I rub the back of my neck, sore from sleeping rough, and sigh, annoyed at myself more than anything. I was sitting in my office chair, as I did most days, with a pile of paperwork in front of me.

My gorgeous green haired secretary speaks up, her voice full of authority, her words flowing with eloquence and beauty. "Tell me… how long have you been courting the Duke now?"

I roll my eyes. "Really, courting? You're as bad as her. Call it dating… being a couple, you know… normal words?"

"One must speak with carefully chosen and refined words if one is to attract beautiful signoras, Commander." She gives a sly wink.

"I'm sure that's not something you need help with, Littorio…"

She chuckles, not actually dismissing the notion, and I continue. "Just over a year now, is the answer to your question."

"How times does fly… All good? I only ask because you clearly have not slept with her last night, you don't have the… glow that comes with being intimate with a lover, or even purely holding one close."

I blush, but unfortunately, her excellent observation skills were on point. "She hasn't spoken to me since yesterday…"

"Dramma Romantico! How scandalous!" She proclaims light-heartedly with a grin, brushing her bright green hair behind her shoulder with a toss of her head and approaching the desk.

"And pray tell, what did my Commander do to deserve such punishment from his lover?"

I squirm, unsure of whether I should tell her or not, but I cave with a sigh. She would never let it go anyway. "I joked that she might be related to Centaur… because of, well, you know… Needless to say, she was not amused."

Littorio laughs boldly. "And... come on, set the scene. A candlelit dinner? Cuddling on the sofa? Post-Coital spooning?"

I try my best to suppress my embarrassment and Littorio just girns at my silence. "Post-Coital spooning it was." She speaks confidently, sure in her assumption, which was unfortunately... correct.

I try to ignore her probing words and continue. "and… I tried to make it up to her, not thinking. I told her that her ears were clearly different to Centaur's, much more beautiful, pointier and sharper. York took particular issue with the sharp comment. She… kicked me out of the bed and I slept on the reading chair for that, if you must know."

She chuckles. "Hardly serious then, but alas, you should apologize. I imagine York is the type to hold a grudge over such insights into her appearance."

"I tried. But she quickly fed this morning and had an early patrol, so I barely had a chance to speak to her."

"Have you tried… messaging her? Ask her out for a drink after work, buy her some flowers. If you are looking to apologize to her, and if is she truly that annoyed, you need to make an effort. I'm sure she shall forgive such a handsome lover." She gives the advice with a cool smile, winking for effect at the end.

She wasn't wrong I suppose. York was sensitive about her ears, but nonetheless, I did think her reaction had been a bit over the top. Regardless, I was still the one who had to apologize.

I pull out my phone and quickly shoot her a message, asking if we could meet in one of her favourite bars in town after work, saying that I was sorry, and wanted the chance to apologize further.

All I get is a curt "Ok." in return, but I suppose it's better than nothing.

Littorio grins. "See! Easy. Right, now to work, you have three meetings back to back, starting in two minutes, you should freshen yourself up a bit, you look like hell."

I smile and thank her, straightening my collar and preparing for yet another day of port management.

I approach the bar wearily, out of breath from having run here as quick as possible, having taken far longer than I thought to both get ready and get here. A look at my watch puts me 15 minutes late already. I hadn't even had time to buy flowers.

I quickly head towards York, it was easy to pick out my vampiric girlfriend at the crowded bar due to her bright hair and stunning looks. She was wearing a white off the shoulder top, alongside a bright red knee-length skirt. I saddle next to her and quickly try to get my apology in before she can berate me.

"I'm so, so sorry, York."

She turns her head and looks at me, her gaze cold as her lips curl in distaste, her tone snarky. "And which apology would that be? Being late for the apology, or the apology itself."

"Errr… both?" Her eyes narrow at me as she sighs in annoyance.

"Really… Between this and the comment on mine ears…"

"…Art thou sure one does not wish to use my sharp ears as a letter opener? Perhaps thou could even lop one off, and hand it to Izumo to use in place of her katana?" She speaks scathingly, clearly outraged by my earlier comment on her pointy elf like features. I shrivel up inside, feeling terrible about actually making her feel bad.

"You know how I feel about mine ears! And then, thou hath the gall to arrive late to thy own apology! Do you know how many males have propositioned me while I hath sat on my lonesome?"

She stares at me, raising her eyebrow expecting an answer. "Um… two?" I nervously answer.

She snorts incredulously. "Five. I am a resplendent woman, am I not? Five males offered to give me 'a good time'. Perhaps I should have taken up their offer, seeing as my own is so useless at his duties."

"Five?" I can't help but exclaim in disbelief. I'd have been incredibly lucky if a single woman showed interest in me at a bar most nights, before York that is.

