Welcome back again everyone! One more chapter I wanted to upload while I had a break in my schedule and one that I think will be pretty exciting! Still have some big plans for David and Zuikaku, and stay tuned for more!
InfantryGrunt94
Azur Lane Airbase, Several hours following Operation
Outlaw Flight, cleared overhead, report downwind. Welcome home fellas!" the control tower radioed David and the other pilots of the mission.
"We'll report downwind, OUTLAW 25, good to be home tower!" David replied.
He admitted he already had jitters about seeing Zuikaku again, but he was more ecstatic that the operation had gone as smoothly as it had.
There had been some bumps in the road for sure, but the fact that Shoukaku was now safely at the base with her sister meant David could rest easy now.
He also hoped that whatever information Shouakau held might help bring the war to a speedier end as well.
One by one the F-18's touched down and slowed to taxi speed before turning off the runway and taxiing back towards the hardened aircraft shelters.
"OUTLAW 25, Ground." The ground controller called.
"Go for 25 Ground." David replied.
"Yeah, be advised we just received word that once you shut down and park you need to hop into a jeep that'll be waiting for you. Alpha X-Ray wants to see you ASAP." The Ground controller replied.
David froze.
Alpha X-Ray was the callsign used for the Admiral, and David hoped something hadn't gone awry.
"25 copies." He said emotionlessly in response.
He then proceeded back into the aircraft shelter under the guidance of his crew chief and shut down his engines.
He noticed said jeep was waiting for him as he descended the ladder from his Hornet, and upon approaching he realized the driver was none other than the Royal Navy cruiser London.
"Hello Leftenant, I've been ordered to take you to the Admiral straightaway. Please get in." London said gesturing to the passenger seat.
"Sure thing London. Good to see you again by the way, hope everything has been well since the little commission incident?" David teased.
London blushed before pushing her glasses back against her face.
"You know it wasn't my fault that those resources ended up in the wrong depot!" she pouted.
David chuckled.
"Yeah I know it wasn't London, just messing with ya!" he said smiling.
"So what's the 411? Am I in trouble?" David asked curiously as London drove towards the docks where the fleet was returning.
"Not to my knowledge sir, however, there were two additional Sakura Empire cruisers that did return with the fleet." London explained.
David cocked an eyebrow in response.
"Well, that changes things a bit. Hopefully they're willing to cooperate like Zuikaku and her sister…" David said.
Upon arriving at the docks David saw Zuikaku and Shoukaku speaking with Admiral Brubaker.
Nearby were the heavy cruisers Takao and Atago being guarded by Prince of Wales, King George V, and Duke of York.
As David neared the group he saluted smartly.
Once Brubaker had returned the gesture he spoke.
"Excellent work out there Lieutenant, as you can see, Zuikaku brought back a few extra friends." He said gesturing towards Atago and Takao.
"Yes sir, I noticed." He replied.
"Zuikaku and Shoukaku have assured me that they would be willing to work with us given what they've learned about the First Division and their exploits with the Sirens. I have no reason to doubt them, but I need to hear it from the ranking officer of this operation. Were their actions beneficial to the success of this mission?" Brubaker asked.
Both Crane sisters looked at David expectantly.
Zuikaku, locked eyes with David as if pleading him to give the Admiral a good report.
David smiled at the girl in response before replying to the Admiral, "Yes sir, both of those girls had the opportunity to cut Zuikaku and Shoukaku off as they attempted to retreat from the First Division, but instead chose to aid them in escaping. If I may sir, I think it's the least we could do to offer them asylum as well."
Brubaker nodded.
"Excellent. I will be going to discuss things with them now. Zuikaku? Shoukaku?" Brubaker turned his head to the Crane sisters.
"Hai?" they replied in unison.
"I'll expect a full debrief with you and Lieutenant Parsons as soon as I finish with your friends here. I hope that what you have to tell us will end the bloodshed rapidly. Congratulations to you all on a job well done." Brubaker finished before walking over to Takao and Atago.
