Red Seal Ships/Proposal
darthcourt10
Well worn.
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2018
- Messages
- 8,147
- Likes received
- 33,577
Harry Leferts
Sighing, Haru looked down at the glass in her hand before shaking her head and taking some sips. In front of her, a laptop was open and connecting with some place. After a few moments though, Goto's face appeared on the screen and he raised an eyebrow at her. "Drinking already? Did things go that bad?"
With a snort, Haru placed her glass down. "Quite the opposite, Goto-San. Things have actually gone rather well, even if I am rusty in dealing with things from the Tokugawa Shogunate. That said, I'm drinking because of having to deal with all that... well, for lack of better words, bullshit from that time."
Leaning back, Goto let out a hum as he clasped his hands on his stomach. "Ah, I see. Well I know my history, of course, I was not aware it could be that bad."
Only glancing at him, Haru slowly blinked. "You have no idea at all, Goto-San." Reaching up, she rubbed the side of her head with a frown. "I lived through the Tokugawa Era and have likely forgotten far more then many historians know. However, there were a lot of customs and such that need to be remembered for someone of that time. A lot of which might not have been written down and so are unknown except for those of us who were alive at the time."
More then a little interested, Goto raised an eyebrow. "Really now? I was aware that there were some issues regarding them, but nothing quite that bad."
Haru snorted some and waved a hand. "Oh, there's a lot of differences. For example, I am sure that you know all about what happened when that one politician offered them a meal before I got here."
There was a small smile on Goto's face that was not nice at all. "Oh yes, I know all about it. He's one of those who have given John some problems after all and the news networks are still playing clips from it. I doubt very much that he expected for the leader of the Red seal shipgirls to declare him an Eta class."
Barking out a laugh, Haru shook her head. "And what did he expect? He offered them quite a bit of meat in said meal, Goto-San. In the Tokugawa Shogunate, few people actually ate meat and the only ones who offered it were the Eta for the most part." Softly musing to herself, the Kitsune shook her head. "I do wonder what sort of effect that will have though on certain issues..."
Eyebrow raised, Goto was silent for a few moments before shaking his own head. "Who knows really? However, from what you told me, everything has turned out well?"
In reply, Haru ran a hand through her hair. "As well as it could anyways. I may be rusty, but I know a lot more about how to act to someone from that era. Granted, being a woman is a bit of an issue, but not that much of one." Her face then fell into a frown. "Currently, they're all resting after a good meal in one of the local Ryokan. It's about as close as we might come to a place that they recognize."
Slowly, Goto nodded some with his eyes closed. "That is good to hear. Are they being watched?"
Once more, Haru gave a sigh. "They are, I called in some favors. We have a few not too far from what I am keeping an eye on them currently. Also some of the older shipgirls as well." Her lips then turned downwards into a frown. "We may have an issue though..." At Goto's own frown, the Kitsune grimaced. "I suspect that not all of them are Red seal ships."
Eyes narrowing, Goto frowned even more. "Who... Unless you mean pirates?"
Finger against her chin, Haru didn't answer right away. "Perhaps, I'm not exactly sure. But there were a large number of Red seal ships. I was not sure myself, but there were well over three hundred of them, and from what I read might have been over seven hundred. Right now, we have thirty summoned. All of them together..." Rubbing her face, she scowled. "I have to ask what possessed that bunch to try and perform a summoning where Dejima was."
Goto snorted some and shook his head. "A bunch of history fanatics who wanted to bring history to life. Then again, we could never have kept the secret of summoning secret to begin with. Far too many holes... As it can be said, the Genie is out of the bottle now and we can't stuff them back in."
Looking out the window at the night, Haru considered that. "I have to wonder... how many more will be summoned by people? How many non-warships will appear? There are so many ships in history, that one has to wonder what will happen if people summon them all?"
Somewhat bemused, Goto chuckled. "Well, you'll have to tell me that. I doubt very much that I will live to be old enough to see what will happen in the end even if I reach a hundred and twenty." His smile then fell some. "There is the issue of what we will be doing with the Red seal shipgirls though. I know that Hogwarts uses sailshipgirls for security, but I cannot think of a place here in Japan that might need the same thing."
With a sip of her drink, Haru gave a small nod. "A bit of an issue, but... I get the feeling that perhaps this was meant to happen. That they will serve a purpose of sorts, though what that purpose would be is beyond me at the moment."
