Author's Note: A fast update. I have been having this idea since quite a while. Again, this may not be my best writing since I am quite distracted, but I am very very very happy with all the reviews that I got. Thank you very much for reviewing and thank you very much for reading.

Disclaimer: I do not own Kantai Collection or any of the songs I used in this fic. I translate the songs, however, if the origin language is Japanese

The very few faint wish left dancing into the snowing sky disappeared piece by piece
We are looking for something that none can see, because we don't believe in anyone

Seventh Sisters (Tokyo 7th Sisters) - World's End

Asashio enjoyed cooking, especially with someone and for someone. Lieutenant Kouseki and Admiral Kudou both bought her some cook book and she enjoyed reading them, at times coming up to her mother to suggest for a menu to cook the next time they were home together. The destroyer dormitory did not have cooking space. They only had electric nabe pot and takoyaki plate, but of course they were not comparable to a fully functional kitchen. Only the battleship and the carrier dormitory, which was still in the old dormitory model, had kitchen. Only Shouhou seemed to actually really utilize the kitchen in carrier dormitory, while battleship dormitory kitchen was usually unused except for making tea, preparing biscuit, and occasional Haruna cooking. However, cooking in someone else's space felt like invading their privacy, esp when they were usually especially busy, being the main firepower of the base. The cafetaria kitchen was out of the question—it was always busy. The only time it closed would be after 11 PM and before 3AM. If Asashio were to ask the privates to open the door for her, with the person in charge should stay until she finished, Asashio knew she would be even more annoying than Sendai in her most annoying moments of night battle craving. Thus, the only moment where she could really enjoy cooking to the fullest was only when she was at her mother's house.

Just being with her mother was happiness, cooking with her was pure contentment. They would decide who would do certain task and after the food was done, eating it together on the small low dining table. They would divide the cleaning up task again, before then having the night went slow as they sat by the table and chat over some snack, at times listening to the radio news or doing some newspaper puzzle game. The only word to describe those moments would be "contentment". During those times, Asashio was content. Life was amazing, life was beautiful. She realized very well how it was all possible because her mother had facilitated and helped her in feeling so.

Now, she felt like she had to return those feelings.

Admiral Tendouji looked troubled. After meeting the previous admiral by the small grocery shop, her mother looked obviously agitated. She tried to look normal, smiling and talking as usual. They also cooked together and during the cooking she seemed to have forgotten that man for a moment. However, now when they had time to sit and enjoy some senbei together while waiting for their bath to be ready, her eyes started to look distant again.

The radio played some slow popular enka song about empty winter station, somehow drawing even sadder and bleak atmosphere in the room. The curtain by the glass door leading to the veranda was open and outside rain had started again. Sound of rain accompanied them as each of them bit into their crackers, a soft sound in the background that added the solemn atmosphere.

"Don't you want to buy some new clothes, Asashio?"

Her mother suddenly said, hand under her chin. Asashio blinked at her question then looked down to see her current clothes: still her kai ni armor. Her armor was her uniform and they actually were really comfortable clothes. She had several pajamas, both in dormitory and in her mother's house. She also had some pair of training gears. However, other than that she usually just put her uniform on. A small smile came to her mother's face, seemingly imagining what kind of clothes she would like to buy for her.

"Maybe sweater. Hmm... lets go to find some for you next time."

"It's alright, you're very busy too.."

"It's fine, lets make some time," She smiled. The push in her words almost felt like an order. Asashio eventually nodded. It seemed her mother was really looking forward to it, perhaps that thought actually lifted her mood. Her brown eyes still watched Asashio a while longer and the destroyer raised her eyebrows, asking what was the meaning of her questioning eyes. She smiled, a rather defeated one.

"What do you know about Admiral Jiro, the previous admiral before me? Did anyone tell you about it?"

Ah, she finally was willing to talk. Asashio straightened her pose, understanding that now the story would be quite serious.

"I don't hear much from the others... The only thing that I heard are that the previous admiral was demoted for misconduct, or that he would sacrifice ships on missions. No one told me anything in detail, though..."

