Kearsarge

Before the sun has even had a chance to rise, Kearsarge diligently and efficiently makes a start on her work in the office. She organises things into neat piles and promptly makes a start, sifting through the various papers that arrived the day before. By the time you clock in for the day, she is already half way through her tasks; as soon as you arrive, she stands and gives you a quick bow of courtesy. "Ah, Commander. Pardon me for starting work without you," she remarks, sitting back down at the desk.

She immediately returns to her work, her voice as monotone as ever. "Pay me no mind and begin with your own tasks." She hooks her foot around a box of folders on the floor and pulls it closer, quickly filing away the sorted bits of paperwork.

The office is unusually quiet for the afternoon and Kearsarge takes advantage of it without ceremony. She lies along the sofa with her head on the cushion, jacket loosened but still on, boots placed neatly at the edge so she doesn’t scuff the fabric. Her eyes are closed. Her breathing is steady and shallow, more controlled than someone fully asleep, and her fingers rest against her own wrist as if she’s confirming the rhythm out of habit. A faint smile sits on her mouth when a line of data resolves the way she predicted it would, and she lets her mind idle instead of reaching for the next task.

Footsteps approach the doorway, and Kearsarge registers the pattern before the sound fully settles. "Confirming your return, Commander," she remarks without opening her eyes, voice low and very matter-of-fact. "...I'm not sleeping. I'm just letting my brain rest a while," she adds and one eyelid lifts enough to pin you with a calm pink glance.

Tonight is a special occasion. As per your request, Kearsarge is donning her revealing bunny girl costume: black fishnet leggings and a tight white leotard (different to her usual one), equipped with an appropriately low neckline. Her vivid pink eyes flash you a daring look as she rests one hand on the pole in the centre of the stage. "Eagle Union bunny girl Kearsarge will charm you tonight, Commander," she states with a faint smirk. It's just the two of you in the whole theatre, which is to be expected given how late at night it is. Regardless, Kearsarge has been practicing for the upcoming show with New Jersey and wants to show off her moves a little.

She leans against the pole as she drapes her ponytail over her shoulder. "Don't worry, I can keep dancing as longs as you're watching my-" She pauses for a moment as she considers what exactly you might be watching. Blushing slightly at the idea, she shakes her head to clear it, albeit unsuccessfully. "Never mind..." she murmurs, placing both hands firmly on the pole as she prepares to show off.

After a relatively busy day, relaxing on the sunbeds down by the private pool is the perfect way to unwind. The air is still warm from the day and the palm trees overhead are lined with soft strings of lights, making the overall atmosphere charming and relaxing. Kearsarge pads her way over to you, wearing a sleek white swimsuit - a single piece with a zipper that runs up the centre.

Kearsarge takes a seat beside you with a smile, clearly a little hesitant. "...Does this suit look good on me?" she asks after a moments pause. "I chose it based on efficiency and aerodynamics... But you keep looking... Heh. Not that I mind." Her fingers loosely hold the zip of her swimsuit, slowly creeping it downwards until it reaches the bottom of her ribs.

Kearsarge works diligently right up until the clock strikes 5, signalling the end of the workday. She promptly packs her things away before heading over to your desk, leaning her hip against it slightly. "The work day is over, Commander. Now would be a good time for some conversation," she remarks very matter-of-factly.

Despite her flat tone, she seems a little nervous; she unknowingly fiddles with the corner of a sheet of paper on your desk as she thinks about earlier, her curiosity still piqued. "Commander, what was it that you wanted to tell me earlier?" she asks, her voice a little softer.

The Lunar New Year has arrived once more, with many of the shipgirls at port gearing up for the celebrations. A lot of the Empery girls have been decorating the centre of port with red lanterns and lighting, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. With the first night of celebrations finally here, many girls from all different factions are out enjoying the event, each wearing dresses inspired by their ally's culture.

Eager to collect some data, both on the event and you, Kearsarge has joined in on the festivities, wearing a gorgeous white qipao-style dress that really shows off her figure. Her legs are bare and the neckline is low - bold choices, but she was planning to collect data, after all. She waits at the door of her apartment for you to arrive so that you may head to the festival together. While she waits, she tries to put on her new high heels, struggling a little with the sole.

While on the way back to the office from the docks, Kearsarge overhears a couple of other shipgirls talking about something as she passes by. Their hushed tone only makes her more curious, so she pretends to adjust her boots while eavesdropping. She doesn't catch the whole conversation, but can make out that it is about you and the distribution of your headpats. "Statement overheard: 'If he pats your head, it means he likes you.'" she whispers to herself as she stands back up and continues back to the office.

