Culture (Sheffield X Reader)

Chapter 6 - Opening Up

Seems that Sheffy and Commander have a little to talk about.

Enjoy.

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Sheffy had no choice from the direct order of business. As the Commander asked, she grabbed the tray that held the kettle, dishes with cups, the milk, and the sugar. Bringing it over and sitting it down at the table before sitting next to the Commander. 

"There you are Sir." She glared at him.

"Please have one with me."

"Fine." Sheffy poured a cup for him and one for herself. Both of them took it plain. "So, you first I suppose."

"Well you know about Emma. After that I kept myself occupied for long and wanted to take care of myself and it was strict with my family growing up. After Emma passed and I enrolled to work and there is a reason why I have my reputation. I thought to myself that this nation was a great responsibility than me having a partner again. Years passed and I haven't thought about it until it was brought up."

"My job as a maid was to serve the men that worked many hours fighting for the UK. Years pass and yes there are some slimy men that try to make passes and I refuse. Is it the outfit? My height? My hair? I quite don't understand it really. All I know is I have my job and I trained hard to get here. With the war, it has grown quite busy."

The Commander took the first sip. "Amazing again Sheffy. And one thing I will say, I think it would be unfair if a woman only saw her lover only when he's eating dinner or in bed. Any woman deserves much more than that."

"I couldn't conceive a child and raise it with my work." Sighed Sheffy.

"Quite true. Hard for her. If the child were to be in a room here in one of the offices it would still cause stress. A baby cries. They need attention. Times for breastfeeding. And if you did want a child, you should have the right to have one and raise it at your leisure. You do an amazing job right now. With a baby and half-speed I would still be entirely grateful for you Sheffy. All of you."

She shook her head. "So you weren't flirting with the woman from Wales or Formidable?"

"No. Just being polite as I was doing paperwork."

"Yet you topped to talk to me when this is a busy day for you?"

"I'll have to do a half-day soon. Got to rest and be on the top of my game. I think you are completely right. Even with this mountain of work, I am sure Sir Hill and General Wards have just a tall of a stack as I do. Only difference is that am behind in my mind while they are attending other matters and leave some to others. I run a ship a certain way. Once I get things on track and give it a little time I will have myself an assistant."

Sheffield took a sip of her tea and flattened what she thought was a wrinkle in her dress. "That's a wise idea. And you do have to see Master Wards soon. Dinner and a serious talk?" Guessing at what the arrangements were.

"I suppose so. Hard telling with him." He sighed. "Although, out of most of the military men with upper positions, am I the only one that doesn't have a life outside of work?"

"Mostly." Sheffield admitted. 

"The norms. But still, I can't be a selfish wee pratt like those other men are. It's no wonder some of their wives find men to have affairs with. And a business relationship isn't exactly ideal, but I am a gentleman. I couldn't simply act on such a thing."

Sheffield put her cup down. "A man thinking about a woman's feelings first. And here at first I was serving an ignorant boob that got promoted too early."

"I get it. My age screams to people. Age 29 and people think I am too young for this position, think I am not normal, and if I didn't wear this moustache they would nearly crucify me. Though you got the wheels turning Sheffy. Please, if there is anything I can do for you, let me know. I am still trying to be the best man I can. I need to learn with time. I don't care if I need a light smack here and there. Tell it how it is so I can be who I want to be. I need to be beyond what I am now for this war and more to come."

Sheffield was shocked. Most men brag about themselves. Think they're perfect. Their egos that are never in check are usually encouraged by other men in their inner circle. This was a different approach to how she went along with day to day life. She was learning quicker and quicker that she had a unique case on her hands. It almost bothered her in that aspect. Was it being wrong? Or was it something else? Maybe something she just couldn't quite get her grasp on exactly what it was. All she knew is she was thrilled and relieved that there was just the two of them in the room. 

"Thank you Commander." Sheffield slowly nodded with a frown. "Sorry for doubting you."

"Don't get your knickers in a bunch." He smiled. "Don't be so harsh on yourself. You're doing great."

"Shall I get anything else for you before you have your meeting with Master Wards?" She now smiled. Feeling better about things. 

"My coat is in the closet. Make sure it is presentable. I hear it is going to be cold tonight so I might be wearing it."

"Very well. Any more tea?" She offered.

"All set."

Sheffield took the tray. "Just a moment." She walked out of the room and the Commander watched her leave. The woman smiled as she felt that she was working for a good man. Not many can say that.

What a woman. He thought.

~~~~~

The keys are hot this morning. Hope everyone likes what is to come of this story.

-Rel