"Naturally," Her mother's smile was sad, and Asashio bit her lips. She seemed extremely reluctant about that too. Was it really that bad? Admiral Tendouji closed her eyes, thinking for a while. It was a while since Asashio saw her this troubled. Asashio almost said, "if you don't want to tell me then it's alright" when her mother opened her eyes again and looked into her eyes.

"Asashio."

Her voice dropped. Low, with seriousness Asashio rarely heard.

"What I will tell you is something that have changed so many Kanmusu. Human are creatures capable of so much good... and with much good, came much evil. I am one of them. First, you have to understand that."

Under her mother's solemn eyes, Asashio nodded. If there was anything that she learned the most during her time in her mother's house, it would be that understanding. Human are creature carrying so much fault, and also the ability to avoid and mend. That much, she understood. Her mother smiled. Gently, she pat her daughter's head. She withdrew her hand then joined both of her hands together. She smiled sadly.

"This story may make you lose faith in humanity. As your Admiral..."

"I believe in you."

Her words stopped her mother on her track. Asashio looked straight into her mother's eyes and said what she felt without doubt.

"I believe in you. As my parent, as my commander, as a human. I believe in you. I promise whatever you say will not bend my faith in you."

Those brown eyes sparkled at her words. She smiled, extending her hand on Asashio and held one of her hand in a gentle grasp.

"Very well."

-The Cape-

After giving her equipment to the equipment staff, Yamakaze found herself standing by the entrance of equipment building overlooking the pier. She did not realize that it was already dark now, and the rain was only getting even heavier. Sound of waves crashing the wave breaker engulfed almost all other sound around. While the crashing wave could sound so violent, the atmosphere was strangely calm. Lamp lights lit up the pavement road towards the dormitory, yellow lights dancing on puddles. The plants by the garden looked almost equally sephia colored under the monocolored yellow lights. The sea, however, other than few lamplights that lighted the pier, were mostly dark. In the distance the sentinel turret's spotlight flared lights time and time again. Other than that, darkness. No moon or stars with the sky crying like today.

Most, if not all, of the bases that were located by the western coast of the country were relatively small. This base, although equally small in size with her previous one, was a lot more tidier and well kept. It has more garden, which made walking during day time pleasant. It hurt Yamakaze to say it, but she could see that the base was well managed. She knew that the admiral in this base took care of everything very well. The Admiral was efficient in allocating resources and in assigning various expedition. She did things well... and that made Yamakaze even hurt to admit that maybe, maybe her past Admiral really did not do that well after all.

But he was so kind. For Yamakaze, he was everything. He built her and patiently raised her. He always treated his ships kindly, never sink any of them regardless of the mission, and always put their wellbeing as priority. Whenever they arrived back from missions, he would always be there waiting by the pier, no matter what time they return. She remembered his gentle headpat and gentle smile. He would always be there for them,always warm and welcoming... Yamakaze had made it her mission to live for him, to fulfill all of his orders. However, all those had come to complete halt the moment the central command came to her base and decided single handedly to just abolish it. In just a span of a few days, suddenly they were mobilized. Some would be stationed elsewhere, some, mostly destroyers, were scrapped. Yamakaze was spared, being high leveled. She remembered the look of her admiral the last time they met. He was smiling.

"You will be in better hand."

He said. But Yamakaze did not want to be with that "better hand".

"You will be fine."

But she did not want to, not without him. Her words, however, had no power over the central command. She was brought along with Tone to this base, knowing full well that perhaps she would never met her old admiral anymore. She moved to this base of this "better hand" Admiral, being told that she had never sunk any ship and that she always treated her ships well. There was no difference with her previous admiral. There was nothing wrong with her previous Admiral. Yet, every single ship in this base could be said almost worship this female admiral. Why? Why, her previous admiral... did nothing wrong himself.

"Yamakaze?"

Gentle voice called out. Yamakaze shifted her eyes which had unconsciously fixated on the sentinel turret, back at the pavement road that lead towards the main compound. Walking towards her was Shigure with her light blue umbrella. In her hand she had another umbrella. Her blue eyes looked almost black under the dim light. Seeing her under the rain somehow made her feature even more pronounced. Perhaps because it felt like Shigure was in her elements. She smiled, a relief one, when Yamakaze turned to face her.