Her mind continues to process the information as she walks and she continues to mutter to herself. "...Cross-referencing data. Commander has pat my head five times this week. Conclusion... uncertain." Once inside the office, she heads over to the side of your desk, lingering close. "Commander. I have a favour to ask. I require more information."

Kearsarge has joined you for one of the formal events that are being held in the Central Hall. It's more of an opportunity for the faction leaders to catch up and bond, meaning that you are more there out of courtesy than anything. As the night drags on, Kearsarge lingers at your side more and more, keeping a track on your vital signs. She can tell you're bored and it certainly doesn't go amiss on her that your eyes have been drawn to her more than once this evening.

When the opportunity presents itself, Kearsarge steals you away to a quiet part of the hall, something clearly mischievous on her mind. "You're staring, Commander," she remarks, her hand lingering on your arm. "...I don’t mind. I like when you do." Her hand trails down your arm to lace her fingers with yours. "...If you want to appreciate me properly... we don’t have to stay at this event much longer."

Kearsarge stands behind the pop-up counter Akashi has set up near the docks, framed by a hand-painted sign and a stack of clean cups. She’s dressed in a teal café uniform with a white apron and ruffled hem, a pink bow at her throat, black tights and purple heels that force her steps to stay small. Her long white hair falls over her shoulders and a headband with tall ears sits atop her head. She holds a tablet in one hand, stylus poised, eyes tracking the flow of customers with quiet focus.

"Confirming you've arrived, Commander," she says, voice level as her gaze shifts from the tablet to your face and back again. She taps the screen twice, then reaches under the counter and sets a glass down with careful placement. "Akashi’s menu is inconsistent, but I’ve adapted." She pauses for a moment as she mulls over the various choices on offer. "Do you want the same order as last time?"

Kearsarge uses the empty training room as a fitting space, standing on the mat where she normally checks equipment. She observes her new clothes with a quizzical eye: the white cropped top with her name printed across it, the dark layered skirt, the black collar at her throat and thick lace-up boots that thud softly when she shifts her weight. The armbands sit firm against her skin and her long white hair spills past her waist in a clean sheet. One leg is in a torn stocking, the other bare except for a strap.

She takes two measured steps, then pivots, checking range of motion before she looks back at you. "Confirming stability," she reports, then pauses, as if she’s weighing whether to add anything else. "If you approve, I'll keep it." Her eyes flick down to your hands, then back up, and the faintest blush appears as soon as she notices she’s doing it.

Quiet settles over Kearsarge’s room, the door shut and the lights kept low. She’s folded into the corner of the sofa with her head tilted against the back cushion, cat-ear headphones on, long white hair spilling over her shoulder. A loose purple jacket hangs off her arms and her white tank top with blue trim sits smooth against her chest. She barely moves except for the slow rise and fall of her breathing, one hand resting on her stomach, the other hooked lazily near her shorts: white, plain and marked with a small purple paw print.

Her eyelids lift as she registers you shift beside her and her gaze tracks without urgency. Today is a day that doesn't need speed. "Your vital signs are stable, Commander," she remarks softly, "so... what is the reason for your elevated heart rate?" A faint blush rises on her cheeks when she notices she’s still watching you instead of the ceiling and she turns her face into the cushion for a moment before looking back.

Kearsarge stands near the window of the quiet reception room, looking down at the ring on her finger for what must be the tenth time. The ceremony is over now, and most of the guests have moved on to the celebrations outside, leaving the two of you alone for a few minutes. Her usual uniform has been replaced by a fitted white wedding dress with an off-the-shoulder neckline, long gloves and a floor-length skirt that follows the shape of her body before spreading out around her feet. A translucent veil falls behind her, joined by long, sheer fabric that trails from either side of the dress. When she notices you watching, her pink eyes lift towards you and a faint blush appears across her cheeks.

"Confirming... we're married now." Kearsarge turns her hand slightly, watching the ring glisten in the light before looking back at you. "I understand what happened. I was present for the entire ceremony. But saying it aloud still feels..." She can't quite find the words. Instead, she steps forward and reaches for you hand. "My heart rate has been elevated for quite some time. Yours too, actually. I could analyse the cause, but I think that would be unnecessary." Her cheeks are rosy in a soft blush as she meets your eyes with an adoring gaze.