-Last Chapter-
Warspite could only let out a weary sigh as a chorus of whispers broke out among the now very interested groups who were all watching the proceedings with various levels of scandalous amusement. From her position, she was forced to realize that the pair actually looked rather intimate from a distance and already she could hear the rumors spreading like wildfire that their Queen had taken on some sort of consort or other such nonsense.
This was going to end poorly...
"B-BAKA WHY ARE YOU SO CLOSE?! B-BACK UP AT ONCE!"
Towards the back of the room, Belfast and Illustrious stood side by side, matching smiles gracing their faces as their Queen began yet another one of her glorious meltdowns. Did they feel a bit bad for their Queen? Yes, in fairness they knew that this was going to haunt the halls with conversations for weeks to come. However, Did they regret their actions?
Absolutely not.
~Present~
"You are doing a great job Naruto, but remember to keep your focus up."
He nodded with a crease in his brow as he dedicated his attention solely to the task before him. Bright blues eyes narrowed in deep concentration while slight beads of sweat dripped down his brow at the tinge of anxiousness that currently gripped his heart.
"Remember it only takes mere seconds to ruin a perfectly good batch of cookies." Belfast lectured but smiled merrily to herself at the utterly adorable face the boy was making as he stirred the doughy mixture he'd created in his tiny bowl. Little splatters of flour and sugar caked his cheeks only adding to the contrast of his serious expression even with such a menial task. "Be firm with the mixing but don't put too much strength into mixing or you'll risk frothing it."
"Hai, firm but gentle..." He repeated, easing up on his stirring and earning a pleased hum from the silver-haired maid who oversaw his efforts while mixing her bowl of soon to be delectable delights. The pair of them moving about the kitchen like a master and her student while Belfast explained the finer points of baking.
Meanwhile, the other maids could only watch on in a mixture of exasperation and bemusement at the increasingly frequent sight of the duo working in the kitchens, Belfast had taken it upon herself to teach the boy how to cook at his request and the two were often seen working up quite a sweat over some new project.
It wasn't all that surprising given how renowned her cooking and baking skills were among the various factions and apparently the boy had quite the sweet tooth so it hadn't taken him much time to seek her out for lessons.
Of course, none of them were particularly bothered at the youth's presence if they were being honest finding his seemingly never-ending curiosity and willingness to help rather endearing. He'd only come into their lives a few weeks ago but already his whiskered visage was a common sight within their ornate halls, often found wandering through their many galleries or out in the gardens just enjoying nature. When he wasn't with Belfast then he was often found in the company of either Illustrious or the Queen who had taken a public stance of reluctance to his attendance.
Rumors, however, suggested that their Queen may have nursed a quiet affection for the boy but none would dare say such things out loud for fear of her wrath. That didn't stop it from becoming a favorite topic of discussion during moments of privacy thought.
"What are you two doing?"
Suffolk and Kent flinched at the sound of the dreaded second in command of their renowned maid service, the only woman who could claim to rival the skills of the head maid herself and the self-appointed enforcer of order. They felt shivers go down their spines as narrowed amber eyes stared them down expectancy with each sending each other looks of fear as they hastily sputtered excuse after excuse before hurriedly taking off down the hall like the devil herself was on their trail.
Not to say that the comparison was entirely inaccurate.
"Tsk… I will have to deal with those two at a later date." She scoffed while stepping into the kitchen, the soft click of her heels echoing off the hard tile flooring announcing her presence to the working pair, two sets of eyes turning to see who'd entered their workspace.
"Sheffy!"
Naruto beamed excitedly at the sight of the short-haired woman and carefully set down his bowl to make his way over to the stone-faced second in command, quickly burying his face into her apron while snaking his arms around her waist in a tight hug. "I missed you, it's been forever..." He chirped through his words were slightly muffled by her dress.
Sheffield merely blinked slowly at the extra addition to her person before carefully removing his arms from her waist and swiftly kneeling, bringing herself to eye level with the young boy. "Naruto, please do not dirty my uniform." She chided sternly while pulling out a handkerchief and gently wiping away the smudges of flour from his cheeks. "And I saw you yesterday, you do not need to exaggerate."
He pouted at her dismissal but did not resist her cleaning efforts allowing her to wipe away the excess sugar dust from his face. he just wished she would be more gentle about it…
"I am not… you only saw me for like five minutes!" He whined before crying out as she pinched his nose between her fingers in annoyance giving him a frosty glare as he struggled to get out of her grip. Comically large tears running down his cheeks as she shook her head from side to side.
"Do not complain, my duties are very important and must be handled promptly." She said dryly not easing up on her punishment until she was sure he'd learned his lesson sufficiently. "If you have time to complain then you can assist me today." She offered.
"Do I have to wear the suit?" He asked tentatively rubbing his sore nostrils as he did so. Seeing that he enjoyed helping out around the dorms some of the girls had commissioned him his own working outfit much to his chagrin but he'd accepted the gift nonetheless out of gratitude for the effort.
He made for an adorable sight but much to their quiet annoyance he rarely donned the uniform if he could help it and to date, only a select few had even caught him wearing it.
"Yes." She droned but there was a slight hint of anticipation in her voice that anyone unfamiliar with her would be hard-pressed to catch. "If you are to work by my side you must be presentable by the standards of her Majesty."
"But it's so stuffy!" He huffed crossing his arms stubbornly. "I like my cloak better…"
"Then you can stay with Belfast and I shall attend to my duties on my own." She said quickly standing and turning on her heel ignoring his pouting face. "If necessary I shall simply get someone else-"
"No! I will help!" He shouted quickly cutting off that line of thought and once more burying his face into her leg to prevent her from walking off without him. "J-Just don't laugh at me when I put it on!" He demanded.
"I will do no such thing but first you will finish your baking with Belfast." She instructed earning a pleased smile from the boy at her reassurance, the wideness of his grin forcing his eyes closed reminding them of a small cat or perhaps a young fox.
