#yandere azur lane x commander

[cheesus-doodles]

The Flag We Serve Under: Chapter 4

Yandere Azur Lane

Masterlist

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< Chapter 1 | 2 | 3

hello! not dead, but kinda busy - TR will be back next week :)

Something was off. 

There was no question about that fact in your mind, your unusually silent phone gripped tightly in hand even as you tried your best to push the uncomfortable feeling to the back of your head temporarily and refocus your attention on the present. And standing atop the highest natural point, surveying the seemingly endless blanket of pink cherry blossoms that covered the Sakura Nation’s mainland far below your feet, it would have been all too easy to do so, to push such turbulent thoughts aside and away.

After all, it was a respite from the turmoil and turbulence of the world outside of these isles; here, your troubles seemed so far away. There was no headquarters, no officers breathing down your neck, no subordinates clamoring for your time and attention for one matter or another. The breeze that swept through your hair rustled the leaves gently as you allowed yourself to bask in the stillness, the sounds of life just barely starting to echo up from the streets a stone’s throw away. It was peaceful, a tranquility you could barely remember from a time before joining the Azur Lane that sang in your veins, a slight floral scent that permeated the very air tickling at your nose.

On the far side of the island, the sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon, the light of dawn staining the clouds and gentle distant waves with pastel colors. 

You could stay here, you mused, a nice long vacation away from your exhausting schedule, if not forever. 

But one glance back at the battle-worn aircraft carrier far out from the island where it was docked, a mere speck floating atop calm, azure seas from this distance, was enough to shake you from your momentary delusions; you were here to do a job. A highly sensitive mission, and it was too quiet. Unnaturally so. 

You weren’t the only one who thought as such either, you noted, spotting Enterprise frown down similarly at her phone out of the corner of your eye, the white of her hair catching the sunlight as she lifted the small device higher into the sky in a bid to get a signal, and your mind returned to your initial conundrum as you glanced down at your own phone once more. Why couldn’t you reach anyone back at base, or anywhere else for that matter? Could anyone reach you?

The lack of the endless notification of messages and updates that usually plague your phone was noticeably gone, but you were sure that it wasn’t just yours and Enterprise’s whose signals have been (allegedly) jammed. Chancing a glimpse back at the two quiet Sakura light cruisers girls standing behind you, their gazes respectfully lowered from yours. Kawakaze and Noshiro, you reminded yourself - why didn’t they have communicators? Or rather, why didn’t it seem like they were using any? Not a single cackle of static, or a mumble of acknowledgement, or even the accidental ping of a message since you had arrived on the island last evening: no doubt the sudden electronic void it was starting to get to you.

“Is there something wrong, Commander?” Nagato’s child-like voice pierced through your thoughts like an arrow, and you startled back to reality, stumbling backwards slightly at the realization of just how close those amber eyes were to yours. You hadn’t even heard her arrive. And when did she get so close?

“Ah- La-Nagato,” was all you managed to stammer out in your shock, before you caught yourself, straightening up to your full height. “You’re up early.” Your first mistake of the day. The embarrassment at your stupid straight-forward observation instantly set in, and you felt like you had put your foot straight into your mouth. Sure, you were attempting to avoid her question, still in the midst of considering whether you should bring up your connectivity troubles to someone that Headquarters has time and time again labeled as enemies, but to say something so lame? In front of the Sakura Emperor?

But the other did not take offense nor laugh at your trip up, the black-haired girl instead seeming to study your face carefully before replying. “I was informed that you had left your accommodation before day break, and I came to meet you at the earliest possible time,” she clarified, her small hands folding neatly over the red of her dress, though she made no move to back away. “I apologize if I have startled you, Commander.”

You waved off her apologies, straightening your own officer coat. “No, it’s fine, I was just a little surprised.” And then, you hesitated - your second mistake. 

Cursing internally, you didn’t miss her right fox ear twitching slightly as you answered, nor the brief questioning look she threw at Kawakaze and Noshiro before her attention returned to you. “So is there something wrong, Commander?” Her voice this time more firm, the demand clear in her tone.

Fuck fuck fuck. You should have known better than to take this conversation with Nagato head-on unprepared - even in your dealings with her all those years ago, she had always been sharp as an arrow and well-versed in the game of politics. How could she not be, having to handle not only those of her court but also the likes of Iron Blood and Vichya Dominion? The sudden tension was heavy on your shoulders as you tried your best to keep your gaze unwavering from her pointed one, your thoughts a turbulent sea in your mind even amidst the now-uncomfortable silence. What now? What should you do?

You wished that you could have more time to turn the situation over a few times over your books, have the opportunity to consult with your senior office or Alabama, or just to think about it a while longer. The reality of the situation, however, was that the strain between you and the Sakura Emperor had spread to the other shipgirls gathered on the hilltop, and the hostility was threatening to spill over. Spotting Enterprise just to your right, her once-relaxed stance now taut with tension, narrowed violet eyes scanning the two light cruiser girls flanking Nagato, there was no doubt. Even if none had yet to summon their riggings, you knew your time was ticking. What you had in your hands was a live bomb, and you had to solve this. Now. 

Taking a breath, you swallowed your anxiety and made your decision.

‎

The world finally breathed again as you held out one hand, signaling to Enterprise to stand down. “We’ve been having some issues with contacting anyone at base since last night,” you confirmed, your gaze shifting off of Nagato to glance warily at Kawakaze and Noshiro still in their alert position, hands resting lightly on their sheathed weapons. You could hope that you had made the right decision to divulge such sensitive information; after all, in the right hands, it was a glaring vulnerability. “I thought it might have been a one-off issue, but it is starting to get concerning that I can’t get a signal, even on the highest point I could find.” 

You trusted Nagato not to exploit the weakness you had just handed her on a silver platter, but despite that, you still had your own nagging suspicions; you couldn’t have absolute certainty that the Sakura Empire hadn’t cut its own connections to the outside world upon your arrival to the island nation. Why they would do that was beyond you, given Naval Headquarters was aware that you were here, but it was too far-fetched. And it seemed the black-haired girl in front of you understood the unspoken implications immediately, fox ears swirling to face forward even as those amber eyes remained steely. “The lines are working fine. I have spoken recently with Prinz Eugen from Iron Blood. Perhaps there was no one to answer when you rang because of the time differences, but I’m certain that you’ll get a reply soon.”

Of course you doubted that; at the very least Alabama would have picked up no matter what time of day - you knew she would be worried sick if you didn’t ring her the minute you arrived. But you didn’t want to call Nagato a liar outright and certainly not to her face, opting to accept her reasoning at face value until either you had the bandwidth to investigate further or drop the matter upon your departure. Whatever came first. You simply nodded, opting to say nothing more on the matter and slipped your phone quietly back into the pocket of your skirt. “Alright, I’ll try again later.”

Enterprise, however, wasn’t convinced. “Commander, but-”

“It’s fine, Enterprise,” you repeated, bodily turning to throw a stern glance at the uneasy aircraft carrier, who fell silent. You understood her, but this wasn’t the right time, and even if she was a well-respected veteran, you were still the commander. Once more, returning to face the short-statured emperor, you kept your expression as leveled as you could manage, unwilling to show any further weaknesses. “Will your entourage not be at ease? I assure you we are unarmed.” Or as unarmed as an aircraft carrier without her riggings on could be, at least.

“At ease, Kawakaze, Noshiro,” the other immediately commanded, and said light cruisers relaxed their stance, arms falling back to their sides.

“I had a look at the schedule yesterday, Nagato, but I understand there have been some changes?” 

Nagato waved at you, inviting you to walk with her, her massive riggings swinging smoothly aside to give you space as the bells that decorated her dress jingled lightly. “Yes, there has been. I have another urgent meeting to attend, and Akagi is eager to meet you over breakfast. I shall join you once my meeting has concluded.”

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Despite the arduously trained self-control that Nagato is known for, every one of the carefully constructed walls in her mind, built to keep her emotions at bay, was on the verge of catastrophic collapse as she pushed past Kawakaze, black hair streaming out behind her. ”I messed up I messed up I messed up-” The words mumbled repeatedly under her breath echoed her own spiraling thoughts as the forest of cherry blossom trees overhead gave way to traditional houses, tiled roofs shimmering slightly in the light of the morning sun.

It had been five minutes since she had left you outside the doors of the meeting hall where Akagi and Kaga were waiting, along with Noshiro to watch over you. 

The sun was creeping ever higher into the sky, the pink of dawn having faded away into a cloudless blue sky. Hearing the hurried steps of her personal handmaiden attempting to catch up did little to slow her own pace, not with Nagato being hardly in the right headspace to bother.  What had just happened was an absolute disaster, to say the least, and it took everything she had left to stop the tears from welling up and spilling over right that instance. 

