As of today (9-5-2021), this is version 2. The original version received criticism for the bad characterization of Akagi and Amagi. I decided I wasn't happy with it either. I have revised the first scene to "reel them in" a bit. I apologize for this chapter being lackluster. I did a poor job editing and doing my due diligence on characterization and I will do better in Ch.24.
"You're... the epitome... of an insect... and all insects must... be... exterminated."
"Hmph... do ya see me trying to rub it in your face?" I asked. "Look, I just asked him, and he said yes. That's it."
"Bullshit!" Akagi barked. "You told him to cancel on me, didn't you?!"
"Huh?" I asked. "Cancel what?"
"Must I spell it out for you?!" Akagi shouted.
"Akagi, please!" Zuikaku pleaded, having recovered from being shoved. "This is getting out of ha—"
"Shut up!" Akagi barked. She turned back to me with a huff. "That was supposed to be my date, you slut!"
"Hah!" I chuckled. "You had a date with him?"
"Yes!" Akagi shouted. "But then on the day of, he cancels on me as 'punishment' for the training incident yesterday! Come to find out he's instead going out with his ugly, whore secretary! The same bitch who's had it out for me since the beginning!"
What is this bimbo going on about? Did she really have a date with him? Is that what he canceled? No, it can't be. He's not that stupid, right? This feels too much like an excuse to come after me.
Either way, she's full of crap.
"I dunno if all the blood is going to your cow tits instead of your brain, but lemme make something crystal clear for you," I said. "If I recall, you were the first to sling mud when we met. You were the one distracting the commander from work. You threatened me. And you engaged in friendly fire during yesterday's training. You deserve to be punished for that, and your punishment was the commander's own decision. I'm shocked he didn't chuck your ass the brig for what you did! I'm just making sure I'm the best secretary I can be. I have never fired the first shot, and you have the gall to say I've had it out for you?"
Akagi stood for a moment, gritting her teeth and clenching her fists. I half expected smoke to billow out of her head from how angry she looked.
Not surprisingly, she was unmoved.
"You must've known about my plans with him," Akagi snarled. "What other motivation could you have?!"
God, this chick really is stupid. Or at the very least absurdly stubborn.
"Gee, I dunno, maybe I just wanted to spend time with him?!" I said. "What other motivation do I need? The fact is, I asked him, and he said yes. He mentioned some other plans he had this evening, but he still agreed. He even said... well..."
"What?" Akagi beckoned. "What did he say? Tell me!"
...should I tell her? It wouldn't be wise to taunt her more, as much as I kinda want to. After all, I just said I wasn't trying to rub it in her face... but I dunno if she's being honest about having a date with him in the first place—
"Are you deaf?!" Akagi barked. "Speak, damn it!"
...hmph... fine. I will.
I looked at her with a sly grin.
"...he said he'd much rather go out with me."
"Guh!" Akagi squeaked, her eyes going wide. "No! I-Impossible! Inconceivable! Lies! You speak nothing but lies! My commander would never betray me like that!"
"Y'know, maybe the commander prefers someone who doesn't frag her allies," I said.
"I would never...! I...! I just... y-you shut up!" Akagi stammered.
"Or maybe... he prefers battleships," I said with the biggest smirk on my face.
"I... you... y-you..."
Akagi's stammering went silent. Her head lowered.
"Ha... haha..."
...what the hell—?
"AHAHAHAHA!"
Akagi cackled maniacally—causing the water behind her to ripple—holding her face with both hands and tilting her head. Her smile was unsettlingly big.
It was like the demon inside her had surfaced.
"You think... you can steal my soulmate from me?!" she cried. "My love... is... invincible!"
She glared at me with wide, uncontrollably twitching eyes.
"The commander... has been blinded," she murmured. "Blinded... by this temptress! But if I eliminate you... then you can no longer corrupt him!"
A plane appeared in Akagi's hand.
"Dunkerque, to arms!" Richelieu said.
