Chapter Text
It was a sunny day at a certain Naval Base in the southern regions of the Royal Isles.
The sky was clear and fading from a burnt orange hue to a darker purple; clouds lazily drifting across the scenic sky above. The way the waning sun gleamed across the languidly-rolling tides let the sun reflect off of it, adding to the pretty view, one that drew more than a few eyes out from behind windows and from the nearby balconies on the dormitory building. Some had even gathered by the seawall, sat around chatting and in one case even hosting a little picnic by the sea.
One group of viewers however weren't there for sight-seeing. Even as the sun began to set the Sirens didn't stop, and thus neither did the Ship-Girls – a sortie fleet waiting to set sail for a routine patrol around the coast. Nothing too major really, just the usual, but nobody knew when the Sirens could strike; sometimes with lethal consequences. Thus the sister-ships of many of those sortieing came to see them off, some just there for moral support and others to give them a hug goodbye. Others, though...
''Ah, here's your bag of snacks to take with you in case you get hungry, onee-chan.''
''T-Thanks...''
''Oh, and don't forgot your good-luck bracelet you got from Cygnet, that'll keep you safe.''
''Mm, I have that...''
''And last of all – a big cuddle from your dearest sister~!''
Norfolk's reply was muffled as Dorsetshire wrapped her shorter sister up in a bone-crushing hug, giggling in joy as she squeezed the life out of her whilst she peppered her cheek and forehead with adoring kisses, earning a whine from Norfolk herself.
Without losing her smile Dorsetshire relinquished her hold on Norfolk and let her drop back down onto her own two feet, a little flushed from the tight squeeze but remarkably unphased by it, beyond a little self-conscious embarrassment.
''Be safe now, okay~?'' Dorsetshire chirped. ''I'll have some cookies baked when you get home~''
''M-Mm. I'll be okay.'' Norfolk smiled bashfully as Dorsetshire petted her hooded head. ''S-See you...''
''Bye bye~!''
With a merry wave Dorsetshire watched as her shorter – yet elder – sister meandered down to the docks, manifesting her ship form and hopping aboard it. Joining her was Hermes and some other escorts, both those of Royal Navy descent, and those from other nations. Given Azur Lane's main enemy was the Sirens international trust was important, doubly so due to the Siren's habit of manipulating them against each other, so most nations exchanged Ship-Girls to help foster relationships and build trust between nations. Harder to turn against someone who you see as a friend or family, after all.
Thus when she saw the form of a couple Z-Class Destroyers dashing out down the docks and leaping onto their own ship forms she wasn't particularly surprised, nor was she surprised by the couple of girls not too far from her getting ready to go, bearing the flag of the Eagle Union. However as their conversation continued she couldn't help but take an interest in it, not least because of the... jubilant tone, in which one of the two sisters spoke.
''I know you'll do your best, but make sure not to get hurt okay Indy-chan~?!''
''Ah... I will...''
''Here, take this, I heard it's a good-luck charm too! Stay safe!''
''Mm... will do...''
With a dry, embarrassed nod a dark-skinned cruiser waved her sister off and meandered down to the docks, joining up alongside Norfolk in her own ship form.
The silver-haired sister however seemed unphased, stood with a dreamy smile and cupping her cheek. ''Ahh, Indy-chan looks so cool on her ship, ehehe...''
Dorsetshire couldn't help but approach. ''Is she your sister, by chance?''
''Mm!'' Without a lick of hesitation Portland agreed, a beaming smile gracing her face – one that paused when she saw her. ''Ah, I'm sorry, I don't think we've met...?''
''I'm Dorsetshire; of the Norfolk-class.'' Dorsetshire introduced with a smile, offering a hand. ''You're... Portland, right?''
''That's me~!'' Shaking her hand firmly Portland sung. ''Lead ship of the Portland-class Heavy Cruisers! Ah, and my sister over there is Indianapolis – though I call her Indy-chan because she's so cute and making her name even shorter just makes her cuter because she's my little sister and calling her little just adds to her charm but she doesn't like being called little and I can't blame her she's not really little aside from being a bit short but she-''
A sudden coughing fit cut Portland's long-winded, babbling praise short; the cruiser coughing out and apology as she whacked herself in the collarbone, getting the irritant out of her throat. Dorsetshire waved off her apology, though internal thanked whatever deity did it, her brain still in the process of comprehending the cruiser's words. Still, she'd met weirder people, so with a smile Dorsetshire didn't immediately try and flee like some might wisely do.
