Nanami finally woke to the warm, fluffy embrace of a very naked Akagi. Her eyes widened, then she realized she was naked as well. Suddenly what they did the night before came back to her, and she burned red.
Akagi, awake this entire time, but pretending to sleep, smiled. Her Commander clearly had not been in her right mind last night, but that was okay. She had not even put anything special in the food, only spices. Though maybe it was one of the spices that did it. Spicy food is known to be an aphrodisiac in many corners of the world after all.
Running through the list she came to one that amused her, anise. She remembered an anecdote about anise acting to canines like catnip was to cats. However, she waved that one off as Nanami was decidedly not a canine.
As Akagi thought through this, Nanami was getting her thoughts in order.
Okay, we slept together, not a big deal. We are both adults. But what happened? Did she put something in the food? Or was it just happenstance? I have never been good with spicy foods. I love them, but sometimes they make me excessively warm like last night. But I have never done that because of them.
Then she noticed Akagi smiling down at her, and her face burned again.
"My Nanami is so cute when she blushes like that, I wish it would happen more," Akagi fawned.
Nanami managed to get herself under control enough to speak, "Akagi, thank you for the incredible night. And while I honestly could fall asleep in your embrace again and forgo work, I think it is best we get ready. And...it would be best if Amagi does not find out about this..." The mention of her sister made Akagi's expression sour quickly. If Amagi found out this early...she shuddered at her sister's temper.
With that decided, they got ready, Nanami assisting Akagi in getting dressed, and vice versa. They parted ways at the door, Akagi returning to the dorms, Nanami heading to the office They had not had time for breakfast, but she thought that was for the better. No need to risk another incident.
When Nanami arrived at the office, and the normal group had already gathered. Her secretaries, and her advisers, along with Belfast were already present. There was a hot breakfast with a cup of tea waiting on her desk, no doubt thanks to the Head Maid.
"Good morning ladies. I am happy to see everyone here so early. And Belfast, your presence in the office is always welcome," Nanami greeted the women.
"Good morning Mistress, your breakfast is on your desk. Thank you for your kind words Mistress," Belfast returned the greeting and directed Nanami to her desk, taking her hat for her. Nanami ate quickly, enjoying the meal, but wanting to get to work, as the inbox of papers was dauntingly tall. However, as always she had the help of her wonderful team, so it should not take long to go through all of them.
Looking over the papers, Nanami realized many of them were acquisitions requests being routed by the Maid Corps for the Royal Navy. She did not find any reason to deny most of them. Some were duplicates, and were tossed out once Belfast was conferred with to ensure they weren't necessary duplicates. After an hour of this, Amagi came over to run over a some paperwork she had been working when she suddenly stopped.
"Oh what is this?" Amagi asked, leaning forward and plucking a long hair off of Nanami's back. Seeing the hair, Nanami's blood ran cold. It was from one of Akagi's tails. Amagi realized what it was as soon as she had seen it. She had cleaned up after Akagi enough when they were younger after all, in another life perhaps.
"Commander? Can we speak privately please?" Amagi requested of Nanami in private. Nanami nodded, mortified at what was to come. She straightened up her desk a bit, and then they left and found an empty room.
Amagi resumed her questions, "Do you care to explain why you have a hair from one of my sister's tails on you this early in the morning?"
"Akagi came over and we had dinner last night. She helped me set out my uniform for the morning before leaving. It must have happened then," Nanami lied with a stone face. Years of no emotions had given her a perfect poker face for things like this. Though she hated lying to Amagi, Akagi had agreed that her finding out would be disastrous for them both currently.
"Oh, is that it? Is that why Kaga was covering for my sister last night when she didn't show up by lights out?" Amagi asked overly-sweetly. Nanami was cornered, and she had to figure out how to navigate this minefield without triggering another one.
"I am sorry for lying to you Amagi. I did not think you would approve of Akagi staying at my home through the night, so I tried to hide it from you. Much like the time Enterprise, yourself and I slept in the same bed, Akagi and I shared my bed when it got to late for me to let her return to the dorms," Nanami explained thoroughly, perhaps a little too thoroughly.
"That does sound like her. You are both adults, and far be it from me to decide what you do. Although, I'm wary of how in depth your excuse was. I will let it be for now. Just remember, though Akagi is difficult, she is my sister, and she has a loyal, but fragile heart. If you do anything to break it..." Amagi trailed off, letting the threat hang unsaid.
However, in her own mind she was jealous. She could guess what had happened, and she was both upset with and proud of her sister. She had outmaneuvered Amagi, and that was to be praised. But it would not happen again. Amagi began planning on the spot.
Nanami had barely answered affirmatively before Amagi added, "Good, now, let's go back and finish that paperwork up shall we?" When they returned they found that most of the left over paperwork was already done, Belfast had jumped in to assist as well, and she was a deft hand at paperwork, especially that which involved the Maid Corps.
