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Chapter Text

Frye's hand fiddled with the microphone, dangling it from the string. She was alone in the recording studio as Shiver and Big-man went to play tennis, Frye would've joined of course but she had to finish a few tasks that were left for today, mostly cleaning and maybe recording a few lines for a new song that Big-man was recording. But her mind couldn't rest, it was just racing with too much thoughts, so many tasks so little time! Rocking back and forth she spun the microphone waiting for some lyrics to magically pop out of nowhere, none happened to cross her mind. She leaned on the wall huffing and finally decided to put the microphone down and continue the task later, the more she thought about completing it, the less she'd get it done. Another idea popped up while she was getting ready to leave, she'd go see if she could join in tennis with Shiver and Big-man!

Frye grabbed her bag and hoisted it over her neck to partially have it on, and closed the door to the recording studio in the apartment, she slid down the railings and landed on the concrete floor on her feet like a cat would! Shuffling her bag to the front Frye made her way to the tennis court. Once arriving to the court she slid her hands around one of the gaps and opened the door, the gate creaked open grabbing the attention of at least one of the players. Big-man waved while Shiver was way too engrossed into the game, whacking the ball with the racket before diverting her attention to Frye.

'' Hah- H-hello Frye! '' Shiver huffed clenching onto the racket.

'' And you said you sucked at tennis Shiv! I saw that serve! '' Frye teased at her, setting her bag to the side as she pulled out a yellow, black encrusted racket.

'' Yeah well hh- I'm- I'm really into the game. And I'm not losing again! '' Shiver spun the blue racket with a sharp smile.

'' Ya know, it is mainly bout havin fun! '' Big-man chuckled.

'' Course you'd say that, you're WINNING. '' Shiver hissed at him whacking the tennis ball back.

'' Well I'm winning, AND havin fun! '' He argued back, despite having some trouble moving quick, Big-man an absolutely made up for it in serving the ball, he could keep a match going on for hours.

Frye chuckled at the banter going on, untying one of her side tentacles and instead deciding to do a ponytail at the top to give her full view to the match. She walked on the court next to Shiver.

'' Frye, you absolutely cannot play tennis wearing those. '' Shiver sighed pointing the racket to Frye's baggy pants.

'' Why not! They're comfortable, plus it's like having a little boost! '' She boldly pulled her baggy pants up, '' And seems like you need a little boost in your game- ''

'' What are you insinuating Onaga!- '' Shiver hissed at the teasing, barely missing the tennis ball.

'' Nothin! Get your head in the game! '' Frye chuckled at the snarky comment, that wasn't necessarily meant to be rude but might've!

The match ended twenty minutes later, Big-man eventually won despite Shiver and Frye being on the same team, and VERY invested. Shiver huffed and spun the racket into her bag a little moody, getting to invested was tiring.

'' That's game! Like ya said, now I get to announce next Splatfest! '' He boasted.

'' This was all bout the next Splatfest? '' Frye chuckled but semi confused as she raised an eyebrow, Shiver walked over leaning on Frye's shoulder, the sudden jolt of contact making Frye's hands subtly sweat.

'' Yep, bet gone wrong, I bet he couldn't direct the next Splatfest, he bet to tennis, we're here now. '' Shiver waved around their hand. Frye hollered at the reasoning for the oddly passive aggressive tennis match.

'' Don't make bets ya can't keep then! ''

'' I usually win my bets. '' Frye stood at the entrance to the tennis court, she had untied her ponytail so most of her hair hung loose, or messy.

Shiver leaned on the green cage and Big-man was just walking over. '' What do you plan to do now? '' The blue Octoling questioned.

'' Just gotta feed my eels and I'm good for the night! Or evening- ''

'' Ya! All I gotta do is work on the piano, and maybe add a couple more lyrics.. '' Big-man stuffed his headphones on his head.

'' Hm, alright, Frye. You don't mind me watching how you feed the Eels? '' Frye raised an eyebrow suspiciously at the certain request, Shiver wasn't the biggest fan of the Eels, or how she fed them.

