...Operation what?!
"Wait... h-hold on!" I stammered. "What the hell's going on?"
"What do you think, silly?" Algerie said. "We're going to get you a date!"
"N-Now?!" I beckoned.
"Of course," Richelieu said, smiling. "Why not?"
"Better earlier than later too," Dunkerque said. "Lest he make plans with someone else."
What the...? Wha...? Wait! Everything's moving too fast!
"H-How did you know he was gonna be here?!" I barked.
Algerie grinned. "...because I told him to come."
"What?! When did you—?"
...wait a minute...
"That's why you were on your phone!" I said.
Algerie giggled. "Guilty as charged."
"But Dunkerque and Richelieu were also... oh God... you three planned this all along, didn't you!"
Algerie shrugged. "...maybe."
"Well, in all fairness, it was rather spur-of-the-moment too," Dunkerque said.
"Half and half," Richelieu said. "All thanks to Algerie's quick thinking."
Algerie flipped her hair and smugly curtseyed.
I knew something was up!
"Richelieu, stay here and wait for our signal. Dunkerque and Jeanie are with me," Algerie said. "All clear?"
Richelieu and Dunkerque nodded.
"Wait... what the hell—?"
"Alright, ladies! It's showtime!" Algerie said, ignoring me.
"Hold on!" I pleaded. "Am I mute?!"
"I'll get his attention," Dunkerque said.
"Wait, Dunkerque! Don't—!"
"Bonjour, Commandant~!"
No!
Damn it, he heard her too! Ack! He's looking this way! D-Did he see me?! What the hell is going on?!
"C'mon, Jeanie! The commander awaits!" Algerie said, standing up and nudging me.
"Wha—A-Algerie! Ya can't just spring this on me!" I said. "I-I'm not ready!"
"I have a hunch that you never will be," Algerie said. "Therefore, the best way to handle this is to jump right into the fray!"
Algerie grabbed my arm.
"Gah! L-Let go!" I protested.
"Jeanie, you're not getting out of this," Algerie said.
I desperately looked at Richelieu. She only sipped her tea, ignoring the "please help me" look I was giving her. Of course. Why would she? She's in on it.
"B-But I don't even have makeup on!" I pleaded. "Or perfume! I didn't do much with my hair either!"
"You look perfectly fine," Algerie said.
"Honestly, Jeanie, you don't give your natural beauty the credit it deserves," Richelieu commented.
"B-But I don't even know what to say to him!" I cried.
"Just improvise," Algerie said.
"Improvise?!" I pleaded. "I can't just—! Wh-What if—?!"
"Oh, for God's sake, Jeanie! Come on!"
"AUGH!"
I yelped as Algerie yanked me out of my seat.
"Bonne chance!" Richelieu called out as I was dragged away kicking and screaming.
"Let go of me!" I growled.
"Jeanie, we both know you just want to stall," Algerie said.
"That's not...! I...! Y-Ya didn't even let me get ready! We're just gonna go up there, I'm gonna make an ass outta myself, and he'll never wanna talk to me aga—"
"Jeanie!" Algerie said, turning around and firmly grabbing my shoulders. "Relax. Deep breaths."
Algerie tried to lead me in some breathing exercises. How ironic.
For what it's worth, it helped a little.
"I'm... calm..." I said, though my mood was hanging by a thread.
"Good," Algerie said. "Forgive me if I was a bit forceful. Perhaps I got too excited."
I pursed my lips. "I-I'm just... ngh... I'm nervous."
"I know, and I'm sorry for being insensitive," Algerie said. "But Dunkerque and I are going with you for a reason. We'll talk you up, he becomes interested, and then you go in for the kill. Ergh... so-to-speak."
I looked back at Richelieu, who gave me a wave and a smile.
"Why isn't Richelieu going with us?" I asked.
"Don't worry. She has her role to play," Algerie said.
I only grumbled.
