Hectic Reception

Azur Lane base...

The base was holding the biggest party they had in a while, drinks were going around, the girls were mingling, even the more recluse ships came out to celebrate their victory. The only one that wasn't seen at the party was the Commander, he sat in a clearing away from all the sounds, contemplating. Sipping his punch, footsteps came from behind him, it was Prinz Eugen.

"There you are Kommandant, need a drinking partner?"

"Oh, hi Prinz... no, just... needed to be away for a second."

She sat down next to him, both enjoying the distant sound and their drinks.

"Why the long face Kommandant. Not enjoying the party?"

"That's not it, just thinking."

"About what? Today's for celebrating, not work or sad thoughts."

"It's not that Prinz, it's... different." he mumbled.

"Hmm?"

"Sorry, talking to myself."

"Well, I'll be taking my leave then." she got up and gave him a quick kiss on the cheeks. Take it as my thanks for ordering good quality bier. See you.~" she swayed her hips as she left, seemingly inviting him.

Noticing her proposition, he quickly turned his head away, getting a bit flustered. He's been kissed by almost every girl on the base, though it was only ever on the cheeks, but that wasn't the problem. What phased him was that the girls were getting bolder with their attempts to sway him, though it might've also been the alcohol. But he knew better as she can hold her liquor better than anyone else. Sighing, he decided to go back to the party, leaving the matter of what he'll do with Purifier for tomorrow. From the forest clearing, the Commander came out, the girls descended down on him.

"There's the man of the hour, let's give a toast to the Commander!" Cleveland said as she raised her glass, many doing the same.

"TO THE COMMANDER/KOMMANDANT!"

Downing his own drink to the toast, he walked over to the punch table to get more, though a very drunk Zuikaku clung onto him.

"Shikikan~ you look *hic* so handsome tonight~."

"Um, does anyone know where Shoukaku is?"

"Here I am, sorry to bother you Shikikan. She challenged Enterprise to a drinking contest, and well..." she looked over to the table, a totally wasted Enterprise was sprawled out with Hornet trying to help her up. Essex was on the ground retching; Shangri-La was rubbing her back.

"Essex did the same?"

Shoukaku nodded.

"Just... get her to bed, make sure to watch over her in the morning, ok?"

"I will, goodnight, Shikikan."

While getting another glass of punch, he felt a soft sensation enveloping him. A pair of arms finding their way around his midsection.

"Guess who, Shikikan-sama?~"

Akagi rhetorically asked as she rubbed her cheeks against his like a cat. She carried a heavy scent of sake on her, she was probably heavily drunk and aroused, both prospects scared him.

"Akagi, please get off me and go to bed, you're way too drunk."

"Shikikan-sama, you know that I can't go to bed without you sharing it with me.~"

Another blush crept onto his face, the alcohol's making them lose all sense of self control, he quickly needed to leave Akagi before she does something drastic.

"U-uh, how about I walk you home? You look like you're about to fall over." he was praying for Akagi to fall asleep on the walk.

"Oh Shikikan-sama, finally succumbing to my beauty? I'm flattered."

As he intended, Akagi fell asleep before they reached the dorms, handing her off to Kaga and Amagi. When he got home, it was already midnight, too tired to change or shower, he slept on the couch.

The next morning...

Purifier was getting closer to the base, what should've taken her 3 hours turned to the whole night of being chased.

"That witch, she never intended to let us off easy."

The previous day, Empress purposefully sent out patrols to kill off the deserters after they have left, Purifier had to hide on an island till they left. She was covered in scratches with a bruised rib, needless to say, she was tired and hungry.

"At least I can see the base from here, though I don't see anyone."

Jinxing herself, planes could be heard from above, a squadron of Dauntless' descended upon her. She narrowly dodged the bombs headed her way, a very ticked off Enterprise glared at her.

"Of course it had to be the Grey Ghost herself."

"Purifier, I'll say this once and only once, turn around!" Enterprise readied another strike, though wincing slightly from a headache.

"Aw c'mon, I spent the entire night to come here without sleep and nearly dying!"

"That's your problem, not mine. Now turn back before we both regret it."

"Nuh-uh, your commander told me that I could come here after you blew our base to kingdom come. So, LET ME THROUGH YOU BITCH!"

Having enough of Purifier's insult and with the alcohol still in her system, Enterprise sent a barrage of planes towards Purifier. As expected from the nimble Siren, she dodged, grinding her teeth in frustration, she released more planes.

"Belfast, go tell the Commander about the situation. In the meantime, we'll see if Purifier can survive till then."

"I'll do so right away, though go easy on her if what she's saying is true."

"Don't worry, I won't kill her."

Commander...

The faint sound of planes and artillery roused the Commander from his sleep, rubbing his eyes, he sat up on the couch.

"What the hell, I thought I cancelled all exercise and training today..."

Looking up at the clock, it was 7:30 with the sun barely over the horizon. Groaning, he went to get a glass of water to clear his mind before a knock at the front door broke the relative silence of the home.

"Master, there's a small skirmish between Miss Enterprise and Purifier." it was Belfast.

"What?"

"Purifier showed up this morning by the shore, saying you gave her permission to come here."

"...I... OH CRAP! YOU GO AHEAD AND TELL THEM TO STOP, I'LL CATCH UP WITH YOU!"

"See you later then, Master."

Finishing his water, he ran up to the bathroom to fix his hair and quickly shave. Splashing some water onto his face and racing out the door, Belfast was already out of sight. Running towards the sound of the battle, he got there in ten minutes, breathing heavily.

"HEY, STOP FIRING!"

Noticing the Commander, Enterprise stopped her onslaught of planes, but still having her bow trained on Purifier.

"Commander, is it true that you gave Purifier permission to come to the base?" Enterprise asked.

"...yes." he admitted.

"And why did you do it, knowing that she's the enemy?"

"Look, can I just talk to her and you can chew me out later, deal?"

Reluctantly, Enterprise led Purifier to the Commander.

"I'm sorry Enterprise attacked you, I should've told the faction leaders yesterday. But I'm glad you though it through."

"Why wouldn't I? Empress is out for blood of those who deserted, me included."

Looking her over, she was indeed worse for wear with fighting all night and this morning.

"Are you alright, you look tired."

"Heh, nothing that can stop me, I've been through far worse." she said with a hint of pain in her voice.

"You, sure? I mean the best we can offer you right now is either the infirmary or cells... the latter is if you won't cooperate."

"I'm not here to pick a fight unlike a certain someone..."

The Grey Ghost felt the ire thrown in her direction.

"If that's the case, welcome... I guess? Follow me." he turned around.

"And hey...commander,"

"Hm, what is it, Purifier?"

"Thank you..." Purifier swayed slightly before fainting from fatigue. The Commander catching her out of reflex, startling Belfast and Enterprise.

"It's fine, she really fainted, so don't worry."

"Do you need me to take her to the infirmary, Master?"

"Thanks for the offer, but I'll do it."

"Wait! What if she wakes up and att-"

"Enterprise, I said later." the Commander sternly said.

Picking Purifier up in a bridal carry, he left for the infirmary.