Hello! If the title of this story feels familiar it's because I made another Valentine's Day one-shot in 2020 that pairs as a prequel to this one. So… I guess this is now a two-shot. Anyway, I was motivated to write some romance, and I ran wild with an idea that I took the time to build around it. I hope you all enjoy this story which is quite long compared to other chapters I wrote. I did think about breaking it up but figured to do it in one go.

[Perfect chocolate for two]

Enterprise narrowed her eyes, displeasure shown on her face. While her expression looked fowl, she held it partly back due to a softness she had for who she was seeing. Her head turned to see her girlfriend, Belfast, of one year. "Bel... I promised you that I wanted to take you somewhere far away from the ocean..."

Belfast held a shy and reserved smile, knowing what her girlfriend was getting at. "You did. And a place like this seems perfect when you picked it out from all the brochures we had collected."

Enterprise held a brochure in her hand, reminding herself of her goals and all the hard work she did to save the money to be able to take her girlfriend away. "... I wanted to be at a place where you and I could be by ourselves."

"... you did. Just on the initial impression, I can tell this place was the perfect spot. We both truly need this," she said with a reassuring and loving gaze at the white-haired woman. The maid looked at the brochure and then to the sign that stood above a massive resort building, past the parking lot that they were currently at.

The Sublime Echo Resort was the name of the Valentine's Day vacation spot they had desired to journey to. This place felt like it was ripped out of a fairytale world, a much better tale than the ocean wonderland they've been battling on for numerous years.

The Sublime Echo Resort stood hidden in a mist valley adjacent to a remote mountain environment with also an adjacent forest. In hindsight, this was the last place anyone would think to bother them, and that should have been the idea. They had earned this after the definitive defeat of the Sirens that now only resided as a chapter in humanity's history.

Enterprise returned to her current situation and looked at her girlfriend. "Then why... why are they here?" Her gaze sternly locked onto two cars that had parked next to their car.

The engine sounds from the other two cars seized, and the doors opened.

The first car, a slick midnight black sports car that was undoubtedly Iron Blood made, revealed a silver-haired and red streak woman. She had a racer-esque inspired outfit composed of a red jacket that ended around her waist, gray boots with fur lining at the top, a black shirt, and tight black jeans that expressed her backside features. The colors of her outfit stayed true to her homeland, being a subtle scheme of gray and red. Finally, it was worth noting that she had unusual black shades on.

The woman that got out from the passenger seat was blonde and had ruby red eyes. Her regal-like outfit was composed of a white blouse and black dress pants that fit her extremely well. Along with black pumps.

Belfast made a face, contrary to understanding the importance of elegance. She, herself, had been wearing a brown wool sweater, black thermal pants, brown boots, and a cozy red hat with a brown ribbon. Her girlfriend, Enterprise, had a hat, and a shoulderless white top with a single black strap on each shoulder. She wore shorts that had on fur detailing at the bottom to impose a sense of cozy warmth. A yellow jacket was tied to her waist, and she had on black and white sneakers.

Nevertheless, she commended the blonde for sticking to her sense of style even out here in these misty mountains.

The silver-haired woman lowered her avant-garde/pixelated black shades, and her fiery orange eyes zeroed in on Enterprise.

The Eagle Union archer swallowed and moved to the second couple that made her eyes soften earlier.

The second car that had stopped, housed two women that removed themselves from their seats. The car in question appeared rather low-profile with being an aqua blue and more street legal than the imposing Iron Blood machine that the silver-haired woman owned.

From the driver's seat, a short blonde girl shyly waved at Enterprise. Her outfit consisted of a navy-blue shirt with a white and red jacket over it. She had cargo shorts and blue sneakers, along with her iconic red, white, and blue socks. By her side, a shy blue hair girl waved at them.

The outfit she had on looked rather cozy. It consisted of a long-sleeve blue sweatshirt that had another layer over it that left the blue sleeves exposed and had a white fabric layer over it. A blue one-strap travel bag slang diagonally across her chest with a bear design on it. Lastly, she had on a black skirt and blue boots.

The short blonde woman coughed awkwardly. "H-Hi, Ent... um... surprise!" The blonde paired with the blue-haired girl was Cleveland. While she had tried to sound energetic, her voice came out more unease.

A muffled chuckle then resonated from the silver-haired woman. "Guten tag!" She happily greeted with her blonde partner also waving at Belfast and Enterprise with a smile.

Enterprise sighed and scratched her head. "Hey, Cleveland and Helena... also Prinz Eugen and Prince of Wales. Alright, I'll bite, what's going on here?!"

The blonde that was paired with the silver-haired Iron Blood tilted her head, looking at her Royal Navy friend. "Oh, Belfast... did you not seriously tell her about our little arrangement?"

The archer perked up and quickly shot her attention toward her girlfriend. "Huh? Belfast?" Asked Enterprise humorlessly.

The maid's blue eyes shifted anxiously while trying to find the right words to her sudden spotlight attention. "Well, the price that you originally thought was actually a third of what it was," quickly uttered the maid as if casting a rapid chant.

A silent second passed that felt more like a minute to the archer. "Eh!? No way…r-really?" She skimmed through the brochure and found no price indicator, only the phone number of the resort. Her memory kick-started when it was Belfast who made the call and had relayed the price to her when she returned to their shared room; hours later after running an urgent errand. She took her girlfriend's words as fact and quickly began gathering the necessary funds.

The Eagle Union archer felt deceived as her head hanged low.

Hating to see her girlfriend distraught, the maid affectionately held Enterprise's arm. "Dear, you had your heart set on this place, and I couldn't bring myself to tell you that it would be horribly above your pay range. I... acted quickly and remembered that Miss Cleveland had mentioned that she was looking for a vacation spot as well. Steadfast on my decision, I quickly called her and showed her the brochure."

Cleveland nodded. "I was excited and relieved that Belfast told me about this place. It's everything that I was looking for, too. She showed me the price, explained her predicament, and recommended that we come together. Please, don't be mad at Belfast. Helena and I came to the decision together, and we wanted to help you out in making your dream spot come true."

"Hmmm..." The white-haired eagle union brooded and ultimately crossed her arms in tired defeat.

"Darling, I promise you that we will have a wonderful time, and will still get our alone time," she said with a warm smile that always made the Eagle Union archer flustered.

"Fine... but what about you two?" She asked in a tactless way toward the second couple that only Enterprise could have done.

Eugen sarcastically held her hands up and gestured toward her girlfriend. "My darling, Wales, you've kept me in the dark just like Miss Belfast did to her lover. I knew that I would be seeing a familiar face but to find out that it would be the Grey Ghost…" She pretended to be shocked, and it was true that she didn't know who she was meeting, but her unsurprised emotion was truly genuine.

The white-haired woman's eyes narrowed. "Enterprise is fine, Eugen. That name among a multitude of other reasons is why I desired to get away from the daily sea routine."

"Ah... apologies... Enterprise," she said, her smile had hardly faltered when she had been corrected.

Wales looked agitated by her girlfriend's flippant mood, and a sweatdrop formed at the side of her cheek. "Umm... well, Miss Cleveland phoned me and proposed this proposition as I mentioned to her that I too was looking for a getaway spot."

The eagle union archer metaphorically produced a question mark above her head to what she heard. What were the odds? That's what she told herself internally. She stiffly moved her head toward Cleveland who looked ready to explain. However, Helena surprisingly stepped forward.

"Enterprise. Cleveland and I wanted to help, yet it was still too much even when split two ways. We're sorry," said Helena with downcast eyes.

Enterprise swallowed and looked away. "I-It's not your fault at all. Regardless of the method, we're all here now... hmm, might as well make the most of it." No one would have blamed the Eagle Union If she got mad. However, the price she thought she had with this place was too good to pass especially after having to divert her funds to something else. Sighing, she silently leaned into her girlfriend and rubbed her hair tenderly. "It's okay... we'll make it work." She smiled kindly at her girlfriend.

"Well, I for one, also have no problems with this arrangement," said Eugen as she patted the back of the archer.

Enterprise didn't know what to make of Prinz Eugen as she vacantly stared at her for being rather heavy-handed with that show of friendship.

A sound of excitement escaped the mouth of Cleveland. "Yikes, looks like we're not the only odd face here!"

They all turned around to see a wave of Manjuu standing in line before them and happily waving. They had a white-collar shirt along with a red tie.

All the girls stood motionless with awes painted across their faces.

"Ah, yes. The brochure said that the main staff of the Sublime Echo Resort are Manjuu. They have no affiliation with the ones from the base and are an independent group," explained the royal maid with an intelligent air to her.

"Hmm, the more time passes, the more it feels like we never left. Oh well, as long as there's no ocean, I'm okay," tiredly said the archer. She then flinched when Eugen's head reared itself between her and Belfast. "You do know there's Lake Echo that's part of the resort, right?"

"Yes, Eugen. However, a lake and ocean are two distinct things in my mind that I'll allow," explained the archer.

"Ah, okay." She moved back and smiled at Wales who didn't reciprocate it.

All the Manjuu walked past them and pointed to the trunks of the cars.

"Man, these little guys aren't much for talking but lucky for us we have experience in understanding what they want," said Cleveland.

"I wonder how other guests can communicate with them?" Asked Helena. Her curious question was answered when one of the Manjuu dashed toward her and handed her a sizable booklet. Inside it, illustrations of different emotes and their descriptions were laid out before her.

"Hmm, they're a well-organized bunch then if they run this place without talking." Eugen walked toward them and leaned on her car while clicking a button on her keychain. The door of the trunk opened, and they immediately went to work taking their luggage out. Eugen's orange-like eyes flashed sharply from a black bag that one Manjuu was about to grab. "Ah, hold it! I'll take this bag..." she insisted while holding it preciously.

The singular Manjuu nodded and grabbed another bag.

Cleveland unlocked the trunk, and they grabbed the stuff in it like scavengers. Without pause, they began marching toward the massive resort building.

Enterprise felt a tug on her tied-up jacket and saw a Manjuu pointing at her vehicle. Her vehicle was nothing special; a four-door white car that was reliable in making long travels.

"Sure, just be careful," she politely asked while walking over and opening the trunk. Just like Eugen, she picked up a beige bag that held something important that she wouldn't trust with anyone else.

"Oh man, I can't wait to check out all the cool activities in this place," said Cleveland.

"The sun has begun to set, and most outdoor activities will be ending soon," said Helena while reading out loud the booklet that she had gained.

Cleveland sighed, yet her smile hardly faltered. "Ah, Jeez. Well, it can't be helped that the trip to get here was a long drive. The day after tomorrow is Valentine's Day so there's plenty of time. We should head on to our... room?"

Enterprise and the others suddenly stopped when it quickly hit them simultaneously that they would all be sharing a singular room number.

"Belfast... I'm starting to see our alone time drifting further and further away," the archer spoke in a gloomy tone.

The maid determinedly stepped in front of her girlfriend. "Just trust me on this, darling." Her infallible aura washed the other woman with a tranquil state of mind.

"I've never been one to bet against your sure look. Alright, I do trust you."

Belfast giggled and hooked her arm with the archer.

Wales and Eugen were the last ones behind. A hand reached out to Eugen's shoulder, making her stop. From behind, she saw Wales with a stern look. "Why are you antagonizing Enterprise?"

The silver-haired woman suddenly shifted to a confused expression. "Did it look like that to you?" She asked with a genuine face.

"Hmph… yes, it did. Is that your way of making an awkward situation better?"

