Actions

Work Header

Twice The Presents, Twice The Fun

Summary:

Renown had a crush on the Commander. So too did Repulse, as it turns out - the latter confessing her love before Renown could muster the courage to. Being the diligent little sister she was though Repulse was all too quick to notice their shared feelings, and come up with a plan that benefitted them both - sharing him.

Notes:

Took a bit longer to work on this one than expected, but finished all the same~

Do enjoy~

Work Text:

Renown liked to think she was quite the well-organised person.

Though her true skills laid on the battlefield, as could be said for all Ship-Girls, she had a natural knack for organisation, filing and other menial but useful tasks – and as such, it was perhaps no surprise she was frequently assigned to work under the Commander in the command building, acting in effect as his secretary.

Not that she minded, of course. Serving the fleet was a duty as noble as any, but it also allowed her to spend more time with the Commander. From sitting in on meetings with him to helping him with tasks to even just brief chats during lunch before they quickly got back to things, spending even a little amount of time with him was worth it. At first she wasn't sure why she felt this way, wondering if it was just loyalty or some strange connection due to his commanding presence – but it wasn't until she confided in Illustrious that she found out why.

She was in love.

It all made sense when told that. The fluttery feelings in her stomach when she talked with him. The warmth in her chest when he petted her shoulder or gave her a smile. The subtle elation that coursed through her when he praised her. Just being in his presence made her feel more alive than even the battlefield, yet to hear him praise her and attend to her made her feel abuzz, her mind going a million miles a minute.

Just remembering the fond feelings left Renown blushing, her rosy cheeks unseen by any as the Battlecruiser walked down the narrow corridors of the command building. It was starting to get dark out and most of the fleet would be in the cafeteria at this point, leaving the command building rather serene all things considered, just the light lute playing over the radio in the Commander's office and carrying down the corridor, the plucking of strings audible as she made her way towards it.

Ascending the stairs she glanced over the documents once more, shifting them idly to make sure they were perfectly neat – and when she raised her head, she realised the door to his office was slightly ajar. The subtle detail instantly caught her attention; she was sure she'd left it closed and the Commander always liked it to be. With that in mind she approached, her footfalls unconsciously slowing as she heard a voice inside the office.

A very familiar voice. One that belonged to Repulse.

She couldn't make out the words over the music but with the door ever so slightly ajar she could most certainly peek inside – something Renown did without hesitation. The Commander was just-barely in view, chatting with her sister. It was a task to read their lips but Renown tried anyway, able to catch a word here and there.

When with a shy smile Repulse spoke and the Commander blinked, surprised... before he smiled warmly.

He said something, and then an instant later Repulse jumped and hugged him, chattering endlessly – but the words she said, partially muffled by the radio, still reached Renown.

''I love you~!''

Renown froze, shook to her core. Surely that was a mistake, a mishearing? Repulse had never said anything about loving the Commander... but, then again, she'd never thought to ask. Nor had she disclosed her own feelings for the Commander. Neither had any reason to imagine the other liked him that way. Only, unlike her, Repulse had the confidence to confess her innermost feelings, whilst Renown had yet not.

A strange sensation filled her – not quite sorrow, but... loss. A lost opportunity. A missed shot. She'd felt it many times before on the battlefield and it haunted her now more than it did ever before, realising, if only in the back of her mind, that she'd sat on her feelings for too long and thus any relationship with the Commander was down the drain. Their bond would never go further than it was now, and while she was happy with that... the idea of never being loved by him...

An uncharacteristic tremble shook her hands and she drew a breath, putting the papers down on the nearest table and marching off. Part of her wanted to stay, to finish her duties for the day, but she couldn't – she... she needed time to think. She didn't feel like she was about to cry but the turbulent emotions within her threatened it, and so with hurried steps Renown fled. The winter air washed over her the moment she stepped outside and belated she realised she'd left her coat.. but she didn't stop to go back and get it.

Her feet carried her all the way back to the dorms. As expected there wasn't many people around, most having dinner at this time, something she was privately grateful for – nobody around to stop and talk to her. No, she made her way straight up to the second floor where her room was and slammed the door shut behind her, the darkness of her room fixed with a flick of the switch.

''...h-haah...''

Just exhaling a breath felt risky, her body shaking with emotions she wasn't entirely certain of. Her legs felt weak so she sat down on her bed, gripping the edge, but she couldn't get her thoughts in order.

