I lay back in the sun lounger with a blissful sigh, closing my eyes to the harsh sunlight and appreciating the warmth on my skin. I knew the weather for our trip was forecast to be good, but I honestly had not expected it to be quite so nice, I guess we were just lucky.

I was currently relaxing next to the pool in the small villa I had rented for the occasion. We were not far from the Sakura Alliance port, my wives home port. As our first wedding anniversary was approaching, I had purchased tickets and arranged a week off for all of us to visit.

It was a sorely needed treat after a stressful 2 months. Ever since the attack on our supplies by the 'other' Akagi, Siren activity had been rampant, meaning I had stayed late at the office on many occasions, and while Akagi tried her best to hide it, I knew she missed me in the afternoons.

I had selfishly hoped that Asclepius would of been ready for our anniversary, but no dice. Complications abound, although progress was being made slowly. Likewise, I had hoped to give Akagi some good news about the research into Kansen menstrual cycles that Akashi had been doing, but while Akashi insisted it was possible, she had not actually figured anything out yet... I did secretly wonder if she was just determined to keep collecting the fee she charged for the work, even if she never made any progress.

Enterprise had been spotted yet again, a week ago, within Eagle Union waters, but by the time we got a fleet there, all we found were the smoking husks of more sirens. No one had seen or spoken to her since she had stormed out of the interrogation room that fateful day.

She did not respond to any radio communication, appearing at small ports along the eastern coast, repairing and refuelling in as little time as possible, then heading out again to fight more sirens. She wasn't following any plan that I could tell, just killing as many of them as possible.

I was worried about her… I knew she was angry at me, but this was to the extreme… ignoring orders, essentially going rogue, it wasn't like her at all.

Upon hearing a voice call me, I inwardly scold myself and try to push the dark thoughts from my mind. I was on vacation; I shouldn't dwell on such things. I open my eyes, squinting at the beautiful women next to me as she waves a bottle about in front of my eyes.

"Sorry, but could you do my back, dear husband?" I flash Kaga a smile, nodding and taking the bottle of lotion from her outstretched hand. She promptly turns over on her lounger, so that she is laying on her front. As she does so, she unhooks the bikini top at the back, allowing the straps to dangle free, giving me full access.

I notice a slight blush creeping up the embarrassed fox's neck as I slather some of the lotion on my hands, before gently dropping them towards her and starting at the back of the neck. My wife lets out a quiet gasp at the cold sensation of the lotion, which quickly becomes a content purring as I massage the substance into her skin.

As I work, her tails begin swaying about happily, and one inadvertently manages to get in between us, and I splutter as some of the fur gets in my mouth. She gives me a sheepish smile and mouths an apology, making an attempt to still her excitable appendages.

As she lies there, mewling at my touch, I think to myself, how lucky I am. Kaga was known to be serious, even strict at times. But this was my privilege, to see this softer, more vulnerable side to her.

My hands descend lower to the arch of her back, rubbing constantly and her body squirms slightly at my touch. Eventually, I reach her bikini bottoms, and I can't help but slip a hand inside and gently grab her rump. In response she moans lewdly, the light blush from the massage becoming a much brighter shade of red.

"Shikikan…" She groans in a low sultry voice, pushing her ass up, further into my grip. Just as I'm considering moving my hand even further south, I hear Akagi call out loudly from the house.

"Shikikan, we have a visitor!" I quickly withdraw my hand and Kaga lets out an annoyed grumble, before re-attaching her bikini top and covering herself with a light blue shawl. Likewise, I slip a white shirt on, not bothering with the buttons.

We both head towards the house and find Akagi, wearing a similar ensemble to her sister, except in red. Her smile widens when she notices her sisters flushed appearance, but refrains from commenting, instead ushering us inside. I immediately find myself face to face with the visitor that Akagi had been referring to.

He's around the same build as me, of average height and holds an air of nobility around him. I would describe him as moderately handsome, with well-defined features and a winning smile. He is draped in a traditional Sakura commanders' uniform from head to toe. But what stands out most, is the 3 pitch-black fox tails sprouting from his behind.

As we step into the house the Sakura commander breaks into a large smile and before I can react, Kaga has brushed past me and is taking him in a deep friendly hug. My eyes widen in surprise, seeing the normally reserved fox be so open and friendly with a man I did not know, but try my best to hide it.

Her tails are swaying happily, and his own briefly touch hers, swirling around one another. They clearly knew one another well, that much was clear from their actions. I swiftly feel the ugly feeling of jealousy rise unbidden.

Kaga breaks the hug, beaming at the man the entire time. He smiles back in return, then turns his attention to me, offering me a hand to shake. I break myself free of the shock that has gripped me as I shake it.

