・୨୧・┈┈┈・୨୧・
Lady Unicorn stands anxiously next to my locked door. Occasionally she checks the time, the minute hand gets closer and faster to three o’clock. It hasn’t been long since the planning of the upcoming date, but I’d assume Unicorn is terrified nonetheless.
A gentle hand calmly places itself on Lady Unicorn’s shoulder. “It’ll be fine. The commander will be ready in time,” a reassuring voice came from behind Lady Unicorn. Lady Unicorn nods and turns towards Lady Illustrious. “Unicorn’s never been on a date before!” Lady Unicorn plants her hands into fists. “Unicorn wants it to be perfect for Commander and prove that Unicorn is finally a lady!” Lady Unicorn blushes as she announces it. Her voice echoes down the hall in robustness. “But what if Commander doesn’t think Unicorn is a lady…” she trails off with eyes filled with water.
“You’re plenty enough a lady, I assure you,” Lady Illustrious whispers in genuine. “Let’s be patient. Commander will be out soon. I’m sure of it.”
𓈒ㅤㅤ⊹ ︵ 𓈒 ·⏜ ୨୧ ⏜· 𓈒 ︵ ⊹ㅤㅤ𓈒
I finally woke up; my eyes burned from the morning sun. I groan and roll from my bed; I try to keep back a gaping yawn. My hand instinctively grabs my phone. I press a finger on my screen and look at the time. 2:45. I scratch my head, wondering what was important today. Only dots slowly formed on top of my head. I swipe up on the screen and find the reminder: Picnic with Lady Unicorn.”
“Ohhhh.” I let the loading screen on my head finish loading. “Fuck.” I spring up on my feet and crash into my closet, grabbing whatever my hands could get on. I yank a shirt off the hanger, and grab a set of bottoms. I hopped around trying to get them on while finding my shoes (and maybe some socks).
I checked the time once more and only five minutes passed. I quickly pull up my bottoms while hopping over to the bathroom. I grab my toothbrush and quickly turn on the sink in high blast. I shove the bristles into the water, and vigorously shove the brush around my mouth while staring frustratedly into the mirror.
I slam the toothbrush down onto the counter and spit out the foamed paste that resided at the edges of my mouth. I toss some water in my mouth, letting my cheeks slosh out any residue. I spit it out, take a good last glance into the mirror to look at my wonderous feelings, and skip back into my room.
I pick up two random socks I found on the floor and tug them onto my feet. I glance at the time once more and find that 3:00 PM has struck. I let out an exhausted huff; I sit onto my bed, get some shoes and throw them on. I stand up and start heading for the door and run out into my office.
I pass my desk and brush my hair back. Knots were present but there was no time for brushing them out.
I get to the huge brown doors and open them towards myself, panting heavily. “Lady Unicorn!” My head falls onto the ground. “I’m sorry I’m late!” I popped my head up once I saw Illustrious’ shoes. “Oh! Lady Illustrious, I didn’t know you’d be joining us! Haha!” I laugh awkwardly with a hand playing with my hair. I could feel tension gather into the air and my chest filling with pressure.
“Apologies if I’m intruding. Unicorn was so excited to tell me about the date, but she realized she had no idea what to do on a date!” Lady Illustrious giggles to herself while glancing down at Lady Unicorn.
“Unicorn asked her to come with Unicorn because Unicorn got a little shy!” Lady Unicorn blushes and tilts her head down in a bow. “Unicorn is sorry, Commander! Unicorn should’ve asked you!”
“Awh, Unicorn...” I rub my hand against her head, the hair slightly getting tattered. “I’m fine! Really!” I reassure her. Or at least, I think I did.
Lady Unicorn looks into my hand. “Where’s the picnic basket?” Lady Unicorn asks. My face gets red as I glance to Lady Illustrious and then back to Lady Unicorn. Why did I forget all about the picnic basket?
“Oh! Belfast should be done with it soon! Haaa...” I turn towards the door with pale threatening my face. “Actually! I need to get something, BRB!” I rush into my room; the door clasps behind me.
“Did... Commander say ‘brb’, out loud?” Lady Unicorn asks to Lady Illustrious.