As the Admiral took his leave David was finally left alone with the Crane sisters, and as he looked at Zuikaku he couldn't help but smile.
"We did it Z!" David said triumphantly.
"Hai! I never could have done this without you Dave-san, thank you from the bottom of my heart!" she said bowing low.
A soft giggle was heard from Shoukaku as she began eyeing David.
"Ah! David-san, I'd like you to meet my sister Shoukaku! Shoukaku-nee, this is Lieutenant David Parsons, he's the one I've been telling you about." Zuikaku said gesturing to the white haired beauty that was her sister.
David noted some similarities such as the red eye makeup both girls wore but noticed Shoukaku had blue eyes as opposed to Zuikaku's brown and was dressed a bit more conservatively with her crane wing coat being a whole piece of her outfit and covering more of her body.
She had a more gentle demeanor than her sister, but David clearly understood she was just as fierce of a fighter.
She approached with a friendly smile before speaking in English with a bit of an accent, "It is finally nice to meet you David-san. My sister has told me the tale of the great escape you made from the island as well as the fact that you saved her life. For that I will always be grateful as her sister." She said before bowing low as her sister did before.
"But I suppose I should be thanking you just as much for playing a part in saving my life as well. I understand if it had not been for you, this whole operation would likely not have happened. It is without a doubt my sister and I both owe you a tremendous debt David-san!" Shoukaku said smiling.
Zuikaku then spoke up.
"It's because of this that I've decided the only way to truly repay my debt is to offer myself to you David-san." Zuikaku said.
All present including David froze.
"Ara Zuikaku, how bold of you." Shoukaku said slyly teasing her sister.
Zuikaku for her part had turned as red as her dress when she realized what had been implied.
"CH-CHIGAO YO! THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT DAVID-SAN!" Zuikaku said flailing her arms.
She took a breath to regain her composure before she spoke again.
"W-What I meant to say was that I'd like to offer you my service and whatever assistance I can be of to you for the remainder of my life." She finally said.
"Z, that's….that's an awfully long time ya know. And I don't think it's necessary for you to do that anyway!" David said.
"But it is!" Zuikaku insisted.
"You've saved not only my life but my sister's as well, and this is the only way I can ever truly repay you" Zuikaku said as she withdrew her katana and sank to her knees.
She then lifted her blade toward David and said, "From this day forward David, my blade and my life now belong to you. I will serve you for as long as there is breath in my lungs if you will have me."
David was taken aback and felt a bit of red creeping up his cheeks.
But he knew what this meant to Zuikaku, and so he knelt down in front of her and placed his hands on her shoulders before saying, "I'd be honored to have you with me Z, and you should keep your sword. I'm far better with my F-18 anyways!"
Zuikaku smiled and so did David as they both rose to their feet.
Shoukaku for her part couldn't help but laugh and finally composed herself enough to speak.
"Ara, well it would seem you've captured my sister David-san. But I believe I owe you no less, and so I would make the same offer to you as well." She said smiling.
"I can only be at my best when I am with my sister Dave-san, so please accept her offer." Zuikaku nudged David in the side.
"Well how can I refuse then." David said.
"You may find you'll be taking them up on those offers rather soon." Brubaker said returning to the group.
"Sir?" David asked curiously. "Come with me and I'll explain everything…..Commander." Brubaker said with a smirk.
David blinked several times. "C-Commander!?" David said in disbelief.
Later that evening 1930 hrs.
David, now sporting fresh Commander's silver maple leaves on his flight suit finally exited the briefing room he Zuikaku, Shoukaku, Takao, and Atago had been prisoner to for the last several hours.
During the debrief the Admiral had pumped the group for all the information they could provide regarding the Orochi, what they had seen during the mission, and the current state of the Sakura Empire.
Finally, all had culminated when Brubaker had declared that David was to spearhead a task force that would help bring to light the atrocities the Sirens were perpetrating aided by the First Carrier Division.