"Welcome to the empire, I'm the commander of the nearby port, Hiroshi Ito. I just wanted to visit and wish you a good time. I've heard much about your actions, it's an honour." He speaks fluent English, with only a slight Sakura twang to his voice.

Hiroshi takes his cap off in respect, bowing slightly. My eyes immediately focus on his black hair, surprised at the lack of any fox ears. He chuckles when he notices my surprise. "Half-kitsune, on my father's side."

Kaga suddenly speaks up. "It's a pleasure to see you, it's been far too long. How are things?"

"Ah, same old. The Sirens do not bother us much here, so the majority of my ships are at other ports. I'm ok myself, although I do miss my two favourite carriers on occasion!"

Kaga's neck takes on a red hue as she blushes at the compliment, Akagi simply offers a light smile along with a chuckle, hanging close to my side.

He turns to me again. "Ah, I should probably explain. I was their old CO, before the formation of the alliance, and of course, their transfer to your port. I gather you married them both, you're one lucky man!"

I feel Akagi's arms wrap around my shoulders as her body shakes with laughter. "Why yes, he is. Are you not, dear husband?"

I agree wholeheartedly as her tails swirl around me possessively, I turn and give her a peck on the cheek.

Hiroshi looks slightly uncomfortable at our display of affection, respectfully lowering his eyes to the ground before speaking up once again. "I would love to show you around the port? Would two hours from now be ok? I don't mean to intrude, please feel free to decline if you so wish."

Before I can speak, or ask my wives if they would like to, Kaga beats me to it. "I would adore the opportunity!"

He smiles in return. "Excellent. I'll see you then." He gives me a respectful bow then proceeds to turn and leave the house, his tails happily swaying in unison.

While I try to stop myself, I cannot help but make a comment once he has left. "You seem to be quite close with him…" There's a hint of accusation to my tone, which I immediately regret.

Kaga's eyes widen with surprise. "I…" She stutters out, her hands nervously fidgeting. Her reaction hardly makes for a convincing argument.

Akagi quickly steps in-between us, eyes narrowed at me in vague annoyance as she defends her sister. "He's our old commander, of course we know him well. He is nothing else to us, except an old friend and comrade. Would you prefer we treat him with indifference?" Kaga gives her sister an odd look but stays silent.

I shake my head. "I… no. Sorry. I've just never seen you hug anyone else, it threw me. It's my bad."

Internally I kick myself, annoyed at my actions. Jealousy was an ugly emotion and one that had no place in my heart. I loved my wives wholeheartedly, as they loved me.

Yet, I can't help it, seeing Kaga so happy to see him, tails entwined with one of her kind, it bothered me far more than I liked to admit. Even if, logically, it shouldn't.

Well, Akagi had said it, he was just their previous commander, of course they would be close. I try to push the ugly emotion from my heart and flash both my wives a smile. "I look forward to seeing your home port and of course town, I presume you wish to head out there tonight?"

They both return my smile agreeing. A sultry look then overcomes Akagi as she attaches to her sister's side. "So… what were you two up to when I called? Do not think for one second I did not notice…"

Kaga shifts uncomfortably before asserting herself. "Nothing of interest!" her voice is firm, confidant, trying to convince her sister.

Akagi's grin does not leave her face as she replies. "Well… we have two hours… I wouldn't mind doing… 'nothing' as you describe it…" Kaga's resolve crumbles as her trademark blush appears.

Akagi seizes the opportunity, leaping on her sister, discarding the shawl covering her bikini-clad body and smothering the fair-haired fox in kisses. She pushes her against the wall roughly, Kaga letting out a visceral growl from the back of her throat, which quickly morphs into a sultry moan as Akagi shoves her hand down her sister's bikini bottoms violently, stimulating her womanhood.

Akagi chuckles at her sister's reaction. "Well well… being more honest now, are we?" She turns her head. "Dear husband… I do believe my sister needs… seeing too."

She calls to me, her eyes full of lust. Her hand beckons me over to the pair, while her other hand continues her gentle ministrations as Kaga writhes against the wall in pleasure.

I sigh. In all honesty, I had been looking forward to sunbathing some more, but I was hardly going to turn down Akagi's offer with the highly erotic sight in front of me.

I smile at her, nodding my assent as Kaga eyes me with anticipation, letting out a mewl of desperation as her sister withdraws her hand and her hips buck, searching for more pleasure.

Sunbathing could wait a little while, right?


…2 Hours Later – Sakura Alliance Port

Hiroshi was currently leading us through the ships dorms at the port, and I was observing everything curiously. The port itself was similar in some aspects to mine, although slightly smaller. Everything was well looked after and maintained, he clearly ran a tight ship, so to speak.

