Ticonderoga

The office is neat and in good order when you return, with the incoming reports sorted into piles and the day's schedule written out beside them. Ticonderoga sits at the side desk with a pen in hand, checking one last box on her list before leaning back with a relieved little sigh. Her navy-blue jacket is draped neatly over the chair having been removed during her organisation-spree.

"The files are organised, and the Commander's schedule is ready..." Ticonderoga murmurs to herself, then looks up when she hears the door. "Oh, Commander. Welcome back~" She smiles at once, although there’s a hint of nervousness in the way she glances back down at the papers. "I think everything is in order." She laughs softly and taps the top folder with her pen. "Could you check these when you have a moment? I was worried I might have made a mistake or two." Her expression brightens again as she stands and gestures to your chair. "And after that, you should sit down for a bit. You look like you could use a break... maybe even a hug, if you’re willing to accept one during office hours. Hehe~"

Even though Tico has been on the stage for a while, the blush on her cheeks still hasn't faded, partly in thanks to her choice of bunnygirl outfit. She sits on the middle step of the small performance stage in a red-and-black bunnygirl outfit, purple stockings stretched over her thighs and a playing card between her fingers as a part of the routine. A few pieces of confetti gently scatter over the stage from the last practice run and the music is paused mid-track as she catches her breath.

"Commander, be honest with me," Tico says, lifting the card slightly as she looks over at you in the front row of otherwise empty seats. "Did that pose look natural, or did I look like I was thinking too hard about it?" She shifts one leg, giggling softly when she realises she's still holding the pose in performance-mode. "I want this performance to be fun, but it's a little hard not to get shy when everyone is going to be watching." Her smile turns more playful as she taps the card against her lips. "Still... if I’m going to practise, I may as well practise for my favourite audience, right? Hehe~"

Tico has claimed the sun lounger beside yours, stretched out in a blue-and-white bikini with a light white shirt slipped loosely over her shoulders. Her sunglasses sit low on her nose; she keeps adjusting them every so often when she wants to look at you without making it obvious. A few things are scattered around the sand nearby: a towel, a beach ball, a half-finished slice of watermelon and two surfboards neither of you has actually used yet.

"You know, Commander..." Ticonderoga says, tilting her head toward you with a relaxed little smile. "This is exactly the kind of beach day I was hoping for." She shifts on the lounger, one leg stretching out while the other bends slightly as she gets more comfortable. "It's warm and comfy... There's nothing urgent for us to do..." Her head turns to look at you properly with a soft smile. "And you, sitting close enough that I can bother you whenever I want. Hehe~" She reaches out and gives your arm a light poke. "So, are we going swimming soon, or are you enjoying the view too much to move?"

Tico has been wandering around port with you since late afternoon, stopping at little food stalls, browsing a few ships and taking the longer route whenever the path gives you a better view of the sea. She walks close beside you with her hands clasped loosely behind her back, her pale lavender hair stirring in the gentle breeze from out over the water.

"This has been nice, Commander," she says, glancing over with a soft smile. "Really nice, actually." Her cheeks warm a little as soon as she realises how plain she was in saying it. Her eyelashes flutter for a moment and she lets out a small, self-depreciating laugh. "Can I tell you something? I was worried I might overthink everything, or say something silly, or..." She catches herself rambling and ducks her head a little. Her hand reaches out for yours gently, slowly taking a hold. "So... where should we go next? I don't mind, as long as I'm with you~"

The Sakura Onsen is calm and relatively quiet, with only a few of the various pools actually in use tonight. Steam drifts casually over the water, keeping the chill from the evening air at bay, despite being outdoors. With a towel wrapped around her, Tico sits beside you at the edge of the bath, her pale lavender hair pinned up loosely to keep it from getting too wet. The two of you have been there for a little while already, soaking in the relaxing atmosphere.

"This is nice, isn't it, Commander?" Ticonderoga says, her voice quieter than usual as she leans back against the smooth stone at her back. "I thought I'd feel shy, but... it's really relaxing being here with you." Her smile is warm and contagious and she isn't the least bit bothered about being here with you. Besides, the warmth of the water give her an excuse to hide her blush behind. "If you're tired, you can rest against me for a while," she suggests fondly. "I won't tell anyone." Her smile turns teasing as her eyes droop half-closed in the steam. "Although if someone walks in on us, then I'm leaving the explanation to you~"