“Indeed they did, Ms. Unicorn.” Lady Illustrious giggles.
𓈒ㅤㅤ⊹ ︵ 𓈒 ·⏜ ୨୧ ⏜· 𓈒 ︵ ⊹ㅤㅤ𓈒
“It’s much too late to create a picnic basket, Commander,” Belfast says over the phone. “You of all people should know that.”
I grumble while pacing around the office. “I know, but it’s really important. I’m not only on a date with Lady Unicorn, but I’m also on a date with Lady Illustrious!” I beg. “Please, I’ll do anything!” I was basically on my knees at this point. What’s a picnic without a picnic basket?
"Anything?” I could hear the smirk from behind the phone. I sigh to myself, giving a moment of drama to bubble.
“Yes, Belfast. Anything,” I continue to beg.
“Since you’re the Commander, I guess I must,” Belfast complies. “After all! You are the boss.”
“How long do you think it’ll take?” I glance towards the door in panic. I could feel the clock’s hand pulse harder with each tick. “Will it be quick?”
“I’ll work my maiden’s magic. As long as you can get me ten minutes, everything will be good to go, Commander.”
“Perfect, see you then!” I hang up the phone quickly and dash to the door.
Lady Unicorn looks up at me surprised. Lady Illustrious does the same with an equal amount of shock.
“Is everything okay, Commander?” Lady Unicorn asks; I could tell Lady Illustrious was thinking the same.
“Fine! Everything is fine!” I huff out with relief.
“Are you sure? You look quite sweaty, Commander,” concern was laced upon Lady Illustrious’ voice. Her fingers rested against her lips. Great, I worried the most famous lady in Azur Lane. Great job, me!
“Yes of course!” I chuckle awkwardly. I was pretty sure they could feel the awkwardness too.
Lady Unicorn chips in, “Unicorn will wipe your head off!” She takes a handkerchief from thin air and gets on her tiptoes with her hand fully in the air. I slowly squat down, letting the smaller lady wipe my head.
“Thank you, Unicorn! Now I’m not gross for our date,” I attempt to humor her. Somehow, it worked. She gave me a chuckle.
Lady Illustrious was kind enough to laugh as well. I’m grateful for it, even if it was just a pity laugh. I glance to my wrist—my watch has only accelerated by five minutes. I bit my lip as I tried to remain calm.
“How about we start going towards the kitchen?” I suggest with a panic squeak.
“Picnic basket?!” Lady Unicorn springs up but quickly calms herself down. “Unicorn is so sorry! A lady shouldn’t be so loud…” Lady Unicorn tilts her head down shamefully.
I shake my head. “You shouldn’t apologize for being excited. Right, Illustrious?” I didn’t mean to drag Lady Illustrious in for confirmation, but it happened naturally.
“Of course. A lady is allowed to express whatever she desires.” Lady Illustrious toddles her head slightly. “However, Unicorn, you did a great job at not being too over the top.”
Lady Unicorn vibrates with joy, her hands clenched as the praise fills her with determination.
I, however, was already getting my shirt stained with sweat. I fan myself with my hand and tilt my head down the hallway.
“Let’s go, shall we?” I turn my lip as if it was a suggestion to not create pressure. If anything, what I needed was time.
“We shall!” Lady Illustrious fixes her laced hat. She treads Unicorn along, prompting her to move. Lady Unicorn smiles and nods with a mhm.
I begin to walk before them, letting them follow me. My face churns once I turn away from them. If anyone were to see me, they’d likely run away.
Oh my god, what if they aren’t impressed… What if I ruin everything? What if the food isn’t good? What if Belfast tells them how awful I am? What if Lady Unicorn breaks up with me? The thoughts pressed against the front of my mind.
The stairs approached and I pressed my foot a couple steps after the initial one. Making the step, I felt pride fill my ego. Lady Unicorn watches the magnificent leap that I made down the steps and her mouth falls in awe. She turns towards Lady Illustrious, to me, and back to the white clothed lady. Lady Illustrious shook her head with a smile.