While I wouldn't admit it, I was impressed. I knew myself that being a commander was no easy task, and keeping a port running smoothly was an achievement in its own right.

Maybe it helped that the port was quiet, Hiroshi hadn't been lying when he said he had very few ships. I had only seen a handful of them, none of which I recognized. It contrasted greatly with hustle and bustle of my own port.

My wives are chatting away with Hiroshi as we continue down the corridor. Reminiscing on old times and fond memories. Kaga walks side by side with the Sakura man, a wide smile on her lips as she talks, with Akagi hanging just slightly further back by my side.

Akagi suddenly stops, running her hands around my back with a smile. "…and that, dear husband, is my old room." She points towards a medium-sized dorm room, similar to those we have for the Kansen at my port.

I poke my head inside with mild curiosity. Of course, the room is bare, with all the furnishings removed. No one was assigned this room currently, that was for sure. I find myself oddly disappointed to not find some fragment of Akagi's past, an old decoration, some form of memento.

Then again, perhaps it was for the best, her past also had a darkness to it, one that she stayed well away from these days.

We continue down the corridor when my eyes catch a flash of black hair, along with white horns. I stop, looking to see if I can catch another glimpse of the figure I recognized. Hiroshi looks back at me quizzically. "Everything ok?"

"Um… yea, im just going to be a second, you can carry on, I won't be long." Hiroshi looks confused but doesn't stop me. Akagi shoots me a disappointed look, annoyed by my temporary absence.

I head off in search of the figure I had just glimpsed. After a couple of minutes of walking, I find a small garden outside the dorms with a solitary cherry blossom tree and a bench. On that bench, I find the women I was looking for.

I wave and she smiles back at me warmly. "May I?" I gesture at the spare seat next to her.

"Why of course, Shikikan." Mikasa replies, she shimmies over, giving me more room.

I give my thanks as I sit down, letting out a blissful sigh. The weather was still warm, with the sun shining above us. While we can't see the ocean from here, surrounded by traditional Sakura buildings, the air itself is salty and fresh, just like it back home.

"This is your home port, I take it?"

She nods. "Indeed. I don't leave here much. But it's certainly a nice place to stay."

"And your commander? Is he…nice?" I ask tentatively.

She focuses on me, a faint grin playing across her lips, wisdom shining in her eyes. "Ah, I see. I did wonder why you abandoned your wives to track me down."

I curse inwardly, apparently, I was easy to read. Or perhaps Mikasa was simply too wise.

"It is your anniversary is it not? Surely you should be by their side?" She continues.

"Well... our wedding anniversary is today, yes, but we're celebrating tonight. But I just had to ask you. Is he a good man?"

She chuckles softly. "Yes, he is. Alongside you, one of the best I know. He's hard-working, sometimes too much."

That's… good to hear… I guess? I'm conflicted. Did I want him to be a horrible guy? Just to have an excuse to hate him? Or did I want affirmation that he was good, seeing as he is so irreversibly linked to my wives past, for their sake?

I shake my head, confused at my own feelings and emotions. Mikasa just looks at me amused. "And… how was he, with them… ?"

Her expression hardens slightly, and her eyes falter. "He was… a good commander, even during the war. It's important to note that he took charge after… well, Akagi snapped. The incident with the Dragon Empery, as I'm sure you're aware, he had no part in that. He treated them both with respect, as he did all the ships… but…"

I'm glad to hear he was not involved in the horrific images I had witnessed from Akagi's memories, but Mikasa still looks uncomfortable… Is she… hiding something?

"Mikasa? Everything ok?" I ask concerned.

She sighs before offering me a pitying smile. "I'm not one for deception, Shikikan, everything I have spoken is the truth. But there are facts that you are clearly unaware of. The first carrier division must have had their reasons for not informing you. It's a personal matter, not my place to say."

She speaks with a serious tone, holding herself with a noble posture the entire time, but her eyes are filled with pity. She knew something, something that my wives had hidden from me?

"Mikasa, who was it that helped you break the ice with the Royal Navy? Secure you supplies that you sorely needed at the time? Come on, please, you owe me." I feel guilty trying to force her to speak, using an old favour from long ago, but I had no choice.

Her eyes narrow at me in disapproval before letting out a puff of annoyance and smiling once again. "I suppose… you have earned my loyalty, I shall permit it. But do not say that I did not warn you."

She takes a deep breath, then launches into her story.

"Hiroshi was assigned to the port, after Akagi broke, leading to the Dragon Empery incident and her association with the Sirens. Eventually, she settled back down, in part, thanks to her sister. She kept her distance from him, focusing purely on the war effort. Kaga on the other hand was shaken by her sister's actions and confided in him about her worries." She pauses, clearing her throat.