She thought you would be proud of her for putting on a brave, professional front in front of Enterprise, after all that that white-haired carrier had done to the Sakura Empire - instead, all she saw was the stern glint in your eyes as you failed to praise her or pat her head like you always did, and even rebuked her entourage. Were you mad at her? Why were you siding with that Eagle Union ship instead of her? Have you already forgotten everything that you had gone through together?

A sniff snuck out before she could stop it, and Nagato hurriedly pressed her sleeve to her nose, turning one final corner onto a quiet, narrow alley and away from the growing crowds along the main streets; the last thing she wanted was for her subjects to see their Emperor in such a pathetic state. Barely noticing as she swept past the ancient stone walls marking the transition from public place to her private abode at the end of a small, unassuming street, the ambient sounds of life faded away into the background as the architecture style of buildings around the two aged. The black-haired girl, lost in her thoughts, continued to trod silently down the meandering path, her feet bringing her to the majestic wooden hall at the end of the walkway.

The pair of slippers left neatly on the steps in front of the silk screen doors of the reception room was the only sign that her guest had already arrived. The emperor hastened to remove her own - it would be rude to keep guests waiting any longer, after all - though she did pause to instruct Kawakaze to return to your side, before sliding open the doors and disappearing inside. She would rather not find out what Akagi would get up to if she kept her attention off of the fox-tailed aircraft carrier for too long, even more so around you.

‎

The private reception room was simply yet tastefully decorated, just as Nagato liked it. A traditional Sakura style, the emperor picked her way across the tatami mats that she knew like the back of her hand, the dark cherry wood with its small but delicate flourishes combined with screens decorated with cranes and flowers enough to bring a certain grandeur to the room. Rounding the corner, the back of a black-purple coat was what took up most of her vision, with the tall lady wearing it faced away from the entrance, though it was clear that she was aware of the newcomer, those equally large fox ears twitching slightly at the footsteps that echoed across the otherwise silent room.

With speed that was rather unbecoming of royalty, Nagato quickly moved to join her at the table, folding her legs under her as she sat. ”I apologize for my tardiness, Musashi. There was an unexpected delay.”

But much to her surprise, said woman only moved to take a sip of steaming tea before those bronze eyes turned to meet amber ones. “Why the suppressed tears, child?”

It wasn’t a question Nagato was expecting, and she blinked. How did she know? “I told you, I am no child, Musashi,” the black-haired girl finally managed to protest, though her indignation did not last long as she found herself swept up and pressed into the other’s large bosom, nor did she deny. Compared with the Yamato-class Battleship, even the weight of her riggings was barely a deterrent.

Musashi simply smiled at the objection as she kept up her stroking, gently running one hand over Nagato’s silky hair in a calming gesture. It reminded Nagato greatly of the same way you would pat her head to the point that she wondered if perhaps the two of you had met before, before shaking off the ludicrous idea - no, there was no way. “You can tell me anything,” the taller of the two soothed. “Your safe haven is here.” 

The larger battleship’s assurance was enough for the usually stoic Sakura Emperor to cave, allowing her emotions to well up and show on her face - the first in a while. “I think I made her mad,” Nagato found herself whimpering out into Musashi’s dress, tiny fists clenched around black fur tight enough for her knuckles to turn white. The world seemed to fall completely silent, the smaller girl doing her best to bite back and swallow down any other sounds of distress, though several still managed to slip out; even if she was allowed to be vulnerable in the privacy of this reception room, it just wasn’t very like her to do so. But she simply couldn’t get her thoughts off of you - what if you hated her? What if you wanted nothing more to do with her?

“This person who you supposedly made angry,” Musashi’s voice broke both the stillness and the thoughts swirling around in her  tumultuous mind. “Is it the commander that the Azur Lane sent for negotiations?”

Nagato felt her nerves calm a little - the lack of admonishment coming from her trusted advisor on her moment of weakness was comforting. She took a deep breath. “Yes.”

A hum, as the other pondered for a moment. “I saw her arrival yesterday evening, but I’m afraid I have not had the chance to make her acquaintance. Why do you think you made her mad?”

At that moment, all the turmoil reared its head again. “She- she didn’t side with me.” But even as Nagato spoke out, she felt her cheeks flush - Musashi was right, she sounded so childish. Yet what  ugly, ugly jealousy churning in her gut failed to fade.  “She chastised me for not keeping Kawakaze and Noshiro in order.” 

“I see.” A pause, and the two took the time to sip at their tea.

“But let us put that matter aside,” the Sakura Emperor finally continued, delicately placing her cup back down on the spotless wooden table. “I assume there is something that you wished to bring to my attention urgently, Musashi.”

“Indeed. We can take this up personally with the Commander at a later time. You do not have to do this alone, I shall be there with you to settle this matter,” Even as Musashi acknowledged the change in topic, the smile that pulled at the corners of her lips didn’t drop with the increase in severity of the matter they were discussing. “Two Iron Blood ships have been spotted within Sakura territorial waters, but they did not get close enough for the patrol to positively identify them.”

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Back across the high seas, the clear night sky studded with stars stretched out to meet the ocean’s abyss horizon in the distance, the remaining lights that dotted the empty streets of the forward base reflected in the bobbing waves splashing up against stone seawalls. Yet, it was peaceful seas and tranquil darkness that hid the turmoil churning just under the surface - this much South Dakota was certain of. Most of the shipgirls had long gone to bed, save for those on night watch, though even their patrols wouldn’t bring them to this isolated part of the island. 

So why was she here? The tanned battleship let out a sigh, leaning back onto the wall, her black hair shimmering as it caught a stray silver of yellow light from the nearest lamp. She wasn’t even on duty tonight, and tomorrow was no doubt going to be an equally long day. It was nothing more than a gut feel that led her to wait here, and she was starting to question it as the minutes ticked by. But right as South Dakota was about to call it quits and retire for the night, a rustle of leaves and a sudden flash of white ponytails caught her eye amidst the clumps of bushes. Bingo.

Standing from where she had been seated all these hours, the Eagle Union ship stretched, allowing the satisfied grunt to leave her lips, making her presence known. “And where do you think you’re going?”

Alabama barely slowed in her trudge across the grassy area. “Where do you think I’m going?” Came Alabama’s response, her white coat flourishing as she swung it around, slipping it on in one graceful movement as she stalked past her older sister with no hesitation. 

No response was needed - both of them already knew what the answer was. And she understood where her youngest sister was coming from, she really did. It was impossible to miss the heavy tension that weighed down every room Alabama entered after she had returned without you, the same weight that only grew with every passing hour.

A few quick steps was all it took for South Dakota to catch up to the white-haired girl even with the other’s long, fast strides, and one more was enough for her to blockade the other’s path. “I can’t let you leave. Orders from the Commander.” 

That last phase didn’t sit well at all with Alabama as she tried to step past South Dakota. “The Commander is missing,” the last word practically hissed.

But the older of the two wasn’t phased. “Missing is a rather strong word.” South Dakota might have been a new transfer to your command as well to this particular forward base, but there was no doubt about one thing. She knew above all else that Alabama was extremely attached to you, and she was in turn your closest confidant, having been together right from the start of your journey as a Fleet Commander. “Have you at least passed this by Bunker Hill?”

“I’m her secretary,” with the unspoken question of why she needs to pass anything by said carrier, despite Alabama knowing full well that it was the other in charge of the Eagle Union division of your fleet up until your return and not her. 

South Dakota tried again. “She has an escort, doesn’t she?”

A pause, before the older of the two felt the tension in the air grow. “I’m going to find her.” Oops. Seems like that was the wrong question.

South Dakota sighed, this time moving to grab her sister’s arm. “I can’t let you. Commander’s orders.” She had been warned beforehand by Bunker Hill of the probability of Alabama sneaking off as she was passing down your orders, and the battleship could only guess that Bunker Hill herself had in turn been forewarned by you. Whatever mission you were on, it was certainly extremely classified if you were taking such precautions.

Yet, the tanned black-haired woman mused as Alabama started to struggle in her grip, she had also heard of the stories about you and your past that floated around Naval HQ, passed between the other commanders and shipgirls. It was something that she was certain Alabama remained unaware about just yet. But it wasn’t her place to tell the youngest of the South Dakota-class battleships and get herself into unimaginable trouble that only god knows about, instead opting to turn her attention back to the current brewing storm. “She just could be busy.”

“She hasn’t picked up her phone in two days, not even a text,” Alabama retorted. “Something’s wrong.”

“Have you tried calling again?”

“The whole day,” Alabama snapped back, the ire that had been hiding beneath her unbothered exterior finally rearing up, though at least she did stop trying to break free. “What makes you think I haven’t been trying again and again?”

The namesake of the class only sighed. “Look, how about we bring this up to Bunker Hill first? You don’t even know where to start looking.”