"The anxiety won't magically go away," Algerie said. "The only solution is to fight through it."
"Algerie, if this doesn't work..."
"It will. Trust me. Trust us. Who better to speak highly of you than your closest friends, hm?" Algerie said. "As for you, stand up straight, look him in the eyes, maybe... puff your chest out a little?"
"Wh-What? No!" I said, covering the exposed part of my chest. "Wh-Why would I do that?!"
"Well, you want to encourage him to say yes, right?" Algerie said. "Accentuating your chest in that lovely low-cut top? That should butter him up really nicely."
She winked, and I blushed.
"Non!" I protested. "I want him to date me for me, not my boobs!"
Algerie giggled. "Only a suggestion. And I can't resist teasing a little."
"Not helping," I groaned.
"Right. My apologies," Algerie said. "Teasing aside, how about this?"
Algerie closed her eyes and shook her head to toss her hair, using her hands to smooth it out afterward.
"I-I don't follow," I said. "Just... toss my hair?"
"Mmmhmm! Algerie said. "Trust me, tossing that long, beautiful hair of yours will be utterly hypnotic to him."
"I just do that anyway," I said. "Does he really find that attractive?"
"I think you'd be surprised to know what he finds attractive," Algerie said. "Even the simplest things we ladies do without a second thought."
I pursed my lips. "But I don't wanna be just a flower vase."
"Oh, of course. Those are merely hors d'oeuvres," Algerie said. "As part of the entrée, you could give him a compliment. His eyes? His hair? Flatter him!"
"As in... just tell I like his eyes? Or his hair?" I asked. "Seems kinda random."
"Exactly!" Algerie said. "The fact that a compliment is random makes it more meaningful, wouldn't you agree?"
I immediately remembered the couple compliments I've received from him. Completely outta the blue. Yeah... she's got a point.
"Lemme try," I said. I cleared my throat. "'Your hair looks nice, Commander.' Like that?"
"Perfect!" Algerie said. "That'll put some red on his cheeks. Perhaps you'll earn a compliment in return? Or maybe he'll compliment you first?"
I blushed again, and she giggled.
"You are just adorable when you blush!" Algerie said.
"I thought you were done mocking me?" I scolded.
"Yes, yes. I'm sorry," Algerie said, straightening out my clothes. "Just remember, above all else, be yourself. Exactly what we've been preaching from the start. It's not a stranger. It's the commander. There's no need to be afraid. And smile too!"
I grumbled. "I can't just force a smile outright."
"Well, think of something that makes you happy," Algerie said. "I know the commander would love to see that gorgeous smile."
...a "yes" would make me happy...
"Algerie? Jeanie?" Dunkerque called. "Are you coming?"
"Just a moment!" Algerie replied. "Well, Jeanie? I think it's time. Ready?"
I pursed my lips. Ergh... she has a point. Will I ever be truly ready? And it's not like they're gonna let me walk away. They've got me flanked.
Besides... he might say yes. Heh... just thinking about that gives me butterflies.
I sighed. "...as much as I'll ever be. Not that I have a choice."
Algerie squealed. "Oh, I can't wait! Now come! Your crush awaits!"
Algerie ushered me along—more gently this time—towards... the commander. As we got closer, the fire in my heart intensified.
Be cool, Jean. Be cool.
I could hear the conversation Dunkerque was having with the commander as we got closer.
"We'll all be as good as new after repairs. Jeanie said the parts should be coming in soon," Dunkerque said. "Oh! Speaking of whom, look who decided to join us!"
"Bonjour, Commandant!" Algerie said.
"Good morning, Algerie," the commander said. "Good morning to you too, Jean."
...ngh! Oh god... th-there's a lump in my throat...! Argh! What the hell...? Why is it like I'm talking to him for the first time? I'm his secretary, damn it!
Pull yourself together, Jean! Greet him!
"B-Bonjour!" I yelled, in a startling volume that made everyone flinch. "I-I mean... b-bonjour."