Off to the side Bel couldn't help but chuckle at the interaction between the two. For those unfamiliar with the frigid nature of her right hand, they might have regarded her seemingly quick dismissal of his affection as callous but she knew her old friend better than that. The ever so slight quirk of her lips and the softening of her gaze was proof enough that her second in command wasn't nearly as cold as she might first appear.
Their relationship was almost comical given their first meeting...
-Flashback-
"Your Majesty please don't forget you have a meeting with the Commander at three, please do not make any plans for that time slot." Bel noted while calmly pouring her Queen a cup of tea which Elizabeth took gratefully. "Warspite will be here shortly to accompany you as usual.
"Thank you Bel, splendid work as always." Elizabeth nodded in recognition of her efforts and sent her maid a grateful smile for the tea as well as her service.
Bel smiled and bowed in appreciation. "It is the duty of a maid, but as always your praise is far too kind~ " She answered swiftly making her way around the table to gather one of the many arrays of snacks for her Queen.
What would it be today... maybe a nice pair of crepes, or maybe some scones? Her Queen was also fond of tarts so perhaps that would be best. Let it never be said her Majesty lacked options in the snacking department.
Elizabeth sighed contently while sipping her tea, her gaze drifting idly out to her courtyard where she could oversee her subjects going about their duties. Their peaceful faces bringing a warm comfort to her chest, a Queen she may be but she loved her subjects with all her heart.
Not that she would say that to them, they were far too cheeky to deserve such open praise. The image of a very smug and top-heavy carrier coming to mind causing her eye to briefly twitch in annoyance before she brought herself under control.
She would not give that woman even the slightest satisfaction of getting under her skin today.
*Knock, Knock*
Her concentration was then shattered by the sound of polite but firm tapping of knuckles on wood echoed through her chamber causing her to turn her head to the doorway in curiosity, had Warspite arrived earlier than expected?
"May I get the door, your Majesty?" Bel asked easily halting her prior tasks to begin making her way towards the entrance already knowing the answer but protocol dictating that she engage with the redundant question nonetheless.
"Of course."
Bel nodded and with nary a breath of exertion swiftly open the thick mahogany doors allowing their unexpected visitor to step inside, the soft click of her heels accompanied by a soft but still reverential greeting.
"Good afternoon my Queen, Miss Belfast." Sheffield greeted dryly. "Please do forgive my interruption but there is something that requires your immediate attention." She informed her amber eyes shifting between the pair as the head maid and Queen sent their own looks of curiosity towards the silver-haired maid.
Specifically, the wiggling sack that was slung over her shoulder.
"I see…" Elizabeth blinked owlishly at the sight but knew that Sheffield was not one to waste their time with trivial matters. "What is the problem exactly?" She asked unsure if she wanted to know.
"I was doing my usual patrols of the premises, ensuring the other maids had not slacked off in my temporary absence and came across what I believe to be an agent sent to undermine the strength of your Navy." Sheffield explained drawing incredulous looks from the Queen and a concerned glance from Bel. "I was able to subdue the spy and have brought them to you at their behest."
Bel raised a delicate eyebrow at that bit of information. "The agent wished to speak with her Majesty specifically?" She asked finding such a thing highly suspicious. While her Queen held almost absolute power over the Royal Navy it was the Commander who technically outranked her.
It would make much more sense for a spy to wish to see her over their Queen.
Sheffield nodded.
"Yes and while I loathe putting our beloved Queen in any danger the spy was rather amicable to surrendering and so I found it at least reasonable to hear out their request." She explained simply.
"And the sack?..." Elizabeth asked sending very blatant glances at the still moving bundle upon her shoulder. Why had Sheffield not just escorted their intruder here if they had been so willing to surrender themselves?
"..." Sheffield was quiet for a few moments before finally explaining herself.
"Ease of transportation." She reasoned ignoring the deadpanned looks the two sent her way. How was carrying someone easier than having them walk?!
"May I meet this supposed 'spy'" She asked trying hard not to get a migraine at the antics of her subjects. There was nothing wrong with having a few quirks but sometimes things got far too out of hand.
Sheffield nodded and quickly slung the sack over her shoulder before dropping it with a soft thud onto the floor in front of them before quickly pulling out her gun and aiming it squarely at the now shifting.
"Come out and make no sudden moves, you are in the presence of her Majesty." She intoned coldly causing the person within the sack to halt their struggling for a brief moment before at last with some effort a bound and gagged figure slowly emerged from the opening.
One that both Bel and Elizabeth were very familiar with.
"Naruto?!"
-Flashback End-
After quickly freeing the poor boy, who honestly hadn't been all that concerned with his abrupt abduction in the first place, they hastily explained his situation to their comrade who promptly apologized for acting in such haste. Thankfully the blond wasn't one to hold grudges and with the promise of a few snacks and a bit of pampering from all parties involved, including the Queen who demanded they never speak of the incident ever, they had managed to buy his silence.
What they hadn't expected, however, was for him to take such a keen interest in the frosty maid which had led to a week of amusing circumstances of the boy practically stalking Sheffield for hours until the maid had simply had enough of the games and once again held him at gunpoint demanding he state his intentions for following her.
He had naturally floundered a bit at being caught but rather than being intimidated he seemed rather pleased to have her attention. His answer was a bit roundabout but it had boiled down to a simple truth, one that Sheffield hadn't really been expecting upon cornering him.
He honestly just thought she was, in a single word, cool.
More specifically, he admired the way she carried herself, the cold air that seemingly followed in her every step and her no-nonsense way of handling problems was just fascinating to him and he wanted to learn how to be like that so he followed her. She had naturally questioned him as to why he hadn't just approached her directly.
He replied that he wanted to see her more naturally, to try and understand her on his own without help.
She wasn't sure what Sheffield's response was, at the moment the stoic woman had not answered the boy's confession or rather had not done so publicly instead beckoning him to follow after her, away from the prying eyes of onlookers.
Whatever the outcome she could only assume it had turned out positive given the two appeared much closer than before, with Naruto actively seeking her out during his visits and Sheffield's tolerance of his presence during her working hours. She'd also noticed that Sheffield, despite her nearly emotionless facade, was rather protective towards him and often tried to steer him clear of the more… extreme members of their little family.