Was she jealous? To an extent, yes.

Angry? No, if anyone deserved happiness, it was Repulse.

Sad? Definitely.

Frustrated with herself... yes. She had ample opportunity between realising her feelings to now; plenty of time to confess or at least make an effort to hint them. But she didn't. Fearful he wouldn't accept them she closed those feelings off, not allowing them to interfere with work and hamper his ability to lead the fleet. Being a commander was a stressful job after all, he had so much to consider and even more to command – it would be selfish of her to distract him with her feelings, especially if they weren't mutual.

So wrapped up in her thoughts Renown almost didn't hear footsteps – but when the dorm door opened she most certainly did, flinching out of her thoughts and looking up, startled to find Repulse. Repulse, likewise, seemed surprised to see her.

''So this is where you went, huh...'' Repulse murmured with an odd tone.

''What do you mean...?''

In response Repulse lifted her right hand, revealing the jacket Renown had left behind. ''Commander asked me to find you, but I couldn't and you left your stuff. I was a little worried something had happened... and, seems like it has, huh.''

Renown looked away. ''I'm not sure what you're talking about.''

''You're an open book, y'know that sis?'' Repulse sighed dramatically, waltzing up to her side and sitting down next to her. ''So, what happened? Feelin' sick? Tired of work? Or did one of those Ironblood girls come over and harass you? Want me to go give 'em the Jutland Special-''

''That won't be necessary.'' Renown quickly cut her off, eyes downcast. ''To clarify, I saw you and the Commander in the office.''

''And why would-'' Repulse cut herself off, her eyes widening. ''Ohh...''

''So you have figured it out.''

''Yeah... dang. Never thought we'd both crush on him, but guess a guy like him doesn't come around all that often, huh.'' Repulse remarked, leaning back as she exhaled a breath – and grinned. ''Well, good thing I don't mind sharing~''

Renown nearly got whiplash with how fast she looked over at her. ''What-''

''Oh come on sis, you've been giving the Commander puppy dog eyes for like the last three weeks now.'' Repulse teased lightly; her expression quickly sobering. ''But seriously, we've been through so much together. Sharing the Commander isn't a big deal then, right? Besides, I'm willin' to bet he'd love having a lady hanging off both arms, heh~''

Renown didn't share her sister's levity, but the tension did seep from her shoulders. ''I... I suppose. Are you truly okay with it, though?''

''Of course I am.'' Repulse soothed, bumping shoulders with her. ''You'd do the same, right?''

Renown didn't even hesitate. ''Of course.''

The swiftness just made Repulse grin. ''See? All the more reason to agree. So, how 'bout it?''

The blonde Battlecruiser pursed her lips, then nodded.

''Great! Besides, this gives me a lil idea, hehehe~''

Renown wasn't sure whether to be worried, or intimidated, by her sister's conspiring snicker.

X-x-X

Just under a week had passed since Repulse had confessed to the Commander.

Not much had changed, ironically. They were already so close that the only real change was some more affection shared and maybe a casual date in the town, but other than that life went on. Which was just how he'd prefer it, really.

Now though as his work day came to an end, the sun long since set beyond the horizon, he made the unenviable trip home. Unenviable because the house afforded to him was located at the edge of the base up a slight hill, tucked away for safety's sake during an attack, but also still exposed to the coast. As such his fast walk exposed him to the frigid ocean winds, his feet firmly planting across the frost-covered ground. They'd yet to get any snow despite the time of year, but they certainly got the frigidly-cold winds.

Huffing at the thought the Commander made his way up to his front door, rummaging around for his key – when he spied a note on the front door. Curious he got closer and lifted it up, squinting in the dim glow of the overhead light to read it.

Welcome back Commander, I let myself in, hope you don't mind!

I'm waiting for you inside with a little surprise~

The end of the note had a cutesy doodle of Renown and Repulse, with the latter giving a finger-gun. The drawing brought a small smile to his face and he snorted in amusement, carefully folding it and pocketing it. He tried the handle and was unsurprised to find it already unlocked, a light push letting him inside – the air much toastier than the outside, though far from hot. Still it was a welcome change and he shed his coat gladly, hanging it up with a relieved sigh whilst shutting the door with his foot, the loud thud no doubt heard throughout the one-storey house.

