Archive of Our Own ^beta

“That’s it, Marblehead. Keep it up!” The firm encouragement of Giulio Cesare filled the room as she watched the blonde punch the punching bag in front of her, jabbing at it swiftly. The two women have spent the last few hours training at the port’s inbuilt gym, honing their physical prowess nicely. Both women have frequented the gym over the last few months alongside Baltimore and Magdeburg, though the both of them were busy running on the treadmills. As such, the two women were content with honing their punches and kicks.

A few pants flowing from her mouth, Marblehead uttered a sharp cry before throwing a few more punches at the bag, the satisfying smacks filling the air. Giulio was most impressed with the cruiser’s form, her slender frame was starting to develop some muscle upon it, especially within her arms and legs. Noticing the battleship’s gaze, the blonde ceased her punches, turning her body around and gazed at her companion.

“Eyeing up my body, aren’t you?” She grinned at the Sardegnan, leaning against the metal frame holding the bag up. “It is pretty smokin’ I’ll give you that.”

“I was more interested in how well your arms are developing.” The battleship rebutted cooly, gingerly walking up to her colleague and began inspecting her arms. A mild hum flowed from Giulio’s mouth as she gazed upon Marblehead’s biceps, taking note over how well they’ve developed. “A solid improvement from when we first started.”

“What can I say, I’ll need good arms for when I take up boxing in the future.” The blonde beamed over her friend’s compliment, glancing at the well-defined Sardegnan beside her. “Still, it’ll be a long time before I can compare to you, Giulio. You’re like a master compared to me.”

A modest hum flowed from the battleship’s mouth as she gingerly gazed down at her exposed torso, her eyes lingering upon her abdominal muscles. They were very well-defined, their firmness to the point that one could theoretically grate cheese with them. It was something Giulio took great pride in; they were a sign that all her vigorous exercise was paying off.

“The time will come when I’ll rematch Warspite in combat. I want to be prepared for that day, so that I might reclaim what honor I lost at Calabria.” Giulio mused to herself, her head turning back to face Marblehead.

“She ain’t going to be an easy fight, they don’t call her the Grand Old Lady for nothing!” The cruiser chimed in gingerly, resting a hand atop the battleship’s shoulders. “That said, I have faith in you, my friend~”

“Grazie.” She replied, turning her attention towards the punching bag. “Watch closely, Marblehead. Take note of my posture whenever I throw a punch.”

Getting herself into position, the battleship proceeded to punch the heavy bag before her, uttering a sharp grunt with every jab. Marblehead took in every last detail of her colleague; her firm posture, how straight her arms were with every punch, the way her feet were close together and pointed at the bag. Special attention was paid to how her fists were properly clenched; the thumb nestled outside the enclosed fingers. It was as though Giulio had mastered the art of throwing a punch.

“You’ve mastered this, haven’t you?” The blonde chimed in, with the Sardegnan ceasing her punches for a moment.

“I have, yes. Whenever I’d get stressed out, I’d take it out on my punching bag back home. It does wonders for my mood, cheering me up after hearing about the Senate’s incompetence.” She admitted, a light pant escaping from her mouth.

“It’s times like this where I’m grateful Eagle Union doesn’t have that many political debacles. From what the others say, it seems as if their governments are full of stubborn old fools who refuse the idea of compromise.” Marblehead commented, walking up to the battleship. “Me, I’m content with leaving all the politics to Saratoga and whatnot. I’m more than happy on the frontlines.”

“Mhm, I’m fine with fighting on the frontlines as well. I leave all the office work to my younger sister.” Giulio admitted, a small smile gracing her lips. “It seems we’re birds of a feather, you and I.”

“Yep, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!” Marblehead cheered, clapping her hands together. “Now then, I believe it’s my turn with the bag.”

“Correct. Your breaktime is just about up. Now get back to training!” Giulio called out clearly, the blonde uttering a cheer as she resumed her vigorous punching. The battleship continued to watch her comrade in awe; she was one woman who was going to go far in life.