A/N: Quite the fluffy hurt/comfort fic we have here; had fun writing it, so please do enjoy~
Anchor
It was a busy day at Ulithi Anchorage.
Although saying that was a bit misleading; it was always busy at Ulithi Anchorage. A good portion of the Eagle Union's main and supporting fleets were stationed at the atoll, refuelling, rearming, resting – all of them preparing for the coming battles against the Sakura Empire as the war against them continued. Thus far it had been a bloody war, with many losses on both sides, and even though the Eagle Union was ultimately winning... it felt increasingly like a pyrrhic victory by the day as the bodies kept mounting up.
Saratoga gazed up at the blue sky overhead, following a couple lazy clouds as they drifted across the endless blue canvas above. Even though she'd only woken a number of hours ago she felt tired already; battle-fatigue wearing on her mind. It was easy at the start of the war, and with the desire for vengeance pumping through her veins – fuelled by memories of Pearl Harbour – she could maintain her chipper and cheery idol persona even as she guided bombs down onto dying Sakura Empire girls.
But now, after dealing death so many times and seeing it happen so often on her own side... she was tired of it. Worse still was the fact that, bluntly speaking, she was obsolete. The new Essex-class girls along with various new light and escort carriers were far more modern and well-equipped than she herself, and while she did have more experience, there was only so much of a lead that experience could give. Which would perhaps explain why she was finding herself shovelled aside in favour of Essex and her sisters, often relegated to coastal support or patrols and little else. Even here, at Ulithi, she was finding herself acting more as a patrol than an actual war-fighter.
''Hah...'' Saratoga exhaled a quiet breath, tilting her gaze down at the ground in front of her. ''I wonder if you're up there, Lexington...''
Voices distracted Saratoga from her thoughts. From her position atop a large pile of crates waiting to be taken away she spotted the source easily; a cluster of three new Essex-class girls happily meandering down the sandy stretch near her. None paid her much mind, too busy with their own conversations and barely having the sense to side-step a passing Fletcher, chirping an apology and earning one in return.
Saratoga looked away from them, gazing around the atoll. Structures had been set-up to accommodate Ship-Girls and more importantly the war effort, and as such many Ship-Girls were running back-and-forth to rearm hurriedly. She caught sight of North Carolina and lifted a hand in a wave, earning a smile from the blonde Battleship, but when she beckoned her over North Carolina shook her head with an apologetic smile, pointing towards her hull – indicating she was busy doing some repair work.
'Right.' Saratoga lowered her hand. 'Right. Of course.'
She knew North Carolina really did have more important things to do – she was scheduled for a sortie in just a few days and needed to fix some damage to her deck – but the fact she couldn't even stop for a few minutes to speak stung. Just a couple hours ago she had seen San Juan and tried to speak with her too, but the Atlanta-class cruiser had also had to wave her off, too busy grabbing some more ammo before sailing off to regroup with her friends in the field. Everyone else around was a new face; new Destroyers, new carriers, even some new Battleships. All good people, possible friends... but all new.
A lot of the old ones were dead. People who she had spent years fighting alongside, and years prior to the war living alongside.
Shaking her head to dispel the thought Saratoga hopped off the stack of boxes – when she heard the three Essex-class girls speak.
''Think the Sakura will launch an attack here? We're all kinda sitting ducks.''
''Not at all. Given the number of ships here any such attack would be futile – especially with us as an addition. They're low on carriers as it is, they wouldn't risk fighting us in such unfavourable conditions.''
''Yep~'' One of the other girls chirped. ''The best and strongest of the Eagle Union – they don't stand a chance with us here~!''
''Hmhm, right you are. Victory is practically assured now that we've replaced our losses.''
Though the words weren't directed at her Saratoga still flinched a little, lips pursing as she tilted her head away from the three passing girls. She knew it was inevitable in a sense, that you could only retrofit a Ship-Girl so much, but to realise that she really was outdated hurt. The reminder of her lost friends only twisted the unintentional dagger in her heart, nearly making her lose her composure-
-when a firm hand clamped down on her shoulder. Saratoga squeaked, blinking away the wetness that had begun to form in her eyes and gazing up at the tall, silver-haired woman next to her. One that had been with her since the beginning – Enterprise.
