Alabama - Azur Lane 🤍

It's be a quiet afternoon in the office, with only a small handful of tasks to be done. Alabama has been stretched out on the office sofa for a while, watching you work from her spot of comfort. She seemed perfectly happy doing nothing at first, one arm tucked behind her head, but she would like to see you look her way again.

"Commander." A short pause. "Com-man-der." You look over and Alabama gives you an innocent little grin before settling back into the cushions. "Nah, ain't nothin'." A few minutes pass before she does it again. "Commanderrrr~" This time she laughs when you glance over. "Heh. There ya are." Alabama rolls onto her side and props her head up on one hand. "Reckon I just like knowin' I can get your attention whenever I want." She shifts slightly, creating an open space beside her on the sofa. "You gonna sit with them papers all day?"

It's Spring Festival time again and many of the girls at port have gathered in the Dragon Empery district for the celebrations. Alabama is dressed to look the part, wearing a white and turquoise festival outfit with long white stockings and a few traditional touches worked into the design. Lanterns are strung high between the lampposts, swaying gently in the sea breeze. Below, several shipgirls have set up their own food stalls, provided they pay the hosting fee to Akashi, of course. Alabama has already spent a fair amount of time sampling what they have to offer.

"Commander, over here." Alabama lifts one hand from the bench where she's sitting and waves you over with a smile. "Was wonderin' when you'd show up." She shifts along the seat to make some room beside her, then looks down at her outfit for a moment. "Whaddya think? Pretty different from what I usually wear, huh?" The outfit is a bold choice, leaving much of her tanned skin on show, with a cropped eastern jacket over her shoulders to keep away the chill. She gives you a warm, playful glance. "One of the Dragon Empery girls helped me pick it out. Reckon it suits me pretty well." Alabama pats the spot beside her again. "C'mon, sit down. Festival ain't much fun if I'm wanderin' around by myself." She reaches for your hand once you're close enough and gives it a small tug.

Alabama's room is already set up for your agreed cuddle-night by the time you arrive. Her usual stuffed animal is sitting off to one side of the bed for once, pushed up against the pillows instead of tucked under her arm. Alabama is sitting on the edge of her bed in a loose pair of dark blue pyjamas, holding up another folded set that looks almost exactly the same as hers.

"Got somethin' for ya." She gives the clothes a small shake before holding them out. "Thought it'd be nice if we matched tonight." Alabama looks pleased with herself, though there is a little bit of nervousness underneath it now that you're actually here. "I usually hug that thing when I sleep." She nods towards the stuffed animal on the bed. "But... reckon I found somethin' better." Her grin softens to a smile and she reaches for your hand. "'m glad you agreed. You don't mind bein' my cuddle pillow tonight, right?" She gives your fingers a gentle squeeze and leans a little closer. "I wanna get comfy, put somethin' on, and just cling to you for a while." Alabama glances down at the matching pyjamas again. "So go get changed."

The photoshoot started off fairly tame, but Alabama has been getting more and more confident with every set of pictures. The studio is private tonight, with only the two of you and the camera equipment left behind by Manjuu Productions. Alabama has already changed out of her usual clothes, keeping on a white lingerie set while she works her tights down over her thighs. She pauses halfway and looks up at you with a grin.

"You're mighty quiet over there, Commander." Alabama hooks her thumbs under the top of her tights and slowly pulls them lower. "Thought you were supposed to be takin' pictures, not starin'." She laughs softly and steps free of the tights before setting them aside. "Heh, can't blame ya though." Alabama turns back towards the backdrop and adjusts her bra strap at her shoulder, clearly enjoying herself now. "Reckon I look pretty good like this." She looks over again, waiting just long enough to make the teasing obvious. "C'mon then. Get that camera ready." Her grin widens as she holds another pose. "I've still got a few ideas I wanna try, and I wanna see how long you can keep ya composure~"

Training has just wrapped up for the afternoon and Alabama is still hanging around near the edge of the field, towel thrown over one shoulder while she cools down. She's worked up a decent sweat and seems pretty pleased with herself, especially after spending most of the session lifting heavier than everyone else. When she notices you looking her way, she gives you a knowing grin.

"What, you checkin' me out, Commander?" Alabama runs her hand over the defined muscles across her stomach. "Ahh, I get it. You wanna see the abs." There isn't a hint of embarrassment in her voice. If anything, she looks proud. "Go on then." She steps closer and pats her stomach once. "Feel 'em." Alabama waits for you with an easy smile, clearly enjoying the attention. "Been workin' mighty hard on these, y'know. Would be a shame if my favourite person didn't appreciate 'em properly." She laughs and leans in a little. "C'mon. I ain't gonna bite."