'' What's the occasion?- ''

'' Nothing, just haven't seen them in a while. I think you'd like reciting all.. 28 names you have for the Eels- '' Shiver waved her hand a bit sarcastic as Frye grabbed ahold of Shivers hand.

'' Deal then ! ''

Chapter Text

'' Run the names by me again Frye.. '' Frye had lead Shiver to a sorta pool, where the Eels were kept and Shiver watched, leaning on the wall perplexed. They watched Frye feed the Eels and reciting all the names, but she didn't have the faintest idea. Although Shiver did note how gorey it seemed to be feeding the Eels as it involved a lot of blood.

'' Sure! Honeydew, Papaya, Lemon, Mango, Passionfruit, Orange, Loquat, Star, Pineapple, Quince, Apricot, Nectar, Marian, Peach, Tangerine, Orioles, Orchard, Robin, Tanger, Spindalis, Troupial, Cardinal, Blackbird, Conure, Varian, Wren, Say and Spot! '' Frye casually recited every single name of one of her Eels, like it was an everyday task for her while Shivers brain couldn't comprehend about five of the slipper Eels.

'' Do.. do you remember them all?? How do you even know who's who? '' Shiver was writing most of the names down on a notebook secretly on their arm.

'' Dunno, Kinda like a natural Instinct ya know? '' Frye balanced a dead fish on her finger before chucking it to one of the Eels that was top of the water.

'' Natural instinct to name 28 different types of Eel my backside- ''

'' All I hear is Lil miss Sharky whining they can't remember names! '' Frye jumped up wiping her hands on a towel aggressively.

'' I am not whining Onaga- I can remember names perfectly fine. '' Shiver held her fan blocking off some of her face, Frye rejoiced.

'' Name the Seventh Eel then! ''

Shiver resisted the urge to glance at the secret notebook that she was writing, to remember all of Frye's Eels. She was writing them out but they'd need some time to remember most, if not maybe 5 of the Eels. They chocked out a small response.

'' Lo.. Loqaut? ''

Frye gave a mean stare before changing her mode, purely meaning to throw off Shiver which Frye got a disapproving squint and huff.

'' Loquat! You're close I'll give ya that- I love all my little wittle Eels!! '' Frye kneeled down to the water where the Eels were and rubbed her hand across the head of some Eels. Shiver admired the way Frye was so carelessly or.. unknowledgeable to stick her hand near the water, or maybe she knew the risks, or liked the risks .It wasn't going to stop Shiver from judging though.

'' How can you even stick your hand near the water.. ''

'' Resistance! Stings a little if I move too fast but- It's not too bad once you do it once or twice! ''

'' You've always been resilient, It's cute. '' Shiver mumbled the last part taking a quick glance at her notebook before stuffing it away hidden.

'' Is the Shiver Hohojiro, calling me cute? '' Frye couldn't help but tease, milking the statement Shiver said.

She immediately regretted their life decisions and sentence choices due to embarrassment.

'' Drop it Onaga- You didn't hear that. Or you did, so what? '' Shiver felt an arm lay on their shoulder as Frye leaned, barely tripping off them.

'' What was that? Couldn't hear it over being Cute! ''

Shiver closer her fan and quickly perched it under Frye's chin forcing her gaze up.

'' Drop it. ''

'' uh-ehm uh YEAH got it! Got it Shiv-'' Frye chuckled nervously and moved her head off the fan and grabbed her bag. Her heart was beating, totally because she did forget how intimidating Shiver could be, but her heart was racing, for some reason and she had only noticed her hands are sweaty. Shiver smilled subtly but Frye couldn't tell as she hid her face behind most of the fan.

'' Now I uh.. must go tend to Master Mega, Fun hanging out with you Eelie, See ya tomorrow at the studio! '' Shiver's tone had a unnatural chirp to it, or an unnaturally happy tone that Frye picked up. Frye couldn't figure out why her heart was racing or her hands were sweaty, or why she'd gotten an adrenaline rush from the action. And that nickname, that nickname. Eelie. It hit Frye right in the gut, but instead of it being a punch, it was more like a soft hug.