"Jeanie, relax," Dunkerque whispered.
I felt my face flush red. Had to fight through the choking. Ergh... c'mon, Jean. Don't be stupid.
...hard to stay cool when he looks so handsome.
"Jeanie was just telling us about your beach outing last night," Algerie said. "Caught some waves, huh?"
"Well, I tried. I wiped out more times than I want to admit," the commander said. "But I got out there at least. Jean showed me a thing or two."
"How exciting!" Dunkerque said. "I can't think of a better surfing teacher than Jeanie. She's amazing!"
"Oh, I know!" Algerie said. "I once saw her leap several feet into the air like a dolphin. Goodness you were almost flying!"
"Really? You gotta show me next time, Jean," the commander said.
...they're talking me up too much. Gonna raise his expectations at this rate.
"Oh? Next time?" Dunkerque said.
"Jean offered to take me surfing again if I wanted," he said.
"You must've had a lot of fun together," Dunkerque said.
"I had a blast," he said. "She was tough, but a great teacher."
"I'm sure Jeanie had to crack down on you when you couldn't stop staring at her in a swimsuit, hm?" Algerie said.
Wh-What?! Algerie!
"I imagine her beauty was quite distracting, non?" Dunkerque said.
D-Dunkerque! Wha...?! Wh-Why would they say that?! Damn it, now I'm blushing! Well... blushing more...
Dunkerque and Algerie both giggled, ignoring the look I was giving them.
Wait... is the commander blushing too?
"Oh, we're just teasing," Dunkerque said. "I'm so happy you two are getting along!"
Ugh... the more I try to fight the blushing, the worse it gets! My face is only getting warmer! This is so humiliating...
...wait. Grah! No! Jean! You haven't said a damn thing! You've talked to him tons of times! This is no different! Besides, your friends went through all this trouble just to get you here.
It's... just... the commander...
I readjusted my posture, begrudgingly taking the tip from Algerie and... ngh... puffed my chest out. But only a little!
I cleared my throat.
"Yeah, we're getting along just fine," I said. "Next time we go surfing we'll work on your form while popping up."
"How soon until we can do some tricks?" he asked. "I was apprehensive before but now I'm eager."
"Buddy, you've got a long way to go before even attempting a trick," I said. "Ain't trying to getcha killed out there. That said, ya picked it up a lot quicker than I expected. But until catching waves becomes second nature to ya, you're sticking to barebones, vanilla surfing."
"Yes, ma'am," he said.
Dunkerque giggled, and I felt Algerie nudge me.
"Atta girl!" Algerie whispered.
Hmph... not that hard once I get going.
"With Jeanie's coaching and leadership, surfing will be second nature to you in no time!" Dunkerque said. "She isn't the Vichya Dominon flagship for nothing, you know!"
"After seeing how she expertly handled the emergency sortie, I have to agree," the commander said.
"Heh... merci," I said, trying not to blush too much. I'll never get tired of his praise.
"A wonderful leader, and one of the most powerful battleships ever built!" Algerie said. "Watching her in battle is a sight to behold. But I'm sure you already know that."
"She's an impressive fighter alright," he said.
Damn it, don't make me blush, Commander.
"You've been a big help in the office too," he said. "Despite the mishap at the beginning."
Ugh... did he have to bring that up?
He seemed to notice the look I was giving him.
"I know it was only an accident, though," he said. "And that was the only incident."
"One hiccup can't keep our flagship down," Algerie said. "Isn't that right, Jeanie?"
I smirked. "Damn right. Besides, didn't you pull something similar on me this week, Commander?"
His cheeks went red, which make me chuckle.
"Have you been giving Jeanie trouble?" Dunkerque asked.
"Did you accidentally oversleep too?" Algerie asked.
"...yeah," he said.
"And why did you oversleep?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
The whole truth, Commander. C'mon. They already know.
"...I was up late working," he said.
There we go.