“A lady must not hurt herself. Commander’s childish nature must not convince you to follow,” Lady Illustrious explained gently, like she always does. An emotional arrow stabbed me through my heart once I heard Illustrious call me immature. Being a lady did seem really hard after all! I obviously don’t pass.
Lady Unicorn sighs; her face droops down and her eyebrows furrow.
I fix my face from the awful one I was hiding, and add a smile before turning to her.
“If you’d like, I could carry you! You’ll be able to fly like your little Yuni.” I glance towards Lady Illustrious for confirmation, but Unicorn springs into my arms with excitement filled eyes before I could.
“Yes, Commander! Unicorn would love to grow wings and fly!” Lady Unicorn grasped herself around my torso, holding me tightly yet lovingly.
I hold her up and take a long step over a couple stairs. I continued until I finally reached the treacherous bottom. Lady Unicorn cheered, but once again grasped onto me once I spun the two of us around. I slowly come to a stop and lift her up to the sky, showing her off. Her cheeks blossom in red.
Lady Illustrious stands in the middle of the staircase. Her gentle face watches me descend the purple haired lady. I gave Lady Unicorn’s forehead a kiss, making sure she was okay.
“Perhaps being childish is needed from time to time,” Lady Illustrious chuckles as Unicorn jumps around on the red, carpeted floor. “Isn’t that right, Commander?”
I blink a couple times. My face froze from the sudden compliment. Or... was it a compliment. It wasn’t an insult, however, a not-insult doesn’t mean it’s something positive, right?
“Am I wrong, Commander?” Lady Illustrious graciously tilts her head, interrupting my inner monologue. Her two ribboned bangs shift with her chin, almost as if glaring at me. I jolt my head, how could I make a lady repeat herself?
“No of course not!” I held myself back from stuttering. Lady Unicorn nods in agreement.
“Maybe you’d do good for our precious Unicorn,” Lady Illustrious once more perplexes me with what seemed to be a compliment, or was it?
Either way, the newly born trio that contains Lady Illustrious, Lady Unicorn, and me march our way towards the dining area.
Lady Unicorn rushes through the cafeteria where everyone would meet up to eat after their classes. Lady Illustrious and I were barely into the door; Lady Unicorn was the first to twirl towards the main counter where the maids prepared the food. After being pointed towards the kitchen, Lady Unicorn rushes where their fingers were pointed. Once Unicorn came to the kitchen doors—she froze. I watched the poor girl panic as she hesitated to open the door.
“Go on Unicorn. Belfast is expecting us,” Lady Illustrious approaches her with comfort. “We wouldn’t want to keep her waiting, now would we?” Lady Illustrious always had such a beautiful smile.
Lady Unicorn nodded and gave the door a determined look. Her eyes shifted from one corner of the door and to another. Eventually, she deadpans to the middle. She presses her hand eagerly against it.
A pause.
She tries pushing again, but with more of her might and still, nothing.
“Uhm, Unicorn...” I point towards the handle. “It’s pull, not push.”
“Oh…” Lady Unicorn feels a blanket of shame as she drops her head from her miniature failure. I could feel the background turn into shades of grey as if it was a manga panel.
“It’s okay Unicorn! No need to be ashamed,” I reassured her while grasping the handle myself and pulling the door open for the two ladies. “You tried your best. That’s all that we need from you. Okay?”
Lady Unicorn nodded, but the guilt still layered her heart.
Lady Illustrious gently waved Unicorn in and sheepishly smiled at me. I nod a smile back to her as they both enter the door. I follow suit. I pull the door closed and let go of the handle once I hear the door click.
Lady Unicorn looks around wide eyed with sparkles. The kitchen was well organized with small patterns splattered upon the wall. I notice a couple of scribbles that look all too familiar in the Priority Research station.
“Belfast, it’s always a delight to see you,” Lady Illustrious greets the head maid with her usual gentle demeanor.
Belfast bows in respect. “It is a delight to service such a beauty.” Belfast pulls herself back up and fixes her hair.
“Seems like Cheshire really made her mark around here,” I added once my eyes laid upon a half erased drawing. Crayon was smeared around the faint line art. If you want to call it art, that is.