Like Eel, lie? Was it cute? Was it meant to be a compliment or a tease, it was difficult to tell with Shiver. She wiped her hands on her pants and left the towel behind, she climbed up the ladder which was a secret entrance around the back of the building that lead to the window outside her room. She flipped herself up and slammed the window up to climb through, once a little tumble inside she darted around and slammed the window shut, she panted subtly and dropped her bag to her feet.

'' The fuck was thatt?? Why is my body just.. euegdhd and my brain is.. aahhAAGHA?? '' Frye rambled to herself, not knowing how to describe stuff and so opting to just make random noises at this point. '' Anxiety! Anxiety that- that was it yeah! '' She convinced herself it was some sort of Anxiety in her head that came from being so direct with the blue Octoling. Frye stared at her punching bag picking up her boxing gloves, maybe getting her anger out on the orange bag was what she needed. Her hands worked in the gloves, doing jabs, hooks, even kicks which weren't technically allowed, but some of her confusion needed a way to escape.

After a few matches of absolutely going ham on the punching bag she put the boxing gloves down, it had tired her out quite a bit, punching always works! Plus it kept her in shape! She rolled up into her bed and decided doomscrolling is what she needed. Wrapping herself up in the blanket just sticking one leg out she decided to scroll on Inkstagram and Splatchat.

What caught her attention was frequent articles, or fan edits, it wasn't weird to Frye, she was a semi popular Idol, but most of the edits had Shiver in the second half, and the edits always had some sort of patronizing love song in the background. Why did people make those edits? Especially with this one song that's going viral right now on Inkstagram, she couldn't get the lyrics out her head, like a broken record. '

' O Sol pediu a lua em casamento E a Lua, disse Não sei, não sei, não sei Me dá um tempo ''

No she didn't really understand the Lyrics.. it was some sort of old human song that had surfaced up after a few young teens were digging in files. It had a translation and the apparent language the original song was in was Portuguese, it sounded like a type of bird, that's probably extinct now. It had very strange lyrics Frye couldn't understand, Inklings and Octolings listened to music yes, but they usually listened to their own, lost human music was considered a delicacy to the ears, Frye couldn't help but find herself humming to the.. lyrics she didn't even know! After 10 minutes of doomscrolling, and that blasted song being stuck over and over again she groans dropping the phone on the nightstand next.

'' what is up with me.. ''

Chapter Text

Frye had woke up in a sudden rush of heat, she'd swore she'd close the window last night. Her forehead was sweaty and she'd forgot to have a shower after the tennis math, and she felt all groggy, and dirty. So immediately after waking up she rushed to the shower to cleanse her body and mind!

A long shower happened, probably an hour and Frye found herself staring in the mirror.

'' I look fine. And I feel fine, why was I actin so weird yesterday??- '' She stuck her tongue out checking her mouth to see if she was physically sick, nope, nothing visible either. That blasted song started in her head again, a repeating record. She whacked her head against her fist to silence the thoughts, and music, rushing in her head but to no avail, they stayed. Making themselves very comfortable. Her phone buzzed from the other room so she went to grab it, a message from Big-man, unexpected.

'' ay! You weren't in the Studio today..
So me and Shiver covered the news Ay?
No need to worry! Ay, Shiv said you were sick so if you are, hope you get better !
And if ya ain't uh- Still hope ya get better Ay! ''

Sick?? She wasn't sick, Shiver told Big-man she was sick??- Grateful for the cover but still confused she chucked on a few clothes she had, nothing too loud, just a simple white vest, baggy cargo pants, and a baggy yellow and black jacket. She fixed her tentacles, mostly three, into what she called the Spike Buns, and did a few lines for her makeup. Instead of climbing out her window like last time she closed the window, making sure to properly lock it. She opened the door to her apartment later and walked out, where was she heading? No clue.

There wasn't really anything to do, she could go see her Eels, but then she'd start talking to them about her weird feelings and brain, Eels aren't exactly great therapists, she could find Big-man and Shiver, but apparently Shiver told her she was sick, was it a cover? So much speculation and pondering. But Frye has no time for that. Shiver was the second smartest person she knew despite the Boss, Marie of course, that women could talk and talk about the past like it was nothing. Maybe she ought to try find Marie, she knew where she was, no one would mind if she vanished to Alterna for a bit,

###

'' You have problems with your team? '' Marie questioned sitting on one of the mats scattered cross the entrance to Octo Canyon. Frye had requested to talk to her about problems she's having.