"Bien reçu!" Dunkerque said. "Roger that!"
Dunkerque and Richelieu stood up, assembling their riggings and standing in line with Algerie. They pointed their single respective working guns at Akagi.
"Hahaha..." Akagi chuckled. "So... all your friends wish to play?"
"Cease this foolishness!" Richelieu demanded. "We cannot afford to make enemies of each other!"
"Don't force our hand," Dunkerque said. "We don't want to, but we will protect Jeanie at all costs!"
"As we would do for any sister," Algerie said.
I smirked. "I'd think twice before trying something, foxgirl. You've got three of the most feared Iris warships aimed at ya point-blank."
Akagi stood still for a moment. Her movements were twitchy and erratic, and her breathing was quick.
"The threshold... has already been crossed..." Akagi muttered. "The only way forward... is to purge the corruption..."
It's like she's speaking in tongues or something.
"Akagi... don't make me do this," Zuikaku said.
Akagi looked to her side to see Zuikaku pointing a plane at her.
"Ah... ahahaha... so it's treason, then?" Akagi rambled.
"Akagi, come to your senses!" Zuikaku barked. "This isn't you! Richelieu's right, the last thing we want is—"
"Silence!" Akagi barked. Her smile disappeared. She snarled at me, gritting her teeth. "Nobody... nobody will take my soulmate from me! You are but a mere torch compared to me—a shining star! I shall extinguish you, and if I must cut down four ships to get to you... then so be it!"
"That is enough, Akagi!"
CLANK!
Akagi was struck down into the sand by a ship's rigging. But not any of ours. Everyone's head turned to a ship who appeared outta nowhere. A ship I didn't recognize but whom was clearly of the Sakura Empire. She looked very similar to Akagi, with a foxtail, fox ears, and long light-brown hair—not as dark as Akagi's, but not as light as mine—sporting a long black kimono with red sleeves—much more conservatively dressed than—and holding a red parasol with a metal handle.
That must've been what she struck Akagi with.
Akagi rubbed her head. Her breathing was heavy and sharp. She tried to stand, drawing another plane. "You... dare—*GASP*"
The red in her face instantly drained when she saw who had struck her. For the first time, I saw true fear in Akagi's eyes.
"A-Amagi?" she stammered.
"I suggest you put that plane away," the ship, apparently named Amagi, said with eyes as cold as ice.
Akagi immediately put it away. Her ears drooped a bit.
What the—? Who is she? And why does Akagi look so frightened of her? And where the hell did she come from?
"Amagi?" Zuikaku said. "What are you doing here? When did you arrive?"
"Shoukaku informed of the situation after being unable to find the commander," Amagi said. "It wasn't difficult to find Akagi. Goodness me, her screaming was like launching a flare for everyone at port to see."
"Shoukaku..." Akagi grumbled. "That conniving little—"
"Little what, Akagi?" Amagi asked. "Do you have something to say about dear Shoukaku? I'm sure Zuikaku would love to hear as well."
Akagi stopped, shrinking down as if waiting for Amagi to strike her again.
"That's what I thought," Amagi said.
"My apologies, but who are you?" Richelieu asked. "I don't believe we've met."
"I am Amagi, battlecruiser of the Sakura Empire," she said. "Further introductions can wait. I have come to quell the situation. Please lay down your arms."
We all did as she requested, withdrawing our riggings and stepping back.
Amagi folded her arms and looked down at Akagi, who was still sitting in the sand.
I noticed Zuikaku was tense. Was she frightened too?
I dunno who this Amagi chick is, but I'm looking forward to this.
"You are supposed to be a leader of the Sakura Empire, and this is how you choose to behave?" Amagi said.
"This whore is trying to steal the commander from me!" Akagi blurted.
"Don't think I'm unaware of what you did yesterday," Amagi said. "Ambushing your own allies... the mere thought makes me sick. I agree with the commander's decision. A fitting, admittedly creative punishment. And if he chooses to spend that regained time with someone else, that's his choice."