Since that was the case, Nanami decided she needed to pay the girls in the Infirmary a visit once the paperwork concluded. Notifying the office and dismissing those who didn't need to be there, she made the short trip to the Infirmary. She knew all three girls would still be there, though Choukai and Shoukaku should be close to being discharged.
Nanami left with Takao, who was headed to visit Choukai, and hen they arrived, Choukai, Maya and Atago were in conversation with Vestal. Takao looked to Nanami for dismissal, at which Nanami waved her on. Takao gave bowed deeply before hurrying off. Moving past the girls Nanami approached Hibiki's bed. However, like the other times she visited, the girl was asleep.
She brushed the girl's hair out of her face lightly, and stood, simply watching her face as it made light movements while she dreamed. For some reason she felt over-protective of the destroyers. Especially those like the Mutsuki class. She wanted to care for them. Maybe Pennsylvania had been right...maybe she was too soft when it comes to the destroyers. Maybe they were the one hole in her emotionless armor. She refused to believe that.
When she saw Hibiki like this, all she wanted to do was tear apart the Sirens responsible. Ignoring those thoughts she gave a silent prayer for Hibiki's health, and then walked towards Shoukaku's bed. Her curtains were now pulled back, and the sisters had been watching Nanami as she cared for Hibiki.
As Nanami approached, she realized they had been watching. She may get a reputation for being soft at this rate. However, that was nothing like what the sisters were thinking. They were appreciating the side of her that she rarely showed. She really cared for the destroyers, and it was nice to see the stone-faced woman drop what they thought was an emotionless facade, even if only for a moment.
"Hello Shoukaku, Zuikaku, how are you doing today?" Nanami greeted the pair.
Zuikaku responded first, "I am well, Commander, thank you."
"I am doing much better Commander, ready to return to...flagship of the Quick Response Fleet as soon as I am fully healed," Shoukaku said, putting on a brave face. Unfortunately for her, that hesitation was what Nanami heard, and Zuikaku's concern was clear. Shoukaku was not ready for this again. Her confidence was still shaken. Nanami had been prepared for this though.
"Give me a moment girls. I will be right back," Nanami told them before walking over to the Takao sisters who were now talking amongst one another as they waiting on paperwork from Vestal.
"Excuse me ladies, may I borrow Takao for a moment? Choukai, I am glad to see you are doing well enough to be discharged from the infirmary," Nanami asked as they fell silent at her approach. Choukai waved Nanami forward and Nanami knew what was about to happen.
Giving her a kiss on the cheek again, Choukai giggled, "Thank you again for the rescue Commander. Don't take too long with Takao now!" Nanami smiled slightly, nodding before getting close to Takao.
She whispered, "Would you be willing to take on a position change within the office? You would no longer be a secretary, and would only have to focus on the bodyguard role that you seem to enjoy." Upon hearing Nanami's words, Takao's eyes shined. She couldn't even speak, just nodded her head.
"Wonderful, thank you Takao, I owe you," Nanami said, not thinking of the potential consequences of those words.
She returned to the crane sisters, closed the curtains, and explained, "I am sorry Shoukaku, but you will not be returning to your flagship role. Not immediately at least. I want you by my side in the office again."
"What? Why? Have you lost confidence in me? Do you not trust me?" Shoukaku fired question after question in desperation. Any semblance of control she had previously mustered was gone now. Her face betrayed the hurt and doubt in her mind.
"No, I trust you more than I did before the battle. You managed to lead your fleet out of a vicious trap while minimizing casualties and completing the mission. That is quite impressive," Nanami praised. Shoukaku blushed slightly at the effusive praise from the Commander, but that answer didn't satisfy her.
"Then why are you relegating me back to the office? Wouldn't I be more useful to you in a fleet?" She asked pointedly. Nanami's gaze softened, this really was important to Shoukaku. However, Nanami could not risk a flagship that wasn't 100% sure of their actions taking lead of a fleet. She needed Shoukaku to regain her confidence, her swagger. She needed the woman who proclaimed herself just as capable as Akagi.
"You would, but not as you are now. I trust you, but you don't trust yourself. You would second-guess every one of your own orders. Therefore, I want you in the office to learn how the joint fleet runs. When you return to flagship, I will be having you helm a joint fleet as a hunter-killer force. You will be my sword, hunting and cutting down the enemy proactively," Nanami explained quietly. Shoukaku couldn't take it that Nanami had seen through her so easily. She immediately began to tear up. Nanami, seeing this, stepped forward and hugged the girl, just as she had previously.
Shoukaku managed to hold back the tears in the comforting embrace of the commander. She knew that Nanami was right, she just hadn't wanted to address it. She still didn't trust herself to lead women into battle again, and she wasn't sure when she would. Not after leading them into a trap like that. Why couldn't she have the supreme confidence that Akagi still maintained despite what happened at Midway?
Pulling away from Nanami, Shoukaku finally replied, "I...I understand Commander. I will serve as your secretary and aide de camp until I am capable of leading others into battle once more. I will do you proud, and I will surpass the senpai of 1st Carrier Division." Nanami smiled at the glimpse of her previous confidence. That confidence would be necessary for her to regain her place as a flagship. When they stopped talking, Vestal came through the curtains to discharge Shoukaku.
