The same day as the meeting, Akagi wandered into the office, and when she saw Enterprise began to turn around, but Nanami had already seen her.

"Akagi, come here, now," Nanami demanded from her desk. Enterprise was at her side because they had been working on some paperwork together. Akagi obeyed, slowly crossing the room to stand in front of Nanami's desk. Her eyes never left Enterprise, the strong look of disgust pained Nanami.

Nanami stood up, went around the desk, then asked, "Amagi, are there any destroyers present?"

"No Commander," she answered, a knowing smile plastered on her face. With that answer, Nanami pulled Akagi's face down to her level, and kissed her. Akagi melted into the kiss, and once they separated, Nanami held her close.

"Enterprise is not to blame for what happened the other day. That was my fault alone. You are to forgive her immediately. That is an order from your Commander," Nanami whispered, and Akagi nodded, eager to please. She fell back into the chair behind her when Nanami released her grip.

"Good girl, now, help us with this paperwork. These wounds limit my pain-free movement quite a bit," Nanami explained, and with Akagi's sudden help, Nanami and Enterprise returned to the paperwork. The rest of the office sat there in varying states of amusement and jealousy until she glanced up with a questioning look.

The next week was a whirlwind of activity, and Nanami would have worked herself half to death if her secretaries hadn't forced her to take frequent breaks. Visits from the Mutsuki class destroyers kept her spirits up. Volunteers from each fleet were asked to provide harmonics samples to Akashi and Yuubari.

She also took time every day to visit the girls in the infirmary. Luckily, as each day passed, more were released, until on Friday, only Helena and Cleveland remained. It also happened to be the first day Nanami caught them awake.

"Commander, you came to visit," Cleveland called as she noticed Nanami limp into the room. Helena turned hiding her face from Nanami who gingerly pulled a chair up between their beds.

"Of course I did. Did you think I would avoid seeing you two?" Nanami asked in mock offense. Cleveland shook her head, but Helena kept looking the other way.

"Helena, why are you avoiding my eyes?" the commander coaxed the cruiser to speak. When Helena turned back towards Nanami, tears were streaming down her face.

She sobbed, "I'm so sorry Commander. I-I failed. Everyone go-got hurt because of me." She would have continued if Nanami didn't reach out and grab her hand to calm her.

"Helena, you are not to blame for what happened. Quite the opposite in fact. We managed to get through the battle without a single loss. Yes, many were wounded, but that was unavoidable. You and Cleveland bought us enough time. For that I will always be grateful to you two," Nanami comforted the distraught cruiser. At the same time she surprised Cleveland by grabbing her hand as well.

Helena's tears slowly stopped, but she still sniffled, "Commander I still feel we didn't do enough. Please give me another chance to keep everyone safe!" Nanami sighed, but she understood Helena's feelings. She felt the same way after all.

"Helena, the moment you are able, I will bring you back to active duty," she promised.

Cleveland cut in, attempting to slightly change the subject, "Commander, thank you for saving us. We heard what you did to the Siren. I'm sorry I couldn't protect Helena better like you ordered." Nanami shook her head. These two would need help to stand back on their feet again. Purifier may have done more damage to their psyche than she did to their bodies.

"Cleveland, like I told Helena, you did everything you could. That Siren was a nasty piece of work. I was lucky to come out of the encounter as well off as I did," she reassured the normally energetic Cleveland. The words seemed to bring back a little of that spark she had before the battle. Of course, she wouldn't tell them that she had, for a couple of days, occupied the bed next to Cleveland.

"Now, I wish I could stay longer, but urgent matters have come about due to the attack that require my attention. Please do not hesitate to call for me if you need to talk. I will always have an open ear for you," Nanami apologized before standing and leaving the infirmary.


When the weekend arrived Nanami planned to continue to work, going into the office early on Saturday morning. Since it was still too hard for her to properly dress in her uniform on her own, Nanami had gone with simplicity and slipped on a sundress. As she entered the room someone spoke and startled her.

"I thought I would find you sneaking in here this morning, on a day you should be resting," Hood chastised from one of the sitting room chairs. She had a cup of tea in front of her, and another freshly poured cup directly across from her.

"Please sit Nanami. If you have the energy to come into work alone, you have the energy to spend the day with me like you promised," Hood insisted, and Nanami couldn't deny her. She sat down across from Hood, doing her best to hold her own with the elegant woman before her.

Hood continued, "Queen Elizabeth is having another tea party this afternoon, and she wanted me to invite you. That gives us the rest of the day to spend together." Nanami smiled, she knew there was no escape from this promise. Not that she didn't want to spend time with Hood, her mind was just elsewhere.

As if she was reading Nanami's mind, Hood stood up and made her way around the table before leaning over and kissing Nanami. The kiss was long and when it was over, Hood lips lingered centimeters form Nanami's.

"Was that enough to get your full attention dear, or shall I remind you again who I am?" Hood asked softly, her breath tickling Nanami's face.