"This... was unexpected... Well... I'm sure you know what Kaga used to be like…"

I chuckle. "I…err, yea, I do. I remember rather vividly her trying to rip my throat out." Mikasa smiles slightly at my words.

"Well…yes… she could be… intense at times. Hence, her confiding her worries to someone, was rare. But the Shikikan was a good listener, and she was emotional. In the end, while Akagi was still certainly eccentric, she regretted her actions, and all was fine. But…"

She pauses, and I sense that we're getting to the point of contention in the story.

"Kaga… became quite close with him. She hid it of course. Outwardly she maintained that cold air of seriousness. But whispers like that spread like wildfire, the girls don't have much to talk about, so it was common knowledge. Akagi wanted nothing to do with him and disapproved of Kaga's bond with him. Nonetheless, they remained close."

She pauses yet again, gauging my reaction. "I must confess, I don't know how close exactly. But they went out a handful of times to the local town. Just the two of them, and late at night. These were rumoured to be dates, but I stress that is all I know, just rumours."

My mind races with the implications. Kaga had possibly dated him? Akagi had said he was their previous commander, nothing more, so she had lied to me? The thought makes me even more worried. Why? Akagi almost never lied, she prided herself on her honesty, seeing as she could detect lies herself.

Suddenly I feel Mikasa hand on my shoulder. "I told you. It was not my place. But you should know this. Whatever reason they had to hide this from you, it was not malicious. They are your wives, and they love you. I have never seen them as happy as they are when by your side, not in all the years I have known them. Remember that."

I try to calm myself and focus on her words. She's right, of course. I give Mikasa a shaky smile and thank her, rising from the bench and making my way back into the dorms, all the while, my head spinning from the story I had just been told.


After some walking, I manage to find my wives and Hiroshi, just exiting the dorms from the other side. As I approach, I see Kaga laughing at something he had said while Akagi grins, before turning to me.

I feel jealousy and anger bubble up inside me. She looked so happy with him.

Why on earth had they lied to me? Maybe there was more to it? Was Kaga closer to him than even Mikasa knew?

Doubts and worries swirl around my mind in a storm. I try my best to stem the tide.

Did it even matter? I was her husband now.

Was he the one who had placed that ring on her finger? No.

Was he the one she had given her purity to? No.

Was he the one who had loved and cherished her for nearly 6 years? No.

Was he the one who had made passionate love to her merely an hour ago? No.

Still, these facts do little to calm my frenzied thoughts. Akagi clearly notices that something is wrong, giving me a concerned look, but keeps her lips sealed.

The rest of the tour continues, and I am yet again, however begrudgingly, impressed by Hiroshi's handling of the port. We pass a handful more ships, and all of them give a smile and a courteous bow to their commander, then eye me curiously before moving on. He commanded respect from his charges, yet also treated them with equal respect, which was something that I liked to think was core to being a good commander myself.

I had known others to be cruel, derogatory, or just plain negligible in their duty as commander at various ports, so this furthered the proof that Hiroshi was indeed a good man, which in turn, made me worry more. How close had Kaga been to him? If he was that good of a man, to garner such admiration from her, how did he compare to myself?

We finish the tour, reaching his office. It's similar in many ways to my own. Smaller, like his port, but it has a quaint charm. Well decorated too, unlike my own. I tended to leave only the bare furnishings in my office, with the occasional medal and award.

But Hiroshi's walls are full of accolades, Sakura medals, letters from various factions and even shipgirls. In the centre of the office, a large wooden desk sits, along with a luxurious looking plush chair, which Hiroshi promptly places himself in.

"Well… I'm afraid that brings us to the end of my little tour. As I'm sure you can tell, not much has changed since you were last here, but you must forgive my eagerness. When I heard you were here, I just had to see and talk to you again, and a tour seemed like as good a reason as any."

He speaks to all of us, but his eyes are focussed on one thing, Kaga's face. I bristle at the attention he gives her but try my best to smile and hide it.

"I… don't suppose it would be too presumptuous to invite you out for food and drinks, later this evening?" He speaks, hope in his voice.

To my surprise, it is not me, nor Akagi who answers but Kaga. "That is a lovely offer, but we have to decline, perhaps in a couple of days? We… have plans, it is our wedding anniversary after all."

A flash of sincere disappointment cross his expression, which he quickly covers with a smile. "Ah, of course! I'm so sorry to impose as I have. It's odd… for me, to see you after all this time, and for you to now be married." I think I notice a sharp look of jealousy shot at me, but he quickly moves on.