Nanami took her leave. Takao stood to follow, but Nanami shook her head. She should spend more time with Choukai, and Nanami would manage the office with Essex. When she arrived, Essex was the only one there, and Nanami realized just how hard this woman had been working. Looking at her, she was clearly tired.
"Essex come over to the couch for a moment," Nanami requested. Pausing, Essex ultimately took the request as an order and walked to Nanami who was sitting on the couch. Nanami patted couch next to her, and Essex sat down. Without waiting for Essex to speak, Nanami pulled her into an embrace, resting the carrier's head upon her shoulder, stroking her hair.
If Nanami had looked, she would have seen Essex's face turning incredibly red, but at the same time, her eyes began to droop immediately.
"You've been working so hard for the fleet Essex. Please rest for a bit. We can finish the work later. For now, sleep," Nanami praised the girl before ordering her to sleep. Essex felt her throat constrict a bit. She didn't think anyone had noticed her hard work. Especially not Nanami or Enterprise. But here Nanami was, praising her. Nanami then did something even more unexpected, and patted her lap, motioning for Essex to lay down using her lap as a pillow. Essex followed orders like a good ship, and almost promptly fell asleep.
Looking down on the woman as she slept, Nanami could not help but think how cute she was, both awake and asleep. She worked hard, sought the approval of her superiors, and was genuinely a good person. Hopefully Enterprise could see it in her some day to acknowledge the woman face to face. Almost on cue, Enterprise opened the door, but froze when she saw what was happening. Her jealousy rose, but she battered it back to enter the room, Nanami holding a finger to her lips.
Amagi entered behind, and, like Enterprise, felt a pang of jealousy at seeing Essex peacefully sleeping on Nanami's lap. The pair of them sat on the opposite couch, and then Amagi had an idea. She motioned for Enterprise to lay down on her lap in the same manner, her sly smile barely concealed. Enterprise began to argue, but Essex's face scrunched up as she slept, and that stopped any protest from the older carrier. She laid down with her head on Amagi's lap, and now it was Nanami's turn to feel a tad bit jealous.
Nanami took out her phone and took a photo of the peaceful scene. Then the pair of them sat there with the carriers sleeping on their laps for almost an hour when Essex began to stir. Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes blearily.
"Commander, I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was that tired. How long did I sleep?" She asked before turning to see Enterprise sleeping on Amagi's lap. She froze, taking in the adorable scene of the legendary Enterprise using the brilliant Amagi's lap as a pillow.
"Only two hours. You deserved it though. And if you want it, I took a picture of that scene," Nanami whispered in Essex's ear. A shiver ran down Essex's spine at the feeling of Nanami's breath on her ear, but she managed to nod slowly.
Nanami smiled before grabbing Essex's phone, putting her number in and sending a text to get Essex's number. A couple seconds later and the younger carrier had in her possession a photo of her idol sleeping soundly. Nanami almost felt bad for enabling this hero worship.
The sound of Essex's phone pinging woke Enterprise who sat up rapidly to try to maintain some semblance of decorum. Smiling at the scene, Nanami decided to call the office out for the day. They could manage an early day once in a while.
"The three of you can go home early. I am going to stay because I have to make a call to the Admiral. And it won't be a pleasant one, so I would rather the office be cleared out for it."
"Okay Commander, let me tidy my desk first, and I will be gone," Essex immediately stood and went to the desk. She had it tidied in less than a minute.
Meanwhile Amagi responded as well, "If that is what you wish, we shall leave. However we should set something up for tonight. You will be getting home late from your exercises correct? In that case, I will cook for you, as my exercises end before yours." She offered to cook, much like Akagi had when told they would have dinner together. Nanami felt a slight jolt of excitement. What would the woman who raised Akagi cook?
"Offering to do that is very kind of you, and I would appreciate it greatly. However, we cannot just leave out Enterprise can we? En would you join us?" Nanami agreed, handing over her keys. Essex had already left, so she wouldn't be feeling left out by the ongoing conversation..
"Yes En, please do join us," Amagi added, her voice teasing. Enterprise tried to wave them off, but ultimately acquiesced to their requests. She decided it would be nice to have a dinner with the pair of them. She didn't dare hope for anything more, like last time.
With that decided, Nanami bid them both farewell for the moment, and turned to the phone. She stared at it before getting up and walking over. Her hand hovered over it for a moment before she picked it up and dialed her uncle's direct, secure office number.
Ring Ring Ring Click
"You have Admiral Taylor, go ahead when ready."
A/N: So it has been a short while. I apologize for the length between chapters. This may become the new normal as I have become extremely busy recently. We just got a 4th snake, and I am busy trying to plan a business. However, I will be writing as much as possible
Thank you all for the support and reviews, over 6000 views and over 50 favorites! I really do appreciate all of you!
Oh, I also nearly broke a toe being my normal clumsy self. 30 pounds of steel does not play nice with toes.