Eugen opened her mouth to respond before a hand was held up to pause her. The blonde sighed tiredly. "Ugh… forget it. We'll talk later as that drive was a long one. I feel rather drained, and my neck is stiff," she said while rubbing her neck. Before moving away, she lingered at her girlfriend. "To be honest, I never know what you are thinking most of the time. We've been together for nearly two years and… you still feel like an enigma to me."

It was subtle, but the silver-haired woman's eyes grew dim when she heard that.

Wales allowed herself to melt away her woes and smiled warmly at the Iron Blood with so much love. "Eugen, let's just try to enjoy ourselves and make wonderful memories," she said while placing a hand on her girlfriend's cheek to show her that her disappointment had reduced.

When the Royal Navy battleship had moved forward, Eugen stayed for a few seconds after. Her calm face then turned pained as she rubbed the edges of her nose. "Fantastic… Eugen… just fantastic," she mockingly insulted herself. With her mindset humbler, she stiffened up and joined up with the others inside.

They all went through the doors of the Sublime Echo Resort and were immediately greeted with a modern style décor composed of red and gold. There also resided aspects of a wilderness theme that permeated the aesthetic for an establishment that was ultimately located in a secluded mountain location.

A giant bear statue to their right stood with the name of the resort etched on the platform. To their left, a massive exotic fish tank resided. The floor beneath them was a luxurious white marble flooring that one could see their reflection as they came from the front entrance.

Despite the rather ominous empty feeling from outside, there were certainly a modest number of vacationers walking about in groups or by themselves.

"Welcome to the Sublime Echo Resort! May I see your verification paper that was sent before vacation start time?" A feminine voice came from in front of them and they looked down to see a Manjuu.

"Whoa, a talking Manjuu?!" Cried Cleveland, her eyes completely bugging out.

"Greetings, I'm a special class of Manjuu assigned to help the other workers and to better communicate with the guests. You may call me receptionist Manjuu. While my specific model is limited to a handful of Manjuu's in the Sublime Echo Resort, please don't be afraid to interact with the non-talkative Manjuu."

"Fancy…" Commented the blue-haired Eagle Union.

Belfast closed her eyes and confidently walked with purpose toward the receptionist Manjuu. She showed the Manjuu a pink form.

The yellow Manjuu quickly scanned the paper like a computer. "Awe... you all must be the shipgirls! It's an honor to have you all stay here."

Enterprise had a sweat drop on her face, fearing the last thing she desired; a group of excited people invading their privacy and space.

"Yes, that's us, but please keep our status under the radar," replied the maid with a finger to her lips and a wink.

"My mistake, it's just... you're all heroes and... If it was up to me, your lodgings would be free of charge, but the owners run a tight structure that must be maintained."

"No need to explain. Also, outside the seas, we are no different than others," humbly spoke Belfast.

The receptionist Manjuu nodded happily. "I understand, Miss. Let me just fill out a few forms at the desk and I'll get you all into that sweet suite accommodation," replied the Manjuu with a wink.

All the others cocked their heads from the implications of those words.

"Thank you again for that," said the maid with a friendly smile.

Timed moved on and all six of them made their way to their room. They walked through a half wooden and gold corridor with red carpet flooring. Portraits of the scenic nature vistas lined up along the walls.

Enterprise gazed at her girlfriend who looked rather pleased with herself. It couldn't be helped after what they heard from the reception Manjuu. "So... for the price of one couple's room, they were nice enough to upgrade us to the Executive Family and Friends suite," said the Eagle Union.

Belfast giggled and happily remained quiet.

The white-haired eagle union softly chuckled. "Bel, you must have some serious luck to find friends who happen to be wanting the same thing as us that would help us cover the cost, and more impressively, having the resort agree to give us a higher-grade room for the standard price." Her tone strived to be stern yet oozed too much playfulness.

"What can I say, your luck is rubbing off on me," she said in a flirtatious manner.

The white-haired woman suddenly swallowed hard, and a red blush stained her face.

"We're here!" Helena excitedly cheered. Her positive charm even made Eugen and Wales giggle.

"Right, move aside please," instructed the head maid. The key card connected with the touchpad lock, registering a green light to appear above.

"Belfast, was there more of those key cards?" Asked Wales.

"Yes, not to worry. The receptionist Manjuu said that they had stored five more inside. We'll all have the ability to come and go as we please without having to bother the others."

"Excellent because it would have been a long week if that's the case," commented Eugen silently under her breath. She couldn't help saying it yet gained enough tact to keep it close to her.

The only one that did hear her was Wales who, understanding the small effort, smiled softly with her red eyes gazing at her girlfriend.

A blush formed on the silver-haired Iron Blood for getting caught.

"Splendid!" Said Wales to the other Royal Navy. She then gave her girlfriend a grin and brushed a piece of her blonde hair behind her ear.

Eugen noticed the cute gesture and gave her a sultry look of playfulness.

Helena, witnessing the quick display of intimacy from the couple, grew timid and motivated to try out the flirtatious move.

"Wow..." The simultaneous sounds of astonishment resonated into the spacious room suite. The living room looked commodious and royal-like, its theme having softer colors compared to the garish gold and red. Its colors consisted of white, blue, and gray. To the left and right, each side contained two doors that splintered off into bedrooms, respectively.

Their numerous bags and luggage were lined up in the middle of the living room with five key cards resting on a wooden coffee table.

Cleveland grew more excited. "Ah, awesome! This feels like a fancy penthouse in a soap opera show. Each room even has its bathroom. Check it out, Ent! Not having to wait for the others to finish up won't be an issue."

"Yes!" An explosive cheer fired off that made the others turn their heads to see an excited and happy Belfast.

She coughed to contain her unbecoming liveliness. "This door leads to a laundry room with a washing machine and dryer," spoke the maid meekly.

"Hmm, looks like all the rooms do look mostly the same," said Cleveland once she pushed open another door, inspecting the same blue carpet, wooden walls, and big white/gray bed. All three rooms did have small alterations, like one had a massive bookcase, while another had a larger tv than the others. "Hey, I choose for Ent and Bel to pick first since we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them. They might all look the same but at least you can get first dibs on location," she said with a grin while leaning near a doorway.

"What? Is that really okay?" Asked Enterprise with reservations.

"Sure, have at it," said Eugen. That was a critical lie as she greatly desired a room that was closer to the balcony that existed at the back of the living room, furthest away from the main entrance.

"Me neither," said Wales.

"Umm... I guess... hmmm, I like the one to the left that's close to the balcony doors, what do you think, Bel?"

"It's a lovely idea, dear." The head maid spoke boldly while connecting her hands.

Eugen's face shadowed, tensed sweat appearing. She nervously chuckled to herself, giving Enterprise credit for thinking like her.

"Sweetie, what room should we get?" Asked the Eagle Union light cruiser to the blue-haired light cruiser.

Helena pensively thought about it and raised her finger happily. "Would it be okay if we got the one at the front left?"

"I'm cool with that," said Cleveland.

Eugen sighed happily. "Then we'll get the right room near the balcony then."

Half an hour later, the sun had set, and night had taken over.

The living room had been untouched and silent, minus the bags that they took to their rooms. Ironically enough, without them intending it, all three doors opened, and they were forced to interact with the others.

"How's the room treating you, Ent?" Said Cleveland.

"It's not too bad. Bel and I were arranging our clothes into the empty drawers."

Belfast politely nodded and walked toward the kitchen section of the accommodating living room.

"Hehe, same here," replied Helena.

Belfast opened the fridge and scoffed. "As I figured, there's nothing in the fridge to make a home cook meal."

Enterprise reflexively saddened from hearing that. It wasn't enough to say that she stellarly enjoyed her girlfriend's cooking. She thought back to their first date, which was them staying indoors, watching a movie, and helping Belfast make a homemade pizza. Helping, was exaggerated, as she failed to elegantly spin the first batch of dough.

"Hmm, says here that they have restaurants and oddly enough an indoor market," said Helena as she had grown rather knowledgeable from adamantly reading the booklet.

"Oh, I have to commend them for giving us options indeed." Replied the maid with a hand on her chin, thinking what that might mean for her.

Eugen walked up to Helena and smiled at her. "May I?" Her hand was extended in anticipation of the reading material.

Helena politely handed it to her, and Eugen scanned the map that came with it. "Wales dear, let's check the R&R room."

"Hmm, that does sound good right about now. But…" she tried her hardest not to blush, a feat that Belfast could sympathize.

"I promise you that your bones will be vibrating with renewed vigor. We do need to start fresh for our first official resort day tomorrow," said the silver-haired woman. She waited for no response and playfully pulled her girlfriend out of the room, but not before handing back the booklet to Helena.

"Hehe, I guess they have the right idea of wanting to explore the place." Cleveland exchanged a silent and understanding look at her girlfriend, as the two stepped out as well.

"Looks like we're alone," spoke Belfast, her smile reflecting a burning desire. Both their feet pulled them together like magnets and their lips hungrily connected.

"We… are both… overdue for our daily kiss… from our… busy day," haggardly expressed the maid through brief pauses.

"It's okay, I'll make sure I pay you back in full," Enterprise breathily smiled and stated before diving back in. A growl resonated from Enterprise's stomach, causing them to move apart.

The maid worriedly gasped while fixing her disheveled sweater. "Wait… That's right! Darling, you didn't have anything to eat when we had to stop for gas the last time, right?"

The Eagle Union tried to play it off as nothing important. "I had a protein bar..." She flashed her a weak smile, knowing full well that it would be ineffective.

Belfast gave her a narrow look with a hand on her hip.

The Eagle Union sighed with a hand going through her hair. "... which wasn't enough I admit. I figured to power through it to make up for the lost time we had this morning. When we had that flat at that sketchy motel."

"Ugh… please don't remind me that we stayed the night at that place," said the maid with a sigh, her gaze still looking stern.

"Fair enough. Still, that restaurant across the street did have some good pancakes," she said, not helping her stomach's situation.

Belfast's gaze reduced in intensity. "Hmmm, they were indeed scrumptious. I'm a bad girlfriend for not noticing that you hadn't had any food or liquid since this morning."

Enterprise closed the distance with her hands tenderly placed over the maid's shoulders. "Hey, I'm not a kid and I take responsibility for my actions," she said.

"Hmph, well, as your girlfriend... and maid, I must take responsibility as well." The white-haired maid flashed her an upbeat look.

Hearing those words and how they bothered her, she slightly frowned. "Bel..."

The maid did not sense the dire tones from her girlfriend and made her way toward the kitchen counter. "So, what should I whip up today? I am very curious to see what that market has."

Deciding to tackle her issue another time, Enterprise snuffed it out by walking over and playfully tapping the surface of the kitchen table, an expression to help her think. "I'm not sure. In honesty, if I'm hungry I bet the others are too." A somber tone with closed eyes painted her face.

Belfast placed a hand on her chest, smiling softly. "Oh, sweetie. Your heart never stops caring for others even against your personal desires."

Enterprise grunted and blushed while averting her gaze. "Yeah... yeah... cut me some slack, please. I just... ugh… I hate to be getting a home cook meal while friends that I know aren't."

"Dear, we could make food for all of us, but I doubt Wales and Eugen will show up. Helena and Cleveland will also probably get something to eat from the restaurants downstairs."

"Yeah, you do have a point. This is ultimately a co-couple's vacation; I think that's accurate."

The maid pondered briefly before extending her thumb and index finger outward. "How about we check the types of ingredients they have for a dessert and make enough for all of us?"

