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The covered dish in his subordinate's hands gleamed, plain white ceramic and sealed glass. Gingetsu laid aside his sheaf of papers, placing them facedown behind him on the desk and looked at Kazuhiko Fay Ryuu. The young deputy commander had been in his staff for almost a year, incredible due to his checkered history. So far, Gingetsu hadn't had any issues with him, but it could be too early to tell. He was impetuous sometimes, though.
Was this surprise visit one of those?
"Yes, Deputy Commander Ryuu?" he asked, reminding the other man of their current location within the military headquarters and to remain professional.
His deputy beamed and thrust the dish forward. "Don't think you know, Commander, but I like to cook. Well, experiment, but I thought you work overtime a lot and might like a break."
Unlike him, Deputy Commander Ryuu used more words than necessary to get a point across. Gingetsu didn't think he even breathed during that headlong delivery. A trait of the man and possibly a flaw, especially for one being trained as second in command. Pithiness with precision was a quality worth having instead of rambling, however well-meaning it was.
"You can take it. It's yours." Again, the dish was offered, his deputy still smiling.
"You know it's against the regulations to fraternize."
"Oh, it's nothing like that. Honest," Deputy Commander Ryuu said, all innocence. "Everyone knows you work hard, but not everyone treats you to something."
It'd be impolite to refuse a gift – not a bribe (his deputy didn't seem that sort) – yet, Gingetsu knew nothing about the other man's tastes. What he preferred in his food or how he cooked. Experimentation could be dangerous. For all he knew, the food could be bland or give him significant discomfort. He eyed the dish, aware his expression was hidden by his visor.
"It won't bite you. Here." Once again, ceramic and glass getting closer.
Suppressing a sigh, Gingetsu took the proffered dish and sat back. The ceramic was warm, condensation inside the glass covering. Carefully, he placed it on his desk, away from the papers. He wasn't hungry yet; he'd eat later. Returning to his deputy, he nodded. "Thank you. You may go, Deputy Commander."
"Take your time and let me know what you think!" With a quick and smart salute, his deputy left, brisk and happy. A small braid bounced off his shoulder, a gleam of brass matching the ear clip Gingetsu only now noticed. It must've been new, because he couldn't recall seeing it before.
Was this the fashion for a new kind of soldier? Or was it just his deputy?
Throwing himself back into his work, Gingetsu pored over multiple reports by lamplight, eschewing the overhead lights. Time passed swiftly before he became aware of it, signaled by his stomach growling. Pushing the paperwork away, he focused on the covered dish. Caution and curiosity, hunger overriding the first and intensifying the latter.
He removed the glass covering, revealing the contents.
Rice, brown gravy, vegetables, and what looked like dubious chunks of meat or meat-shaped product. A stew? It didn't look like curry. Retrieving a metal spoon from his mess kit, Gingetsu scooped up some of the mixture. It didn't look offensive or smell bad. Still careful, he ate the small sampling, bracing for unpleasantness.
Initially, the gravy was mild. Used to field rations and sometimes spartan with home meals, Gingetsu wasn't sure if he could count it as bland. There was a heat behind it, though – something he couldn't place. The rice was decent, but the vegetables were mushy. Perhaps, he'd waited too long and the texture wasn't due to his deputy's culinary inexperience.
Finishing half, he put the dish aside and returned to data analysis. Nearly an hour later, Gingetsu sought out water. He had a powerful thirst and there was a build-up of heat in his throat and chest. Whatever his deputy had put in the dish, it disagreed with him. Next time they met, he'd inquire regarding the cause and ask for its omission from any future…experiments.
His instinct told him this was far from over.
Water didn't suffice to tamp down the heat, so Gingetsu resorted to raiding the headquarters' fridge for milk.
He definitely needed to speak to Deputy Commander Ryuu soon.
"It doesn't contain any of that…spice you used last time, does it?" Gingetsu looked askance at the baked sweets in front of him, doubly wary. "Or any additional surprises?"
Deputy Commander Ryuu raised a brow, as much in surprise as considered offense. "Spices are for savory, Commander. This is sweet. Nothing but sugar – or what passes for it. Some nutmeg and apples."
"Nutmeg is a spice."
"Well, yes, but I wouldn't use it in a stew." The other man stared at him, nonplussed. "Can you at least try it? It took a few hours to get this going."