"Your mission will be, simply put Commander, uncover the secrets the Fox twins are hiding, present them to Nagato and the other leaders that will see to reason, and end this war!" the Admiral had stated flatly.
David was to be aided by the four shipgirls present as well as several more he would choose, and then augmented by himself and three other pilots who would provide the high-altitude reconnaissance and forward control.
A tall order to be sure, but when Zuikaku had reassured him, he somehow felt that it might be possible.
Just before the group exited David privately asked Brubaker, "Why me sir? There's plenty of other more qualified officers than me around this base."
Brubaker then placed his hands on David's shoulders.
"That there may be son, but when it comes to Kansen…" he trailed off before looking to the group of Sakura women, Zuikaku in particular,
"It's more about your 'affinity' than anything else." Brubaker finished his sentence.
David cocked an eyebrow.
"I'm not sure I fully understand sir." He replied.
"What it means is that to effectively command these girls, one must have a certain level of affection with them. They must respect you first, not unlike any other command, but they also must share a bond of some sort with you be it as comrades, friends, or even romantically…." Brubaker trailed off again this time with a bit of forlornness in his voice.
"Sir?" David asked perplexed.
"The biggest piece of advice I can offer you now Commander is to take care of your girls and if you have things you want to say to one of them…." He said again looking toward Zuikaku who was now smiling over at David.
"….make sure you say them before it is too late. Now, go and take those girls over to the pilot's club. You've all more than earned a drink after today!" Brubaker finished before ushering the group out of his office.
Secretly however, Brubaker opened a drawer in his desk to see a worn photo of himself standing next to a brown-haired woman with nine tails and fox ears.
Her hands clutched a parasol and had a demure smile as the two stood underneath a cherry blossom tree.
"…..I hope one day I'll see you again…." Bruabker said lugubriously as he reminisced on days passed.
As the group exited, David and Zuikaku cracked wide grins at each other realizing the implications of a previous conversation they had before the rescue operation.
Well Dave-san, I guess I can really call you Shikkikan now!" Zuikaku beamed.
David chuckled.
"Well, you haven't forgotten our agreement, have you?" David asked slyly.
"No, and I'll gladly serve as your flagship!" Zuikaku said proudly.
David smiled.
"Well, for tonight, I think I owe you all a drink. With this new rank, I can cover all our tabs tonight!" David said before leading the group towards the Outlaws pilot club.
As David walked in with his entourage, he was greeted with raucous hoops and hollers.
Caveman and Gooney of course slapped their longtime friend on the back and thrust a beer into his hand to celebrate his new rank.
David then gestured to the Sakura girls to come and meet his friends.
"Guys, meet Zuikaku's sister Shoukaku and the heavy cruisers Takao and Atago." David said pointing to each respective Kansen.
Gooney was quick to introduce himself, but Caveman, ever the ladies' man was quick to try to woo both Shoukaku and Atago.
David shook his head before grabbing another beer and handing it to Zuikaku.
"Well Z, cheers to a job well done and to taking down the Sirens for good!" David said.
"I'll drink to that!" Zuikaku said before clinking her glass against David's.
Both took a long swig before David took a look around the club to see who all else was there.
He spotted most regulars from his squadron and the base's Kansen, but then noticed a rather busty woman in a white dress and another smaller girl in a similar white dress who had purple hair and clutched a small plush unicorn.
David then smiled as both women approached him and Zuikaku.
The older woman examined his new rank before addressing him, "Well, Commander Parsons, good evening to you."
"And good evening to you Lady Illustrious." David smiled as he greeted the Royal Navy carrier.
"Big brother David!" said the light carrier Unicorn as she approached as well and caught David for a hug.
"We were all so worried about you when we heard you'd been shot down! I'm so sorry I was away when it happened!" Unicorn said as she embraced David.
"That's ok little sis, I'm alright now you see?" David replied.
