tell that I speak the truth? So why do you make such a deal out of it? When Akagi has brought others around, you've never complained? I know you've never been fond of it, but you never stopped her or me?"
I had always asked permission from Kaga, on the rare occasion that Akagi found a willing volunteer and dragged them to our bed. And she always gave it, although never partook herself.
She looks downcast as she meets my gaze and sighs softly. "I know your words are the truth… And… I do trust you, implicitly." She shifts uncomfortably. "I did not wish to spoil Akagi's fun. My sister is so… sensual… so beautiful… up for anything. She's… the perfect wife."
She blushes slightly as she praises her sister. "But… I am her lesser in all of that. I get nervous. I am not that adventurous. So… I feel like I need to hold your attention in other ways… And when you look at other women… if you were to find yet another, just as lovely as my sister…I simply would not be able to compete."
She looks at the floor ashamed. "So… I make out that I don't trust you, try to push away others from you, so that I don't have to compete with them...So you don't realise that there are much better women out there than me..."
My heart aches for my poor wife and I take her in a tight hug. "Kaga. Don't ever compare yourself to your sister, or others. Your perfect as you are. I would never love you any less because of it. I love you precisely because you are who you are…"
Her tails wag as she clutches me closer and we stay like that for a while before she releases me. She smiles. "That is much easier said, than done. You know that we kitsunes... we mate for life... we form a bond, for me and Akagi, there is no other. For you, it's different, therefore, I fear I will always compare myself to others… But thank you, dear husband, for your kind words. You really are the best thing to happen to me…"
I pull her over to the sofa and we cuddle together, I stroke her hair slowly, soothingly as I reply. "And I hope you know. You are the best thing to ever happen to me. Well… along with your sister. Joint first place." She chuckles lightly and leans back, closing her eyes as I continue to stroke her hair.
After some time has passed, I hear the door open and close upstairs and Akagi appears. She looks at the two of us cuddling on the sofa and smiles warmly. "I am to assume that all is well? Yes?" Kaga returns the smile.
"Yes, dear sister. I fear my competitiveness may have gotten the best of me once again. All is forgiven." She strokes my cheek and kisses it lightly before getting up. Giving her sister a quick hug and kiss as she does so. "Having said that… I do maintain that our husband does push his luck a bit too much on occasion…" She gives me a sidelong pointed look, paired with a genuine smile.
Akagi laughs. "Yes… I would have to agree. Really… the cheek to appoint the very woman I scorned him for ogling some weeks ago… There is a fine line between bravery and stupidity…" She also turns and gives me a pointed look, although her eyes are full of mirth, proving she isn't actually that annoyed.
Akagi suddenly claps her hands together with a smile "Well, if you would like, I was talking to some of the girls when Shikikan left, and we decided to go out for drinks tonight, care to come?" Kaga enthusiastically agrees. Akagi turns to me. "Dear Husband?"
I smile but answer honestly. "Sounds like it's a girls night out, I'm sure it would be uncomfortable for them, both the only guy, and also their boss. Think I'll stay home."
Akagi approaches me with a glint in her eye before wrapping her arms around me while I'm still on the sofa. She speaks softly into my ear. "I was not offering… I was begging… It has been some time since we have been out for drinks, I wish to show off my delightful husband… please?"
I swiftly give in; it wouldn't have been much fun to stay home alone anyway. "Ok, ok. Fine. Please make sure the girls know that I'm coming though. Don't just surprise them, and also tell them that for the night, I'm not their commander, just their friends' husband. Ok?"
"Thank you, dear, much appreciated. I truly would miss your company otherwise…" She flashes me a smile before retreating to get ready. I look at the time before deciding to stay on the sofa for a while longer. Kaga thinks for a second, before plopping herself down beside me, snuggling back into her previous position.
Before long, we are heading into the local town. Both of my wives were wearing more casual attire, which really does look nice on them. Akagi had gone for a pale red off the shoulder jumper along with a black skirt and grey overcoat.
Kaga on the other hand had gone something with an air of formality. A white shirt, unbuttoned at the top, displaying a modest amount of skin. She had paired it with a similar black skirt to her sister, with the addition of leggings. This was all topped off by a black leather jacket and a lovely blue scarf wrapped neatly around her neck.
As we enter the small bar, I realise I never asked who was attending. I soon find out, as we discover the table with all the girls already there waiting for us.
Zuikaku, of the fifth carrier division that I had seen earlier, is there, although there was no sign of her sister. Both Hyuuga and her sister Ise were sat at the table, and it looked like Ise had already started on the drinks.