Gingetsu inwardly sighed. "Very well."
"I'll keep your other comments in mind," Deputy Commander Ryuu said, giving a slight nod of acknowledgement. "You're not one for heat or extremes, right?"
"No. Think mess hall food, deputy."
A nose scrunch in obvious distaste. "Okay in a pinch, but you deserve better. Savory without spice or heat. Got it."
The time on his visor display was 2000 hours. If he got back to work soon, he could leave earlier. "I understand you seek company, Deputy Commander, but this will not suffice in the long run. Perhaps the local bars that cater to military staff will be more to your liking."
"Do you frequent them?"
"Occasionally."
"How about a drink sometime, then? It's on me."
Now, Gingetsu fixed his deputy with a direct gaze. "An off-duty invite, Deputy Commander? I'm not the most talkative of drinking companions."
"Don't have to be and yes, off-duty. Wouldn't want to take you away from your work." As though the mention of it jolted his deputy's mind, Kazuhiko Fay Ryuu stepped away from his desk and smiled. "Next time, Commander."
By the time Gingetsu left headquarters, it was nearing midnight. The taste of mellow spices and apples lingered on his tongue, pleasantly warming.
"So this is your favorite watering hole, huh?" Light reflected from the varnished wooden walls shone on his deputy's glasses. "Bit old-fashioned. Didn't think you'd be that kind, but there's a charm here. Just thought you'd like that stripped down look, you know?"
Gingetsu got comfortable on a bar stool, letting the dim ambiance wash over him. Toshi, the bartender, familiar with him since Gingetsu had been a green cadet, approached. An older veteran, Toshi owned this place, having bought it using his pension and proved as skilled with mixing drinks as with warfare. In his forties, he lived an enviable life and Gingetsu considered himself a lifelong patron.
"The usual, Gingetsu?"
"Yes." He turned to his deputy and nodded. "Toshi, this is my deputy commander, Kazuhiko Fay Ryuu."
"Ah, this young pup," Toshi said, smiling. "Even retired, I still hear stories."
"You do?" Beside him, Deputy Commander Ryuu groaned. "Don't tell me…"
"Quite the record you're breaking, young man."
"Anyway," Gingetsu said, cutting in to spare his deputy embarrassment, "treat him to whatever he likes."
"It's on me." Redness receding from his face, his deputy valiantly recovered. "Whatever he likes, too. Break the bank, Commander. You can serve him first, Toshi."
Chuckling, Toshi stepped away.
For a few seconds, silence dominated, interspersed with clinks of glass and metal. The front door opened, followed by several servicemen whom Gingetsu didn't recognize. While the group occupied a booth further back, Toshi returned with a full glass of single malt gin on the rocks. This, Gingetsu received.
"And yours, Kazuhiko? Or is that Ryuu?"
"Kazuhiko's fine." His deputy grinned mischievously. "You have any stout?"
"I'll bring you the list."
"You're a great fella, you know that, Toshi?"
As Toshi chuckled again and left, Gingetsu sipped his drink. Behind them, the low murmur of discussion among the soldiers' group rose and fell. He wondered if dice and cards would follow, as usually happened among their kind. Glancing over at Deputy Commander Ryuu, now busily perusing the drinks list, Gingetsu considered their current situation. He was rarely asked out for casual drinking – people didn't think he was the type.
Then again, he was often holed up in his office.
"How was the Beef Wellington? Found the recipe on an antique clipping. Sounded exotic."
"Good." The gin today was different – cleaner and resinous. "The mustard sauce was strange on the fish, though."
"Called for an extinct plant. Wasabi, I think? Had to substitute it."
"Ah."
"You liked the apple crumble?"
"Yes." Three weeks ago, if he remembered correctly. "You're better at sweets. Heavy-handed on savory."
"Thank you," his deputy said, having received his bottle of beer from Toshi. "Didn't figure you for a sweets guy."
"I'm not." Gingetsu took another sip.
"Huh. Fooled me." Taking a long pull, Deputy Commander Ryuu sighed, sounding satisfied and raised his bottle towards Toshi. "Good stuff, man! Be proud of yourself." Without missing a beat, his subordinate turned to him. "Hey, Commander…you do anything else on downtime? Besides nursing your sorrows in liquor?"
Gingetsu put his glass down. "No. Why?"
"Ever visited any livehouses? Music, sometimes drinks and snacks, and meet-and-greet. Something besides those four walls you're always in."
