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A-kun: How's the long wait? My analytics says it all. Damn, hope you all have a great Christmas and let this year just be forgotten. 

Many things are happening outside the Commander's office. And somehow... He's not getting involved. 

It's Christmas. There's NO possible way you can be sad in this type of cheerful atmosphere. ESPECIALLY when you're surrounded by girls. Like, anyone would kill for that type of position.

But as cliché, as it is, Caster is in this exact position. 

Every time that he's on his bed, his legs shake as it's screaming that it wants to move. Out of this bed that he's been in for 10 hours straight. 

And even with his great self-awareness, he's oblivious to the fact that he's doing this. 

And once the vigor of his emotions can spur everyone with courage, now it's replaced with stoicism. His smiles, now a rare occurrence. 

It's gotten everyone worried about him. All girls outside of Caster's circle of secretaries point at the shoulder injury as to why he's like this. 

His movement is getting more and more erratic also. And his schedule, which in his words, he said: "It is predictable.", now he's doing things early, or most likely, late. 

No matter, the girls in the past week have put lights and some trees to make it look at least festive. 

The Sakura Empire has done most of the decorating, the Royal Navy preparing the food for everyone, and the Eagle Union just buying a crap ton of fireworks that is sure to not hurt anyone in the process. 

His secretaries have already fitted the room with LED strip lights. Which was a very nice ambient addition to the atmosphere. It will make it more homely, and so much more approachable. And it looks like it's going to be a permanent mainstay in his office.

Some fireworks have already been used. At most random times as well. It could have contributed to why Caster's still awake and have trouble sleeping. 

He's not sleep-deprived, far from it. But the random noises were starting to... Bother him. And sure enough, it has reached its limit.

Caster's hand slid inside the pillow to try to get a feel of his leg. Which felt numb for some reason. 

Did he really become that listless that his leg is not working anymore?

His former trainers would not like seeing him like this. 

The Commander finally took his few steps for the day. And right at the door, was Wales. And with the Christmas cheer, she smiled at him.

Wales stepped closer to Caster and helped him and to accompany him.

She's aware that Caster's emotions have been locked up inside him. And she really felt bad. But that also raised a valid question. "Is his mental fortitude really weak?" 

He had an influential position before he came here. So she expected to have a great mind under pressure. Which he has. In the fight against the Sakura Empire and many skirmishes, he showed off his preparedness. 

But being great under pressure doesn't seem to translate to his mental fortitude for him. 

And as most of the knowledgeable girls keeping track of his win-loss record, this one could be considered as a: "A win, but not really."

And Wales caught on fast. But she's having a difficult time on how to help him. Since being very caring and bubbly isn't really Wales's thing, and she doesn't want to force herself to be different. 

At the very least, she wants to be dependable and consistent with her actions. So no unnecessary attention will be drawn towards her.

Caster opened the door to see the halls decked out with lights. And a lot of more festive decorations.

As far as he knows, he hasn't gotten any updates on the treasury since after the 1st week of his injury. And judging from the last update, he felt that this would be a waste of valuable money. 

Well, back at the Akashi's shop, she's almost back from where their resources were before the tragedy. And she's feeling frisky and won't mind a bit of splurging. 

Aside from that, even with the 'wasteful' spending in mind for Caster, saying that the building doesn't look great, is just plain lying to himself. 

So, using the token of appreciation, he let it slide and kept walking to the cafeteria. Expecting and pile of lights making the cafeteria look blinding. Figuratively and literally. 

Wales was being very observant as they both walked to the cafeteria. But not at the Commander, but to the girls. 

She found many signs that the girls became more scared of him and they were hesitating to talk to him. And this is on CHRISTMAS. This doesn't usually happen. 

And Caster was a near-celebrity status among everyone. 

So the reasons kept piling and Wales is almost failing to comprehend how strange this situation is for everyone. 

They both arrive. 

One good look at the cafeteria, you can tell it was around a theme. And based on the very bright red lights and a lot of huge light figures along the walls, it was apparent that the Ironblood made their input noticeable. 

Wales asked the Commander if the lights were getting too bright for him. Because for Wales, it was a resounding 'yes' for her, and couldn't stand staying there any longer. 

Caster also noticed that Wales was getting uncomfortable judging from a quick glance at her eyes, 

So he turned around, and Wales was quick to follow. 

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Both of them were outside the main building now. 

Due to the location of the island, it was strictly a 'tropical' zone. 

So, unfortunately, there's no way that snow could form in the air. But in turn, like the season, the wind was very cold but not to the point you need 4 layers of clothing a day just to get by. 

It was a specific type of cold. It felt like a... Comfy cold. Yes, comfy. Bet you weren't expecting that. 

Even as Wales was stressed that almost no one interacted with the Commander, she was very happy that most of her friends are mingling with other factions and doing so like their own companions. 

Having barbecue parties, some outdoor camping. She found the event a bit unnecessary, but it's whatever now. Almost anything is allowed when no one's being strict. 

And that one moment that Wales was staring at a group of girls talking, she saw Eugen staring back at her and winking. Wales of course looked away very embarrassed. 

Caster though looked horrible. His emotions were in a bottle, and some glances from the girls, but they all looked away due to his posture and just plain listlessness. 

He really couldn't care more. The only thing that's in his mind right now, what will he do tomorrow? Ignoring all the festivities and his declining requests to join their various parties.

And what made it even worse was, again, the hesitation from the girls. If they had forced him to join, they would have a chance to see the Commander smile again, but no, they chose to not push their luck and instead, let Caster be with his rotting peace of mind. 

More walking around, and they found themselves at the archery practice range that Enterprise has built. But now with some light Christmas lights put all over it. 

Hopefully, Eldridge is helping a bit with some free electricity because if not, the bill will shoot through the skies. 

Caster saw an Enterprise, in casual clothing, shooting some shots on the targets. 

He quietly told it to Wales, which was unsettling because Wales saw NO ONE there. 

Caster just brushed it off and shook his head. And Wales getting a tad more worried about him. Now he's seeing things that others can't? That's no good... 

And as the walking dragged on, so is the stamina of the 2. Both of them probably lost a lot of weight from just walking and being in awe of the work that the girls have done with the base. So they almost walked a whole marathon. 

Actually, no. It's not a marathon-long walk. That's just called 'walking'.

And in a battle of endurance, Caster seems to win as Wales got tired of walking and opted to just go back with the others and relax. But she told the 4 starters to keep an eye on Caster if they can afford the time to do so.  

And after all that walking... Caster is alone. And where is he right now?

He is on the docks... At the entrance. 

It was decorated with lights and mistletoe in the middle. 

And he was standing under it.

He sat down...

He held the pole as the cold wind got colder. 

He was smiling...?

But his face is twitching. 

And after a while... 

Drops.

Tear. Drops.

While all the other girls are getting drunk and having so much fun, here, the Commander and the supposed 'hero' of the Azur Lane Coalition, the beacon. The reminder that miracles can still happen.

His light is looking dim. He's surrounded by girls who love him. 

Sad thing is, he can't see or acknowledge it. 

He laid down on the concrete...

And slept. Peacefully.

A-kun: Merry Christmas.

Word Count: 1540 Words.

11:54 PM
12/25/20