'' No! Well uh- exactly but not exactly, get my saying?- ''

'' Not really.. So what exactly happened? '' Marie set down her coffee cup and stared at Frye, almost like a interrogation.

'' Well uh. I was playin Tennis with Shiver and Big-man, we lost cause.. well Shiver was loosing already! She's not the most athletic, but like- Against Big-man who;s an absolute unit on the- ''

'' Frye, focus please. '' Frye's sweat dripped slightly as she nervously chuckled, waving her hand in a so-so motion.

'' Yeah sure! So anyways uh after- Shiver wanted to see my Eels, which reminds me i need to feed them... you want to know the names? I know em all! ''

'' I would be delighted Frye, but i think that's the least of your problems now- ''

'' YEAH sorry sorry- '' Frye brushed a [art of her jacket subconsciously, she was rocking back and forth on one of the cushions underneath her feet unable to keep still for a more then a couple seconds. '' So I showed her the Eels, and they called me CUTE. Cute! So I tease her for a little- '' Marie raised an eyebrow catching Frye off guard momentarily.

'' so- .. ssss...ssooo. So, I teased em for a bit, then She- she did the weirdest thing- Shiv closed her fan and put it under my chin and like- lifted my head to look at her, I got such a KICK out of it, and I felt like I was being punched in the gut- but more like a hug then a punch You know? '' Marie hummed a yes, and nodded taking a swig out of her cup.

'' So I haven't got that outta my head- And- her last message to me was so- so unusually happy- or chirpy?? She called me Eelie, Shiver doesn't call me nicknames, is she mockin me?? Or is she amused by me?? '' Marie leant a hand on Frye's shoulder helping her to sit down a bit more, since Frye was on the verge of jumping up and rambling, running back and forth.

'' I think it was just a nickname, a nice one Frye. What else have you been feeling? ''

Frye chocked a breath down her throat and held her hands back out-front rocking slightly.

'' Hm uh- My minds been racing, my hearts racing too, like they're competing.. The gut feeling, and I was Online right? '' Marie nodded with a little chuckle, a chuckle like I'll let her ramble, i know it's going to happen.

'' They're makin edits of me and Shiver with this one song that won't get outta my head! All over Inkstagram, that one song? ''

'' What song? ''

'' O.. O sol.. uh, some human song they've found, like its a love song i don't really understand- ''

'' Oh, Those songs.. Frye, '' Frye turned her head around.

'' Yeah? ''

'' Have you ever heard of Love? ''

Frye waved her hand, dismissing the odd question almost even laughing in Marie's face, she held it back though to not seem rude or Impolite to her Boss.

'' Pfft- Sure I know what love is! I ain't ever been in Love though so I don't realise none of that- ''

Marie nodded, humming a slight disapproval to the answer Frye gave. '' I'm no cupid Frye, but what you're describing is an attraction, or a liking for another person. ''
Attraction?? Frye wasn't attracted to Shiver, no way! She's her colleague and best friend! Shiver isn't the relationship person and likes goals more! Frye knows everything about Shiver due to their close friendship! Almost everything- '' And don't take my word for it, but research it once you get back- ''

'' Boss!- ''

'' Marie. '' Frye gave her a slight glare and nodded.

'' Marie. I ain't attracted to Shiver! I know everything about Shiver and she's not really the relationship person! Plus she's my best friend so like- ''

'' Don't take my word for it I said, I'm not saying you have a attraction, do your own research. '' Marie deflected back shaking her cup in a if you say so motion before taking another drink.

Frye felt her stomach burn under her, nothing physical, just creeping and she was unsure what to do. Marie's words did prop themselves into her head as she wondered. Thinking and wondering before Marie questioned her, snapping her out of her thinking daze.