''Keep your chin up, Sara.'' Enterprise said quite firmly, squeezing her shoulder. ''Nobody stops working until the stars and stripes are flying over Tokyo.''
The words were spoken louder than necessary, and Saratoga realised why a second later as the three Essex-class girls quietened down before leaving the area, a bit of haste in their steps as they left the two of them alone. Others were still around but they were busy with other things, giving the two carriers some mediocre amount of privacy, aided by the large stack of boxers behind them that hid them from the majority of people.
Enterprise gazed after the three Essex-class girls before looking down at her, a softer, more personal smile shared with her. ''Don't worry about what others say, Saratoga. You're needed just as much as they are.''
''E-Enty...'' Saratoga stubbornly refused to admit there was a bit of a quiver to her voice.
The silver-haired woman didn't point it out either, simply tugging her away from the beach. ''C'mon, lets get some grub. Next transport ship won't arrive for another hour anyway.''
Saratoga drew in a quick breath and nodded, taking Enterprise by the wrist and half-dragging her behind her – giving her a moment to wipe her eyes dry without Enterprise seeing.
X-x-X
Nightfall came at Ulithi Atoll swiftly, but even then the whole base was still up and ambling, the next shift coming in and continuing vital works throughout the night.
The movement helped act as a pleasant background sound for many who had become too accustomed to battle to sleep peacefully in silence; the sound of shells being hefted about and ships leaving port an unorthodox melody. Unfortunately for Saratoga, however, she couldn't find it in her to sleep that night, kept up by restless thoughts that pried into her sleepy mind and kept her thinking, musing, wondering. So soon she left her private room, and went over to Enterprise's.
Clad in just a pair of pale pink pyjamas Saratoga crossed the hallway between their rooms, the hallway otherwise empty and unlit aside from the flashes of bright spotlights that briefly peered through the windows near the end of the hallway. Normally ships of the same class would share the same room, up to a max of four per room... but given neither she nor Enterprise had any sisters left, both got a room to themselves. Simultaneously a blessing, and a curse; able to have both time alone and a safe space, but also having to endure the prospect of returning to an empty room at night, no smiling sisters there to greet them.
Pursing her lips Saratoga chased away the haunting thought, bending the handle in her grip down – opening Enterprise's unlocked door. It opened easily and she stepped inside, gaze running over the thinly-carpeted floor and the concrete walls. The room was just as spartan as when Enterprise had moved into it, not an ounce of memorabilia to be found, but surprisingly there were some gifts. Presents from other ships; she could even see several 'special gifts' given to her by her juniors, some with more than friendship in mind.
To her private delight, all those gifts were put away in the corner. Carefully and respectfully... but still shoved away in the corner, and not presented proudly on a rack or shelf.
Saratoga took her gaze off the pile of gifts, sweeping her eyes past the closet and beside table, and to the single bed at the far wall between two windows – and under the sheets laid a certain silver-haired carrier. A carrier who soon shifted, a sleepy murmur escaping Enterprise as she woke up.
''Mn... Sara...?'' Enterprise groaned softly, one hand rubbing at her eyes.
Saratoga felt guilt pang at her heart, knowing full-well that Enterprise was lacking enough sleep as it was, especially with how many sorties command was making her run... but tonight she couldn't bear to be alone by herself. Something that Enterprise herself seemed to sense, a certain air of alertness coming to her as she sat more upright, eyeing her quiet form with more attention than before.
''Hey.'' Enterprise then spoke in a soft voice. ''You alright?''
''...no.'' Saratoga hated how quietly she said it. ''Can we talk?''
''Sure.'' With a sleepy sigh Enterprise shifted more and pushed the covers off, her legs swinging over the edge of the bed. ''What's up?''
Saratoga approached her long-time companion, their eyes adjusted to the dark enough that they could easily see each other – aided by the flashes of light that occasionally beamed past Enterprise's windows, sending streaks of white light across the upper part of the walls every few moments. At Enterprise's gesture she sat down next to her, quiet for a long few moments as she gathered her cluttered thoughts, before at last she spoke.