''I saw her go just now. My sister's out there just next to her.'' Dorsetshire helpfully pointed out her sister – though it wasn't hard, given they were the only two Heavy Cruisers in the patrol group.
''Ah? Norfolk, right?''
That was enough to trigger Dorsetshire's not-so-secret siscon tendencies. ''Oh yes! She might be smaller than me but she's the eldest of our class, and definitely the cutest – she works so very hard and does her best to make everyone around her happy and gosh, just look at her! All wrapped up in that fuzzy hood and with a determined look in her eyes, she just makes you want to snatch her up and cuddle her forever and ever~!''
Portland made an understanding 'ohh' sound. ''I see... I'm surprised I've not heard of her yet. I've been here for a couple months now?''
Dorsetshire hung her head with a long-suffering sigh. ''Yes, alas, few seem to understand the depths of onee-chan's cuteness. Such a shame, really, they're missing out...''
''Mm... if only people knew about Indy-chan more too, she's not really sociable...'' Portland agreed with a sympathising sigh.
Until, practically in unison, both girls perked up – landing on the same wavelength, as if they were two kindred souls that had finally found each other.
''Why don't we fix that?!''
Those nearby would later profess to shuddering from a sensation that could only be dubbed as one of foreboding, though none would quite know why.
X-x-X
The very next morning Dorsetshire found herself alongside her new best friend... commencing their genius plan of base-wide sister promotion.
SLAP!
''And with this official document, I declare the Sister Appreciation Club, created!''
Dorsetshire let out a little cheer and merrily clapped her hands together, the sound echoing through the rather quaint storage room they had 'renovated' to use as their club room. Though to call it renovated was admittedly a bit generous; all they'd done was move out all the unnecessary junk that had been shoved into it, dragged in one of the spare tables and a handful of chairs and hauled in an old filing cabinet to store their club papers. Which, presently, consisted of a singular document; one signed by the Commander... which gave them permission to use the storage room for club activities. That was it.
Still, humble beginnings, Dorsetshire reminded herself. First they would start small, then they'd branch out into spreading the word of their adorable sisters and then doing club things like photo-shoot calenders, and soon they'd be holding seminars about how cute their sisters are. Sounded almost like a cult in her mind when she phrased it like that, yes, but if making a cult is what it took for the whole world to know of Norfolk's cuteness, then so be it.
Lost in her own fantasies Dorsetshire remained oblivious to their third member of the club, one whom Portland had nabbed on the way from the dorms – Montpelier.
'Why am I here...?' Montpelier remained deadpan even in the face of such enthusiasm.
The thought was shaken off as Portland began to speak. ''Right! Since this is our first meeting, why don't we start with talking about our sisters?''
''Sure.'' Montpelier idly agreed, cheek resting on her hand.
Dorsetshire was much more enthusiastic, however. ''Great idea, Club President!''
''E-Eh? I get to be the Club President...?'' Portland seemed a little flustered by that. ''Heh, I'll do my best.''
She then coughed, standing up. ''Right. So, my sis is Indianapolis, as you probably know. She's shy, but Indy-chan really does her best for everyone, and she's really weak to hugs~ She doesn't have it in her to escape a hug so she just becomes a big teddy bear, she's got an a-dorable soft voice, and she's even cuter when she gets angry! She's just the biggest cutie on the base~!''
Portland's passionate proclamation left her nearly panting, starry-eyed as she stared into space and, after a moment, started to drool and giggle.
Dorsetshire just smiled, laughing lightly and clapping her hands, getting Portland's attention once more. ''I see~ What are her likes and dislikes?''
''Oh! Um... she likes food, California rolls especially! She likes reading too – I catch her asleep on the bean-bag sometimes with a book in her lap, hehe~'' Portland giggled, the sound trailing off as she put a finger to her lips. ''Hm... as for the things she dislikes... attention, I guess? She's just more comfortable being in the background helping others without getting too much attention for it. She also dislikes it when people rearrange her stuff without asking first; she's neat like that.''
Dorsetshire let out a curious hum, sparing a glance over at Montpelier. The grey-haired cruiser didn't seem all that surprised, perhaps due to having served alongside her, but there was a glimmer of intrigue in her rustic red eyes – betraying the fact she hadn't heard all of that before. Good, Dorsetshire thought; smiling as she realised she wouldn't be the only one learning new things about their adorable sisters.
