Asahi sas Brutus

…Are they really going to make him say it? He sighs. Blushing again. Are his actions not enough?

“I like you, Commander.”

He hopes this is suitable !

“Ah— It was no trouble—!! I could…make some with you sometime?”

A date…with Izumi…

Wait no…They’d see him failing over and over…They’d see how long it actually took him to make chocolates…

Embarrassed!! They noticed they were homemade!! They do not look like commercial quality…

“Oh…It didn’t take me too long! Just an afternoon!”

They’ll never know how long it took him to make it.

He takes a bite out of one of Izumi’s

“Strawberry?”

They were all shaped like flowers, he’s glad he didn’t go with hearts…. He would have been so embarrassed if the shapes matched Izumi’s…

“I’m….Not… I just— I wan’t to gift you something, it just feels like the sort of holiday you would enjoy…”

He smiles at them,

“They’re so pink-!”

until he got them right.

He swapped their chocolates around, taking a look at the pieces made by Izumi.

“These look nice, Commander…Thank you!”

He hopes they can’t see him blushing

“Oh!! This is— quite a coincidence, commander!”

He pulled his hand from behind his back and revealed his own box of handmade chocolates.

He hopes nobody looks at his kitchenette… It looks like a bomb has gone off in there, the way he was making and scrapping chocolates over and over—

“I thought you would know… It’s Valentiones, of course!!”

He is holding something behind his back as he talks to them,

“It felt like the sort of day you would celebrate…Am I mistaken?”

“Ah, Commander!”

He jogs after @smuggersage.bsky.social, trying to not look like he’s trying too hard

“A..Are you aware of what day it is today?”

….You are lying to try and tease me….

I SHOWER EVERY MORNING YOURE LYING

(recoils) IZUMI THE SMELL????!!!!

YOU WILL DIE?!?! NO SMOKO!!!

Please wash your hands before I touch them, the smell will transfer to my gloves…

*smacks it out of their hand* NO

[he smiles as he carries them away, always happy to show off how easily manoeuvred they are]

—?!?!

[he chases after them, picking them up and beginning to walk them towards their room]

I’ll just have to put it in your nest for you, since you won’t do it yourself

DON'T !!! You are making courtship so difficult !! I expected no less, but I didn't expect it to be this... much....

I'm flirting quite respectfully and courteously, actually!! Do you want the shirt for your nest? I will take it back if you're rejecting me!!!

Auggh-- You needn't come to such assumptions, commander....I-- just wanted to help with your season--

[he is courting them]

[he is not thinking about womenfolk and their…. whatever…]

Yes, it’s one of mine. It’s comfortable. I thought you may like it. I can take it back from you if it’s not good enough.

WELL. WELL— Regardless, your monthly time is soon to occur— Please. Take this for your nest.

[he hands them one of his shirts. he had wore it for the entire previous day and night, it smells like him…this is how xaela court…even if they aren’t xaela… the rules should still apply]

C-CALM DOWN !!

It is in my best interest to keep track. I wanted to ensure your comfort during your *seasonal time*.

Would you allow me to make arrangements for your room? I can bring your food to you when you begin nesting. I have been reading on Xaela fertility—I mean I heard that you nest.

OW OW OW OW OW !!

I assumed it was time— You’ve been acting strange lately… !! Plus I remembered last time !! And have noted it on my calendar…

@smuggersage.bsky.social Commander, it is getting close to your *monthly* time, isn’t it?

“And you will allow me to shower in peace? Does the door lock?”

He is half joking with them, fighting a smile as he allows Izumi to pull him away… If anyone sees them together like this, rumours will spread.

At least their back is turned from him. They’ll never see him look at them like this.

He’s allowing them to touch him at least.

He sighs. He guessed they’re right, he hasn’t showered alone for quite some time…And he does enjoy tea…

“I will humour you this time, commander… But if this is some weird prank, I won’t speak to you about anything besides that which is required of us to complete our jobs.”

—

“I—“

He starts talking but it seems to get caught in his throat.

“You’re teasing me again!!”

He steps back away from them. Neither of those sound good to him. Not that he would admit that to himself, and especially not to them.

“I never said anything like that, I can’t help blushing… Don’t….Apply feelings to it…”

His response was possibly the most awkward way he has ever spoken to them

He grimaced at their teasing. His commander is touching him so inappropriately! This is against all workplace boundaries!!

“If I say it looks cute will you, once again, unhand me?”

He’s blushing bright pink

“I don’t hate it—“

He doesn’t. The way it’s wiggling as they hug him is just. It’s a lot. The jewellery is making a soft clinking sound as they move, exactly as he intended it to.

“I can see and hear that… I’m glad it fits and is serving its purpose.”