Almost a minute passed before Goto sighed. "That, I suppose can wait. Any idea as to when you will be able to return to Yokosuka?"
Chuckling, Haru's eyes twinkled a bit. "Maybe in two or so days, I think. That should be enough for a few friends of mine to arrive and take over. In the meantime though, let Nagato-San know that Natsumi-Chan will be staying over, though I already asked her that."
To that, Goto only nodded some as they turned the topic to various other issues facing them.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Haruna walked along the waterfront with Rose beside her, their hands just brushing each other in the early morning light. Adjusting her hair a bit, the tsukumogami looked at her Battleship girlfriend with a small smile. "Where are you taking me today, Haruna? You did say that you had somewhere special planned."
A soft smile on her face, Haruna turned and gave Rose a giggle before tapping her nose which made the tea set cross her eyes. "It's a surprise, Rose-Chan. But don't worry, Haruna promises that it will be worth it." It was then that she spotted something and blinked. "Kurosawa-San?"
Said archivist blinked and smiled a bit as she waved to the two while the young man beside her jumped a bit. "Oh! Hello, Haruna-San, Rose-San. I did not expect to see either of you out and about here."
Tilting her head some, Rose only smiled back. "I do believe that it is the same for us. But Haruna is taking me out today."
With a glance between the two, Kurosawa smile brightened a bit. "Ah, then I hope that you both have a good time on your date."
Eyebrow raised, Haruna glanced at Kurosawa's own companion and considered him some. She could see the spiritual form of antlers on his head as well as a serpentine tail. "Haruna hopes that you have a good date as well."
Both Kurosawa and her companion blushed some as the archivist waved her hands. "Ah, that is, um... We're not going on a date, Haruna-San" She then waved at the man beside her. "I am simply showing Osamu-Kun here a new book café that just opened up."
Quickly nodding, Osamu swallowed a bit. "That's right. Both Kurosawa-Chan and myself share similar interests after all and are working on the artifacts that Harry-San has. My Sensei is also helping along with Haru-San after all." Looking at Kurosawa, his gaze softened some. "Kurosawa-Chan is extremely well informed about history and being an archivist after all. And we both enjoy such things, so we're just going to go and talk some shop as the Americans say."
Rose smiled at that before giving Kurosawa a look which made the glasses wearing girl blush. Turning back to Osamu, she nodded slightly. "Hopefully you're enjoying your time here in Yokosuka then, Master Osamu."
Eyes widening a bit, Osamu gave a weak chuckle before his expression warmed a bit. "I am, as a matter of fact. While I miss my Onee-Sans and the rest, I can be myself..." Turning towards the sea, he considered things before shaking his head. "Perhaps one day one of them might visit me, who knows?"
Her own eyes widening a bit, Haruna only nodded. "Yes, who knows?" Bowing a bit, she grasped Rose's hand. "We wish that you have a good time then, Osamu-San, Kurosawa-San."
With that, Rose and Haruna left the two behind them as they continued on to the dock. Upon reaching the water, Haruna let go of Rose's hand and made her way down to the water and summoned her rigging. Then, to the tsukumogami's surprise, Haruna brought out her boat launch and gestured to it. "Could Rose-Chan get inside, please?"
Intrigued by what was going on, but understanding that Haruna would not say much more, Rose only nodded. Once she was inside, Haruna began to tow it along with Rose looking around them. "Are we going for a small cruise, Haruna? I didn't bring much snacks along with me, I'm afraid."
Looking around, Haruna missed Rose place her hand into a pocket to play around with something there. "Only for a short time, Rose-Chan. Haruna just asks for you to wait until we reach out destination, but it won't be long."
Simply accepting that, Rose placed her hands into her lap as she watched the harbor around them. Slowly, Yokosuka faded out of sight but before it fully disappeared, they arrived at Wokyuu's island and Rose felt the tingle of the magical protections along her skin as they crossed the line that prevented non-magicals from knowing that the island was there. Another thing that she noticed was that Haruna slowed to a stop and blinked. "Are we going to Wokyuu's island, Haruna?"
However, much to her confusion, Haruna shook her head. "No, Haruna is not taking Rose-Chan to Wokyuu's island. But Haruna wanted to be here as she wanted some privacy for what she is about to do." Slowly moving away, Haruna smiled at her. "Just hold on, Rose-Chan, Haruna has something to show you."