Which conveniently enticed Repulse to call out to him, the muffled 'Commander~' echoing from further down the corridor, towards his bedroom. With lips quirking up the Commander removed his shoes and casually made his way towards it, curiosity rising within him as he imagined what she'd have waiting for him. A gift, perhaps? A cute outfit she wanted to show off and be praised for? The prospectors were quite aplenty, and by the time he reached the door he was no closer to a conclusion than when he started.

''Repulse, I heard you... calling...''

The words dried on his tongue as he opened the door, his gaze flickering across his bedroom – dark but warmly lit by the lamps around it, bathing his double bed in amber. His eyes were not on the brown carpet or the pale walls though, no, his eyes were solely on the two women on his bed, their figures bereft of cloth and barely covered by the red ribbons that wound over and around their slender frames. Repulse grinned at him cheekily, laid on the right, whilst Renown silently blushed a deep red, her thighs together as she laid on her side, perhaps unaware of how it emphasised her toned belly and modest bust, her boobs squished between her biceps. Repulse on the other hand laid on her back, the red ribbons crossing over her crotch to hide her womanhood, doing the same for her breasts, but left much of her thighs and tummy on full display.

It took him a solid second or two to get over the sight, to remember how to even speak, such was their allure. ''I... uh, what's happening?''

Repulse grinned over at him. ''Seducing you, that's what. It's definitely working right?''

''...you could say that.'' He muttered more to himself than her, but she giggled all the same. ''...Renown?''

The blonde Battlecruiser tilted her head away from him, shy, but answered all the same. ''I... also have feelings for you, Commander. I have for quite some time now. Repulse suggested this would be the most ideal way to... communicate them.''

''It's certainly a very direct way...'' The Commander murmured, shutting the door.

Repulse squirmed a little, her cheeks flushing even as she kept her grin up. ''So~ Wanna unwrap your two cute presents?''

''Hm... I think I'll wait. It's not Christmas yet, after all.''

''H-Hey, you're not gonna leave us for another two weeks, right? Right?'' Repulse sounded worried he would, amusingly.

Her cute reaction drew a chuckle out of the Commander, mirth quirking the corners of his lips as he climbed onto the bed, his eyes flitting between the two barely-covered beauties. The ribbons covered enough to make them even more tempting, his hands gliding up their thighs and making both Repulse and Renown shiver, their expressions filled with demure anticipation as he groped and kneaded their tender flesh.

Until in a moment of boldness he let his hands shift further up, tickling along Renown's rump and between Repulse's legs, soon teasing their slits. Though covered by ribbons it was easy to stroke their covered pussies, eliciting a soft gasp from Renown and a little mewl from Repulse, their blushes darkening with embarrassment as he touched them in such a way... yet, the anticipation in their eyes only grew.

Enticing him to tease them even more. Deftly he slid his fingers around the ribbons and ran his fingertips along their folds, coaxing a little grunt out of Renown and a mewl out of Repulse – the latter moaning when he sunk his middle finger inside. Renown's visage scrunched and she let out a softer, more laboured moan as his other middle finger sunk inside of her, pumping in deeper with every roll of his wrist and scissoring his digits apart.

''N-Nn... Commander...'' Renown breathed out, shuddering.

''That's a cute face you're making, Renown.'' The Commander teased, dragging his thumb along her folds, teasing her with the gentle stimulation. ''Rather bold of you to tie yourself up like this... though, gotta say, it's pretty damn hot.''

''Mn, I'm glad... it was Repulse's idea though...''

''Don't blame me~'' Repulse whined childishly.

Up until he ran his thumb up over her clit, making her squeak. Chuckling at the sound the Commander pulled his fingers out of Repulse and instead ran his hand up her front, tugging the ribbons away from her plump breasts and groping a greedy handful of her right. She whined with arousal at his lustful touch, her back arching as he traced the swell of her breast, his thumb running over her skin and his palm kneading her boob.

At the same time he pulled his hand away from Renown's pussy, gliding his palm up to her ass and caressing it. While her bust was smaller than Repulse's she arguably had a nicer rear, not that he'd say either fact aloud – instead devoting his attention to groping Renown's rear, his hand gliding further up her back and then around to her bust, a deft curl of his fingers peeling away the ribbons covering her smallish breasts.