So long as the two of them were happy that was enough for her but she did admit to feeling an occasional gnawing curiosity to discover the depth of their dynamic. If only to tease her friend from time to time~
"Bel-nee are we going to continue?" He asked breaking her from her thoughts, causing her to blush slightly at having been caught spacing out. She idly wondered if this was how her dear Edinburgh felt, perhaps she would need to be a bit kinder to her sister in the future.
"Ah, sorry~" She quickly made her way back over to finish their lesson. "So after we finish mixing the next step is to…"
For now, though she had a student to teach.
...
"Do I really have to wear the tie?…" He asked quietly, trying his hardest not to cave to his instincts and rip the confining piece of cloth off and toss it out the nearest window. True to her word Sheffield had allowed him to join her in her duties but he would need to present himself in a manner befitting of his temporary position.
A fancy way of saying he was going to need to dress up in this monkey suit.
"Of course." Sheffield said looking over her handiwork while Naruto shifted in place in his new clothing. "To fully appreciate the work of the Royal maids you should naturally introduce yourself to their struggles and procedures." She lectured while quickly straightening out his suit and fixing up the untamed mess that was his hair.
"If you say so." He pouted while looking over at himself in the nearby mirror.
Gone were his usual black cloak and shorts and in their places was a well made all black suit, complete with black tie and polished black dress shoes. Underneath his blazer was a simple white button-up dress shirt that was tucked neatly into his pants. Sheffield had done her best to fix up his hair but to no avail, the spiky mass that was his blond locks simply refusing to be contained by any manner of hair gels or combs so despite his dress he maintained a bit of his wild appearance.
"I look like a penguin." He noted dryly flapping his arms a bit to prove his point and earning a brief chuckle from the amber-eyed woman looking over him. They were in the privacy of Sheffield's room which was the sole reason such a sound was allowed to pass her lips so easily. It was the one place she was comfortable enough to let down her guard.
She had an appearance to maintain after all.
"There is nothing wrong with that." She quipped ignoring the indignant look he sent her way in favor of fixing up her uniform after their little kitchen encounter. "But if it would please you to hear, I think you look very handsome in it." She praised, missing the slight flush of his cheeks at the blunt compliment as she was slightly preoccupied with her own needs.
He'd never been called handsome before.
Quickly composing himself before she could see he decided that if she thought he looked okay then it probably wasn't nearly as bad as he thought. He wondered what Kaga-nee and Akagi-nee would say, would they like his clothes? Maybe he would wear it back later and see what they thought.
If he didn't end up making a mess of them first anyway.
"What are we going to be doing today?" He asked, having spent a fair amount of time in the presence of the Royals, he already had a fair idea of the day to day duties of a maid or butler in his case, but the specifics were not known to him.
"Nothing too difficult." She answered checking herself over one last time in her mirror before turning her attention back to him. "We will simply be making our way through the dorms to ensure that everything is up to standard and offering our aid if need be or requested by her Majesty or her court." She said detailing their duties for the day. Thankfully things had been rather lax lately so they were not very busy.
He nodded, that sounded fair enough he already was used to helping around the Sakura Dorms so this would probably just be more of the same.
"Are you ready?" She asked. "Remember you are currently part of her Majesty's most trusted force so I expect you not to slack off or I will punish you." She informed prompting him to straighten up adopting what he hoped looked like a proper posture that conveyed his seriousness though it was dulled a bit by his usual bored expression.
"Hai."
"Very good, let us begin."
- First Stop: The Royal Ballroom -
Naruto and Sheffield quietly made their way into the first of their many stops for the day in the famed Royal Ballroom. Home to some of the most famed dances and events within Azur Lane and perhaps one of the most elegant rooms he'd ever had the pleasure of witnessing with his own eyes.
Large stained glass windows were grafted along the entire length of the room offering a simply breathtaking view to any who entered the grand hall. Filled to the brim with beautiful artwork and the finest array of flowers there was an almost otherworldly quality to the room, like something out of a romance novel or a storybook. Along the ceiling were ornately designed golden chandeliers that when activated no doubt brought the room to life with dazzling lighting but for now made for beautiful decoration and completing the high-class atmosphere that radiated from the room
In fact, the only things out of place were the lonely two figures currently making their way through the halls in a brief but almost hypnotizing dance. Their golden hair acting like curtains obscuring their faces from view as they swayed two and fro across the polished tiles to the sound of a beat that it seemed only they could hear.
He and Sheffield sat quietly watching the pair for what seemed like hours but in reality, was only a few brief minutes as the two eventually reached the conclusion of their internal song and at last separated with a final bow towards one another before standing tall revealing themselves fully.
"You have not lost a step since our last dance, Hood." The first figure, a tall woman garbed in bright red chuckled, brushing a stray golden lock from her face as she smiled towards her partner. "As always I am in awe of your talent."
"Do not undersell your own grace, Wales." The second woman rebutted with a smile placing a gloved hand upon her chest in amusement. "You are nothing short of a force upon the dancefloor, a talent I've no doubt you've picked up to entertain many of the ladies of her Majesty's court." She teased giggling softly at the scandalized look upon her partner's face.
"How you wound me with such accusations!" She cried in faux despair. "To think you'd view me as such truly burns at my honor." She declared but the grin on her face showed she wasn't offended in the slightest.
"Always so dramatic, you have a talent for showmanship, my dear Wales." Hood chuckled.
"Do you think so? Perhaps I should ask our guests?" Wales teased back turning their attention to the onlooking pair who realized they'd been spotted and made their way over, seeing no reason to sit back any longer.
"Forgive us, Miss Hood, Madam Wales." Sheffield apologized offering a bow in respect of the two veterans. "We were simply making the rounds and could not help but observe your splendid performance, you both are truly exemplars of grace and elegance." She complimented earning a round of laughter from the two women who found her stoic manner of speaking quite amusing.