"Hmm... I wouldn't be opposed to that," smiled the archer.

"Marvelous. So, what do we make for dinner?" She brought them both back to the main question at hand.

"Let's try one of the royal dishes that your fond of making."

"Hmm, well alright. But I don't want to hear any complaining, Miss Enterprise."

The Eagle Union rubbed the back of her head. It had been a while since her partner had used that attachment to go with her name. "Y-Yes, ma'am."

(Cleveland/Helena)

Time went by and downstairs, the Eagle Union blonde and Eagle Union blue-haired had taken a tour around the facilities that the Sublime Echo Resort held. They found themselves walking against a crowd of people as if they were inside a mall. There were even shops lined up that further emulated it.

Cleveland marveled at the wonderful atmosphere of the resort. "This place is so… innovative. It's like a jack of all trades, and I can even see a sign for that noted market over there." A shop with a sign that read: Activities Information Center, caught her eyes. She glanced to her right and noticed Helena interacting with a sampler-food Manjuu from a food restaurant a bit further down. Sensing an opportunity, she went inside the activities center.

The blonde rummaged through a few activities' papers, looking for a few fun things to do, and possibly finding a gem that Helena would like. Her eyes sparkled as her efforts paid off. With a satisfied expression, she stepped out.

Looking left and right, she noticed Helena admiring an in-door pond that had an animatronic alligator. It was an attention grabber for a gift shop past the in-door pond. The sounds of the roars and splashing succeeded in getting her over there.

"Cleve, let's check out the gift shop!"

"Wow, I don't need to be told that we'll be seeing a ton of cool stuff in there. I should definitely grab a few trinkets for my sisters," said the blonde who heard a jubilant agreement from her girlfriend.

(Prince of Wales/Prinz Eugen)

In another part of the resort, sliding doors opened to show Wales and Eugen stepping out of the R&R place.

"Ah, Wales, you're practically glowing after that," commented Eugen.

A child-like goofy smile stood on the blonde's face while she massaged her neck. "Ahh... absolute bliss." The Royal Navy blonde freely moved her head around, feeling very light.

"I'm glad that you're feeling better. I hate to see my Wales cranky over some stiff neck."

"Hmm... Eugen, I wouldn't have minded a massage from those iron hands of yours."

Eugen blushed and subconsciously looked at her hands

Wales laughed and attached herself to the Iron Blood's arm. "Just kidding, my love—about the iron-like hands, but you do have a delicate touch."

"Is that so?" She smiled nervously.

"Are you feeling alright?" Wales noticed the jittery and shifty eyes from the Iron Blood.

"What!? Why wouldn't I be? Say, are you hungry? —I am."

"Y-Yeah..." Was all the blonde could answer as Eugen took her by the hand and set forth finding a place that peeked both their interests.

It was a few hours until everyone else came back. Ironically enough, Wales and Eugen intercepted with Cleveland and Helena at the door who had the same thoughts. They both entered the suite room and were instantly greeted with both Belfast and Enterprise in aprons.

"Oh, Belfast, did you and Enterprise cook?" Asked Wales with a half-smirk and half-amused smile at how simple the Royal Navy/Eagle Union couple were.

"Yeah, we did, but we ate about an hour ago," replied Enterprise as she had finished up cleaning the kitchen prep table.

Eugen's words and disapproval were far too much to be kept in. "But why? When in Rome, do as the Romans do," she harshly stated.

Enterprise cleaned her hands with a towel and placed a hand on her hip. "Well... the market is here so that guests could try and whip up a home cook meal if they wanted. This is fine, we just wanted some alone time. We even stayed out here and watched a bit of a movie."

"Hmm, that does sound good," meekly stated the blonde Eagle Union, wishing she had done that too.

"We ate a while back but also decided on making brownies for all of us. Why don't we all sit around and enjoy each other's company?" Happily proclaimed Belfast, showing a plate of fresh brownies hot and ready to eat.

An eager face reflected across Cleveland's smile. "We're down! Sure, we all came here for some couple time, but we'll be here all week and it's awkward and rude to not interact with each other since we're living in the same suite."

"Yeah, exactly," said Enterprise, feeling happy that her friend understood her.

"Sure, I'm down," replied Eugen, partly because she rather not upset her girlfriend and partly because the brownies did smell good.

What followed, was a quiet hour or so, with all of them talking and laughing. The night had grown long and before they knew it, they were all bidding themselves good night and retreating to their rooms.

It was now a bit past midnight and Enterprise awoke from her sleep, as she rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes. She tiredly stretched, wearing a lavender sleeping shirt and mint green sleeping shorts.

"Hmm…. Sweetie, where are you going?" Moaned Belfast who was in between sleep and awake.

"Didn't mean to wake you. I'm just getting a glass of water then I'll be back," she spoke softly, seeing the maid's sleepy face produce a tired pout.

"Do hurry back or else your pillow will be my prisoner for the night," she said while hugging it tightly.

She nodded and stepped out of the room. She then tiptoed, trying to keep her activity quiet as a courtesy to the others in the suite. She grabbed her water and leaned against the sink. Her curious purple eyes went upward and noticed that the balcony light was on. "What the…?"

Her curiosity was high, and she walked across the dark living room to open the door. The sounds of something being shaved off perked her ears and she spotted the silver-haired woman; her back turned

away from her and sitting on a chair. She wore a black coat, fitting for the windy air that night, and had on red wool sleeping pants.

"Eugen…"

A soft fright filled the balcony and the Iron Blood turned quickly toward her. "Enterprise?! Jeez, you certainly live up to your name of being a ghost," she humorlessly spoke while trying to calm her steady heart.

Enterprise frowned. "I just opened the door because the lights were on. Whatever… you were doing, seemed to have grabbed your attention to not notice my steps get closer."

"I see." She embarrassingly responded.

"What are you doing out here?" Asked the white-haired woman.

"Eh!? I... was restless and couldn't sleep, so getting some fresh air was an obvious choice."

The Eagle Union turned her head and gazed at the beautiful moon that faintly illuminated the dark mountain range in the misty distance. "Wow… um… can I join you?"

"S-Sure," replied the Iron blood, hurriedly putting whatever she had been doing back in her bag that rested on the outside table.

Once Enterprise had her fill with the quiet night sky, she glanced at the Iron Blood who had been holding her bag and gazing straightforward in silence. "Hey, is there any bad blood between us?"

Eugen widened her eyes and scoffed. "No."

"No...? Well, you get to the point of things," sarcastically stated the archer.

A chuckle then sounded from the Iron Blood. "Enterprise, that's just my nature. We all have different ways of expressing ourselves. I, like to mess with people that I'm fond of. If you don't see me messing with them then that's when you should be worried."

"What about Cleveland and Helena?"

She allowed herself to humorously laugh. "Helena… is too precious and sensitive to try and playfully mess with. I'm aware that she might lack our tougher skin and grow depressed from my teasing. I am Iron Blood but I'm not that tactless," she ended it off with a side glance and a slight smirk.

"Oh, I see. Well, I'm flattered that you... treat me like that?" She didn't know what to make of what was revealed yet did enjoy finding out that Eugen had agreeable morals and there was truly no malice between them.

"Hmph, we're very much alike, Enterprise. We used to be serious ships that took work as the be-all-end-all. Then a couple of royals walked into our lives and made us see through our shallow existence."

Enterprise let her jaw hang slightly as that statement hit her like a sea mine. She never noticed that Eugen's past had been so similar to hers. "Hey, what are your plans for the future?" She asked with a blush on her face.

"Why?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No real reason. I'm just curious. The Sirens are gone so there's going to be a lot of things changing. Who knows what the future holds?" She said with a despondent look to her eyes.

"Hmph, well the future can wait. Isn't that why we are here? In this heavenly slice of obscure life in this corner of the world where no one would think to find us. Be honest, did you use any perks from your nation or the Eagle Union to be able to pay for this place?"

Enterprise's stern eyes reignited. "No... I ran personal commissions and escorts to be able to gather the funds. I wanted to treat my girlfriend with the fruits of my own strength, and I didn't want them to have a paper trail to lead back to this place. This is me being selfish and wanting a blissful week uninterrupted."

"Hmm... good answer and very romantic. We're birds of a feather. And besides, my question was rhetorical as we all could have paid for our own suite if that were the case. Wales could have paid for all of this herself, but she also understood how important this was for me."

"You both combined your money?" Asked Enterprise.

"Did you?" She brazenly smiled toward the Eagle Union.

The Eagle Union released a suppressed laugh. "No, I insisted that I wanted to pay for it and Belfast... allowed me that victory."

Eugen grinned at her that felt honest. "Birds of a feather. Wales... also allowed me that victory. I ran personal commissions and escorts to get the funds as well."

"I see. I'm sure it's the same for Cleveland and Helena," playfully smiled the Eagle Union.

Eugen joined her and stood up to gaze at the night's misty scenery. "They make a lovely couple."

"Yeah, they do," replied Enterprise.

Eugen grabbed the bag and analyzed the Eagle Union. The fact that the archer hadn't asked her what was inside the bag made her trust in her rise. "Well, nice chatting with you, Enterprise. Sleep is finally calling and I'm off to bed or else Wales gets a bit panicky when I'm not by her side." Whether that was a joke or not was left a mystery.

Agreeing with needing to go back to bed, she was about to walk back in when in the corner of her eye, she spotted soap shavings underneath the chair. "What a weird hobby, but I guess I'm not one to judge." She came to her conclusions and walked away.

The next day was Valentine's Day eve, to put it in a more romantic sense, and it was also the first official day of their vacation. Enterprise awoke first before Belfast and began a day that she thought would be a nice learning experience to getting to know the Sublime Echo Resort.

Their first location after they had breakfast was to check out the famous hot spring baths. Upon getting there, her luck felt high as they were the only ones in the all-girls section. They both smiled, their towels the only thing covering their bodies. Once they had fully put themselves in the heated and relaxing water, the other two couples came from different entrances.

There weren't any words to describe the stupefied expression on Enterprise's face upon seeing the other women. The bath lost its appeal, growing into a chattering mess. It was worth noting that Eugen, Enterprise, and Helena didn't interact much from the overall six.

Regardless of the first failed event on her day plans, she soldiered on from the less than stellar hot springs and surprised Belfast with a picnic basket she had made early in the morning. They walked through the Echo Garden of the resort adjacent to the forest and, lo and behold, the other Eagle Union couple and the Iron Blood/Royal Navy couple were there with their baskets. Enterprise grew stilted at the fact the other two couples unquestionably purchased their supplies in the morning. As she didn't see anything that hinted at their plans in the suite room. They didn't eat together, yet they all were within eyesight range as the garden, though immaculate, was still too small for Enterprise's liking.

Belfast started to grow sad from her girlfriend's plans continuously getting intercepted and suggested to head to the forest where the Echo Lake resided for some fishing. The archer brightened at her girlfriend's wonderful idea. They took a trip to Echo tackle and bait shop. There, they received the necessary equipment. Belfast smiled happily as her girlfriend took her by the hand and raced to the beckoning lake.

The maid's eyes quickly widened when she spotted the other couples in their respective fishing deck, very close to each other. The head maid sighed quietly, starting to understand Enterprise's growing frustrations.

Night had come again, and Enterprise defeatedly surrendered to the chaos of today. The next event was expected to have the other two couples joining them as it was the Echo ballroom as well. In everyone's defense, they weren't the only three couples in there. The allure of excellent music like classical and jazz, along with a dreamy atmosphere full of magic made this pastime a very desirable one.