"Are you hinting at something, deputy?"
"Come with me to one of them. I know some of the venue staff there and can get us some good seats."
Frowning, Gingetsu picked up his glass again and then set it back down. Deputy Commander Ryuu was quite insistent – the food during overtime hours, this invite to a drink on him, and now a request to accompany him to a livehouse. It was generally recommended for a superior to become professionally familiar with his immediate subordinate, but he couldn't recall if it entailed this much outside contact. He didn't believe so, yet prying into other officers' affairs to find out was…very much against how he operated.
Before he could form a response, Toshi took his glass. "Gingetsu, if I can speak with you for a moment, please?"
Excusing himself, Gingetsu joined Toshi at the other end of the bar. Above them, a faint mechanical hum masked sounds. A quick glance over his shoulder revealed Deputy Commander Ryuu enjoying his beer and observing the surroundings, including the soldiers' group in the booth behind him.
"Toshi, what is this about?"
"Excuse this old veteran, but I overheard some of your conversation with Kazuhiko. Gingetsu, have you paid attention to his actions?"
"What actions?"
"How long has he been cooking meals for you?"
"About four weeks." Gingetsu felt his frown deepen. "It's not against current regulations. Didn't realize he's been that observant about me before, but it's been surprisingly helpful."
"And today's drink is on him? Awfully generous to treat his commanding officer. Usually, it's the other way around."
"I've noticed," Gingetsu said, resisting the urge to look over his shoulder. "He just invited me to attend a livehouse performance."
"With him?"
"Yes."
Silently, Toshi refilled his glass, topping off the gin. "My boy, I believe you just got asked out for a date, if it's still being called that."
"Are you being serious, Toshi?"
"Quite. The signs are there, if closely observed."
As someone who considered himself observant, Gingetsu felt chagrined at missing those signs. What had Toshi seen that he had not? This time, he looked over his shoulder at his deputy and the other man, noticing his glance, raised his bottle and smiled. Confused, Gingetsu turned back to Toshi, the older veteran trying to suppress laughter.
"Explain," Gingetsu said, unsure how to proceed.
"They prepared you for everything except the intricacies of relationships, huh? Shame. Well, it's easy enough to break down, much like a post-mission report. First, the cooking. Young Kazuhiko over there took the time to notice your work hours. Not hard when you're being trained as second. Then, he used his own personal time to make food for you for your overtime. Did it consistently, too."
"And that…?"
"Just the first piece of the puzzle. Usually, I'd assume bribery, but it appears his motive is genuine and thoughtful. You said it helped during your late hours."
"Yes. He also wanted me eating more than just the mess hall offerings."
Toshi smiled, placing a dishcloth aside. "So he's looking out for your welfare, far and beyond the normal relationship between commander and deputy."
Gingetsu nodded. "Fraternization is against the rules, though."
"Gingetsu, my boy – I've seen you here since you were first enlisted to working your way steadily through the ranks until now. I've never seen you with company outside of work before. Whether your reputation as a hard-as-nails lieutenant colonel and unapproachable is part of it, I'm not sure. What I am sure is that Kazuhiko over there is evincing interest in you and you'd be foolish to let this opportunity go."
He didn't know what to make of that. "The second part?"
"Why you're here and he's paying for you. A subordinate officer playing nice to his commanding officer? Not the first time, perhaps, and not the last, but with the first point, it's evident he sees you as more than just his superior."
"And the third?" He had to ask, despite already knowing.
"Attending a livehouse performance at his invitation and only the two of you? Not unusual overall – plenty of people go together. Gotta spend that hard-earned salary somewhere, right? However, you understand how incidents stack up during a mission and when studied together, form the general picture of what occurred. That's how you draw conclusions afterwards."
Gingetsu reached out for his filled glass and took a sizeable swallow. He needed it. "He's been making small steps towards today."
"Yes, and this is why I don't want you to fumble the chance. Live a little, Gingetsu. The battlefield will always be there, just in different locations. This won't. Take it from an old man who's seen plenty of action in the field and in the barracks and tents."
He cast another glance over his shoulder, noticing Deputy Commander Ryuu and the now wholly-focused soldiers' group deep in their cards. His deputy, drawn to the game, looked invested in the stakes. In the dim lighting, his uniform was slightly uneven, yet clean. Glints from his glasses and the metal accents on his front and shoulders gleamed. Dark hair, dark eyes, dark uniform – the general impression Gingetsu had about him; he'd just never registered the fine details before.