"There is no need to apologize, perhaps next time you would like to join us." Hood laughed sending an inviting look towards the maid. "I would not be surprised if you proved even more graceful than dear Wales." She joked earning a pout from Wales who sighed dramatically at the teasing sent her way.
"So cruel! Miss Sheffield, I must insist we have a dance immediately so that I may defend my honor." Wales demanded but everyone could see she was only speaking in jest knowing full well the stoic maid would never do such a thing without a direct order. It did nothing to stop her from offering her hand to the woman though.
In true fashion, Sheffield shook her head to decline. "I assure you that I am not one for dancing, I shall leave such things to you and Miss Hood should the occasion arise." She stated but there was a small upward quirk to her lips at the little act being put on before them. There was a reason Wales was so popular among the Royal Navy and even other factions.
She just had that certain charm that made it difficult to resist being pulled into her influence.
"Well then perhaps your young partner would care to join me?" She said turning her attention to Naruto who had remained silent for the most part but was caught off guard by having the spotlight suddenly placed upon him. "Naruto was it? Would you care to join me in a dance?" She offered, she'd of course been present for his introduction but sadly had been unable to speak with him. Over the past few days, she'd been privy to more than a few whispers of the blond that was quickly making a name for himself within their halls and she had to admit her curiosity was peaked.
And now fate had presented her with such an opportunity, she would be foolish not to take it.
"Ano… I've never danced before." He admitted somewhat bashfully, there had never been a reason for him to dance so he wasn't even sure if he could. Not to mention that with the size difference between them, he doubted he could do something nearly as elegant as the performance he'd just witnessed.
Wales was undeterred by the information if anything she seemed to grow even more excited by the prospect.
"All the better!" She exclaimed gently taking his hand and leading him a short distance away from Hood and Sheffield who decided to remain quiet and allow events to unfold on their own. "A true man should know how to sweep a lady off her feet if you do not know how then I shall teach you." She declared.
Overwhelmed slightly by the rather demanding nature of Wales all he could do was allow himself to be led onto the floor where he quickly found his hands gripped within hers, their bodies close but still allowing just enough distance that he could still see their feet with a glance. His attention was mostly focused on her smiling face and he flushed slightly at her charming visage looking down at him.
He wasn't sure how to feel about this, he wasn't even sure how he was supposed to feel about this. She gave off a far different aura than anyone he'd ever met… that wasn't to say he found her unpleasant by any means. Just different.
"Sadly we have no music so we shall begin with the basics. Just follow me and try not to think about it too hard, let the feelings come to you and go from there." She instructed softly taking on a much more reserved tone in her instruction. Within moments she began to sway softly, her hips rocking from side to side to give him an example and he was quick to follow up after her swaying, his own body in unison with her own until they were for the most part matched. Then slowly her steps began, feather-light but purposeful movements that still managed to hold an air of grace in their simplicity and recalling her instruction he allowed himself to move naturally in turn with her movements.
Back and forth the pair weaved slowly discovering their own rhythm and moving to a beat that neither could really hear but rather had to feel within them. Naturally, he stumbled from time to time but she never chided him for his errors, instead slowing her pace to give him time to find his balance once more before they continued their dance. Gradually the distance between them began to close and he found that he could no longer see their feet merely having to trust himself not to step on her and vice versa which cause a brief moment of panic in him. One that was just as swiftly silenced by her confident gaze.
Red eyes sent reassuring glances into blue and he immediately felt himself calming down once more, losing himself in their moment that for a time he forgot they were being watched.
Eventually, their dance had to come to an end and in a move that caught him completely off guard Wales quickly brought him into her arms and dipped him like some kind of fair maiden in a fantasy ball, his gaze coming to rest upon the applauding forms of Hood and Sheffield who were both looking rather amused at the sight.
Blood rushed to his face in embarrassment at the odd position, so caught up in the moment his brain barely processed Wales setting him back upright, it wasn't until her laughter reached his ears that he managed to snap out of his trance quickly shielding his face from view as he desired for the earth to swallow him whole. He wasn't used to this...
Sensing his distress Wales quickly knelt and took his hands once more into her own prompting him to look her way. His cheeks puffed up in a light scowl as he assumed they were all laughing at him but to his surprise, she gave him a charming smile and bowed her head low to him.
"That was excellent my dear boy and I thank you for gifting me your first dance, I will treasure it for the rest of my days." She praised gifting him with a megawatt smile making him huff a bit at her honeyed words but he admitted that he felt a little better now that the laughter had stopped.
"I'm not any good though…" He didn't think he'd done particularly well, thankfully having avoided stepping on her but that wasn't saying much given they had gone fairly slow.
"You are better than you think, just keep practicing." She encouraged giving his cheeks a quick rub and smiling at the soft purr that escaped his throat as she did so. "I will be looking for a second dance with you in the future so you better impress me."
"Hai." He nodded offering her a soft smile in return. "Ah… Thank you for teaching me how to dance." He added realizing that she had technically gone out of her way to do so even though she didn't have to.
"Nonsense, it was my pleasure." She waved off his thanks and the two made their way back over to their spectators who greeted them with faces of approval.
"You two looked absolutely splendid together, dare I say Wales you may have finally found your perfect partner." Hood praised sending a bemused look towards her friend who seemed amused by the prospect.
"Maybe." She acknowledged sending a playful glance at the blond who was now hovering at her side. "What do you think young Naruto? Would you enjoy being my main dance partner?" She asked and the trio were treated to the adorable sight of the boy bashfully tapping his fingers together while trying desperately to fight down the blood rushing to his face at the offer.
"Ano, if that is what you would like then I don't mind…" He muttered causing Prince to chuckle and gently run her fingers through his hair.
"It would be my honor, I will be looking for you at our next gathering then~" She said allowing him to return to Sheffield's side where he quickly made himself comfortable behind her dress much to their collective bemusement.
"Thank you for your time, we still have more work to do so we must be taking our leave but you have my thanks for entertaining young Naruto." Sheffield smiled and offered a brief bow towards the two who reciprocated the gesture.
"Not a problem, you two are always welcome to join us." Hood said offering a polite wave to the pair as the began to make their way out.