Red eyes stiffly met gold ones, as if assessing whether the other’s intentions were genuine. It was clear just how protective Alabama was of you, this much was certain, but there were better ways to go about elevating her concerns rather than rushing out into the abyss of the oceans. The chirping of insects, accompanied by the soft symphony of the waves, was all that filled the night as the two finally turned to head back towards the base, with South Dakota sticking closely to her youngest sister.

Whatever the next day brought, it was bound to be downhill from here for a while.

#azur lane #yandere azur lane #azur lane x reader #azur lane x commander #alabama #yandere azure lane #yandere azur lane x commander #battleship girls #azur lane alabama #female commander #azur lane nagato #enterprise #azur lane akagi #azur lane south dakota #azur lane kawakaze #azur lane enterprise #azur lane musashi #yandere azur lane x reader #azure lane #cheesus drabbles

[cheesus-doodles]

The Flag We Serve Under: Chapter 3

Yandere Azur Lane

Masterlist

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<< Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

took me longer than expected to get this finished, but glad its done regardless! look forward to something else being posted soon as well (secret heheh)

The sudden wave of silence that washed over your pounding ears as you closed the door behind you was a relief in itself; you didn’t think there had been a time since you graduated from Officer school where you have had to meet so many new faces. Even the few steps you staggered to the comfort of your well-worn office chair was hard fought; it wouldn’t be an exaggeration if you stated that it took every ounce of energy you had left. Slumping down into what was once a plush, comfortable seat, you were completely drained and utterly exhausted, commander cap laying abandoned atop a scattering of reports and maps across the large wooden desk. How many new girls did you meet today? Was this just a taste of what was destined to be your life going forward? An endless crushing cycle of strategic meetings and paperwork, trapped by your sense of duty to those under your command? A question neither you nor the quiet world had neither answers to, yet one you couldn’t simply let go just yet.

Letting out a long sigh, you reluctantly pulled yourself up, bringing your tired attention back to the mess in front of you - where was it again you had left off before you had been summoned to Naval HQ? The words only seemed to blur together in defiance, tap dancing across the paper when you tried to will yourself to focus. Seconds ticked by feeling more like hours, and your eyelids only felt more and more weighed down by the neverending senseless papers. You let out a groan, throwing up your arms and the report along with them, though you were quick to grab them before the loose leaves of papers could fall out of order; the last thing you wanted was to have to sort through what you had already packed previously. Not while you still had so many other papers to go through and pack. Curse your unordered past self.

At least you could be grateful that your office was mercifully quiet, devoid of any other soul save for your own (a stretch, given you felt pretty dead at the moment), and that the rest of your schedule laid empty and unoccupied; the heavy wooden doors and its creaky hinges that you had to fight everyday to open sealing off the hustle and bustle from the busy outside. You remembered a time when you hated every moment you spent in this damned place, the light flooding in through giant windows you had your back to only reminding you of the open ocean that you lost the chance to experience; never would you have ever expected this place, usually associated with a long, hectic day, to suddenly become an elusive paradise on your former peaceful base. 

It had already been a long day, surely (with a nice helpful side of crossed fingers), surely the world wasn’t going to not end if you left work a little early for the day as a well-earned break. Finally taking notice of the now cold, abandoned cup of what you were sure was coffee sitting at the corner of your desk, you grimaced as you chugged it down in one go; it was still the ghost of what was left of your drink for one, and for two, you didn’t want Alabama to see all her hard work learning how to operate the coffee machine go down the drain. She would never forgive you. 

The shuffling and crinkling of papers was all that filled the last few minutes of your work day as you tried your hand at some last minute organization for your future self, though a knock at your door quickly distracted you from stuffing files and maps alike into your briefcase for some nighttime light reading (or so you hoped at least). “Come in,” you called out, though it was clear whoever it was that had just burst into your office hadn’t even waited for your response. 

Two white ponytails tossed backwards in her draft as Alabama wandered into the room holding several files, her half-lidded eyes and neutral expression giving little clue as to her mood beneath, though you did notice those red eyes scanning your table. “You’re leaving already?”

“Ah, Alabama. For the day, yes,” you replied, before continuing to struggle with sliding the papers into your bag in tact. Why wouldn’t these fit? “Did you need anything before I go?”

But it wasn’t the answer that the tanned battleship girl was looking for. “I meant on that…trip.”

Your gaze snapped up, sharpening as it met Alabama’s. “Who told you about that?” 

But the other wasn’t the slightest phrased from your pointed question. “So it’s true. You are going somewhere.”

“Alabama, you might be my secretary but that’s classified information. Who did you hear that from?”

She once more ignored your question. “So where are we going?”

You threw your hands up in exasperation for the second time - you really weren’t going to get any answers around here that easily, huh? “I,” you emphasized. “Am going on a classified mission. Which you will not be able to join me on. You will be staying here with everyone else.”

“When?”

“We’re setting sail tomorrow, late morning.” Looking over your desk one more time to make sure that there would be no need for a return trip, you finally lifted yourself up from your office chair, the worn chair rolling back with a groaning protest to make space. The other simply nodded along as she turned to face the door, waiting to leave with you as she always did.

And then something clicked behind Alabama’s crimson eyes, your words only just registering - you swore that the tanned girl would have broken her spine with how fast she whirled around if she was just a human like you. “Wait, what do you mean I’m not going?”

You picked up your briefcase, and in one smooth move, swung it over one shoulder while lifting your commander cap off the table and back onto your head with your free hand. “It’s what I said. You can’t come on this one.” 

“So who’s going?”

“That’s classified.”

“Where are you going?”

“That’s classified.”

A few paces were all you could take till you were face to face with Alabama, the other refusing to budge. “Then you aren’t going,” she stated, as if it was enough to resolve the matter. The tension in the air was palpable, what was essentially divulging into a standoff between you and her; not that you could blame the battleship girl. After all, it would be the first time since you became a full-fledged commander, the first time since she joined your ranks, that you would have ever traveled anywhere without her. 

You sighed, shaking your head as you side-stepped her, waving at her to walk with you. “If only it was so simple, Alabama,” you said willfully, the evening rays having just started to dance through the closed windows that framed the deserted corridors outside of your office. The bustling sounds of life from the sudden influx of new girls under your command still echoed down these hallways, their chattering merging and muffling into the new normal background sound of the once quiet forward base out in the middle of the ocean you called home. “Orders from the top, unfortunately.”

Alabama seemed to instantly know what you were referring to, looking mighty unimpressed. “That call?”

You nodded. Stepping out to the sight of a pink sky, you squinted in the direction of the setting sun, taking in the beautiful glittering ocean that stretched infinitely into the distant horizon against the glare. You shouldn’t, but you wanted to. “It’s a lot later than I had thought. Would you like to get some dinner, Alabama?”

“Dinner sounds good,” she instantly agreed - it was at least clear to her that you were extending an opportunity for her to probe this matter a bit more deeply. You didn’t like to leave your closest friend out to dry. “Now?”

“How about thirty minutes’ time?” You patted your briefcase. “I'd like to go and drop these off first.”

‎

‎

“Enterprise?!” Akagi gnashed her teeth, eyes narrowing dangerously, knuckles turning white how tight her fist was. “How dare they?!” Of all the possible minders those fuckwits at Naval HQ could send with you-

“That’s enough, Akagi.” Nagato ordered, though the solemn expression on her face at the news was as clear as day, with Yamashiro all but quaking where she stood, attempting to hide behind the figure of her older sister Fusou. There was no doubt the higher-ups at Azur Lane knew of - and were absolutely taking advantage of - the rocky history between the Grey Ghost and the Sakura Empire; it seemed like those clunkerheads had finally awoken to the value you brought as a full-fledged commander and had the incentive to keep you safe. 

Kaga seemed to be simply caught in the middle, glancing back and forth between her sister and the Sakura Empires’ Combined Fleet Flagship and Emperor with much uncertainty. Despite the moon having already hung amidst the starless skies for several hours now, the dim, flickering ceremonial fires that warmed the court were still lit, though the usual bamboo partitioning curtain that obstructed the view of Nagato having been raised to fully reveal the small figure of the girl with the fox ears, dwarfed by the riggings of her battleship around her; a highly uncommon sight on top of the late night meeting, she determined. 

She wasn’t certain what was going on at the moment, what with this…obsession (if she had to term it) they had with you, an unknown “Commander” she had never met. Was there something so special about you which would warrant such fanfare? But no doubt it wasn’t the right time to investigate this matter, the tension already weighing heavy in the air, almost too heavy to breathe. The white-haired dared not even shift should the wood beneath creak.

The single minute that passed before Nagato spoke again was agonizing. “Is there nothing we can do?” Her child-like voice echoed throughout the otherworldly silent room.“Yamashiro, Fusou, did they say anything else?”