"If you need anything during your stay, or wish to take me up on my offer, feel free to let me know. It's been a pleasure, Commander, Akagi… Kaga." He lists our name, looking to us, in turn, offering us a bow, lingering on Kaga more than I'm comfortable with.

Luckily, we promptly exit the office, and as expected, Akagi is at my side, worry covering her face as she makes me look her in the eye. "Dear Shikikan, where did you go before? You returned with such an expression on your face?"

I decide to at least tell her the partial truth, not that lying would ever work. "I went to talk to Mikasa. I was just interested in the port, and your own past."

Both of the foxes eyes widen in surprise and worry. Worry that I had discovered that which they had hid from me? Kaga looks an even paler shade of white, fear clearly evident on her face. She clears her throat and speaks.

"And… did you find out anything interesting?" She speaks nervously, her ears poised to discern the truth of my words.

"Let's get home, still got some sunbathing time before we need to get ready for tonight." I avoid the question altogether, wanting the whole affair to be over with. Although I doubt my mind will allow it.

Kaga still looks nervous, and Akagi regards me with surprise. But neither point out that I clearly avoided the question, more than likely scared of the answer.


After some blissful hours sunbathing and swimming in the pool. We began to get ready for our night out. Both my wives decided to wear relatively casual attire, Kaga an off the shoulder blue top with jeans, but paired with the expensive silver choker that I had purchased for her at this year's gala.

And Akagi had decided on a white strapless corset style top with a red skirt and black knee-high socks, which reminded me of her standard combat attire, minus the black flowing coat. I had simply clothed myself in some jeans and a white shirt, which I left undone at the top.

We wander around the small portside town for a while, and my two wives pointed out areas of interest to me. A café they used to frequent that did some of the best tea, a Sakura shrine that Akagi visited often and a restaurant that they both considered to serve some of the best food they had ever had.

And it was at this last one that we decide to spend most of the night. We enter and quickly manage to secure a cosy table in the corner of the small establishment. Akagi pulls our waiter aside and speaks rapidly in Sakura dialect, and before I realise it, a collection of romantic candles are arranged on the table.

I look at her curiously. She smiles and explains. "I told her that it's a special night for us. It's our first wedding anniversary after all."

As I smile in return, a thought comes unbidden to my mind, an ugly, horrible thought.

I wonder, did Hiroshi bring Kaga here? Did they sit at this very table even? Having a romantic evening by candlelight as she laughed at his jokes, their tails gently touching one another.

Bitter jealousy swells and worries swirl in my heart, while I try my best to suppress it. He was kitsune or at least half-kitsune. Did she prefer that? To boring old me? He was one of her kind after all.

Then, snapping me out of my thoughts, I focus on Kaga's face, right in front of me, a mixture of emotions displayed on her visage. She speaks forcefully, a glint of sorrow and even annoyance in her eyes. "Enough! Shikikan… you clearly know something, so say your piece now!"

"I…err…" I stumble over my words as Kaga regards me. I turn to Akagi and find that she is as surprised as me about Kaga's outburst.

"Dear Sister! This is not what we agreed…" Akagi stammers out, Kaga narrows her eyes at her sister in clear annoyance.

"He clearly knows something; he's been acting strange all day. Your ridiculous plan has failed. Not that I ever subscribed to it anyway. You should know as well as I that honesty is the best course of action. You gave me little choice, so I went along with it. But it stops now."

She turns and gives me a sympathetic look. "Dear husband, you are clearly plagued by something, tell me what it is, how much do you know?"

I blush, annoyed that I couldn't keep some simple feelings of jealousy to myself but nonetheless acquiesce. "Mikasa said you were close… with Hiroshi. All-day you've been fawning over him. It bothered me, even if it shouldn't have. And when Mikasa said you dated him…I…"

Kaga immediately holds her hand up, stopping me. She sighs before speaking slowly. "It is true, that I was once close with him. He was a good friend… and he still is…" Her gaze sharpens and becomes far more serious.

"He took me out for several late meals in town. Under the guise of secretary meetings. And…" She stops, her serious expression making way for a blush as she squirms uncomfortably. "…he did try to kiss me. That was when I realised, he saw those meals as dates… that he… wished to court me."

She looks me in the eye. "Not that it should matter to you, you are my husband regardless, but if you must know, I rejected him, rather harshly. Too harshly really in retrospect, I did not mince my words, I was rather straight-laced at the time. I thought it unprofessional for a Kansen and a commander to court one another…" Her face continues to transition to a bright shade of red.

"My mind… obviously changed on that matter… I found you to be… too interesting to pass up... I suspect he still harbours some lust for me, but he is genuinely a good man, you need not worry. Unless, of course, you suspect me of being capable of unfaithful acts?"

