By the time Darren returned from the North Blue to Marine Headquarters, night had already deepened.
With his intimate knowledge of the base’s patrol routes and defenses, he effortlessly slipped past the watchtowers, cruisers, and Marine security squads—quiet as a ghost—as he entered Marineford.
It wasn’t like he was sneaking in to do anything shady.
He just couldn’t be bothered with formalities.
As he rode his metal hoverboard toward the residential quarters, Darren suddenly changed course—heading instead toward Gion’s place.
Just dropping by to check on an old subordinate.
A breathless, delicate moan lingered in the moonlight.
Outside, the silvery moon cast its light through the window, soft and seductive.
Their bodies still tangled from a fierce, intense battle.
Gion lay atop Darren’s chest, lips slightly parted, exhaling warm, fragrant breaths. Her long black hair clung to her sweat-slicked neck and shoulders.
"You bastard... showing up in the middle of the night just to bully me!"
She glared at him with flushed cheeks, her eyes flashing with anger as she caught his teasing smile.
"I get it—you missed me and wanted me home. In that case, I guess I should leave and head back."
He moved to get up and reach for his clothes.
A strange panic welled up in Gion’s chest.
She reached out, grabbing the hem of his shirt. But her pride wouldn’t allow her to meet his gaze. She turned her head away and muttered:
Just the thought of him returning home left a sour, tangled feeling in her chest.
And more than anything—every time they did this, that bastard Darren always zipped up and left right after, never once staying for the quiet aftermath.
That emptiness always lingered, like she’d been used and discarded.
It made her feel... cheap.
"Oh? What was that? I didn’t quite hear you..."
Darren feigned innocence, clearly amused.
Gion bit her lip, then gave him a sharp shove, growling:
"Then get out!! Don’t ever come back!!"
Her elegant eyes shimmered, on the verge of tears.
But in the next moment, she felt two warm, strong arms wrap tightly around her.
And that scoundrel’s voice, low and soft, tickled her ear:
"I’m not going home tonight. I’ll stay here—with you."
Gion’s body trembled.
But she said nothing.
Nor did she push him away.
Moonlight streamed gently through the window, filling the room with quiet and calm.
"...So," she whispered after a long pause, "you haven’t gone home since getting back?"
Darren held her close, enjoying the silky softness against his palm. He chuckled.
"That’s right. As soon as I got back, I came straight to you."
He knew what she was feeling.
The way he always left after their nights together—it really did feel like he was just using her.
Gion never said it aloud—her pride wouldn’t let her—but Darren could sense her disappointment.
So this time, he’d decided: he’d come to her first.
Even for a man like him, with too many lovers to count, he had to admit—
Unlike the flings he’d had in the North Blue, casual and detached, Gion—and Toki too—were different. They touched something deeper. Something real.
And for Darren, a scoundrel at heart, that feeling was... unsettling.
Hearing his answer, Gion smiled faintly in his arms, despite the lingering embarrassment of his wandering hands.
Resting against his solid chest, still weary from their earlier exertion, Gion closed her eyes.
Soon, her breathing evened out—drifting into peaceful sleep.
His gaze landed on the windowsill... where a single rose stood in a delicate white porcelain vase.
The rose was golden, made of fine foil, surrounded by baby’s breath. It had clearly been placed with care.
Bathed in moonlight, it looked dazzlingly beautiful.
"...Stupid bastard... stop bullying me all the time..."
The girl in his arms murmured in her sleep, shifting slightly.
Darren’s smile softened.
Darren slipped out of Gion’s housing quietly. After circling around, he entered the Marine Headquarters harbor with all the pomp of a returning officer.
"It’s Rear Admiral Darren!"
"Rear Admiral Darren’s back?"
"Good morning, Rear Admiral Darren!"
He greeted patrolling Marines along the way with easy familiarity. After buying some breakfast from a vendor, he strolled leisurely toward his home.
Gion quickly cleaned up the battlefield from last night, changed into a fresh Marine uniform, and stepped out with poise.
It was her weekly visit to Vice Admiral Tsuru’s home.
She always went to say hello, share a few words, and then head to the training camp.
Last night’s peaceful sleep had put her in a remarkably good mood.
As soon as she entered the yard, she saw Tsuru under a tree, glasses perched low as she read through a file.
Tsuru closed the folder and looked up with a gentle smile.
"Good morning, Gion!"
A shrill, fawning voice suddenly called out. Gion turned to see Tokikake peeking around the doorframe, holding several breakfast packets in his hands.
Gion blinked, then gave a polite smile.
Perhaps because of her cheerful mood, there was no trace of her usual icy pride.
Instead, her smile carried warmth.
Standing in the morning sun, she looked radiant.
Her black hair danced in the breeze, framing her like a blooming rose—beautiful, but barbed.
Tokikake was dumbfounded.
He had never seen Gion look so breathtaking.
That smile—it melted through her usual frost, revealing something brilliant beneath.
In that moment, Tokikake was screaming inside.
Gion smiled at me! It must be because I shaved today—I look so sharp!!
No idea what kind of seductive grace had been on display in that room just the night before.
His cheeks flushed red. Flustered, he stammered:
"G-Gion... you look... more beautiful than ever today."
Gion tilted her head, as if recalling some lovely memory.
With poise, she smiled.
Off to the side, Tsuru shook her head with a sigh, casting a look of pity at Tokikake.
The glimmer in Gion’s eyes was unmistakable.
A veteran like Tsuru saw it instantly.
Completely fallen for him... That damn Darren...