“Cheshire has been a delight. We thank you deeply for the additional services, Commander.” Belfast tilts her head down towards you.
“Belfast! You’re the one who made the food for Unicorn’s and Commander’s date!” Lady Unicorn jogs in place with her hands held together on her chest. “You always make such delightful and delicious food! Unicorn can’t wait to see what you’ve made!”
“Ah, I see.” Belfast sneaks a sly smirk in my direction. “Miss Unicorn, I believe you’d love the selection I’ve made just for you!” Belfast kneels down and grasps onto her small, gloved hand. Unicorn’s eyes immediately pop.
“It’s special for Unicorn?!” Lady Unicorn tries to contain the excitement she was taught to control.
“Of course! Commander ordered me to. If you have any complaints please let me know immediately.”
Lady Unicorn nods graciously and grasps Belfast into a huge cuddly hug.
“I doubt we will, but of course we will call for you if anything displeases us. My doubt is heavy considering everything you make has only ever been perfectly perfect, Belfast,” Lady Illustrious compliments the white haired maid.
Belfast shakes her head. “There’s no need to hold me to such high appraisals. After all, it is my job as a maid. Nothing less, nor more.”
I approach Belfast personally. I place a hand over my heart as if my hat was in hand. I tilt my head down, showing Belfast the utmost respect.
“Thank you so much for preparing in such a short amount of time. I am more than grateful to you. Please allow me to pay you back.” I bring my head back up with furrowed brows.
“I think a classy dinner would serve quite nicely for payment, Commander,” Belfast teases as she makes eye contact with me. Either looking up, down, or peering straight ahead. I tilt my head down in confirmation. “Now go on! Shoo. Go on your cute little date,” Belfast cheers as she pushes me out of the kitchen.
The sun glares prance through the perfect blue sky. Clouds waver slowly and swirl a gentle breeze amongst the grass. They glaze across the heat waves from the sun. Leaves of the trees sway gently with their branches. The sweet sounds of nature hum over us with its gentle tune.
“Today certainly is perfect,” says Lady Illustrious. “Not many clouds, nor too much of a breeze. The blanket should sit perfectly without a hassle.”
I gleam with happiness. I look towards her as I fix the blanket where flowers lie near. I pick up a couple pebbles I found in a near stroll distance; I place them on each decorated corner of the colorful foundation.
“Unicorn loves how pretty the water is,” Lady Unicorn says with awe. Her purple eyes sparkle from the distant waves of blues. “Unicorn loves the water!”
I whistle over towards her. She turns her head and finds an assortment of fruits, vegetables, sandwiches, crackers, cheeses, and snacks neatly organized on the blanket. Her mouth widens in eagerness, and her legs carry her to the delicious smell. My mouth waters from the flood of the deliciousness that swells from the basket.
“Belfast certainly did spoil us, now didn’t she?” Lady Illustrious takes her seat on the blanket. Her fingers roamed over the selection of sandwiches, but hesitancy lingered upon her fingertips. “Oh gosh… What to pick…” Lady Illustrious hums with the current of air. Her hair elegantly brushes against her wonderful pale skin. The hair accessories glimmer within the reflection of the sun.
“How about the cucumber sandwich?” I aim my finger towards it. “It was ranch, butter, and…” I act confused. “Who knows what the other ingredient is.”
“Cucumber!” Lady Unicorn shouts excitedly in response. Her legs bend on the blanket and her eyes roam around for food as well.
“Unicorn you’re right! Thank you for reminding the commander,” Lady Illustrious chuckles as she picks one sandwich up and brings it up to her lips.
“Thank you, Unicorn,” I say while flinging my fingers over some coffee cakes. I take a taste of the sweet cinnamon and fluffiness. My eyes roll back from the blast of flavor.
Lady Illustrious delicately chews on the breaded food. Her lips twine into a smile as her left cheek rotates. Her other hand covers her mouth to hide any smacking or impurities.
Lady Unicorn’s eyes wander over the groups of food. Her small fingers pinch a cheese cube with white and yellow swirled into each other. She pops the cube into her mouth, lets the taste coat her tongue, and finally chews. She hums, “yummyyyy~,” as she picks up more cubes and eats them.