"Thank God, you're still here. I thought you're already on the way to the dormitory."

The light blue umbrella dripped water as Shigure put it down, walking towards Yamakaze. The destroyer offered Yamakaze a grey umbrella, which the later then gave a questioning stare.

"You don't bring one, right?" Shigure said gently. "You'll catch a cold if you get drenched. Here. Let's go home together."

Her big sister came all the way from the dormitory just to bring her the umbrella. The destroyer dormitory was the furthest point from the equipment complex, being the one located the far back of the dormitory compound. Yet despite that, after dark she still came just to bring her an umbrella.

The mere simple fact that Shigure remembered her little sister did not have any umbrella made Yamakaze lost her words as she slowly took the umbrella from her sister's hand.

"Thank you, Shigure-neechan." was all she could muster, and that too was but a mere low mumble. Shigure, however, answered her words with a kind gentle smile. They stepped into the rain together silently. The sound of rain falling on their umbrella now added to the background and suddenly Yamakaze found the rather apathetic silent world to be noisy. They carefully walked between puddles and as she concentrated on her steps, all the sound subsided yet again.

Her sister walked in front of her. She only watched her sister's slender feet, wrapped in black socks she always had along with her uniform.

"Admiral Tendouji is very kind... She is a blessing to this base."

She just realized, her sister's eyes as she said it were dim and glassy.

"She will never sacrifice us."

Yamakaze never asked her.

Yamakaze had never asked her, even once, what was the meaning of her broken eyes that time.

"Yamakaze."

The voice was gentle, low. Her sister's voice always sound soft with a tint of melancholy. The rain around them wrapped around her voice like a harmonious melody. Yamakaze looked up eventually, finding her older sister's blue eyes watching her worriedly. She still had that gentle smile on her face, and she asked slowly, "are you alright? Is the gun alright? Lieutenant Kouseki managed to repair it, right?"

"A-ah. Yes.. It... It is fine." Her older sister's question took her off guard. She looked genuinely worried and she instead asked about the gun. "Lieutenant... said, I should check it in practice tomorrow. It's... repaired. He said."

A relief smile bloomed on her sister's face. She smiled.

"Ah, that's great, then. Would you like me to accompany you tomorrow for the practice?"

"I-it's fine. I can do..."

"I will show you the practice range—"

"It's fine."

Her sister did not even have time to say anything back when Yamakaze continued.

"It's fine. I can...do it myself."

Yamakaze did not even realized her sudden change of tone, but she could see the slight change in the blue hue of her sister's eyes.

The rain fell between them and suddenly cold crept into Yamakaze's heart.

Something in those eyes were broken. Yet. Despite that her sister smiled.

"I see," She said eventually. "... I am glad your gun is alright."

She sound relieved, but the crack in her eyes remained. If not deeper.

"You looked broken when that gun was damaged. It must be an important item. I am glad it's repaired."

Yamakaze did not reply and her sister also did not wait for it, as if she understood her little sister would not prolong the conversation anyway. She only smiled and turned around, continuing their walk towards the dormitory. Her back looked a lot more distant than just the few steps separating them.

Those eyes showed the same look as when Yamakaze did not take her hand that time. That day, Yamakaze did not careless, however now, she could see that cut in her eyes. Her sister settled in the pain, and merely accepted it. She did not even know why she resisted so much. She did not know why she refused her sister so much.

Or maybe it was not her sister that she resent or rejected. It was not her sister at all. She closed off her heart the whole base, her sister among them. She unnecessarily pushed her sister away. Even if her sister had gone all the way to cross the gap between them.

She hated how this base existed but her base did not. She hated to separate with the people she loved. She hated all the unfairness... but her anger was not towards this base. Not towards the new admiral, nor was it towards her sister.

The look in the eyes of everyone in this base as she rejected them were the same. The look they gave as they said "I see" were all the same.

Acceptance.

She was the one thrown in their place, and she was the one who did not accept them.

The space between her and her sister was now more than just a few steps. Her sister eventually realized that she was not following and stopped walking herself, looking back to see her.

"Yamakaze?"

They met eyes.

