WARNING!: The following is a fanfiction based on the Nikke: Goddess Of Victory universe; as such I do not own these characters & this is not an official story. This part is SFW.

Caught In Another World: A Nikke Parallel Universe Story

Halo Ten: The Agreement

I didn't have a clue how to look Andersen in the eye after what I saw him doing with Rapunzel in the church last week. So when he called me into his office without specifying why, I stared into the distance as discreetly as I could manage while he talked about my recent performance as a commander. Yet despite my attempts to act naturally, Andersen still recognized my behavior was amiss.

"...Are you even listening? Something else is clearly on your mind. So, spit it out."

"!!... It's nothing."

"Nothing? Or something?"

Andersen drew uncomfortably close. I could feel him glaring at me, but I still could not look him in the eye. "I know you were at the church the other night. Leaving a mess like that behind for someone else to clean up... you should feel ashamed."

"I should feel ashamed?! You're the one who—!!" I realized the moment I opened my mouth and met his gaze that I had betrayed my feint of ignorance.

"Ha! I knew it. What did you see while you were there?"

"I saw nothing."

"You're lying. I won't ask again. What did you see?"

"...I saw you with a Pilgrim."

"Which Pilgrim?"

"...Rapunzel."

"And what was I doing with her?"

I drew in a sharp breath as I felt my face growing hot with remembrance. "I'd... rather not say."

"Hmm..." Now it was Andersen sporting the thousand-yard stare. "Have you told anyone about it? Rapi, Anis, Neon? Do they know you visited the church?"

"... No, and no."

"Then you are the only one who knows. What will it take for me to buy your silence?"

"My silence? You don't need to buy it. I have no intention of revealing what I saw to anyone."

"Is that so? I appreciate that, truly."

"I only have one question."

"Fire away."

"What are you going to do with Rapunzel now? She deserves better than a one-night stand in a place she goes to pray."

"Hmm..." Andersen fidgeted meaninglessly with the cuff of his sleeve. "You are right, of course. She does deserve better. And that is why I want to spoil her somehow. I can easily smuggle food and supplies into the Pilgrim Tower for her pickup, but... I want to get her something special. A dress, a pair of shoes, some perfume... things only the Ark has to offer."

"You want to buy gifts for Rapunzel?"

"Yes, I do. Why are you looking at me so surprised like that?"

"It's just that I've never seen this side of you."

"And you never would have if you hadn't seen us that night. My problem is, I cannot be seen purchasing such items myself. Additionally, I have no means of contacting her."

"I can give you her contact information."

"No. As much as I want that information, it's something I would rather she give to me herself. If you are offering to help, however, you could give her a message for me."

"I can do that. Will I be giving her your gifts as well?"

"I just told you I cannot be seen purchasing such things in the Ark. People will suspect something, and we cannot afford that. Survival resources will have to suffice."

"... I can purchase the gifts for you if you provide the funds."

"Would you really do that for me?"

"Not for you. For her. I want to see Rapunzel happy."

"I see. Well, so long as we have the same goal in respect to her, I am glad it was not someone else in the church that night."

"You shouldn't be so careless next time."

"Indeed. Next time... Do you actually think she would want to see me again?"

"Andersen, you took her virginity. I'm positive she wants to see you again."

"Hmm... then in that case, I wouldn't even be angry if you watched us again."

"E-excuse me?"

"I'm not encouraging voyeurism, but as a reward for your silence I could turn a blind eye to your hidden presence if Rapunzel never finds out you've ever seen us."

"N-noted..."

Andersen then looked at his watch and frowned. "I have another meeting in the next five minutes. We will have to wrap this up for now. I will be in touch regarding the gifts and the funds for them. Until then, know that I appreciate your discretion on more than just a professional level. That is all." I left the meeting feeling more hopeful than I had going into it. I couldn't explain it, but the idea of seeing Rapunzel together again with Andersen filled me with electric curiosity and sent goosebumps flying across my skin.

I almost didn't know myself anymore.