I relax against the blanket. The fear of expectations is gone now. The picnic, in my opinion, is going perfectly. Everyone is enjoying the food, the grass is soft and comfortable against the touch, the sky was settling for the afternoon.
I shuffle my gaze between Lady Unicorn and Lady Illustrious. The two of them look perfect against the sun’s rays and swaying of tree leaves with their respective branches. I exhale the anxiety out of my lungs and allow calm settle against my stomach.
“You’re going to eat too, right?” Lady Unicorn pushes her face towards me. “It’s no good to have a picnic if only Unicorn and Illustrious eat!”
“Of course I will.” I explain, “I’m just taking in the wonderful view.”
“Here!” Lady Unicorn takes a cheese cube and offers it to me. “Try it!” A huge grin spreads across her face.
“Only if you feed me!” I tease while opening my mouth. Part of me was hesitant; would she actually feed me?
Lady Unicorn nods with determination and squeezes the cube. She gently places the deliciousness onto my tongue. I let her fingers exit before closing my mouth against the food.
“Do you like it, Commander?” Lady Unicorn’s eyes sparkle with eagerness.
I allow the cheese to fully melt against my tongue before nodding towards her. In return, she beams with joy.
“I love it, but I love you more!” I extend my pointer finger against her nose. Tapping it, I give her an excited grin.
She giggles from my playfulness, and I place my arm back to my side. It felt like the afternoon would never set. In fact, I didn’t want this to end. The anxiety of impressing Lady Illustrious has finally faded, yet my love for Lady Unicorn beams brighter than ever.
“Commander, this is the most perfect day to sit upon the green. The sun’s set would be the most beautiful,” Lady Illustrious admires her surroundings.
I blink a couple times and let the compliments melt against my non-existent ego.
“Yes! Unicorn agrees!” Lady Unicorn nods her head with eagerness. “I love when the oranges and yellows turn to purple and black!”
“I would love to see the sunset with my favorite ladies,” I responded with the same amount of enthusiasm as they had.
Lady Unicorn squeals happily as she shakes her hands around rapidly. Illustrious taps her and she darts her head towards her. Lady Illustrious gives her that gaze and she calms herself down.
“Unicorn is excited to see the sun go to sleep!” Lady Unicorn nods her head around as she redirects her gaze against the sky’s horizon.
Both Lady Illustrious and I exchange a giggle as we huddle closer to Lady Unicorn. I feel Lady Illustrious’ arm wrap around my waist, and lie her body upon my side.
Lady Unicorn turns to look at us and decides to push herself onto my lap. My smile reflects back to her. I wrap my arms around her gentle figure. Trying not to squish her, I hold her tighter against my grasp. I even feel Illustrious put her spare arm over Unicorn’s lap.
All of our heads were leaning against each other as we watched the clouds flow slowly through the sky and the moon’s appearance became more clear. The sky’s gradient did exactly what Unicorn said it would.
The oranges and the yellows puddle at the end of the horizon, slowly becoming brighter as the blue fades and pinks swirl into their usual spots. Purple dives through the blue with a darken gradient following behind it.
The sun hills over flat land in front of them. The heat waves warp the sun’s reflection, along with bouncing some of the surrounding sky.
“Commander?” Lady Unicorn turns her head up towards me, along with shifting her body.
“What is it, Unicorn?” I helped her shift herself in my lap to better face me. Our eyes latch onto one another. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
“C-Can we kiss?” Lady Unicorn gulps as panic spreads across her face. “Uhm!” Lady Unicorn starts playing with her fingers. “We don’t have to if you don’t want to!”
“Kiss?” A rush of rouge bursts through my cheeks. “I-” I blink a couple times and glance at Lady Illustrious. She nods with her gentle smile. I lean over to Lady Unicorn. “Of course!”
Lady Unicorn gasps. “Really!?”
I nod and place my fingers gently onto her cheek. The wind begins to pick up and sway our hair around. I cuff my palm to fit her face. The sky began to glow at its highest. The orange buckles into almost a beautiful red shade. Swirls of color surround the sun.
