Archive of Our Own ^beta

The snow fell gently around the base as the Commander stepped outside to enjoy the winter night. The soft glow of lights illuminated the surroundings, creating a serene atmosphere. A slender figure, Renown, stood waiting, her arms crossed, and a serious expression on her face.

The Commander approached her with a warm smile, acknowledging her perpetual vigilance. "Renown, I wanted to enjoy a winter night with you. You don't have to be on guard at all times. The enemy isn't going to sneak up tonight. We can relax sometimes, you know," he reassured her, understanding her tendency to remain focused and vigilant.

Renown, known for her seriousness and dedication to her duties, seemed to consider the Commander's words. The snowflakes danced in the air as a moment of quiet contemplation passed between them. The Commander's attempt to lighten the atmosphere and encourage her to relax showcased a desire to share a peaceful moment with her.

He walked forward into the snow, he knew she would follow him if nothing else. “Now, what do you think of the snow, and the weather?”

As the Commander ventured into the snow, Renown observed him for a moment, her stern expression softening slightly. She unfolded her arms, and with a cautious step, she joined him in the winter night. The snow crunched underfoot as they walked together.

"The snow is a rare beauty," Renown responded, her voice calm but carrying a hint of warmth. "It covers everything in a tranquil white, as if offering a momentary reprieve from the usual chaos of our battles. The weather, though cold, brings a sense of calmness, a stillness that is a welcome change from the constant motion of the sea."

Despite her usual seriousness, Renown's words conveyed an appreciation for the serenity of the winter night. The Commander's attempt to draw her into a more relaxed setting seemed to have an effect, at least in allowing her to appreciate the beauty of the moment.

“I see, now how about we enjoy the warmth of each other’s company and the cold of the night air. It is at least not windy tonight. Though I think if we get some hot chocolate, it would be a good move,” the commander said as he walked with her.

The Commander's suggestion brought a faint smile to Renown's face, a subtle acknowledgment of the appeal of the idea. She nodded in agreement, appreciating the balance between the cold night air and the warmth of their companionship.

"Hot chocolate sounds like a fine idea," she replied, her tone softening a touch. The prospect of a warm beverage seemed to resonate with the tranquility of the winter night.

“Good, let's get some at the canteen and get a couple of cups of it there, I hear there is a beautiful view of a frozen pond,” the commander said as he walked with the serious and equally beautiful blonde.

As the Commander and Renown continued their stroll through the gently falling snow, a camaraderie seemed to blossom between them. The atmosphere shifted from Renown's usual seriousness to a more relaxed and appreciative state. The Commander's intention to share a peaceful moment with her and his suggestion of hot chocolate conveyed a genuine desire to connect beyond the rigors of their military duties.

Renown's response, marked by a faint smile and a nod of agreement, indicated her willingness to embrace the Commander's invitation. The acknowledgment of the rare beauty of the snow and the calming influence of the cold night air hinted at a softer side to Renown, one that appreciated moments of tranquility amid the chaos of battles.

The Commander's proposal to visit the canteen for hot chocolate and enjoy the view of a frozen pond added a touch of romance to the evening. The contrast between the cold of the night and the warmth of their companionship, coupled with the idea of sipping hot chocolate by a frozen pond, painted a picturesque scene.

“Now, my dear Renown, I invited you out because I had a gift, a thank you for being my guardian so often, my personal knight in shining armor as it were,” the commander said as he pulled out a small box. He knew she wasn’t big on gifts, but he figured from him it might make a difference. “I know not to beat around the bush after the whole affair with the candles,” he said with a laugh, thinking about how she hadn’t figured out his feelings when he put out a cake with candles in the shape of a heart for her.

As the Commander presented the small box to Renown, the winter night seemed to hold its breath, waiting for her reaction. Renown, usually stoic and composed, looked at the box with a mixture of curiosity and surprise. She took the box in her hands, fingers delicately tracing the edges, a subtle shift in her demeanor evident.

"For me?" she asked, her voice softening, the seriousness giving way to a gentler tone.

The Commander nodded, a warm smile on his face. "A token of appreciation for always watching over me, my personal knight in shining armor," he said with genuine gratitude in his eyes.

“Yeah, let, us get inside and you can open it, I know it is cold out here at least it is for me,” the commander said softly as he held the door to the canteen open and followed Renown inside as he found it quiet, with a few people around but not many.

“I will take two cups of hot chocolate please,” the commander said, ordering the two cups before walking with Renown to the table. “So go ahead open the gift,” he said as he knew she would love the blue sapphire pendant he got for her. It was on a long silver necklace that would fit perfectly around her neck. He figured she might like it as the color matched her eyes perfectly.

As Renown carefully opened the small box, she revealed a stunning blue sapphire pendant on a long silver necklace. The winter night seemed to glow with the same deep blue hue as her eyes. Renown's expression shifted from surprise to genuine appreciation as she held the necklace in her hands.

"It's beautiful," she remarked, her voice carrying a touch of warmth. The Commander's thoughtful gift appeared to have resonated with her, breaking through her usual stoicism. The pendant, chosen with care to match the color of her eyes, reflected a level of understanding and connection between them.

"Thank you, Commander," Renown said, her gratitude evident in her eyes as she met his gaze. The Commander's gesture of appreciation and the symbolic nature of the pendant added a layer of intimacy to the evening, making it a memorable moment for both of them.

“Well Renown, I know how you can be, and I figured I should get that and tell you this. I don’t just see you as my knight, but I see you as my partner, and the woman whom I wish to make countless memories with. I guess to cut to the chase, I have been in love with you, Renown for a while now. My knight in shining armor,” the commander said bluntly as he knew that was the best way to approach the dense girl.

Renown's stoic expression softened, and her eyes widened slightly in response to the Commander's heartfelt confession. The canteen, once filled with the quiet sounds of winter and soft conversations, seemed to hush in that moment. Renown, who often approached matters with seriousness and dedication, found herself facing a revelation that brought a new layer of emotion.

For a brief moment, silence lingered between them, the only sound being the subtle clinking of cups as the Commander held the two cups of hot chocolate. Renown's gaze shifted between the pendant in her hands and the Commander's earnest eyes.

After a thoughtful pause, Renown's stern expression softened further, replaced by a genuine warmth. She looked up from the pendant, meeting the Commander's eyes, and a small, genuine smile graced her features.

"Commander," she began, her voice steady but carrying a hint of vulnerability, "I... I appreciate your honesty. And I value our time together. You're not just a Commander to me; you are someone I trust, respect, and... care deeply about."

The Commander's straightforward confession seemed to have reached Renown, breaking through the barriers of formality that often surrounded her. The exchange of gifts and the intimate setting of the winter night created a space for an authentic connection to bloom.

As the two sat down at the table with their cups of hot chocolate, the winter night outside continued its gentle dance of snowflakes. The atmosphere in the canteen had transformed from a quiet retreat to a space where unspoken feelings were felt and acknowledged.