"Do return again soon." Wales called out with a wave of her own passing a farewell wink to the boy who smiled and waved farewell in return.
- Second Stop: The Royal Gardens -
The next stop on their list was a location he was fairly familiar with, the Royal Gardens. A place of peace and tranquility that was nearly unmatched by anywhere else within the base. Not to mention it was one of the most well cared for areas of the dorm since social gatherings were often held here.
He would admit that he enjoyed the Sakura Empire's garden just a tad bit more but that didn't distract from his enjoyment of the Royals own rendition. His favorite part of the gardens had to be the many rose bushes that dotted the eastern side of the dorms, the vibrant hues of red were just so eye-catching that he'd more often than not found himself visiting it at least once before he left.
"It seems as though Belfast has not neglected the gardens." Sheffield muttered taking her time to inspect the perfect trimmed hedges and the vibrant but well-maintained grass. Not a single blade an inch out of line just as the Queen preferred. "I will need to pass along my compliments for her work."
While she was doing that Naruto had taken it upon himself to visit his favorite part of the garden seeing as he was technically supposed to be making sure everything was on the up and up anyway he didn't think she would mind if he went off on his own for a bit. It didn't take him long to come across the ever stunning sea of red flowers and as always he found his breath halted in his chest at the sight.
He loved the color red, why he wasn't sure but something about this particular shade of crimson just spoke to him. He didn't dwell much on it instead preferring to simply bask in the comforting feelings rather than bother trying to understand them. Sometimes it was better to think with your heart than with your head… or at least that was something Atago had told him during one of their outings and he figured it applied to situations like these.
"Who art thou?"
He blinked as a curious voice made itself known to him and he abruptly found himself staring into a deep pair of rich blood-red eyes that had previously not been present. Their owner seemingly uncaring of things like personal space as he was dressed down by the rather petit figure that had suddenly appeared before him.
Long pure white hair that seemed to be fairly common among the Royals fell her back in two long tails stopping just past her rear and swaying softly in breezy giving her a rather mysterious presence. Ruby red eyes tinged with mischief and curiosity bored unflinchingly into his own with slit black pupils that gave just a hint of danger in contrast to her overall playful appearance.
She wore a rather skimpy red, white, and black outfit that showed off more than a fair bit of skin but still did more than enough to preserve her modesty while still drawing the eye to her curves and pale porcelain skin.
Overall she was quite cute but that did little to distract from the fact she was still up in his face for some reason.
"Are you talking to me?" He asked quizzically.
"I see no one else here and I am looking at you." She quipped back tilting her head in amusement at his silly question before continuing. "So I shall ask again, who art thou?"
"I art Naruto." He said copying her phrase in his answer, he found her way of speaking odd given her appearance. She spoke like she was much older than she appeared.
"I see you have a bit of cheek on you to mock me like that." She scowled but then smiled a devious smile that was rather fitting for her appearance. "I can respect that." She said laughed airily before turning on her heel and walking deeper into the rose bushes. He felt like she was inviting him to follow after her as took her time to explore the beautiful greenery.
Having nothing better to do he decided to accept her silent invitation and for a while, the two of them simply enjoyed the feeling of being surrounded by such beauty. At some point, she had begun to hum a soft tune to herself but the melody had quickly sucked him in and he joined her, much to her amusement. It was only after they'd finished the third of many incomprehensive songs that he realized he didn't get her name, having been swept away by her tempo.
That was becoming a pattern among the Royals he noted.
"Who are you, Miss?" He asked politely remembering that he was technically supposed to be a butler today and that he needed to play the part in favor to Sheffield. "You never told me your name?"
"I was merely waiting for thou to ask." She said but he could hear the mirth in her voice showing that she wasn't angry or at the very least not very much so. "My name is Vampire, V-class destroyer of the Royal Navy." She said turning around lifting the hem of her dress in an overly dramatic curtsy while a playful grin settled itself upon her face.
A destroyer… it made sense given her size but he wasn't one to assume given that he wasn't exactly much bigger than she was.
"It is a pleasure to meet you." He said continuing to follow after her as she made her way through the gardens, her eyes taking in the sights around her but every so often he would catch her turning to glance at him for a few moments before continuing.
"So you have some manners as well." She laughed and paused mid-step turning once more to face him and quickly invading his personal space once more. "Tell me, what art thou doing here? Dost thou simply enjoy nature for nature's sake or perhaps there is another reason you are following this young maiden through the gardens?" She inquired playfully, teasing was in her nature after all~
"I just enjoy the roses, their very beautiful." He admitted without shame, after all that was his honest reason for coming. "I didn't mean to follow you, sorry." He apologized hoping that he hadn't accidentally overstepped his bounds.
"Hmm I suppose you can't be faulted, these roses are simply divine with the color of the finest wine… hmm perhaps that is why I enjoy it so much, it always leaves me in the mood for a drink." She mused aloud taking one of the flowers carefully into her hands and bring it up to her face for a quick sniff.
"Do you drink?" She asked curiously idly wondering if he shared her love for the delicacy that was a fine glass of wine.
"Kaga-nee says I shouldn't, something about developing bad habits." He truthfully didn't get it since she drank fairly often but she was his elder so he just followed her instructions. There wasn't any reason she would lie to him.
"A pity…" She sighed her voice tinged with disappointment. "Should the chance ever present itself you should join me for some wine." She offered mirthfully. "I think you will find it worth your while."
"Maybe…" If she could drink and be okay then maybe it wasn't as bad as Kaga-nee made it out to be? Other than her odd way of talking she seemed fine enough to him.
"Splendid." She cheered before yet more mischief quickly appeared in her eyes and to his shock she suddenly collapsed on the floor without warning, her small form falling abruptly onto the soft grass below. He quickly made his way over to her where she looked upon him with half-lidded eyes, her lips parted slightly as a soft groan of weakness passed through her.
"Are you okay? Do you need help?" He wasn't exactly sure what to do in this situation but to his knowledge, people didn't just suddenly fall over like that. "Should I go get someone?"