''I wanted to thank you for earlier.'' Saratoga began quietly, glancing up at Enterprise. ''For sticking up for me and saying that. I needed that.''
Enterprise's expression became soft. ''Of course. No matter what the new girls say, it's old ones like you and me that were in it from the start. Nobody can take that away from us.''
Saratoga nodded. ''Sometimes I wish we weren't. Those new girls... they're so unburdened, so free of the savageness at the start of the war. They didn't lose their sisters and friends one by one, they didn't see their own sister...''
Saratoga trailed off and eventually fell silent, unable to continue that sentence. Enterprise caringly wrapped an arm around her slim shoulders and hugged her close, the height difference between them tempting Saratoga to lean in more; resting her head against Enterprise's chest. She hadn't noticed it previously but the silver-haired carrier was clad in just a white shirt and underwear, the softness against her cheek telling that the carrier had probably only bothered to remove her shoes, skirt and bra and then just went to sleep in her regular clothes rather than change.
''It's lonely without them.'' Saratoga then murmured, shutting her eyes. ''Without Lex. Without Yorktown and Hornet. Without... without everyone else. I'm surrounded by people yet I... I feel alone.''
A brief pause fell over them, the distant, muted sounds of clattering metal the only sound.
Then Enterprise held her tighter. ''I'm sorry.''
''Huh? What fo-''
''For not making more time for you.'' Enterprise cut her off gently, her free hand sliding down and taking her left hand in it. ''I've... been lonely too, without the others. I thought it best to just try and ignore it, but knowing you feel the same, I feel like I should've spent that time with you, rather than moping about it.''
''You of all people have the right to mope, Enty.'' Saratoga breathed softly, leaning into the carrier's clothed bust, almost able to feel her heartbeat – slow and rhythmic from having just woken up. ''Heck, you shouldn't even be apologising, you dummy...''
Enterprise just smiled and held onto her, pulling her in close. Wanting more Saratoga shifted and wrapped her arms around Enterprise, earning a light blush from Enterprise as the taller woman returned the hug. ''Still, I care about you. You've had my back many times before; I need to have yours more often.''
Saratoga's own cheeks grew pink at that, stirring the emotions within her heart, ones she'd kept carefully contained for months now – held back by the fear of the frightfully inevitable. This was war; there was no time for such feelings, and even if she was to confess them there was a real chance of Enterprise falling in battle and losing her life, no matter how implausible such a thing seemed in her mind.
But Enterprise's words remained in her mind, fuelled by the gentle embrace that chased away her demons, and with a muted gulp Saratoga mustered up the courage to speak. ''How... how much do you care about me?''
Enterprise was quiet, shifting back slightly and prompting Saratoga to lean back a little, their eyes meeting. The pink-haired carrier pursed her lips and didn't break the stare-off, gazing deeply into her companion's eyes as another beam of light swept through the room, briefly illuminating her quiet eyes filled with conflicted emotions. Even with how long they had spent together it was hard to get a solid read on her, a mixture of worry, unease, hope and affection in her eyes.
''A lot.'' Enterprise then said, cupping her cheek with her right hand. ''You... you're someone very special to me, Sara. Someone who I know will have my back, and... and someone I want to see every time I come home.''
Saratoga's heartbeat quickened at the daringly-confessional words, tempting her to shift up onto her knees, both hands coming to rest on Enterprise's shoulders. All it took was a slight lean forwards to push Enterprise down onto the sheets, her long legs tickling against Saratoga's own – soon leaving Saratoga on top of the silver-haired carrier. Their eyes remained locked, even as Saratoga herself dared to lean down, their lips brushing together... until at last they kissed.
It was a slow sort of thing; lips pressing together with gentle intent. They pulled apart practically a second later, low breaths intermingling between their hovering lips – before Saratoga dove down with much more passion; mashing her lips against Enterprise's. The taller woman groaned against her lips and held onto her, kissing her back with inexperienced, but eager desire. Saratoga herself was equally as inexperienced but didn't let that stop her; pouring her pent-up emotions into the lip-lock until her lungs burned for air, eventually forcing her back with a gasp.