'' Was.. that everything? ''

'' Uh- Why? Do ya want me to go? ''

'' Oh, no I don't.. really mind just, need to get back to training Neo, because I'm retired doesn't mean I shouldn't help. ''

'' Right, right. '' Frye huffed jumping to her feet. '' Thanks Boss Marie! '' As Frye made her way to the exit.

It's an improvement. Marie thought to herself chuckling at the circumstance.

Chapter Text

'' What if she's right.. but Shiver isn't the relationship type man!- '' Frye paced back and forth to Big-man who had a cap on and was sitting on a stone wall by the beach. He was listening to her rants over and over for the past half hour but he was the listening type, very helpful. '' I know most of Shiver's likes, dislikes, her hobbies and like- her culture, but that ain't mean I LIKE like her!- What If I do?? I don't want her to know and possibly ruin Deep Cut!- '' Frye paced back and forth before slumping on the wall, Big-man patted her back.

'' Ay.. you ain't gonna break up Deep Cut Frye.. Shiv might just need some time to understand, break it to them slowly? '' Frye groaned, her face practically imprinted on the wall.

'' How do I do that..? ''

'' Invite her out to places! Museums, parks, beaches, little.. 'date' thingys if ya will Ay! You know her well enough to amp their Interests right? '' Frye hummed a yes nodding, which only hit her head into the wall, Big-man grabbed her by the head and spun her slowly to face opposite the wall. '' So why not try a few? Shooting ya shot is better then letting the bullet stay lonely! ''

Frye hid her face in her hands before rubbing her eyes blinking rapidly.

'' You're oddly metaphorical for a Manta ray.. '' She sniffled standing up.

'' Ay, that's the fun part, I get time to learn my own new stuff to surprise people! ''

'' Imma go.. freshen up and learn as much as I can learn about sharks in a hour as I possibly can- and I'm.. I'm gonna invite her to.. to the Museum like ya said! '' Frye took a few deep breathes before clenching her body together, as in trying to contain her thoughts from almost spilling out her body.

'' Ay that's the spirit! Hope it goes well :D ''

'' Ya know.. thanks, just thanks- I may not be the most.. easy to talk to and shit- '' Frye exhaled patting Big-man on the back.

'' No problem Ay! ''

###

Frye walked to the door of Shivers apartment, her hands were shaking. Frye did not take one hour.. she took three, to get herself looking nice, and search up most of Shiver's interests to know and inform herself properly. She wore a white crop top and some baggy trousers like her normal ones, but a little less puffy. Her hair in her classic look with a yellow and white jacket. She swung her hips back and forth to clear her mind and breath slower. Before she knocked at the door.

No response.

That might've crushed Frye's spirit's. She went to turn before the door opened. Shiver peeked out with an eyebrow raised.

'' Frye? I'm in the shower, give me a few seconds- ''

'' Oh! Yeah got it! ''

This was not going well at all. First she almost left before Shiver even knew, and she interrupted her during a shower. Oh god, the nightmare unfolded on her. Or maybe she was being overdramatic. After waiting for 5 minutes Shiver opened the door in dark grey trousers and a long blue flowy top, her tentacles at the back were a bit spikey and the main one in front was dripping with water. '' So what's the catch. '' She questioned, her tongue sharp

'' Wh- catch? What catch? '' Frye questioned stuffing her hands in her jacket. '' There's no ccaattchh.. ! ''

'' Frye, whenever you've dressed up Fancy, you're going to do something important, I know that about you. You heading off somewhere? '' Frye took a silent deep breath.

'' Yeah well.. uh. I wanted to ask if you.. wanted to go to the.. Museum... with me? To check out the sharks and- Eels and stuff. '' Frye had quick intervals where she'd stop speaking completely and she'd tense up waiting for Shivers response. She responded with a curved smile as her blue tinted fingers covered her face, seemingly acting as her fan as she hid the small smile she had. Frye saw before she hid it though.

'' I'd be delighted. I've been wanting to explore the place anyway, come inside, give me 20 minutes. '' Shiver opened the door allowing Frye to step inside and close the door after her, it was so clean and.. not modern at all, Shiver liked keeping things a certain way or order, and liked more traditional methods that she was taught growing up, she did have a few modern aspects here and there but it was mostly clean and decorated nicely. Frye started wondering, not about anything specific, but more about the fact Shiver looked like a wet cat when out the shower, it made her giggle. Soggy cat, Soggy Shiver. She kept snickering to herself before hearing a sharp voice behind her.