The music swirled and danced around them as they were in the center of the dance stage. Enterprise appeared with an elegant black dress that left a tasteful amount of her cleavage visible.

Belfast dreamily gazed into her partner's purple eyes, wearing a midnight blue dress that also revealed a tasteful amount of cleavage. She was hypnotically swayed by her partner's unwavering control over their dance. "My love… when did you learn to tango?" Bewilderedly stated the head maid.

"I have my moments of downtime. Are you pleasantly surprised or pleasantly surprised?" Whispered the Eagle Union into her ear.

"Hmm, both. But…" She playfully pushed her back with a light hand. "… who was your dance partner?" Her eyes grew adorably jealous.

The archer stiffened, knowing that she was walking into a proverbial sea mine with that question. "Umm… there was your sister who taught me the fundamentals, and I had Hornet help me out when it was just the two of us," she said, her face red.

"Oh… well, I don't know whether to thank her or be on guard," she said with a raised eyebrow.

"Bel, you know that I have only eyes for you, right?" She told her with a nervous laugh. She wanted to say more, like how she saw Edinburgh like a sister more, but that might give off alarms.

"Hehe, good answer. Now tell me how Hornet felt about dancing with her sister?" She giggled softly at the idea of the two Yorktown carriers trying to tango."

"Dizzy," she said honestly.

The Royal maid laughed as her back arched downward when Enterprise lowered her down during the final moments of the song. Her body then moved upward and gripped her lover tightly, admittedly afraid that her balance would fail. This was the part where they would share a passionate kiss. However, another song quickly replaced the one that just ended, and the crowd around them grew rowdy, and not because of them.

One other woman ended up carelessly bumping into Belfast who would have fallen if it weren't for her lover's quick eyes and quicker hands.

Prinz Eugen and Prince of Wales had incited the other dancers into a fit of wild energy. The Iron Blood wore an alluring black dress, and the Royal Navy wore a pure white dress that complemented her lover. They both ushered a new level of intimate dancing that many in the crowd were shouting how elegant and professionally legendary they appeared.

Belfast worriedly gazed into her lover's eyes, seeing an endless ocean of frustration and resentment from her lover as they stared at the other couple. "Enterprise, let's get some fresh air," she tenderly tried to gain her attention back. They hurried to a door in the back and went up a few stairs where they ended up on the roof.

"Are you alright? That inconsiderate woman knocked you off your balance," she said, silently fuming.

"Hey, it's alright. I've been pushed a lot harder by the Sirens," she factually stated.

"Sorry, it's just… all day we haven't had any alone time."

"We seem to be alone right now," she seductively stated to her Eagle Union lover. "The night is beautiful for some stargazing."

Before Enterprise could agree, a hurried fit of giggles invaded their moment. A blonde, handsomely dressed in dark blue dress pants, dark blue vest, black tie, and a white dress shirt came through the door with their lover. The blue-haired lover was dressed in a white skirt and dark blue short dress. They had unknowingly barged through the door as they had their hands all over each other. The blonde forced a half fright through her moan from their connected lips when she spotted the other couple. "Ah! S-Sorry! We didn't know you guys came here!"

"We thought you both had returned to the suite room, and we didn't want to bother you," apologetically shouted Helena.

Again, the Eagle Union and Royal Navy couple couldn't get a word in when Eugen and Wales unexpectedly joined the undesired rooftop meeting.

"Oh! Pardon, we thought no one was here," replied the blonde Royal Navy.

A disgruntled sound fired off from the archer. "Yeah… that statement seems to be a running theme all day," she angrily stated while walking past both couples.

Belfast defeatedly closed her eyes and hung her head.

With the day concluded, Belfast and Enterprise found themselves back in their bedroom; a place where no one had the authority to disturb them.

"What the heck. Did today really just happen?" The archer stepped out of the bathroom, now dressed in a sleeping shirt and sweatpants. "Brr… it's getting chilly up here in the mountains," she commented, feeling the urge to change the thermostat in the living room but not wanting to deal with anyone else right now.

The head maid wore a silk lace nightgown, showing her lovely figure to her girlfriend while lifting the bedsheet for her aside. An inviting finger to the carrier and a pat where her side of the bed was located was all that the Eagle Union needed. "That or we're both collectively losing our minds," she joked somberly which didn't bring relief to the archer.

"It's just frustrating." She got into the covers and placed her hands behind her head.

"I know, dear. It would have been rude to tell them to leave. I'm sure they were trying their hardest to not run into us. Miss Eugen's face throughout the day looked like she was ready to murder someone."

"She wasn't the only one," muttered the carrier under her breath.

"Here, no reason to end the night on a sour note. Let's watch a thrilling movie before bed. They won't be interrupting us in here."

"I'd like that," softly spoke the archer with a relaxed breath. She received a kiss on the cheek that elevated all her heartache accumulated that day.

"I promise you that tomorrow will be better." The maid loaded up a random horror movie from a streaming app.

An unspoken resolve seeded into her heart. Tomorrow would be Valentine's Day and she was dead set to not have a repeat of the events of today. She couldn't… for the sake of her plan. "Everything needs to be perfect," she told herself.

"What was that?" Said the maid when she cuddled close to her partner.

"N-Nothing."

The day had arrived, Valentine's Day. While everyone slept, the Manjuu had decorated the walls of the Sublime Echo Resort with hearts, cupids, and other affection-like aesthetics.

All three couples had gone down to check out the breakfast service of the day. Within the main resort lounge, an accommodative breakfast was always implemented for guests that were early risers. However, the breakfast spread for today was especially exquisite as its theme was Valentine's Day. Meaning that desserts were made from red fruits, and chocolate was abundant.

All six of them decided to sit together… or more like, through the mysterious hand of fate, they could only find one available table.

The blue-haired Eagle Union wore a long sleeve dark red shirt with a pale red long skirt. Red butterflies were adorned on the pale red skirt that earned her a lot of approving gazes from passers. "Cleve, you have to try these banana and strawberry pancakes!" Helena sliced a triple stack and hungrily shoved it into her mouth.

Her partner needed no persuasion on that front. It was worth noting that Cleveland had a simple design, having ripped blue jeans, a long-sleeve white shirt with a giant heart in the middle, and a red jacket.

"This is all so very lovely." Wales had grabbed a plate full of strawberry cheesecake crepes and a cup of Valentine's Day tea, a blend of chocolate black tea with pink rosebuds. She wore white shoes, a black fitted skirt, a loose red/white shirt, and a long pale red coat.

Belfast had the tea of the day like Wales. She wore red sneakers, a black skirt, and a red polka-dotted top. The plate before her consisted of two small croissants and two heart-shaped eggs, along with a small bowl of oatmeal with the cinnamon sprinkled into the shape of a heart.

Everything went naturally for the next ten minutes.

Belfast elegantly cleaned her mouth and finished her tea. "I must use the cloakroom," said Belfast respectfully.

Wales cleaned her plate hastily and wiped her mouth just as quickly. "Oh, allow me to join you. I need to powder my nose," she said while removing her coat and pulling out a small pink case.

Helena, cutely shifted her head left and right, wondering what words they had strung up to sound coherent.

"I think they mean the restroom," said Cleveland with a hand near her mouth to muffle it so only they could hear.

The blue-haired woman looked at her lover with sparkles in her eyes. "Ah... sweetie, you never surprise me with how knowledgeable you are. I'll join you both! In the cloakroom." She didn't have to go but suddenly felt the urge to be a part of this elegant means of word usage.

Wales and Belfast acknowledged her with a friendly nod and were happy that she didn't shout the last part.

"Say, Belfast. What was that wonderful lipstick you used last night?" Asked Wales casually.

"Only if you tell me that lovely aroma-induced perfume you used," the head maid responded.

Wales laughed. "It's a done deal. Oh, and by the way, Helena. That flowery dress you had on was absolutely radiant."

"T-Thank you," shyly said the Eagle Union.

Cleveland watched them leave with a smile on her face. "It's good to see them enjoying themselves... uh?" Her uneasiness activated when she turned back to the table and an oppressive air descended upon them.

In one corner, Enterprise stared at Eugen, her black coffee touching her lips now and then. The Eagle Union carrier had black pants with white polka-dots, a vibrant red blouse, and a white coat.

Eugen watched Enterprise with assassin-like eyes and a relaxed body. The Iron Blood wore black knee-high boots, dark blue jeans, a red blouse, and a gray coat. She held in her hand the bottom part of a whole bagel without any spread on it, as If merely going through the motions of eating. It was verified when the Iron Blood took a resentful bite without breaking eye contact with the Eagle Union and she lethargically chewed.

The tension in the air could have been cut by a blade from a Sakura Empire ship. Heck, the blonde wished there was someone with that specific match to help cancel the heavy looks from the other women. "Hey, Ent... you should try these heart-shaped bacon strips." She pushed a plate toward her friend.

"I'm building my appetite," she tried and failed to sound convincing.

"Well... that coffee looks bitter, we got some nice exotic creams and sugars here." She pushed a small tray toward her.

"I like it bitter," she flatly proclaimed, her eyes never looking away from Eugen.

Cleveland started to sweat from the intense aura of her friend. Clearing her throat, she turned to the Iron Blood. "I see. E-Eugen... you should try the ham and cheese spread or the honey cream spread."

"I'm on a diet," she tried and failed to sound convincing.

Their titanic staring contest ended when Enterprise slammed her coffee down and Eugen indifferently dropped the remains of the bagel on her plate.

"We need to talk!" They both stood up with equal amounts of determination.

They faltered a bit by the synchronized declaration, yet it wasn't enough to dispel what they had on their minds.

Enterprise furrowed her brows. "Eugen... yesterday was a real twilight zone of a day."

"Ha... I would tease you on that reference, but it would reflect poorly on me for understanding that reference. I'll get serious and ask why you were following us everywhere we went."

The archer gritted her teeth. "We!? You were all the ones that were following Belfast and me."

Cleveland raised her hand to get their attention. "Umm… I wasn't following anyone. It looks like we all had the exact ideas."

"Khh... it doesn't matter anymore. I need to know what you are all doing today!" Declared the white-haired Eagle Union.

The Iron Blood raised a murderous eyebrow. "Like hell, I need to tell you anything. Today's a special day after all and I won't let it be ruined by you both getting in the way."

"Eugen, that's a bit uncalled for. We aren't trying to get in each other's way!" Pleaded the blonde who felt like the necessary mediator between them.

Enterprise dryly spoke. "Funny, today is a special day for me. It's the day that Belfast and I became a couple a year ago."

"Aww, where's the nearest violin for me to play? Wales and I have been together for two years—that includes the months we were trying to push what we were feeling away." Her heart grew warm for a second, remembering that their relationship had formed long before they had even become an official couple.

Enterprise remained steadfast. "Hmph… this day is important to me, dammit."

Their commotion had caused some of the nearby guests to peer over to them. Cleveland stood up, her face determined to get them under control before they found themselves thrown out—if lucky, only from the lounge. "Girls, let's not quantify our level of love based on who's been together longer. Let's all sit down now."

Eugen pridefully smirked at the little Eagle Union who, in her mind, was only celebrating an anniversary. "I bet it's not as important as mine." She reached into her pocket and held something tightly.

Enterprise challenged her insulting words and held something from within her pocket. She fired off a decisive and cold stare toward the Iron Blood. "Nothing is as important as my goal for today."

"Ent, that's low-key savage." The blonde placed a hand on her head, feeling a headache coming in.