Only nodding, Rose watched as Haruna moved slightly away and closed her eyes. After a few seconds, the water around her began to froth and roil with the area expanding and glowing. Before Rose could say anything, something shot up from underwater and the boat she was in rocked in the waves as water streamed off the object. Moments later, her eyes widened as she took in that she was now looking at Haruna's original Hull sitting on the water. "My word... is this what you wanted to show me, Haruna?"
Coming to the railing, Haruna nodded some with a smile. "Hai, Rose-Chan. Haruna wanted to show you her hull. Just give Haruna a moment and she'll have you aboard." As promised, about five minutes later found Haruna helping Rose onto her deck after reclaiming the motor launch. "Does Rose-Chan like what she sees?"
Eyes wide, Rose only nodded in awe before gently kissing Haruna on the cheek. "Oh... yes! Yes I do, Haruna. Thank you." Spotting a shadowy figure near her, the tsukumogami raised a hand into a salute. "Good day, Sir."
The shadow, which she knew was one of Haruna's Captains, simply nodded and gave her salute a return. Out of the corner of her eye, Rose could see other members of Haruna's crew now watching her in interest and amusement. Before she could say anything else, Haruna took her hand and began to lead her around. "Come on, Rose-Chan! Haruna has a lot to show you!"
Softly giggling, Rose allowed herself to be lead around by her girlfriend. For the rest of the day, Haruna showed Rose around her hull, with the tea set extremely impressed. The only times that they stopped were for lunch and tea time, with the second being held at a table on Haruna's stern. Finally, Haruna took her up to her bridge where Rose found, to her surprise, a small table set up with dinner, complete with a candle that flickered in the growing twilight. "My word, Haruna... this is wonderful..." Once more, she turned and pulled a softly blushing Haruna into a hug before gently kissing her. "Thank you, this has been a day to remember."
If anything, Haruna blushed a bit more before guiding Rose over to the table. "Well, Haruna thinks that the day is not over yet..." While they ate though and made small talk, particularly with Rose making various mentions of what she had seen, the tea set did notice something. Something that began to bother her...
Haruna was slowly becoming more and more nervous.
Once the dessert was gone, Rose frowned and leaned across the table to place her hands on Haruna's. "Haruna? Is something the matter?" At her girlfriend's expression of shock, Rose bit her lip. "I was just wondering because... you seem awfully nervous about something."
Taking a deep breath, Haruna stood up and walked over to Rose's side. However, she did not take her hands from Rose's. "Haruna's nervous because... she has something important to speak to Rose-Chan about. And Haruna is not sure how Rose-Chan would react."
In reply, Rose chewed her lip some before reaching up and cupping Haruna's cheek. "Haruna... You can speak to me about anything. You know that I will never judge you."
With a slow nod, Haruna found her throat dry and her engineers needing to do everything possible to prevent her from blowing some steam lines. Then, she got down on one knee as she looked Rose in the eye. Before the tsukumogami could say anything, Haruna reached into her outfit and pulled out a small box before closing her eyes and holding it out. While she did not see it, she felt the box open and heard Rose's gasp. "Haruna... Haruna wishes to ask Rose-Chan if she would make her happy and become her wife."
For several moments, there was silence and now highly nervous Haruna opened her eyes to see Rose looking at her stunned with one hand on her mouth. Much to her surprise, her girlfriend had tears in her eyes before she softly whispered. "Haruna... I..." Reaching into her own pocket, the tsukumogami blushed as she pulled out a ring box and opened it herself. "I was going to ask you..."
Mouth opening and closing, Haruna looked from her own ring, which was in the shape of a rose with diamonds in it, to Rose's offered ring, which had a small anchor with diamonds. "Haruna... is more then a little surprised..." Looking up into Rose's eyes, Haruna swallowed a bit. "But... Haruna is more then happy to be Rose-Chan's wife..."
Slowly nodding as tears ran down her cheeks, Rose smiled brightly. "As I am happy to be yours, Haruna." Both of them took the ring that they were offered and then held out one hand before placing their rings on each other's fingers. A gasp from Haruna made Rose look up though. "Haruna?"
Briefly shaking her head as she felt something break somewhere deep in her soul, which Haruna somehow knew to be a good thing, the Battleship smiled. "Haruna is not sure, but... she is so happy." Standing up, Haruna gave her new engagement ring a look. "Haruna is curious though..."
