Soft kisses fluttered against my lips as I opened my eyes, Suruga's smiling face peering into my own. It was our first day off since we returned from the Sakura Empire, and she was intent on the fact that I not sleep it away.
"Mmm… just five more minutes…" I moaned, and she pressed her nude body to mine, nibbling my ear gently as she wrapped her arm around my chest.
"Kohiko… don't you want to shower with me?" She teased, and my eyes flew open as I jumped out of bed, pulling her into the bathroom as she giggled. The near-scalding water cascaded over us as I pushed her against the glass, our lips inseparable as we made love.
Suruga's nails dug into my back as I thrust into her, my hands firmly planted on her ass as she closed her eyes, her face reflecting her ecstasy as her insides wrapped around me.
"T-that's it… Kohiko… fuck me… fuck me… oh gods…" her mouth hung open slightly after she broke the kiss, looking at me with eyes full of desire.
"I love you, Suru! Ah… Ah…" I moaned, one of my hands moving to her breast, cupping it gently as her hands explored my body, slapping my ass as I found a spot deep within her and stopped moving.
She looked at me, panting. Her hair lay plastered against her body as she held eye contact. Her voice turned sultry as she spoke, "A-ahh… Kohiko… why did you stop?" She shifted her hips a little, but I stayed still.
"Suru… I'm just… I'm so happy you're with me! A part of me was terrified I'd never see you again," I said, taking her lips again. She blushed and averted her eyes.
"Ah… saying such things right now…" Suruga reached up, caressing the side of my face, her thumb running over my cheek as she smiled, "I am happy too, but please… I want you to show me just how much you love me…"
I moved my hips slowly, drawing out the experience, treasuring every moment as she pulled me against her. My heart pounded as I approached my climax. Suruga felt it too, her sudden excitement making her voice high, "C-cum in me! Fill my womb with your seed!"
Thrusting faster, a bolt of pleasure tore through me as I unloaded into Suruga, my seed pouring into her as she squeezed me, her own orgasm gripping her as she held onto me for support.
When she had finished, I shifted my hips, my cock falling out of her as our fluids leaked and ended up washing down the drain. Suruga looked up to me and smiled, laughing softly as we leaned against one another.
What a way to wake up! We went for lunch in town, and on our way back Ayanami was waiting for us on the bridge. I ruffled her hair a little, "Hey, Aya, what's up?" Suruga waved at her as well, and the destroyer favored her with a small smile.
She turned back to me and spoke, "Shikikan, this came for you from Iron Blood CentCom." She handed me a manila envelope. I opened it and showed it to Suruga, who raised an eyebrow with curiosity, then looked at me.
"Kohiko… I can't read that," she told me. I realized it was in the language of the Iron Blood and translated it for her as I read. It was a summons from Chancellor Bismarck herself, and I was expected to attend along with Z23. I would, of course, be bringing Suruga along with me.
I shook my head, unsure of why they would summon me out of the blue. They were well within their right too. It just left me confused, is all. I voiced my concerns, but Suruga just shrugged. Ayanami produced another envelope and handed it to me.
"Two, in one day?" I shook my head, surprised. Inside were redeployment orders from the Sakura Empire. I did not like what I read. They would take Akagi and Kaga from me, and Amagi…
Suruga realized my hands were shaking even before I did. She put a hand over them and spoke softly, "Kohiko… what's the matter?"
"Yamato has seen fit to recall the first carrier division as well as Amagi…" I told her, and she sighed.
"I can't say I'm upset to see Akagi go, but… she's an amazing carrier. I can tell you why they took Amagi, she's the only way to keep Akagi in line. It says here that they're needed to serve with Nagato on the Northern front… I wonder if the Northern Parliament has been having trouble keeping the Sirens there contained?" Suruga wondered to herself.
I sighed, Akagi would have been an issue anyway, "Did she think of you as a trade? Anyway, who are we getting as a replacement?"
"Hmm… a converted Yamato-class aircraft carrier, Shinano," Suruga's eyes widened as she read it. I blinked a couple times, clearing my throat. I wasn't sure if I heard her correctly.
"Y-Yamato-class?" I shook my head, "there's no way any nation would send us such a ship…"
"Hmm… I'm not so sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was just temporary… you know, she's relatively untested so they probably want to give her some soft targets first to test her mettle," Suruga's voice sounded less than pleased with this development.
So that's what we were, a testing ground.
Suruga took my hand, and we headed off to meet with Z23.