The 2 guests that surprised me were Prinz Eugen, the Ironblood Heavy Cruiser, and perhaps even more so, Avrora, a recent arrival from the besieged Northern Parliament.
I suddenly feel bad, I should have suggested Jean come, seeing as she was struggling to adjust to her new port. Maybe next time, I muse.
Most of the girls were wearing various casualwear, from Eugen's red bare-shoulder jumper and jeans to Zuikaku's similarly red crop top and shorts. Avrora, oddly enough, was simply wearing her standard white attire, in fact, I was certain I had never seen her wear anything else in the short time I had known her.
The collection of shipgirls smile and wave us over when we get closer. Akagi speaks first. "Your sister not attending this evening?" She directs her question towards Zuikaku.
"I'm afraid she had some catch-up for Amazon's class to complete, so won't be joining us, she sends her apologies, Akagi-Senpai."
Akagi makes a face and waves her hand theatrically. "No need for the formalities, we're here to drink as equals and friends." Zuikaku smiles and nods.
The brunette fox then turns her gaze to Avrora as she sits down, offering the Northern Parliament girl her hand. "I don't believe I have had the pleasure. Akagi, of the Sakura Empire's glorious first carrier division." Avrora grins at the introduction shaking her hand.
"And this is my sister, Kaga, also of the first carrier division." She then turns to me and runs an arm around my shoulder holding me closer. "And this, is my wonderful husband, although I'm sure you have had the pleasure already."
Avrora smiles at me. "It's a pleasure to meet so many new comrades. Thank you for inviting me. I look forward to drinking you all under the table." She grins confidently.
Eugen immediately pipes up. "I'd like to see you try! These Sakura types might not give you much competition, but us Ironblood can hold our liquor!"
Both shipgirls eye each other, and Ise looks like she's about to pile on when Kaga intervenes. "Sounds like fun, but how about we leave the heavy drinking till later, yes? You will soon learn how these 'sakura types' can drink. But for now, it would be nice to relax and remain lucid, yes?"
Eugen simmers down and the conversation starts to flow, along with the drink.
"So, do you actually have pet bears?" Hyuuga asks, genuinely curious.
"Why, yes, we do. They're much cuter than you would expect. I do hope that you can come see them someday." Avrora replies.
She then calls to the waiter, asking for a whole bottle of vodka. "Lets, get the drinks flowing properly." She grins at us, as small shot glasses are set for each person at the table.
She then takes the bottle, pouring vodka into each. Kaga curiously brings her glass up to her nose sniffs the potent liquid, her face immediately scrunching up in distaste, her ears flattening at the sensation.
Eugen notices and laughs. "What's the problem, esteemed first carrier division, can't handle it?"
Kaga's eyes burn with competitiveness as, in response, she immediately downs it one go. Avrora, watching laughs before offering up her glass in a toast. "γpa!" All at once, we down the strong alcohol. Immediately my eyes water as the liquid burns my throat. There was a reason I did not typically drink vodka.
For their part, both of my wives appear to also be struggling with the Northern Parliament's drink of choice. Even Eugen looks horrified by it. The only one not affected is obviously Avrora, who acts as if she just took a shot of tap water.
She offers us more, but most of the girls quickly turn it down. Only Ise, Eugen and Avrora have a second shot. The rest of us choose to keep to our lighter drinks of wine and cider.
The evening continues to pass, with Avrora plying both Eugen and Ise with more and more vodka, until they were quite clearly very drunk.
Most of the conversation thus far had been focused on her, and the Northern Parliament. None of the girls here knew much about the elusive region, and even I only knew bits and pieces and their curiosity overflowed as a barrage of questions for the poor girl, although she didn't seem to mind.
The silver-haired girl cuts from her current conversation with Hyuuga and looks straight at me.
"But enough about me. I must know, I'm just itching with curiosity, how exactly did an Eagle Union commander marry two renowned Sakura carriers?"
I go to answer, but Akagi steals my thunder, quickly cutting me off and re-counting how we met. Our time apart, and eventually, our first date. She tells the whole tale with a glint of pride in her eyes, her voice full of excitement and love as her ears perk up and her many tails sway with enthusiasm.
It warms my chest, and I cannot help but give her a peck on the cheek and hug her close when she finishes, electing one of her rare blushes.
Avrora sits their absorbing the story. "Wow. Really, you met as enemies. At war? And yet you have become this? Incredible."