"Oh no," Dunkerque said, rolling her eyes. "How many times have I told you not to do that?"
"...several," he said.
Dunkerque sighed. "Commander…"
"I'd say we're even on the oversleeping thing," I said, smirking.
"Hey, I didn't come out here to get teased," the commander protested.
"You brought it up," I said. "Besides, seems like you need every reminder you can get."
"Besides, we wouldn't tease you if we didn't like you," Algerie said. "We're all friends, right?"
The commander chuckled. "I guess you're right."
...maybe I should ease up on the crap-throwing. I don't think that's gonna win him over. Although, so far so good. It's not so hard when I have my friends here.
Hmm? I hear whispering behind me.
In my peripheral vision, I could see Dunkerque and Algerie leaning back slightly. What are they—?
"So, Commander," Algerie said before I could call them out. "Any special plans for your day off?"
"Yeah, I've got a pretty full day ahead of me," he said. "Mostly spending time with some other ships, whatever that may entail. In fact, I just came here from gardening with some Sakura destroyers. Then after this I'm attending a tea party with some ladies from the Royal Navy."
"As busy as always, I see," Dunkerque said.
"I'd rather be busy spending time with ships than working," he said.
"Very true," Algerie said. "And there's no shortage of us shipgirls who'd love to spend time with you. Isn't that right, Mr. Popular?"
"Heh... yeah," he said.
Algerie gave me a nudge, and I blushed.
"How about you three?" he asked. "Anything interesting planned for today?"
"We're actually just finishing up a tea party of our own, taking advantage of this beautiful day," Dunkerque said. "Shortly followed by some sunbathing on the beach."
"And then to top it all off, we'll be attending the art fair downtown," Algerie said. "It should be a fun-filled day!"
"Art fair?" the commander asked.
"Oh, do you not know?" Dunkerque said. "Richelieu told us about an art fair downtown. What did she say? 'A celebration of art, food, culture, and music.'"
"Oui!" Algerie said. "It sounds wonderful. A perfect way to finish the day."
"Sounds like fun," he said. "Maybe I should go."
"Yes. Yes, you should," Algerie said, nudging me.
My heart sparked.
"And perhaps, if you're going downtown, you should bring a partner?" Dunkerque said, nudging me too.
"It'd be a good idea," the commander said. "If anything, for security."
"I concur," Algerie said.
Why does she sound so smug?
Suddenly, Algerie leaned back. "Dunkerque, le gâteau est prêt."
"Oui," Dunkerque replied.
"What?" I asked. "What about Gâtea—?"
"Café liégeois!" Dunkerque blurted, making everyone flinch.
What the—?
"Huh?" the commander asked. "What'd you say?"
"Oh, the mention of sunbathing earlier made me think of ice cream," Dunkerque said. "In particular, café liégeois: a dessert with coffee ice cream, sweetened coffee, and whipped cream. I just couldn't remember the name until now."
But… why would she yell it?
"Ah. O-Okay then," the commander said, looking perplexed. "Sounds tasty."
"It's delicious! Especially when Dunkerque makes it," Algerie said. "Oh, I'm craving ice cream now. Or a popsicle. We definitely should bring some ice cream treats to the beach with us."
"Absolutely," Dunkerque said. "The perfect complement to the heat of the beach."
...something feels off.
"Dunkerque~! Algerie~!" Richelieu called from behind. "Venir voir ça!"
I looked back and she was waving with a big smile.
"Oh! How convenient," Algerie said. "I do believe… you wanted to say something to the commander, Jeanie?"
"Wait… I-I did?" I asked.
"I think you know," Algerie asked.
…oh. She means.. that.
"Oh right, you did mention something in your text," he said.
"Dunkerque, why don't we leave Jeanie to it?" Algerie said.
"Leave?" I asked. Then my heart dropped. "Wait, Algerie...!"
"Oui," Dunkerque said. "I wonder what Richelieu needs?"