Renown blushed up at him as he exposed them; nipples pink and perky in the dim. Wordlessly she offered her arms and he loosened the bindings on them, and the second they were free Renown sat up – allowing her to grab onto him and pull him into a kiss. It was sudden but far from unwelcome, his eyes closing as he reciprocated, his lips fitting against the blonde's own perfectly. His hand settled on her ass and he kept her close, idly groping Repulse as he did so, her boobs squished between his fingers.

''Mmn, Commander...'' Renown breathed against his lips, pulling away almost hesitantly. ''May we... please you too?''

''You're already doing that now just by being here.'' The Commander commented amusedly, pecking her nose – relishing how the simple act of affection made her shudder, as if waiting months just to feel it. Which she had been, technically.

''Aw c'mon, let us give you a hand too~'' Repulse wriggled... before smiling sheepishly. ''Also uh... can you untie my arms too? I'm stuck.''

The Commander complied, unwinding the bandages and looping his arm around Repulse's lower back, pulling her into a deep kiss. She arched her back into it, pressing herself against him as much as she could and soon luring him down onto the bed; enabling the Battlecruiser to lay atop him. Her lips found his mere seconds after they broke apart, devouring his aroused groan – fully aware of Renown as the blonde shifted down his legs, hurriedly unbuckling his belt and removing it, his pants soon coming down.

He lifted his ass, helping, and soon enough they were off completely – his boxers soon tugged down too. In their absence his erect cock was free to spring upright, erect and twitching after feeling up the two beautiful Royal Navy ladies. Renown stared at his shaft with wonder for a solid few seconds, as if amazed, before she shook her herself out of her daze and shuffled closer. With a reverence he found charming she curled her fingers around his length and pumped up to the tip, her grip unsteady and adjusting constantly as she stroked along his length.

''This your first time?'' The Commander inquired, idly glancing up at Repulse and kissing her cheek, then her neck – earning an aroused moan from his busty partner.

''Yes.'' Renown demurely affirmed, eyes looking off to the side as she worked her wrist.

Repulse squirmed then and wriggled her way out of his grip, shuffling down to join her sister. Bereft of cloth he could appreciate her ample bust, especially when side-by-side with Renown, his lustful gaze tracing the plump and perky hills – before focusing on his shaft as Repulse leaned down, kissing the tip. The gentle smooch sent a thrill rushing down his shaft and the following smooch left him shuddering, anticipation welling within.

An anticipation sated when she took him into her mouth. He groaned, pushing his head back into the pillows and gazing at Repulse as the brunette swirled her tongue around his cock-head – staring into his eyes as she teased him. She sucked back up before easing down a moment later, enveloping more of his length between her plump pink lips, leaving Renown to jerk him off. That was until Renown decided to join in, shifting in demurely before kissing along the side of his cock.

''Haah, that's it, you're doing good...''

His breathy praise only emboldened Renown, her kisses growing more audacious. Not one to be outdone Repulse earnestly serviced his cock as well, sucking the top-half of his cock from the middle to the tip, her saliva gleaming along his erect length before her lips enveloped it once more. The sensual press of her lips and the hotness of her mouth felt wonderful, as did the nimble tongue that licked and lashed over the bulbous tip, her eyes rarely leaving his as she blew him.

When she sucked back up to the tip and Renown took the chance to intervene, her tongue curling partway around his dick and tugging it into her mouth. Repulse made a noise of protest and for a brief few moments the sisters fought over his cock, trying to take it without actively kissing – until Repulse threw caution to the wind and dove in. Her lips mashed against Renown's but her dense sister wasn't so quick to retreat, the pair of them sucking on his cock-head while lewdly kissing, the scandalous sight arousing.

''H-Haah... oh that's hot...'' The Commander grunted out, his breathing laboured.

Renown peered up at him then, pulling back from the kiss and cupping Repulse's cheeks – before pulling her sister into a proper kiss. Though startled Repulse went with it, an embarrassed groan reverberating out of her throat as she made out with her sister-ship, the slight awkwardness only adding to how hot it looked – lips mashing, hands shifting, and soon tongues intertwining between their mouths with a skill that hinted it might not be the first kiss they shared between themselves.

All whilst Repulse jerked him off with her right hand, working the shaft with her right and caressing his balls in her left. The Commander endured her quickening strokes, unable to not look at the two ladies as they swapped spit, their breathiness making each kiss quicker than the last, losing themselves in the erotic tongue-dances.