Kaga on the other side of me is also smiling happily, reminiscing on our first date before replying. "Hmm… I suppose it is. To us, it's just what it was. It felt natural…"
Suddenly, with a loud *hic* Ise speaks, her words slurred. "And where do we find a guy like him?" She points at me from across the table.
Eugen replies, significantly inebriated herself. "Well… not him to start with. Word is that Akagi guards him close unless you're willing to share the bed... if you catch my drift... Better find yourself another human somewhere." She says all this in a hushed tone but clearly does not realise how loud she is actually speaking.
Ise retracts her arm as her sister looks on in horror at her state. "Hmph. Fat chance of that. All those stupid guys are terrified of sleeping with a Kansen. What do they think I'll do? Bite it off? Well maybe I will…" She laughs at her own joke loudly.
"Gah… it's so easy for others… One of the receptionist girls got hitched recently, a nice guy too. She's got one in the oven, got leave for it." Eugen and Ise seem to be having their own drunken conversation by this point, and I start to ignore them, returning my attention to the others when I hear Ise shout loudly.
"Ey! Shikikan, do you want a baby? They're so cute, you should think bout it… You could give it your shikikan's cap and sit it on the desk all adorable like. A baby Shikikan, it would be hilarious….Go on, have a baby!"
All eyes at the table look awkwardly at the floor as silence descends. My heart sinks. It wasn't something I thought about, or more specifically, liked to think about. Not that it mattered much, the decision was made for me when I got married and therefore, was not something I had ever discussed with my wives. Everyone at this table knew full well what the reality of the matter was, all except the drunk Ise.
Hyuuga immediately pulls her sister back, whispering in her ear while shooting me a deeply apologetic look.
Even in her drunk state, Ise seems to realise what Hyuuga is telling her, and the reality of what she has just said out loud to everyone and her eyes widen as a horrified look descends on her face as her ears flatten to her scalp in shame.
Then suddenly, breaking the awkward silence, Akagi's chair squeals as it scrapes the ground, and she stands up. "I…need the bathroom…" Her voice is clearly pained, and she takes off towards the stairs, in this small bar, the toilets were located upstairs.
Kaga immediately goes to stand up and follow her sister, looking worried, but I put my hand on her shoulder, shaking my head slowly. "I'll go." I say quietly, resignation already clear in my voice.
She nods, offering her own sad smile and I swiftly go to follow my wife, leaving the table full of awkward stares behind.
As I reach the second floor, I knock on the ladies room and call out for her, but get no reply. Just as I'm about to risk peeking my head inside, I hear a loud noise above me. With the realisation that she has gone further up to the roof, I move up the stairwell once again.
Sure enough, I find the door to the roof open, the padlock that held it closed snapped in two. I step out into the moonlight, the cold breeze on the rooftop making me shiver.
My eyes glide around the landscape, absorbing the limited view of the small port town, searching for my wife.
Eventually, my eyes settle on her figure, sat down on the edge of the wall running around the roof, staring off into the distance. I approach her slowly. As I get closer, Akagi looks up and flashes me a clearly forced smile. "I'll be down shortly, I merely needed some air. Worry not."
I don't answer, instead opting to set next to her on the uncomfortable wall, our bodies close as I look her in the eye. I speak calmly, trying to still my nerves and face the issue head-on. "It's ok. Ask away. I know you want to."
Akagi's eyes widen in surprise at my words. "How did you…?"
I give her a sombre smile. "Akagi, I have known you for almost 6 years. Give me some credit…"
She flashes me a similar smile before returning to her sorrowful look. She then shifts her gaze from me, turning to look out at the port town, and the far distant lights of the naval base.
The fox continues to look out at the view while speaking, probably to avoid looking at my reactions. "Have you ever regretted it? Choosing us?"
I answer immediately and honestly. "No, never."
The answer doesn't cheer her up, if anything, her ears droop even further and she risks a glance at me. "But why? Don't you ever think about what could have been if you hadn't. What still could?"
Again, I answer quickly. Not allowing myself time to elaborate or provide excuses, giving Akagi the complete truth. "You are the ones I chose. I have thought about it. From time to time. But it makes no difference."
"Does it bother you? What others say, what Viktor said? Kaga said our love was natural... but that's far from the truth, is it not?"
I recall what the slimy politician had said to me, about preferring his own kind, and understand what Akagi means. "It doesn't. My life is my business."
Akagi then shifts uncomfortably, still avoiding looking at me. "And… do you… want one… a child? Does it frustrate you?"