Nanami reached up and cupped Hood's face as she whispered, "Another reminder would be nice." Hood closed the short gap between them again, this time smiling as she kissed her Commander. And for the rest of that day Nanami would be hers and hers alone.

They left the office together and headed to Nanami's house where Nanami started making breakfast. But her injuries were still limiting her movements, and she struggled. Seeing this struggle, Hood got up and helped, and together the pair made a simple breakfast of eggs, bacon, and pancakes.

After breakfast, Nanami and Hood chatted for a short while before going for a walk. They even went off base and walked around the city, stopping at a small park nearby and people watching.

When they began to get hungry for lunch, Nanami suggested they stop at a ramen shop that one of the Sakura girls had recommended. At first she worried that it was a little to low class for Hood, but the look on the Royal woman's face upon taking a bite completely wiped away those worries.

When they finished, they headed back to base so they wouldn't be late for the Queen's tea party. The tea party took place in a gazebo in the gardens behind the Royal dorms. It was a much smaller affair than the first tea party, the participants being Nanami, Hood, Queen Elizabeth, Warspite, Dunkerque, Illustrious, and Tirpitz.

Nanami enjoyed the casual conversation with the group as the gentle sea breeze wafted over the gardens. It was shockingly normal, something she hadn't realized was missing from her life. But it was dangerously comforting, and she found herself relaxing in front of others far more than she had in months.

Nanami and Hood passed a couple hours in the tea party before excusing themselves under the pretense of a guided tour of the gardens. The spring flowers were in full bloom, and the pair stopped in front of a fountain when Nanami spun Hood to face her. In a single motion she moved in to kiss Hood again, and when they separated, Hood seemed a little flustered.

"What was that for Nanami?" she asked breathlessly.

Nanami smiled at her reaction before answering, "It was a thank you, for reminding me how to relax."

"I wouldn't mind another show of gratitude whenever you feel the need," Hood teased, and was surprised when Nanami did just that.

"Oh...well, you are quite welcome," Hood breathed after they separated a second time. After a little longer wandering the gardens, they slipped out a side entrance and made their way to the waterfront until the sun began to set. Once they returned to Nanami's house, they cooked dinner together.

Nanami saw how dark it was outside and offered, "Would you like to stay the night?"

Hood smiled, answering, "I would love to Nanami." She followed Nanami to the bedroom, and they both slipped out of their outer clothes. Once on the bed, Hood lingered over Nanami before leaning in and kissing her deeply. Nanami pulled her closer, ignoring the pain in her side, but Hood laughed lightly and shook her head, her hair tickling Nanami's face.

"Not on the first date Nanami. Besides you are still too injured for much fun. Next time I'll bring a surprise for you," she denied Nanami's advances, but still gave her another kiss.

She continued, "For now you'll have to settle for this." She kissed her over and over before eventually settling in for the night.


Two days later, the representatives of each faction gathered at the docks to meet the incoming main fleets of the Iron Blood, Vichya Dominion and Sardegna.

Nanami sent the ambassadors out to meet their respective fleets and guide them into port. When they finally arrived, Nanami stepped forward to greet them.

"Hello ladies, it is my pleasure to welcome the Iron Blood, Vichya Dominion, and Sardegna forces into the fold. I am-" Nanami began, but was cut off by one of the Iron Blood riggings. It charged toward her, and Takao moved to intercept, but Nanami waved her back. Instead she stood her ground and stared the rigging down.

Its dual heads stopped on a dime, inches from her face, and she reached up to pet them both. As she pet them, her attention moved back to the fleets arrayed in front of her.

"As I was saying, I am Nanami Winters, your Commander," she finished her introduction as the rigging's right head began to nuzzle her. She leaned into it, a smile on her face, and one of the Iron Blood girls laughed.

"Oops," she said unconvincingly, before calling the rigging back to her. It spun around, returning to its master, but not before she was chastised by the tall woman at the head of the fleet.

"Eugen, you did that on purpose. You are lucky the Commander was not injured by your stunt," she admonished before turning to Nanami and continuing, "It is good to meet you finally Commander, I am Bismarck, the first of my class, and Chancellor of the Iron Blood Fleet. Please allow me to apologize for the insubordination of Prinz Eugen. It is a bad habit of hers."

Nanami looked Bismarck over for a moment. She was slightly taller than her sister, but with long blonde hair and clear blue eyes. Her rigging boasted four heads each with a massive two barrel cannon.

Once she was satisfied Nanami smiled and responded, "There is no need to apologize. I understand her want to test me." Then she turned to Tirpitz, "Tirpitz dear, you may tell your sister the information I previously embargoed." Tirpitz nodded and stepped up to her sister to whisper in her ear.

"Oh? That's quiet the revelation Commander. I look forward to speaking to you about it at length," Bismarck remarked with a smile. Nanami politely returned her smile and turned to the woman carrying the flag of the Vichya Dominion.

Upon receiving the Commander's attention she stepped forward and introduced herself, "Commander, I am Jean Bart, Richelieu-class battleship and the Dominion's cutting-edge battleship. I'll judge for myself how deftly you can chart our course."