"Jean Bart seeks to humiliate me!" Akagi cried.
Amagi raised an eyebrow. "You've done a perfectly good job of humiliating yourself, Akagi. And the First Carrier Division. And the entirety of the very fleet you lead."
Akagi grit her teeth. "But I had so much planned for it! I was going to pamper him and let him have me in any way he desired."
"And that gives you the right to attack allies?" Amagi said. "I even witnessed you shove poor Zuikaku onto the sand. Zuikaku, are you alright?"
Zuikaku nodded. "Yes. Thanks. I'm sorry you had to come out here, though."
"Nonsense. This is an urgent matter. And it's not your fault," Amagi said. She turned back towards Akagi, who noticeably flinched. "Is this how a leader treats her subordinates? With physical assault and abuse?"
"That's... that's... I..." Akagi stuttered, with no coherent sentence coming out.
"Would you respect an abusive leader?" Amagi asked. "Would you respect a petulant child who acts on selfish impulse?"
"Jean Bart is nothing but an ugly, treasonous whore!" Akagi cried. "She seeks to betray the commander just like she betrayed her own kind!"
...what did that slut just say?
"...ya wanna run that by me again?" I growled, clenching my fists.
Akagi grinned. "Struck a nerve?"
"Akagi!" Amagi said sharply. She took a deep breath and looked at Akagi with a piercing leer, despite her voice being calmer again. "What has gotten into you, sister? You're better than this. What would the commander think if he saw you now? Making baseless accusations about our allies and picking fight with them will do nothing but poison the bonds between us. The bonds that are so critically important for the success of the Azur Lane itself. I thought you would know that, but your obsession has blinded you. It's little wonder why the commander wouldn't want to spend time with you."
The color drained from Akagi's face. It looked like she was about to cry.
"I... I'm ugly..." she whimpered. "B-But I only wanted to—"
Amagi put her hand up, instantly silencing Akagi. "You need not speak, lest you incriminate yourself further. Now, you will come with me to the Sakura dorms so we may decide on a punishment."
"Punishment?!" Akagi cried. "B-But surely the commander canceling on me is—"
"His punishment for your abhorrent actions yesterday," Amagi said. "But this is a punishment from me for embarrassing the Sakura Empire. Or, if you don't want to follow me, I'm sure the commander would be very interested to know what occurred here."
"...you wouldn't," Akagi said.
Amagi looked like she was trying to resist the urge to slap Akagi. I don't blame her.
"It would be unwise to test my patience further, sister," Amagi said.
"But his image of me would be further soiled!" Akagi sulked.
"It seems your decision has been made then. Perfect," Amagi said.
Akagi tried to respond, but all that came out was meaningless sputtering. It ended in a frustrated stomp and grunt, like a child trying to assert authority.
Joke's on her. There's no way I'm not telling the commander about this.
Amagi turned towards us. "On behalf of the Sakura Empire, I apologize for the interruption. Please enjoy the rest of your afternoon. And Jean Bart... I hope you have a wonderful evening with the commander."
I smirked, seeing Akagi leering at me from behind Amagi.
"I'm sure I will," I said. I could see Akagi twitch.
"Thank you for your help, Amagi. We're in your debt," Richelieu said. "I hope we can meet again under less... irksome circumstances."
Amagi smiled. "I hope so too. You seem like a delightful bunch. I should treat you to some Sakura-style tea to make up for this incident. But we can discuss that another time. For now, I have other matters to attend to. Zuikaku... maybe you should stay back for a minute."
"I need to meet up with Shoukaku soon anyway, so fine by me," Zuikaku said.
"Our paths are set then," Amagi said. "And thank you for your help, Zuikaku. Now then, come along, Akagi."
Akagi didn't follow. She stood still, doing what she'd been doing this whole time: glaring at me.
"Shouldn't ya be tagging along?" I said.