The two black-haired mikos snapped back to attention, glancing at each other before Fusou responded. “I think they mentioned that the Commander was already underway with her escort, Nagato-sama.”

“Did our contact say anything about a limit of stay for the Commander?”

“No, I do not recall such a message being passed along.”

Akagi and Nagato shared a look, a simple meeting of eyes that communicated so much. It seemed that they had a plan. “Everyone except Akagi is dismissed. Thank you for your time.” Nagato ordered, a final dismissal that warranted no further questions. And so the younger of the two from the First Carrier Division was forced to leave her older sister behind, following Fusou and Yamashiro as they excused themselves with a deep both, the silhouettes of both shipgirls left in quiet discussions disappearing behind the rising stairs as Kaga returned to their shared abode alone.

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Letting out a yawn, you stretched out across your deck chair, lazily adjusting your sunglasses before they could slip off your face. It wasn’t something you should be doing per se, openly relaxing in front of those under your command, and you were sure to receive hell if upper management caught wind of it, but you were really too winded to care too much. Safe to say, last night’s talk with Alabama hadn’t gone as well as you had hoped, though fortunately neither had it turned into the worst case scenario that you had replayed over and over in your mind. You did have to break some of the confidentiality agreements to tell Alabama who you were sailing with and to let her accompany you part-way, but it was the least you could do to ease her anxiety.

The late morning sun was warm through your uniform, the whip of the ocean breeze as the aircraft carrier slightly glided through the water cool enough to stop any perspiration from forming. It was amazing to sail the great blue again; no matter how many times you made the journey, the vast ocean would never cease to amaze and humble you. Two distinct sets of heels clicking across the wooden deck caught your ear, and you looked up to meet two sets of eyes glancing down at you.

“Commander.” “Commander.” 

You had of course heard of the legendary Big E from your colleagues back at Naval HQ despite having never had the opportunity to work alongside her, and no one - not even Alabama - would have ever gotten you to admit to the internal fangirling you had allowed yourself to indulge in in the privacy of your own room the night you found out you would be sailing with the famed aircraft carrier. After all, she was almost a mythical figure among the commanders, a capable, reliable and battle-hardened shipgirl whomst tales you had relegated to you time and time again by the veteran commanders. But your white-haired battleship friend was already narrowing those crimson eyes at you in suspicion, and so you swallowed your excitement. 

Reluctantly pulling yourself up from your exceedingly comfortable position, you acknowledged the two arrivals. “Enterprise, Alabama,” you returned their greeting with a firm nod. Lifting your arm to take a glance at your watch, you stood up, adjusting your cap. “It’s about time?”

It was about time to part ways with Alabama - she couldn’t accompany the two of you any further without risking exposing the destination of your mission, and that was a part of the confidentiality that you couldn’t risk exposing. The white-haired battleship girl already had her rigging on, one tanned hand firmly wrapped around that signature red scythe. But it was the look of uncertainty behind those tired eyes that had you sighing. You couldn’t just leave your bestfriend hanging. “Enterprise, if you could give us a minute?”

“Of course.”

A moment of silence as the Eagle Union carrier strolled off purposefully in the opposite direction before you turned to face Alabama once more. “Alabama-”

“You’ll stay safe?” She interrupted, pulling you into a tight hug that underlaid the worry absent from her expression. “And come home quickly?”

You broke into a smile, reassuringly patting her arm. With how tight this hug was and how much your face was being pushed into her chest, you were sure that Alabama was all but trying to merge you into her. “I promise. I’ll be back before you realize it, take care of the girls for me, alright?”

The reluctance as the battleship released you from her grip was palpable, but Alabama finally moved to leave. “See you later,” she mouthed, before leaping off the deck of Enterprise. You waved at her as her much smaller figure skated across the water till she disappeared from sight, before collapsing back into your deck chair. The things you would do just to keep your girls happy - you could only hope your one-up never found out. 

‎

The large Torii gate that seemed to stand atop the shimmering water greeted you as the manifested aircraft carrier sailed into the territorial waters for the Sakura Empire, the bow of the enormous ship cutting through the waves silently. Looking down from the command center nestled near the top of the superstructure, you bit back the sigh you felt emerging from your throat, with Enterprise standing just to the right of your shoulder, violet eyes scanning the world outside through the large glass panes. You had been hustled inside the moment the two of you had crossed the line between No-Man’s Sea and the Sakura Empire waters, and you had no doubt that Enterprise took her job as your bodyguard very seriously - who knew what she had been briefed on by Naval HQ? 

But you were sure that no harm would come to you.

From a distance, you spotted two figures approaching - shipgirls, one you identified as Kawakaze, and the other who you didn’t recognize, skating across the water towards the slowing carrier with a small boat in tow, signaling with a handheld light for permission to approach. Clearly they weren’t looking for a fight, you reasoned, glancing back at Enterprise. “Let them aboard,” you ordered, standing from your commander’s seat and grabbing your coat. “I’ll head down to meet them.”

“I’ll come with you.”

“Commander,” Kawakaze greeted, bowing slightly, waving her hand towards the girl next to her with a set of horns protruding from beneath her black fringe, dressed in what seemed like a modified set of school uniform. “This is Noshiro, an Agano-class light cruiser. We’re here to accompany you to the main island.” 

You noted amusedly that they were very studious in ignoring Enterprise’s presence, but seeing that the other hardly seemed bothered by the slightest, and was instead studying the two Sakura girls, you decided not to bring it up. “Thank you for the warm welcome. I didn’t expect Lady Nagato to send her handmaiden just for little old me.” 

Kawakaze broke into a rare smile as she beckoned for you to follow, helping you gently into the small boat that the two towed, but said nothing more. A distance away, you watched with awe as the enormous aircraft carried de-manifested, Enterprise landing on the water surface with her rigging now attached to her, bow in hand. The waters nearer the main island were too shallow to dock, but you weren’t complaining. No, you were happy to watch the ocean speed by as the island neared, the pink of the evening sky a twin match for the lightly swaying cherry blossom trees that grew larger and larger as your group approached.

The little girl with the enormous riggings, decorated with red and white-banded shimenawa, stood out amidst the golden beach.

“Commander!” Nagato cleared her throat, straightening up as best she could as you were helped out from the boat and instead doing a little curtsy, her equipment following the graceful movement with nay a creak. “I mean- Commander. Welcome to the Sakura Empire.” 

“This is a much bigger reception that I thought I would receive.” You chuckled, instead spreading your arms in an undeniable invitation. And in an instant, all pretense of formality evaporated, Nagato flying forward to accept your offered hug, careful to avoid smacking her rigging into you - goodness knows how fragile you were next to shipgirls like them. “I don’t think I ever was your commander, Lady Nagato. But it is good to see you again.”

Enterprise looked curious, you noted, but you didn’t explain any further, nor did any of the Sakura Empire girls elaborate. None of your fleet knew of your past before you became a Commander, and despite you thinking that it wasn’t a big deal, telling Enterprise before any of your other girls might stir a storm that you rather not have to deal with. 

“Please, just Nagato.” The black-haired girl mumbled into your ear, a light flush brushing across her cheeks for a fraction of a second before she cleared her throat and pulled away, the redness of her face already gone. Lightly tugging at your hand for you to follow her, no one mentioned anything that she never did let go. “Follow me. I’ll show you to your quarters.”

“I assume we will be sharing the same accommodation,” Enterprise spoke up for the first time since her arrival, though her even and surprisingly soft voice carried the authority and weight of a ship of her might.

Nagato simply nodded. “Of course.”

They had to get you away from your chaperone and somewhere private, but that was a plan for a later time. For now, it was to get you settled in, nice and comfortable, and everything else would fall into place.

‎

‎

Back at the forward base, Alabama let off another volley of shots into the open ocean, letting out a huff of frustration. How could you, she fumed, the whirl of her guns as they reloaded barely audible over the sound of crashing waves. More so, how dare you?! How dare you leave her behind to run off with Enterprise, of all people to god knows where?

So what if you had a “classified mission” from Naval HQ? Those clowns barely knew what they were doing from their high throne, you should have just turned them down and ignored it. Was it that you liked Enterprise, what with her legendary status? She saw the admiration in your eyes, and it made her blood boil. Was it that she had white hair too? Was it because Enterprise was an aircraft carrier and Alabama was just a battleship?

She was the one who had served you loyally all these years, standing by your side through thick and thin, protecting you from the fuckheads at Naval HQ. She was the first ship in your fleet, your secretary ship, your bodyguard. She should be your only.

Gritting her teeth, the firing of her large guns temporarily overpowered the niggling voices in the back of her mind, the smell of gunpowder clearing her head. Alabama took a deep breath. No, she wouldn’t be letting you go so easily.