"Dunkerque...!"
"Bonne chance," Algerie whispered.
They ignored me, turning around and walking away, giggling to each other.
"Wait! Hold on! Algerie! Dunkerque! Don't...!"
The commander was giving me a weird look.
"Is… everything okay?" he asked.
"Um... y-yeah," I said. "W-Wait here a sec."
I didn't even wait for a response before immediately rushing up to Algerie and Dunkerque. I grabbed their shoulders and they looked back with grins, despite the face I was giving them.
"The hell are you doing?!" I seethed. "I thought you were supposed to help me!"
"Our job's done, Jeanie," Algerie said. "Now it's your turn to close the deal!"
"Alone?!"
To my dismay, they both nodded.
"Was this part of 'Operation: Get Me a Date' or whatever?" I asked.
"...maybe," Dunkerque said.
"Why didn't ya tell me?!"
"If we did, you wouldn't have agreed to do this in the first place," Algerie said. "But all the pieces are in place. He's totally into you! And it sounds like, if he wants to go to the art fair, he needs a partner!"
"In other words... a date!" Dunkerque said. "And that date is you!"
I grumbled. "I'm sick of you all springing things on me! Ya didn't let me prepare for anything!"
"You've gotten this far, haven't you?" Dunkerque said. "And Algerie's right. You've piqued his interest."
"Would the flagship of the Vichya Dominion back down from a challenge?" Algerie asked.
"Algerie, this isn't—"
"Indulge me," Algerie interrupted. "Would our flagship back down from a challenge? Yes or no?"
"...n-no," I stammered. I cleared my throat. "I mean... hell no! I'm... the god damn flagship."
"That's the spirit!" Algerie said. "And we're not abandoning you, silly. We'll be within earshot at the gazebo. We're not that mean."
"If there's ever any doubt, go by these four steps," Dunkerque said, counting on her fingers. "Give him the donuts, chat him up, mention the art fair, and then ask him out!"
Hm... four steps, huh? Okay. I guess when she breaks it down like that...
...wait. The donuts!
I pat myself down. No dice.
"Crap!" I cried. "Where are the donuts?!"
As if on cue, Richelieu whistled sharply. When we looked, she was holding the bag of donuts in her hand.
"Algerie! Catch!" Richelieu called out.
What the—!? Don't throw them!
Too late.
Richelieu lobbed the bag through the air to Algerie. I was about to berate Richelieu, but Algerie had already run out to meet her halfway… and caught it perfectly.
"Dunkerque! Heads up!" she cried, chucking the bag in the same motion.
Dunkerque immediately turned around and readied herself. The donuts landed perfectly in her hands and then, in the same motion, brought it around right into my hands.
There was a beat after Dunkerque made the final pass to me, as if they were surprised that they just pulled that off. They even cheered a little.
Rightfully so. Was that part of their grand plan? Regardless, that was damn impressive.
I could hear some light applause from the commander.
I looked inside to check the donuts. Phew. Perfectly intact.
Algerie joined Richelieu while Dunkerque returned her attention to me.
"Remember... four easy steps," Dunkerque reiterated. "And most importantly... be yourself. Bonne chance!"
Dunkerque gave me a hug and joined Richelieu and Algerie.
Now… I'm alone.
I took a deep breath. They're right. I ain't one to back down from a challenge… even if this is more than a simple challenge.
"Jean, is everything okay?"
Crap, he's waiting on me.
C'mon, Jean. You can do this.
I turned around and my heart immediately began beating faster at how the sun was shining off his hair. I I can't let that stop me, though. Push forward, Jean.
"Yeah, I'm good," I said, walking back up to him.
"Are you sure?" he asked. "You look kind of nervous."
…I do?
Shoot! I'm twirling my hair! No wonder!
"I promise, I'm fine," I insisted, putting my hand down. "Nothing to worry about."
