Kay x Darjeeling? Hell fricking yeah, it's hella cute imo. That is why I shall write for the two lovely commanders in a more fictional way than they are. I love them both and I think they're adorable, if you don't know the levels of cuteness that they are on, just find images of them and you'll be like "holy shit I ship them so hard". Trust me, you will.
Anyway, enough talk. Majority of this short story will be in Darjeeling's POV because she is best girl and no one can tell me otherwise.
It's the start of the year. The 63rd Sensha-do Tournament has been announced and the teams are training. New tanks are rolling in to replace old ones. Smaller schools are training harder than ever. It'll be an interesting year for sure.
Perhaps even more interesting for a specific commander and her problematically energetic and charismatic friend. It was interesting from the get-go because someone invited the other person out for tea. This was an issue for the commander of St Gloriana Girl's College because she didn't think the commander of Saunders University High School actually liked tea.
Darjeeling believed Kay was more of a coffee person, so when she picked up her phone to see an invitation for tea she pondered the request for probably too long. Seconds turned into minutes and a pale-pink blush was growing on Darjeeling's cheeks. Darjeeling must have read it wrong, maybe Kay asked for tea instead? No, she specifically invited Darjeeling - just Darjeeling for that matter - to go for tea today. There was no reason given, and that made Darjeeling terribly skeptical.
'Why does the commander of Saunders want to invite me out for tea?' The fair-haired commander thought to herself, hovering over the keyboard on her phone, trying to figure out how to reply to her lively friend. A simple 'Yes, that sounds good. What time?' was Darjeeling's response, yet after sending the message she was already overthinking what Kay would take from such a short and thoughtless answer-
Kay replied. Darjeeling placed down the cup of tea that she already had in her hand and took her mobile into both hands. This seemed to be getting serious.
The reply said 'ASAP? Got something to talk about.'
Thankfully, their school ships were harboured next to each other because of a friendly practice match. BC Freedom had already left and so had Jatkosota. Saunders was set to sail within the next two days so there was no rush at the moment. Darjeeling tapped in the next reply, agreeing to Kay's bizarre request, asking where they should meet. Darjeeling, of course, knew all tea shops in the Yokohama area so she was already listing the ones that were closest to the port. Kay sent a reply naming the place, and as Darjeeling had predicted, it was the tea shop that was a two-minute walk into the city.
She didn't complain about Kay's choice because it was a good place to go to. It was very popular with the St Gloriana girls and was one of Darjeeling's favourite places to go to. Maybe Kay knew that already, Darjeeling had probably told her before but she doubted that. Still in her school uniform, Darjeeling didn't know whether to get changed or not, after a long moment she threw the idea of changing out of the window and simply just grabbed her coat. After saying goodbye to Assam and Orange Pekoe, who were in the room with Darjeeling at the time, the blonde commander left with no explanation as to where she was going.
Assam started plotting a spy mission as soon as Darjeeling had left the room, much to the chagrin of Orange Pekoe. Darjeeling made her way off the school ship, and down into the harbour. She messaged Kay that she was a couple of minutes away, and began thinking of the things that Kay could possibly want from her.
Darjeeling walked through the streets and quickly came across the tea shop that Kay had asked to meet at. Looking in through the windows, she spotted a certain bright-blue-eyed girl sitting at a table. Taking hold of the door handle, Darjeeling pushed open the door and a bell rang overhead. The tea shop itself was a few decades old, it was a family cafe that had a Victorian-esque feel to it. Darjeeling didn't have much knowledge of what proper Victorian designs looked and felt like because she's never visited England. That was something she planned on doing once she graduated after this year.
The colour scheme of the tea shop was white and blue, quite similar to St Gloriana's mix of colours. The walls were painted white and the skirting boards were a pale blue. There was an anchor hung up on the right-hand wall, with a plaque underneath it talking about its history. Originally, it was the anchor of the ship that carried the British travelers who established the Girl's College, named after the Faerie Queene 'Gloriana', or more commonly 'Queen Elizabeth I', in a 16th-century novel.
There were a few tables and chairs dotted about the room, and Kay was sitting almost in the exact middle of it all. There were a few other patrons in the tea shop, namely two St Gloriana students and an old couple in the corners. As the bell dinged, it alerted the Saunders commander of Darjeeling's arrival. Kay whipped her head around with a brilliant smile.
"Darj!" She exclaimed, her arms thrown up as if to make herself the centre of attention even more so than she already was. Darjeeling sighed and shook her head to herself.
"Didn't I tell you not to call me that?" The eloquent commander took a seat opposite to the gleaming blonde.
"Yeah, you did," The bright smile on Kay's face never seemed to weaken, her cheekiness was practically shining out of her face. "Anyways, the reason I asked you here was so we could have a friendly chat! It's been a while since it's just been me and you."
