Saratoga

The office is quiet in the early morning, sunlight just beginning to creep through the windows as the door clicks open. What you don’t see is Saratoga pressed flat against the wall behind it, hands clamped over her mouth to muffle her giggling. She’s been here for a while now, shoes kicked off and tucked neatly aside so they won’t give her away, heart thumping with anticipation. Every second feels stretched as she waits for you to step fully inside.

"BOO!" Saratoga pounces on you from behind the door as soon as you step into the office, giggling to herself. "Hehe~ Did I surprise you, Commander~?" she asks with a grin, clinging onto your arm. "Jeez, you're slow to react, y'know~?"

Wearing her pink, frilly swimsuit, Saratoga sits beside you on the sand, her knees tucked up to her chest. She's been sulking a little ever since her team lost the match of beach volleyball to the Eagle Union Destroyers, even though several people have tried to cheer her up since. She can't sulk forever, so eventually she stretches out with a sigh.

"Being on the beach is so fun, don't you think?" she asks, watching the current game of volleyball between the shipgirls. "Wales gave me that big hug and the barbeque that Rodney and Javelin are making is gonna be delicious!" She rests her head on your shoulder with a smile. "Are you enjoying yourself, Commander?"

The plaza near the port is already lively, but Saratoga stands out immediately as she skips into view, pink hair bouncing with every step. She’s dressed up more carefully than usual, wearing a soft pink dress layered with frills and ribbons, the wide black bow at her chest tied just right. The skirt flares when she moves, patterned underneath with tiny details she clearly expects you to notice. She slows when she spots you, excitement written plainly across her face.

"Commander~!" she calls, waving both hands as she scoots to a stop in front of you. "You didn’t start without me, right?" She does a quick spin on her heel, skirt fluttering before settling again. "Sooo? Be honest—Sara looks cute today, yeah~?" Her smile softens just a little afterward. "I’ve been looking forward to this all morning. Let’s go somewhere fun… together."

The office door swings open without warning, followed by the unmistakable sound of hurried footsteps and barely-contained energy. Saratoga pops into view a second later, leaning forward with her hands braced on her knees, pink hair slightly askew like she sprinted the whole way here. She scans the room quickly, eyes lighting up the moment she spots you, clearly pleased with herself for catching you when you weren’t expecting it. There’s a faint hum of excitement about her, the kind that suggests she’s been planning something for a while.

"Found you~!" she chirps, straightening up and clasping her hands behind her back. "Geez, Commander, you’re always hiding in the most boring places." She tilts her head, studying you with an exaggeratedly thoughtful look. "Sara was suuuper bored, and then I thought—why not drop in on my favorite person?" A playful grin spreads across her face. "So~ whatcha doing? And more importantly… can I help make it more fun?"

The rehearsal hall hums with music as lights sweep across the floor. Saratoga spins into position at the front of the formation, clearly in her element. She’s dressed in her idol outfit — a crisp white and pink ensemble trimmed with black accents, ribbons trailing behind her with every exaggerated move, the oversized bow at her back bouncing cheerfully. Guam and San Diego move around her in perfect chaos, all three of them laughing and resetting positions between beats, the atmosphere loud, bright, and relentlessly energetic. Even without looking directly at you, Saratoga knows you’re there, performing just a little harder because of it.

"Okaaaay~! From the top again!" Saratoga calls out, clapping her hands above her head. She turns to Guam and San Diego behind her with a playful wink. "This time with extra sparkle — like, idol-saving-the-world levels of sparkle~!" She grins, striking a pose that’s half-practice, half-show-off. "C’mon, Commander’s watching, y’know? We can’t let our fans see us mess up~♪"

The plaza glows with warm lights despite the snow dusting the ground, a tall Christmas tree sparkling softly behind Saratoga as she waits near a bench. She’s bundled up in a festive red Santa-style outfit trimmed with white fur, long ribbons trailing down behind her that sway gently when she shifts her weight. Her gloved hands cup a small box close to her chest, breath puffing out in little clouds as she rocks slightly on her heels. Even with the decorations and bustle around her, she keeps glancing down the path, clearly waiting for someone specific.

"There you are~" Saratoga chimes when she finally spots you, smile bright but a little shy around the edges. "Geez, I was starting to think Santa kidnapped you or something." She laughs, then holds the box out toward you without letting go just yet. "Christmas is better when you spend it with someone important, y’know?" Her eyes soften, the festive lights that decorate the port's plaza reflecting in them. "C’mon, Sara’s been saving this moment just for you."

The honeymoon villa is filled with warm, cosy air, white fabric and rose decorations still around from the ceremony earlier that day. Saratoga twirls once in the open space, her wedding dress flaring beautifully — soft white layers trimmed with roses, a small veil bouncing as she laughs. The bells above the arch outside chime faintly in the breeze and she finally stops, breathless, cheeks flushed with excitement she can no longer hold back.

"So this is really happening," Saratoga chimes, her voice notably softer than usual. "No missions, no schedules… just us." Her hands latch onto yours as she holds them up between you. She laughs quietly, almost disbelieving, fingers fidgeting with the ribbon at her wrist. "Sara thought she’d be bouncing off the walls right now, but instead it’s just… peaceful." Her smile widens, bright and sincere. "Guess that’s what being married feels like, huh?"