‎

From a short distance away, South Dakota simply observed. Like the rest of the Eagle Union ships, she had recently been transferred under your command, where the youngest of her sisters had been part of your fleet for a substantial amount of time. But this was most unlike Alabama - the battleship had been stewing for the past day, as difficult as it was to believe, her bad mood written across those half-lidded eyes. Alabama had always been the easygoing, lazy sister in the South Dakota-class, and to see her this worked up; it was worrying.

SIghing, South Dakota shook her head, turning around and heading back to base, leaving Alabama out alone on the waves. There was no doubt your secretary ship was plotting something, seeing how protective she was of you - but as to what, she would have to wait to find out.

‎

tags: @lexthetiredstudent, @bbbexee, @noncon-photobomb

#azur lane #yandere azur lane #azur lane x reader #azur lane x commander #azur lane imagines #alabama #yandere azure lane #yandere azur lane x commander #battleship girls #azur lane alabama #female commander #azur lane nagato #enterprise #azur lane akagi #azur lane south dakota #azur lane kawakaze #azur lane enterprise #yandere azur lane x reader #azure lane #cheesus drabbles

[cheesus-doodles]

The Flag We Serve Under: Chapter 2

Yandere Azur Lane

Masterlist

‎‎

<< Chapter 1

thank you all for your interest and patience in this little series! I hope you enjoy!

The loud blare of your phone ringing nearly gave you a heart attack as it shocked you straight back into reality from what was an unusually restful sleep. Hands automatically shooting out in a blind attempt to grab at the offending object -  the same way you did every morning - though instead of finding yourself in the warm embrace of your comfortable bed, you tumbled out of your chair with a loud thud, a whirlwind of disturbed papers flying up from your desk and falling gracefully to the ground. “H-huh? What?” The warm wooden surfaces and neat shelves of books and files that surrounded you looked foreign to groggy eyes; where were you? Who were you?

For a moment, the world seemed restless, uneasy, before the next blare of your phone shook you from your trance-like state, and the memories came flooding back. Yes - you remembered now. The previous day's shenanigans at Naval HQ, sailing with Alabama across the deep blue open ocean for the first time in forever, watching the sun set below the horizon from the port window right above your desk; it seemed like you had once more managed to walk away from another counter with your commanding officer, though you had to admit you were definitely worse for the wear this time. 

Your phone protested again, the third insistent ring nudging you into finally picking up, the reluctance all the more clear when you noted it was that asshat of an officer you reported to whose name was plastered across your screen. “Hello?”

There was no greeting from the barking voice on the other end, instead just more orders, more work, handed down from the top and relayed through the small black phone. As expected. You automatically tuned most of the harsh words out as you usually do, focusing on the actual actions that you needed to take; yet as the voice kept coming, the sleepiness instantly drained from your mind, your eyebrows furrowing more and more with every word conveyed. None of this was good news, not at all. “Yes, sir.” Your voice was clear and firm even as your thoughts whirled. More girls being shifted under your command? The Sakura Empire asking to deal directly with you?

What on earth was going on?

“Make sure you don’t mess this up,” Your superior warned, but you could tell this was far more dire situation than any superficial paperwork disaster - the Sakura Empire had broken off from Azur Lane to pursue Siren technology by themselves after all, and neither you nor Naval HQ could tell what they wanted with you. One wrong step could bring the infighting to a whole new level. All you could do was bite your tongue - this wasn’t the right time nor the right person to ask the multitude of questions rushing through your thoughts. 

Yet there was one that you couldn’t resist asking, that no matter how much you tried to hold it down, it still managed to slip out almost unconsciously. “But sir, why now?” Why transfer more to your fleet when it was clear that the top dogs at HQ had not been particularly happy with your performance? Why did the Sakura Empire want to speak with you now? Why you? 

Your commanding officer went silent for a heartbeat, then two, with just the sound of his heavy breathing being picked up and transmitted; from a lack of a better answer or from the loaded question, you didn’t know. But before you could get your answer, your ears picked up the sound of footsteps - numerous sets, if you had to guess - thundering down the deck and growing louder as they approached your makeshift office. The thick bomb-proof steel door flew open with a bang, a toss of white hair swept back in her tailwind as Alabama rushed into the room, usually sleepy crimson eyes frantically scanning the small room, landing on you where you were still seated on the ground. “Commander! Are you okay? What happened?”

There was an instant blast of fresh salty air to your face that rushed through the open door. It was a shame that all the man on the other side of the ocean muttered was that he would ‘get you the information you needed’ before hanging up in a jiffy. Even if he was your superior and wasn’t afraid to treat you like dirt, you knew that most of the members of the staff at Naval HQ feared having to deal directly with the shipgirls, especially with Alabama in particular; the youngest of the Dakota-class sisters was notorious for her mood swings when it came to you after all. Tucking your work phone back into the pocket of your skirt, you gratefully accepted Alabama’s help to stand, straightening out your uniform once you were back on your own two feet right as Helena stepped cautiously through the doorway. “I’m fine. Thank you, Alabama, Helena. Just some morning grogginess.” 

Instead of settling your jumpy subordinates, it only seemed to arouse more suspicion in your tanned friend, red eyes narrowing at you. “Grogginess?” She repeated skeptically, her hand, twitching as if it was trying to resist grabbing you, instead disappearing inside her coat. “Like pregnancy grogginess?”

“No, no. Just awoken at the wrong time I suppose.” You patted your skirt where your phone was. “Duty calls.” You made a mental note to your future self to never find out how those under your charge would react if you actually got pregnant. Or if you ever had a boyfriend. Absolutely not.

Helena bent over to gingerly retrieve your cap, lightly dusting it off before handing it back to you. “Was it him?” She asked quietly, her blue hair still shimmering from salt crystals still clinging to individual strands - remnants of her time spent skating across the ocean. If you recall the schedule correctly, the Brooklyn-class cruiser must have rushed over right as her patrol ended.

“Unfortunately. On the bright side, I do have some updates. Could you gather everyone on the bridge in an hour please, Alabama?”

Said girl gave a curt nod, and you smiled in thanks. “Well in that case, I shall excuse myself back to my quarters.” But the crinkle of paper from the ground caught your attention once more, and you grimaced. You had completely forgotten about those; seems like your steaming shower and fresh uniform would have to wait a little longer.

‎‎

‎‎

“I wonder who is joining our fleet?” Aylwin wondered out loud as she lifted another spoonful of rice and vegetables to her mouth. Despite not having to eat food like you did, you had always insisted that the girls stick to a regular schedule and take a break during lunch time; whether they wanted to have something to munch on was something you left up to their decision, but you had always made food available for them. 

“Maybe we’ll meet some from other factions?” Baltimore suggested, which got a few nods from the eight shipgirls gathered around the table. “The Royal Navy and Dragon Empery are part of the Azur Lane too.” 

The mess hall aboard Alabama’s manifested ship was as worn as the rest of the ship, metal surfaces decorated with a generous litter of surface scratches from being thoroughly scrubbed clean countless numbers of times. Several pictures - of land and home and the vast ocean - decorated the walls, frames nailed firmly to keep them from moving as the ship cut through calm and rough waves alike. Several plates of food lined the center of the cloth-covered bench, a small luxury she knew that was allowed to them only while under your command; Alabama had heard enough of the horror stories from others suffering under less competent Commanders.

“I’m hoping it's the Grey Ghost,” Ranger leaned over the table, her volume dropping like she was . “Went on a mission with her previously before I was redeployed here, but never had a chance to sit and chat with her. She’s always so busy.”

But Alabama remained quiet, staring down at her cup of undrunk and rapidly cooling coffee and allowing the chatter to flow around and over her; she knew you better than the back of her own hand, and it was obvious that whatever that shithead of a commanding officer said to you, it wasn’t just to announce the expansion of your fleet. 

‎‎

Just thirty minutes prior, the eight of them hadn’t been seated casually around a dining table, instead having gathered on the bridge as per instructed. “Thank you all for gathering.” Standing at the head of the bridge, the endless sea glittered under the afternoon sun far below you outside the window, stretching out past the horizon like an enormous sequin blanket. “There’s been some news with regards to our fleet. Because of the increasing Siren threat in our sector and hence the expanding workload, word from Naval HQ is that we will have some new ships that will be joining our fleet.” You announced.

Excited whispers were instantly abound among the rest, but the tanned battleship’s slightly narrowed eyes were fixed on you and that soft smile you wore. It was just as it sounded: a mask that you put on in front of them. She could see it as clear as neon lights in the middle of the night on the empty ocean surface, even if you were trying your best to hide in the shadows that the sunlight cast. You always tried to physically hide when you had something to hide from there, from her; it was just the way you were after all.

“Do we know who’s joining?” Helena queried softly amidst the chaos, yet you still caught it regardless, smiling back at the blue-haired girl. 