''I wanted to do that for months.'' Saratoga confessed, exhaling the words out. ''I was so afraid I'd lose you before I could tell you.''
Enterprise's breathing was soft. ''Tell me what...?''
Both knew what it was, but saying it made it real.
''That I...'' Saratoga swallowed. ''That I love you.''
Enterprise shivered softly at the confession, holding onto her. ''I... I feel the same... never said anything because I wanted to wait until the war was over, but... after Yorktown sunk, I keep of wondering if we'll make it to the end.''
''Of course you will.'' Saratoga murmured back.
''But will you?'' Enterprise quietly retorted, one hand laying on the back of her neck and pulling her down, resting their foreheads together. ''I know you don't have any intentions of keeling over, but... live. Please. Until the end of this war, stay alive. I don't think I could keep fighting if I lose you.''
''I will.''
''Promise me.''
''I promise.'' Saratoga murmured, tilting her head down.
Their lips met in a kiss then, gentle but firm; quiet but full of emotion. Enterprise shifted her hands down to Saratoga's waist, holding her firmly as their lips meshed together – a soft mewl escaping Saratoga in contrast to Enterprise's own low groan. Slowly, almost unconsciously, Enterprise's hands crawled further down her waist until she was caressing her small butt, holding it through her pyjama bottoms. Her mere hold inspired a sense of excitement in Saratoga and she willingly pushed her ass back into Enterprise's hands, tempting her lover to gently grope her small rear, feeling it up.
Paying her back Saratoga's hands slid down to her buttoned-up shirt and starting undoing said buttons, pulling and tugging her shirt open. No bra was present to hide Enterprise's ample chest, allowing Saratoga to admire their rounded shape, far bigger than her own chest and leaving her simultaneously a bit envious, and eager – the latter emotion taking root and tempting her to dive in, taking Enterprise's right nipple into her mouth and sucking.
''A-Ah...!'' Enterprise gasped softly, shuddering. ''Sara...''
Emboldened by the cute sound Saratoga sucked more, looking straight into Enterprise's lavender eyes as she did so. Pursing her lips adorably Enterprise mewled, tilting her head back and sliding both hands down a little more, tugging on her pyjama bottoms. Cheeks turning rosy Saratoga wiggled her butt, helping get her pyjamas down her ass and sliding them down her thighs, ending with them bundled around her knees. Enterprise's hands naturally went back to her ass, palming her bare ass and pulling her against her.
Just feeling Enterprise's fingers on her rear, of sinking into her flesh and squeezing her butt, turned Saratoga on more than she expected – her lips popping off of Enterprise's tit with a shaky mewl. Rather than take the carrier's other nipple into her mouth she opted instead to bury her face into Enterprise's chest fully, kissing her breastbone and the side of her tits, eliciting a shuddering mewl from the silver-haired carrier herself.
Kissing further up Saratoga made her way to her jaw, kissed her chin, and then sealed their lips together in an intimate kiss. ''Mmph~''
The kiss was heated, intimate – passionate. Tentatively Saratoga slipped her tongue out and licked Enterprise's lips, earning a muffled groan from her lover before the silver-haired carrier parted her lips, allowing her tongue to slip into Enterprise's mouth. Moaning shyly Enterprise pushed back with her own tongue, the wet appendage sliding against hers tentatively and tempting Saratoga to curl her tongue under Enterprise's; the two carriers tangling their tongues together with a mutual moan.
At the same time Enterprise slid her right hand off of Saratoga's ass, curving it around under her stomach, her palm pressing against her pelvis. Saratoga's stomach twisted itself into excited knots, anticipation welling within her as she felt Enterprise's lithe fingers creep further down, sliding over her folds – before gently they slid into her pussy. Unable to control her voice Saratoga moaned into her lover's mouth, shuddering as Enterprise started to finger her, sliding the lithe digits in-and-out.
''Mm... ahh, Enty...'' Saratoga moaned into her mouth, pulling her tongue back so she could catch her breath. ''More...''