I shake my head quickly. This all made perfect sense. Mikasa herself had said it had simply been rumours, and even if it had been true, as Kaga said, I was her husband now, I had no reason to be jealous. Nonetheless, I cannot help but ask.

"So… you don't… prefer him?" She looks at me quizzically until she realises the meaning of my words and a sad smile graces her lips.

"Of course not. He might be kitsune, and a Sakura man, even a good man, yes. But these traits are not what is important. I look for far loftier attributes in my partner… My bond mate." She gazes at me, adoration clear in her eyes as her ears twitch happily and I feel very silly for ever feeling jealous in the first place, not when her love was clear as day.

But there is one thing still bugging me. "So, why lie?" I ask out of curiosity, not trying to sound accusatory, but just curious. Kaga rolls her eyes and points at Akagi.

"It was this bootlicker that lied, I would like to remind you." Akagi sheepishly looks away, her ears slightly drooping as a blush rises up her neck.

"Well… I did not wish for our anniversary to be ruined… It means a lot to me… and I was not sure how you would react to the knowledge that he had attempted to court Kaga in the past. I know how you worry… and I didn't want you distracted… from us… and me."

She looks up at me with a smile. "Selfish, I know… but truly, it is a special time for me. Celebrating our bond, our promise. The memories we've made… and the chance to make even more. Obviously… my methods became the problem, rather than the solution, my apologies, dear Shikikan."

I smile back at her, taking her hand, my finger running over her oath ring. I suppose it didn't really matter in the end. It was our anniversary, I wanted to focus on that now.

Akagi promptly hails the waiter and again speaks quickly in her home tongue. The waiter returns with three identical bottles and places them in front of each of us.

It doesn't take much to discern that this is Sakuran sake. Kaga eyes the drink happily, before taking a large gulp and sighing blissfully. "Ah… I do miss sake. It is such a pain to procure at the port." Likewise, Akagi downs a good portion of hers, enjoying the nostalgic drink. I take a tentative sip, unsure if I'll like it, but surprisingly, I find myself enjoying the taste far more than I thought I would.

Menus are placed in front of us, which I scan, trying to decipher the foreign language. Unfortunately, I do not understand any of the odd symbols and words. The only recognizable part of the sheet is the price next to each item.

Inside, I squirm in embarrassment and shame, I had 2 Sakura wives, yet had never made any attempt to learn their native language, I make a mental note to try and learn at least some basic phrases when we return home. In the meantime, I turn to my fair-haired fox-wife and ask her for assistance. She gives me a cute smile alongside a nod and starts listing the meals available.

All of the dishes sound exotic and strange, and I'm not really sure what to pick, so in the end, allow my wives to order in my stead, trusting in their experience with the restaurant and their knowledge of my own tastes.

For starters, I have deep-fried tofu, served with soy sauce. The quality and presentation of the dish are of high calibre, not something you would expect from such a small, unassuming restaurant. I can see why my wives spoke so fondly of the place.

Next, is the famous sushi that I heard so much about. Both fox sister's eyes light up when the waiter places it down in front of us and I'm glad to see them so happy. It was them talking so vividly about this very dish, in such a nostalgic tone and a glint of sadness in their eyes which had prompted me to make this trip my anniversary gift to them.

Naturally, they had also ordered the same for me. While I was not a huge fan of seafood, they had insisted I try it, guaranteeing I would love it regardless. I pick one of the colourful rolls up, struggling with the odd stick-like utensils, and plop it into my mouth.

Immediately, I'm overcome by the flavour. Smoked salmon, if my guess is correct. It's absolutely gorgeous, and I can't help but let out a hum of appreciation at the sensation. I hear a light voice giggle next to me and find that both my wives have been watching me, ears happily twitching this entire time, to see what I make of their favourite dish.

"I take it you like it, yes?" Akagi asks, mirth in her eyes. I nod in agreement and she smiles before quickly tucking into her own, handling her own chopsticks far more deftly than me. I've never seen my two wives finish a meal so quickly, ravenously demolishing the food in front of them, then ordering extras as well.

Afterwards, Kaga, never one to miss out on a sweet pudding, insists that we each have a traditional Sakura style pudding, a vanilla custard dessert. It's tasty, and on par with the quality of the rest of the dishes, although if, I'm honest, the sushi was far more impressive.

We finish the night with yet another bottle of sake each, moving to a drinking area in the small building, so we can all sit closer on a corner sofa together, enjoying our beverages. Both my wives lean into me on each side, and I cherish their warmth. Their tails slowly sway happily, brushing up against me as their ears twitch idly.