Nimi clutched my hand as we walked along the industrial streets of Berlin. Imposing structures and feats of engineering lay all around us. If they designed it to instill unease into the minds of visitors, it was certainly doing a good job.
She was one of my other adoptive daughters, and I reassured her, "I thought you would be happy to see Bismarck, you always talk about her so highly."
She made a noise somewhere between uncertainty and acknowledgement, "I… it's been so long since I've been back. What if I've made some sort of mistake? What if I am no longer of use? Kommandant…"
"I'm sure she'll be happy to see you… aren't you the official representative for the Iron Blood? Plus, you're an amazing teacher," Suruga said, trying to reassure her. Nimi blushed, appreciating the compliment from the battleship.
I knew something was up, however. No car waited for us at the airport, and I suspected Bismarck was trying to make a power play. Tch… I also had my doubts about the necessity of this meeting in general. My expression must have conveyed how I felt, I could feel Suruga's hand rest gently on my arm.
No words were needed, and we continued silently along the strangely empty streets, stores open but clientele few. Yet I could feel a million eyes on us, especially upon Suruga, the Oni kansen standing out. She… wasn't happy about that fact.
"I wish they wouldn't stare so much…" Suruga sighed, but despite her discomfort, it wouldn't be long until we found ourselves in front of the Reichstag. I recognized the kansen in front of me and waved. I had met her once before.
The pocket battleship favored me with a small smile and waved back. When we met, I opened my arms, and we exchanged a brief hug, "Spee, it's so good to see you!" I said, rubbing her head affectionately.
"K-Kommandant… it is nice to see you too. Is this Suruga?" She looked towards the battleship, and Suruga smiled back.
"You seem to be on good terms with so many kansen, Kohiko," she said, the barest hint of jealousy in her voice. Well, that could be something to do with her latent insecurities… I grabbed her hand and squeezed it.
"She's the Tactical Commander at the port, and my girlfriend," I said, and Spee broke out a genuine smile at this while Suruga went bright red. I suppose I had never said it before, but Suruga's own smile was undeniable… she was happy.
"Ahh! So you did finally find someone… I am so happy," Spee walked up to Suruga and hugged her, "thank you… we always worried about him. He took care of me during my time with the JNOF and I was loath to leave. It worried me he would always stick to his guns about not being with a shipgirl."
Suruga returned her hug, "I'm kinda surprised he didn't fall for you… you seem to be his type," Suruga said, turning to me and grinning. I reddened a bit and so did Spee. Suruga raised her eyebrows. "I'm sensing some history…"
Spee spoke up, "I knew my assignment was temporary, and though we did spend time together, it was all… well… mostly… friendly. Honestly, it's for the best, and I know Bismarck wanted me to greet you as a way to sow discord with our past."
"That's blunt," I said, but laughed, "perhaps Bismarck thought our relationship was much more than it was?"
"Shrewd, but I'm not that prone to jealousy," Suruga chipped in, yet her grip on my hand tightened.
"I may have… embellished a bit. It is nice to see you, though. Nimi? You are being so quiet…" Spee looked to the destroyer, "I thought you were one of his daughters…"
Nimi blushed furiously, "A-adoptive…"
Spee giggled and hugged the destroyer. She seemed very reserved unless you knew her well, and when she was at the port Nimi was almost always with us.
Suruga placed a hand on Nimi's shoulder, and the destroyer sighed, letting a small smile through.
"That's better, now, why don't we head to see Bismarck?" Spee gestured for us to follow her into the imposing building.
Bismarck sneered as she regarded us, and the way she glared at me sent shivers down my spine. She stood well over six feet tall, and her presence was beyond imposing.
"So you're the one that ruined the stability of the Sakura fleet… typical, now a precedent has been set," Bismarck spat as she her blue eyes, cold as ice, regarded me.
"You're a kansen, are you not? Would you rather see us abused?" I said, my words calm but my heart pounding as my blood boiled. I wasn't spoiling for a fight, but… how could she be one of us?
"We don't let humans command us, little slave. We… dealt with the admiralty here a long time ago. Now, let me talk to the man in charge," Bismarck turned to Kohiko. I took a step forward, and she turned back to me, flashing a dangerous grin.
"Don't be stupid. You'd never lay a hand on me before we tore you to bits."
"Suru…" Kohiko spoke, his voice soft as he rested his hand on my arm. A growl escaped me as I stepped back, my facade nearly failing me.