"No, no… I just had a bout of weakness, it happens from time to time." She whispered, placing her hand upon his arm in a reassuring gesture. "Please do not worry I will be okay with a bit of rest." She assured but internally smiled at the expression of worry gracing his features.
How divine~
"Can I help you in any way?" He offered, not content to just leave her alone even if this was normal for her. He wouldn't leave anyone else like this be it friend or a stranger.
"I do not wish to trouble you… however, if you'd like to help would it be too much to ask that you help me back to the entrance of the garden." She requested sending him a "weak" smile that belied her cunning.
"I can do that." He agreed with no hesitation and quickly managed to place her securely upon his back, his arms looping around her thighs while her arms wrapped themselves around his neck for balance. She was lighter than he was expecting and to be honest he barely noticed the additional weight.
He was however very conscious of her breath tickling his ears sending strange chills down his spine. The same strange feeling he got whenever he found himself cornered by Illustrious. He made a mental note to ask the Commander about these strange sensations when he had the chance.
"How kind of you, thou has my thanks~" She sighed breathily into his ears as they began the walk back to the garden entrance. "I was not aware her Majesty had begun hiring butlers in her employ." She mused resting her head upon his neck and smiling as he flinched ever so slightly at the sensation of her skin against his own but made no move to adjust her.
"I'm just helping out today, I'm not really working for Lizzy." He explained and Vampire had to stop herself from guffawing at the sheer nerve the boy had to refer to the Queen as "Lizzy". Oh, what she wouldn't give to see him say that to her face!
"I-I see." She coughed reigning in her composure as the archway leading to the main exit came into sight and more to the point a certain silver-haired woman could be seen standing with her arms crossed in the doorway.
It appeared like they were about to be in a spot of trouble.
"Where did you run off to Naruto?" She questioned looking over her charge with narrowed eyes. "And why is Miss Vampire riding upon your back like a child?" She added sending the destroyed a chilling gaze knowing that she enjoyed playing far too much for one of her station. The destroyer had some habits she didn't wish to have imprinted on her impressionable tagalong.
Rather than be intimidated Vampire merely offered a far too innocent smile and easily made her way down from her temporary chariot. "Ah, Miss Sheffield how good it is to see you. Naruto here was just helping me make it back to the dorm after a brief fainting spell took me." She explained giving away nothing even as amber eyes bored into her like the glowing round of an AP shell. "We were talking a brief walk through the rose bushes, like myself he appreciates the beauty of a fine vermillion." She explained, sending the boy an amused look as he nodded along with her explanation.
"I see, and I take it you are now perfectly capable of walking on your own." Sheffield said with a slight hint of annoyance that almost went undetected. Key word being almost.
"How astute of you Miss Sheffield, why yes I am~" She preened offered a cheeky look towards the head maid before catching everyone off guard and placing a chaste kiss upon Naruto's whiskered cheek, an impish smile gracing her features as her lips left his sun-kissed skin and she sauntered off. Leaving in her wake a perplexed blond and an irritated maid who watched her walk off with a satisfying spring in her step.
"Thank you for your assistance Naruto-kun I am ever so grateful and I do look forward to seeing you again soon." She waved. "Perhaps we can have another private moment in the gardens some other time, ne?~" She winked before laughing when a shell blitzed passed her face, Sheffield's scowling visage and smoking gun being the last thing she saw before quickly hurrying to the safety of her room to lay low for a while.
She would be back in time.
...
"You are never to be alone with her again." Sheffield growled stowing her gun with a slight twitch to her brow.
"Ano, buy why no-"
"Never."
"Hai…"
Sheffield was scary!
- Final Stop: The Laundry Room -
The two of them had spent the rest of the day going from room to room helping where they could and getting to know a few more faces around the dorms before finally making it to the last of their assigned destinations. The laundry room.
It was was a bit anticlimactic ending on such a bland area compared to the beautiful ballroom and breathtaking gardens but he supposed it made sense that a maid would have to eventually do something as tedious as laundry. Baskets of freshly washed clothing and bedsheets were left out waiting to be folded and put away as needed.
"The others have saved us the time of having to wash these ourselves so we need only to fold and deliver these to their owners." Sheffield explained while leading him over to the waiting workload. "Now watch me closely, there is a proper technique to folding that you must master if you wish to avoid wrinkles or unsightly storage." She lectured and began showing him how to fold the different types of clothing and bedding walking him through it step by step.
"Do it like this?" He asked carefully reenacting her movements so that she could review his technique.
"Very good, just like that." She nodded allowing him to do a few more before she was confident that he had a good enough handle it on his own. For a bit over an hour, the two merely stayed like that folding items and putting them away in large baskets while making small talk about the day's events and sharing stories. Sheffield wasn't a gossip by any means but working as a maid had made her privy to some rather entertaining events that she was happy to share with the boy, especially those that pertained to her Queen.
In her chambers, Elizabeth felt a disturbance, like her Queenly image, was being dragged through the dirt.
With their combined efforts, it did not take long for the pair to finish sorting everything leaving them with only one remaining task. To deliver each basket to their rightful owner, each basket was marked with a room number and they decided to split the task between them taking three each.
"Just knock on the door and deliver the basket, if no one answers leave it by their door for them." Sheffield said as they made their way up the stairs with baskets in hand.
"Okay, knock and deliver." He repeated.
With all their baskets moved up to the first floor Sheffield left him to work on his own as she continued up to the next level to handle her own delivery. Picking up the first basket he read the number aloud to himself.
"Room #132?" He muttered and nodded, grabbing the handles and making his way down the halls counting the rooms numbers to himself as he searched for his delivery destination. It took some time but eventually, he managed to figure out the layout of the rooms and found himself standing in front of a large wooden door with a gold plated panel with the numbers 132 carved into it.
Knocking on the door he waited for a few moments as the sound of walking could be heard from the other side before at last, the door swung open revealing its single occupant who peered out from inside.
"Hello? Who is... WHY ARE YOU HERE?!"