"Well we shan't keep you Commander, Unicorn wants to say hello to the rest of her big brothers and sisters. Ta-ta!" Illustrious said waving as she walked off with Unicorn close on her heels.
Zuikaku cocked an eyebrow curiously.
"Who were those two and why did the small one call you big brother?" she asked
"Oh, that was Illustrious and Unicorn. The reason Unicorn calls me and almost every other pilot in the squadron that is because once when Unicorn was wandering around base by herself, she lost her U-chan which is that stuffed unicorn she carries around. Well, me and a couple of pilots found her crying her eyes out near the fountain, and we just had to help her. Eventually we found it, and when she told Illustrious about how we'd helped her, Illustrious said it was like she had a bunch of older brothers that had watched out for her." David explained.
That made Zuikaku smile.
She'd seen similar instances with the Mutsuki-class destroyers back in the Sakura Empire.
"That's really sweet Dave-san…..one more thing I love about you….." Zuikaku said quietly.
"What was that Z?" David asked.
"AH! I-It was nothing!" Zuikaku said taking a quick chug of her beer.
David shrugged before he noticed several people coming into the club, one of which had silver hair.
Said individual then approached David whilst Zuikaku was mid chug of her beer.
"Great work out there David, and congratulations on your promotion. I just heard from Hornet." Said Enterprise as she approached the duo.
Zuikaku heard her voice and immediately started choking.
David smacked her back before she was finally able to clear her throat.
When Zuikaku looked up, she went wide eyed before she started to speak, "Grey Gho-"
"Hey Enty! You look thirsty! You too Z, your beer is empty!" David said turning to grab three more beers from the bar and thrust one into Enterprise and Zuikaku's hands.
"But Dave I don't dr-" Enterprise began but was cut off by David.
" Sure you do Enty! We're celebrating remember?" David said before whispering to Zuikaku.
"Remember what I told you before Z." he said.
Zuikaku also remembered the promise she'd made to Yorktown as well.
Zuikaku nodded and turned to greet her greatest rival.
"Grey Ghost…..thank you for aiding us in rescuing my sister today." Zuikaku began politely.
"Y-your welcome.."Enterprise responded awkwardly.
David scowled.
"Look, I know you two have had some differences in the past but we're all on the same side now. Besides, this is probably the best place to just have a talk and straighten things out. Over a beer that is!" David said raising his glass.
That was when David noticed someone out of the corner of his eye gesturing to him.
As he turned, he saw Hornet gesturing to him to follow her outside.
David winced as he knew what he was about to have to do.
"Well, hey I gotta hit the head, so you two talk things out. Not gonna be any trouble while I'm gone right?" David said looking to both girls.
Zuikaku nodded and replied, "You have my word Dave-san."
Enterprise simply nodded.
David smiled and then headed towards the door.
Zuikaku then turned to her former adversary, David's words from the island lingering in her mind.
"You might have more in common than you think…." Zuikaku remembered.
"So….what was it like being on that island with David?" Enterprise asked all of the sudden.
Zuikaku took a sip of her beer before smiling and beginning the conversation with her old rival.
"Well, it's no secret he saved my life, and I certainly wouldn't' be sitting here right now if it weren't for him. At the time I just couldn't believe that someone from the Eagle Union would choose to save me, a dying enemy. But after he treated my injuries, carried me all the way up a peak, ensured I was getting proper medical treatment, and now even helped to save my sister….I just know I owe him more than I could ever repay him." Zuikaku said with a blush before taking another sip of her beer.
Enterprise for her part had become wide eyed as well.
"I…I always knew Dave to be a good man from the time Hornet introduced me to him . He was probably one of the first males that didn't look at me or my sisters like pieces of hardware." She replied.
Zuikaku nodded.
"He…" she hesitated for a moment before steeling her courage.
"Dave also said that….you and I should talk like this….that it might help us resolve our issues because he said we likely had a lot in common." Zuikaku admitted.
This piqued Enterprise's curiosity.
"How so?" she asked.
