Little Surprise
Commander's room...
Eight o'clock, the alarm roused the Commander from his sleep. Reaching out for the snooze button, he lazily pressed it before cuddling into his pillow more and falling asleep. Not a minute later, he felt a warm, slick sensation flick across his cheek, startling him awake. His eyes opened to see light gray irises reflecting his own brown eyes. He looked around to see the compromising situation he and Belfast were in. Though in vain as he tried to struggle against her grip as she held him closer, he eventually gave up.
"Good morning Master, I assume you slept well?" she asked with crimson-colored cheeks.
"I- uh, yeah...why are you in my bed?"
"You pulled me into bed just as I was about to leave."
"Oh god..."
"You were unconscious."
"So we didn't... never mind that. How did you wake me up, definitely wasn't your hand that touched my face." the place where he felt the sensation was now cold.
The crimson hue on her cheeks grew deeper as her face got closer to his again. He froze up before she lightly flicked her tongue across his cheek.
"Why couldn't you just wake me up normally?" he asked as his body relaxed.
"And how should I wake you up 'normally'?"
"I would've eventually woken up to the alarm Bel!" he said flustered.
She said nothing as she pouted, letting him get up. He stretched, the tension and knots inside his body eased slightly. Belfast tidied up his bed as he went into the bathroom to do whatever he needed to do. A shower was needed as he sniffed himself, his undershirt was creased but luckily his uniform was taken off by Belfast. After a shower, brushing, and a shave later, he changed into a new set of clothes. Belfast was already making breakfast, the room pristine. Grabbing his uniform, he made his way downstairs into the dining room.
"If you need to brush your teeth or whatever, I have extra brushes and toothpaste upstairs." he said to Belfast.
"Don't worry about it Master, I'll get ready when Purity gets up."
"Are you sure? I'll feel bad if you cook for me and you don't eat anything."
"It's fine, I'll eat with Purity later, Master."
"If you say so, you need to worry about yourself some more Bel."
She nodded, though it looked like she didn't take his advice to heart. With what limited amount of ingredients he had in his pantry and fridge, Belfast made him simple eggs and toast. Though it looked bland and unimpressive in terms of presentation, salt and pepper were a really versatile combination. He wasn't a picky eater, so he savored every bite. Finishing his breakfast, he insisted on doing the dishes since Belfast cooked. Of course, she objected and he persisted, a bit of back and forth later, he finished with the dishes just as she did with the table and kitchen. They left for the Royal Navy dorms to pick up Purity to start the day.
Royal Navy Dorms...
After a 10-minute walk, they arrived at the Royal Navy dorms bustling with activity as the maids kept everything spotless. Walking in, Edinburgh was characteristically standing there while looking busy when people walk by. Going up to her, the Commander lightly tapped her shoulder.
"Good morning Edinburgh."
"EH! Oh, uh g-good morning Commander." looking behind the Commander she spotted Belfast giving her a smile.
"Uh...uh, didn't see you there Bel, good morning!"
The Commander and Belfast chuckled at Edinburgh's freak-out.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure no one knows." he assured her; Edinburgh breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thanks Commander, I don't know what I'd do without your kindness." she bowed.
"Think nothing of it." he chuckled.
"Edinburgh, did Purity wake up before you left?" Belfast asked her sister.
"I did check on her before starting the day, she was asleep and probably still is."
"Wait, you left her in your room alone?" the Commander asked, a bit startled at this.
"Yes, but don't worry, I had Edinburgh watch over her before I left."
That put him at ease a little.
"Thanks for watching Purity while Bel was gone Edinburgh. Don't know what I'd do if she got hurt." he patted her head, making her cheeks redden.
"Y-you're welcome Commander."
"Anyways, we should go wake her up, make sure to do your work Edinburgh. Bel will let you off the hook despite being head maid since you're her sister. If say Sheffield found out, you'd have Elizabeth giving you a mouthful, so be careful."
"I will don't worry."
Walking away to let Edinburgh do her tasks, they arrived outside of Belfast's room.
*Knock *Knock
"Purity, you awake?" he asked.
"Just five more minutes Dad~." a groan came from inside the room.
"Come on, it's almost nine, and you still need to get ready and eat breakfast."
