This is just a little something I made just for fun. No big plot or anything else coming out of it. I do not own Azur Lane. They belong to their respective owners. Here's the short story. Enjoy.

Repaying a Debt

Shinano never thought she'd end up in a situation like this. It seems she underestimated the Sirens this time around. After receiving a distress signal from some allies while she was out on patrol, Shinano came to their aid to find her friends injured and getting swarmed on by Siren vessels. She destroyed a number of them, giving her friends a chance to escape, but before she could leave as well, Shinano found herself surrounded as more Siren ships suddenly appeared. She would need to fight her way out. Unfortunately, that was easier said than done. She did a real number on them, but there were still a few ships left. Worse, Shinano herself was getting exhausted and was injured. She could not keep this up much longer.

"Well, at least the others managed to escape. And I certainly made the Sirens pay with this battle. A shame, truly..." Shinano wheezes out, holding her left arm.

The few Siren ships left aim their weapons at her, and Shinano prepares for the end. However, things go differently than expected when a squadron of Helldivers suddenly rains down on the enemy fleet. They drop bombs and rockets onto the enemy ships, lighting them up. Shinano watches in shock at the hell storm before her before looking as the plane fly back towards a lone woman on the water, her long navy-blue jacket flowing in the wind. Shinano sees her and can only think of one thing.

"She's... majestic," Shinano mutters in awe.

The woman comes up next to her, "Are you okay? You look pretty beat up,"

"I... I'm fine, though I've been better. Who are you?" Shinano asks.

"The name's Ticonderoga. Your friends told me that you needed a hand. They're she should be back at the base by now, safe. Thanks to you," Ticonderoga says.

Shinano sighs in relief, "Good. It's good that they're... okay," with the battle over and the adrenaline down, Shinano starts to lose consciousness.

Ticonderoga catches her, "Hey, easy does it. You're hurt. Hey, can you hear me? Hey!" but Shinano has already passed out.

…

It's unknown how much time has passed when Shinano wakes up. She groans as her eyes adjust to the dim light and moves her head around. She finds herself back in familiar settings. Back in her lodgings at Azur Lane. She finds herself in her futon, the sliding doors hiding the sun outside. Slowly sitting up, she holds her head, still a little disoriented. After collecting herself, she gets up and leaves her lodgings, seeing the sun up in the blue sky. Walking around, she eventually finds Shoukaku coming around the corner.

"Shinano, it's good to see you up. How are you feeling?" Shoukaku asks.

"I'm fine, Shoukaku. Just a little tired. What happened? How long was I asleep?" Shinano asks.

"You passed out after Ticonderoga finished off the rest of the Sirens that ambushed you. She brought you back and we tended to your injuries. Repairs are just about completed, but you're pretty much back in top form. However, you have been asleep for three days," Shoukau explains.

"Three days?! Was I really that bad?" Shinano is shocked by how long she was out.

"Yes. Ticonderoga was worried after you passed out. She practically rushed back to get you the help you needed. She checked in a few times until you were passed the worst. I'm sure she'll be glad when she learns you're all better now," Shoukaku says.

"I see... Maybe I should go and give her my thanks. That way she won't be worried anymore. Do you know where she is right now?" Shinano asks.

"I think she might be near the café. I heard she likes the tea there. That's where I'd start. Well, I better get going. It is good to see you better, Shinano. A number of our allies are still alive thanks to you. Take care," and with that, Shoukaku takes her leave.

Shinano watches her leave before she makes her way to the café. Along the way, a plethora of thoughts swim in her head. How Ticonderoga saved her. How she beautiful she looked when she stood against the Sirens. And how Shinano now owes her big time for the save. Shinano was so deep in her thoughts that she nearly gasped when she finds herself outside the entrance of the café. Taking a breath, she walks inside to find the place almost packed. Her eyes gave around the establishment until they find their target. Shoukaku had it dead on. Towards the back, she spots Ticonderoga enjoying some tea while reading a book. Shinano walks right up, and Ticonderoga notices her when she arrives.

Ticonderoga smiles, "Hey, it's you! You're okay. You had me a little worried there after you passed out. You seem to be doing okay now, though. How are you feeling?"

"I'm better now, thanks. I came by because I wanted to thank you for helping me out of that sticky situation. I might not have made it if not for you. You have my gratitude," Shinano bows her head to the woman.

"Hey, there's no need for that. I just wanted to help out," Ticonderoga waves it off.

"Even still, I... I want to repay you for what you did. I would be dead if not for you. I can't leave this debt unpaid. Please, let me do this," Shinano doesn't budge.

Ticonderoga scratches her cheek, unsure of what to do, "I... I guess if you're that adamant about it, okay. But, there's no need to do anything crazy, okay,"

"Don't worry. I already came up with an idea. Please, meet me at my lodgings later this evening. I'll repay you there," Shinano says and then takes her leave, leaving a confused Ticonderoga behind.

…

The evening comes around soon enough and Ticonderoga makes her way to Shinano's place after getting some directions from a few of her comrades. Approaching the sliding door, she takes a deep breath.

"It's me, Ticonderoga," she calls out.

