The tall figure at Darren's door, eggs and milk in hand and about to knock, was unmistakably his mentor, Zephyr.
Darren approached with an easy smile, a sincerity reserved for few. "What brings you here, Zephyr-sensei?"
Though their values and temperaments diverged, Darren had always treated Zephyr with a disciple's respect. Those who carried the torch for others shouldn't be left to freeze in the snow. Some people spent their whole lives on ideals and other people's well-being; even if he didn't share all that fervor, Darren respected the devotion. And when he'd first arrived from the North Blue, the old man had treated him with uncommon kindness.
At the sound of his voice, Zephyr paused and turned. Seeing the Vice Admiral strolling up with that unhurried smile, he rolled his eyes in mock annoyance. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?"
"You're a married man now," Zephyr grumbled. "Always rushing off on missions. When are you going to be home and help Toki? She's pregnant—what, will Marine Headquarters collapse without you?"
"Or is it that only you can catch pirates?" The sudden barrage left Darren a little nonplussed.
"Uh… well…" he managed, warmth stirring in his chest even as Zephyr's cheeks colored with ire.
He glanced at his own door, guilt twisting in his gut. He knew he'd been gone too much, that Toki had gone without care he owed her.
Seeing the younger man's flustered silence, Zephyr's anger ebbed. He sighed and shook his head. "I know you're eager to make a name, kid. Ambition is fine, but pirates won't vanish. No matter how busy you are, you make time for family. That's what a man does."
A flicker of loneliness crossed the weathered eyes of the purple-haired instructor.
He lifted the parcel in his hands. "Fresh eggs and buffalo milk—good for her, full of nutrients. I even checked with Toki's doctor before bringing them."
He patted Darren's shoulder. "You're gone so often. I get bored at the Academy, so I swing by to chat with Toki and keep her company."
Bored—hardly. With a new Training Camp session about to start, the Chief Instructor had no time to spare. The fatigue he couldn't quite hide told Darren what he already knew: the old man was thinking of the wife and child he'd lost.
Once a dashing Marine Admiral, Zephyr had been like Darren—so consumed by duty he'd neglected home, and tragedy had followed. He had protected countless families, and couldn't save his own. The irony bit deep. Perhaps guilt ran under it all; perhaps it was a grandfather's affection for Toki. Either way, he never failed to bring eggs and milk.
"I understand, Zephyr-sensei," Darren said at last, earnest. "I'll come home more often."
Zephyr studied him, then gave a grudging nod. "All right. I'll take you at your word."
Darren chuckled and pushed the door open.
"Vice Admiral Darren! Mr. Zephyr!"
Four Marine Commanders stood watch in the courtyard. Their faces were calm; they snapped to attention and saluted.
"Thank you for your hard work," Darren said, smiling as he slipped each of them a thick stack of colorful banknotes with casual ease.
Zephyr's cheek twitched. He looked away.
They stepped into the inner room.
A vision of gentle grace sat on the tatami, head bowed over a neat stack of Darren's clothes.
Toki wore her loose pink kimono, pale green hair in a simple bun. The obi was tied softly, framing the gentle curve of her pregnant belly. A wordless hum threaded the air.
Perhaps it was the pregnancy; her face had taken on an even warmer glow, her figure blooming with a young mother's quiet allure.
The sight drew a smile to Darren's lips.
With such a wife, what more could a man want?
"Toki, I'm home," he said softly.
Her hands paused. Surprise brightened her face; without bothering to tidy her clothes, she hurried into his arms.
Pressed against his chest, breathing in the familiar, steady scent, her eyes misted, soft as a tame kitten.
"Husband…"
She tipped her face up, gaze shining on the man she hadn't seen in a month, and clung to him as if she could pour a month of longing into that embrace.
Then her eyes flicked to the purple-haired figure behind him.
"Ah!" She flushed and stepped back, bowing with her cheeks still pink. "Mr. Zephyr, you're here too."
Zephyr waved a hand, smiling like an indulgent elder. "Don't mind me. I just brought eggs and milk. Go on—pretend I'm not here."
Darren: …
---
The fragrance of fresh tea drifted through the room.
"Please have some tea, Zephyr-san," Toki said, still a little rosy as she offered the cup with both hands.
He accepted with a smile, gaze warming at the sight of the pair seated together. A perfect match, he thought.
Toki rested one arm lightly over Darren's shoulder, the other cradling her belly. She turned to Zephyr with grateful warmth. "Husband, Zephyr-san has been so thoughtful. He reorganized the patrol routes for the Marines guarding the Family Quarters and arranged for female Marines from Staff Officer Tsuru to provide round-the-clock protection and care."
Darren blinked, inwardly impressed by the older man's care.
"It's nothing," Zephyr said with an airy wave. "What matters is that you and the child are safe and well."
Then he cocked an eyebrow at Darren. "You rascal. Toki's due in six months. Have you picked a name yet?"
A name?
Darren gave a rueful smile and shook his head. "I haven't had time to think about it, Zephyr-sensei."
He hesitated, thinking of the regrets Zephyr never voiced and the way he looked after Toki. Then he said, "How about you help us choose a name, Zephyr-sensei?"
To be continued...