I brush my teeth dutifully, until I eventually spit into the sink, running the water to wash it away. I clean myself up with the towel and put my toothbrush away.

I smile to myself, something slowly dawning on me. York's was nestled right next to it on the side. In fact, half the toiletries and assorted stuff in the bathroom cabinet were hers. While we did occasionally stay in her room, she had taken more and more to my quarters, to the point where she practically lived here. She had, in essence, moved in with me.

I don't know why… but the thought of that… it burned my chest, not with hurtful fire, but a pleasant warm sensation. The fact that we were that close. It was nice.

I truly did love her. She had her quirks, no doubt. But I loved them all. Her speech, her confidence, yet also her cute embarrassment. Even her fangs. I could not fathom that I had been scared of them, of her, just over a year ago.

I was a better man for it, and for her. While the circumstances were inconvenient for her, being bound to me as she was, relying on me to feed. I wouldn't have it any other way, and I was so happy it had happened, because otherwise, we may never have reached where we were today.

Without her care, her attention, I may well have cracked under the stress of my job. It wasn't easy, the war was long, seemingly unwinnable. But coming back to her after a long day, made it all worth it. She was always willing to lend an ear when I needed to vent.

While there was plenty of ships at the base who were nice and cared for me. Ones who would happily listen to me or give me advice, talking to her about it felt… more personal. More…. Intimate. She always had a way with her words, speaking with utter conviction, convincing me that I had done the right thing, made the right choice that day.

As my mind ponders on the depths of my feelings for my lover, I remember that night, only last week, York drunk, pulling me along to the jewellery shop, pointing out that stunning engagement ring with a mischievous glint in her eye.

Did she really wanted to get married? Because… since then, it's the only thing I've been able to think about. Just over a year… was that long enough for us to be together? I didn't know. All I knew is that I wanted it.

I needed it. The privilege of calling that stunning vampiress my wife. To dedicate all to her. To show her the true depths of my feelings with a ring. To even… possibly… have a child with her?

My cheeks flush excitedly at the thought. But… would she say yes? Is that what she really wanted? I wasn't a confident guy, never had been especially. But I did like to think I knew York rather well by this point, and I was convinced there was some hint, some deliberate planning to York's actions that day.

She was normally incredibly resilient to alcohol. The only time I had seen her truly completely drunk was at one of the Royal Navy balls, after ten glasses of wine, and many, many shots. (A drinking competition with Tallinn, which she promptly lost)

To be so drunk after just eight glasses. She might have been tipsy… but maybe she had been putting on the worst of it? Just a bit? Maybe she had deliberately dragged me that way home, straight past the store so that she could hint to me?

My mind swirls with the possibility and I try my best to still them, drowning the ideas. My mind had been like this the whole week, unable to stop thinking about it whenever I had time. But god forbid I ask her.

That would hardly be subtle, would it? If she had gone to the effort of seeing the ring, planning to drag me there tipsy and jokingly make out that she wanted me to propose, I couldn't just ask her… or even try and hint to her, she'd want me to take the initiative, buy the ring, surprise her. Wouldn't she? That was the York I knew.

I kick myself. Damnit! My mind had started thinking about it again. But if I was thinking about it so much… perhaps I should just do something about it?

The race was today, but if I was quick, I could quickly get to the store, buy the ring and get back beforehand. Littorio would be expecting me, so I would have to think up an excuse, or perhaps even just tell her what I planned to do. But… it could work…

It was incredibly spur of the moment. When would I propose? Right after the event? During? I push the thoughts from my mind. I'd just do it when it felt right. Maybe York would appreciate the suddenness of it?

I can't help but grin as I strip myself, turning the shower on and opening the glass door. I let the warm water flow over me, giving a sigh. Nothing beat a morning shower, especially combined with my newfound good mood. I would do it. I was going to propose to her.

"Thou looks especially content with thyself this morn. What prompts such an expression on my love's face?" I'm startled when I hear York speak up, just as she strides up to the shower, shrugging the black silk shawl that covered her naked body off before joining me.