A small blush on her face, Rose shuffled a bit. "Well, I did ask Miss Kongou for permission some time ago. And she did give it out."
Now blinking, Haruna looked at her. "Rose-Chan asked Onee-Sama to marry Haruna?" At the nod, the Battleship shook her head in amusement. "Haruna thinks that she should have a talk with Onee-Sama then later on. But Haruna is also happy for how this turned out."
Grasping Haruna's hands in her own, Rose shuffled until she was pressed up against the Battleship. "Perhaps so... But Haruna, when shall we be married? The laws-"
Haruna's finger against her lips silenced Rose as the shipgirl smiled down at her. "Haruna is not worried and already talked with some people. As Haruna is considered a Kami, such things do not concern her. And if anyone has a problem, Haruna has been told that they can ask the Head Priestess at Ise about it. As to when Haruna wishes to be married... Haruna thinks this summer, here on Haruna's hull."
Eyes sparkling, Rose tilted her head some. "On your hull, Haruna? That would be quite lovely, but... why?"
There was a glimmer of amusement in Haruna's eyes as she leaned down and whispered into Rose's ear. "Because on Haruna's hull, what Haruna says goes. And if Haruna says that she is married to Rose-Chan, then Haruna is married to Rose-Chan." Music slowly drifted over to them and they looked to see Haruna's band playing. A smile on her face, the Battleship slid an arm around her now fiancée before they started to sway to the music. "Is Rose-Chan happy?"
Even as she blinked away tears, Rose had a smile that outshone the setting Sun. "O-oh yes, I am so very happy." Leaning in, she placed her head against Haruna's collarbone, the shipgirl placing her chin on top of the tsukumogami's head. "So very happy."
Feeling fingers under her chin, Rose looked up to meet Haruna's eyes which were also filled with tears. But they were also glowing with promise. "Haruna... is also very happy. And can see much happiness to come..." Hand now cupping Rose's cheek, her smile brightened a bit. "Would Rose-Chan stay with Haruna tonight? Inside of Haruna's hull?"
Not trusting her voice not to crack, Rose only hummed and nodded before tilting her head. Moments later, the two softly kissed as they continued to dance, their rings glinting in the evening light.
Sighing, Haru looked down at the glass in her hand before shaking her head and taking some sips. In front of her, a laptop was open and connecting with some place. After a few moments though, Goto's face appeared on the screen and he raised an eyebrow at her. "Drinking already? Did things go that bad?"
With a snort, Haru placed her glass down. "Quite the opposite, Goto-San. Things have actually gone rather well, even if I am rusty in dealing with things from the Tokugawa Shogunate. That said, I'm drinking because of having to deal with all that... well, for lack of better words, bullshit from that time."
Leaning back, Goto let out a hum as he clasped his hands on his stomach. "Ah, I see. Well I know my history, of course, I was not aware it could be that bad."
Only glancing at him, Haru slowly blinked. "You have no idea at all, Goto-San." Reaching up, she rubbed the side of her head with a frown. "I lived through the Tokugawa Era and have likely forgotten far more then many historians know. However, there were a lot of customs and such that need to be remembered for someone of that time. A lot of which might not have been written down and so are unknown except for those of us who were alive at the time."
More then a little interested, Goto raised an eyebrow. "Really now? I was aware that there were some issues regarding them, but nothing quite that bad."
Haru snorted some and waved a hand. "Oh, there's a lot of differences. For example, I am sure that you know all about what happened when that one politician offered them a meal before I got here."
There was a small smile on Goto's face that was not nice at all. "Oh yes, I know all about it. He's one of those who have given John some problems after all and the news networks are still playing clips from it. I doubt very much that he expected for the leader of the Red seal shipgirls to declare him an Eta class."
Barking out a laugh, Haru shook her head. "And what did he expect? He offered them quite a bit of meat in said meal, Goto-San. In the Tokugawa Shogunate, few people actually ate meat and the only ones who offered it were the Eta for the most part." Softly musing to herself, the Kitsune shook her head. "I do wonder what sort of effect that will have though on certain issues..."
Eyebrow raised, Goto was silent for a few moments before shaking his own head. "Who knows really? However, from what you told me, everything has turned out well?"