"Well... if you say so," he said. He gave a gentle smile, looking at something behind me. I turned around and saw Dunkerque, Algerie, and Richelieu checking something out on Richelieu's phone. "They think very highly of you."
They all looked up and gave us big smiles and waves. Heartwarming, despite how they've been pushing my buttons.
"Yeah…" I said. "And the feeling's mutual."
The way the sky's reflecting in his eyes... they look like diamonds...
Argh! Don't get distracted. Alright, Jean. Four easy steps, just as Dunkerque said.
Step one: give him the donuts.
"What's in the bag?" he asked.
Hmph... must've read my mind or something. Hey, I'm fine with that.
"It's actually for you. Here," I said, handing it to him.
"Oh, really?" he said, accepting it. "What is it?"
"Take a look," I said.
He eagerly opened the bag.
"Donuts!" he said. "Wait, these smell like... are these Dunkerque's peppermint chocolate donuts?"
I smirked. "They sure are."
He smiled. "Awesome! I've been craving one of these since I woke up. I'll have to thank her before I go."
"Oh, actually... she didn't make those," I said.
"Huh?" he asked. "Who made them then? Algerie? Richelieu?"
I shook my head. "I did."
"Really?" he said. "I didn't think you'd be into baking."
I shrugged. "I wanted to learn after helping Dunkerque so much."
...and impress you.
"And... I wanted to thank you for treating me well this week," I said.
...eh... close enough.
"They're probably not as good as Dunkerque's but... I-I hope you like them anyway," I said.
"Well, they smell definitely as good as hers," he said, taking one out.
"Wait, you're gonna try one now?" I asked.
He looked confused. "Do you not want me to?"
"Oh, I-I didn't mean it like that," I stammered. "I just... n-never mind. Go ahead."
Of course he's gonna try it now! Why wouldn't he?!
I held my breath as he took a bite.
"So? How is it?" I asked.
His eyes widened.
"Jean, these are delicious!" he said.
...they are?
"Really?" I asked. "How are they compared to Dunkerque's?"
"I honestly can't tell the differences," he said. "Thanks so much, Jean."
Yes! Success!
"Glad you like them," I said, feeling some weight being lifted off my shoulders.
"I feel bad that I don't have anything for you," he said.
...you could go out with me.
"Eh, don't worry," I said. "Just stay on my good side and we'll call it even."
I watched him take another bite, and some crumbs fell on his outfit.
"Tch... shoulda put a napkin in there," I said. "Here."
I walked up and brushed the crumbs off his clothes.
"Ya said ya went gardening earlier?" I asked. He nodded. "Must've been dry as hell. There's some loose dirt on your sleeves. And your shoulders."
I started with his sleeves, brushing the fine particles of dust off. Then I worked my way up to his shoulders.
"There. Much..."
Wait... did I just...?
I looked up. Oh God... he's so close to me!
"Um! A-Anyway!" I said, taking a step back. "Th-That should tidy you up a bit."
Jean! What were you thinking?! Just touching him like that!?
I could hear my friends snickering. And I could feel my face reddening, as well as the urge to twirl my hair.
"...thanks," he said. Is he blushing too?
Crap, I need to recover. But how?
You could try giving him a compliment. His eyes? His hair?
Ah, right. I can take something else outta Algerie's book.
Right before I spoke, my heart flickered and sparked. But I didn't let that stop me.
"Your hair looks nice today," I said.
"Oh, really?" he said. "I got a little sweaty while gardening, so it's kinda messy."
I shrugged. "Well... it's a good look for you."
His cheeks reddened. "Well, thanks."
He's smiling! And blushing! It worked!
"Your hair looks nice too," he said.
Ah... damn. Now it's my turn to blush.
"Merci," I said.
We're hitting it off! Let's keep this momentum going. What comes after the donuts?
Step two: chat him up.
Chat about… what, though?
Oh, I know! I could ask him about how his evening with Javelin was. The whole reason we had to end our surfing session.
"So how was horror movie night with Javelin?" I asked.