I turn to her and smile. "You." I speak the truth, gazing lovingly at the women I planned to propose to, to wed. God… she looked so good in the morning. Her pale skin, contrasting her now damp pink hair. The way her eyes shone with life, and a faint lustful hunger, it got me every time.

"I… was hoping you'd still be asleep. I was going to make you breakfast in bed right after my shower." I admit.

She chuckles. "I think I will have my breakfast here. But thank you for the thought. Thou art truly a sweet one."

"I wouldn't just do it any of the other girls… only you." I kiss her on the forehead, water starting to run down her own body as well as she steps closer to me.

-XXX START-

She blinks as water runs down her face, the strands of pink hair sticking to her skin. The shower is cramped, not really designed for two obviously, and her body presses into mine, the water running over the both of us as I feel her breath on my wet skin.

My cock is already standing at attention, pressing against her legs as York rubs herself against me, backing me up against the cold tiles. She knows full well that she's turning me on, biting her lip and giving a wink.

"How sweet. Such a comment makes my heart flutter with joy, to know that I alone bring thee such delight."

Her hand touches my shoulder, gliding downwards, trailing her nails across the skin as my breathing quickens, my body flush with lust. Fuck… I loved her… so fucking much. Why had I been so hesitant before? She deserved a ring, I needed to get her one.

Her fingers slowly work their way up my shaft, before she grips me from my tip, stroking slowly to my base, her fingers cupping my balls gently until she works her way back up, the water dripping around us helping somewhat with lubrication.

She does it again, agonisingly slowly as my dick twitches with need, my whole body shuddering as I mewl and gasp at York's touch. Her eyes watch my reaction like a hawk, a thin smile forming on her lips.

"I truly doth love thy cute moans of appreciation. It really… puts me in the mood." She moves slightly faster, and presses harder, right on the underside of my glands, a particularly sensitive spot that causes my penis to twitch further, spurting out pre-cum onto her hand, which she simply uses as lube to keep moving faster.

As my pre leaks out, I let out a louder moan, unable to keep my voice down. York shudders with me, getting off on my own pleasure, rubbing her own thighs together, a trail of pussy juice leaking down her thigh until it's quickly washed away by the running water.

"Fuck…" She mutters. Her swearing never gets old. It's both so incredibly odd, yet so hot. "That's it, my love. Squirm and moan for me! Enjoy it. Let the pleasure take thee. Wallow in the lustful urges. Let me service thou… I shalt remove all thy stress."

I obediently allow the groans of pleasure slipping from my lips to grow louder, as she continues stroking.

"That's it… goooood…" She praises me while licking her lips, until eventually, she crouches, being careful to not slip on the wet floor. She strokes once again down to my base, before giving me a cheeky smile and taking me straight between her lips, my tip prodding her cheek, bulging slightly as she sucks.

"God… York. Fuck! Your mouth…" I grit my teeth as she sucks diligently, she adjusts her head, so my cock stops pressing against her cheek, and instead slides down her throat, spearing her gullet as she expertly takes it, not choking at all.

She hums for effect, sending vibration straight from her mouth and tongue up my shaft and coursing pleasure through my body as my cock throbs inside her.

York starts slow, pumping her lips back and forth, but it doesn't take long till she's taking me even deeper and faster, my knees shaking at the sensation. I can feel her fangs, grazing the sides of dick. She no longer kept out of the way when giving me head... she knew I loved the feeling of them.

Her mouth is slick and warm, my pre-cum already spilling out onto her tongue. However, before I can finish. She stops, quickly standing up and pushing herself against me, and pushing me back into the tiled wall.

She kisses me deeply, and I can taste the faint remnants of my own arousal on her lips, only making me crave her more. She reaches down as she kisses me, grabbing the base of my shaft and directing the point of my cock to her entrance.

York spreads her legs slightly, and then pierces herself on me, a moan coming from the both of us simultaneously at the pleasure from our partner. She's just as tight as always, and wet too.

She was always so insatiable, but especially in the mornings. York pulls back from the kiss breathlessly and starts nibbling at my neck, kissing and sucking as she slams herself against me, being careful to not slip on the wet floor.