I let out a sigh, taking another sip of my drink before turning, giving Kaga a kiss on the forehead, to which her ears suddenly spur into motion before settling down again. I then turn to Akagi, before doing the same, and laying my head on hers, leaning on her from the side. They both snuggle closer and Kaga speaks up.

"Hmm… a whole year…"

"Best year of my life. And don't let anyone tell you differently. I wouldn't have had it any other way." I reply sincerely and the carrier blushes lightly. Times had been rough lately, and we had been through a lot sometimes, but still, I meant it when I said I wouldn't change anything.

To have these two, to cherish and to love. To hold close when times were tough, to hold close when times were good. That was everything to me. Quite frankly, it was bliss. I knew I was lucky, damn lucky, to have them by my side.

I find myself tearing up slightly as my thoughts linger on my feelings for my wives and Akagi grins when she notices. "Aww… getting emotional are we?" She teases me, but quickly eases up as a loving expression envelopes her face.

"…if I am entirely honest… so am I…" She pauses, looking me straight in the eye with her crimson irises burning away with an intensity of emotion. "I… am forever grateful, that you feel the same way for me, that I feel for you. I love you, Shikikan."

I take her in a tight hug and feel her hands run around my back and hug me tight in return. After a while, I pull away slightly and turn to Kaga, giving an equally tight hug, treasuring her as well. After we finish hugging, she looks to Akagi and speaks softly.

"Is now ok?" Akagi nods in return, so Kaga rummages around in her handbag, finding the object she was looking for and presenting it to me. It's a velvet box, not too dissimilar to the oath ring boxes I used when I proposed to the two foxes.

Akagi voice suddenly rings out, close to my ear as I feel her press closer to me from my right. "Your anniversary gift was so thoughtful… and we know full well that it was not a simple thing to organize…"

I begin to object, my modesty getting the better of me, but Kaga raises her eyebrows at me and I simmer down. Indeed, it had been… troublesome to get this trip approved. Not only was it bad timing, with Enterprise rogue, but both my wives had already used their annual leave. I had pulled several favours from higher up the chain of command to get it all sorted, but I still definitely owed some a drink, and more besides.

Akagi continues. "We wanted to get you something special. We both hope it's adequate."

To be honest, I didn't really care what they got me. I mean, I was interested, but regardless, it's not like it mattered. The trip was for them, but I did it to make them happy, not for something of equal value in return.

Nonetheless, I take the box with idle curiosity, and slowly open it, inspecting the contents. Within, nestled among soft velvet packaging, is a silver watch. It shines brightly and was obviously a labour of love by the watchmaker. The back face of the watch is a two-tone chromatic metal, between a deep crimson red and a smooth sapphire blue, clearly representing each of my wives.

The craftsmanship is apparent, this is clearly an incredibly expensive watch, far more than I would certainly spend myself. The numbers are displayed in silver roman numerals, and the intricate mechanism can be seen ticking away through a window in the back. Flipping the watch over, I find an inscription, delicately carved into the back.

A + K

"A part of us… with you for eternity"

A small foxtail is drawn below those words, the detail painstakingly carved into it, fur and all.

"Me and my dear sister visited the watchmaker, in the town near the port, and asked if he could do a custom order. More specifically, could he make a watch out of metal we provided." Kaga smiles as I look up at her, comprehending her words.

"He said he could, but it would be expensive. Regardless, me and my dear sister thought it to be a fitting present. So we commissioned it, he's been working on it for quite some time. At least 4 months?" She directs that last part to Akagi and she nods.

"Yes, at least. We are lucky he gave us a discount, otherwise, I'm not sure we could have afforded it, when we mentioned it was for the commander of the local port, he was quite pleased, said he wanted to thank you, and us, for the war effort, in his own way."

She waves her hand theatrically. "Regardless, I am getting off track. The metal we provided… was from our hulls. Mine was used for the front and Kaga's for the back. Then, it was plated in silver."

I gasp at my wife's words, my hands running over the shinning gift in my hands. Metal.. from their very hulls… So that's what the inscription meant…

Kaga smiles at my reaction. "That's not all, turn it back around. Look at the hands."

I obediently turn it over, eyeing the hands of the watch closely, looking for some detail that I had missed. The main hand has a small crimson ruby inset, and the second hand has a similar blue sapphire set on it.

But this isn't what catches my eye. At the very tip of each hand, there is a very slight indent, in which, a strange shimmering material lies. It's almost colourless, yet countless sparkles and lights shimmer within it, it's very nature makes it captivating to look at, my eyes drawn into it.

I realise what it is and cover my mouth to try and hide my surprise. How?