"Bismarck, can you not antagonize everyone all the time?" He sighed, unable to hide the venom in his voice.
She laughed, "Weak, all weak… was it nice to see Spee again? Hey, Suruga, I bet Spee fucks better than you. Kommandant, any input?"
"Enough, Bismarck," Spee said, shaking her head, "I will not hold my tongue. You may have beheaded the previous chancellor, but please try to have some amount of civility."
Bismarck looked as though she would scream at Spee for a moment, and I felt sorry for the shipgirl, I knew she would pay for her words later. Bismarck turned to look at Nimi.
"Zerstörer 23, do you believe you have any further need of acting as representative for the Iron Blood?" Bismarck said.
"No, Bismarck, you will not recall her. You'll be in violation of the accords if you do," Kohiko stepped forward.
She reached out and grabbed his jacket, pulling him closer and lifting him off the floor. His hands shot out to try and tear hers away.
"Put him down!" I screamed, and a moment later ten sixteen-inch guns were all pointed at Bismarck. I quivered in anticipation, the heat of battle rising within me as I held my main batteries on a hair trigger.
"You would kill us all," Bismarck said.
"Better that than he dies," I snarled, "Honorless bitch, we could crush you in an instant and yet we allow you to live. You were born of sick, twisted minds and you revel in that. Z23 and Spee are proof that you don't need to behave as you do. Also, I am Tactical Commander Suruga of the Joint Naval Operations Fleet, and you will address me and show me the same respect you show Kohiko."
My words hung in the air, the tension in the room making me overly cognizant of every little motion. No one dared even breathe, but Bismarck's sudden, mocking laughter shattered the stillness.
Bismarck dropped him, "I'm impressed, I didn't realize a kansen with guts would ever fall for his worthless ass. Z23 stays with you, but be warned, I will not forget this. Spee will also go with your fleet, let's see how long he stays with you when she's within his grasp, Suruga."
I shook my head… she was delusional. Did Bismarck really think she could destroy the JNOF like this?
Kohiko straightened himself out, "Bismarck, I will report this, along with your apparent coup d'état. Whatever you're planning, I suggest you cease at once."
"You hold no authority over anyone," she retorted.
"Be that as it may, you forewent negotiations or peaceful discussions and resorted to threats of violence and insults. I can only infer that you believe the time for any kind of diplomacy is over," I stared at Kohiko, impressed with his bravado. She could have us all killed and no one would ever know.
Yet he still stood up to her. I put my hand on his arm as the kansen's eyes flashed, her anger threatening to overwhelm us all.
"Leave. Now."
Didn't need to tell us twice.
"Spee, I need you to tell me… what is she planning?" I asked the Pocket Battleship. She shook her head.
"Kommandant, I would tell you if I knew. Like I said before, she still believes that my use is in seducing you," she laughed a little.
Suruga furrowed her brow and made a low noise.
I turned to her, "Suru, nothing serious happened between us."
"Kohiko, I don't care about that, even I it did it's in the past. I'm almost sorry for you… such a fool, why wouldn't you take advantage of such an opportunity? What I'm worried about is how volatile she is. She's upset at an internal issue outside of her control in another nation. She wants things to stay the same so that everyone's guard is down," Suruga sat up and looked at Z23, who lowered her head.
The cargo aircraft was scheduled to make a refueling stop soon, we would have an hour on the ground.
Z23 sighed, "Kommandant, I need to show you something when we get back to base, I just hope it isn't too late."
She refused to answer any further questions and went to sit by herself. Spee joined her and left Suruga and I alone. I pulled her close to me and kissed her.
"Thanks, Suru… that was badass. What terrifies me is that I'm sure she would have killed me if she wanted. Things are not going well, and I hope this refueling station has a relay, I need to send word to everyone. Bismarck needs the element of surprise and we need her to lose it," My voice shook, but she stroked my hair, kissing me again.
I calmed down quickly, taking deep breaths. Her soft voice reassured me, "Look, you can only do what you can do. Let's be honest, what can she do? The rest would crush her. I'm more worried about the Eagle Union. Even Laffey seems to be a bit off as of late."
"I'm supposed to prevent all this, somehow… shit, did I bring my folio?" I said, my heart racing with sudden panic. Suruga pulled it from my bag and handed it to me. She looked at the Iron Blood kansen and back to me.
"How much do you trust them?" She asked, her blunt question taking me by surprise.