In reply, Haru ran a hand through her hair. "As well as it could anyways. I may be rusty, but I know a lot more about how to act to someone from that era. Granted, being a woman is a bit of an issue, but not that much of one." Her face then fell into a frown. "Currently, they're all resting after a good meal in one of the local Ryokan. It's about as close as we might come to a place that they recognize."
Slowly, Goto nodded some with his eyes closed. "That is good to hear. Are they being watched?"
Once more, Haru gave a sigh. "They are, I called in some favors. We have a few not too far from what I am keeping an eye on them currently. Also some of the older shipgirls as well." Her lips then turned downwards into a frown. "We may have an issue though..." At Goto's own frown, the Kitsune grimaced. "I suspect that not all of them are Red seal ships."
Eyes narrowing, Goto frowned even more. "Who... Unless you mean pirates?"
Finger against her chin, Haru didn't answer right away. "Perhaps, I'm not exactly sure. But there were a large number of Red seal ships. I was not sure myself, but there were well over three hundred of them, and from what I read might have been over seven hundred. Right now, we have thirty summoned. All of them together..." Rubbing her face, she scowled. "I have to ask what possessed that bunch to try and perform a summoning where Dejima was."
Goto snorted some and shook his head. "A bunch of history fanatics who wanted to bring history to life. Then again, we could never have kept the secret of summoning secret to begin with. Far too many holes... As it can be said, the Genie is out of the bottle now and we can't stuff them back in."
Looking out the window at the night, Haru considered that. "I have to wonder... how many more will be summoned by people? How many non-warships will appear? There are so many ships in history, that one has to wonder what will happen if people summon them all?"
Somewhat bemused, Goto chuckled. "Well, you'll have to tell me that. I doubt very much that I will live to be old enough to see what will happen in the end even if I reach a hundred and twenty." His smile then fell some. "There is the issue of what we will be doing with the Red seal shipgirls though. I know that Hogwarts uses sailshipgirls for security, but I cannot think of a place here in Japan that might need the same thing."
With a sip of her drink, Haru gave a small nod. "A bit of an issue, but... I get the feeling that perhaps this was meant to happen. That they will serve a purpose of sorts, though what that purpose would be is beyond me at the moment."
Almost a minute passed before Goto sighed. "That, I suppose can wait. Any idea as to when you will be able to return to Yokosuka?"
Chuckling, Haru's eyes twinkled a bit. "Maybe in two or so days, I think. That should be enough for a few friends of mine to arrive and take over. In the meantime though, let Nagato-San know that Natsumi-Chan will be staying over, though I already asked her that."
To that, Goto only nodded some as they turned the topic to various other issues facing them.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Haruna walked along the waterfront with Rose beside her, their hands just brushing each other in the early morning light. Adjusting her hair a bit, the tsukumogami looked at her Battleship girlfriend with a small smile. "Where are you taking me today, Haruna? You did say that you had somewhere special planned."
A soft smile on her face, Haruna turned and gave Rose a giggle before tapping her nose which made the tea set cross her eyes. "It's a surprise, Rose-Chan. But don't worry, Haruna promises that it will be worth it." It was then that she spotted something and blinked. "Kurosawa-San?"
Said archivist blinked and smiled a bit as she waved to the two while the young man beside her jumped a bit. "Oh! Hello, Haruna-San, Rose-San. I did not expect to see either of you out and about here."
Tilting her head some, Rose only smiled back. "I do believe that it is the same for us. But Haruna is taking me out today."
With a glance between the two, Kurosawa smile brightened a bit. "Ah, then I hope that you both have a good time on your date."
Eyebrow raised, Haruna glanced at Kurosawa's own companion and considered him some. She could see the spiritual form of antlers on his head as well as a serpentine tail. "Haruna hopes that you have a good date as well."
Both Kurosawa and her companion blushed some as the archivist waved her hands. "Ah, that is, um... We're not going on a date, Haruna-San" She then waved at the man beside her. "I am simply showing Osamu-Kun here a new book café that just opened up."
Quickly nodding, Osamu swallowed a bit. "That's right. Both Kurosawa-Chan and myself share similar interests after all and are working on the artifacts that Harry-San has. My Sensei is also helping along with Haru-San after all." Looking at Kurosawa, his gaze softened some. "Kurosawa-Chan is extremely well informed about history and being an archivist after all. And we both enjoy such things, so we're just going to go and talk some shop as the Americans say."