Eugen puffed her cheeks, and her anger made her silver-hair rise slightly. "Fine. Gaze upon your blunder you naive Eagle Union!"

"Pfft, it's over!" Declared Enterprise as she knew her resolve and goal were stronger.

Their hands pulled out from their pockets and extended them out toward each other. A pregnant silence filled the table with both fired-up women looking at what the other had in their hands.

"Ack… huh?!" They both choked, along with a set of stupefied gazes. In their hands, a white ring box rested on Enterprise's hand and a red ring box rested in Eugen's hand.

Cleveland joined their shocked expressions as she looked at the boxes at eye level.

The Iron Blood, feeling embarrassed and flustered, masked her emotions with her humor. "Oh, Enterprise... this is so sudden, may I have a day to think it over?"

Enterprise widened her eyes and quickly put her box away. "S-Shut up! You... too?!"

Eugen sighed and put her box back into her jacket. "Don't act so shocked. This is the natural course of things. She's my everything after all. I'm not even half the woman when she's away from me." She calmed her anger and sat back down.

They both turned when they heard the blonde chuckle. "Hehe, I'm a little left out all of a sudden but..." She quietly rubbed the back of her head and reached into her pocket, pulling out a blue ring box.

"You too?!" They both cried.

"Well yeah... I love her. I made a promise to myself that once the Sirens were dealt with, I'll do right by her and propose. Looks like we all wanted a romantic setting like this to pop the question."

Enterprise hanged her head.

Eugen also looked down, feeling guilt as she had been inadvertently bashing on Cleveland's sense of love too. "I... could have paid for this trip myself when Wales told me about it… if it wasn't for the ring that is. Most of my funds were put into it as I thought sharing my getaway with a few Royals wouldn't have been a problem. But it was you in the end, who can read me like a book and know what I'm thinking."

Enterprise looked up at her. "I don't know what you're thinking. Our thoughts just happen to intercept… if only briefly."

"Hmm..." That was the only response she got from the silver-haired.

She decided to be more open with the Iron Blood. "Same here, Eugen. This place... could have been paid for fully if it wasn't for the ring, but the ring is one of two reasons I wanted to come here, and they're both interconnected."

Cleveland agreed with a head nod. "Yeah, I can understand that. Looks like we're all in the same boat here. We would've had a ring but lacked the perfect place to pop the question. We didn't know it, but we all helped support our similar desire."

Enterprise looked at Eugen and they both impulsively smiled at each other with how heartwarming the blonde spun it with wonderful words.

"I'm taking her to Echo's bar-restaurant and then to Echo Lake after that... I won't say anything more than that," she said with a red blush on her face.

Enterprise smiled. "I understand, thank you… and, sorry about the way I acted. My love is indeed important but—"

"Please don't finish that sentence. I accept your apology and in turn, I apologize to you. However, never think that your love is lesser than others. Never forget that your promise imbued in that ring is eternal. You'll be selfish in the end to your future wife if you accept anything lesser than the love you both have as the best."

"I agree… but maybe using it to start fights should be a no-go," said Cleveland.

"Fair point," softly giggled Eugen, understanding that her words had a sharpness to them.

Enterprise didn't pay attention to their retorts. "W-Wife…" Enterprise's eyes softened and a smile that lived within the near future warmed her heart. "Right." She came back to reality and smiled at both.

Cleveland grinned happily with seeing the other two finding common ground. "I'm taking Helena hiking. Being around nature feels like the perfect calm and best way to ask her the question."

"Yeah, she'll love that," said Enterprise.

"And you...?" Asked Eugen.

The white-haired woman swallowed. "I... haven't decided. I've been too motivated in trying to find out what you were all going to do today."

"Pfft, well I guess I can't say much on that," replied the Iron Blood.

"How about horseback riding?" Suggested Cleveland.

"Hehe, that might be a bit cheesy and distracting," replied Enterprise.

Eugen leaned forward, an idea shining in her mind. "Ah, the archery activity, they have one here. Imagine instructing your lover in the art of archery while you guide her quivering arms with yours."

Enterprise laughed contently. "I've never seen Belfast quiver before anything. Besides... if I wanted to teach her, I can do it back on base. I'm here to get away from all that including my archery skills."

"Hmm... I'm sure you'll think of something." Eugen leaned on her chair with a friendly smile.

"It's good that we didn't show the rings to each other. Their first appearance should be seen by the one who will accept it," said Cleveland.

"We're back!" Helena, Wales, and Belfast returned, none the wiser about the tense drama that transpired.

"Enterprise, have some bacon and eggs already," urged the maid with a steadfast look, pushing a plate full toward the Eagle Union.

"Eugen, don't think I haven't noticed you nursing that sad-looking bagel," stated the blonde royal as she pushed mini sausages and eggs toward her partner.

Enterprise and Eugen flinched and looked down at their plates. "Y-Yes..." They both earned a smile from their partner and began to eat.

(Belfast/Enterprise)

Sometime had gone by since their enlightening breakfast. The sun stood bright and the mist that surrounded the Sublime Echo Resort dissipated, leaving a clear day for them.

The Eagle Union archer placed a golf ball on a tee, her focus completely lasered in. She readied her golf club, enticing the ball with light swings back and forth. She glanced at her partner, who encouraged her with a smile. "Here we go!" She pulled back and hit the ball, causing the hit to echo across the mountain landscape in the distance.

Rapid claps came from behind her after that. "Great shot!"

Feeling prideful, Enterprise rested the golf club on her shoulder. "It's a bit more complicated than it looks."

Belfast cocked her head playfully and nodded to the statement. "My turn." The maid produced a golf ball from her hands and gingerly inserted it on top of the tee. A focused squint cast across the maid's eyes and she raised her club.

Enterprise stood captivated by the form and grace of her girlfriend who showed no hints of hesitation. The ball launched from the tee, flying like a magnet toward the greenest part of the field, and rolled dangerously close to the rim of the hole. "Oh… darn." She hardly sounded disappointed and turned to face her partner.

Enterprise pulled herself out of her trance and cleared her throat. "Oh... sweetie, are you messing with me?" The tone she used sounded soft and inquisitive.

"A stellar maid must be proficient in many things; this seems to be one of those… unfortunately." Her smile never faded, and she avoided the archer's gaze. Her playful side never failed to make the Eagle Union's heart flutter.

The Royal maid suddenly felt the arms of her lover hug her. "I love it when you act all humble when you brag."

Belfast relaxed into her hug and kissed her on the lips, her way of apologizing for playing around with her lover.

A few turns went by with neither of them caring about keeping score and enjoying the activity for what it was. If they were to be asked, they loved it because they were finally alone with each other.

The sun started to make them sweat, making them retreat to the golf car they used to get here. Enterprise lifted a green plaided golf hat, containing a pom-pom at the top, from above her head. She bought it when they rented out the golfing equipment and changed to more suitable clothing for their activity.

She cleared away sweat from her forehead, which was partly from her anxiety to the question that was quickly approaching. Her purple eyes moved toward Belfast, seeing the maid holding herself back from laughing while in mid drink from a water bottle.

The head maid swallowed and controlled her giggles. "Sorry, you look… so different with that hat on."

"I hope my adorable charm is still there," she warmly joked to the maid.

Belfast reassured her with a wink that stirred the Eagle Union with butterflies. "Enterprise, are you hungry?" She asked seriously with a steady breath to the answer.

"Huh? Well… maybe a little." She wasn't hungry as the breakfast from earlier was filling, yet she could tell that the maid desperately wished for her to say yes.

The light cruiser exuded a bright smile, brighter than all the others and like a child's pure smile. From her pocket, she pulled out two chocolate bars, but they weren't any regular bars.

"Are those… chocolate ration bars!? Blurted the Eagle Union with a puzzled look as Belfast and those bars were like oil and water.

The maid looked a bit shy, and her voice also expressed awkwardness. "Yes. Surprise. These bars… I do find them low-quality and a sad reminder of an older time. But last year you chipped away at my dislike for them with your wonderful speech. I hate to say that the old part of you has become a cherished treasure for me, thus making me tolerate these."

"I'm… sorry?" She truly could not pick the right words to respond as Belfast seemed to be somewhere in the middle when it came to these bars. All the meals she skipped that were replaced by those chocolate devils, and when she used them to confess to the maid by using them as Valentine's Day chocolate came rushing back.

"It's not going to be a habit, but I can't deny that they hold equal amounts of positive memories than they do negative." The Royal Navy maid expressed fake reluctance when handing her one.

"Cheers," she joked, unwrapping her bar.

"Cheers," copied the Eagle Union when her bar was unwrapped.

They sat in blissful silence, the sounds of their long mastication causing them to smile at each other with how hard it was to break the chocolate in their mouth.

Enterprise swallowed the rough candy bar and leaned toward the maid. "Sharing chocolate is a pinnacle of any couple." Her words caused the maid to look at her with adoration.

"Yes, it is." Those words brought them both back to their first kiss on that sandy night.

"Which is why I bought these when you weren't looking just before we signed up for golfing." Enterprise pulled out a red and gold box from underneath the side of her seat.

Belfast stopped chewing and her eyes trained on the wording on the box that made her mouth hang loose. "Cherry... cordials?" She muttered weakly and hungrily.

"Yep, cherry-flavored chocolates. You beat me to the punch first, but this is better this way. We can get rid of the taste of those bars with these."

"Yes, please," innocently and joyfully proclaimed the maid. To add detail, she had never told anyone outside her older sister that cherry was her favorite flavor for chocolates. Only Enterprise had the privilege considering the maid lost all self-control when it came to her guilty pleasure. Long and happy moans filled the golf car as the maid reveled in the taste.

A few minutes went by, and the chocolate ration bars remained half-eaten, and the box of chocolate cherry cordials was now at the half endpoint as well. It wasn't a combined effort.

Belfast chewed the one in her mouth while holding another one. She tested her resolve and completely folded by taking the one in her hand toward her mouth. "Okay, you need to put these things away, my love." She pulled out her water and started to drink it quickly.

"I like this side of you. When you let your hair down," said the carrier while eating a cordial.

"It's unbecoming of a lady or a maid," she quickly fired back.

Enterprise swallowed and continued to smile. "But it's you, the side that you let me see when we're alone. I cherish that about you."

Belfast sensually bit the bottom of her lip, her desires clawing from within her heart. She wanted to kiss the Eagle Union but knew that a kiss wouldn't be enough if she did go for it. She wouldn't stop and the fear of the unknown forced her back to reality. "Come, my love, let's finish the game."

Enterprise agreed and stepped out of the golf car. Her breath let out unsteadily and she noticed that her right hand was shaky. Paranoid delusion festered as she quickly reached into her pocket to feel the small ring box. "Phew… still there." She glanced over to the maid who was adjusting the ball on top of the tee.

It was now or never. She loved Belfast, she yearned for her in every sense of the word. Life was colorless without her, and it truly was before she entered her life. She wanted the future she saw before her. With a nervous breath, she first needed to see where they stood about the future. "Belfast, do you ever think of the future?"

The maid looked unfazed by the question and continued her preparations. "From time to time. I much rather live in the present with you and work my way up."

"I see. I... I think about it a lot, especially now that the threat from the Sirens is over. It just feels unnerving." Her anxiety started to rise from her deeply guarded thoughts now rushing out into the open.

Belfast stopped what she was doing and delivered her full attention. "Sweetie...?"

Enterprise rubbed the back of her neck and soldiered on. "It's just... we're weapons in the eyes of the world, one where their purpose has been fulfilled. What will happen to us now?"