Then she turned to Richelieu and added, "Sister, I hope all of your praying brings us success, but if it doesn't, I'm ready to fight, are you?"

Nanami stood aside,observing the new arrival and allowing the the conflict to resolve itself.

Richelieu gracefully responded, "So long as you fight, I will have your back dear sister. I have missed you Jean Bart."

"Ah...don't make me say it...I've missed you too Richelieu," Jean Bart replied sheepishly. Nanami noted Jean Bart's light brown hair was worn in a long ponytail and her light red eyes seemed to analyze everything as potential prey.

A Sardegnan ship cut in, "Such a touching reunion between two beautiful roses. Ah, but excuse my interruption Commander. I am Littorio, second in command of the Sardegna forces, just as I am the second of the Vittorio Veneto-class battleships. I shall be your indomitable ally if you would but wear a smile for me upon your cute face."

Nanami stared at the Sardegna woman impressed by how forward she was. Without a word or a smile, Nanami crossed the distance between her and Littorio. Nanami stopped right in front of her and noted that Littorio was undoubtedly a beauty with her long green hair and her red-orange eyes.

She motioned for Littorio, who was significantly taller than her to lean down to her level. The women who had been at the Sakura banquet that first week Nanami was on base knew what was coming next, but the rest of the women held their collective breath.

Littorio's cocky smile was charming, but Nanami did not mince words, "I reserve my smiles for those who have earned them Littorio. If you wish me to smile your way, earn it. Until then..." As she trailed off, she slowly pushed Littorio away. In that moment, Littorio decided that she would earn that smile.

"Well ladies, please follow your representatives to your dorms. Leaders, I will be in the office if you need me, your representatives can guide you after you settle in, or you can follow me back now," Nanami announced, turning to the assembled women. Bismarck deigned to see her fleet to the dorms first, but Jean Bart and Littorio followed Nanami.

On their way back, they passed a group of destroyers playing together in the water near the warehouse. Nanami stood and watched them for a moment, and realized that there were destroyers from Eagle Union, Sakura Empire, and the Royal Navy all together. The sight made her smile, but she had work to do, so they moved on.

When they arrived at the office, Nanami greeted Belfast and Essex before sitting down at the coffee table in the sitting room. Hood, Littorio, Jean Bart, and Richelieu sat as well and Belfast immediately began bringing tea and coffee out. After a short conversation Bismarck and Tirpitz arrived as well.

Tirpitz headed towards the secretaries' office but Nanami called out to her and quickly crossed the room to her side.

"Tirpitz, thank you for all of your help today. Really since you have arrived you have been nothing but incredibly helpful. Also...thanks for keeping my secret. It must have been difficult to hide such a thing from your sister," Nanami thanked her while holding one of her hands. Tirpitz looked the other way, trying to hide the blush appearing on her face.

"I...y-you can always trust me Na-I mean Commander," Tirpitz replied.

Nanami gave her a glowing smile and leaned in to whisper, "Tirpitz, you know you may call me by my name." Tirpitz just blushed harder and shook her head.

"I couldn't possibly do that in a professional setting..in public..." the battleship mumbled quietly.

"How about in private? Would you like to talk over dinner? As a reward for all your hard work," Nanami questioned. Tirpitz threw a glance at her sister who was watching the exchange from her seat. Luckily for Tirpitz, she was far enough away that she couldn't pick up on what they were saying.

"I...would be happy to dine with you," she admitted to Nanami's delight.

"Tonight then, how does that sound?" Nanami happily asked, but Tirpitz reluctantly shook her head.

"My...sister...has plans she'll tell you about," she explained.

Nanami simply answered, "Well then, we will come up with a better time later. I will let you get to work, since I have kept you so long." Tirpitz nodded and swiftly walked into the next room, eager to escape the embarrassment of having that conversation in front of so many. When Nanami returned to the group in the sitting room, Bismarck raised an eyebrow.

"You and my sister seem...close," she commented, a wry smile on her face.

"I was simply thanking her for all of her work the last two weeks," Nanami said, hiding part of her conversation. She added, "Tirpitz has made herself indispensable since arriving."

"Oh? Is that why she was trying to hide how strongly she was blushing? I've never seen her show that much emotion," Bismarck remarked dryly. Then she rapidly changed the subject, "Whatever your relationship to my sister, I would like to invite you to a banquet tonight at 8. The Iron Blood fleet wishes to have a celebration of sorts for our arrival here. Nothing overly fancy, but plenty of traditional dishes, a little taste of our homeland. Vichya and Sardegna fleets will also be in attendance and providing food from their respective nations."

Nanami nodded, assuring, "I would be more than happy to attend. Formal dress?"

"Yes, formal attire would be best," Bismark clarified. Soon thereafter the conversation turned to more serious matters, and much of the morning was spent in group discussion.


A/N: We hit 100+ favorites! You are all amazing! Thank you for all the support! And welcome the main fleets of the Iron Blood, Vichya Dominion, and Sardegna!

As some of you have pointed out, yes I meant she kissed Akagi...one letter difference folks.