I feel her breath as she lets out another deep groan as my cock hits deeper inside her, her pussy massaging my dick with it's rippling hot walls.

We continue like that for a while, York controlling the pace as she fucks me against the wall, her breasts bouncing against my own chest, as I grip her shoulder blades tightly. The sound of the shower reverberates around the tiled room, as does the constant *shlick* of our sexes ramming against one another, bodily fluids dripping from both us.

"I'm close…" She manages to gasp out against my neck. "May I…?" I already know what she wants, and I nod, all too happy to provide.

She growls happily and immediately sinks her teeth into my neck. The pain I once felt at the insertion almost instantly being tuned into pleasure, which in combination with how York was milking my cock, makes me cum immediately.

I shake as she sucks and sucks, her pace never faltering as my cock twitches inside her, my warm cum flowing into, then back out of her, down her thighs and onto the shower floor, before being immediately washed away by the running water.

She follows shortly after, I can feel her walls tighten and she stops clamping her lips against my neck, chucking her head back in ecstasy and groaning for me.

"Ohhhh My Adonis!" Her lips are smeared with blood, but she looks… stunning at that moment, her lips closed in pleasure, her whole body shuddering and twitching as we both come down from our high.

I wait a minute, allowing us both to regain our breath, before pulling out of her sloppily, her used pussy dripping with my cum. She rubs her thighs together and mewls approvingly, before wiping her mouth clean of my blood with her wrist.

-XXX END-

We both finish up, cleaning ourselves from our passionate lovemaking, the other slathering the other in soap, caressing the other gently and rinsing their body, until we're both smelling fresh and clean.

I step out of the shower and York follows wrapping a towel around her. I'm aware of the time, and my plan to buy the ring. Already, worries and doubts were taking root.

What if the ring had sold?

Would they have another?

What if this all a bit too rushed?

Maybe I should wait?

I suppress the thoughts quickly as I dry myself, heading into my room and start buttoning up my uniform. York walks in, already having discarded the towel, absolutely no shame in walking about nude.

I can't help but let my eyes wander up and down her body. My mind already thinking back to what we had just done… I was so damn lucky to have her. There were plenty of ships at the port, but none of them made me feel things like her.

York notices my gaze and curls one side of her lip in a smile, showing a fang. "Where doth thy thoughts lay?"

"I was thinking how lucky I am to have you." I reply with a sincere smile.

She rolls her eyes. "Trust thee to think with thy manhood. But tis true. The things I do to thee… thou art lucky to experience such things with mine own body."

I pout. "York… you know that's not what I meant. It's not the sex."

She raises an eyebrow and puts a hand on her hip, eyeing me playfully. "Oh, am I not up to standard?"

I give her a pointed look. She always did like to deliberately misinterpret my words, it made for good ammunition to play with me. "Well… it's not just the sex. That's great. But you know… you're far more to me, right?"

Her playful aura fades and she smiles at me while reaching behind herself and clipping her bra together. "Of course. Twas only jesting. Thou means more to me than thou can conceivably fathom. Whenever I am out there… on the beautiful waves…"

She pauses, pulling her panties up her legs, so she is now fully dressed in her underwear. "…I only want for one desire. Not to vanquish any foes. Not to be with mine own friends or siblings. A single want. I want to be by thy side. Discussing mundane matters… sipping tea in each other's arms… and yes, sometimes making love. All of it tis what I desire."

She continues looking at me, a mixture of emotions clear on her face. She looks down, and as she rolls her pantyhose up her leg she chuckles, and she gives me an odd look. "I do get teased for such desires. Howe delights in it. She often asks how long it will be till I force wedlock upon you, apparently I speak of thou often." The points of her ears have changed into a light shade of red as she contains her embarrassment at such a statement.

My heart skips a beat, and I try my best to keep the smile on my face, not showing my thoughts. That had to be a hint, right? She was definitely hinting. My resolve to buy the ring, to propose this very day, strengthens.

"That's… nice to hear."