He went along with it rather casually, like I didn't just dust his clothes outta nowhere.
"It was fun," he said. "I didn't find the movie that scary, but Javelin and her friends were clinging to me almost the whole time."
Oh right. Javelin wasn't the only one he was spending the evening with.
"I'm sure ya didn't mind that, huh?" I remarked.
He blushed. "It makes them feel safe. That's all."
"Hmph... must be fun being Mr. Popular."
"It's... not without its perks," he said.
I rolled my eyes. "Whatever ya say."
"Y'know, Javelin kept raving about you being a surfer," he said.
"Did she, now?" I asked. "She never even saw me on the water."
"She's easily excited, as I'm sure you saw," he said. "Maybe she can come along on our next surfing session?"
...ah. Well... I was hoping it could just be the two of us, Commander.
"I don't see why not," I said.
Eh, I guess there's no harm. Besides, I get him all to myself as part of my job.
"Is what Algerie said true?" he asked. "Have you really gone airborne while surfing?"
"Technically, lots of times," I said. "But most end with me in the water. I've only ever landed a few."
"I'd say even landing a few is impressive," he said. "I agree with your friends. It was amazing to watch you. Javelin will lose her mind when she sees you in action."
Probably wouldn't be as impressed if he knew how behind I am compared to pros. Nevertheless, his praise was nice.
"Merci," I said. "I'll try and perfect some other tricks to really show ya what I can do."
"I look forward to it," he said.
Me too, Commander.
Okay, as much as I like talking to him, I can't stall forever. There's a reason why we're here. As much as it makes my heart pound…
Step three: mention the art fair.
"So... that art fair sounds like fun, huh?" I said.
"Yeah, it does," he said. "I just wish I'd known about it sooner. I would've kept the day open for it."
Ah damn. Is he too busy for it? Should I even bother?
"But... you're interested, right?" I asked.
"Oh, absolutely," he said. "I just thought I'd hear about it through the grapevine, y'know? I'm not sure if someone will want to go on such short notice."
I will! Take me! I'll go with you!
...don't you dare blurt that out, Jean. Play it cool. It sounds like if he can find someone to accompany him, he'll go. And that someone should be me. No… it will be me!
…I hope.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Yeah!" I said. "Wh-Why do ya ask?"
"You look pensive," he said. "Like... something's about to happen."
…I do?
Wait! Crap! I'm twirling my hair again!
"I-I'm perfectly fine!" I protested, throwing my hands down.
You're a damn liar, Jean. Move on before he can call you out again!
"A-Anyway, there's something I wanted to ask ya!"
"Oh... um... right," he said, still looking unconvinced. "Well? I'm all ears."
Alright, I think he's brushing it off for now. Now I just gotta stay calm and... ngh… g-go in for the kill.
Step four: A-Ask... him... out...
He's still looking at me. He's waiting.
Ugh... my mouth's drying up.
No! I can't let that inhibit me! Confidence!
Stand up straight... toss my hair... puff out my chest a little... look him in the eyes...
...ah crap. Why must he have such dazzling eyes? Build myself up, and then one look from him tears it all down.
"Jean?"
He's getting impatient. C'mon, Jean! It's now or never!
"Commander... I... I wanted to know..."
"Yeah?" he said, raising an eyebrow.
A lump formed in my throat, and I choked.
Ergh... it's like I'm in front of a raging fire, and every word I say intensifies it. And if I say too much, I'll be burnt to a crisp.
"I... um..."
Damn it, I'm still choking! This lump in my throat won't go away! It's like a rock!
"I-I wanted... to ask..."
Jean, this isn't hard! Just say "I'll be your partner to the art fair," or something along those lines! You can speak words!
Crap, I think he's getting annoyed! Ugh... so am I!
"I just... wanted... to ask you...!"
"Yeah?" he coaxed.
Jean! You're wasting his time! Quit being a little bitch and ask him!