With that in mind she clapped her hands a little, cheerful. ''She sounds as adorable as you say she is, Portland. Do you want to go next, Montpelier~?''
With a bit of a sigh Montpelier did, slightly uncomfortable as she reached into her capelet and withdrew a couple photographs. ''Thought I should show you these, since I don't know if you know her, Dorsetshire...''
''Oh, why thank you...'' Dorsetshire smiled, accepting the photos. Snapped both with and without Cleveland's knowledge the photos showed the popular blonde cruiser in various locations; from her room here at the base, to the fountain just out in the main plaza eating ice cream, to dolled up in a fancy plaid skirt and skin-tight top in the city; the brightness in her visage not dimming one bit.
Montpelier then coughed, speaking. ''Cleveland... erm... how do I start...?''
''How about her most appealing traits?'' Dorsetshire helpfully suggested, soothing the unsure cruiser. ''Things you admire in her.''
Montpelier paused to think for a moment, humming, before nodding. ''Her bravery. No matter what we're up against she always meets it head-on and with a smile. She cares a lot for her allies too, always checking up on people in hospital and doing favours for people, even if it tires her out. She's really cool as well, wearing a cape all the time like a superhero... which she kinda is, really.''
Though more subdued than Portland's passionate speech the admiration in Montpelier's tone was undeniable, a glint in her rustic eyes that spoke of how much she looked up to Cleveland. Dorsetshire herself wasn't overly familiar with the blonde, but she knew her – everyone did. With a smile as bright as the sun and an unending enthusiasm even when the going got tough, Cleveland had made a reputation for her uplifting attitude across the base.
Sitting down Montpelier then fixed Dorsetshire with an expectant look, clearly content with just the short introduction and no more. ''Your turn.''
''Ah? Oh, right.'' With a bright smile Dorsetshire hopped up to her feet. ''Well, my adorable onee-chan is Norfolk~ She's the lead ship of our class but the cutest of us all, she's nice and compact so you can pick her up and cuddle her easily too!''
Dorsetshire giggled, hugging herself as she envisioned her adorable sister. ''She likes reading books, especially old fairy tales, and making new friends – but she's really a bit shy, so I usually have to help her with making friends. She also doesn't like the dark or loud noises, and she even scares herself with her own guns firing sometimes, hehe~''
Smiling she fished around in her coat for a moment, withdrawing a photo from one of her pockets and placing it down onto the table. The photo in question showed Norfolk licking some chocolate ice cream, smiling bashfully as she looked up into the camera, the setting sun in the distance behind her and leaving the ocean beneath it gleaming beautifully. Montpelier peered down at the photo and hummed whilst Portland twisted it around to her perspective, curious.
''Ah... I think I remember seeing her once, when I was coming back from a commission...'' Portland noted curiously, tilting the picture left and right as if to somehow get a three-dimensional rendering of Norfolk. ''I think Indy-chan said she was showing her how to bake? She never mentioned her after that, though...''
''Ooh, maybe they're friends?'' Dorsetshire's eyes lit up at the prospect. ''Knowing onee-chan, she probably wanted to be brave and make friends without me there – oh I'm so proud of her~!''
''Indy-chan, making friends... ahh~ She's growing up so fast~'' Portland dramatically sniffled. ''I remember when she was so shy she stuck to my side like glue, now she's telling me to go away all the time~! She's getting into her rebellious phase now!''
''Maybe we should pair them together? They would make such a cute couple!'' Dorsetshire proposed.
''Mm! They've already got so much in common that they're a natural fit for each other! Hold on, I've got some nice photos I took of Indy-chan when we went over to the city; let's start planning their date now...''
As the two sis-cons feverishly began discussing setting their sisters up, nearly drooling at the possibility, Montpelier remained sat off to the side with a bewildered expression on her face.
'Maybe I should just leave whilst they're not looking...' Montpelier thought – before the cruiser vigorously shook her head, chasing away the thought. 'No, for the sake of getting Aniki's good name out there, I must persist...!'
Clenching her fist in determination and with objective in mind, Montpelier continued to sit through the first meeting of the Sister Appreciation Club...
...for the next four hours.
Cleveland would later worry why Montpelier seemed so exhausted when she came back to their room.
[END]