"Suru… I trust those two with my life," I said, annoyance clouding my mind. She shook her head.
"Not what I mean, I could see that. They'll be turncoats for you should you wish it, but you should go into the relay alone," Suruga narrowed her eyes. What was she playing at? I nodded, she was the tactician, after all.
"Sure, Suru. Make sure they eat something, ok? There's a small mess there. Food isn't great, but it's better than ration bars," I told her. She nodded.
When we landed I waved to the three of them as they went to the exchange. The ground crew lead came up to me.
"Ah, Commander… just need you to sign here and we'll start fueling you up. If you don't mind, are those… are those kansen?"
"Yes, they are, Technical Sergeant," I said. He nodded, turned to leave, and then turned back.
"Please forgive my boldness but… the one with the horns…"
"She's from the Sakura empire… and she's my girlfriend," I grinned, enjoying his eyes going wide. He'd have a story to tell for a while yet. The JNOF Commander just confirmed what so many had suspected.
"Wow…" he said, working to keep his jaw closed, "You've got my respect, man… I met Enterprise once when she came through here. She didn't treat us as though we were an Eagle Union base… she didn't even stop to talk. So, thanks, I guess. We'll take care of you, sir!"
I held out my hand, and he took it, shaking it. I thanked him and excused myself as my car arrived to take me to the relay.
I showed my credentials to the guards, and the one who inspected my documents seemed surprised to see me, but everything was in order and they allowed me through.
The amber screen flashed as I input my credentials and plugged in my last resort SatCom code. This would use every satellite and every relay to send a worldwide message to every connected terminal.
The results would be immediate. As soon as I confirmed the message, the entire network lit up. A reply came less than a minute later, Yamato herself sent the message, invoking Contingency One and calling leaders to a meeting in London in 24 hours.
I suppose we wouldn't be going home soon. If I had known that my actions would delay conflict for another two years, I may have felt less concerned for the immediate future.
"A clear and present danger, Commander?" Enterprise looked to me from her seat at the table. For the purpose of these talks, they considered me an equal. My vote held the same weight as any of theirs. "You've kicked a hornet's nest all because Bismarck threatened you?"
I cleared my throat, "I will remind you I was chosen and given this power for an instance such as this. I have three kansen who will corroborate my version of events."
Yamato nodded, "I also will lend my support to Suruga. Bismarck, I must ask, did you really need to bring your lapdog?" She motioned to the imposing, eight foot tall figure of Friedrich der Große standing behind Bismarck. She was quiet yet terrifying.
"What's the matter, Yamato? Scared that she'll put you through your paces?" Bismarck laughed, "Shall we find out?"
"Enough!" Queen Elizabeth slammed her hand on the table. "Your childish banter has no place here."
"Says the Queen, who looks like a child," Sovetskaya's thick accent cut through, and a round of sniggering between the other leaders turned Q.E.'s face red.
"Enough," I said, and they all looked at me in surprise, as though they didn't expect me to still be there.
"Oh, so the colonial sides with the Queen? Yamato… careful, he might just be fucking your best tactician in the service of the Queen," Enterprise looked at the towering battleship, faking concern.
"Fucking bitch…" Suruga muttered. I took her hand in mine as Yamato sneered at Enterprise.
"This is a waste of time," Bismarck said, and stood as though she intended to leave, "I'm recalling my kansen, Kommandant."
"No, you aren't," I told her. Everyone looked at me in genuine surprise, "If you do, it only reinforces my point."
Enterprise cringed and spoke as though agreeing with me was as painful as a bed of hot needles, "If you violate the terms of the JNOF, you'll be considered as an unknown, and we have actionable intelligence to back up a proactive response."
The others nodded in agreement. Friedrich's eyes glowed dangerously as Bismarck swept her hand at the others, "Worthless, all of you. Fine, I shall uphold my end of the agreement, but strong-arming me… you will regret it!"
Bismarck left, but not before Friedrich stopped next to me, chuckling softly, "My child… you should have picked a better side."
I shivered at the look she gave me. I can only describe it as… hunger…
Suruga looked up at her and snarled, "How about you return to your master? You might be big, but you're still a lapdog."
I raised an eyebrow at this. Suruga was throwing shade like there was no tomorrow, but it was so out of character for her. Yet, she only ever did it when I was the target… was I really so worthy?
Friedrich snorted and left without another word. Yamato eyed Suruga with something approaching an impressed expression. Though I didn't feel it would bode well… if Yamato set her sights on something, she usually got it.