"Please come in," she hears from inside and slides the door open to find a large, ornate futon in the center of the room, surrounded by lit candles on the walls, and Shinano kneeling before her.

"Welcome, Ticonderoga. I have prepared everything for you," Shinano raises her head.

"Um, what is all this?" Ticonderoga looks around.

"I thought about what I could do to repay you, and you said nothing crazy. So, I thought that the best way to repay my debt to you was by giving you a massage," Shinano answers.

"A massage?" Ticonderoga raises an eyebrow.

Shinano nods, "Yes, please let me repay you this way. I promise you won't regret it,"

Well, it actually wasn't quite as crazy as Ticonderoga thought it be, and besides it might be fun. She has been busy lately and could use something to help her relax and unwind.

"Okay, I'll take you up on that. I'll leave it in your hands," Ticonderoga closes the door and comes inside.

"Thank you, please let me get your coat," Shinano proceeds to remove Ticonderoga's coat and then her shoes before she lies down on the futon on her stomach.

Shinano sits beside her, "I'll get started now," and places her hands on Ticonderoga's back.

Shinano's hands move with the distinct feeling of experience, knowing where to go and how much pressure to apply. Ticonderoga emits a slight moan as Shinano does her work.

"Wow, that's... better than I thought. You're really good at this," Ticonderoga notes, a sigh of relief escaping her lips.

"I've had some practice. Though, I must admit, you have more tension in you than I thought. Perhaps you should relax a little more," Shinano notes, moving her hands up her back to her shoulders.

"You know... you really didn't have to do this, not that I dislike it," Ticonderoga says.

"It's okay. I wanted to," Shinano moves from her shoulders back down her spine.

This goes on for a little while longer before Shinano finishes her massage. Ticonderoga sits up and feels so much better and more loose.

"Wow, that was great. I appreciate this, Shinano. Well, with that down, I'd better-," just as Ticonderoga is about to stand up, Shinano surprises her by wrapping her arms around her stomach from behind. "Huh, Shinano?" she looks behind her.

"On that day, when it looked like I was about to meet my end, I thought it would be fine since I was able to keep my friends safe. But, deep down... I was afraid. I... I was not ready to die yet. The only reason I am here... is you. I owe you so much for that. When I saw you appear, I thought you were the most beautiful person I've ever seen. So strong and majestic," Shinano confesses.

"Come on, it's perfectly normal to feel that way in situations like that. Besides, you didn't die, so don't dwell on it. It's alright now, and you already repaid your debt even though you didn't need to," Ticonderoga says.

"No, there's still one more thing I need to do," Shinano says.

"What would tha-," Ticonderoga turns her head, just in time for Shinano to lean in and plant their lips together in a kiss. Ticonderoga's eyes widen in surprise at the gesture, and a moment later, Shinano separate. "Sh-Shinano," a tinge of pink touches both their cheeks.

"I know it was sudden, but I could not help myself. On that day, you not only saved my life... you stole my heart. I want to be with you, Ticonderoga, both on the battlefield and off it. Will you let me become yours?" Shinano asks, holding Ticonderoga's hand.

Ticonderoga remains silent for what feels like ages. Just as Shinano begins to fear that she made a mistake and that Ticonderoga will refuse her, Ticonderoga surprises her by wrapping an arm around her back and pulling her in for a kiss. Shinano's eyes wide in surprise for a moment before they close. The two remain in the embrace for a few short moments before separating for air.

"When I heard how you remained to allow your friends to survive, I thought you were foolish, but at the same time, brave. Then when I saw you, I couldn't help but feel like I was staring at the image of a goddess. There was no way I was going to allow those Sirens to have you. Shinano... become mine," Ticonderoga says.

Shinano smiles, "Yes, I am yours, beloved,"

The two kiss again, with Ticonderoga wrapping her arms around Shinano's waist, while her new lover keeps hers wrapped around her neck. Their kiss is slow, but sensual and full of emotion. Whenever they separate, they stare into each other's eyes for a moment before renewing their kiss. Eventually, Ticonderoga moves and lays Shinano down on the futon, straddling her. Ticonderoga can't help but marvel at the beauty beneath her. She rests her hand on Shinano's cheek, who lovingly holds it against her skin like it was a gift from the heavens. Ticonderoga leans down to kiss her again, with Shinano wrapping her arms around her neck. Yes, it's safe to say that evening, Shinano repaid her debt to Ticonderoga... with plenty of interest.

…

Several eyes turn to a single direction in shock and awe. And Ticonderoga is feeling a little uncomfortable with all the attention... but, Shinano isn't. Shinano is happily walking with Ticonderoga through the port, wrapped so tightly around Ticonderoga's arm that she might as well be wearing her.

"Shinano, I don't mind being with you like this. I love it in fact, but... do we really need to do this in front of so many people?" Ticonderoga asks.

Shinano's ears flop as she giggles, "Of course. I want the whole base to know that I am yours. Let them watch, my love," she leans up to give her lover a kiss on the cheek, earning gasps from all around them.

Yeah, Ticonderoga knows she's going to get an earful for this. But... it's worth it if it means keeping Shinano all to herself. Totally worth it.

And that's the chapter. Just a little one-shot for some fun. I regret nothing. Until next time, please Read and Review.