She nods, then beckons the bartender over. "How many bumbling fools have attempted to woo me while I have sat here waiting for him." The bartender grins as he looks at me, both amusement and pity on his face as he confirms her story.

Although, if I'm honest, I wouldn't actually put it past York to offer him an extra-large tip if he lied. Nonetheless, the point she was trying to make was clear, and she was, of course, right.

"York, I'm really, really, ever so sorry about being late. And what I said about your… features, can I at least buy my lover a drink to try and make it up to her beautiful self, allow me to appease the goddess who I am not worthy off?" I speak with a begging tone for effect, trying to both amuse and soften her up. I knew she liked it when I went over the top.

A slight smile creeps onto her lips. "Make it five. One for each of the idiotic males I had to deal with because my Adonis was lacking."

I wince but nod, the faint smile fades and she watches with annoyance some more, anger bubbling away on the surface until she sighs. "Stop gazing at my visage like so."

"huh?" I feign innocence, all the while holding my sad expression and begging eyes.

"Thou hast the look of a hurt mutt. It makes my heart cry out with ache and pain. Thou art doing it deliberately! Tis a strategic move!"

"Is it working?" I allow a slight smile onto my expression.

She grumbles and shifts over on the stool, bringing us closer so our shoulders are touching. "A bit. I am not heartless… I suppose I forgive thee, for now. But I still expect those drinks. How art thou?"

"I'm good, just in a bit of a rush, I really suck at estimating times… sorry again. Um… about these five guys…" I look around the room, trying to notice any single men watching York.

She giggles lightly, bringing her hand up to her mouth. "Yes?"

"They didn't bother you too much, did they?"

"Yellow with jealousy? Perhaps thou should have arrived earlier…" She gives me a pointed look.

"But worry not. One sight of my fangs and they ran like highwaymen into the moonlit night. Thou art the only one to tolerate my fangs."

"I don't tolerate them York… I love them."

I'm glad to see her blush lightly. She forces it down, and an odd look of shame covers her face. "Commander, apologies for all that earlier, I must admit that…"

Surprise forms on her features as her words drift and she forgets what she was saying.

I hear a familiar voice ring out from where York was looking over my shoulder. "Ciao, Commander. How goes the apology?"

Littorio strides up to us as we both turn to greet the Italian battleship. I'm surprised to see Illustrious clinging to her arm. I had heard they were a couple, but only in rumour, and I had no wish to pry into any of my charges personal affairs unless they brought it up.

Although, I'm more confused by their presence entirely. Littorio had been the one that recommended I take York out to apologize in the first place. She senses my confusion, grins and explains.

"I admit. I might have wanted to see the happy couple up close. I was curious. And it was a great opportunity to bring my beautiful Signore along for a serata romantica" She smiles happily as Lusty blushes furiously at her side.

She manages to force it down and speaks happily. "Hello, you two. Glad to see you're ok, Littorio told me what happened. And York, how are you feeling? Still sore?"

Sore? Why would she be sore? York goes white as a sheet and speaks quickly, her voice hard. "Could… the two of thee give us some privacy, just for a second, please?"

They look surprised at this request and York's demeanour, but nod politely and retreat back to their own table.

"York, why would you be sore?"

She plays with one of her earrings and can't hold my gaze, her deep turquoise eyes shifting to the floor. "Twas what I was trying to disclose to you before we were interrupted. I think… I know… that I was just displacing my anger once again for my own issues. Seems to be an undesirable trait of mine, apologies."

"I was annoyed at thee for thy comment, yes. But… truly? I was in a foul mood already, typically I would not care enough to banish thou from the comfort of the bed or my bosom… I'm really sorry, I hope thou slept ok…?"

"I slept fine." I lie, in reality, it had been stiff and horrible. I missed not just the bed, but my girlfriend's body wrapped around my own for warmth.

It's quite clear she's trying to steer the conversation away from something, so I try to counter quickly and steer it back. "But, York, why were you annoyed? If not with me, who?"

"I… Wales. Or more specifically, myself, one supposes. Last morn, yesterday. On my patrol, we were ambushed by a Siren fleet. I was hit, and it was Wales who helped me back to port, and returned fire, striking down the Siren that hit me. My heart wallowed in shame and anger. To be helped by her… tis unsightly, weak. I am not typically a competitive sort, but… it had to be her… my bright, courageous sibling. She was all worried and caring for me… twas my highest disgrace."

I remember the report vividly. When I saw that York's patrol had been attacked by Sirens my heart had seized up, my stomach churning with worry. But, according to the file, no damage had been dealt to our fleet.

"York…? How come I didn't know this?"