"It's never been just you and me, Kay," the tone behind the reply was serious, but it wasn't to be rude. Darjeeling had also wanted to take some time to relax with Kay and the other school commanders, to take some time away from school and Sensha-do. In total honesty, Darjeeling would have preferred it if Maho were here with them too, perhaps even Anchovy and Katyusha too but that could be issues in themselves. The friendship held between Kay, Darjeeling and Maho was quite precious between them all. Yes, Kay was very eccentric and out-going. Yes, Darjeeling found this amusing as her calm and chivalrous personality countered Kay's. Maho is straight-to-the-point and somewhat cold sometimes, but when she takes time with the ones she's close to she's actually quite easygoing and caring.
"Oh yeah... well, this is will be our first then! I just thought we could hang out for a little bit before Saunders departs." Kay rested her chin on her hand and looked into the baby-blues of the other commander. Darjeeling felt a strange, very unfamiliar feeling when Kay smiled at her. Very slightly, her brows furrowed and confusion was setting in.
"Well, what did you have in mind?" Darjeeling pondered the many things they could do whilst in Yokohama, none of the things that were available were things she particularly fancied at this moment.
"Hmm, well we are in a tea shop. Why don't we start off with some tea?" Kay gestured to the whole room the two of them were sitting in.
"Splendid, I am going to assume you know what you will be having?" Darjeeling placed her hands flat on the tabletop, her back straight. She seemed very much like a businesswoman here.
"Hah... yeah... about that. Any suggestions?" Nervously scratching the back of her neck, Kay wore an embarrassed look upon her face.
"I assumed wrong, then. Perhaps trying out a simple, yet delectable tea would be best for you then. I know how you like your coffee so I was quite surprised you invited me out for tea." St Gloriana's commander let out a shallow sigh, her eyes falling down to Kay's hands.
"I just wanted a reason to see you..." Kay stated this clearly, but quiet enough for the other two St Gloriana students to not hear.
"You saw me earlier during the match, did you not?" Darjeeling didn't entirely get the point Kay was trying to show, so she shrugged off the idea.
"Not like that..." Kay's enigmatic smile turned into a flustered smirk.
"I see..." Darjeeling paused, "Earl Grey is probably the tea for you then." Swiftly changing the subject back to tea, Darjeeling resumed her browsing of the numerous flavours. A sense of defeat quickly flashed in Kay's face, but it went unnoticed by Darjeeling.
The two girls ordered their drinks, and they held a discussion about the friendly match they had just an hour ago. The atmosphere was calm, probably because of the aroma of the tea and the shop itself, but both of them were relaxed. Once they had finished their teas, Kay let out a long yawn and a stretch.
"Hey, wanna go for a walk?"
"A walk? Where to?" Darjeeling began stacking the saucers and cups together.
"I dunno, along the waterfront? Naomi said there's a good view around here." Gesturing outside the window, Kay had new-found confidence inside her.
"Did she? Well, I can't say she's wrong. Certainly, I wouldn't mind taking a walk with you Kay."
"Yay! Let's go then, I'll pay for the tea - my treat." Kay winked at Darjeeling with a silly grin.
"You don't have to-" Darjeeling raised a hand to reach out to Kay, but she was fanned away by Kay.
"My treat, Darj. Don't worry about it." Kay smiled warmly at the blonde commander, who was looking guilty for making Kay pay for it.
"If you say so..." Relatively upset, but thankful about the generosity, Darjeeling was already thinking of some way to repay the Saunders commander. Perhaps a sweet treat whilst they go on their walk?
"Let's go then!" Once Kay had paid for their drinks, she proudly led the charge out of the shop, with Darjeeling apologising to the other customers for her friends' crudeness. The couple of blondes decided to head straight along the waterfront. It took a minute or so for either of them to start up a conversation.
"Darj?" Kay looked to Darjeeling's calm countenance.
"Hm? Yes? What's the matter?" A quick reply in the form of another question, Darjeeling raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
"Haha, nothing's the matter. Can I ask you a question?" Kay chuckled nervously to herself.
"You just did, didn't you?" Darjeeling let out that sly comment, with a glaring look in return from the Saunders commander.
"Ha Ha, very funny. But anyway, can I?" A spring found itself in Kay's steps, and there was a slight hint of skipping to it.
"Of course, go right ahead."
"Sweet. What things, other than Sensha-do, do you like doing?"
"Hmm, let's see. I enjoy playing sports, like tennis and badminton. I also like to play games that are based on luck, as well as card games."
"Quite the active girl, aintcha?"
"I do like to keep fit and healthy. I was quite interested in joining my school's tennis club before Sensha-do, but I changed my mind at almost the last minute. I can definitely say that I made the better choice."
"Why do you think that?"
"I probably wouldn't have met so many wonderful people, been to so many places... I wouldn't have met you. That's something I'd rather not think about."
"Awww! Darj! That's so sweet!" Kay suddenly pulled Darjeeling into a tight embrace.
"Don't embarrass me." Although she stayed calm, Darjeeling's voice had a slightly menacing tone to it. With that, Kay gave the girl one last squeeze and let go of her.
"Haha, sorry. Couldn't help myself. What kinda movies do you watch?"