"He mentioned you had survived till the end of the Pacific War like I had, and he mentioned how we had both lost our sisters and many friends…" Zuikaku said cautiously.
Enterprises huffed.
"As much as I respect Dave, sometimes he talks too much." She said taking a sip of her own beer.
Zuikaku knew she needed to tread lightly, so she then changed her approach.
"But he also said something that made me realize I've been going about this all wrong."Zuikaku said.
Enterprise again raised an eyebrow.
"He said that we shouldn't be fighting one another like before, and instead should be focused on the Sirens that are threatening humanity as a whole. I did some soul searching the night he told me that, and I realized he was right. I lost so many countrymen during the Pacific War, and I don't want their deaths to have been in vain!" Zuikaku finished her sentence.
Enterprise then found her mouth agape in wonder.
Had her formal rival just had her entire outlook changed by one man?
She then pondered the Crane girl's words and thought back to her time as a ship and recalled the many faces of her crew that had been lost at sea.
She knew them all by name, and knew all had simply wanted to return home to their families at war's end, but she knew that would never come for many of them.
Enterprise set her beer down on the bar as she allowed herself to process all that she had just heard.
"To protect the oceans and humanity so that their deaths may not be in vain….." she thought to herself.
She recalled the words of her comrade Arizona who was known to be in constant mourning for her crew.
"They have always been with me…" she would say quite often.
Enterprise then shed an uncharacteristic tear which she quickly wiped from her face.
"Maybe Dave was right after all…..that is something we do have in common." Enterprise replied.
Zuikaku for her part went wide eyed at her former rival's statement.
"I admit that I've become far too worried about fighting that I forgot what I was fighting for, and that was to protect my sisters and my friends." Enterprise said with a soft smile.
Zuikaku for her part smiled in response and said, "That's what it's always been about for me as well, protecting Shoukaku-nee and all of my dear friends."
The two rivals understood.
This is what David had meant.
The two then found themselves in a fit of laughter as they realized what that meant.
"It seems Dave-san was right again. I'd like to know how he does it!" Zuikaku said.
"Maybe just sheer dumb luck!" Enterprise responded jokingly.
"Hey, we're probably two of the luckiest ships in the world! Maybe we've just rubbed off on Dave!" Zuikaku replied.
Both shared another laugh before they happened to spot Shoukaku and Atago entertaining a group of suitors from the pilot group.
Both seemed to find the attention amusing save for Takao who was sitting alone at a table and had effectively shut down almost any male who attempted to approach her.
"My sister always was popular with the men. Just goes to show you how much more attractive she is than me…" Zuikaku said lugubriously.
"My sisters were always the same as well. Yorktown has a very meek and ladylike aura and Hornet is so energetic and fun loving. Me on the other hand, well…you get the picture." Enterprise said in response.
Zuikaku chuckled.
"One more thing we have in common Grey Gho-" Zuikaku stopped short before shaking her head. "Enterprise." She corrected herself.
Enterprise then raised an eyebrow before smiling.
"That's the first time you've called me by name, Zuikaku. Or do you go by Z now?" she said playfully.
"Only Dave-san calls me that." Zuikaku said with a sly grin.
"Well, I know you've said your sister might be popular with the men, but I'd say you certainly have the attention of one, and though I'm no expert, I think he might be the one who's been right about most things tonight." Enterprise shot back.
Zuikaku blushed red upon realizing what she was implying.
"I know I'm no good at speaking my feelings, but I think it's clear how you feel about him." Enterprise said.
Zuikaku although red as a tomato responded with, "Is…is it that obvious?"
Enterprise chuckled.
"Yeah a little." She replied.
" I'm really in no position to say, but maybe you should tell him how you feel." Enterprise suggested.
Zuikaku then thought back to the day that she and David had flown together and recalled how David had wanted to talk to her more.
Maybe, just maybe he felt the same way and wanted to confess his feelings too.
Zuikaku smiled again before downing the rest of her beer.