"I… volunteered to draft up the report. While I wrote it, I… chose to omit some information. I didn't want to worry thee. And… at the core… I was still ashamed of it, I didn't want thou to think lesser of me as a ship. To lose thy respect."

"York…" I speak softly and wrap an arm around her shoulders. "I would never. You should know that by now. I assume the damage was repairable?"

She nods. "Yes. It hurt at the time. I shall not deceive you. But twas fixable. Just a little sore."

"I'm glad." I hug her tighter. "I don't know what I'd do without you…" I speak the truth. The thought of losing her to some wretched Siren had kept me up on more than one occasion, but I knew it was her duty, as it was mine to command her, there was nothing that could keep us from our roles in the war.

"I think the same way, my Adonis." York smiles sweetly, not a sensual smile, just one of warmth and understanding. She knew full well how I felt, and I liked to think I knew how she felt too.

"About Wales… I'm not going to be so naïve as to say just don't compare yourself to her, I know you can't help it. But you do have something she doesn't…"

She smiles faintly and chuckles. "If thou says 'me' in a soppy romantic voice… I shalt be incredibly unimpressed." She warns me light-heartedly.

I grin and continue with gusto. "Me."

She rolls her eyes with a warm smile on her face. "Truly, how did my heart fall for such a cliché soul. But…" She leans forward and kisses me on the lips, her tongue caressing mine for but a second. "I am glad it did. I appreciate thy care, my Adonis. I love you."

"I love you too. Want to go talk with them?" I motion towards Littorio and Lusty, who are trying their best to look like they're having a drink, and not actually spying on the conversation, curious as to what's going on between us.

York nods and we head over to their table. "Care if we join you?" I ask politely and Illustrious gives a bright welcoming smile.

"Of course. You're most welcome, both of you." We take our seats and I order a glass of wine, realizing that I haven't drunk anything, and York was already on her third glass.

"So, trouble in paradise?" Littorio asks, unable to keep her inquisitiveness about our love life to herself.

York smiles and takes my hand, her touch sending jolts of pleasure through me, even in this most simple form and after so long of being together, it never got old. Simultaneously she gives me a peck on the cheek, warming my heart. "Not at all. I was displacing my feelings onto my poor Adonis. I shalt try my hardest to ensure it doth not happen again. All is well. Tis indeed paradise to be with him." She chuckles to herself before taking a sip of her drink.

Littorio smiles happily and nods. The conversation flows naturally from there. We talk about various things. Some port-related matters, some personal ones. I discover that Littorio and Illustrious had been together for a few months now.

Illustruious gazes at her lover next to her as Littorio animatedly describes their first date. The adoration and love clear in her eyes. They were perfect for one another, anyone could tell that.

I wonder… did people see that when I was with York?

Lusty speaks up after Littorio finishes. "Well… as My Light, so eloquently put. We indeed started courting some time ago. I have no regrets. As I'm sure you two don't either."

York smiles, a fang peeking out from her lips. "None at all. Tis my honour to be bound to my Adonis, with my heart and soul. Twould be a dark lonely infinite night without him."

Illustrious smiles and changes tact. "So, York. I hear Wales will be taking part in the Race Queen competition. Excited?"

York looks surprised, but an odd look quickly plasters her face. "Hmm. I had heard of the event. I had no idea my sister was participating." She looks over at me.

"Wouldst it be possible for me to taketh part?" I realise what that odd look was now, it was competitiveness. She only wanted to participate because Wales was. She wanted to show her up.

I didn't think that was a great reason to take part if I was honest but far be it for me to judge my partner's motivations. "I'll see if I can sign you up. All the slots were taken, but I'm sure I can squeeze you in."

She smiles warmly and gives me a hug. "Why thanks. My Adonis. Having the Commander of mine own port in my pocket does prove useful every so often."

Littorio laughs from across the table. "Signora, you misunderstand his motivations. He simply wishes to see you in a skintight outfit, showing off your many curves and as much skin as possible."

I blush heavily and protest. I mean… that certainly helped… but…

York just chuckles lightly and waves it away. "If he wished for that, My Adonis should simply ask one night." She gives me a wink before downing her fifth glass of wine as my blush worsens.

We continue talking some more, but as time wears on, and the evening draws to a close. It's clear York has gotten a bit tipsy. A surprise, as it normally took many drinks to even remotely affect her, but then, she was on her eighth glass of wine, and it was strong premium stuff.

I had kept my word, buying the first five drinks for her, coming to a hefty sum. She herself had bought the last three, and even one for me.

We say our goodbyes to the happy couple, and I lead my tipsy pink-haired vampiress out the door after paying the tab.

It's dark and late, but the stars shine brightly, not a cloud in sight. The air was neither cold nor warm, which was just the way I liked it.

