Setting the scene, before Operation: Snowstorm, Caster has been very diligent on his work and finishing paperwork at record times. It was kind of appalling, and even more impressive, his thoroughness still remained with the papers. So Caster had lots and lots of time to bond with more of the girls.

One of the few that got extended time with the Commander was Cleveland. Who unlike every other girl in the base, she liked sports and things that guys would also like. So when after the Volleyball game they once had with her and Helena, Caster would invite Cleveland to play some Basketball. Which she was also good at. But being bored herself at times, she would always accept the offer.

The Commander had a decent grasp at the game of basketball. He had some jump-shooting ability, but that is just about it.

The pair would get sweaty together with 1v1s on the court for hours on end. Stamina wasn't a problem for both of them.

**A-kun: I'm looking at you people, don't take that former statement out of context ya bastards.**

And most of the time, Cleveland would win because she's quicker than Caster. Even speed, which was Caster's best physical attribute of all, he sometimes can't keep up the relentless running that Cleveland would keep doing.

But as time went on, Caster like any other human, started getting by experience, and he was genuinely improving without the help of Cleve. (though she was always watching him train.) And it didn't take long for Caster to start doing some finesse moves around the court and with hitting shots outside the arc, now Cleveland's the one having trouble keeping up with him.

"My victories were short-lived, after all." Cleveland laughed as she said it. "You're improving super fast!" She turned to Caster as she's drinking from her bottle.

"If I didn't have someone trying to make me better, I wouldn't gotten this far." He tried being humble, but Cleve shut that down quick.

"Oh, please. I see you at the court alone in the morning already playing."

"Because you're tough! You made me better! That's my point." Caster exclaimed.

"Well, since you already are beating me a lot, I have a friend I could call that's so much more better than me." Cleveland shot a smile at Caster. Suffice to say, Caster was very intrigued with the proposition.

"Give me a few days, she'll arrive here."

Now, a few days passed, early morning. Cleveland is awake and on the court with Caster waiting for their guest to arrive. Caster is already warming up as he's very nervous who will be his opponent. Even though it's clearly a 'she', he's really not letting himself underestimate a girl. Well, that's a part of the reason why Caster kept losing to Cleveland at the beginning of them playing 1v1s.

"Hey, Cleve! Nice to see you again!" A voice came from a distance, made both Caster and Cleveland to turn around.

"Baltimore!" She raised her hands up in excitement. Caster just turned back around and started putting up shots again though.

"Oh, Commander, you're such a snob to our new guest here." Cleveland tried to give a glare to the Commander but it didn't ended up working and made her look cute.

And of course, Caster wasn't fazed by the cuteness, but he minded his manners and bowed in front of the new ship.

"My name's Edrich Caster, new Commander of Azur Lane. Pleased to be your acquaintance." He took out his hand.

"My name's Baltimore of the Baltimore-class. Looks like Cleveland is having a good time with you around her. The last one, went south pretty quickly." She took out her hand and both shook hands. And the statement made Cleveland give Baltimore a slight glare. Though the new guest has no idea she's acting like this. Giving the impression that she's right.

And the one thing that struck Caster the most about Baltimore that she's freaking all, and looks pretty strong judging from her midriff. But as he already got 20 minutes of warm-up, he's pretty confident that he can take at least before he inevitably loses. In his pessimistic belief, of course. But Caster was getting to calm his mind as Baltimore is switching from her usual attire to her sports outfit.

And that needed time was pretty much gave him confidence in his game now. Both played rock, paper, scissors for who gets the ball first. It was fun, but jarring for Cleveland.

'I wish it was that easy to take the ball first like that. I'm good at that.' Cleveland thought.

To not make it too long for anyone, Baltimore barely won against Caster. With her scoring the last 3 points in a row to run away with the win. And funny enough, Baltimore was getting most of her points by posting up Caster, she was too focused to be embarrassed by anything and Caster took the L. What else is new?

"Darn!" Shouted Caster as he slammed the ball hard on the ground making it bounce high up in the air.

"Commander, you were leading most of the game, don't sweat it. I had a hard time keeping up with you." Baltimore complimented.

"Likewise to you too. You were making me look like a child at some possessions." He smiled as he sat next to Cleveland and wiped off his sweat.

However though, after Caster's response to Baltimore's ~~pity~~ compliment, she started to stare really intently at Caster wiping off his sweat and kept her gaze for a good 30 seconds before Cleveland caught her.

"Balti...?"

She immediately snapped and started panicking, she also started to think something else to do to lighten the embarrassment.

Caster looked at Baltimore,with his usual nonchalant expression but he smirked, knowing what she was doing exactly.

'I don't know what's she's on about looking at me, but I can assure this.'

'I am not that handsome at any sense.'

A-kun: Back to prompts. Keeps me awake at night.

Word Count: 977 Words.

4/12/21
11:39 PM