Her sister's eyes were blue—deep blue—like an ocean. It seemed to have swallowed so much darkness, yet the surface remained tranquil. Just like water, it swallowed the wake from the cut Yamakaze made on her. Delicately, beautifully. She accepted the undeserved anger her sister pushed on her.

Yamakaze felt ashamed of herself.

"I am sorry."

"Eh?"

Shigure raised her eyebrows, questioning. Those eyes were so kind, that Yamakaze found herself finally averting the gaze elsewhere, down to the puddle below. Lamp light was reflected on it, its reflection obscured as rain drop rippled the puddles.

"... I... I may need assistance... for the practice. I don't know the procedure."

She could barely let her voice out, and silence came after her words. Hastily, she continued.

"If... Oneechan doesn't mind... would you please... ummm.. accompany me... tomor—"

"Of course."

Her sister's voice was bright and kind.

Over her bangs, Yamakaze looked up slightly to see her sister's expression. She could not see her eyes, but she could see a gentle smile on her sister's face.

"Sure. I'll go with you."

The deep blue eyes shone bright, reassuring. The wake had completely disappeared now. Yamakaze had no idea, just how warm an ocean could be.

"Talking here will get us wet. Let's go home."

Her sister extended her hand.

They were more than a few steps away from each other this time... but somehow for Yamakaze the space when they went home together the first time under the same umbrella was much wider than today.

Her sister's hand was warm.

It felt as if she would even close the umbrella in her hand and just go under her sister's, just so she could hold that hand a little while longer.

XXX

Clock was ticking monotonously inside the darkness of the room. The only other sound was the soft, gentle breathing of her mother. All light were off, the room was pitch black. The only light was the slight, almost nonexistent ray of a lamplight near the veranda. For Asashio's heightened eyesight, that was enough to light her mother's sleeping face by the futon beside her.

"You seriously said that?" Kagerou suddenly broke the formation, sailing beside Yamakaze. For once, her usual cheerfulness was broken. "Yamakaze, hey, what did you say?"

With what her mother had explained to her, Asashio could understand now.

The new ship looked away and sailed slower, getting behind the line to get away from Kagerou. Dragging her drums, lead ship of Kagerou class sailed closer instead.

"Yamakaze."

"I am sorry."

"I don't need that! Hey!"

She could understand Kagerou's agitation and Yamakaze's anger.

"This world is unfair," Her mother's eyes looked distant as she stared at the glass. "We can only struggle inside it."

She could understand why that expedition bothered her so.

"Yamakaze, even if you don't trust Admiral Tendouji, at least don't say something that undervalue our lives like that."

Kagerou sighed.

"It ain't easy keeping yourself afloat with sadistic admiral on command, you know. I mean it literally."

Her mother's eyes as she talked looked so sad. There were other things she kept, something that perhaps Asashio would never know, at least not from her mother's mouth. That was okay. She catch the drift.

Asashio still remembered her mother's eyes as she talked, her grasp on Asashio's hand, her agitation at the presence of the old admiral. Slowly, Asashio shifted from her futon, reaching to her mother's.

"Human are creatures capable of so much good... and as such, much evil. I am one of them."

"I believe in you."

Her mother's fear, Asashio realized, was not if Asashio would lose faith in her. Her eyes as she told everything made Asashio realized that. It was her that did not believe in herself.

Her mother shifted in her sleep when Asashio slowly slid into her futon. Asashio could see a small smile on her face as her mother, still half-asleep, gently embraced her, welcoming her inside her space.

"Sweetling?"

Her voice, though a bit groggy, still held the same warmth and love. Just snuggling closer earned her a gentle kiss between her hair.

"I love you."

A smile bloomed on her mother's face, before she settled to a tighter embrace and a more comfortable sleeping position.

I believe in you.

"I love you too."

Please, believe in yourself too.

Asashio buried her face into the warm embrace.

You're not them. I will repeat it to you however many times you needed.

XXXX

Golden eyes stared back at her, placid. Calm. Unwavering. Airi would never stop to wonder just how unperturbed those eyes could be. She sat at the opposite of the low table, two cups of green tea between them. Kaga gracefully accepted Airi's tea invitation when they met by the middle garden. It was quite a lousy attempt on concealing her intention but Kaga said nothing. She rarely said anything anyway.

