Zuihou came back half an hour later, carrying a breakfast set for two. I contacted the fairies in charge of the kitchen, they assured me that she was doing fine. In fact, she seemed happy. I guess I can take that as a good sign? Zuihou loves cooking just as much as she loves her planes.

"Zuihou, seconds please."

"Are there any plans to sortie today?"

"No. No sorties today. I want to focus on expeditions and getting our younger girls ready for the next operation."

"There's going to be one soon?"

"I think so. HQ usually announces it around this time of the month."

I looked over to Zuihou. She is looking down meekly, her small hands on her chest. She is worried about it. What should I do? Will I get through it? These may be the thoughts that are running through her head right now.

"Zuihou,"

"???"

"Come here."

I pat the space next to me. Zuihou got up from her side and went over to mine. As much as I'm afraid that she might break down again, I need her to know that I'm there for her.

"Zuihou, you clearly remember yesterday's match, do you? You don't need to answer that."

She looks visibly shaken. Right now, she is most fragile. She might break any moment.

I reach out and touch her cheek.

"It's alright. I'm here with you. You might feel better if you talk about it. Relax, I won't force you to do it now. You can talk to me when you're ready, okay. I just want to let you know, I... care for you and will always be here for you. So, please take care of yourself. You are not alone."

Zuihou touched my arm, an unbroken stream of tears flowed from her eyes.

"Yes... Admiral!"

She jumped into my embrace, sobbing softly. To be honest, I didn't know what came over me when I said the final few lines. I couldn't find the right words for it.

"Yo Admiral! Woah, sorry! Did I interrupt something?"

Suzuya came bursting into my office.

"What's up, Suzuya?"

"I came to check on Zuihou-chan." (Suzuya)

"Me?" (Zuihou)

Zuihou turned towards her, eyes red from the crying.

"Oi Admiral. What did you do to make a girl cry?" (Suzuya)

"I didn't do anything!"

"Hahahaha! I'm just kidding. Of course, I know that. Hmm... Looks like you are all better now!" (Suzuya)

"Yes. Sorry for the trouble yesterday." (Zuihou)

"No worries! We shipgirls need to look out for each other. Right, everyone!?" (Suzuya)

"Geez! Way to ruin a moment!" (Agano)

"Huh? Didn't you want to jump in too, Agano-san?" (Yamashiro)

"Wha-? Of course not!" (Agano)

"Admiral-san, me too!" (Yuudachi)

"Ah Yuudachi no!" (Shigure)

Too late. Yuudachi pounced on the both of us.

"Hyaah!!" (Zuihou)

What a noisy morning.

----------------------------

As discussed, Zuihou agreed to stay in my room for the time being. She didn't like the idea of not being able to sortie, so I allowed her to participate in patrols with Shouhou's group. For most of the days, she is on secretarial duty. If not, she would be doing patrols with Shouhou, participating in Aviation Practice with the other Carriers, or doing plane maintenance. Other than the occasional nightmares and crying at night, she is coping rather well. She still hasn't talk to me about her feelings yet though. That's fine. I promised to wait for her after all.

"Hey, Admiral?" (Zuihou)

"Yeah?"

"I _____ you." (Zuihou)

"Huh? What was that?"

"Nothing. ♪" (Zuihou)

Zuihou playfully hid under the covers. What did she say? She definitely mumbled the middle part on purpose. Was it what I think it was? Let's not jump into conclusions. She might have said or meant something else. Great, I'm going to sleep over this.

"Oh come on! What did you say? Hey!"