York sets off at a feverous pace excitedly, but stumbles occasionally, eventually slowing down and taking my hand, relying on me to actually walk properly than anything.

She turns and gives me a sloppy kiss on the cheek and I can't help but laugh in response, her drunk affection still sweet, if a bit awkward. As we walk, she starts trailing kisses upwards, and starts brushing her fangs against my ears, her tongue flicking out on occasion and tracing my ear lobe with an odd amount of precision considering how drunk she was.

Well… if that's how she wanted to play it. I stop, grabbing her shoulders and push her over the pavement and into the wall lightly. It doesn't take much in her state, and the change in her body is immediate, writhing expectantly, mewling as I run my own mouth up and down her neck, kissing the sweet skin softly, occasionally nibbling it, marking her lightly. York bites her bottom lip seductively, causing me to my chest to tighten and my loins to stir, the sight of her fangs digging into her own lip incredibly hot.

The occasional passer-by gives us an inquisitive look, before continuing on their journey, but I don't care. I'm too busy, having moved on to kissing York, pushing my lips against hers, swirling my tongue around her mouth relishing it's warmth and softness. I pull back slowly and continue kissing and biting every part of exposed skin I can get too, leaving a wet trail of saliva covering her in my wake.

I focus on her right ear, grabbing the tip between my thumb and forefinger, squeezing and pulling softly. I knew she enjoyed this type of play greatly. While she was embarrassed by her pointy features, she found me playing with them, in any fashion, incredibly erotic. Something I took full advantage of very often.

Even now, as I run my fingers down the length, she mewls huskily, her face flush from excitement and alcohol. I gently clamp my teeth down on the tip, pressing just hard enough to have her squirm and gasp with pleasure against me, before whispering into her ear.

"See. I love your ears Dork. I think they're beautiful. You shouldn't be ashamed by them…" She whimpers against me, mewling out a response in bated breath.

"I… don't likkee that name…" I run my tongue down her ear, making sure to wean the tip into all the crevices. I had gotten better and better at this as the year had worn on, to the point that I knew exactly what to do to make my vampire react exactly as I wanted.

"I think you do…" I dip my tongue gently into her canal, the sound of my breath and the sloppy sound of my tongue undoubtedly turning her on as her knees shake, rubbing her thighs together, desperately trying to glean any pleasure from the small amount of friction.

But, suddenly, she grabs my shoulders, using her strength to easily overpower me and shoves me against the wall, a hungry gleam of lust in her eyes. She pushes her body against me, I can feel her breath tickling the skin on my throat as she gives me a sultry smile. And my whole body tightens, waiting for her to start kissing and nibbling on me in return.

However, she just smiles sweetly, and releases me from the wall, beckoning with her finger, knowing full well she had just teased and denied me. "Come, let us go home. We can continue there…"

I obediently follow, but not before leaning in and giving her ear one final loving lick, straight from the base to the tip, getting my own back.

She turns and gives me a lustful glare, her whole face beet red. She manages to calm herself, beating down the heated blush and taking my hand. Even when she was drunk, she could recover so quickly from being embarrassed.

"Come now. Let usss be off. If thou arts a goodeth boyyy. I will do that thing you like." She speaks with an amusing slur. The alcohol was clearly getting to her, half the sentence in her high-class Shakespearean, the other in common dialect. Well, her offer of 'the thing I liked' was nice, I had to imagine she would be asleep the second we got home in her state.

I don't' say this, of course, and just smile pleasantly. "I'd like that."

She grins. "I bet you wouldethh." She leads me by the hand heading for home.

Just as were getting towards the port, York suddenly stops, her attention drawn to a bright jewellery display outside a store. Immediately I feel anxious. Had she set her heart on some piece of jewellery? My wallet had taken enough of a beating from all the drinks she had gleaned from me.

She points and speaks, her speech actually slowed, deliberate, like she was trying her best not to slur, with varying success. "I… like that-t one. Twould look splendid on my finger. Doth you not agree? Thou should present it me in a nice box."

I look at the ring she's pointed out and I can't help but catch my breath, my eyes bulging slightly as I realize what it was. The beautiful shining diamond displayed clearly.

"Um… York. That's an engagement ring."

"I knoweth whattt I said, my Adoniss." She giggles happily and pulls me along once again. "Come now." York practically drags me back to port as my mind spins.

An engagement ring? She… wanted one? As in…?

But... she was drunk. Surely? I can't keep my thoughts straight as we reach the port.

Was she joking? Was she just too drunk to realize what she was implying? Or, perhaps… she was more sober than she appeared?

My heart fills with confusion, but also hope. If that's what she wanted… I… wanted it too… I wanted…

To marry her.