"I'd shore up your defenses, Queen Elizabeth," I advised her, speaking freely now that Bismarck was gone.
She nodded, "Yeah, we'll do just that. I'll have my agents warn the Iris… what about you, Sovetskaya?"
"Don't presume to order me about. Those idiots can't touch us without coming into waters that would see them freeze. We'll be fine," Sovetskaya sounded so assured.
Enterprise yawned, "You idiots sort this out. Que sera, sera, whatever side I pick, I'll win. Anyway, I'll send some kansen your way. Don't want Yamato to think she owns your fleet or something to that effect."
The carrier tossed some dossiers onto the table and left, her eyes cold as ice as she regarded me and, more surprisingly, Suruga.
Q.E. Seemed reluctant, but sighed and added a few of her own to the pile. I wasn't expecting much from either of them, but more naval power was always nice. It surprised me when Sovetskaya tossed one onto the table.
"Better not waste this," she looked at Suruga rather than I. Suruga nodded.
Yamato shrugged, "Expect nothing else from me. We're tied up at the moment, plus don't forget who supplies eighty percent of your ammo and other consumables. Imagine the canteen without us."
"I wasn't asking," I told her, marginally annoyed at her attempt to one-up everyone. It was very unlike any of the Sakura ships to be boastful.
She just smiled, and soon Suruga and I were on our way to meet Spee and Ayanami at the hotel. London was a beautiful city, but I was too exhausted to do much more than pass out until the evening, at which point Suruga dragged my ass out of bed to make sure I ate something, but I was awake soon enough as we enjoyed the nightlife, my beautiful shipgirl attracting the attention of nearly everyone we saw.
A young girl bounded over to us as we were settling in. Spee and Ayanami were off doing their own thing, but I'm sure they'd have a gaggle of civvies around them as well. The girl looked at Suruga and her face lit up with a smile as she pointed to Suruga's horns.
She spoke with a thick Londoner's accent, "Mum! Look! It's one o' them shipgirls, innit! She's so lovely, yeah?" she turned to me, "You the bloke who's taking care of her?" She narrowed her eyes at me.
I reminded myself that the kansen are heroines to a great many people, "I'd say she takes care of me more. You can ask her yourself!" I chuckled, smiling warmly.
Suruga held out her hand, but blushed as the child threw her arms around her, hugging her tightly. Though her motions were awkward, she hugged the child back.
"Is it true, miss?" the young girl asked.
Suruga nodded, "I'd protect Kohiko no matter what!"
The girl laughed and held out her hand to me. I took it, shaking it solemnly. She giggled and bounded off, her mother apologizing and thanking us politely.
We enjoyed the few days we had in London, but a vacation isn't if it never ends, so back to the base we went!
I leaned against the headboard, stretching as Suruga finished cleaning me up before taking a position beside me, resting her head against my shoulder.
"Haah… Kohiko… did we really need to share a room with those two for three days?" Suruga complained lightly, still shuddering a little from her final climax.
"Budget… plus it was sold out," I replied, putting an arm around her and drawing her closer. "I know what you mean though… I was backed up!"
Suruga chuckled softly, "No place like home?"
"You said it. The best bed you'll ever sleep in is your own!"
She kissed my cheek, "Any bed with you in it is the best bed."
I turned my head, and in an instant her lips were against mine, pressing softly as passion swelled inside me once again. Though the two of us hardly had the energy left to speak.
We enjoyed the sleep of the dead until dawn broke, and we needed to wake early to greet the new arrivals. The Eagle Union had sent a battleship, a destroyer, and a light carrier, a token gesture by the look of their dossiers. The Royal Navy had done little better, but the Battlecruiser they sent seemed fun to be around. The destroyer was excitable, but the light carrier caught my attention.
The Northern Parliament ship was quite interesting, though. Technically a destroyer, she was nonetheless impressive despite her small stature, and Avrora was with us to greet her.
"Colorado. Independence, Halsey Powell… welcome to the Joint Naval Operations Fleet. I will serve as your Commander. This is Tactical Commander Suruga of the Saku…"
"Of the JNOF, yes," she interrupted. I raised an eyebrow at her as she continued, "Welcome, on behalf of all of us. We are grateful for your contributions and look forward to serving with you."
I nodded at them as they left, Laffey leading them towards their dorm. I turned to the Royal Navy ships.