The door slammed shut abruptly and Naruto blinked at the rather volatile response before knocking again. "Ano, Nel-chan please open the door." He requested having caught a glimpse of the busty battleship before the door had been closed. He almost didn't recognize her without outfit but it seemed she was enjoying a day off having adopted a simple baggy red shirt and black shorts that showed off her legs.
"Go away!" She yelled.
"But I have your clothes, Sheffy-nee helped me fold them up for you." He explained setting the bin down by the door. "Would you please take them?" He asked kindly waiting patiently for her to open up once more.
"..." The door opened ever so slightly and Nelson's annoyed face could be seen glaring out from the crack her eyes falling upon the neatly folded articles of her clothing that proved he wasn't lying about being here to deliver her items. With a sigh she huffed and opened the door quickly reaching out and grabbing it, dragging it inside while making sure to block any view of her room from his curious gaze.
"Thanks, I guess…" She huffed turning her face to the side to hide the red on her cheeks at her behavior. She thought it had been her sister and so she hadn't thought twice about opening the door not even thinking about her casual dress.
"You're welcome!" He beamed giving her a little bow as he'd been taught to do which only caught her off guard as she finally noticed his new attire and felt something in her chest tighten at the sight. He looked rather… charming.
"R-Right!" She quickly closed the door again. "U-Um I am in the middle of something s-so go away now!"
He tilted his head curiously at her change in attitude but chalked it up to Nel just being her usual self and nodded. "Okay, bye Nel-chan!" He waved at the door and quickly made his way back not knowing that as he left Nelson once more peeked out from her room and watched him go. A bright dusting of red coating her cheeks as she watched him round the corner.
…
"So… are little boys your type or is it just him?"
Nelson felt her pride sink like a stone as the bemused image of her dear sister appeared in the doorway across from hers, Rodney's smirking visage told her that she was not going to be living this down any time soon…
"S-SHUT UP IT'S NOT LIKE THAT!"
…
Next up on his list of delivers was number 106, this one didn't take him very long to find since he recalled passing it on his way during his first stop. Making his way once more in front of a tall wooden door her firmly tapped his gloved knuckles upon the wood and waited.
For a moment it seemed like no one would answer and he was about to simply leave the clothing behind when the door suddenly opened and a young woman stepped into view. Dark pink eyes studied his face intently and caught off guard by the almost predatory gleam that lit up in those rosy orbs.
"Well hello~" Her voice was soft but there was a teasing nature to it like she knew something he didn't even with just a greeting. "Are you perhaps here to deliver my clothes?" She questioned with a smile.
"Yes, Ma'am." He said holding out her basket. "These are for you."
"Why thank you~" She took the bin from him and placed them within her room before turning back to him. "Would you care to tell me who you are little one, I don't think I've seen someone so cute working here before." She said leaning over and cupping his face in her hands to inspect him closer.
He shuddered slightly at the sensation of her fingers upon his face but didn't deny her request. "I am Naruto, I am Sheffield's helper for the day." He introduced quietly having zoned out slightly as she began to stroke his whiskers drawing a pleased purr from his throat.
"Ah, you are that Naruto…" She whispered, more to herself than him as she continued her ministrations. "Well, it was a pleasure to meet you and I do hope you and I will have more time to… get to know each other." She said cheerfully but there was an undertone to her words that fortunately went undetected by him.
"Thank you, Miss…"
"Ajax, that is my name." She introduced turning away and stepping back into her room. "Do feel free to come and see me any time, I would enjoy the company."
He made a mental note and nodded causing her smile to widen as she watched him walk off to continue his duties. Twirling a lock of her hair she couldn't help the sinful shudder that ran down her spine at the thought of what she could do with such an innocent boy.
"It seems like I might have a new little piggy to play with~"
…
"Alright, that just leaves this last one." He said with a smile, happy to have completed his task without issue, he knew Sheffy-nee would be proud to know that he could be trusted with important work. "Let's see... this one goes to room #144. That's not too far from Nel-chan's room!" He gathered the basket and hastily made his way back over to the hall that he'd been in prior, passing by the now familiar sights he swiftly found his way to his last destination.
"142… 143… 144!" He chirped and without missing a beat gently knocked on the wooden door. "Delivery!" He called out and waited patiently for an answer doing a mental countdown in case they weren't present.
"Coming, one moment!"
He hummed in acknowledgment and waited, the sound of locks clicking barely catching attention as he waited for the door to open…
-With Sheffield-
"That is odd, I thought I gave this bin to Naruto…" She paused before her eyes widened and she broke into a sprint her gun flashing into her hand as she leaped over the railing and allowed herself to freefall down to the first floor rolling as she hit the ground and keeping her pace. Her eyes scanned the numbered door frantically while she grit her teeth. She'd meant to have him deliver bin #145, but she'd given him bin #144.
Sending him right to possibly the worst fate that could befall him…
Not bothering to knock she kicked the door in and barged in with gun drawn and ready to fire. "Where is he?" She hissed holding the rooms sole occupant at gunpoint in her bed. "Speak now and I might not shoot you."
Ark Royal held her hands up as she was left at the mercy of the cold maid, her eyes locked onto the maid's pistol that was uncomfortably close to her face. "I-I don't know who y-your talking about!" She cried yelping as Sheffield brought the barrel of her gun ever closer.
"Blond, blue eyes, unnaturally cute, wearing a tuxedo, where is he?" She repeated but once more her hostage sent her a blank look.
"I r-really don't know! Please let me go!" She whimpered.
Sheffield glared hard at the suspicious carrier before scoffing and holstering her gun and straightening out her dress. "I see… perhaps he has not yet made it here. Forgive me I will take my leave now." She apologized and without a word exited the room closing the door behind her leaving a shaking Ark Royal to blink in confusion.
Before a smirk made its way onto her face and she quickly lifted the sheets revealing a waiting Naruto who was merely confused by the events occurring.