She looks like she's about to say something, words on the tip of her tongue, but thinks better of it, simply offering up a smile as she fits her skirt and jacket around her.

I finish with my uniform, grabbing my watch off the bedside table and fastening it to my wrist. "Good luck at the event." I walk over and give her a hug before heading for the door.

"I won't need luck. All eyes will naturally gravitate towards me. My resplendence is without equal."

I chuckle as I wave at her, opening the door. "I couldn't agree more."

I arrive back at the office breathless. I had practically jogged all the way back from town, fully aware that I was over an hour late for my shift.

Littorio looks up and smiles at me when I walk through the door.

"Commander. I received your message about being late, but I did not realize you were going to be quite this late. Care to explain, mio amico?"

"I… just personal problems. All fixed now, nothing to worry about. And I'm really sorry to inconvenience you." I decide that I would be better off hiding the true nature of absence from the inquisitive ship.

However, her red eyes practically glow when her gaze falls to my hand. "And, what exactly does my Commander have in his hands, such a nice bag… a gift perchance?"

I quickly move to hide it behind myself, my cheeks already heating up. "It's… nothing…"

"Commander. Would you like my help to finish the rest of these forms off before the race, or not?" She grins with confidence, blackmailing me into showing her.

I sigh. I suppose it wouldn't hurt. I pull the gift bag out from behind me, and hand it to her. She promptly sifts through it, finding the small dark blue velvet box and examining it curiously, before flipping it open and gasping, her hand flying to her mouth.

"Magnifica, tale bellezza!" She exclaims before lowering her hand and smiling at me.

"I am truly honoured Commander… but I am already spoken for…" She winks teasingly and closes the case, handing it to me.

"I gather you plan to propose to your lovely Duke?"

I nod, trying my best to not burst out into excited song, or curl up into an embarrassed ball, my mind fighting between the excitement and nervousness I felt.

"Brilliant plan. Truly, anyone can tell by the way she looks at you. She is head over heels for you. I've never seen her blush so much as when she is by your side. You bring out the best in her. Even the other ships have become more comfortable with that signora's other traits since word spread of your infatuation. I think the fact that their Commander loves her, sets some hearts at ease."

I contemplate this for a second and come to the same conclusion. While some ships were still put on edge by her vampiric nature, more and more seemed comfortable with her these days, often using me as a topic of conversation as a starting point.

Littorio continues. "And it is abundantly clear how you feel about her. It's written on your face every time anyone even mentions her name. Truly, if fate is a thing, you two were destined. I'm so glad you have decided to take that last leap for her. Congratulazioni!"

"Don't congratulate me yet. She hasn't said yes yet…" I say, a hint of nerves I've been trying to suppress seeping into my voice. While I had gotten more confidant about the idea after York's hinting this morning, now I had the ring in my hand… it all felt a lot more real. I'd spent the money, got the ring, I was actually going to ask her… all of that terrified and excited me.

"Don't be an idiota, Commander. There is no need to be nervous. Just go for it. I cannot fathom why she would deny you. Follow the heat in your chest. It's passion will not lead you astray." She smiles reassuringly but quickly straightens up professionally.

"But unfortunately, we have some work to do. Let us get to it and you can see your Duke in a lovely skintight suit, before proposing, yes?"

I blush lightly but nod, appreciating her words. Sitting down and rushing along with the forms as quickly as possible.

Luckily, even though I was late. My secretary had not been idle, and it doesn't take long to finish the small amount of work left. Littorio bids me good luck with a wink, before heading for the track, and I swiftly follow.

I head for the pits, the various teams doing final checks on their cars, drivers pumping themselves up. In reality, while the race was supposed to be the main event. The teams' mascots, or race queens, were the star of the show. There wasn't any competition of any kind between them, they were simply there to root for their team, and attract as many eyes and supporters as possible.

Having said all that. This was a mostly internal event, so almost all the spectators were shipgirls from the base. Although there were a few public stands as well. It felt a little weird to have York, my girlfriend, dazzling spectators with her looks, trying to attract fans for her team, but at the same time… it made me kind of proud that she was… well… mine.