A minute passed, there wasn't a response. Some rustling could be heard behind the door.
"Fine~." Purity said tiredly.
The Commander motioned for Belfast to go in and help Purity. She nodded and went inside; he walked to the cafeteria to grab some more coffee while they prepare for the morning. Scrolling through Juustagram, some posts were going viral regarding the situation yesterday. Another post was taken inside his residence by Akagi, Amagi was reprimanding her down in the replies. The Commander chuckled, he never disliked Akagi, far from it. She just doesn't acknowledge personal space sometimes, that's why he tends to avoid her and Taihou. After scrolling his feed for another 10 minutes, Belfast and a still somewhat tired-looking Purity walked in.
"So, what would like for breakfast Purity?" the Commander asked.
"I want cereal and not the whole wheat ones. You and Mom always try to force me to eat healthily." she grumbled.
"We don't have that type of cereal here in the dorm. But the Eagle Union cafeteria might have some." Belfast said.
"Aw, but I want it now."
"It's only a 5-minute walk to the Eagle Union dorm cafeteria, and it's the closest to the office. I can carry you if you want." the Commander told Purity.
"Ok, fine."
Giving her a piggyback ride, they made their way to the Eagle Union dorms. Stopping by the cafeteria, Purity grabbed some cereal while Belfast made her own breakfast. Waiting for them to finish he busied himself with his phone and small talk. Enterprise came into the cafeteria with Hornet as their eyes met.
"Oh, good morning Commander, Belfast, and... Purity." Enterprise greeted them with uncertainty in her voice.
"Good morning to you too Enterprise, Hornet told you everything about everything that happened yesterday I assume?"
"I sure did! Though it's still unbelievable that you had a kid with Purifier, and that she willingly joined sides with us."
"I don't really know how it happened, but Purity told me that we were together even before the war fully ended."
"Anyways Commander, you said that you'll gather all faction leaders for a conference about Purity, when do you plan on doing it?" Enterprise asked.
"I was planning to do it today, but with everything that's going on, I'd say tomorrow."
"Thanks for clearing that up, and I wish you a good day."
"You're welcome, and tell Yorktown I said hi."
"Noted."
After leaving, Purity looked up from her bowl of cereal.
"She doesn't seem to trust me a lot."
"She's weary, that's all. There nothing to worry about, she'll come around when she doesn't perceive you as a threat."
"Aunt Enterprise and I are best friends though, it's just weird seeing her like that."
"Well, it's the past, you haven't happened yet, so to speak. But she's a very kind person under the confident façade."
"I know, but still, it's weird."
The Commander chuckled. Sometimes she acts like a well-mannered teen, other times, a child, but in a good way.
"Well, if you had time to talk, you're done with your cereal, right?"
"Mhm, I feel so much better with food in my stomach!"
"It would've been better if I had cooked for you Purity, but if you want to eat what you want, I won't stop you."
"Don't worry, your food's still great Mama Belfast. I just wanted something quick and easy for breakfast and didn't want to trouble you."
"I thank you for your consideration."
"You're welcome!" Purity said with a smile.
The Commander smiled at their conversation, at least one person here talks to Purity without any caution. They finished their breakfast, did the dishes, and the three were off to the office.
Outside the office...
The Commander grabbed the keys from his pockets to open the door when he heard the clinking of what sounded like Fine China from the other side of the door. The scent of tea came after, though weirdly, it smelled like the tea Belfast always made. He turned towards Belfast, who shook her head. they both have no idea who's in the office.
"Is it one of the maids?" he whispered to her.
"All of them were accounted for when we walked through the Royal dorms."
It couldn't be Akagi as the door was locked, she'd always bring her own tea set when she's secretary, and it doesn't smell like any Sakura Empire tea he's had, it has the distinctive smell all Royal Navy tea has. Purity had a grin synonymous with her namesake, which was unnerving, to say the least. Turning around and unlocking the door, he opened the door to a girl with white hair and her back turned to them. Knocking gently on the door, she turned around with a confused expression before it turned into a smile. The girl in question bore a striking resemblance to Belfast, even down to the maid outfit she was wearing. She curtsied and smiled at them.
"Good morning Mama and Papa, would you like some tea?"