I softly pull Lady Unicorn closer to me. Unicorn shyly closes her eyes as we draw closer to each other. I soften my gaze. Our lips finally touched, her delicate lips were shy. Barely any pressure was added between the two of us, but it was enough to satisfy our preexisting temptations.
Lady Unicorn was the first to start pulling away—a wide, sheepish toothed grin shines upon Unicorn’s face. The infectious glow forces my smile to grow.
“Again!” Lady Unicorn cheers. She purses her lips again with her eyes already closed.
I chuckle as I watch her draw closer to me. I give in and let our lips meet once more, except this time she presses herself more against me. I drift a hand down to her waist and lock my arm around her. If she wanted to play rough, we could.
Lady Unicorn radiates with warmth. I could feel her breathing get faster; her heartbeat was pulsing against my chest. I felt myself flustering. Such a tender moment in front of Lady Illustrious, yet I didn’t care. Everything felt right in this moment—with Lady Unicorn in my arms.
This time: I pull away. I keep my hand on her cheek as we part. Her skin was warm against my palm.
“Commander’s a good kisser,” Lady Unicorn says shyly to Lady Illustrious.
My face lights up with fire induced embarrassment.
Lady Illustrious laughs with purity. “I know, Unicorn.” A smirk spreads onto her face. “I was once in your shoes!”
“You were?!” Lady Unicorn gasps and her mouth stays ajar.
“No, I’m just kidding,” Lady Illustrious laughs with a wave of her hand.
“Jeez! Don’t scare me like that!” I sigh with relief. “I thought I forgot about a very important moment between us!” I say, but in reality I would never forget something like that.
“I hope we can have more dates like this,” Lady Unicorn turns her head towards the warm sky. The dark is twisting itself against the fire surrounding the sun.
“Of course we can. You think we won’t?” I ask, an eyebrow furrowed.
“That depends on you and your busy schedule, Commander,” Lady Unicorn slides her hands against the other—her voice quivers and her body begins to shake.
“We can always make plans, like we did for today!” I attempt to reassure her.
Lady Unicorn’s face only shrinks. “You don’t remember how long it took to plan our date? Unicorn guesses our Queen keeps you busy...” Lady Unicorn reminds me, shining a light that I never put into perspective for the girls. “Unicorn would hate to inconvenience our leader.”
“Unicorn.” Lady Illustrious brings the two of us into her calming embrace. Lady Unicorn’s shaking finally started to slow down. I knew how much Lady Unicorn depended on Lady Illustrious. Lady Illustrious never seemed to mind, but I hear often how much the maids worry about Lady Unicorn and her being alone. If Lady Illustrious were to... leave or... disappear, Lady Unicorn would have Lady Victorious. Then Lady Indomitable, and of course, Lady Formidable.
However, if a tragedy were to happen, like what happened when the previous Commander was here, who knew what would happen to Lady Unicorn. At least this time our Navy has gotten stronger with hope threaded in everyone’s hearts. I sometimes worry if it’s enough, and what the other Commander did.
“Commander loves you dearly. There will be another time where they spare their free time with us. Maybe even alone,” Lady Illustrious pulls Lady Unicorn in a bit tighter. “Without me.”
Lady Unicorn’s face burns and her eyes widen. I assume she hasn’t realized that having time alone with me without Lady Illustrious was a possibility. The only reason Illustrious was here was because Unicorn was too shy to approach me in the first place. I guess we could call it a placement date.
“Would that be okay with Commander?” Lady Unicorn’s lip quivers.
“Of course it would!” I cheerfully bring myself closer against Lady Unicorn and tighter into Lady Illustrious’ embrace.
We all held each other. Our smiles were infectious with each other. I felt my heart radiate with protection, yet confidence. I have people to lean on, and people to lean on me.
It felt perfect, it felt right. The sky was now overtaken by the dark. The moon hovered where the sun’s rise usually crept. It was beautiful. Seemed like it came at the perfect time. Each of our hands dug into the rest of the fruits and carbs, even feeding us another with burning love and giggling passion.