I find the right place and give a friendly wave to some of the pit crew at work, before the breath is knocked from me as a body slams into me, arms wrapping around me in a tight hug before releasing me.

My heart beats fast, all too aware of the small velvet box in my pocket, the one destined for the women in front of me.

"My Adonis. Glad thou made it here promptly." She smiles brightly as I try my best to not ogle her too much. The race queen skintight suit was definitely focused on the 'skintight' part. It even showed the faint ripples of muscle on her chest, hugging her curvaceous form and stopping at her thighs, showing them all of their plump, naked glory, glistening ever so slightly with sweat.

"Wow…" I mutter under my breath, my eyes wanting to take all of her in at once, focussing on every curve and naked bit of exposed flesh as she grins happily, relishing my attention and reaction.

"Thou admiring my luscious form? Perhaps…" She comes closer and whispers, her hot breath tingling my ear, causing me to involuntarily shudder. "…I shalt wear it tonight, if one begs me enough..." She smiles tucking her hair behind her ear before looking over her shoulder, her expression changing to something more serious.

I realise why now. She's looking over at white team, and their race queen, Wales. There is currently a camera drone hovering around her as she smiles at it, the feed being displayed to the viewers in the stands.

Wales strikes a few seductive poses for the camera, clearly garnering many fans in the process.

Before I can react, the buzzing drone has already moved on to the next team, York's. Of course, it briefly lingers on the car, driver and crew, before settling on the true star of the show. York.

She smiles and poses for camera. I quickly realise I'm in the way and go to move out of frame, but I'm surprised when a hand reaches around my waist, pulling me back and stopping me.

York pulls me close and kisses me on the lips passionately as the camera drone continues watching. My ears immediately steam with embarrassment, her display of affection incredibly public, for all to see.

She stops kissing me but keeps me attached to her side and waves at the camera and gives me a nudge to do the same. After I do, it promptly moves on to the next team and I'm left with York's arms tightly wrapped around my shoulder.

"I… um… York… that was very… public."

She laughs at me. "Yes. And? Doth my Adonis hath a problem with crowds? I simply wished for all to know that I am spoken for, and that thou art mine, not anothers."

I smile and kiss her again lightly. A quick look at my watch shows that I need to get to my viewing box, so I hug York goodbye and head off.

"See you later, my love." She blows me a kiss with a wink, and I notice many of the crew giving me clear looks of envy as she does, causing a smug grin to plant itself on my face.

Just before I head off, I motion to the driver, and he walks over, confusion clear on his face. "Yes, boss?"

"Beat white team, and I'll pay you extra 20% on top of your hiring fee." I whisper the offer quietly.

He grins confidently. "Consider it done."

I sit in my private box, watching with my hands fiddling with the velvet ring case, tossing it back forth between my hands, my heart hammering away.

The race hand just finished, with York's team coming second place. Not that any of it really mattered. It was all simply for entertainment. What mattered to me, and more likely York, was that white team had come third.

Not that the performance of the drivers or their cars had any relevance to the race queens themselves except for the team aspect, but I knew York. If Wales's team had beaten her team, she'd have been frustrated, incredibly so.

The drivers were collecting their trophies and the Race Queens from the top 3 winning teams were posing for the camera. Atago comes first, as she was the mascot for the winning team, then York.

She looks stunning, as usual. But something about her eyes, their piercing the camera, the screen. She's not looking at the public, or the other shipgirls when she's looking at it, I can just… tell. She's thinking of me, watching her through it.

She smiles coyly, striking some poses, and even curling her lip showing her fangs some more. As soon as the camera moves on to Wales, I can see York, already off, walking in the direction of my box.

I quickly pocket the ring nervously, my hands shaking as I wait for her. I pour a glass of champagne ready, making sure it's nice and full. While I already knew she would prefer wine, she didn't hate champagne, and unfortunately, that was all that was provided.

The door opens with a click, and York walks in, still dressed in her race queen outfit. She smiles before dropping herself onto the sofa next to me, picking up the glass of champagne and taking a large sip.