"Take him up on his offer. What do you have to lose?"
"The Council won't mind?" Or his superiors, should they find out?
Toshi snorted. "Wouldn't have married couples in the ranks, if that was the case. Council only cares about the quality of your work. Don't keep the poor guy waiting, alright?"
"I think he needs another beer."
"On it. Go give him company, Gingetsu. You're off-duty, so relax."
Picking up his glass, Gingetsu returned back to his seat. Deputy Commander Ryuu grinned, gesturing at the booth behind them. The pile on the table was impressive. Leave it to soldiers to gamble away cigarettes, cash, and coin while deep in drink.
"You should've seen that hand! Swept!"
"So this is a new pile?"
"Next round, yeah."
"Huh." Placing his drink on the bar counter, Gingetsu steeled himself. "I'll go with you to the livehouse. Give me the date and time and I'll be there."
His deputy's grin turned to elation. "Great! You'll love it!"
"So, Deputy –"
"Call me Kazuhiko. Or Ryuu. Hey, can I call you Gingetsu? Off hours, of course."
"I…uh, I suppose that's fine…Ryuu." This was going to take getting used to. "Like you said, we're currently off the clock."
Nightlife had never appealed to him. The noise, the lights, and the frenetic pace of people entertaining and being entertained. He preferred the quiet of his office or home, sitting at a desk or on a couch, reading reports or going over battle plans. Yet, here he was, sharing a table with Ryuu – his mind stuttered, still adjusting – watching a young female singer with bronze hair warble about love and mistrust.
"You said this is a torch song?"
"Yeah. Very common a long time ago. Guess it lived on."
"It's nice." He had a radio at home, often left unused. "She's new?"
"No. Been here four years and has a steady following. Not easy, you know? Making it big here."
Nothing was easy and everything gained required work. Entertainment, Gingetsu learned, had its own tricks and pitfalls. Rivalries could be intense, much like in the military; however, in the military, you got thrown out for being troublesome. The armed forces worked as a well-oiled unit. Grandstanding and dissension were frowned upon.
"So this is where you spend your time off and pay, Ryuu?"
"Some of it. It's either this or the bars and I don't drink too much."
"I see," Gingetsu said, deciding not to pry further.
"If you like it," Ryuu said, gesturing to a nearby waitress, "we can always stop by when you're free. They rotate the singers and musicians."
"That won't be often."
"Oh, I know. The front calls, right? Thank you." His deputy received a drink, which he immediately partook. "Though I'll be right beside you learning the ropes. Maybe I can bring a portable radio."
Gingetsu shook his head. "Too risky."
Ryuu studied him from behind his glasses and sighed. "Was a good thought. Some music on campaign."
"Will you give me trouble, Ryuu?"
"I'll try not to. No promises, Gingetsu. Had some bastard superiors before, though."
"And I'm not?"
"Don't see them here, do you?" Ryuu smiled, completely at ease. "You're just very professional and it kinda scares the younger guys."
"You're not scared."
"Should I be?"
A good question; although, with Ryuu's record, Gingetsu supposed the other man should tread with caution. He shrugged. "If you're not, makes you the outlier."
Ryuu grinned impishly. "I like being different."
"Yes. I've noticed."
"Hahaha." Since the singer continued being on stage, Ryuu's laughter was quiet. "Well, looks like you're stuck with me, Commander. Though, you're a sight better than the others and I mean that. You're strict, but not arrogant."
Gingetsu guessed the first was a compliment – literally or figuratively? – and the second could be considered true. He followed the military's code of conduct and regulations and impressed upon his troops to do the same. If that was being strict, it was for the good of the special forces. Arrogance got people killed in the field and the idea of bragging never crossed his mind. The Council already looked warily at him, despite his contributions to the state.
"Might be the same for you, too."
"A joke from you, Gingetsu?"
He shrugged again. "Take it as you wish."
"Ah, she has another number coming up. Should really listen, you know. Hey, you ever tried something called an omelette?"
He and his staff had just been briefed and received their orders. At the end of this week, they were all heading to the current frontline, providing reinforcements to the forces situated there. Sometimes, the Secret Colors Battalion was the spearhead; other times, they bolstered struggling units. The strategies and logistics never remained the same and he had his work cut out for him regarding preparation.
