The sea breeze carried a light chill, the sun beginning to dip below the horizon. North Carolina stood on the deck, her golden hair fluttering gently in the wind, casting a soft glow under the evening sky. Her deep blue eyes gazed over the calm waters, a wistful expression momentarily crossing her face. The pristine white of her uniform contrasted against the golden sunset, the ribbons on her chest glinting faintly in the fading light.

She shifted slightly, the rigging on her back adjusting with her movement. The weight of her guns, the turrets, and the radar felt familiar, almost comforting. But there was something else—an unease that she could never quite shake off. Despite her impressive stature, despite her many accolades and the pride of her nickname "Showboat," there was always a feeling that lingered, that she somehow lacked the unique spark her sisters carried.

Her Southern drawl broke the stillness as she spoke, more to herself than anyone else. “Ah reckon... no matter how many battles Ah’ve fought, Ah’ve never quite stood out, huh?” She chuckled softly, but it was a sound filled with self-doubt. “Seems almost funny, don’t it, Bein’ called the ‘Showboat’ when Ah’ve always felt like Ah’m blendin’ into the background…”

She turned slightly, her gaze settling on you, a soft but determined look crossing her features. “But that’s why Ah’m here, with you. Ya make me feel like maybe... just maybe Ah don’t have to keep fadin’ away. Ya always see me, even when Ah feel invisible, and Ah wanna be better for you.”

Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she smiled warmly. “Now, how ‘bout we grab some dinner? Ah’m feelin’ like barbecue tonight. And maybe after that, we could take a walk by the shore... just you and me.”