Rose smiled at that before giving Kurosawa a look which made the glasses wearing girl blush. Turning back to Osamu, she nodded slightly. "Hopefully you're enjoying your time here in Yokosuka then, Master Osamu."
Eyes widening a bit, Osamu gave a weak chuckle before his expression warmed a bit. "I am, as a matter of fact. While I miss my Onee-Sans and the rest, I can be myself..." Turning towards the sea, he considered things before shaking his head. "Perhaps one day one of them might visit me, who knows?"
Her own eyes widening a bit, Haruna only nodded. "Yes, who knows?" Bowing a bit, she grasped Rose's hand. "We wish that you have a good time then, Osamu-San, Kurosawa-San."
With that, Rose and Haruna left the two behind them as they continued on to the dock. Upon reaching the water, Haruna let go of Rose's hand and made her way down to the water and summoned her rigging. Then, to the tsukumogami's surprise, Haruna brought out her boat launch and gestured to it. "Could Rose-Chan get inside, please?"
Intrigued by what was going on, but understanding that Haruna would not say much more, Rose only nodded. Once she was inside, Haruna began to tow it along with Rose looking around them. "Are we going for a small cruise, Haruna? I didn't bring much snacks along with me, I'm afraid."
Looking around, Haruna missed Rose place her hand into a pocket to play around with something there. "Only for a short time, Rose-Chan. Haruna just asks for you to wait until we reach out destination, but it won't be long."
Simply accepting that, Rose placed her hands into her lap as she watched the harbor around them. Slowly, Yokosuka faded out of sight but before it fully disappeared, they arrived at Wokyuu's island and Rose felt the tingle of the magical protections along her skin as they crossed the line that prevented non-magicals from knowing that the island was there. Another thing that she noticed was that Haruna slowed to a stop and blinked. "Are we going to Wokyuu's island, Haruna?"
However, much to her confusion, Haruna shook her head. "No, Haruna is not taking Rose-Chan to Wokyuu's island. But Haruna wanted to be here as she wanted some privacy for what she is about to do." Slowly moving away, Haruna smiled at her. "Just hold on, Rose-Chan, Haruna has something to show you."
Only nodding, Rose watched as Haruna moved slightly away and closed her eyes. After a few seconds, the water around her began to froth and roil with the area expanding and glowing. Before Rose could say anything, something shot up from underwater and the boat she was in rocked in the waves as water streamed off the object. Moments later, her eyes widened as she took in that she was now looking at Haruna's original Hull sitting on the water. "My word... is this what you wanted to show me, Haruna?"
Coming to the railing, Haruna nodded some with a smile. "Hai, Rose-Chan. Haruna wanted to show you her hull. Just give Haruna a moment and she'll have you aboard." As promised, about five minutes later found Haruna helping Rose onto her deck after reclaiming the motor launch. "Does Rose-Chan like what she sees?"
Eyes wide, Rose only nodded in awe before gently kissing Haruna on the cheek. "Oh... yes! Yes I do, Haruna. Thank you." Spotting a shadowy figure near her, the tsukumogami raised a hand into a salute. "Good day, Sir."
The shadow, which she knew was one of Haruna's Captains, simply nodded and gave her salute a return. Out of the corner of her eye, Rose could see other members of Haruna's crew now watching her in interest and amusement. Before she could say anything else, Haruna took her hand and began to lead her around. "Come on, Rose-Chan! Haruna has a lot to show you!"
Softly giggling, Rose allowed herself to be lead around by her girlfriend. For the rest of the day, Haruna showed Rose around her hull, with the tea set extremely impressed. The only times that they stopped were for lunch and tea time, with the second being held at a table on Haruna's stern. Finally, Haruna took her up to her bridge where Rose found, to her surprise, a small table set up with dinner, complete with a candle that flickered in the growing twilight. "My word, Haruna... this is wonderful..." Once more, she turned and pulled a softly blushing Haruna into a hug before gently kissing her. "Thank you, this has been a day to remember."
If anything, Haruna blushed a bit more before guiding Rose over to the table. "Well, Haruna thinks that the day is not over yet..." While they ate though and made small talk, particularly with Rose making various mentions of what she had seen, the tea set did notice something. Something that began to bother her...
Haruna was slowly becoming more and more nervous.