She seethed at me, clenching her fists. "This... isn't... ov—EEP!"
Amagi grabbed Akagi's ear and dragged her off. Akagi kicked and screamed, demanding Amagi let her go, but Amagi ignored her, continuing to walk normally.
I got a chuckle outta that.
And then all was quiet again.
"Jean," Zuikaku said. "What was Akagi talking about? 'Betrayed your own kind?'"
"Um! I-It's nothing!" I blurted. "Well... it's not 'nothing'. It's just a part of my... er... our past that I'd rather forget."
"A sensitive topic for Jeanie. All of us, really," Richelieu said. "Probably best not to discuss it."
"Oh... okay. Sorry," Zuikaku said. "A-Are you all okay otherwise?"
"Yes. Thank you for your aid, Zuikaku," Richelieu said. "But my word... the audacity of that carrier!"
"I can't think of a more surefire way to piss her off than to cancel her date," Zuikaku said.
"She's lucky my guns are broken," I said. "What the hell was the commander thinking, agreeing to a date with her? Not a bad idea for a punishment, though."
"That may be, but I fear the commander's punishment only fueled the fire," Algerie said.
"Do you think Amagi can get through to her, Zuikaku?" Dunkerque asked. "If she doesn't, things will only get worse."
"If there's anything Akagi fears, it's Amagi when she's angry. And I haven't seen Amagi that angry in a long time," Zuikaku said. "I'm confident she can calm her down."
I sighed. "Ya better be right, otherwise she's gonna taste my salvo."
"She'll have to go through the Fifth Carrier Division first!" Zuikaku said.
"I appreciate it, but ya shouldn't get involved if ya don't have to," I said. "This is between her and I."
"And just let her harm my friends? Hell no!" Zuikaku said. "Pick a fight with my friends, you pick a fight with me. And trust me, Shoukaku would never miss an opportunity to stand against Akagi. If she comes for you again, just give the word and the Fifth Carrier Division will be there."
Her confident smile told me she wasn't gonna take no for an answer.
"You are a noble ship, Zuikaku," Richelieu said.
"You have our thanks," Dunkerque said. "Shoukaku as well."
"I hope she comes to her senses before then, though," Algerie said.
"Me too," I said. "Last thing the commander needs is his ships fighting amongst each other. Although... I thought Akagi would know that."
"Well, let's just hope Amagi can talk some sense into her," Zuikaku said. "Anyway, I gotta get going before Shoukaku worries. Have a better rest of your day, and good luck on your date, Jean Bart! Oh my gosh, when I tell Shoukaku that the commander dumped Akagi for you, she's gonna freak!"
"Tch... I guess he just likes me more," I said. And damn it felt good to say.
"Is it any wonder why?" Algerie mumbled, making Dunkerque and Richelieu giggle.
Zuikaku smiled. "What do you have planned, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Going to some art fair that's in the city," I said. "Sounds like it'll be fun."
"No way! Shoukaku and I are going too!" Zuikaku said. "Maybe we'll see you there!"
"All of us are going, in fact," Richelieu said. "Obviously we'll be leaving Jeanie and the commander alone, but perhaps we'll see you there as well."
"Awesome! Everyone's day is looking up," Zuikaku said. "Okay, now I really have to get going. Catch you all later!"
Zuikaku walked off, and it was just my friends and I alone again.
Dunkerque let out a sigh. "Good heavens... I need a popsicle after that. Ladies?"
"Please," Algerie said. "Thank goodness Zuikaku and Amagi showed up. That would've gotten ugly quickly."
"We must think of a way to repay them," Richelieu said. "Oh, may I have a popsicle too, Dunkerque?"
"Of course," Dunkerque said, handing them both popsicles. "Jeanie?"
I shook my head. "I'll pass. I'm gonna catch some waves to clear my head. Plus, I need to redeem myself after that wipeout."
Dunkerque giggled. "Be careful out there, okay?"
"Don't worry. I got it," I reassured before grabbing my board and heading back out there.
