The Reunification of Azur lane

On The Mending of Relations

An hour or so after the battle, Arleigh slowly rose from her slumber to find herself in an unfamiliar spot. An old fashioned infirmary with its signs and labels written in a language she recognized as Italian.

She sat up and surveyed the room, noticing Stout in a chair next to her. She was slumped onto the bed, soundly asleep. Arleigh smiled as she watched her sister, restraining the urge to caress her cheek to keep her from waking up.

"Ah, one of le signore has awoken, how wonderful!"

The charming voice of Littorio permeated the room from its entrance, earning a glare and a quick 'shush' from Arleigh as she gestured at her sleeping sister.

"Ah... I see, farewell then my enchanting comrade!"

The Glory of Naples made a quiet but heavily dramatized exit as Arleigh sat awake, deep in thought.

"What are we gonna do without them..."

She sighed, recounting their experiences with the rest of their sisters, Normandy and the others. She looked to Stout, still sound asleep under her gaze.

"What's next? Are you gonna leave me too..."

Arleigh teared up slightly at the thought, fearful of losing the only family she had left.

On Littorio's deck

The evening breeze on the sea carried with it a sense of accomplishment for the leaders of Azur Lane, many of whom sat around a wooden table, hastily set up on the helm of Littorio's ship.

Some of the Kansen talked about whatever came up, whether it was about how they were during the division, new developments, reconciliation or simply playful banter while others preferred a more private setting for their leisure.

At the stern of the dreadnought, Wales and Eugen sat side by side, allowing their legs to hang off the deck as they spoke, their voices barely qualifying as faint whispers as to not ruin the atmosphere.

"Peaceful, isn't it?"

Eugen asked, gently resting her hand atop Wales' as they listened to the song of the sea. The crashing waves, howling breeze and gleaming stars in the night sky serving to enhance the feelings between both Kansen.

"Yes it is, I've never felt this calm before..."

Despite her admission, Eugen noticed that Wales' shoulders were still tense, as if she still carried the burden of leadership in that moment, she sighed.

"You're allowed to have a release once in a while you know? You're not some invincible, immovable object that never gets tired. You're a Kansen, with needs and urges just like the rest of us."

Wales looked towards her lover as she spoke. Eugen smiled tucking a stray strand of golden hair behind the Prince's ear, admiring her features.

"A release huh... is that what you do whenever you're not busy teasing me?"

Wales' chuckled lightly as she questioned Eugen for her usual carefree demeanor before she responded.

"Sometimes, but right now, you're the one who needs to relax meine Liebe..."

Her voice was soft, but it was laced with sincerity.

"You're not in an office stressing over paperwork or on the battlefield commanding our forces... You're here with me."

The two Kansen locked eyes with one another, their gazes filled with love and admiration.

"Then tell me something, mein Schatz... where are we at this point in time?"