The maid's eyes grew soft and understanding. "Enterprise, we're more than just weapons."

"I know it's just..."

"You feel like humans... people… will no longer need us around. Dear, you've been pondering about this for a while, have you?"

"Yeah... I don't want to return to that world, Bel. And I don't know what the world has in store. It's so big, I mean just look at this place."

The maid accepted her lover's woes, yet she had a different perspective on what she heard. "I wouldn't worry about it, dear. You don't seem to keep up with the times, and I'm sure you don't know how much political influence Queen Elizabeth has."

"Huh?" What she was hearing was all new to her and a part of her waited patiently for what the maid had to say.

"I'm not sure how your home country and the Eagle Union do it, but in the Royal Navy, we shipgirls have more sway than just military affairs. Our rights are no different than the citizens of the country." She smiled and turned back to face the golf ball while leaning on the golf club. "Your fear will never be realized but if it ever does happen, I'll just have to pull some strings and give you citizenship with the Royal Navy."

Belfast tensed when her girlfriend closed the distance from behind her and tenderly wrapped her arms around her waist. The maid blushed crimson red for the look her partner had was filled with unrivaled love when she turned her head.

Her girlfriend leaned and whispered to her. "I don't know what the future holds and because of that, I'm terrified. However, without a doubt, I know my place is with you, Bel. Whether it's with the Eagle Union, the Royal Navy, or a far-off country with just the two of us. What I feel for you will never change."

The maid's heartbeat skipped. "Oh my... careful, you keep whispering those sweet nothings and I might lose all sense of how a maid must act," she whispered back with a throaty voice.

"I'm not... opposed to that." She whispered back to Belfast.

They both were blushing, ultimately yearning yet getting cold feet.

"Bel, you are more to me than just my maid, as you always elegantly put it." She turned her around and without pause, she went down on one knee.

The maid's face turned pale, feeling like a mirage had invaded her eyesight. The synapses in her brain fired wildly, telling her that what she was seeing wasn't an illusion.

Anxiety was infused on the archer's face, yet she held an exhilarated half-smile. "Belfast, I want to do right by you. Belfast, the woman that opened my eyes. The woman... that saved my soul with her love." She revealed her white ring box and revealed a singular white diamond, held together by four points. The silver band was infused with a sea of tiny stones that shined an array of rainbow colors from the sun.

"Will you marry me?" She asked the question with fear in her eyes, as this was the point of no return.

Belfast's otherworldly shocked expression slowly started to morph into an unchecked expression of joy. She hadn't said anything yet, but her head nodded hectically without her giving it thought. "Yes..." She slowly let those words release from her mouth, feeling her body become light and her tears start to flow.

Tears of joy began to flow from the archer. Feeling foolish, she waited longer than she cared to admit before pulling the ring from the box and sliding it into its new home upon the delicate finger of her fiancée. "She said yes!" Her joyful shouts tore through the open mountain range and her echo reached far and wide.

"Yes!" Happily shouted the maid as her cries of joy carried throughout the world. It was at this point, that they fully understood why the resort was called the way it was.

"Absolutely sublime," said the maid, closing the distance for their first kiss as more than just girlfriends.

(Cleveland/Helena)

After breakfast, Cleveland and Helena had changed into hiking attire for the blissful trail that waited for them.

The blue-haired woman practically jumped at the idea when her partner had suggested it. The sun shined on them, and it was fortunate that they had hats on to keep them comfortable.

They marched upward with the designated trail that the resort provided, and even a few Manjuu would pop out of bushes and trees with signs if they were to get lost.

They reached the end of their trail with a sign advising them to turn back upon this point.

A chirping caught their attention toward a tree near a high wall of rock. "Wow, a mountain bluebird!" Cried Helena, holding her camera up, and taking a few pictures of the beautiful species of bird.

Cleveland smiled and joined her in the bird watching.

"This place truly is magical. The air is fresh, the view is gorgeous, and there's so much to explore." She gasped in awe when she noticed a waterfall that lay to the corner where the mountain trail became harder to traverse. Despite that, they could technically rest on the rock boulders that went along the waterfall and river.

"Hey, look. We can see the whole resort from up here," said the blonde Eagle Union.

From a great distance, they stood enchanted at how much land the grand, gold and red establishment used up for itself and its numerous activities. A fleeting thought entered her mind, and she silently wished for her friend to find the answer to her question.

"Cleveland, I'm glad we came here."

Her girlfriend's melancholy voice brought her back. "Nah, this was a foregone conclusion. What's a resort trip without a good nature hike?"

Helena frowned and shook her head. "No, that's not it. I'm talking about coming here, the Sublime Echo Resort. I'm sorry if I sounded harsh when you told me about Belfast's idea."

"Huh? Oh, well... hey, we came to a resolution in the end. Not going to lie, if you pushed just a bit more, I would have said no to Belfast."

Helena gazed at her with a mortified expression, not even wanting to entertain a reality like that. "It would have been selfish of us if you did!" She came to understand the errors of her ways from this wonderful vacation experience.

Cleveland could see the passion in her words, and she scratched her cheek. "Don't see it like that. It's not selfish for wanting to be by ourselves at all. Ent had the idea too, and I bet she's eating her words right now."

Helena relaxed her strained eyes and laughed therapeutically. She rested her head on Cleveland's shoulder and dreamily sighed. "It's hard to believe that it's been a whole year since last Valentine's Day."

"Yeah... Helena, thank you for being the one to make the first move."

The blue-haired woman gazed into her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"When you asked me out a week later, I was astonished and proud that the shy Helena would ask me out."

"Stop teasing me. I'm sure I wasn't the first girl to ask you out," she said with a pout. She pulled away and Cleveland suddenly felt cold all over her body. Her partner made her way to one boulder and jumped onto it. The expression she threw from her pink eyes was one of steadfast will, for the next set of words required all her strength. "Besides, did you forget you were the one that gave me those chocolates that were meant for someone else?"

"Umm..." The knight of the sea worriedly shifted in place. She tried and failed to respond at that moment.

"It doesn't take much to put two and two together. Cleve, could I ask you who those were for? Did they say no?" She closed her eyes, hating to think that she was second fiddle to someone else that night that involved Cleveland's heart and those chocolates. Such dark thoughts always invaded her mind in her most private moments. She tensed when warm hands rested on her lap. Upon opening her eyes, she gazed into her partner's red eyes.

"I never gave them to her. I saw her happy, truly happy, with someone else that I couldn't step in. I couldn't... so my love for her was nothing but a crush." She used her momentum and pushed herself on top of the boulder. Their combined persons made it a tight spot. However, she liked it this way as she could place a hand on her girlfriend's cheek. "If you were in her place, I would fight like a demon to get you to notice me."

"Kyaa!" Her blushing face reached levels of discomfort and she unintentionally pushed Cleveland away.

"Ah!" A slam was heard followed by an ouch from the blonde.

"Gwah! Cleveland, I'm so sorry!" She dropped down and lifted the blonde's head, making sure she wasn't bleeding.

"Backpack… broke my fall," she said with a brave smirk, expressing that she was okay to a teary-eyed Eagle Union.

Helena smiled widely and kissed her on the forehead.

"Hehe, this reminds me of the time of our first kiss when Louis and Honolulu caught us in your room. You freaked out and pushed me off the bed. I swear, whoever decided on picking up bowling at that time was really bad timing." She halted her fond reminiscing of memory lane when she felt a curtain of hair dangle above her. The heavenly image of her girlfriend's shy and blushing face made her heart burst with activity.

"S-Sorry. Umm... about what you said about fighting for me, I feel the same." She giggled and lovingly lifted her girlfriend from the gravel-induced ground. "The day after the night that you gave me those chocolates, my sister had to rub my stomach and give me medicine when I ate them all in one sitting."

"You did?!"

"It was the worse tummy ache I ever had, yet I couldn't stop smiling along with all the groans I made."

"Helena, you need to be more careful."

"I never learned how to be careful. If I did, maybe I wouldn't have participated in so many battles." Her smile grew bright like the sun for something that should have only held pure despair for her.

Cleveland stood hypnotized at the woman before her that exuded strength, confidence, and acceptance from the hardship she was forced to endure.

"Cleve, thank you for being... you. When things got dark for me, and I found myself lost and at my breaking point you were always a source of inspiration for me. That's why I love you so much."

"Yeah, same here. I admire how much fighting you had to go through and all the pain that you endured. To have all that responsibility and still have the ability to smile."

Helena giggled. "It's because of you, silly. There was never much to smile before."

Cleveland's half-smile and half-smirk erased from her face, replaced with a devoted seriousness. "Maybe you're right. I want to make it my duty to make sure you never go long without smiling." She reached into her coat pocket until Helena moved away and the timing was lost.

Helena, unknown to what she did, rummaged through her backpack. "Is that so?" She glanced back at Cleveland and pulled a piece of her hair behind her ear, making Cleveland's heart jump. "Then help me finish off these." She pulled a small box of chocolates from her backpack. "It's Valentine's Day chocolate. It might not be your amazing homemade batch, but I want us to share it this time around."

No longer desiring to be around the rough and rocky area of the mountain, they moved back where they were overlooking the Sublime Echo Resort and the nature around it.

She placed the box wrapped in a blue ribbon on her lap and lifted the cover to show a dazzling number of chocolates that all looked unique. "You first, Cleveland."

"Okay…" She raised a hand and hesitated, an idea to make up for her timed-out opportunity earlier hitting her. "Let's make a game about it. I'll close my eyes and pick a random one then you do the same."

"Hehe, you're so playful today—I love it," said Helena with a sweet face.

She closed her eyes and blindly retrieved chocolate from the box. "Okay, got mine." She opened her eyes to see a white chocolate piece with diamond shape caramel patterns.

"You'll like that one, Cleve. I... I wish I could say I made these all myself, but I had Hono and Louis help me. Of course, it's better than the ones I bought at a store last year," she spoke sheepishly.

"Hmmm... so good!" Cried the blonde, while she chewed slower once her second bite ensued.

Helena allowed herself to be proud of her chocolates. Her lips licked and she eagerly lifted her hand. "I guess it's my turn." The eyes of the blue-haired woman closed then, from out of nowhere, another hand grasped hers. "Huh, Cleve, what's going on?" She still had her eyes closed and waited for a response.

"Just giving you a little help. I want you to know that you'll never again feel like you're aimlessly lost and going through life alone."

"Eh!?" Her hand touched something hard and silky in texture. It was bigger than a piece of chocolate. She opened her eyes and stared at a blue ring box, causing her fright to crash in her throat.

"Helena, on my honor as a knight of the sea and my pride as a big sister, I vow to shield you from all harm. I ask you, marry me to grant me that strength to carry out that wish!" She pulled the top up and revealed a white diamond held by four points. The diamond was elegantly cut and surrounded by twisting circular formation strands with smaller stones around said strands. The band itself followed the same twisted formation design all-around. Aside from inside the band, every square centimeter shimmered brilliantly.

Helena released her breath, and her pink eyes grew soft. She touched Cleveland's lowered head and lifted it so they could see each other. "That won't work, Cleveland." She knew she shouldn't, but she let the silence linger painfully longer, only imagining what conclusions her amazing girlfriend was forming. "Hehe, because I'll be the one to protect you. I won't let anyone hurt what makes me happy." She extended her finger toward the blonde. "Cleveland. Yes, I'll marry you!"