Akagi thought she could stop me? Pish... yeah. Whatever, foxgirl. Her rack can't hide the crazy.
Although, I need to ask the commander what the hell he was thinking even agreeing to a date with that psycho in the first place.
...heh... I have a date with the commander later. Still hard to believe.
Deep breaths. In... and out...
My heartbeat got faster with every step I took. Dunkerque, Algerie, and Richelieu followed along as we made our way to the port office—where the commander and I are supposed to meet.
My hands fidgeted with several unlucky strands of hair as we got closer.
I haven't put this much effort into my appearance since... well... my first day as secretary. Even then, it was just mascara. This time I did everything I could to make sure I looked good. I showered to get rid of the smell and seawater and applied some of my favorite perfume—vanilla mint. Algerie gave me some stuff to put in my hair to make it extra soft in case... y'know... he wants to touch it. I got Richelieu to help apply mascara again to make sure it was perfect. Hell, Dunkerque even got some eyeshadow for me. I can't remember the last time I've worn eyeshadow. I also wore one of my favorite outfits: a black crop top, a pair of black shorts, a pair of black-heeled boots, cross earrings with gems that match my eyes, and my favorite black leather jacket. If there's anything to make me feel more comfortable on a first date, it's my leather jacket.
Getting ready became a whole operation. Hopefully a successful one. Although, when we finished and I looked in the mirror, I'll admit... I looked pretty damn good. I just hope the commander thinks so too.
Ugh... I just wish the butterflies in my stomach would calm down. Thank God my friends tagged along, otherwise I'd be a nervous wreck. Or… more of a nervous wreck, rather.
As we walked, the port office entrance became visible. And then... I saw him.
My friends seemed to notice me flinch.
"Nervous, Jeanie?" Richelieu asked.
"I-I'm fine!" I insisted, even though my heart was beating way faster.
"Goodness you look tense," Algerie said, rubbing my shoulders.
"You have nothing to worry about, Jeanie," Dunkerque said. "It's just the commander, right? Remember, be yourself. Show him how delightful you are. Not to mention you look ravishing."
"Oh, I know!" Algerie said. "This outfit looks like it was made for you. Confident and strong with a dash of cute and sexy."
"The effort you put into your appearance really shows," Richelieu said. "One glimpse of you, and he's butter."
Well...as much as I appreciate it, and no offense to them, but the commander's opinion is what really matters here.
"I hope you're right," I said.
"Were we wrong about him being into you?" Dunkerque asked.
...fair point.
"Just talk to him, be yourself, and most importantly have fun!" Dunkerque said. "It's an art fair, after all. Look around, enjoy the music, and unwind a little. Also, just a tip. If you really want to bond with him, try the food with him. You can take my word for it, the fastest way to one's heart is through their stomach. Even if you're not the one who made it, sharing food is quite the intimate experience."
Hmph... can't argue with that. If anyone knows that to be true, it's Dunkerque.
"You're going to have a wonderful time," Richelieu said. "And we'll be there too. Just reach out if you need advice."
"Be sure to tell us everything that happens," Algerie said. "I want all the juicy details!"
"Go on, Jeanie. He's waiting for you," Dunkerque said. "And don't forget to smile!"
She winked gestured for me to start walking.
"Y-You're just gonna stay here?" I asked.
"We don't want to get in the way now, do we?" Algerie said.
"Don't keep him waiting, Jeanie," Richelieu said with a smile.
Ngh… I guess there's not much reason for them to go see him.
Alright. It's time. Let's go meet up with him.
My cheeks grew redder as I steeled myself for the walk to the commander. I took a deep breath, paying no heed to my friends giggling behind me as I took my first few steps. I kept my hands in my pockets to stop myself from playing with my hair. With each step, my heart felt like it was being engulfed by intensifying fire—the same feeling I had when I was about to ask him out.
