Fishing for Compliments

Seventh Touch: Strike as One, Together

Author's note: It's a happy coincidence that this next chapter is online just as Kokomi's banner becomes available! Good luck to everyone summoning her! I'm over the moon to see that the peace talks between Sara and Kokomi take place in the latter's story quest. This story has also been, at heart, about how the two women end up in peace talks. What seemed to be an end is really a beginning.

Enjoy!

*

Her Excellency's schedule today

06:00 – Rise and bathe

07:00 – Breakfast with Commander Kujou Sara

07:45 – Inspection of Swordfish III and Squid II troops

08:00 – Sign provisional peace treaty with Sara

10:00 – Await news about the Fatui from Sara's elite soldiers

12:40 – Lunch

14:30 – Joint Shogunate-Resistance attack commences on Fatui strongholds

Kokomi's eyes lingered over Gorou's neat scrawl, before setting down the piece of paper. "Today shall be a big day," said the naked woman, as she leaned back into Sara's waiting arms. She gave a satisfied smile as Sara nuzzled her messy pink hair. After all, they'd just woken up and Kokomi had only now received Gorou's reminder.

"Today is the day we end the war and our life together begins," whispered Kokomi, as Sara kissed the crown of her head, enveloping her in her lean, muscular arms. Their legs were entwined, and Kokomi's lithe, warm body felt heavenly in Sara's embrace.

Sara's voice was filled with emotion. "I can't wait, my beloved."

The sun's rays were pealing through the grand bedroom of the supreme leader, filling the room with gentle dawn light. The two women spent a while cuddling and kissing one another devotedly. Duty called, however. They headed to the sauna and took a long, hot bath together, talking about the many sights of Watatsumi that Kokomi wanted to take Sara to. "I'm kind of clueless about Watatsumi, though it's probably the most beautiful island in all Inazuma," Sara had conceded, while they were soaking in the hot water. "What would be some of the more romantic places we could enjoy?" she wondered dreamily.

There were many scenic spots scattered in the region: the skeletal remains of the Solitary Sea-Beast on the beach, where Anisa and Kumi often hung out, the many waterfalls that draped themselves like flowing curtains along the inside of the island, and, of course, the viewpoints overlooking Enkanomiya, the mysterious whirlpool and cavern that was directly below the Pearlescent Palace.

"I have many places for our future dates in mind," Kokomi had said, dipping the lower half of her head in the warm water and blowing bubbles, "but few match the romance and mystery that is the Moon-Bathed Deep. When we clinch our hard-earned victory, the first thing I'm doing is taking you to see the sights of Enkanomiya."

Sitting across from her, Sara smiled, adjusting the wet towel on her head. She let out a sigh of contentment. "You can be the boss. I'm no good at entertaining. I haven't even been on a date before. It'd be better if I follow your lead as to where we go for fun."

She jabbed a teasing finger at Kokomi. "But since when have you not been the boss?"

Kokomi sniggered. "You've never gone on a romantic date, yet I've already subjected you to the delicious agony of the Reef Rack? Poor you."

"And whose fault is that?" mock-raged Sara, before the two lovers burst into a fit of good-natured mirth.

Then it was time for breakfast. The meal at the Pearlescent Palace was of impeccable quality and freshness: today Sara and Kokomi were served fresh miso soup, cold soba noodles, and the best natto Sara ever had. Even in the Kujou household, where the Tenryou Commission had access to the finest goods, Sara had never had food as fresh and delicious as on Watatsumi Island. She and Kokomi talked casually over the minutiae of their treaty; the bigger points had already been agreed on. Yashiori Island was to be evacuated of both Resistance and Shogunate troops, the Resistance was to cease all attacks east of Kannazuka Island, and the Alcor would no longer be permitted to stay in Inazuman waters.