“No information has been given on that, but I’ll give an update once Naval HQ comes back with more.”

Then you opened your mouth, as if to say more, only to snap it shut, your eyebrows furrowing - all quietly observed by Alabama. In a split second, it was gone, and taking a deep breath to compose yourself, she watched as your lips quirked up once more, your gaze lifting to meet theirs once more. The Commander mask was back on. “That’s all for now. You’re dismissed, please go have your break.”

You adjusted your cap, turning away to continue to pour over a map as your small fleet filed out, the thick steel door closing with a light thud behind them.

‎‎

And that was all. Were fresh faces really important enough to worth rudely waking you from your sleep and a personal call from that monkey brain of a commanding officer? Sure, with an expanding fleet meant new things to worry about, new people to keep at a distance from you, but… There was something else - more important, more urgent, more secretive - that you didn’t want to tell them, or that you couldn’t tell them about, and Alabama wasn’t having it. What if it was a threat to your safety? What if it got between you and her? What if it threatened her getting oathed to you? What if -

“Helloooo. Earth to Alabama.”

The white-haired battleship blinked, looking up from her cup, seven pairs of varied colored eyes looking curiously back at her. “...You alright?” Indianapolis piped up, blue and yellow heterochromatic eyes glancing her way. What if there was another person in the picture?

Her reply was curt, as it always was. “Yes, I’m fine.” Red eyes glanced out the nearest round window, and the conversation was over. But the others were used to the battleship’s sullen attitude especially when it came to you, and the chatter resumed as if it didn’t stop. She would speak when she was ready.

‎‎

‎‎

An ocean away, yellow eyes looked longingly out across the same blue seas, the horizon hidden behind the shutters of the blinds that hung in front of her pavilion, though the twitch of a brown fox ear returned her attention back to the two girls prostrated in front of her. “Raise your heads, Akagi, Kaga. Please go ahead with your report.”

“We have…made contact with Naval Headquarters, Nagato-sama, and conveyed our requests. They have agreed that only she will be sent for the negotiations.”

Commander…Nagato couldn’t hide the excited swish of her ears at the thought of seeing you - of meeting you - again after so many years apart, and it was obvious that Akagi had similar sentiments even as Kaga remained oblivious: the younger fox sister had never met you before, let alone had the chance to serve under your command. Were you still the same person she remembered? Or had you changed? Had they already ripped and damaged that soft heart of yours? “And?”

The white-haired aircraft carrier spoke up as the older of the two sisters fell silent, crystal blue eyes respectfully raising to land on her. “But they wouldn’t let her come without an escort present throughout. It was something they insisted on.”

Not all good news then it seems. “Who is the escort?” Nagato’s voice, though childlike, carried with it the might and authority of the Sakura Empire, strong and decisive.

“It has not yet been decided.”

A moment of silence as the petite black-haired battleship mulled over the new information, small fists gripping the silky red fabric of her dress. The gold ornaments that decorated her hair glittered in the little sunlight that filtered through. Should they insist again on you coming alone? Or perhaps they should compromise on a neutral-grounds meeting so that you would come alone? It was too early to make the decision right now, not with the gaps that they still had. “Any movement from the Iron Blood?”

“No. At least not in the seas around us.”

Nagato nodded. “Then we shall wait until Naval Headquarters returns with the escort details before we make our decision.”

“Understood, Nagato-sama.”

“Dismissed.”

Watching Akagi and Kaga’s silhouettes disappear down the steps, the leaves rustled softly in the light afternoon breeze; another peaceful afternoon.  After all, in the grand scheme of things, what was a few more days to wait?  She sighed, elegantly lifting the steaming cup of green tea to her lips and taking a sip. Still, she couldn’t quite find enough patience at the thought of returning to you. 

‎‎

‎‎

It took another week for the small fleet with you onboard to steam back to base; despite the shipgirls being able to travel far greater distances in much shorter times by skating across the surface of the ocean, their manifested ships were much slower in comparison. You spend most of the time locked away in your office, reading and re-reading through reports and training exercises and documents - there were still a great many things you didn’t know, and you were determined to find out, to hell if Naval HQ allowed it or not. It was your girls’ lives on the line every time they sailed out to meet the Sirens after all, and you would not let them go face first into the unknown. The few times you left were to catch a breath of fresh air on the deck of Alabama’s ship and for a quick rest in your quarters; and before you realized, your small fleet was back home, pulling into a familiar port. 

But all was not as you had left it, with the once-sparse docks now occupied with a mix of known and unknown ships of all types and builds; destroyers, cruisers, battleships and aircraft carriers that spanned the various nations making up the Azur Lane. You had to admit that the percentage of ships present that you didn’t know was far greater than the ones you did, and it blew your mind that headquarters would send so many in one go. Weren’t they the ones that constantly complained of your lack of aptitude for the job?

As Alabama’s battleship came to a groaning halt, there was nothing more you could do but to steel your resolve. It didn’t matter if you could or could not do this, you simply had to. Pulling and straightening your skirt down and adjusting your hat in the mirror again, you took a deep breath, wrenching open your office door and stepping out into the gentle morning sun.

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tags: @lexthetiredstudent, @bbbexee

#azur lane #yandere azur lane #azur lane x reader #azur lane x commander #azur lane imagines #alabama #battleship girls #azur lane alabama #baltimore #azur lane baltimore #female commander #azur lane nagato #azur lane ranger #azur lane aylwin #azur lane kaga #azur lane akagi #yandere azur lane x reader #yandere azur lane x commander #azure lane #yandere azure lane #cheesus drabbles

[cheesus-doodles]

The Flag We Serve Under: Chapter 1 (Rewrite)

Yandere Azur Lane

Masterlist

‎

cw: female pronouns, workplace harrassment

Finally a rewrite i can like :) for my azur lane fams out there, hope yall enjoy! chapter 2 shouldn't be too far off! also if you see this, come join my discord! would love to have more people to rant with about azur lane :D

‎

“How could you make such a basic mistake?!” Despite your attempts to steal your nerves against what you knew was coming since you had been recalled, the ear-ringing bang as your commanding officer slammed both open palms into his abused, groaning table had you jump a few inches. “You stupid bitch, I’ve already told you a million times! It’s form number 48B not 84B! Do you want to get me in trouble?!”

If there was a hell on this mortal plane, you were sure without a doubt that it would right here; in this dark, dingy, suffocating concrete coffin your superior called an office. You didn’t believe in gods - how could you, having spent most of your earlier life cowering in fear of these higher beings humanity called Sirens that once terrorized the seas - but if there were any supposed divine beings out there, they sure as hell didn’t give two shits about you.

You didn’t need to bite back the ‘yes’ that would have been already leaping off the tongue of any braver soul, your voice instead hitching in the back of your throat like a wad of gum you couldn’t spit out. “I- I-”

“Shut up!” The stack of forms was all but hurled at you, and it would have smacked you in the face if you had not dodged in time, though the edge of the binder still clipped the side of your head. “I don’t want to hear your excuses!”

It felt like hours, not the minutes since you had been summoned back to this dreaded room, being entombed in this place, the clock ticking uncaringly on even as the older man heaved in anger and exertion, pausing in his rant for the umpteenth time to catch his breath. With safety being such a top priority at the Azur Lane headquarters, there was no telling if it was day or night - windows did present more security risk to the head honchos of this circus, yet it only made the gloomy atmosphere feel more depressing. 

Enough. You've had enough, you wearily thought. Maybe it was really time to call it a day and lay down the coat; your mind wandering to all the possibilities should you ever manage to muster the courage to call it quits. Perhaps you would set up a small bakery or cafe, and spend your days among the happy, comforting smell of pastries in the oven. The rest of your captain’s furious words washed over you like waves lapping up against the hull of a ship, with just the occasional one strong enough to cut through your daydreams. “…stupid, incompetent…ships are slacking-”

Those few words were enough to pull you straight back to reality and stir the last bit of indignation you still had left in you. Sure there was not much you could do to stop him from insulting you as much as he liked, but to pull your subordinates into this as well? As if they weren’t the ones bearing the full brunt of keeping humanity safe, as if they weren’t already putting in their best? 

You straightened. That was a line too far. Yet as if history was repeating itself, before you could gather whatever your self-respect and dignity that still clung on like a dying petal, you were unceremoniously dismissed with a wave of your officer’s hand. “The next time you are called in here, it’ll be to turn over your badge.”

Defeated, your exhausted form instantly deflated, the determination leaving you like an exhale of hot air, and you turned to shuffle out of the claustrophobic room, the angry mutters about useless women in uniform following you as you closed the thick, steel door with nay a click. His last words that drifted out after you - almost resentful mumbles about how humanity was supposed to simply entrust the safety of the world to commanders like you - was especially stinging.