Enterprise demurely nodded, lips pursing before she pulled her down into another kiss, muffling their mutual moans. The silver-haired carrier inserted a third finger inside her pussy and pumped them all in deep, a slight curl to them as they touched as deep as possible. Saratoga relished the feeling of having new fingers inside her, pleasure shuddering up her spine before it forced stiff, whimpering moans out of her throat, her own hands groping Enterprise's breasts in the meantime; showing how skilled she was with her own finger as she massaged Enterprise's tits.
Wanting to see more of her too Enterprise gave her butt one more squeeze before sliding her hand up, hurriedly tugging and pushing at the hem of her pink pyjama top. Realising what she wanted Saratoga released her boobs and grasped the hem of her top, pulling it up over her head and tossing it aside, leaving her nearly-naked in front of Enterprise, her small but perky breasts laid bare. Enterprise gazed at them with arousing intensity, admiring the small hills tipped with rosy peaks. Something that perhaps contributed in Enterprise sitting upright, both of them ceasing their lewd act long enough for them to adjust their positions.
''A-Ah...!'' Saratoga cried out softly as Enterprise resumed fingering her; pumping her fingers up into her pussy with greater vigour than before.
Trembling Saratoga held onto Enterprise's shoulders, her moans successfully muffled when the silver-haired woman claimed her lips in a deep, heated kiss, stealing her breath away and scissoring her fingers apart intensely. The knowledge that it was Enterprise doing it only made it more exciting for her, leaving her struggling to get enough air into her lungs. A prospect made infinitely harder when Enterprise broke off the kiss and leaned down, taking her left nipple into her mouth and sucking on it, electrifying her nerves with the lewd sensations assaulting her.
Gasping Saratoga started moving her hips, lifting herself up only to impale herself down onto Enterprise's three fingers – intimately feeling the silver-haired carrier curl her fingers, rubbing pleasurable spots within her that she didn't even know existed, pulling moans out of her throat. Still not satisfied with just that Enterprise slid her thumb around for a few moments, soon finding her clit and rubbing it gently, the slightest nudge or rub sending hot jolts through Saratoga's lower half and coaxing sharp, gasping moans out of the petite carrier, her back slowly arching more and more as the heat within her grew hot and tight, like a spring ready to come uncoiled.
''Ah, Enty, ah, yes, a-ah~!'' Saratoga clutched onto her, hugging her tight. ''I- I- Mmyah~!''
With a tight, shaky cry Saratoga orgasmed on Enterprise's fingers, her wet inner walls seizing tight around her fingers even as Enterprise continued pumping her digits into her with feverish intensity. Every little curl or scissoring motion sent bolts of pure pleasure up Saratoga's stomach, her mind white as she simply held onto Enterprise, riding out her amazing climax, savouring the feeling of their bodies pressing together in the heat of it all.
''Ah... oh, ahh...'' Saratoga's hips buckled and jerked as she came down from her high, the blissful fog in her mind retreating. ''Ohh... E-Enty...''
A hand on her cheek tilted her head back – and Saratoga moaned dumbly as Enterprise kissed her, sealing their lips together. Cupping Enterprise's cheeks Saratoga returned the kiss eagerly, moaning into the hot, passionate kiss. Slowly the fingers within her dripping pussy slid out, a shiver twitching through her when she at last left empty. Their lips meshed together, broke apart, and then mashed together again; just losing themselves in an intimate make-out session.
Then they broke apart, panting. Saratoga gazed into Enterprise's lavender eyes for a long moment, before with a bashful smile she shifted backwards, sliding down and out of Enterprise's loving hold – her hands grasping Enterprise's waist and pushing her onto her back. With burning cheeks the silver-haired carrier obliged, leaning back and laying down on the bed, allowing Saratoga to shift between her legs and nudge them further apart with her hands, using that as an excuse to grope the carrier's thighs.
''Mm...'' Laying two fingers on Enterprise's folds she spread her pussy open – and without hesitation her tongue pushed inside.
''Myn~!'' Enterprise clutched onto her her head with both hands, gasping. ''Mn... Sara, ah...''