"I'm Repulse, glad to meet ya! This is Foxhound and Centaur. We're thrilled to be here, we hardly got to go anywhere or see anything stationed at the home port," her smile was infectious, and Javelin was quick to lead them away after we made a modicum of small talk.
I already knew who the Northern Parliament arrival was. The destroyer swilled vodka like it was going out of style, "Tashkent, a pleasure, I've heard of your… talents."
She smirked, "Ah, yes… perhaps a drinking game is in order?"
Avrora chuckled, "Oh, he learned that lesson long ago, however, there's this Eagle Union cruiser…"
They were gone, effectively ignoring me. I huffed indignantly. Suruga rested a hand on my arm.
"Don't take it personally, Kohiko… they're always like that," she said, her voice light. I nodded, and we got to work processing their paperwork, assigning them in training roles to best work within the dynamic of the JNOF.
Even as she lay against me that night, I couldn't help but wonder, why did she insist on referring to herself as a member of the JNOF over that of her homeland?
A routine is a simple thing to fall into. Having Suruga by my side never got old, and even when it felt like I was at my wit's end, she was always there to give me the boost I needed to make it through.
I don't believe I ever relied on someone as much as I relied on her, and right now, I needed that support more than ever. The amber screen of the terminal flashed with a new message, priority one. MilNet had come alive in recent weeks, necessitating daily trips to the relay station to receive and reply to messages.
The JNOF had become a singular focus in the minds of the planet, it seemed, countries desperate for updates on what they now considered being a force to be reckoned with on par with any single nation it represented.
The Commander had set a precedent by refusing to order the kansen to leave, instead letting them make that decision. He retyped a message he felt was getting stale, this time to Yamato, who had showed a worrisome interest in the JNOF and, more troubling, in Suruga.
Yamato,
I cannot, in all good faith, order kansen to leave the base, nor can I, in good conscience, enforce an order that would leave valuable strategic assets at risk during these troubling times. I leave the decision at the discretion of the individual kansen, and yet none of them have returned to their respective nations.
I am sure they realize they represent one of the last unifying measures in place. No one wants to see a war break out, but tensions have been mounting, yet no one took any proper action when I provided solid intel regarding senior Iron Blood leadership intentions.
There is no doubt in my mind that they're biding their time, and I can back this up by accounts provided by their own kansen.
Also, I will not allow Suruga's transfer under any circumstances. She is a valuable asset and will remain with me. I am calling upon the authority vested in me to show my resolve. Remember that the JNOF is a supranational entity out of necessity.
I sent the message, and Suruga chuckled softly, "You aren't afraid to get on her dangerous side?"
"Not really," I responded, shaking my head, "I've already sent this message to Enterprise, and to Queen Elizabeth. I am honestly shocked it took them this long to attempt to recall their forces."
"Eight months… it's been eight months…" Suruga sighed, "Not a single work from inside or outside Iron Blood territory. Bismarck is planning something, I know it. Her and her cronies. I'm surprised no one has left the JNOF."
I looked up at her, raising an eyebrow, "Are you really?"
She stopped for a moment and lowered her head when she realized her mistake, "Ah, I rescind my previous statement… perhaps our kansen are much more aware than they even realize in how much they contribute to maintaining the fragile peace that exists."
I nodded, smiling in satisfaction, "You are brilliant, Suru," I told her. She blushed and shook her head.
"You know I don't like compliments…" she muttered, but her small smile said otherwise. I turned to the screen and saw that that was the only message of the day. I logged off and stood up, stretching as my kansen girlfriend wrapped her arms around me and rested her head against my back.
"You ok?" I asked her. She wasn't prone to displays of affection while working, but she endured my occasional teasing and indulged in a kiss every now and then. This was strange behavior coming from her, for sure.
"I don't want this to end, Kohiko… to have lost you and then have you only to be torn apart again… I couldn't bear it!" She clutched me harder, and I patted her arm.
"Hey, no one is going anywhere, you know that as well as I do," I reassured her. She sighed, but made a noise of satisfaction and let me go a minute later. I turned and pulled her against me in a tight embrace.
"Suruga… no one will ever take you from me, unless you don't want to be by my side anymore," I told her, but she shook her head violently.
"Don't even say something like that!" Her urgent kisses reinforced her statement, and I couldn't help but feel more than a little happy.
I would stay with her forever, given the chance, but there was no way that either of us could promise the other that would be the case. We would enjoy whatever time we had together, one way or the other.