The blonde slipped it like a prince perfectly slipping a high heel around their princess's foot. A wide relief basked her from head to toe and she jubilantly jumped for joy. "Yay! She said yes!" Her powerful shouts echoed throughout the sky, hitting surfaces that carried her voice to the world.

Helena marveled at the acoustics of the mountain and decided to try her hand at it. A cheeky glint in her eye flashed and she shouted the words that always made her smile. "Clevebro!"

"Ah! Jeez, now all of the nature in this place knows that nickname." The blonde comedically slumped in embarrassment.

Helena lifted a chocolate and bit half of it with the rest moving it toward her fiancée.

The playful spark returned to the blonde and moved to eat the remaining chocolate. They turned to see the horizon with Cleveland leaning her head on Helena's shoulder

(Prince of Wales/Prinz Eugen)

Eugen waited until the afternoon to set her plan into motion. They sat at a white-cloth table with candles in the middle. They had entered Echo's bar-restaurant with pleasant greetings and were seated next to an amazing window view of the mountains.

"This is nice. Dinner with my girlfriend in this amazing resort in the mountains, away from the rest of the world." Wales spoke dreamily, falling in love with the romanticized tone she imposed in her words.

Eugen lowered the menu and smirked at her partner. "The world tends to find you whether you like it or not. However, even the other people here respect everyone's privacy. It gives me vibes of the Sakura Empire in that regard. Yes, I can see a few lingering looks but only enough to verify their suspicion. This place is indeed unique."

Wales beamed at her lover's positiveness. "Let's just hope that an out of nowhere journalist or paparazzi doesn't ruin the mood."

"Permission to slug them if any show-up?" Declared the Iron Blood.

"No! If you did do that, you wouldn't only be ruining our trip here. Keep in mind that we're in a group… in a manner of speaking."

"Fine, trying to be on my good behavior, my Wales." A Manjuu waiter passed their table and Eugen hooked her arm around its small and fluffy body. "Waiter! Let's start off with two beers and a cup of your best tea," she playfully smirked while shoving a generous tip into its black vest pocket.

"Make those three beers!" Determinedly stated the blonde royal.

Eugen and the Manjuu both looked at her, with the waiter who had been writing things down stopping.

Wales shifted in her seat and a sweatdrop appeared on her face. "W-What?"

Eugen released the Manjuu from her chummy grasp and looked hesitant. "N-Nothing, Wales. It's just… you don't need to impress me."

Wales appeared offended and closed her mouth with discontent. "I'm not, and you know that. I'm a grown woman and if I desire a beer, then I'll have one," she confidently stated.

"V-Very well, Wales. Okay, waiter. I would like to start off by trying a variety of some of your finest wurst, sauerkraut, and dipping. As an Iron Blood, I must test the quality of them," she said with serious eyes and a playful smile.

The Manjuu stood in attention and made a few gestures that expressed its duty to exceed her expectations.

Wales flashed an unknown smile. "Same here. I'll have that and… along with a…"

While the blonde continued with her order, Eugen didn't know what to make of her partner trying to have the same things as her. The beer was the main issue, fearing that Wales would fall like a lightweight before she could pop the question. She didn't want to imagine that Wales might have the mindset to match her in drinking. Any other time, yes, but not tonight. If anything, she needed to keep a close eye on her partner's consumption.

Once their food arrived, they ate while talking about people, places, and odd stories that happened recently.

The wax on the candles reduced, showing the passage of time. Empty glass mugs lined up the table beside them, two on Eugen's side, and one on Wales's side. Of course, they had a refill as Eugen had a full one in her hands and Wales had a full one also.

After they had their main meal, they purchased a chocolate cake in the shape of a heart, crowned with strawberries, for them to eat together while prolonging their amazing dinner.

"… and then my sister freaks out when complimented for the repair work she did on a stove. It was Idiot this and idiot that!" Said Eugen, picking at her side of the cake and collecting a modest portion of it.

Wales laughed freely, her cheeks showing a bit of flushed color to them before sipping from her current beer.

The Iron Blood stealthily furrowed her brows, for this was only the royal's second mug and she was showing signs of hitting her limit.

"Haha, oh my. I bet she was smiling from the compliment once she got back to her room." Wales picked at the cake from her side, the stabs and pokes hardly looking swift or disciplined, and more sluggish.

"Maybe. Her honesty is as flat as her chest." The silver-haired woman raised her mug to her lips and continued to see her girlfriend's flustered face.

"D-Don't… give her a hard time. She's sweet, I know she is… she's family after all. T-The last time I saw her, she lectured me on my garden work and proceeded to help me without… complaint. She did leave quickly… when the work was done and I couldn't even thank her," she finished with a hiccup.

"Y-You never mentioned that," said the Iron Blood. In truth, her older sister, Admiral Hipper, was very vocal about how much she despised Wales, and for them to have had any encounter of chumminess was an oddity.

The blonde royal raised her mug over her mouth to drink any remnants of liquid. Her mug slammed down, her face showing blissful euphoria. "Oh… must have slipped my mind, love. W-Waiter! Another round… please!"

Eugen blinked a few times in silence. "Wales, you should slow down."

"Oh, come on, it's Valentine's Day, Eugen. Besides… you're one to talk about slowing down. You should be praising me for keeping up with you. Please praise me!" Her voice sounded sad and pathetic which was further reinforced by her drunkenness.

The waiter dashed to Wales's side and handed her request without missing a beat. And just like that, they had retreated.

The blonde raised her mug toward her partner. "To us. Let's get our hair down… and then to bed, my love." She flashed an arousing grin that conveyed more than merely sleeping when it would be time to go to bed.

The silver-haired woman blushed and covered her mouth to not show her displeasure. She had been too lax and now Wales wouldn't be happy if she suddenly cut her off drinks. She needed a way to make her stop on her own. Again, if it was any other time, she would drink her under the table, but she wanted her to be whole in mind for when she asked her the question.

A waiter walked past them with a bottle of wine, and she quickly snatched it from the Manjuu while handing them a nice tip for the trouble. While Wales was distracted with her drink, Eugen switched on her natural charm. "Put it on our bill and here you go, buddy. Sorry, she just agreed to marry me and it's Valentine's Day."

The Manjuu hardly looked bothered and expressed joy toward her good fortune. After accepting the tip, the Manjuu raced back to the kitchen to replenish the bottle they had lost.

"What was that…?" Drunkenly asked the blonde.

"Huh? Oh, nothing." She flashed her a charming smile that didn't work on her partner who had grown immune and seasoned to the Iron Blood's fatal tools in her arsenal. However, she was drunk which meant there was hope.

"Hmm… didn't sound like nothing," she said with a decerning-like eye even though she was drunk.

"Look, I'm taking your advice in stride." There was only one way to get through to her lover and that was to play fire with fire. She just hoped that Wales wasn't too far gone to ultimately be the one to decide when this ended. The bottle connected with her lips, and she began to chug like a wanderer in the desert drinking water.

"Yay! To us!" Yelled Wales.

Wales had finished three beers and with Eugen upping the ante with the wine, they both now felt tipsy.

Music resonated from a stage near the bar, and a Manjuu walked up to a mic stand on the stage. Comedically jumping to adjust it, the Manjuu cleared their throat. "Hello, this is Restaurant manager Manjuu—one of the talking series. Open mic night has officially started. Please come up and share your voice with us while Piano Maestro Manjuu backs you up." The Manjuu on the mic bowed and jumped off the stage.

Eugen quietly observed the stage with the piano Manjuu playing a lovely tune. A drunken smile flashed across the Iron Blood's face. She stood up along with pulling Wales to her feet before the blonde could order a fourth.

"Eugen…?" Moaned the royal, her balance shaky from suddenly being forced upright.

Eugen smirked and tenderly brushed her lover's hair. "I just want you to get… a good view… of what's to come," she vaguely proclaimed with a drunken slur to her voice.

Wales was seated on a barstool and watched her girlfriend hurry over to the stage. "What is she up to? Eh… bartender, one beer please," she casually stated.

"You!" The piano Manjuu flinched when being disrupted from their current playing. The Manjuu nervously spotted Eugen who had sat on the edge of the piano bench.

"Play it, my Manjuu buddy," she slurred her words as the small creature expertly hit the keys on the piano. An upbeat tempo poured out of the keys that made the Iron Blood smile. "Oh, good beat." The mic was retrieved from the stand, and she held it close to her eager lips forming a smirk. "This is the part where we raise the roof—as the Eagle Union girls so colorfully put it." She drunkenly giggled, earning her a wave of giggles from the other patrons.

Wales suddenly grew slightly sober and tense. She glanced at the perverted smiles of all the faceless (Underserving to be remembered by her) men in her line of sight. They all were looking at Eugen… at her Eugen.

The silver-haired woman started to sing—her girlfriend started to sing. When did she know how to sing? She asked herself that question. Sure, the Iron Blood could dance but singing was a whole different beast. Her mouth started to hang with every second that passed.

Eugen sounded like an enchantress versed in the ways of the mic as with every alluring word she produced with those inviting lips, the faceless men grew rowdier. It didn't help that in Eugen's drunken state, the salacious cheers from the men had caused the Iron Blood to blush at them and give them all a blow of the kiss in their direction.

Wales stood mortified, her drunken state cooling off just enough to understand this was a bad situation. The bartender Manjuu finished helping someone and went to her while holding an empty glass mug and pointing to the beer nozzle. She had requested a beer earlier, but her mindset had changed since then.

"N-No, thank you. I think Eugen has had enough for both of us." She grabbed a handful of pretzels that the bartender Manjuu slid toward her in a bowl, and shoved them into her mouth, needing all she could find to help combat the alcohol in her system. After taking a steady breath, she looked at her partner, who had started to invite men on stage with her. She clenched her fists and haphazardly marched forward.

Eugen began to sing vibrantly with the energetic keys of the piano and sensually flirted with the man that was the bravest among the crowd to get up on the stage. While she pulled on the random man from his tie, she made a side glance to see Wales approaching them and secretly smiled between lyrics.

The blonde split them apart and she defensively stood in front of Eugen. "Apologies, everyone, but my… she's had enough to drink and needs to rest," she settled the matter in the most amicable way possible, not wanting to stir more trouble. She turned to her partner, trying to give off her best serious face yet failed since she was also intoxicated. "No more hair down for you—time for bed."

Eugen swung on the balls of her feet; a drunken goofy look plastered on her face. "Okay! Manjuu buddy—play me off!"

The Manjuu upped the intensity of the keys that masked the groans of the crowd.

Outside the bar-restaurant, Wales made Eugen lean more upon her, now showing a side one would see between lovers. "My goodness, your charm to tame the crowd is always a sight to see," she dryly said.

"It's fun to be the life of the party. Wales... I might need some fresh air, though," she slurred over her words nearly tripping.

Wales made a sound of disapproval and worriedly gazed at her partner. "Eugen, we can get fresh air on the balcony to our room."

"No! I need down-to-earth air!" Cried the Iron Blood.

Wales frowned comedically, never expecting Eugen to act like a bratty child when she's drunk. "Fine, really quick then."

The Iron blood extended her arms out and walked forward once they stepped outside to the slowly fading sunset.

She pouted when she noticed the Iron Blood moving toward the forest. "Eugen, there's no shortage of fresh air out here. Don't stumble toward Echo Forest." She moved sluggishly toward her lover.

Eugen's poor movements suddenly grew precise, and her posture was no longer rickety.

The blonde widened her eyes. "What the...?"