Maybe that parting threat was more of a sign; you were never made for a job like this. You should have taken up that offer.

The atmosphere of the equally miserable corridor outside was thankfully a one-eighty, the narrow enclosed alley bustling with Azur Lane staff of every rank and job making their way to destinations unknown in a graceful two-way flow of people. At least there with the hum and drum that came with such a crowd, those harsh words would have been lost in the chatter; you didn’t need to worry about any pitying eyes or fake sympathy thrown in your direction. You allowed yourself to be drifted along by the rest, only pausing for a brief moment in an empty enclave to wipe harshly at your eyes with the sleeve of your uniform, harshly willing away the tears that threatened to well - you did try your best, you told yourself, even if it didn’t always show. Giving your all for a job you never wanted, pouring your heart and soul into this thankless job for naught, yet all you received was another scolding, another threat to tear away everything you worked so hard for. Or maybe on second thought, just hold back the floodgates for a few more minutes. A few more minutes till you could get somewhere more private.

Stepping out into the harsh light of the afternoon sun, you winced at the sudden change in brightness that blinded your sensitive eyes, though the lack of warmth that the height of the day usually brought was especially notable, the ocean breeze whipping in over open water somehow making the already cold day seem colder. What a horrible day it had been.

“Commander~”

You didn’t stop for the familiar voice calling out, your hastily thrown up walls caving as soon as the fresh air filled your lungs - hot tears that you could no longer suppress stinging at reddening eyes as they burned a trail down your cheeks. Your walking pace only increased, pristinely polished boots trudging across grass and mud without a care as you strided towards the docks as quickly as your legs could carry you. But alas, even the half-run wasn’t fast enough.

One yank, and you toppled backwards into that pair of tan arms that you had grown accustomed to. “Com-man-der.” And you would have had a one way trip to kiss the ground if not for the lean yet muscular body that blocked your way, long white hair tied up into two messy ponytails flopping down into your view as a face leaned over to cast a shadow over yours. Half-lidded ruby eyes meant yours in a curious lilt. “Why are you trying to run from me? Come, lie down with me on the grass for a bit.” 

Damn. There went your hope of escaping back to Base Command with one of your fleet’s less nosy ships (where you could have a good cry in private even) - you could see Indianapolis had her ship manifested and ready to sail. But the guilt had already begun to seep into the base of your gut even before that thought had finished crossing your mind: Alabama wasn’t being nosy. She was just showing concern, like you did for all those under your command.

“Thank you, Alabama, but I need to start heading back to base. Work calls.” Forcing a painful grimace on your face that you hoped could pass as a smile, you knew that despite the fact that you could barely hold your gaze to hers for longer than a mere second, there was no doubt that the other didn’t - couldn’t - miss your bloodshot eyes and nose, or the tear tracks down your cheeks that glistened ever so gently in the sunlight.

Alabama frowned, her usual tired red eyes instantly sharpening as she carefully studied your face, but you were thankful when she didn’t bring up your crestfallen expression. One strong hand slipped around your arm, and you were being tugged in the direction of the dock, the hustle and bustle of the crowd fading into the rustle of wind and leaves as the two of you made your way to the sea. And amidst the small fleet of ships you recognise as the one you commanded, the tower of her own manifested ship peeked out from where it had been previously hidden behind a horizon of trees.

“Sail with me,” came her simple request. And you couldn’t find it in yourself to deny her, not Alabama who had been there with you, for you, from the start; not the first ship you ever had the opportunity and honor to have under your command. The request of a friend. 

Allowing her to pull you up the gangplank, stepping back onto the worn wooden deck once more was a dose of nostalgia: the wooden deck roughened at the edges by the cruel seas and bleached by the uncaring sun, the creak and groan of metal under your feet, the gentle lapping of waves many meters below. It was almost exactly as you had remembered on that fateful day Alabama first joined your fleet and had taken you out into the infinite frontier that was the vast ocean, only to be hit with another round of nostalgia when Alabama led you down familiar steel corridors towards what you knew was the small makeshift office you once called your second home. You rarely had time to sail anymore with the growing workload and the rumors of deteriorating relations within Azur Lane - and there was nothing more you missed than this.

The thick steel door swung open at the lightest touch to reveal an entirely unchanged room. “I can’t believe you kept all this junk,” you chuckled, finger tracing the worn surface of the simple desk tucked away neatly in the corner where it always had been. 

“It’s not junk,” she insisted back. It was obvious that Alabama had been keeping this place straightened and tidied even in your time away, with not a speck of dust to be found even on the panes of the window that your desk faced, the carpet as plush and fresh as the first day you stepped onboard.

Turning to face the tanned girl waiting patiently by the door as you reminisced about better days, you stretched out your hand to accept your briefcase which had been up till now swinging lazily from her hand. You didn’t even remember handing that brown leather bag over. “Thank you, Alabama,” you repeated, though your voice was barely a whisper.

A nod, Alabama pulling you into a hug, soft and warm. “Make sure you come to my room tonight to cuddle. I can’t sleep otherwise.”

A laugh, the first of the day - cheery and free - slipped your lips, your sea legs keeping you steady as the ship under you lurched, pulling away from port towards the infinite blue ocean that met equally clear skies far out at the horizon. “I’ll see what I can do.”

The door shut quietly behind Alabama as you retrieved your belongings from your bag, sorting out the various paperwork into separate stacks before dropping into a cushioned chair. It was too late for you to turn back now, no matter how tough the job becomes; looking back, you probably should have never applied for that stupid position to begin with. A tinge of regret at the loss of an optimism from your now weary eyes that you’ve misplaced along the way - how could you have known that a paper-pusher position promising a comfortable life would have turned into this? But you don’t think you would have changed your decision if you ever turned back the clock. 

And you did love the open sea so very much.

‎

‎

The light thuds of boots against wooden decking broke the tranquil sound of waves breaking, luring Alabama out from her thoughts and musing. The sun had long given way to the star-filled night sky, the never-ending twinkling celestial map that had once guided navigators home, though getting lost was the least of the battleship girl’s worries. 

Being part of a small fleet made it easy to identify the others by just the weight of their gait, and as expected, Baltimore’s voice cut through the quiet night air. “No threats in the vicinity, Alabama. Helena’s taking the next watch.” Reaching where the white-haired girl looked out over the endless sea, Baltimore leaned back against the rail guards, short brown hair tossed every which way in the harsh wind that whipped across the deck, her riggings parting out of the way smoothly despite them being as long as she is tall. 

A pause, before the tomboyish heavy cruiser spoke again almost hesitantly. “Commander’s office lights are still on. It’s getting late.”

Ruby eyes met yellow ones. “He made her cry.”

All Baltimore replied with was a word weary sigh, throwing her head back into the sharp ocean breeze. 

“I know that look,” Alabama’s tone was flat, emotionless. “She was thinking of leaving, again.”

It was common knowledge among the tight knit ring of girls that made up your fleet the mental and emotional thrashing you took every time you were summoned to the Azur Lane Headquarters. Despite the higher ups knowing that you were one of the rare few who was able to connect with girls like them on a level no one else could, that could see past their riggings and their weapons and their sole purpose to fight Sirens for the humanity they carried within. Despite being the only thing standing between humanity’s future and ruin.

The flash of anger subsided back into tired, half-lidded eyes as quickly as it appeared, Alabama’s unusually quiet voice - just barely audible over the sound of waves crashing against the hull of her ship if not for the wind that whipped her resolution over - was unnerving to say the least. “I’ll kill him.” And that was a promise, not a threat.

It was rare to see the youngest of the South Dakota sisters flare her temper in the slightest, but Baltimore knew better to question the other’s protectiveness over you; not that she wouldn’t brutally maim in your name. But she still clearly remembered that incident where one of the staff had not only loudly slighted you in Alabama’s presence, but leered about your ass. The result was far from pretty, what with the shipgirls’ inhuman strength - Baltimore wondered if that poor soul ever learnt to walk again. 

“And I’ll help,” Baltimore quipped, earning herself a small smirk before the joking tone turned serious once more. “But she will need a larger fleet first.”

Indeed - you needed enough ships on your side first before they could make a move. Ships who were willing to stand up for you, to protect you at all costs, to massacre and cut down any who dared to lay a finger, nay a dirty breath, on you. The ship underneath their feet seemed to groaned in agreement, the massive artillery guns overhead almost shivering in anticipation of the spilling of blood. The two finally turned to make their way back towards your office, their blue and white jackets flapping in the turbulent winds of an incoming storm. “I’ll still be the first she oaths.”

That was a confident statement, Baltimore mused. “Goes without saying, Alabama.”