They're right. Just be yourself. You're Jean Bart. You're cool. You're confident. You look good. But you can also unwind. The surfing lessons were just a taste. Now there's no hierarchy. It's just you and him. Show him there's more to you than a naggy secretary.
...maybe after asking some questions about Akagi. That's kind of an urgent matter. But after that... show him the real you. Honestly, the fair itself sounds like fun. I've never been to one, but I'm interested in seeing others' works. Though I'd never tell my friends or the commander why.
The sight of him became clearer as I got closer. My heart burned, waiting for his eyes to pan up and see me approaching. I intentionally let the treads of my boots scrape the pavement ever so slightly to try and get his attention. I'd much rather him look up and see me than me having to call out to him.
One scrape was a little louder than I meant it to be, almost throwing me off balance, but it was loud enough to give me what I wanted. He looked up, and our eyes met.
And my heart skipped a beat.
For a split second whilst our eyes met, I froze, almost like his gaze was holding me in place. He waved and smiled at me, and I was seemingly released. I returned the favor and continued walking, this time faster and not trying to scuff my boots by scraping the pavement. Y'know, like a normal person.
I tried not to let the glimmer of his eyes get to me as I came within talking distance.
"Hello, Jean Bart," he said. "On time, just like I promised."
"I can see that. Good job," I said.
Heh… funny. My heart isn't burning anymore. He looks happy to see me. I guess that's all I was hoping for.
I heard giggling behind me. I stopped and looked back to see my friends still standing there. They waved at me and then walked away out of view. I guess I'll see them at the fair.
Now I was truly alone with the commander.
I continued walking to the commander. As I approached, I noticed his eyes wandering. He wasn't looking at my face anymore.
"Looking at something?" I asked, stopping in front of him.
His gaze instantly shot up to my eyes.
"I... um... sorry," he said. "It's just..."
His eyes drifted down again.
"What?" I said, raising an eyebrow.
He looked back up at my eye and smiled. "You look amazing."
...heh... he said it. All this effort didn't go to waste. And now my heart's singing... and my cheeks are blushing. I couldn't help but smirk.
"Y-Ya think so?" I stammered.
Argh! Don't stumble on your words, Jean!
"I-I mean...! Um... th-thank you," I said, hoping I wasn't blushing too much. "Y-Y'know this isn't the first time you've seen this outfit. I wore this when I came to your room that one night."
"When you broke down laughing?" he asked.
I blushed more. "Yeah. That."
"Well, it was kinda dark in the room," he said. "Now I can see it all and... wow..."
...wow? Heh... his eyes are wandering again. I didn't know I looked that good...
Oh crap, I'm playing with my hair. And I just noticed how hot my face is. God, it's already begun. A night of endless blushing and nervousness. But that's a small price to pay to have the commander all to myself. And if I'm blushing because he's praising me... what do I have to complain about?
Anyway, I gotta play this off somehow…
"Well, just remember that when I'm talking to ya, my eyes are up here," I said, grabbing his chin and moving his eyes up to meet mine.
And then I realized I touched him on a whim.
"I-I do appreciate the compliments, though," I said, retracting my hand and blushing.
Bold move, Jean.
Thankfully, he didn't seem to mind.
"Right," he said. "Ready to go?"
Ugh... I don't wanna go into secretary mode, nor think about Akagi again, but I can't stay silent about what happened.
"I will be after you answer a question for me," I said.
As expected, he looked at me weirdly.
"Um... okay," he said. "Ask away."
I'll just be blunt. I wanna get to our date ASAP.
"Okay, no beating around the bush," I said. "Why didn't ya tell me ya had a date with Akagi?"
Some of the color drained from his face. He pursed his lips, like he was trying to come up with a response.
"Don't even think about lying to me," I said. "Akagi was pretty clear about what happened when she confronted my friends and I on the beach."
"She did what?" he asked.
I raised an eyebrow. "Ya didn't hear her rampaging through port earlier? Probably wasn't long after you canceled on her. Zuikaku said she was screaming at anything that moved to find me. Zuikaku thought it was urgent enough to warn us about Akagi."
