Chapter 6: Mountain Music
"Uhm, Belfast?" Enterprise asked while Belfast was enjoying her breakfast.
"Yes, Lady Enterprise?"
"Oh, well I have a couple of questions."
"You may ask me anything you'd like."
"Could we go somewhere together?" Enterprise dazed at the floor in embarrassment.
"If that's what you'd like to do with me then sure. You don't have to be so embarrassed too. We've known each other long enough for that not to be an issue."
"I know, but it's only been a few days since that rainstorm, and I still don't truly understand it."
"It's alright. I understand. What's your second question?"
"If we're now like a thing thing, do you still have to call me Lady Enterprise?"
"It's my duty as your maid to call you by the correct honorific even if you think I shouldn't."
"It just feels awkward now that I admitted it…"
"Would you be happier if I didn't use it during private situations?"
"I'm fine with that." Enterprise looked around the mess hall, spotting her sister Hornet with an arm wrapped around what appeared to be a cruiser, telling some wild story that was most likely over-exaggerated. "We should probably wait till later though. I doubt anything interesting would be open this early."
At about noon, Enterprise headed off in the direction of Belfast's personal quarters, in a separate building behind the dorm building. The hallways were lavishly decorated with paintings and statues, and Belfast's room had a golden crest on its door. The crest looked like a mix of a gun mount and an eagle, explaining who she took care of. Enterprise entered the room, nearly blinded by the large windows that ran along three of the walls. Belfast was sitting in an ornate plush chair, a worn red book in her hand.
Belfast looked up at the carrier, giving her a smile. She reached her hand out, beckoning Enterprise to take it. She accepted the offer, helping the maid up onto her feet. Hand in hand, the pair walks back the way Enterprise came, this time heading toward the town with a desire to do something special. Towards the end of the road, Enterprise was surprised by a somewhat eager North Carolina, holding a cardboard sign while wearing a bunnysuit with a pair of ears.
"What's with that outfit?" Belfast asked curiously.
"I was asked to help market the new Eagle Union restaurant. Although I'm not sure I should be wearing this outside even if California told me to."
"Yeah…" Enterprise could see practically every bump and curve of the battleship, not exactly the greatest thing when in public. "Is it just you doing this?"
"Nope. California managed somehow convinced me, I convinced Washington to help, and Pennsylvania volunteered to be the last of the group."
"Where is this restaurant?" Belfast kindly asked.
North Carolina rotated her sign, pointing it in the direction of the right, usually the path taken to get to the mountains. "It's just down that path. Should spot it a mile away with all the lights strung in the trees around it."
The pair said their goodbyes, and walked off in the direction North Carolina told them. Soon as they crested a forested hill, the lights of the restaurant came into view. It looked peaceful from a distance, yet it became a bit of a party the closer they got. A large crowd was surrounding a stage as a black haired girl sat on a stool with a guitar. Enterprise opened the door for Belfast, trying to be the helpful one for once.
The inside was cozy, a soft yellow light filling the room from rustic looking lights hanging above every other table. A door by the right wall led to the outdoor patio where the stage was, and a Wild West like bar was against the left wall.
"Do you want to sit outside this time?" Enterprise whispered.
"Of course I would." Belfast ran her hand across Enterprise's cheek, causing the girl to blush.
The outside lead to Enterprise's realization that the girl up on stage was West Virginia, a girl she didn't expect to see out in front of a group of people. As Enterprise and Belfast sat down at a table by the road, the battleship started playing a song on her guitar.
"Oh, play me some mountain music. Like grandma and grandpa used to play."
"It's quite a nice view isn't it." Belfast looked around, the trees, lights and the patio setup just coming together perfectly.
"Then I'll float on down the river, to a Cajun hideaway."
"It's better knowing you're in it." Enterprise tried flirting, or what she didn't know was flirting.
"Awwww, you're too sweet."
"Am I doing this correctly?"
"How could you not do this correctly. I'm glad you brought me however. It's nice to take a break from being head maid to be your girlfriend." Enterprise blushed, her brain slightly confused by her thoughts. Belfast giggled, loving Enterprise's expression. "You don't have to respond. I know exactly how you're feeling."
"I'm not sure I can respond even if I knew what to say."
"Then let's make this night as special as possible."
End of Chapter 6