"Hmm… I wouldst prefer wine. But if this what thou chose to celebrate with. Then I shalt not judge." As predicted, she comments on the choice of drink immediately.

I laugh at my accurate assumption and reply. "Sorry. Nothing to do with me, just what came in with the box. Take it up with organizers."

"Thou art one of the organizers, true enough?" She smiles as she snuggles closer to me, resting her head on my shoulder.

"I… um well yes. But not that part of the event."

"Excuses are a poor man's crutch." Her tone is lighthearted and playful as she clings to me.

I feel her body, breathing against mine as she closes her eyes and rests on me.

"Everything go ok?" I ask.

"Yes. Fine. And… we beat Wales. My ego can rest easy."

I laugh. "York… I…" I can feel her leg pressing against my own, and the velvet box within. I want to say something. I want to get on my knees right now…

…but I don't have the confidence. The very thought of doing it right now… makes me feel faint.

York notices something is off and lifts her head from my shoulder, eying me inquisitively.

"Remember my wise words, when you struggled to profess thy affection for me, thy request for romantic night together?"

I smile and recall the words perfectly. "Words are meant to be spoken, not minced." I imitate her tone and accent as accurately as I manage, and it gets a laugh out of her.

"Yes. Perhaps thou should take them to heart. What is bothering thee? I can tell something is wrong. Thou art coiled like a nervous spring, a mousetrap ready to strike. Thou art shaking with nerves, thy heartbeat is erratic… blood pumping with such ferocity. What is it, my Adonis?"

She reaches out and strokes my cheek with a worried look on her face.

Fuck it. Now or never, right? She was worried… and that was really sweet. I really did love that about her. I loved everything about her… this… felt right.

I pull the box out of my pocket and kneel on the floor in one swift and smooth movement, looking up York as she sits on the sofa.

Her eyes widen as she starts to realize what I was doing. I slowly flip the case up, exposing the diamond ring within to her. She doesn't even gasp, her eyes just water as the little air in her lungs is expelled in a single breath.

"Duke of York…. Dork." I smile to myself, using both her full name, and the pet name that on the surface annoyed her, but in reality, she secretly liked.

"I… love you. Like I have never loved another. I know I'm your Commander. I know that our situation… is not exactly normal. But I love you, and I would never change any of it, for fear I would never have met you. Not the Sirens. Not the war. Not you feeding on me. Would you do me the honour… the privilege, of being my wife?"

Tears start to streak out of her eyes, and then when I realize something. This is the first time I had ever seen her cry. Not that it lasts long mind. Just like her blushes, she seems to have great control, and she quickly stops, wiping her eyes and blessing me with the brightest smile I had ever seen.

"Yes. Of course, My Adonis. My Soul has always been yours. And it always will be. Yes. Now. And forever."

My chest swirls with emotion, it feels like it's on fire like I'm glowing. I gently take York's hand.

…and slip the ring onto her finger, as fits snug in its rightful place.

She brings up her face, admiring it before giving a chuckle. "The very same ring. Truly, I played thee like a harp."

I grin, not at all surprised. "So you did plan it?"

"Twas not difficult. I felt thou needed just that little kick to start thy thoughts. However one did not expect thou to be quite so hasty about it, a nice surprise. Twas obvious when I walked through this door that thou were considering wedlock, thy blood was pumping at such a pace... it made me salivate. I excite thee that much?"

My now fiancé smiles happily, and pulls me onto the couch, giving me a passionate kiss, our tongues intertwining, bodies touching. I break the kiss and hug her tightly. "Of course. The thought of you... as my wife... I still can't quite believe it."

She chuckles heartily. "My Adonis. Thou better become a believer. I am thy Aphrodite, thy Juliet, thy bride. I couldst nary wish for anything more." York leans against me, her hand settling on my chest as she idly fiddles with her new ring between her fingers, a look of pure contentment on her visage. I sigh happily, and place my hand over her own, feeling the ring myself.

My fiancé's soft breathing against me, the touch of her skin against mine, her very presence was calming. Now this, was bliss.