Meetings, analyzing reports from the front, organizing the battalion in response to his analysis – this all took time. Running certain aspects by the Council and his superiors and getting permission to carry specialized equipment also readjusted his priorities. It was challenging and exhausting, yet fulfilling.
A knock at his door. "Come in," he called out, no longer surprised.
"Burning the midnight oil again, huh, Commander?" Ryuu closed the door and leaned against it, a cloth bag hanging off one wrist. "Need any help?"
Gingetsu rubbed the skin between his brows. "Have any experience with logistics, Deputy Commander?"
"A bit. What kind of logistics? Weapons? Food? Troop movement?"
"Other supplies. Clothing, boots, tents."
"Ah. Always a pain in the ass, huh?" Pushing off the door, Ryuu strode over. "Mind if I take a seat?"
Gingetsu waved a hand, no longer standing on ceremony.
"Thanks. You'd think teleporting everything makes supply lines easier." His deputy made a face. "It all changes once it hits the field, though. Oh, I made some pork buns. Went light on the spices."
"It'll help. We'll be here a while."
"You're not going home?"
"Got a cot here if needed." Numbers didn't crunch themselves or create feasible supply statistics. "Maybe we should eat before we continue."
"You got dinner, right?"
"Mess hall had meatloaf," Gingetsu said absentmindedly as Ryuu proceeded to open the evening's offerings. "Kind of dry, but it sufficed." He pushed his paperwork aside, the scent of steamed dough and cooked pork enticing. He'd eaten quite a few culinary experiments and now recognized when a dish had promise of being excellent. Something told him Ryuu likely never did this for his previous superiors.
Ryuu handed him one, glasses foggy with steam. "Careful. It's still hot."
The bottom of the bun was soft, yet firm. Taking a bite – keeping Ryuu's warning in mind – Gingetsu was pleased with the burst of flavor in his mouth. The pork was juicy and mildly spiced, mingling well with the texture of the dough. He chewed carefully and swallowed. His pleasure must've shown on his face, for his deputy smiled.
"Good, Commander?"
"Very."
"Have more. I made it for you, after all."
If he kept taste-testing – eating, if he was honest – like this, mess hall food would soon be spoiled for him. This was much better than the meatloaf. If he'd been a meddler, Gingetsu would've found a way to recommend certain recipes to the military cooks. It paid not to shake the boat, however. He reached for another one, aware of the heft of the bun and the heat coming through.
"So let me know later how many of us are going up front and the types of units. Will be easier to break down boots, undershirts, blankets, and tents once I know that."
Gingetsu nodded, enjoying his food.
"We have specialists for that, though, don't we?"
"Still like going over the numbers and supplies myself."
Ryuu laughed. "No wonder you're always working late." Pause. "Say, Gingetsu?"
He registered the change in Ryuu's form of address. "Yes?"
"Mind if I kiss you?"
Gingetsu blinked, grateful for his visor blocking his confusion. "Quite sudden, Deputy Commander. Equivalent to an ambush."
"That's a unique way of viewing it," Ryuu said, showing no offense. "No ambush. Maybe more like a missive delivered in person."
"Are you the messenger or ambassador?"
"Self-representation." His deputy grinned, looking boyish in the lamplight. "May I, Gingetsu?"
There was no reason to refuse. He remembered what Toshi told him weeks ago and decided not to waste the opportunity. It wasn't often – probably never, if he thought about it – that he was the focus of someone's affection, let alone a fellow soldier. Ryuu was about his age, short a year and as long as he kept work professional – chain of command secure and no obvious favoritism – then… He inwardly sighed. This was more complicated than battle plans and murkier than a night's fog.
"Gingetsu?"
He nodded, finding his throat dry.
Ryuu leaned forward in his chair – dark hair, dark eyes – and kissed him, soft and gentle instead of rapacious. Trying not to spook him. His lips were warm and slightly cracked. This close, Gingetsu felt the beginnings of a growing mustache.
Then, Ryuu withdrew, leaving space between them. "That okay?"
Gingetsu cleared his throat. "Yes."
"Guess we should return to figuring out how many damn boots, tents, and rations we need. Or do you want to polish off these buns, instead?"
"Let's finish them before they get cold. More than enough time to break down boots, tents, and rations, Deputy Commander."