Akagi giggles next to me. "You know what that is, I take it?"

I take my hand away from my mouth, still captivated by the beautiful material, but manage to tear my eyes away, to view my wife. "A part of your… wisdom cubes?"

"Well, yes, just a tiny sliver. One from each of us, mine on the main hand, Kaga's on the minute hand. We liked the idea of the hull, but we wanted to take it one step further, so Akashi helped us out. Almost painless procedure, as I said, it's barely a sliver."

"Almost?" I question, immediately worried.

Kaga replies to my left. "Well… it stung a little, but it was worth it for that look on your face now, I can assure you, do not worry so."

I smile, and undo the clasp on the watch, sliding it gently onto my wrist and securing it in place. It's a work of art in its own right, but the fact so much thought went into its construction, that my wives were willing to give me a part of them to hold close to me, for when they were not so close, was the truly beautiful part about it.

"Thank you. Both of you, so much. That's… so thoughtful." I give them both a quick kiss in gratitude. Their tails wag in unison, happy that I'm happy. An idea comes to mind, and I voice it.

"So… 1 year of marriage… what's been your favourite part?" Akagi immediately grins mischievously.

"Is it allowed to be lewd dear?" Her arm snakes up my chest as she eyes me with a playful smile.

"Trust you to be the lewd one… But I suppose it is…" I blush, but reply truthfully, I mean, it was a part of our married life after all.

"Well… any of the times you've satisfied my libido would be ripe for picking… That time Kaga marked you with her fangs was a fantastic night… the three of us, in the delightful throes of passion. You did such a number on her… I did ever so enjoy watching…" One of her tails ventures over to Kaga and brushes up her sister's leg, causing Kaga to squeal in embarrassment.

"…As was the time when I allowed you to use me to your heart's content… like the good little fox I am…. I wore a collar… did I not? And you enjoyed holding the leash… I know you did…" Her voice gets lower and huskier the more she speaks, her hand moving from my chest, lower still, till it reaches my thigh, and she giggles as she strokes the area.

I have to grit my teeth to stop myself moaning at her sensuous words and actions. Admittedly, I too remembered those nights fondly. Akagi suddenly stops, drawing back, then speaking in a clearer tone.

"Well… all of that was fantastic. But truly, I do jest, to a degree. My absolute favourite moment? It was when I came home from work, tired and drenched. My fur was sodden wet, and honestly, I was rather miserable. It had been a horrible day, full of hard work, and bad weather. You greeted me with a towel, cared for me, even prepared a change of clothes ready… It was very thoughtful dear… I… treasured it…" She confesses to me, a rare blush creeping up her neck, and I smile at her.

I remember it like it was yesterday. She had gotten emotional towards the end of the day, and had reasserted her feelings for me were known, it had been very sweet of her. I turn to Kaga, raising an eyebrow, wondering what her answer would be.

A light shade of red creeps up her neck as she replies. "I… I'm not sure to be honest… so many to choose from… But... if I had to choose but one. It would be when you took care of me, after… …her attack." She carefully avoids mentioning Archiver's name, shooting a concerned glance at her sister. Luckily, Akagi seems to be in an unbreakably happy mood and takes no notice.

She continues. "You insisted you would cook, you cared for me. Tried to make me feel better about myself. It was… a very husband-like thing to do. I think that was the first time I fully realised, that's what I have… someone willing to do that for me… that cares about me in that way. And that I was incredibly lucky to have that, even if my pride denied it."

She gives a pure, heart-warming smile as her eyes water and her many tails bustle around in happiness. I leap at her, giving her another deep hug along with some kisses. Damn, she was just so adorable… So loving… Why was I so worried earlier?

"And… what about your choice, dear husband?" Akagi runs an arm around my shoulder, turning my head gently towards her.

"All of it. Every moment." I answer immediately. Akagi rolls her eyes.

"Oh, please, how cliché. Here we are carefully picking specific moments, and you want to be a soppy romantic and claim all of it!"

I blush deeply but protest. "…I… well it's the truth!"

Akagi snuggles closer, kissing the tip of my nose before speaking quietly and softly. "I know… I can tell. I was just teasing you…"

Kaga snuggles close on my left as she takes another swig of drink. Akagi speaks in my ear, whispering. "Well… let's get these drinks empty, then head back. I'm sure there's still another anniversary present you would love to unwrap… Maybe your favourite moment is yet to…"

She presses herself even further into me, her lips brushing my ear.

"come…"

She speaks slowly, sensually, emphasising her last word with as much innuendo as she can muster, and I shudder. Jeez… she was insatiable, and I loved it. I immediately grab my drink and down it with renewed vigour, eager to finish and get back to what awaited me.