Her mind snapped awake—right, eight-o'clock date with Azuma. Illustrious leapt up. "Unicorn, step outside; I need to change."
"Okay, but hurry! Big Sis Azuma's fuse is getting short," Unicorn warned as she left.
Once Unicorn was gone, Illustrious stripped off her pajamas and stowed them, then pulled fresh clothes from the wardrobe: white lace panties, sheer white thigh-highs.
She fastened a white lace garter belt around her slim waist, clipping four straps to the stocking tops.
Next came an off-shoulder white sundress, a white choker with a blue crystal drop, white silk opera gloves edged with tiny blue crystals, and high heels.
At the vanity she combed her glossy silver hair and pinned three white flower clips. In the mirror a beauty gazed back—delicate face, sapphire eyes, pert nose, glistening petal-pink lips.
"As radiant as ever," she murmured, caressing her cheek.
Bang—the door flew open and Ayanami stormed in. "You done yet? I'm starving! Unicorn couldn't drag you out, so here I am. Everyone's waiting for breakfast!"
"Eek! Coming!" Illustrious, fur fluffed like a startled cat, slapped on her white hat and bolted past Ayanami.
Ayanami followed, shutting the door, and headed for the dining table.
After a quick wash, Illustrious sat down. Breakfast, courtesy of Azuma, was a Sakura Empire spread: fried egg, sausage, vegetables, rice, and the indispensable miso soup.
"Great, the Admiral's finally here—let's eat!" Azuma beamed.
"Let's dig in!" they chorused, piling in happily.
"Wow—amazing! This miso soup is divine! Whoever marries Azuma will eat like royalty!" Illustrious praised.
"Really? Then eat lots. I'll cook for the Admiral all my life," Azuma said warmly.
"Seriously? Lucky me!" Illustrious exclaimed.
"You've got rice on your cheek—let me." With a slender finger Azuma wiped the grain, popped it into her own mouth, and gave a slow lick.
"Mmm…" Illustrious flushed—an indirect kiss!
"Admiral, why so red? Feeling sick?" Azuma asked in concern.
My face is red because of you—have some self-awareness! Illustrious thought, but said only, "N-no, I'm fine."
Watching the atmosphere between the two ships heat up, Ayanami suddenly felt her food turn tasteless, as though it reeked of vinegar. Tch! Big deal—so she can cook a few lousy dishes. I, Ayanami, can too… well, no, she can't. Argh! Damn it! Those wretched women!
Channeling her grief into appetite, Ayanami attacked her plate.
Illustrious bent sideways and whispered into Azuma's ear: "What's with her? Is she starving? Why is she wolfing it down like that?"
"No idea! Maybe she's in a bad mood. I heard girls binge when they're upset," Azuma answered softly.
Seeing Illustrious murmuring with Azuma, Ayanami ate even faster—so furious she felt ready to break a ship in half.
"In a bad mood? Which bastard dared upset my cute Ayanami? I'll skin her, tear her tendons, drink her blood, cast her into the eighteenth level of hell so she never rises again!" Illustrious fumed inwardly after pulling away from Azuma.
Watching Illustrious glare in righteous anger for Ayanami's sake, Azuma shook her head, unsure whether the Admiral was truly dense or only pretending.
"I'm full!" she declared, then left the place of torment—out of sight, out of mind.
Watching Elder Sister Illustrious and Elder Sister Azuma flaunt their affection, Unicorn wondered, If I could cook, would Elder Sister Illustrious praise me too? She suddenly wanted Azuma to teach her.
After clearing the table Azuma told Unicorn, "I've put lunch in the fridge; just microwave it when you're ready!"
"Got it! Have a perfect date, Elder Sisters!" Unicorn chirped sweetly.
"Thanks, Unicorn." Azuma smiled and patted her head. Such an adorable little sister-in-law.
Illustrious, slowly sipping black tea, felt Azuma seize her hand. "Enough tea—let's go!"
"Fine, I'm coming! No need to drag me." Illustrious grumbled.
Watching them leave, Unicorn flashed a sly grin. "Hope Elder Sister Azuma likes the gift Elder Sister Ayanami and I prepared for her."
Once Illustrious freed her hand, Azuma looped both arms around Illustrious's and rested her head against it. "Better?"
"Isn't this a bit close?" Illustrious murmured.
"Not at all—couples on dates stick together. The book says so." The book, Ayanami's masterpiece "Azuma's Foolproof Date Guide," promised quality.
"Eww, what book? Can I see?" Illustrious asked, curious.
"Can't show you or it'll lose its magic," Azuma said solemnly.
Now Illustrious wanted it more. "Come on, I'm your beloved Admiral! Let me see!"
"Ah—no!" Azuma squealed.
"Scream all you like—no one will save you. The louder you yell, the more excited I get! Hand it over!" Illustrious lunged, ready to snatch the book herself.
Clang! Azuma chopped her head with a knife-hand, bringing tears. "O-o-ow!"
"Behave yourself!" Azuma snapped.
"S-sorry, I got carried away," Illustrious apologized.
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