Until the Commander spoke up. ''Renown, come here...''

His breathy command was obeyed almost instantly; the blonde Battlecruiser pulling away from her sister, a string of saliva hanging between their lips for a few moments before it snapped. Licking her lips Renown turned her gaze onto him and demurely crawled up him on all fours, the scant few ribbons on her barely covering anything, allowing his lustful gaze to run down her bare front. When she was close enough he took her hips in his hands and pulled her closer, shifting down slightly and soon pulling her over him, her pussy above his face.

''Commander... I'm not sure what- mm!''

He made sure Renown understood intimately as his tongue lashed out across her petals, quietening the Battlecruiser as she tensed. His lick was merely a prelude to the many more that followed, his tongue dragging itself along her pussy with an earnestness born from pure lust; pulling her down onto his face at the same time, his nose in her crotch. With a moan in reply Renown threaded her fingers through his hair, rolling her hips as she practically humped his mouth, much to his delight.

Repulse didn't just sit on the sidelines either. Leaning down the busty brunette stroked the base of his cock whilst licking the tip; swirling her tongue around it a couple of times before taking him into her mouth, humming as she sucked up to the tip and then sunk down deep, bobbing her head with an earnest rhythm. One that left him gripping Renown's ass, fingers sinking into her curvy ass cheeks and his tongue lashing across her sex, tasting her nectar.

''N-Nn... I never knew a tongue could feel so good...'' Renown breathed out.

The Commander didn't respond, too busy eating her out to. Repulse on the other hand hummed playfully as she popped her lips off of his cock and shuffled closer, her thighs against his as she straddled his length, her right hand never leaving his cock even as she positioned herself above his length – moaning as she rubbed herself on his tip, tugging him up against her wet entrance, the slick friction getting them both off.

Then she eased herself down, his swollen cock-head inching in – and with a jubilant cry Repulse dropped herself down onto his cock. His girth plunged between her slick petals and thrust up into her moist cavern, stuffing her full and forcing a sharp moan out of the Commander himself, his hips reflexively thrusting up. With back arched Repulse pressed him back down, whining through pursed lips as she rocked her hips and grinded their loins together, her hot insides smothering him.

''Ah, Commander, it's really in...'' Repulse quickly breathed out, one hand on his stomach. ''I'll move now...''

Her insides tightened lovingly around him as she rose up, and a cry expelled itself from her lips as she impaled herself all the way back down, his above-average girth filling her to the brim. The feeling of fullness just propelled Repulse into moving more, her moans rich and plentiful as she rolled her hips, her bounces slow and pronounced at first. As she got more into the swing of things, however, she dared to speed up – the sound of flesh slapping together becoming more frequent with every iteration, her body crashing down onto his with impassioned force.

The Commander moaned liberally in response, the sound mostly muffled by Renown's pussy. Fingers in his hair reminded him of the blonde and he quickly set about pleasuring her more, his tongue lapping with greater vigour and his right hand coming around to tease her clit, his thumb toying with the little nub and sending spasms jolting through her slender frame, her shallow gasps and little whimpers cute.

Tempting him to give her a little slap on the ass. ''Turn around.''

Obedient and horny Renown obeyed, lifting herself up long enough to shuffle around before sitting on his face once more, moaning as he went back to eating her out. She arched her back as his fingers gripped her rear, keeping her from jerking away from his hungry tongue – and in the process her eyes went onto her sister who leaned forwards too, panting as she bounced on his cock with an enthusiasm hard to rival.

Both sisters locked eyes, and in the heat of the moment closed the distance – mashing lips. The lust-filled kiss left both of them moaning, a senseless lewdness filling them as they made out; their hands ravenously groping one another's breasts as they just went at it. There was no care for their sisterhood, no care for embarrassment, no care for anything beyond feeling good. And feel good they did, their moans shared between mashing lips as they rode their shared lover, their stomachs taut as pleasure climbed through them.

''Mn, ah... yes, Commander...!'' Renown managed to gasp against her sister's lips.

''Nn, same~!'' Repulse added, squeezing Renown's tits.