Now that she thought of it, this would be the first time for Airi to actually make some time to talk with Kaga privately. Expectedly, Kaga was not that much of a talking partner and if Airi were to be frank, Kaga still intimidated her. Her lack of expression made it hard to guess what she was thinking. Although Airi could pretty much logically deduce what Kaga was thinking, she could not be sure most of the time. The carrier took sip at the green tea calmly. She seemed to like it. Maybe.

"So?"

The first word that rose between them came from Kaga. The carrier took another sip. The golden eyes slowly opened, staring straight at Airi's brown ones.

"What is it that you would like to ask me?"

As expected, Kaga would like things to get right to the point. Airi placed her hand on the table.

"I would like to ask you about Admiral Jiro."

Her eyes still did not change. She sipped the tea again.

"I want to ask if... there are other things that I did not know, things that are... not included in his charges."

The golden eyes looked straight into Airi's, even as she sipped her tea. Airi placed her palm on the table.

Kaga did not say anything.

"I am sure you, as the secretary at that time, knows something about it."

The golden eyes, for once, seemed to change.

"Or... if you have experienced something along that line."

"Because she wouldn't, and she didn't."

"That bitch knows her job."

If anything happened in the base, Kaga as the secretary would have known it. She was also arguably closest with Admiral Jiro more than any other ship, which made her also very likely to have been one of, if not the only one, of the ships that spent time with him alone frequently. Airi understood she had never inquire Kaga on what she thought about the late Admiral, which made her wonder if she was actually upset about the admiral being demoted. Kaga never said a thing. Kaga never showed anything.

Silence span for quite a while and Airi waited patiently, observing as Kaga took another sip, before finally placed the cup down on the table. Nothing appeared to change from her composure, as expected.

"What would you like to hear?"

"... Excuse me?"

"Which of his activity, not included in the charges, that you would like to know?"

Having Kaga to spell things out to her made Airi wonder if Kaga was actually annoyed. Kaga's eyes shone, but it did not seem to be anything around annoyance, at least Airi hoped so. She would like to be specific?

"Like assault or harassment. Something that might be inappropriate or might inflict mental or physical injury to any Kanmusu. Including you."

Kaga's eyes remained unchanged despite the obvious emphasis.

"Like sex?"

"...eh?"

The carrier took her cup again and sipped it. Her words took Airi completely off guard. Her composure, even more. Her golden eyes looked straight into Airi. She repeated.

"Like sex."

At this rate, it was unthinkable to imagine anyone would have sex with Admiral Jiro willingly, given what he had done. Kaga's straightforward question, however, challenged the idea yet also did not diminish numerous other possibilities even if it did happen. Her question might be harmless, but Airi could not help but to feel like being challenged by the carrier passive aggresively. Airi bit the inside of her mouth a bit.

"If... you know about it."

"Very well."

The cup was placed on the table yet again. Kaga closed her eyes. Slowly, she opened them again and looked straight into Airi's.

"We did it multiple times. I cannot remember how many times. I do not know if he had done it with other Kanmusu."

She said it so easily, so lightly. Her tone and her expression did not change. It was a fact, one of many, and for Kaga perhaps there was no difference. Or perhaps there was.

"Was it consentual?"

The carrier paused for quite a while. She was ruminating her answer.

"Yes. It was an agreement."

Agreement. But she had to pause, that sure did not mean it was an easy answer.

"Did you desire it as well?"

"No." The carrier, for a split second, moved her gaze elsewhere. "I have no interest in such conduct."

Then all of it was not instigated by her. Perhaps just like Haguro, he made it an order. An agreement, she said. Perhaps that was the key to the logic of Kaga's decision.

"Did he hurt you?"

Kaga paused for a while. She then answered steadfastly as always.

"He did. He is a man who has little control over himself. He usually did especially when he was angry."

"... Did you consent?"

Another pause. Her voice when it continued somehow had a tint of sarcasm.

"I never ask to be injured or wounded, if that is what you mean."