The Iron Blood slowly turned her head, and her drunken expression was no longer there. "I wanted to get you to come out here. I hope you can forgive me for the deception, my Wales."

"W-Why?"

Eugen cheekily placed her hands behind her back and cocked her head sideways. "For a canoe ride after our meal."

"For a… canoe ride? Jeez, you could have just told me and walked over here."

"That was supposed to be the plan, but alcoholic delights have a way of altering plans," she said with a smile to the blonde.

Wales suddenly felt small as shame from the last hour started to catch up with her. While shame did plague her, there was also contempt that oozed from her heart. "I should have known better. My concern for you overwritten my knowledge that a few measly beers and half a bottle of wine wouldn't be enough to get you like this. Wait… so you were sober on stage when you did all that?!"

"Sadly, I was. I don't like it when men gawk at me with their unrestrained eyes and the ravenous licking of their lips. But I knew that you would come up to save me if things got dicey. Your kindness is what I love about you."

"I… I… you're lucky I didn't walk away and left you to fend for yourself," she crossed her arms and turned her head sideways.

"Good grief… I have that much faith in you. In honesty, I know how you think, my Wales. When you decided to copy my tastes, I knew that I couldn't say no to you. So, I decided to pretend that I was incredibly drunk and force you to shift to overly protective girlfriend."

Wales's arms faltered and her face showed anguish. That, coupled with the beers she had, made her emotions more sensitive and rawer to what she was already feeling. "Hmm… you know how I think… forgive me, Eugen…" Tears and trembling shoulders intensely developed from the blonde.

"W-Wales?!" She closed the distance and protectively held her close to her, feeling tears hit her chest.

Wales was now full-blown crying as her partner held her with an aura that made the blonde feel as if nothing could hurt her. "I just… I just wanted to feel close to you. I wanted to put myself into your mindset by drinking and eating like you."

Eugen's calm face came undone, and her pained eyes closed. "My royal… aside from my elder sister, you are the closest in my heart." They both looked at each other's reflection inside their lover's eyes and leaned in for a kiss.

The Royal Navy blonde parted from the kiss, her tears looking slightly dryer. "Forgive me for being foolish and insecure. I hate to admit it, but I was ready to drink until the night was nothing but a blur. Thank you for stopping me in your own way," she giggled kindly and softly.

Eugen gently smiled at her. "Are you okay to walk? We can go back to the room if you're feeling tipsy."

Wales could see disappointment carved on the Iron Blood's face yet there was a side that also invoked selflessness. "No, I'm still all here… see." She stood on one foot and balanced herself while hopping. She did that with both feet.

"God, you're adorable," simply stated the Iron Blood.

Wales laughed heartfeltly. "Come, show me that ride."

Eugen nodded and took her by the waist toward the forest. They walked through it for a few minutes until they reached Echo Lake. An undisturbed canoe rested at the shore with a bag and lantern inside.

"You had this all planned out?"

"I did. When we came to fish here yesterday, I fell in love with this place, and I just knew… that this was the place."

"Huh? Place for what?" Questioned the blonde.

The silver-haired woman playfully planted her feet inside the wooden boat. "To show you a deeper side of me, my Wales." She extended her hand out, wanting the blonde to accept it.

Wales got into the canoe and Eugen stepped out to push the wooden boat offshore while jumping in at the last minute. They slowly rowed to the center of the lake as the last remnants of sunshine died out behind the trees.

"We might get in trouble if we stay out here long," added Wales.

"Hmm, time will have to wait for us, my dear." Eugen lit the lantern and placed it next to her before continuing her rowing.

Soon, countless fireflies began to hover across the lake with their glowing bodies adding a pleasant layer of romance to the moment.

"Amazing…" Wales marveled at the insects then her gaze landed on the mountains that she could still make out. "The view is even better out here!"

"That it is." Eugen's gaze did not land on the mountains. No, it remained firmly gazing at the blonde that was bathed by the light of the lantern and the glow of the fireflies around her.

Wales looked at her and blushed while placing a strand of golden hair behind her ear. "Hmm, I never would've imagined that you would have such a tender hand when it comes to navigating the water."

Eugen stopped rowing and raised an eyebrow. "Hehe. Wales, are you making fun of me?"

"I wasn't…"

The Iron Blood placed a finger near her mouth to help silence her laughing. "Kidding. In honesty, I enjoy a leisurely canoe ride like this compared to the... fast-paced speeds of our riggings or even a sports car."

"I never knew," she said with a somber smile.

A wave of understanding ran through the mind of the Iron Blood. "Because this was part of me that I never showed anyone, not even my sister."

"Eugen..." She leaned forward, wishing to be closer to her partner.

The silver-haired woman raised a hand to stop her. "Please, I've mustered the courage within myself after those few beers, eating good quality wursts, and generally amping my mood with a good song. What I need to say is important and you being close will make my brain all mushy… in a good way," she added with a love-induced smile.

"I see..." Replied the blonde with a crestfallen expression. Even her ruby-red eyes seem to lower in vibrancy.

"Wales, my love... we've come a long way since we saw ourselves as enemies. And you've made me feel things that I thought were dead inside. I feel alive when I'm with you. That is why I wish to show you... my hidden side." She rummaged through her bag and accidentally pulled out a bottle of wine.

Wales's expectations plummeted and she failed to force back an inevitable laugh.

Eugen expressed a sweatdrop and moved the wine to her side. "That… was actually for later but… we ended up drinking quite a bit already."

"Being modest, I see," faintly giggled Wales.

"Yes… what a mood breaker after saying stuff like that." She then pulled out a present with an object wrapped inside it. The gift had a red ribbon and was covered with gold paper.

"Oh… you shouldn't have. Now you're making me feel bad for not getting you anything," she said grimly.

"It's alright… you opening it is my present," playfully stated Eugen.

The blonde began to open it and her eyes widened when she gazed into a sculpture of herself in her uniform. "Whoa… this..." She glided a finger across it and noticed that it was made of soap. "Where did you get such an adorable and dorky gift like this."

The lips of the silver-haired stretched into a thin and weary smile. "I made it. With these Iron-like hands," she humbly humiliated herself, expecting that response a mile away.

Wales flinched with panic in her eyes. "What?! F-Forgive me, Eugen! This is truly amazing. The detail… yes, no one looking at mere photos could do such elegant work."

Eugen let out a breath she was unaware of. "You think so? Thank you. It was all done by memory, and I have vast knowledge about every inch of your elegant form."

"Hmph, so do I with you, yet I lack the skill to apply that knowledge to this. You've done this before…"

"I did. Soap sculpting is one of my guilty pleasures. Shaping something plain into a beautiful form relaxes me. I've come to understand that perhaps it's the time and love I put in it that calms me. All I need to worry about are the tools under my command. I hope your opinion of me hasn't changed drastically from revealing one of my guarded hobbies."

The blonde stared at her miniature counterpart. She lowered it and gazed at her girlfriend with remorse. "Eugen… I'm sorry for what I said when we arrived here."

"Wales…?"

"I said that you feel like an enigma at times and that was uncalled for. I know you where it counts. I know the love you have for your older sister, the love you have for your country even though command would throw you against the wolves, and the love that is genuine toward me. Enigma was the wrong word. Inconsistent, I think, is more accurate. You're like that and guarded with the way you show your love to others…"

Wales smiled to herself, feeling foolish that she failed to understand that her girlfriend had not been antagonizing Enterprise. If she was in her shoes, she would have secretly been reeling from the shellshock of finding out Enterprise was a part of their vacation. The fact that she held the identity of the others was careless on her part and she respected Eugen for regaining her balance over the reveal.

"… whether it's harshly teasing those you're fond of, saying the opposite of what you want to say, or being disinterested. However, you tend to be purely honest with me and our love. Maybe you get your indirectness from your sister," she happily giggled.

Eugen recoiled. "Ahem! Well, that one hit close to home," she said with a sad smile.

"Sorry… hehe, soap sculpting. Well, I always did know you were good with your hands." Wales flashed her a blushing grin.

Eugen blushed, understanding the double meaning of what she referenced.

"Regardless, I love it." She gazed deeply into the miniature version of herself and that was when she felt the boat rock gently. Her view was obscured by the sculpture that she failed to notice Eugen intimately close to her.

"Wales…" She spoke seriously with gloomy and unsure eyes. She was also trying her hardest to rest on one knee despite the area in the boat.

"Eugen!" Gasped Wales, her mind searching for a reason to the sudden stance.

"Your words are too kind for me and even if what you say about me is true, it doesn't give me the right to keep this distance I consciously impose. Fast cars, beer, and wurst are all surface-level things that you can find in any Iron Blood ship. Last year on Valentine's Day, I told you that I was there to fully declare myself to you… even then I was inconsistent."

A rage to disprove her lover swelled from within her, and she half-stood up with her hands holding onto Eugen's shoulders. "No, you weren't! When peace between the factions was established, we were attached to the hip. You held me close to you and expressed how much you loved me with a night in my room that I would never forget."

"But I didn't tell you about my hobbies that I knew people would joke, even you. But not anymore, I know that I have a habit of keeping things to myself, that's just how Iron Blood women were taught to act." The Iron blood pulled out a red ring box and Wales suddenly grew still. "Not anymore, not with you. I want to tell you every single thing about me until you understand what I'm thinking!"

An unrelenting wave of emotions was crashing upon the blonde by her lover. Regardless, she accepted her dire and raw emotions as infallible words of love. Her eyes adjusted to the lantern light that painted the ring in Eugen's hands with a haunting glow. The ring housed a brilliant-cut diamond held by four points. Two red stones complemented the sides of the diamond. The ring band was golden but with a thin strip of silver going around at the center. Wales… will you marry me?" She declared with undying love in her eyes.

"Yes… yes!" Her first yes came out weak, but her second yes came out remarkably strong, tearing through the sky and creating an echo.

Eugen giggled yet her tone spelled out relief as she placed the ring around the finger of her fiancée. "Wunderbar, my love!" She happily hugged her, them almost losing balance in the boat. They laughed freely even though their nerves were shot from the almost realized incident.

"I can't wait to tell everyone back home! I guess I should practice calling Hipper my big sister now," she said with a teasing smile.

Eugen worriedly reflected on the possible outburst her sister would do, yet she'll cross that bridge when she must. "Oh, one angrily flat girl is a cakewalk compared to… all of your wonderful sisters." She strained herself when she said wonderful, which earned a pleasant laugh from her fiancée.

"Nonsense. George, York, Howe, and Monarch will accept you… um… just give it time, my Eugen," she happily laughed.

Eugen thanked lady luck as they both had no plans to quickly get back into the resort. No one came to check their sudden loud yells of joy, and they stayed in the middle of the lake for another thirty minutes. When they did return to their room, the others had arrived, all expressing their grand and equally good news.

A bottle of wine was popped in the living room and the three couples conversed about what their future held in store. Regardless of the uncertainty, they all knew that they would tackle the unknown with their significant other along with the bonds of friendship that they forged with this trip.

And done. I have to say, I don't think I'll make another story or chapter this long that's a one-shot any time soon. I did have a lot of fun making this one after being motivated by a fellow fanfic reader. It was a nice change of pace from the slow burn that my main Azur Lane story is going through as the story hasn't reached the point of optimal romance levels just yet—but it will get there.

Big thank you to those that read the story in one sitting. As I go over it, there's more I could have added but it's already long compared to my standards, and do let me know how it went. As Valentine's Day sits on the horizon, I wish you all a happy holiday and see you all in the next story!