"I think I'll do just that. Thank you, Enterprise. Not only for this conversation, but also for helping to save my sister as well. And…" she said before trailing off.
"…..can we…still keep our rivalry as a friendly one? There's not many other Kansen I can consider a worthy opponent after all!" Zuikaku finished her sentence.
Enterprise smiled in return before she stood and shook hands with the Crane girl.
"It's a deal, but don't think I'll hold back anything just because we're on the same side now." Enterprise replied with a smirk.
"I'd expect nothing less!" Zuikaku replied.
Both nodded to one another before Zuikaku headed out of the pilot club to find David.
"Dave-san…..I hope you'll….accept my feelings for you." She thought as she stepped out into the cool night air.
Outside the pilot club, 2039hrs
As David stepped outside, he found Hornet waiting for him near a bench that faced the ocean.
As he approached her, she stood and faced him.
She smiled softly and the moonlight cast a light upon her face that made her green eyes seem brighter than ever.
David's heart pounded as he knew what Hornet wanted, and it was something he would not be able to give her.
"Dave, I know you know why I called you out here, and I know you're not oblivious to the way I feel about ya. I've been in love with you for a while now, and I just wanna know if you feel the same way about me. So Dave….please….give me the answer you promised me." Hornet said.
David let out a breath he'd been holding before trying to find the words to say.
He was not in love with Hornet, but she had always been one of his closest friends, and he didn't want to break her heart.
He then spoke, putting his heart into his words.
"Hornet, I've known you ever since I came to this base and you've been one of the closest friends I've ever had, Kansen or otherwise." David began as Hornet smiled at his statement.
"I can never forget all the fun times we've had from hanging out with your sisters and the guys, times at the pilots club, the sorties we've run together, and everything in between." David now felt himself smile before his eyes grew sad.
"But I have to be honest with my feelings, and it wouldn't be fair to either of us if I pretended to feel something I didn't."
Hornet felt her chest getting tight.
"And because of that Hornet, I have to tell you…..that…..I'm not in love with you….I'm in love with…..Zuikaku…."David finally spat his words out.
The atmosphere was quiet for several seconds before David finally looked up.
Hornet stood there mouth open in shock.
She then put on a fake smile as David noticed a tear roll down her cheek.
She lowered the brim of her hat before she spoke again.
"I…I guess I really shouldn't be surprised. I mean, she's all you've been able to think about or talk about for some time now. Even before you met her you had those dreams about her I mean." Hornet began.
Then as she looked to David once more, he could see tears flowing freely down her cheeks and the hurt in her eyes.
"B-But…." Hornet said as her bottom lip quivered. "It still hurts to hear it Dave….." she finished before turning quickly and running off into the night sobbing as she ran.
"Hornet!" David called out to her as he reached out his hand.
It was no use he knew, but he hated the fact that he had just hurt someone so close to him.
He sighed and sat down on the nearby bench taking his head in his hands.
"What am I gonna do?" he thought to himself.
"Dave-san?" called a voice from behind him.
David turned to see Zuikaku visibly concerned.
"Dave-san what's wrong? You look upset…." Zuikaku asked.
David smiled weakly before gesturing for Zuikaku to sit down next to him.
As she took her seat, she noted something in David's eyes.
Longing perhaps?
She began to feel that same longing growing in her as well now that they were alone.
"Z….you ever have feelings for someone that you know you can't return because you're in love with someone else?" David asked.
Zuikaku blinked a few times before replying, "No I haven't but….this is about Hornet-san isn't it…."
David blinked in surprise.
"H-how did you know it was her!?" he asked.
Zuikaku gathered her courage before responding.
"The day we flew together she stopped me outside the ops building and told me that she was in love with you. She thought I was trying to take you from her." Zuikaku explained.
"That sounds like Hornet alright….." David said.
"Did she….confess to you?" Zuikaku asked.
David nodded lugubriously.
"And….what did you tell her?" Zuikaku asked now feeling her heart beginning to race.