Airi grimaced. That kind of story, with that kind of personality, usually did not end up well. Kaga sipped her tea again. If the sex was consentual, Airi had no reason to peer further, however in the wordings that the carrier took, there could be many possibilities as to why Kaga would let Jiro get off on her. There was also the beating, which Kaga had clarified that she did not ask for it and vaguely imply that she did not consent to the act, but received it nonetheless. Now this seemed like something that one should press charges on. Airi took out her pocket note and pen. This may be a valuable information, if she were to sue him or to persuade a stricter law.

"What will you use this information for?"

Suddenly Kaga's tone turned a bit more cautious. Airi looked up to see her, and quite surprised to find Kaga's golden eyes to be much harder now. She put her pen down.

"Personal documentation. These information might be come in handy in the future."

Kaga stayed silent for a while. She observed Airi writing on her pocket note, her gaze felt like pricking needles at the back of Airi's mind. If anything, Kaga had that strong presence even if she did not say anything. Still feeling, the gaze, Airi finally look up to see straight into Kaga. If the carrier would like to exert her ego on her, then Airi would counter it the same.

"Shall I trust you with my information, if you do not trust me with yours?"

That came out of the left field.

Airi understood that within the Kanmusu in this base, not all trust her like Shigure and Kiso did, or devoted to her like Shouhou. Kagerou and Shiranui were a good example. They were friendly, but they merely treat her as an acquaintance, as a superior. It was within their job to treat her fairly and with respect. Nagato was also an example of mutual understanding. Kaga was among them and now she perfectly display the distance she had placed between them. Airi had never thought that any of the Kanmusu would still be loyal to Jiro, given what the previous admiral had done, but now Airi had to challenge that perception. It was true she had never ask Kaga herself what happened to her during Jiro's time. Was this question because Kaga was loyal to him, or was this because of something else.

"My apologies, it was rude of me to start taking notes before asking for your words on it."

The carrier did not answer. Airi put down her pen and joined her hands.

"I do not have plan to disclose this or to press charges on Admiral Jiro—not without your consent. I do have a plan of my own in the military, and this information might help me to achieve that, of course, if you agree to it. Your story might help me to understand the ways admiral might hurt their ships, and by then, I may be able to think of a way to prevent it to happen again."

Still no reply from Kaga. Her golden eyes, though, it seemed, looked a lot less wary—maybe. Airi softened her gaze. She did not wish to clash with the carrier, and she would like the carrier to understand it too.

"Were you hurt?"

The same question, but now Kaga seemed to catch her drift. She still, however, ruminate her answer first before replying.

"Yes."

"Were you angry?"

"No."

Now that was surprising. Kaga's eyes slowly moved towards the window, away from Airi's.

"I only feel pity."

"Pity?"

The sun outside was still shining brightly. The ray fell on the tatami near them.

"At how little control he had on everything. On the situation, on the ships, on himself. He was trying to find footing by stepping on others. I find that to be... very pitiful."

Which placed her, in another sense, on a state of control during the chaotic moments, and him actually the one losing his grip on everything. Airi could only imagine what happened and she would not peer, unless Kaga herself decided to let it out.

"Is that why you did not disclose this as part of his charges?"

"No."

The carrier returned her gaze at Airi.

"I simply keep my words on the agreement. Like he did on his end."

Agreement. Again.

"May I know this agreement?"

The carrier closed her eyes. She seemed to think about it. After a while she opened them.

"If I disclose it, that will break the agreement itself. He might not appear like it, but he kept his words. I would like to at least leave that part of him alone."

The only redeeming part of him.

Airi could only wonder what this agreement was, but Kaga sure seemed like she would not move from her decision. Was it loyalty or devotion, or was out of pity, Airi could not completely grasp Kaga's emotions on her decision. In a way, not earning Kaga's complete trust was quite painful. Kaga gave her words on Jiro and despite everything kept it.

"Very well. I respect your decision."

"You can order me."

Kaga's words made Airi returned her eyes to hers quickly. The golden eyes glimmered.

"You can order me to disclose it. I am your ship right now and not his."

Airi did not even realized that she had curled her hand into fist. She clenched her jaw. Kaga's eyes did not waver.