"Did Akagi hurt you?" he asked. "I know your guns are still broken..."
"She damn well wanted to," I said. "Not even my friends and Zuikaku standing against her made her budge. The only thing that stopped her was this Amagi ship that arrived out of nowhere. I'd never met her, but she talked Akagi down like she was a child. I'll admit, I loved seeing that, but if Amagi hadn't shown up, it would've been more than a mere altercation."
He sighed. "I thought canceling would get the point across."
"Maybe ya shouldn't have told her it was me you were going out with instead?" I said.
"Well, she was going to find out somehow," he said. "It's like she has eyes everywhere."
"Alright, well with that in mind, I'll ask again... why the hell did you agree to go out with her in the first place?" I asked. "She's a total psycho, and it seems like everyone knows it."
"Jean, I promise she's not normally like this," he said. "I always knew she was jealous of other secretaries, but ever since you started, it's like she's become unhinged."
"Tch... probably hates that someone's sizing her up for a change," I said.
"Akagi can actually be really nice," he said.
...nice? Akagi? He can't be serious.
"...ya understand why I don't believe ya, right?" I said.
"I know, but I promise it's the truth," he said. "I've seen her take care of the Sakura ships firsthand. I even saw her wrap a blanket around her sister when she was sleeping on the couch. This date was just to humor her. If all she wants is to spend time with me, then I can make time for that. It's the least I can do, because she does a lot of work for the fleet and the Sakura Empire. But I needed to come up with a punishment for yesterday's incident, and when you asked me out... the timing seemed right."
...shiver me timbers. What's he gotten himself into?
"I see," I said. "Okay, I have more questions I wanna ask, but I'll let ya off the hook for today. To your credit, it was a decent punishment, and I appreciate you agreeing to spend time with me instead."
He chuckled. "Of course. Like I said, I'd much rather go out with you."
Hmph... there he goes being all sweet again.
"Good answer," I said, trying to stay cool. "But we can discuss what to do with foxgirl another day. Just like when we went surfing, I don't want us to think about work at all. For the rest of the day, your job's to relax, have fun, and pay attention to me. Got it?"
I felt a spark in my heart. That was pretty bold to say. Unexpected, but it feels good to have some confidence around him.
"I can make that happen," he said.
"Good," I said. "Okay, I'm ready now. Let's get going, huh?"
"Yep," he said. "Oh, just one more thing..."
"What?" I asked.
His cheeks reddened as a smirk appeared on his face.
"You're way prettier than Akagi."
…wh-what?
…heheh… um... wow… that's not what I expected to hear.
Warmth washed over my heart like a blanket. The butterflies in my stomach were roused, and my fingers found their way to my hair again. Pretty sure I was blushing too.
"Y-Ya just saying that?" I asked, trying to stay cool.
He shook his head. "I mean it, Jean. You really look amazing, and I'm excited to spend the evening with you."
…ngh... Commander... you scalawag... so much for my confidence.
Honestly, I don't care if he's just saying it. I have another point on foxgirl now.
I just wish I could stop blushing so much!
"Um... th-thanks," I stammered, fighting the smile on my face.
...crap, what do I say now?
"Uh... c-c'mon! My friends will worry if they don't see us there."
Yeah, let's just get this date started already.
...heh... I'm on a date with the commander now. For the rest of the day, he's all mine.
This took a long time, I know. I've been swamped with moving, job searching, and it's been a mix of confusing, depressing, and frustrating lately. But that's neither here nor there, and won't stop me from getting content out, even if it's slower until my life calms down. I appreciate everyone's patience, and I hope you're as excited about the next chapter as I am. It'll be slow as far as writing it, but I think it's shaping up to be a good one. Thanks for sticking with me. Cheers.
Addendum: As of 9-4-2021, changes have been made to Amagi's dialogue to address criticism about her being OOC.