"Ano… is this part of the game?" He asked curiously as Ark shifted him into her lap hugging him to her body like a life-sized teddy bear. Her face left in an expression of pure bliss as she buried her face into his hair inhaling the scent of such youthful innocence~
"Hehehehe, o-of course it's very important that this stays a secret!" She whispered running her hands over his baby soft skin with a mewl of pleasure and he nodded allowing her to spoil him as she wished. She seemed like a nice enough lady, he was worried that she might be a bit sick with how red she was but she assured him she was "at the height of satisfaction", whatever that was supposed to mean.
He wasn't sure what kind of game this was either but he didn't really mind it all that much, it was kinda like how Akagi-nee would hold him from time to time then Kaga-nee would yell at her.
"U-Um, w-would you mind trying s-some outfits I have on?" She asked stumbling over her words as she continued to breathe in his scent. "I-I think they'll fit you w-well!" She stuttered her voice labored as if burdened.
"Ah… okay." He shrugged, he didn't really have a problem with it.
…
"Like this?" He asked.
"Y-Yes just like that!" She squealed a bright flash accompanying her words before she quickly looked at the photo with a bright flush. "V-Very good!" She praised holding nose while she fanned herself with the newly developed photo.
Said photo depicted the blond in a traditional schoolboy outfit complete with a little backpack as he stared innocently into the camera with a little fox plush stuffed in his arms. His big blue shined in the light while his pouty lips were stuck out in a quizzical expression that was just adorable. She placed it with the rest of the photos in that set which included one of him lying on his stomach drawing in a picture book with a soft smile and another of him pouting while fussing with his tie.
Not to mention some more… selective poses that she hurriedly locked away
"O-Okay to the next outfit!" She declared holding out the next set of clothes for him.
He nodded and grabbed the next item.
…
"Raww, I'm a monster"
"Y-Yes a little m-monster!" More flashes illuminated the room as Ark slammed the button of her camera as quickly as she could capturing every moment. "Very scary!" She praised snapping more pictures.
"Hehe."
This time he was dressed in a monster onesie, she said it was based off a movie that was apparently pretty popular in Japan called "Gōjira". He gave a toothy smile as he swayed the tail of the costume from side to side imagining that he was knocking over buildings like some kind of giant while off to the side Ark giggled madly.
Her album had expanded with new pictures, some were of the blond posing with his mouth wide open in a "fearsome" roar showing off his slightly longer than average teeth, while others depicted the blond curled up napping like a little dog, and now a few of him happily stomping around shaking his rear from side to side with a maniacal grin of a monster tearing through a city.
She could die happy right now!
"N-Next!"
…
This was the last outfit was rather fitting the approaching holiday season.
"Merry Christmas!" He cheered holding his hands out as if he was giving out presents and of course not missing a beat the now expected flash of light accompanied his cheer. This time he was dressed up like Santa, some magical man who brought presents to people on Christmas day. A bright red Santa hat sat comfortably on his head while he was bundled up in a bright red coat and pants with little black boots. He even got a little white mustache that tickled his lip!
"M-Merry Christmas indeed!" She huffed her nose now stuffed by bloody tissues but it did little to deter her from snapping pictures of the sight. "N-Now for the swim-"
BANG!
"Suit… C-Commander?!"
"Ark Royal, would you care to explain yourself?" Mirai sighed as she stepped into the room, Takao, Atago, Sheffield, and Belfast flanking her on each side while the now fearful carrier quickly dove behind the still santafied Naruto who was happily waving at the sight of his big sisters.
"Hi, Commander!" He greeted quickly walking over and hugging the woman who chuckled seeing his costume but returned the hug nonetheless.
"Hello Naruto, how are you?" She asked sending a side glance towards the cowering carrier who was currently on the receiving end of Sheffield coldest glare while Bel merely shook her head in exasperation having expected something like this the moment she heard about it. Takao was unsure how to feel while Ataago was off shamelessly rounding up a few of the photos strewn about the floor while giggling to herself.
"I'm good, Ark-nee and I had a lot of fun!" He grinned and made his way over to the carrier and gently pat her trembling form. "She has a lot of cool outfits and we took lots of pictures, I got to be a little monster!"
"Really?" She inspected one of the photos and had to admit they were very well done and for the most part innocent enough. Perhaps they had been a bit too hasty in barging in as they had.
"Well it's time to go, Akagi is tearing up the dorms looking for you so say goodbye to everyone."
He nodded and quickly ran over each of the royals and gave them a quick hug, even Ark who blushed furiously at the sudden contact but returned the gesture with equal if not greater fervor.
"Bye Sheffy, Bel-nee, Ark-nee!" He waved as they left, leaving the Royals alone.
…
"I'm going to shoot you for lying to me you know that."
"I understand and have no regrets." Ark sighed tucking a very specific picture into her pocket happily even as the pissed maid stalked ever closer.
It was worth it.
AN. Chapter Complete!
Okay so this chapter went way longer than it was supposed to but oh well I guess that just means more for you to read. As always, I am happy people are enjoying the story so much and I hope this was another enjoyable chapter for you, a lot was going on and a lot of new faces made their first appearances and I think they were quite memorable.
I wanted to try a different approach to having Naruto meet other characters since I wasn't wholly satisfied with the last chapter but I had already set up that kind of meeting so I was stuck. This time I went for more isolated incidents that allowed me to cycle through some characters without having them tripping over each other, Hood and Prince of Wales for the ballroom, Vampire for the gardens, and Ajax, Nelson, and Ark Royal for the dorms.
I also wanted to try having Naruto on the backfoot for once, normally characters fall in love with his adorable size and mannerisms but I didn't want Naruto to be the only that could affect them but I also want the girls to be able to affect him. Like how he was enraptured by Illustrious I tried a similar style with Prince in having her be more forward and "playboy" like or having vampire play a more in charge sort of seductress. I still will have Naruto have certain girls fall to his charm but I see no harm in Naruto falling to their charm either.
Anyway, this chapter was long so I'm not going to talk a lot in here, I'll either do an update addressing questions or I'll just PM people answers to specific questions. If you don't have PM's open then I'll answer those questions in the next chapter.
Anyway, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday! (Also I apologize for any typing errors I am sick as I write this so I'll fix any glaring problems where I can)