Hey everyone, Light-Speed Toaster here. I know I haven't posted anything for the past 3 months, truth be told, still planning and stuff. So, to make up for it, I've decided to write a few one-shots to occupy the wait. Hope you enjoy it.
*This is not connected to 'Future Daughter(s)' in any way*
Listening to my Heart
Seven o'clock, the Commander sighed as he put the pen down, checking over the last few documents he had signed. He usually left at five but woke up later than usual today partly due to Edinburgh failing to wake him up and falling asleep next to him. Chuckling to himself as he remembered how flustered she had been when they'd woken up. Thinking back to the past few years, they had grown close and he planned to propose to her tonight. Belfast left at their usual time to make dinner for the three of them so they can celebrate the occasion. Looking through the drawer, he found the blue velvet box he had hidden, opening it to make sure the custom engraved ring is still in there. Flicking the box shut, he made his towards the Royal Navy Dorms hoping to catch her in front of the fountain instead. She wasn't at the fountain and walking into the dorm, he waited a bit since her cleaning rounds include the dorm lobby and common room. The few girls that went in and out saw the box in his hand as he fidgeted with it. A crowd gathered around as Edinburgh finally walked in to see what the commotion was about.
"Hey Edinburgh, do you have a moment?" he asked, causing the group of girls behind him to gasp and mutter among themselves.
"Sure thing Commander... what's with all... this?" she motioned with her hands at the group behind him.
"Don't mind them, I have an important question for you." he got on one knee.
"Edinburgh, the moment you caught my eye was the moment my life changed. The time we spend doing work in the office or when we just have chat and tea, those are when I'm happiest. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and I want to know, will you marry me?" he waited with bated breath for her reply.
"I'm sorry Commander, I can't." she walked away before he can ask her why.
The girls made way for him as he walked out of the dorm towards somewhere. The beach was where he was going, his spot to reflect or to vent when no one can find him unless they were looking for him. And right now, more than ever, he wanted to scream and curse the world for his humiliation. But he held it in, not wanting someone to walk over and see him acting like a child who didn't get a toy they wanted at the store.
"YARRRGH!" instead he threw the box into the sea, can't return it since it had her name engraved on it.
With a huff, he sat on the ground, bringing his knees up to face. Hours passed, and midnight soon came around as he checked his watch. Letting out an involuntary sigh, he got up to stroll on the beach towards the direction of his home. The dinner request for Belfast was a bust, he needs to apologize to her for the trouble of making dinner for the three of them. Walking for a bit, he heard someone calling for him. The wind made it hard to hear as it muffled the voice, but he was sure it was Edinburgh. Suppressing a sigh, he stayed in spot for her to walk over the ledge to see him. Waving to him, she slowly made her way down before taking the spot next to him as he started walking again.
"Good evening, Edinburgh."
"G-good evening to you too, Commander. I just wanted to apologize for earlier, it was just so out of the blue. I just never thought you'd choose me to be y-your wife." she squeaked out the last part as her cheeks flushed.
"Why?"
"Well I screw up a lot, I'm clumsy and I know it. I'll never be as good as Bel despite being the big sister."
"I said what I meant, beauty and perfection isn't everything, Edinburgh. You might not be as skilled as Belfast, but that's what makes you more human in my eyes. Though don't ask me about the looks, both of you are beautiful in your own way."
"You know Commander, I wanted to say yes, but I listened to my head instead of what my heart wanted. I thought the girls would laugh at you for even considering me to be worthy of your attention..."
"For what it's worth, I don't give a damn about what they think. But I'd like to think they'll support you no matter what, if they don't then I'll be there to defend your honor." he reassured her.
"You're too good for me Commander, I was worried about you being humiliated, but you brushed it off for me. I love that about you Commander, and... I love you too."
"I was worried and prepared for being rejected a second time you know?" that got a giggle out of her.
"Of course not Commander, this time I'll listen to my heart just as you always had." her smile brighter than the full moon.
"Now, let's get home before Belfast gets more worried than she needs to be."
"Can we go to my place, to spend the night alone instead?" she asked, doubling back on her words when given the situation.
"I-I d-didn't mean it like that Commander! And why are you looking at me like that!?" she starts to freak out as he kissed her to grab her attention.
She froze up immediately at the foreign sensation, but slowly, she gave in to the moment as they savored the intimacy.
"I don't care what it meant, you know what my answer is either way, right?" he flashed her a smile, causing her blush to deepen.
"Now, let's go, we've got work tomorrow." wrapping his arm around her, they left the beach.
"God I love this woman, rings be damned." he thought.