"I will not. That will be against my ideals to push my position onto your individual rights, especially when it comes to your privacy."

Another pause between them. And somehow, Airi felt like she saw a slight, very slight smile on Kaga's face before the carrier moved her gaze elsewhere again.

"If I order you, however, will you?"

"I will."

Her answer was light. She glanced back at Airi.

"My loyalty rests with you, not him."

Such straighforward answer threw Airi off guard. Given how Kaga was, it was an indirect compliment on Airi's part, at least she would like to remember it that way. Yet, she made it clear about the difference between doing it willingly or doing it under order... Which also might explain her emotions on what Jiro did to her. It was under agreement, but it did not mean she was pleased with it. Yet, to say that it was not without consent would also be wrong.

"I... see. Thank you."

Kaga had always been honest, always. She never tried to sugar coat everything, which made her words always felt to weight more.

"My loyalty rests with you, not him."

At least, Airi could be sure about that.

"... Even if you are both admiral, you are not the same as him."

They met eyes again, and somehow Airi could see... a speck of warmth in those golden eyes.

"You earn loyalty. Not every human deserve that."

XXX

"I would like to make it clear to you, I do not condone to what you do."

Blood dripped to the wooden floor. Some of it soiled his boots. He mind none of that. Instead, it made him looked even more aroused.

"Don't worry, I understand that very well. I keep my words."

He dropped his belt then started to bite into her bare shoulder. It hurt. To say it otherwise would be a lie.

"I will not touch Akagi."

XXX

"Tadaima."

"Okaerinasai."

Gentle reply came from behind the sliding door. Kaga took off her sandals and put on the slippers as she stepped onto the wooden floor. She reached into the door and slid them open, finding Akagi sitting by the low table in the middle of the dining room. The other carrier looked up to meet her eyes. She smiled.

A kind, warm smile. Bright. Beautiful. Welcoming.

Her smile warmed Kaga's heart and soothed the hard cold feeling that had coiled up inside her the moment Admiral Tendouji asked her to relieve the past. Remembering that time was distasteful. Kaga never find it pleasant.

Akagi knew everything. She knew every single thing, she always did. Kaga never said it to anyone, but she knew Akagi knew. She knew all the filthy thing Jiro did, of all the whipping and beating and the rough sex... She knew of the agreement.

She did not inquire.

"Would you like tea? Shouhou also brought some senbei yesterday."

"Yes, please."

And with that, Akagi returned her dignity. Every time.

There was trust in their relationship.

With every touches, every smile, every cup of tea they exchange between each other.

Today was another day of drinking tea. Perhaps, in a way, Admiral Tendouji was the one who taught her another way to enjoy her tea.

Her tea never tasted as delicious as they were today. Perhaps she would still think the same for days to come.

XXX

Today, the sun shone bright. There were few clouds, and in the horizon Heishi could still spot the coming of the rain could. It was still far away though, perhaps the rain would come much later in the day. Maybe at night. That was fine by him.

"Kouseki-san."

Her voice sound gentle. They had been sitting in silence for many minutes, her voice felt like a ring in the silence between them.

"Yes, Admiral?"

She was looking at him, her brown eyes looked somehow glassy. She was thinking of something, restless. He did not know what that was that troubled her and he did not have the means to ask. He could only be there. He wished... that helped.

"Are you free tonight?"

That was... surprising. Something hot churned inside his chest, pushing air into his throat. He found himself griping his mug tighter.

"Yes. Do you have orders?"

She chuckled at his question. Her eyes turned distant somehow. The whimsical air inside those brown irises turned them inexplicably beautiful.

no, she had always been beautiful.

"I just... feel like drinking tonight. There is a nice bar near the station."

She... did not usually drink. She did not seem like the type to.

"Could you perhaps accompany me?"

Something was in that invitation. Perhaps it was also her agitation. She did say she had a lot of things in her mind.

Yet Heishi could not stop the heat rising from the pit of his stomach. Especially when she smiled at him kindly.

"Sure. Anytime, Admiral."

It was unfair. This was unfair.

Heishi was losing it when it comes to her.

To be continued ~~

Author's Note: I am planning on writing an original story finally. I hope, one day, all of you can read it too.