IJN CVL Houshou

You open your eyes, and everything you see is blurry, your consciousness is hazy, and you only feel a sticky pain in a daze.

The most vivid sensation was a tingling sensation on your cheek. You moaned softly and tried to get up, but your body wouldn't obey.

You blink slowly, once, twice. Your vision slowly returns, and your thoughts become clear. You're slumped over your desk. You finally pull yourself up and try to sit back up. Your cheek, clung to the damp, hot surface, now meets the cold air, and the numbness gradually gives way to a burning pain.

You stare blankly at the dim office, your lips parted in a daze. As consciousness returns, a wave of pain begins to surge deep within your brain. You bite your lower lip, resting your head on your hands, and groan again.

You remember struggling with endless work. Realizing you've fallen into a deep sleep, you sigh deeply. You remembered it was still dusk in your office, but now it's pitch black outside the window. Sigh……………

Well…at least you got the work done…

You think back to everything that happened today.

Today was truly not your day. You stare blankly at the empty, dimly lit room.

……

Something catches your eye; it emanates a warmth that seems out of place in the cold space. You turn around and flick on the desk lamp, a yellow-orange glow instantly illuminating the room. Looking back, you see a small, warm white thermos, its warmth even more inviting. You reach out and pick up the thermos. It's positioned just right, neither too far nor too close, not intruding on your personal space, yet you lift it effortlessly. You examine it closely. The milky white bottle is made of frosted metal, eliminating glare. It feels smooth and comfortable in your hands, almost warm. Small and light, you spot a small, peach-pink flower nestled low in the bottle, softer than red, yet more vibrant than pink. Observing this unfamiliar little object, you find yourself perking up. You gently shake the bottle, being pretty sure it's filled with liquid. You unscrew the tight-fitting lid. With a pop, steam rises from the bottle, and you can't help but feel your cheeks and upper body warm. You immediately smell the aroma. Gazing into the bottle's mouth, the color and aroma of the hot broth make your salivate. You know this bowl of soup is absolutely delicious. Unable to wait to put the thermos down, you shift into a sitting position, cradling it and bringing the broth to your lips. The back of your tongue trembles, a pleasant tingle tingles in your taste buds, and your jaw twitches slightly. The broth is perfectly warm, and you take sip after sip, feeling the warmth slowly spread from your throat and stomach throughout your body. Though it's not a luxurious or expensive dish, it unexpectedly fills you with a sense of immense happiness. You gaze at the empty cup in your hand. The simple, warm presence, the unparalleled thoughtfulness, and the attention to detail leave you with no doubt as to who this thermos's owner belongs to.

You remembered your appointment with Houshou.

You practically ran to Houshou's room. Even after everything that had happened, the thought of forgetting your appointment still filled you with irritation and panic. Breathless, you knocked on her door as gently as you could. It was so late, and if she didn't respond, you'd have no choice but to leave. However, the door soon opened gently. Houshou looked up slightly and smiled at you. "Thank you for your hard work, Admiral. I'm glad you came." She was wearing a soft nightgown, clearly fresh from the shower. Her long, dark hair was fluffy and soft, slightly damp, but neatly tied into the ponytail she'd worn during the day, though slightly undone. Noticing your distraction, she narrowed her eyes in a smile. "I think you're more used to seeing me like this," she explained delicately. She noticed you holding the thermos and smiled, taking your wrist. "Thank you for bringing me the bottle. Is the soup in it good?" Without giving you time to waste a word, she took the jar, covered it, and put it aside.

"Don't you have to wash the cup?" you asked. She simply took you into the room, her usual smile on her face. "I can do that tomorrow, but we only have tonight." She leaned against your chest, pulling you close, her lips brushing against your ear. "...You're more important."

You couldn't help but feel a surge of heat wash over you. You didn't know where to turn, so you could only stare at the approaching bedroom, glancing at her beside you. Petite, yet determined.

The soft bed was right before her. She suddenly let go of your hand and slumped down onto it.

Patting the mattress beside her, Houshou tilted her head slightly. "Come, Admiral, here."

You looked at her, sitting alone on the edge of the bed. She looked so small, and against the sheer size of the bed, you felt a sudden sense of daunting fear. 'Is she secretly upset about my missed appointment?' 'Will I soil her bed?' You, like a stiff puppet, finally sit down at her request.

The distance between you is delicate and distant, and your toes are practically curled with anxiety. Suddenly, you feel a soft hand wrap around your waist and climb up your back. Under Houshou's guidance, you unconsciously lie on your side. You feel the hem of the soft bathrobe open against your cheek, her cool yet warm skin against yours as she rests your head on her lap.

You can't see Houshou's expression, but you hear the soft humming of a nursery rhyme from above, like the melody of an elf. The floral scent of her shampoo makes you feel like you're in a dream. Her hand touches your hair, gently toying with it and massaging your scalp.

You were in her arms, and she caressed your hair and face lovingly. After an indeterminate moment, she leaned down and whispered in your ear: "...Want to cuddle with Mommy some more? Or do you want to share what happened today with me? Whatever you want to do, I'm here..."