"Movies? I think maybe... documentaries? Perhaps romance or adventure. I'm not really sure, why?"
"Just wondering. Do you have a favourite movie?"
"I don't think so. I do quite like The King's Speech."
"That's a British movie isn't it?"
"It's good, not just because it's British."
"If you say so~"
Darjeeling and Kay finally arrived at the waterfront to the Tokyo/Yokohama bay. The sun was beginning to set and the sky was turning into a perfect mixture of oranges, dark blues, and pinks. Kay leaned side-on to the railings, facing Darjeeling who had her hands wrapped firmly around the handrail. Darjeeling was looking out into the bay, watching the fishing boats and the corporate ships traveling to and fro the ports. So many people, so many lives, so many different reasons for being out here.
St Gloriana's overall commander was captured by the serenity of the bay. The quiet cries of the gulls, and gentle sloshing of the waves on the rocks aided in relaxing both mind and soul. Standing at the waterfront was undeniably something she definitely needed right now. It was an escape from all the drama of school and society. It was only when she looked to her left, she noticed Kay was staring at her, and not the bay as she had been.
When they locked eyes Kay didn't move her gaze. They watched each other for a moment. Then a moment more. The calmness of the bay was alluring, and both girls were melting into a new sense of tranquility. They forgot everything in the moment in which they trapped themselves.
It was just the two of them, at the waterfront. Darjeeling and Kay. Kay must have orchestrated the whole thing, right? It must have all been part of a plan.
"Darjeeling?" Kay ruffled the gentle atmosphere with her voice, yet it didn't break the smooth air. Her voice was soft, filled with care and kindness. Something uncommon for Kay to sound like, but it was for sure appreciated whenever it happened. The recipient of the hushed voice couldn't find a reply, she couldn't find the voice as she was lost in the perfect countenance of the girl that was asking for her attention.
"Y-yes?" Darjeeling uttered a weak attempt at answering the girl before her.
"We're friends, aren't we?"
A more confusing question had never been said before by Kay, and Darjeeling had trouble getting her head around how clear the answer was.
"Of course we are. What gave you an impression of doubt?" Darjeeling shifted her left hand onto Kay's right, softly curling her fingers over it.
"Nothing. I just... I cherish the moments we have together, even if all of them have had other people in them. I want to make memories together with you, Darj. Just you and me. Is that something you could spare some time for?" Darjeeling stared into hopeful blue eyes, they were filled with something more than just a friendship towards the chivalrous girl. Darjeeling noticed the reddened ears and the blush on Kay's cheeks. A second, possibly too late, Darjeeling realised what Kay was referring to.
"You want to make memories... with me?" She asked, she was questioning herself if she was awake, and pinched her skin with her nail on her right hand. Definitely awake. Kay nodded, and took the hand Darjeeling had placed on hers into her own and laced their fingers. Darjeeling's heart began beating faster and she couldn't think rationally.
Was Kay really asking if she could be her girlfriend?
"Come watch a movie with me before I leave. I want our first date to be memorable." Kay's openness would quickly be the death of Darjeeling, if it weren't for Darjeeling being completely on-board with her request already.
"Yes," the Ersatz-British commander blurted out, replying without much thought. The thorough thinking wasn't required, because it was something both parties would totally be ok with. Darjeeling's answer brought a wide smile to Kay's face, causing her to bring her in for another hug. This time, it was a lot warmer, and filled with more care. Darjeeling returned the embrace, resting her head on Kay's shoulder. The jacket smells nice... it smells nice like Kay.
Thus the two commanders, Darjeeling and Kay, would set off towards the cinema. It didn't really matter what was on at the moment, as long as it was relatively interesting it wouldn't be the focus of the rest of the evening. For now, they're just appreciating each other's company. A close, warm attachment that didn't seem to go unnoticed.
"I knew there was something funky going on with Darjeeling earlier!" Exclaimed Assam as she watched her commander and Saunders' commander enter the cinema. Orange Pekoe was dragged along, but did enjoy the silly comments Assam had made during the whole spy mission. It was an interesting experience, and they were both happy for Darjeeling to finally find someone she can hold closer than just a friend.
There will be more! Worry not my lovely children for I shall bring upon thee more cute fluff stuff! I doubt this will ever get into lewd stages, but if it does, then it will only he hinted at and not actually written about. Kay and Darjeeling are cute as fuck and y'all can't say anything to sway me!
Btw, to anyone who reads this and is waiting for a new chapter on my other story : Out of Place and Out of Time is currently on hiatus, I managed to get it to its tenth chapter as a way to separate 'arcs' in a way. The eleventh chapter will be meaty, and won't be coming out for a while now. Don't expect the chapter to come out for another two to three weeks as I will be working on this more than the Jason x Darjeeling fanfic.
Hope you enjoyed this first chapter of the (in my opinion anyway) best ship of GuP. Before y'all start suggesting others, Kay and Darjeeling will always be No.1 for me.
Love you for reading this far, peace out ;3 ~ Kekled