My heart thuds in my chest, but yet again, I answer truthfully. "Honestly… I don't know if I want one. I've never thought about it much… But no, it does not annoy me."
Suddenly, Akagi turns to me, tears welling in her eyes a hint of anger in her tone. "And what about me!?"
I'm taken by surprise and left speechless as Akagi continues. "Do you know how much it hurts? To be unable to give you a child? To feel incomplete and incompetent as your wife? Our very marriage, our very relationship is unnatural. I am a being made for one purpose, war, not peace and certainly not marriage. Yet…"
Her voice cracks as tears run down her face
"…I would love a cub… so much… I would love to have a child… your child."
She trails off, but before I can comfort her she speaks up.
"But alas, fate is a cruel mistress. You may not have given it much thought. But I have thought about it… many, many times…"
Her tears continue to roll down her chin, dripping onto the cold hard floor.
I finally speak, my voice cracking as I do. "Akagi… I… I never knew you…"
She cuts me off, as she looks away from me, her voice again tinged with anger. "You never asked."
Her tone and words cut me deep. But she's right, I never did. I never asked her, I never even considered how she felt about it. I had avoided the subject altogether, knowing full well that Kansen were unable to conceive, so therefore wanting to avoid any sort of awkward or painful conversation.
"I'm… so sorry Akagi… That's my fault… I wanted to avoid talking about it. So I just ignored it…"
She looks back at me, her ears lifting ever so slightly from her head. I continue. "I can't do anything or say anything that makes it any better. I shouldn't have been so selfish... I know our relationship is... different, but it still... It means so much to me, you are not incomplete, or incompetent, you are my wife, and I love you just as much as I would do if you were human..."
Her eyes regard me as I speak, my voice full of emotion. "…and…I'm really sorry that you can't… have a child… If there's anything I can…"
Akagi holds up her hand stopping me, her face forming a fragile sad smile. "Stop, please. That's not your fault. It is simply the burden I must struggle with. It's just… difficult sometimes…"
I tentatively move forwards, slowly bringing my arms around her, all too aware that she was annoyed at me but seconds ago. However, she appears to appreciate the physical comfort and allows me to hug her, bringing her close.
Eventually, I break the hug, wiping the tears tenderly from her face as I do so. "Akagi. Have you ever spoken to Kaga about this?"
"I… once or twice." She replies hesitantly.
"Do you mind if I ask her opinions on the matter? Does it bother her too?" I ask, worried that not only had I neglected to consider Akagi's thoughts on the matter, but also her sister.
Akagi smiles at me slightly, her ears almost back in their normal positions. "If I'm honest Shikikan, you should speak to my dear sister yourself about such matters, but I appreciate you thinking of her."
I nod, that makes sense. Akagi suddenly moves to leave, standing up. I swiftly move to grab her wrist in an attempt to stop her, although her pure strength almost makes me go flying.
She looks back at me in surprise. "Dear Husband?"
"Akagi… We still don't understand a lot about wisdom cubes… the Sirens… Kansen, all of that. But I'll make some calls. And… I don't want to give you any hope, this isn't a promise. It could be 10 years from now, it could be never. But I'll get some people to look into it, ok?"
Her eyes glisten with happiness as she takes me in a tight hug.
"And... if you ever feel like you need to talk about it. Please, tell me. I know I failed you, but at least try and let me make up for it, ok?" She nods slowly before offering me her hand.
I accept, taking it in my own as we head back downstairs, into the warmth and the light of the bar, where our friends were waiting for us. It was probably going to be a bit awkward though…
In the end, it wasn't too bad. We returned and Ise apologized profusely. Akagi waved it away and we acted as if nothing had happened. It was easier that way. Eventually, we all stumble home. While Me, Kaga and Akagi were only a little tipsy, I would be surprised if Eugen even made it back to the Ironblood dorms by herself, she was that drunk. However, Zuikaku had assured us that she would make sure she got there safely.
Avrora, somehow, still seemed fine. Her words were perhaps a little slurred, but she seemed to be fully cognitive for the most part, I guess it was true what they say about the Northern Parliament, they knew how to drink.
As we enter the house, I quickly shed my coat and move straight for the bedroom. I remove my clothes and practically leap into bed, tired from the evening and fully prepared to get some shut-eye.
I feel Akagi and Kaga climb in either side of me, and start to immediately nod off as I feel their tails wrap around me gently, sleep embracing me quickly.