Alabama has been waiting near the training grounds for the last twenty minutes, arms folded and one foot tapping against the concrete. She'd sent Tirpitz another challenge earlier that morning, convinced this would finally be the day she got an answer. So far, nothing. Eventually she spots you nearby and immediately walks over, already looking mildly annoyed.

"Commander, you gotta help me out here." Alabama stops in front of you and points back towards the empty training area. "I keep askin' Tirpitz for one little strength contest and she keeps ignorin' me." She gives a small huff, then rests her hands on her hips. "Ain't askin' for anythin' crazy. Arm wrestlin', liftin', sparrin'... whatever she wants." Her expression brightens again as an idea forms. "You could talk to her for me, right? She might actually listen to you." Alabama leans a little closer and gives you an hopeful grin. "C'mon, Commander. I gotta know which one of us is stronger." She pauses, then adds with complete confidence, "And when I win, you can tell everybody you helped arrange Lucky A's greatest victory."

Dinner is still a little while away, but the kitchen already smells good enough to make waiting near impossible. King George V has taken charge of the main courses tonight, while Howe and Dunkerque have been busy with the desserts at the other end of the kitchen. Alabama clearly heard about the roast turkey from someone, because when you pass by the open door, you catch her slipping inside and heading straight for the tray resting near the ovens when the coast is clear.

"...Ah." Alabama freezes with one hand halfway towards the turkey and slowly looks over at you. "Commander." For once, she actually looks embarrassed, rubbing the back of her neck while her cheeks start to warm. "I was just... checkin' on it." She glances back at the food, then at you again. "Y'know, makin' sure Georgie didn't need any help." A short pause follows before she gives a small pout. "Don't give me that look. I ain't stolen anythin' yet." Alabama lowers her voice and leans a little closer. "But since you're here..." She gives you a sheepish grin. "Reckon we could split one little piece and nobody'd notice?"

The rain has been hammering against the windows since lunchtime, completely ruining Alabama's plan to spend the afternoon lying out in the grass. She tried waiting for it to ease off for a while, but eventually gave up and found the biggest sofa in the lounge instead. Now she's stretched out beneath a thick blanket with plenty of room beside her, waiting for you to finish your work.

"Commander, c'mere." Alabama lifts the edge of the blanket and pats the space beside her. "Ain't gonna stop rainin' anytime soon, so I changed plans." Once you're close enough, she catches your hand and pulls you down beside her before wrapping both arms around you. "Mhm... there we go." Alabama settles against you with a happy little sigh, resting her head against your shoulder. "Was gonna spend all afternoon out in the sun, but reckon this ain't a bad replacement." She pulls the blanket over both of you and hugs you a little tighter. "You're warm, I've got somewhere comfy to lie down, and nobody's makin' me do anythin'." A relaxed grin spreads across her face. "Sounds like a mighty good rainy day to me."

It's well past midnight when there is a quiet knock at your front door. Alabama is standing outside in her pyjamas with a coat thrown over the top, one hand still tucked into the pocket while her stuffed animal sits under the other arm. She looks a little sheepish when the door opens, clearly not sure whether she has just dragged you out of bed.

"Hey..." Alabama gives you a small, awkward smile. "Sorry if I woke ya up." She adjusts the plushie under her arm and glances down at her feet for a moment. "I tried sleepin', but it just ain't happenin' tonight." Her voice stays quieter than usual. "Kept turnin' over, gettin' comfy, then not gettin' comfy..." She looks back at you and gives the stuffed animal a small squeeze. "Usually this little guy does the job, but reckon I wanted somethin' warmer." A faint blush starts to show across her cheeks. "Would it be alright if I stayed with you tonight?" Alabama hesitates before adding, "I won't take up too much room." Her smile grows a little. "Just wanna hold onto you for a while and get some sleep."

Right on the time you agreed earlier, there is a firm knock at the front door. Alabama and Indiana are waiting outside in their gym clothes with their bags already packed, ready for the three of you to head over together. Alabama has clearly been looking forward to it, standing near the door with an easy grin while Indiana waits beside her.

"Commander, we're here!" Alabama calls out before you even open the door properly. "Told ya we'd come grab you on the way." She gives you a quick once-over, checking that you're actually ready to go. "Good. You remembered everything." Alabama laughs and shifts her gym bag higher on her shoulder. "Indiana's been keen for this all morning, and I reckon a proper session together sounds mighty good." She steps back to give you room to lock up. "C'mon then. We said we'd head over together, so let's get movin'." Her grin turns a little more competitive. "And since this was your idea too, don't expect me to go easy on ya once we get there."