One day all those bastards would get the slow, torturous hell they deserve at the end of her scythe and canons, Alabama thought. But for now, as the steel door swung open once more to reveal you - head now tucked neatly into the crook of your elbow fast sleep among your piles of papers, rumpled uniform lifted to show more skin that you usually care to - for now, she had to take care of you.

After all, a world without you wasn’t one worth living in.

#azur lane #yandere azur lane #azur lane x reader #azur lane x commander #azur lane imagines #alabama #battleship girls #azur lane alabama #cheesus drabbles #baltimore #azur lane baltimore #female commander

[cheesus-doodles]

hello!! i was just wondering, is there gonna be a part 2 of "the flag we serve under"? would love to see more lol

heya anon! yes absolutely, chapter 2 is in the works but i’m kinda stuck on getting the words out of my brain and onto paper at the moment - it should be out soon! thank you for your patience and interest ^^

edit: if you wanna be tagged for this, go ahead and comment here or dm me! i’ll tag for azur lane since its a really small community here :)

#cheesus answers #azur lane #azur lane x reader #azur lane x commander #yandere azur lane #yandere azur lane x reader

[cheesus-doodles]

OMG YAA THE YAN FICS FOR AZUR LANE ARE SOO NON EXISTENT I COULD ONLY FIND ONE ON WATTPAD A FEW YEARS AGO.. IM GLAD TO SEE FANS OF AL THAT ARE INTO YAN FICS TOO

OMG ANOTHER FAN HELLOOOO! YESS WE YAN AZUR LANE FANS ARE LEGION, there’s like 12 of us!! ahh the number of yan azur lane fics of any sort is criminal, we simply must do something about it!

okay but now I feel bad about the quality of that fic ajdnskas, definitely going to give it a good revamp soon!

#cheesus answers #azur lane #yandere azur lane #azur lane x reader #azur lane x commander #yandere azur lane x reader

[cheesus-doodles]

The Flag We Serve Under: Chapter 1 (Old)

Masterlist

tw: yandere, female pronouns, workplace harrassment

A/N: something a little different from the content here, but this has been stuck in my head for quite a bit since I got back into the Azur Lane game again and i can't find any yandere content to feed my very niche need.

‎‎

"How could you have made such a basic mistake?" You tried your best to steel your nerves against what you knew was coming, but the loud bang as your captain slammed both hands onto his abused, groaning table still had you jump a few inches. "You stupid bitch, I've already told you a thousand times its form number 48 and not 84! Do you want to get me in trouble?"

Your voice hitched in the back of your throat. "I-"

"Shut up! I don't want to hear your excuses." The form was all but thrown at you, the paper hitting your face with a crinkle.

Entombed in this enormous metal coffin that was the Azur Lane headquarters, there was no telling whether it was day or night, but standing in front of the giant wooden desk that you have come to despise, it really did feel like it had been hours since you had been summoned into this dreaded room, even if the clock on the wall told you otherwise.

The rest of your captain's furious words washed over you like waves lapping against the shore, with the occasional stronger wave enough to reach your ears. "- ships are slacking -"

And that was enough to stir that little bit of indignation you still had left in you. Sure he could insult you as much as he liked, but to say that the girls under your command didn't work hard enough? That they weren't already putting in their best? That was a line too far.

Yet before you could muster the courage to defend those who bore the brunt of keeping humanity safe, who had no choice but to serve under your lacking leadership, you were unceremoniously dismissed with a wave of your superior's hand. "The next time you're called in here, it'll be to turn over your badge."

The angry mutters of useless women in uniform followed you as you closed your captain's door with barely a click, his last words that you caught as the soundproof door shut - about how the safety of all humanity against the Sirens was supposed to entrusted to commanders like you - was especially stinging.

At least, you mused to yourself, turning to walk down the bustling corridor, those harsh words would be lost in the chatter of the other Azur Lane staff making their way to destinations unknown in a two way stream of people gracefully flowing past - with no one to hear, there would no pitying eyes, no fake sympathy thrown in your direction. Pausing for a moment in an empty enclave to harshly wipe at your eyes with the sleeve of your uniform, you took a deep breath, willing away the tears that were threatening to gather - you were really trying your best even if it didn't quite show, giving your all to a job that you never asked for.

But it seemed, you stepping out into the harsh light of the afternoon sun that blinded your sensitive eyes, that the effort and soul you put into this thankless job was for naught - all you received was another harsh barking at, another threat to tear away everything you worked so hard for.

"Commander~"

You didn't stop for the familiar voice, hot tears that you could no longer stop burning your skin as they trailed their way down your cheeks, as you strided towards the dock as quickly as your legs could carry you, but alas it was not fast enough.

"Com-man-der." All but yanked backwards into a pair of familiar, tan arms, you would have toppled over if not for the lean yet muscular body that blocked your one way path to meet the ground, long white hair tied up into two messy ponytails flopping down into your view. "Why are you trying to run from me? Come lie down with me on the grass for a bit."

Damn. That goes your hope of escaping back to Base Command on one of your fleet's less nosy ships - you could see Indianapolis had already her ship out and ready to sail. But the guilt had already begun to set into the base of your gut even before that thought had finished forming in your mind - Alabama wasn't being nosy. She was just showing concern, like you did for all those under your charge.

"Thank you, Alabama, but there is still work waiting for me." Forcing a painful grimace on your face that you hoped could pass as a smile, you knew that the other didn't - couldn't - miss your obviously red eyes and nose, nor the tears trailing down your cheeks that glittered in the gentle light of the evening sun.

The other frowned, her usual tired red eyes instantly sharpening as she carefully studied your face, but you were thankful when she didn't mention your crestfallen expression, instead opting to tug you in the direction of her manifested ship sitting idly in dock, anchored a little aways from another ship you recognised as part of your small fleet. "Sail with me," came her simple request, and you couldn't find it in yourself to deny her - not the first ship you ever had the opportunity to have under your command - allowing her to pull you up onto deck and to the small makeshift office you once called your second home - you rarely had the opportunity to sail anymore with your ever growing workload.

The thick steel door swung open to reveal an entirely unchanged room, your simple wooden desk where it had always been, tucked neatly in one corner of the small room. And Alabama definitely had been keeping the place straightened and tidied even in your time away, with not a speck of dust to be found, the carpet as plush and fresh as the first day you stepped aboard. "Thank you, Alabama." You repeated, barely a whisper as you turned to face your companion, patiently waiting right by the door with your briefcase lazily held in hand, setting it down the side table.

A nod, right before the white-haired girl pulled you into a hug, soft and warm. "Make sure you come to my room tonight to cuddle. I can't sleep otherwise."

A genuine laugh slipped your lips, your sea legs keeping you steady as the ship under you lurged, pulling away from port towards the infinite ocean that peaked over the horizon. "I'll see what I can do."

The sun had long set in the distance when Alabama picked up the sound of light thuds against wooden decking making their way towards her, the neverending sea of stars now reigning the dark, moonless sky. Being part of a small fleet made it easy to identify the others, and the sound of those boots alone gave away their owner.

"No threats in the vicinity. Helena's taking the next watch." Baltimore leaned back against the rail guards, her short brown hair tossed every way, her riggings barely squeaking as they moved out of the way. A pause. "Commander's office lights are still on. It's getting late."

Red eyes met yellow ones. "He made her cry again."

But all Baltimore replied with was a world weary sigh. They both knew of the emotional and mental beating that you took every time you were summoned to the Azur Lane Headquarters despite being one of few commanders able to work with ships like them. Despite only you being able to see past their rigging and weapons and their creation as Siren destroyers for the human soul they had inside. Despite being the only thing that stood between the Sirens and humanity.

"I'll kill him." Came Alabama's unusually quiet voice, barely audible over the sound of waves crashing against the hull of her ship if not for the gentle seabreeze that floated her resolution over, the flash of anger that quickly subsided back into tired eyes enough to back her words up. It was rare to see the youngest of the South Dakota class ships flare her temper, but Baltimore knew better than to question the other's protectiveness of you.

"And I'll help." Baltimore quipped, earning herself a small smirk before the joking tone turned serious once more again. "But Commander needs a larger fleet first."

You needed enough ships on your side that no one would stop them massacring whoever dared to lay a finger on you. The ship underneath their feet almost seemed to groan in agreement as the two turned to make their way back to your office. "I'll still be the first she oaths."

"Goes without saying, Alabama."

One day those bastards would get the hell they deserved at the end of her scythe and canons, but for now, Alabama thought, the steel door silently swinging open to reveal you - head tucked neatly into the crook of your elbow, rumpled uniform lifting to show more skin than you usually cared to, fast asleep among your pile of papers - for now she had to take care of you.

A world without you was one not worth living in.

#azur lane #yandere azur lane #azur lane x reader #azur lane x commander #azur lane imagines #alabama #battleship girls #azur lane alabama #cheesus drabbles #baltimore #azur lane baltimore