Once the dessert was gone, Rose frowned and leaned across the table to place her hands on Haruna's. "Haruna? Is something the matter?" At her girlfriend's expression of shock, Rose bit her lip. "I was just wondering because... you seem awfully nervous about something."
Taking a deep breath, Haruna stood up and walked over to Rose's side. However, she did not take her hands from Rose's. "Haruna's nervous because... she has something important to speak to Rose-Chan about. And Haruna is not sure how Rose-Chan would react."
In reply, Rose chewed her lip some before reaching up and cupping Haruna's cheek. "Haruna... You can speak to me about anything. You know that I will never judge you."
With a slow nod, Haruna found her throat dry and her engineers needing to do everything possible to prevent her from blowing some steam lines. Then, she got down on one knee as she looked Rose in the eye. Before the tsukumogami could say anything, Haruna reached into her outfit and pulled out a small box before closing her eyes and holding it out. While she did not see it, she felt the box open and heard Rose's gasp. "Haruna... Haruna wishes to ask Rose-Chan if she would make her happy and become her wife."
For several moments, there was silence and now highly nervous Haruna opened her eyes to see Rose looking at her stunned with one hand on her mouth. Much to her surprise, her girlfriend had tears in her eyes before she softly whispered. "Haruna... I..." Reaching into her own pocket, the tsukumogami blushed as she pulled out a ring box and opened it herself. "I was going to ask you..."
Mouth opening and closing, Haruna looked from her own ring, which was in the shape of a rose with diamonds in it, to Rose's offered ring, which had a small anchor with diamonds. "Haruna... is more then a little surprised..." Looking up into Rose's eyes, Haruna swallowed a bit. "But... Haruna is more then happy to be Rose-Chan's wife..."
Slowly nodding as tears ran down her cheeks, Rose smiled brightly. "As I am happy to be yours, Haruna." Both of them took the ring that they were offered and then held out one hand before placing their rings on each other's fingers. A gasp from Haruna made Rose look up though. "Haruna?"
Briefly shaking her head as she felt something break somewhere deep in her soul, which Haruna somehow knew to be a good thing, the Battleship smiled. "Haruna is not sure, but... she is so happy." Standing up, Haruna gave her new engagement ring a look. "Haruna is curious though..."
A small blush on her face, Rose shuffled a bit. "Well, I did ask Miss Kongou for permission some time ago. And she did give it out."
Now blinking, Haruna looked at her. "Rose-Chan asked Onee-Sama to marry Haruna?" At the nod, the Battleship shook her head in amusement. "Haruna thinks that she should have a talk with Onee-Sama then later on. But Haruna is also happy for how this turned out."
Grasping Haruna's hands in her own, Rose shuffled until she was pressed up against the Battleship. "Perhaps so... But Haruna, when shall we be married? The laws-"
Haruna's finger against her lips silenced Rose as the shipgirl smiled down at her. "Haruna is not worried and already talked with some people. As Haruna is considered a Kami, such things do not concern her. And if anyone has a problem, Haruna has been told that they can ask the Head Priestess at Ise about it. As to when Haruna wishes to be married... Haruna thinks this summer, here on Haruna's hull."
Eyes sparkling, Rose tilted her head some. "On your hull, Haruna? That would be quite lovely, but... why?"
There was a glimmer of amusement in Haruna's eyes as she leaned down and whispered into Rose's ear. "Because on Haruna's hull, what Haruna says goes. And if Haruna says that she is married to Rose-Chan, then Haruna is married to Rose-Chan." Music slowly drifted over to them and they looked to see Haruna's band playing. A smile on her face, the Battleship slid an arm around her now fiancée before they started to sway to the music. "Is Rose-Chan happy?"
Even as she blinked away tears, Rose had a smile that outshone the setting Sun. "O-oh yes, I am so very happy." Leaning in, she placed her head against Haruna's collarbone, the shipgirl placing her chin on top of the tsukumogami's head. "So very happy."
Feeling fingers under her chin, Rose looked up to meet Haruna's eyes which were also filled with tears. But they were also glowing with promise. "Haruna... is also very happy. And can see much happiness to come..." Hand now cupping Rose's cheek, her smile brightened a bit. "Would Rose-Chan stay with Haruna tonight? Inside of Haruna's hull?"
Not trusting her voice not to crack, Rose only hummed and nodded before tilting her head. Moments later, the two softly kissed as they continued to dance, their rings glinting in the evening light.