The Commander responded with a harsh buck of his hips and a smack to Renown's ass, earning moans from both of his lovers. His cock throbbed within Repulse's tightening pussy, every clench of her velvety insides nearly pushing him over the edge, his cock pulsating mightily as he held back his orgasm through nothing but sheer will, enjoying the hotness for that little bit longer-!

When he came, moaning as he busted his nut inside of Repulse. The brunette squealed as she came and fell against her sister as Renown did the same, the two holding onto each other as they came together – his cum filling Repulse in thick, plentiful spurts, her tightening insides only helping squeeze out gout after gout of semen.

Until she leaned too far forwards and caused his tip to spring out, one last spurt of white shooting onto her ass. Repulse mewled but made no move to impale herself back onto him, instead opting to pull away from Renown and climb off of him – letting out a cute 'oof!' as she flopped down onto the bed, panting and just catching her breath.

The Commander though was not yet soft, his cock still throbbing after the masterful foreplay the two Battlecruisers had treated him to – enticing him to give Renown's ass a little spank. Moaning in reply she shuffled forwards, her shy gaze on him as she shuffled forwards and knelt before him, her hands soon touching the bed as she got on all fours in front of him. So arousing was the sight that his tender cock ached for more right away, coaxing the Commander up onto his knees.

''Ready?'' The Commander puffed out, shifting behind her.

Renown dipped her head in a nod, biting her lip as he rubbed his tip along her puffy slit – and let out a low moan as he penetrated her. His hands jumped to her hips and he pulled her back, burying his length deep inside of the blonde Battlecruiser, feeling her dripping-wet tunnel clamp around him, so snug it coaxed a reflexive moan out of him. Still sensitive from his prior orgasm he could only maintain a slow pace for so long; his primal urges coaxing his hips into motion.

Motion Renown direly needed, her moan low and aroused as she pushed her ass back towards him, getting his dick in deeper. Relishing the sensual sight he picked up the pace, his eyes glued to her shapely behind as he thrust into her, feeling her drooling pussy smother his cock – the slickness enabling him to pump in even easier. Soon enough the sound of their flesh smacking together began to ring out, adding to the heated atmosphere.

A little moan off to his right coaxed his gaze over, and a flash of lust shot through the Commander as he found Repulse on her back, legs open and right hand between her legs. She caught his gaze and grinned mischievously, unashamed even as she kept fingering herself for his viewing pleasure, her digits sticky with both her juices and his cum. Her other hand took to toying with her own breast, cupping and groping before flicking her nipple about with a thumb, giving herself little in the way of breaks.

''Mn!'' Renown's tight moan instantly garnered his gaze once more.

Shifting his hands up her sides he soon settled them over her breasts; groping her smallish tits and pulling her back towards him. Renown didn't resist, only a little moan escaping her as she arched her back towards him, his hands over her breasts like handholds as he kept slamming his cock into her – every thrust clapping her ass and fucking a moan out of her. The rapturous rhythm climbed with each successive stroke, his cock-head kissing her innermost parts and making her tighten with anticipation, her moans becoming heated.

As did his own grunts. His prior orgasm haunted his cock, his shaft sensitive as he plunged it between Renown's glistening petals, the urge to spill his seed inside of her so very enthralling – a fate he couldn't resist. Nor did he even try to, his body crashing into hers as he went balls-deep, fucking cries out of the blonde as she clutched at the sheets, her naked back taut from his ruthless pounding.

Repulse's moans joined theirs in chorus, their motion feverish, the pleasure nigh – when Renown buckled, gasping, tightening.

And then he busted his load inside of Renown.

''Shit, hng-!''

He held her close, his fingers sinking into her smallish tits as he pumped his load deep inside of her – every hot throb of his cock preluding the gush of seed he spurted into her willing womb. Renown clumsily pushed her ass back against him, her meagre thrusts only extending their mutual orgasms for that little bit longer, adding the cherry on top.

Eventually fatigue took its hold and they slowed to a stop – and with a moan he pulled out. The absence of his cock left Renown trembling; the Battlecruiser easing herself down onto the bed with a heavy exhale, her body twitching and trembling in the afterglow.

The Commander joined her a few seconds later, easing himself down between his two lovers.

Unsurprised when they hogged one arm each. ''Hmph. I could get used to this...''

''I'm sure you will~'' Repulse teased, snuggling in.

Renown said nothing but simply smiled, cuddling in too.

And thus began their relationship proper.

[END]