"Wh-What's your favorite ship classification?"
...wait... what did just say? Like... cruiser or battleship?
"My... favorite ship classification?" he asked. "That's your question?"
...JEAN! What the hell are you doing?!
No! No! Wh-Why did I say that?! Where did that come from?!
"Argh! Non, non, non!" I cried. "Th-That's not—! Wh-What I meant was...! Wait...!"
"Jean, wh-what's wrong?"
I'M FUCKING PANICKING, THAT'S WHAT!
"THAT'S NOT WHAT I WANTED TO ASK!" I screamed. "W-Wait! I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to yell! I-I'm not mad at you! I just…! Argh! I… I… um… hah… wait… wait…"
…wait… just stop… everything…
Time froze. The raging fire relaxed to a mere ember, whose heat was more soothing than threatening. All fell silent. The light breeze brushed my cheeks as my eyes closed. It was as if... the storm's energy had been expended... and the skies were turning blue again...
"Jean? Are you okay?" the commander asked.
"Shh..." I said softly. "Just... lemme think. But please don't leave."
"Jeanie? Is everything alright?"
Richelieu. Is she supposed to be my shield through the fire? Is that her role to play?
"Yeah... yeah..." I said. "I just need a minute..."
They gave me the silence I wanted, and finally... I could think.
...what just happened? One second, I was about to explode. The next, I'm calm—whisked off to some... mental palace. It's like I'm falling from a high, but the "fall" was more like a dying flame. Gentle. Gradual. But still inevitable.
I don't entirely understand what happened to me just now, but I know this. All that screaming? All that freaking out? That's not me. That's not Jean Bart. Heh... almost an entirely different person, now that I think about it.
My hair fluttered in the breeze. It reminded me of my hideaway. The simple comfort of lying in my hammock… the gentle winds of the sea caressing my body… the peace and serenity, free from everyone's judging eyes. Just thinking about it makes me... smile.
…I'm Jean Bart, flagship of the Vichya Dominion, and I won't let this fire burn me. I'm... Jean... Bart...
I opened my eyes. Oh, thank God. The commander's still here. And Richelieu too. They look worried, though. I don't blame them.
"Jeanie?" Richelieu said. "Are you okay?"
...yeah. Truth be told, I'm not too shabby.
I nodded. "Pretty alright, actually. At least… now I am."
"Are you sure?" Richelieu asked.
"Oui." I said.
Perhaps the strategy is to... not rationalize. In other words, just try it and see what happens.
Richelieu's words echoed in my head again. Yeah... don't rationalize. Or rather, don't overthink.
...I got it. I know what I wanna say now. I dunno if it'll work, but damn it I gotta try!
I looked at the commander. God, he looks amazing in the sunlight. My heart's still throbbing, and I'm blushing a bit too. But... I think I can fight through it.
I took a deep breath. Maybe… one hair toss for good measure. And… why the hell not? I'll lift my chest. Just a little.
Okay. Here goes nothing.
"Thanks for your patience, Commander, and I'm sorry for getting so angry. I-It's nothing on you, though. I just got frustrated because what I wanted to ask is... well... I've never done this before. B-But anyway, I've wasted enough of your time, so I'll cut to the chase. You and Dunkerque went out a few times right? Just the two of you? I reckon it's a regular thing with your secretaries? Well... I'm your secretary now, so that means it's my turn. You need a partner for the art fair? Then... take me."
Phew. This one was a doozy to write. Long one, too. I think there were probably... 15 versions or so? Maybe more, maybe less. It's around there. There was about 10k words worth of notes and scrapped versions of the chapter. So many variations, but I finally landed on this. I just wanted to nail Jean's character with her internal conflict and stress, and really take the reader for a ride. Not only that, but make sure I didn't end up screwing myself later. But I think it was worth it. I won't know if I screwed myself in the long-term until I get there, but this was a fun, albeit challenging chapter to write. And I hope it reads well too.