Blushing at her tone Saratoga curled her tongue slightly, swirling said tongue around in a slow, sensual circle, teasing Enterprise's wet insides. The carrier moaned at the sensation, her back arching slightly as Saratoga pushed her tongue in deeper, curling her tongue and lapping up her sweet honey. Her fingers weren't idle either, her left hand groping Enterprise's thigh whilst her right hand teasingly rubbed at her clit, every little teasing rub or flick making Enterprise purse her lips or gasp out her pent-up breath, quietly squirming against the sheets.
Growing bolder Saratoga started thrusting her tongue more vigorously, tongue-fucking the carrier – before swiftly pulling her tongue out, and instead inserting three fingers all at once. Her fingers were slightly slimmer than Enterprise's but that didn't stop the carrier from feeling the pleasure; slow moans arising from her throat as Saratoga pumped the digits in-and-out, aided when said carrier started to lick her clit with long, wet strokes of her tongue.
''Ah... Mn, Sara...'' Enterprise breathed. ''Keep going... it feels good... please...''
Saratoga kissed her clit. ''Say the magic word~''
Enterprise blushed deeply, a half-smile curling at her lips. ''P... Pretty please...''
Saratoga giggled quietly and pulled her fingers out, replacing it with her tongue once more – lustfully licking the carrier's vaginal walls, her nose pressed flush against her clit. Shaking her head slowly she deliberately rubbed her clit against the sensitive nub, sending twitches and shivers racing through Enterprise's thighs and waist, her moans taking on a deeper, breathier edge as the pleasure got to her, making her screw her eyes shut and vocalise her bliss all the more.
Getting more into it Saratoga worked her tongue more, thrusting it in-and-out whilst shifting both hands lower down, groping Enterprise's ass. Holding onto it she lifted her waist up off the bed slightly, the position making it more exciting as she ate her lover out, tongue tasting her tangy-sweet honey and eliciting particularly shaky moans when her nose brushed against the carrier's clit. That was until she withdrew her tongue, and once again replaced it with three fingers; vigorously pumping all of them into the carrier's slick sex and curling them slightly, reaching new spots within the carrier's core.
''Ah... ahh...!'' The feeling was proving too much for Enterprise; the carrier's breathing becoming shallow and sharp. ''Mn... S-Sara!''
A convulsion jerked through Enterprise, her breath sucked into her lungs as she tensed, on the edge – and Saratoga pushed her over that edge, shoving her tongue back inside her and swirling it around in a lewd circle. Enterprise orgasmed at the feeling alone, not shrieking or screaming, but pursing her lips and convulsing in near-silence, her stilted, rasping gulps of air the only sound as she climaxed powerfully; said orgasm prolonged by the worming tongue inside her.
''Mn... ah...'' Quietly Enterprise gasped, lifting her shoulders off the sheets – only to then flop back down with a soft moan. ''Mm... S-Sara...''
Withdrawing her tongue from the carrier's sex Saratoga shifted up, her cheeks hot as Enterprise cupped them and instantly pulled her into a kiss, muffling their mutual moans as they pressed their bodies together, delighting in their shared warmth. They kissed feverishly, almost frantically; tongues intertwining between their mouths and wrestling as they kissed, muted moans shared between them and audible only for themselves.
Until soon the need to breathe forced them apart, gasping. Burying her face into Enterprise's neck Saratoga wrapped her arms around her newfound lover, screwing her eyes shut and just savouring her, committing her embrace to memory. Enterprise held her back, sharing the sentiment.
''I love you.'' Saratoga mumbled into her neck, squeezing her tighter. ''Don't ever leave me.''
''I won't.'' Enterprise murmured into her pink hair. ''I promise. We'll see the end of this war.''
Saratoga lifted her head out of Enterprise's neck, breathing slowing. ''To the end?''
Enterprise cupped her cheek. ''To the end.''
A kiss sealed the deal for them, both rolling over with a mutual moan as they indulged purely in each other – committing every touch, every gasp, every cry to memory, lest it be their last.
And from that night forth, Saratoga never felt that same loneliness that had previously plagued her, for reasons perhaps apparent.
[END]