Zhejiang and Enterprise (Book One)

Confessions (4)

As the words leave my mouth, time crawls to a halt. Now that they've been said, I can't take them back but I also can't help the growing fear within me. What if she doesn't reciprocate my feelings? What then?

As the doubt creeps into my mind, the seconds seemingly stretch on for days on end. I'm not sure how much time has passed since I spoke but it seems like ages and yet, she's silent. Realising this, I lose all hope and begin wishing to be anywhere but before her. As if answering my silent plea, my feet begin turning me away on their own but before I can step away, a firm grip locks me in place.

Tracing the arms holding me reveals Enterprise. She's staring at me with a look I don't recognise but before I can ask her why she's stopped me, she leans forward. Her lips, pressing against mine, are warm to the touch. They're somehow comforting and yet with each second that passes, the feeling shifts from something pleasant to something that stings. She still hasn't told me if she feels the same way.

Me: D-

Enterprise: I love you too.

Hearing the words come from her, without me mentioning it, fills me with joy. I'm so happy that before long I find myself giggling uncontrollably. My face is buried in the crook of her neck and yet, I feel at home. 

????: Ehem! Sorry to break your...moment, but we have news.

Enterprise: Are we under attack?

Howe: No. The Sardegna Empire has broken away from the Crimson Axis and requests to rejoin Azur Lane.

Enterprise pulls away from me at that. I don't want our moment to end but I can tell just from her body language that the moment has passed. She's back to her old self now, all business before play, and I can't help the exasperated sigh that leaves my lips. Without even waiting on them to continue, I turn and begin making my way back to the infirmary. 

As I walk, I reminisce about the memories we've made together. As expected, two stand at the forefront though both only occurred while neither of us was focused on the war at hand. What will things be like now that that's changed? What's worst, now that we've told each other how we feel, will it change our relationship and if so will it be for the better or the worst? 

Doubt quickly settles back into my mind now that she's not with me and, matching the shift in mood, my feet soon give way. The fall doesn't hurt me but it does reveal that despite everything, I'm still not fully recovered. 

Enterprise: Zhejiang!

Strong hands wraps around me, lifting me off the ground but no sooner than I hear her voice does a frown form on my lips. What's she doing here? Shouldn't she be heading towards the meeting I'm sure they're going to hold to discuss what to do? 

Me: I'm fine.

Enterprise: Like hell you are. I-

Me: Go...they need you.

Enterprise: I'm not leaving you. Not again.

Again? What does she mean by again? Has she left me in the past? I'm so caught up in trying to figure out her words that I don't even realise we're on the move until we're clear of the docks. 

Me: I'm fine, truly. I can manage to return on my own though if you're that worried, just have someone else-

Enterprise: No...no one else.

Me: Then just put me down. I can still walk you know!

Enterprise: No.

Me: Why?

She opens her mouth to answer but before she can, we're intercepted by a speeding Jiangsu who tackles us both to the ground. So caught off guard are we that neither of us manages to so much as brace ourselves for the impact. As I come to a stop, however, I'm surprised to find my sisters arms already wrapped around my neck. 

Jiangsu: You're...you're ok.

Not sure that's how I'd describe being tackled but sure, let's go with that. 

Me: Weren't you playing on the beach? Have you finished already?

Yorktown: Well, we were both worried so we were on our way to the infirmary when we saw you and...well, you know the rest. 

As I return Jiangsu's hug, I notice a flash of an expression cross over Enterprise's face but she hides it faster than I can register what the look might mean. Deciding not to dwell on it, I refocus on my sister, tickling her to get her to cheer up before pulling her in for yet another hug. Yorktown smiles at our interaction but it's not long before we're interrupted again. 

Me: See? I told you they need you.

Enterprise: But-

Yorktown: Don't worry. We'll look after her.

She's still not convinced but as the messenger clears their throat and urges her to come as quickly as possible, she concedes and before long, she's on her way. Still, as I watch her leave I can't help but wonder why she was so against leaving my side.