"That I was in love with you Z." David responded.
Zuikaku felt her eyes go wide and her heart flutter.
"Ehh, w-with me!?" Zuikaku said.
"It's always been you Z, even before we met I had dreams about you. I can't explain it, but I somehow knew when I first met you that I wanted to be with you." David said.
"Dave-san…..I….I feel the same way I-wait! What kinds of dreams?!" Zuikaku asked suddenly.
David then proceeded to tell her of the dreams he'd had prior to and after their meeting and Zuikaku shared hers with David as well.
"This…..this can't be a coincidence! Dave-san, are we really supposed to be some sort of key to ending the war? Just the two of us?" Zuikaku asked perplexed.
"I don't know Z, but what I do know is this. I love you, and I want to make sure you know it." David said before placing his hand on her cheek.
"You are the most amazing woman I've ever met and I couldn't imagine being with anyone else." David said looking lovingly into the Crane girl's eyes.
Zuikaku felt a small tear of joy roll down her face as she cupped David's face as well.
"I feel the same Dave-san. It has to be you, I won't accept anyone else." She said.
Both knew there was nothing left to say as they closed the distance between them, and their lips met one another's.
Both held the kiss for as long as they could before needing to pull away to breathe.
As the two stared longingly into another's eyes they knew it would be a difficult road ahead, but both knew of the other's toughness.
And together, there was nothing they could not do.
The two then spent a few more moments in silence and in one another's arms before speaking once again.
"So, I take it the conversation with Enty went well?" David asked.
Zuikaku smiled and nodded.
"You were right again David. It turns out we did have a lot in common. We also made a promise to keep our rivalry a friendly one from now on, and that we'd work together as best we could against the Sirens." Zuikaku replied.
David smiled in return.
"I'm really happy to hear that Z. I had a sneaky suspicion, but I'm glad that was one thing I was right about!" he replied.
It was at that moment that the newly minted couple heard several more voices outside the club, one of which belonged to Shoukaku.
"Ara, so this is where you ran off to Zuikaku." She said as she approached with a sly grin.
Another woman with pink hair and a white and blue outfit accompanied her and had an equally smug grin.
"Oh my Commander, seems you work quickly!" said the carrier Lexington as she noticed David and Zuikaku's hands still intertwined.
Both the pilot and Crane girl blushed but didn't retract their grip on one another.
Instead, both smiled and stood.
"Well, I guess there's no sense in hiding it." David said to Zuikaku.
"Hai, it's true Onee-chan. David and I are officially a couple now." Zuikaku confirmed.
Shoukaku simply smiled and chuckled softly.
"Well, I could tell how you felt about our new Shikkikan the moment you laid eyes upon him Zuikaku. I've never seen you light up so much around someone!" she said before turning to Lexington.
"This is Lexington by the way Zuikaku, we've spent the last hour or so catching up and 'burying the hatchet' if you will." Both David and Zuikaku smiled at this.
"Shoukaku has given me quite the idea or two for my next performance! And an idol must always have fresh inspiration!" Lexington confirmed before looking to Zuikaku.
"I've also offered to take you both to the carrier dorms for tonight so do come and find me when you both are ready to retire." She said.
David took this as a hint and turned back to Zuikaku.
"Well, is it safe to call you my girlfriend then? I mean if we're putting labels on this and all…" David said with a blush.
"Hai, I like the sound of that…Dave-san." Zuikaku said before reaching for David's cheeks and kissing him once more.
"I'm very happy now Dave-san, and it's all thanks to you." Zuikaku said as she smiled at her lover.
David smiled before embracing Zuikaku.
The two then released their grip on one another and bid each other good night. Unknown to the new couple however was what extraordinary dreams the two would have that night…
And that's a wrap! I know a lof of you will be wondering about what will become of Hornet in the coming chapters but don't worry because this isn't the end of her part in the story! As for our hero and heroine, stay tuned to find out what their dreams have meant and what it will mean for ending the Siren War!