Azur Lane Fanfiction - Stay With Me

Chapter 9

Hey everyone. I hope you're doing good. I'm sorry this chapter took so long. I just finished my exams, so I'll try to update more frequently than I did before. Anyways, let's get into this chapter.

It's been a few days since the incident and both Ethan and Enterprise are recovering from it. Ethan was in his office, looking over the mission report but he couldn't focus on it at all. He kept thinking back to the dream he had while he was unconscious.

(Ethan's POV)

What was that dream about? What does it mean... No, focus Ethan! No use thinking about it now. Just focus on doing your job. he thought as he went back to reviewing the report. All of a sudden, Enterprise entered the room.

Enterprise: "Commander, here is the commission report you asked for."

Ethan: "Uhh, thanks Enterprise. Just put it on my desk. I'll look at it later."

Enterprise then placed the folder on his desk and went back to hers. They then worked until around noon. As they were working, the two stayed silent the whole time, not once talking to each other.

(Enterprise's POV)

What happened to commander? We usually talk to each other while working but since the incident, commander rarely talked to me. The only times he did talk were when it was necessary. Is it because of what happened a few days ago that commander is now being distant... she thought to herself as she filled out her document.

Suddenly, Ethan got up to stretch a bit. He then realized that Enterprise was looking a bit down.

Ethan: "Uh, Enterprise, are you alright?"

Enterprise: "Uhh, yeah. I'm fine..."

Ethan: "Alright then. Do you want to grab lunch? I'm starting to get hungry."

Enterprise: "Sure."

The two then headed to the canteen. As they were walking, the two didn't talk to each other, not until someone from behind broke the silence.

Cleveland: "Hey there you two!" she yelled while running towards them.

Ethan: "Hey Cleveland. Where are you going?"

Cleveland: "I'm going to meet up with my sisters. They just returned from their mission."

Ethan: "OK, tell them to report back to my office when they have the chance."

Cleveland: "Will do. By the way, where are you two going? Are you out on a date?"

Enterprise: "No we're not! We're just getting some lunch." she said all flustered.

Ethan: "Y-yeah..."

Cleveland: "OK then. Well, I'll be on my way. Later."

With that, she left the two to be alone. As they continued to walk to the canteen, the atmosphere between the two grew increasingly awkward.

(Enterprise's POV)

Why did Cleveland say that?! Now it's getting more awkward than before. I wish we could just go back to the way things were... she thought to herself.

Soon after, they reached the canteen. They went in and ordered their food, but since it was so crowded inside, the decided to eat outside. They looked for a good spot to sit down and they found a spot under a tree that faced the ocean, so they decided to sit there.

As they were eating, the two admired the view of the ocean but they still weren't talking to each other. Then, Enterprise decided to start a conversation with Ethan.

Enterprise: "Uhh, commander, can I ask you a question?

Ethan: "Sure."

Enterprise: "Do you not like me being your secretary?"

Ethan: "What?! What are you saying?"

Enterprise: "Well, ever since the incident, you've been really distant. Is it because of me? If it is, then..."

Ethan then placed his hand on her shoulder.

Ethan: "Enterprise, I'm not mad at you. I just had a lot to think about."

Enterprise: "Think about what?"

Ethan: "About how to prevent something like that from ever happening again. When you were kidnapped, I was afraid of losing you. I never want that to happen. I'm sorry if I acted a little distant. I also thought that you needed some time alone after what happened. I didn't realize I was pushing you away. I'm sorry."

Enterprise: "So you're not mad at me?"

Ethan: "Of course not. How can I be mad at you."

Hearing this, Enterprise blushed a little.

Ethan: "So anyway, we're good?"

Enterprise: "Yeah. I'm sorry too for thinking of you like that."

Ethan: "No problem."

After that, they went back to the office and continued their work.

The next day, Ethan was called to the police station. Enterprise wanted to come too but Ethan wanted someone to look after the base, so he went alone. When he got there, he was greeted by a police officer and was taken to a waiting room. While he waited, he looked around the room, observing it.

(Ethan's POV)

What did the police ask me to come here? When I asked the police officer who greeted me, he said that his boss wanted to talk to me. Maybe it's about what happened a few days ago...

Suddenly, the door opened and a man wearing a formal police outfit walked into the room.

Police Chief: "Hello, you must be Ethan. I'm the chief here. Nice to meet you." he said while giving him a handshake.

Ethan: "It's nice to meet you, sir." he said while returning the handshake.

Ethan: "So sir, why am I called here?"

Chief: "It's because we want to discuss the incident that happened to you a few days ago."

Ethan: "I see..."

Chief: "When we interrogated one of the suspects, he said that he was hired by someone. When we tried to ask the name of his employer, his brain suddenly emitted electricity and before we knew it, he was dead."

Ethan: "He's dead?!"

Chief: "Yes but just before he died, he said an incomplete word. It was 'obs'. Do you know anyone who's name starts with that?"

Ethan: "No, I don't."

Chief: "I see... Well, if you happen to know who's name that is, please tell us as soon as possible."

Ethan: "I will. Oh, by the way, what happened to the other two?"

Chief: "We're still checking if they have the same device like the other one had in his brain. If there is, we need to remove it before we can interrogate them."

Ethan: "I see... Thank you, sir, for the information. I'll try to find out who this person is."

After that, Ethan left the police station and went back to the base. On his way there, his mind kept thinking of the person the chief mentioned.

Who is this person? Maybe he or she is an enemy of Enterprise... If he or she is, then I have to protect Enterprise from this person. he thought as he went back to base.