'' What are you chuckling about? '' Shiver did not take 20 minutes, it seemed like 5 to Frye as the surprised Inkling jumped up.

'' NOTHIN- Just thinkin to myself!- You ready? ''

'' Yep, you're such a weird, weird ..charming Inkling. '' Shiver patted Frye's head with the hand fan before stepping outside, Shiver had gotten into her normal hairstyle which still looked damp, she had had time to do quick makeup, with an oddly striking coral blue lipstick. With a deep navy blue long sleeve jumper and dark grey boot cut jeans, she wore a pair of boots that Frye had never seen in her life. Shiver's fingers seemed to look more tinted, and she noticed the amost calming atompshere the Octoling had.. she shook it off as seeing too much details and followed her out the door.

Chapter Text

Shiver lead Frye around the Museum, eventually stopping to drop some facts about Sharks, Eels or other sort of creatures, she look vaguely happy as she held onto Frye's hand to not help her get lost. They stopped at another exhibit that talked about Shortfin Mako Sharks.

'' With top speeds of 45 miles per hour the Shortfin Mako is the fastest shark to grace waters. They're Almost as fast as the Sailsfish that used to inhabit the oceans too! '' Shiver traced her fingertip over the text of the plaque on the Museum stand reading off of it, also dropping down some facts of her own. Frye popped in the conversation, finally deciding to bring her two hours of researching sharks into play.

'' They're also related to the- ..uh, erm- Great whites right? '' Shiver's eyes lit up as her grip increased on her fan.

'' True! But not species wise. They're part of the same family though, The family Lamnidae. The group consists of several species of large, fast-swimming sharks known for their ruthless predatory capabilities. '' Shiver took a break as Frye suspected she was finished, Shiver snapped her fan shut and continued, '' However, while both makos and great whites are part of the same family, they are two distinct species. For starters, great whites are much larger, while makos have smaller, streamlined bodies aiding in their impressive speed, being one of the speediest sharks in the sea. '' Shiver took a glare to Frye.

'' Surprised you knew that! '' Shiver fanned her face.

'' Pft- course I know all bout Sharks Shiv, you're my best friend, I gotta know all about them for your lil topics on em! '' Frye leaned on Shivers shoulder as the Octoling became a bit stiff.

'' Topics indeed.. Let's keep uh- exploring. '' Frye noticed her seemingly excited attitude drifted, maybe she should just let Shiver do the talking.

###

Hours pass by as the curious duo continued to explore the museum, they've practically visited and explored every corner of the museum all in 3 hours. They were talking and laughing, exchanging facts with each over. It was getting slightly late in the afternoon, Frye's hands squirmed their way into Shiver's.

'' We've explore most of the Museum by now- even the closed off upstairs! ''

'' That is the last time I'm helping you climb over barriers to look at Eels. '' Frye squished Shiver's cheek with her hand.

'' We found money and some more exhibits so don't get so stubborn! '' Shiver scoffed, but softly chuckled under the fan. The two headed to the entrance before realizing, it was raining.

Course it was raining, this would ruin it.

'' Frye. '' Her head snapped over from her dazed in trance thoughts bout the rain to notice Shiver with an umbrella.

'' I was thinking.. There's this Ice cream place that's opened down town. Would you like to go.. see it? '' It was Shivers turn to make an offer and Frye's heart practically jumped out her chest as all previous thoughts vanished in a blink.

'' Y- yeah sure! In the rain- consider it a date- WAIT. No not like- DATE date. '' Frye blurted out sheepishly as she offered to take the umbrella as Shiver raised an eyebrow at the internally panicking Inkling. Shiver held Frye's hand pulling her a bit close for comfort.

'' I get what you mean, now keep with haste unless you want to get soaked- '' Frye swore her heart stopped beating for a second as Shiver held her close. She could see the smooth skin of the Octoling, the precise way they'd dressed for the occasion, the dainty blue of the lipstick, her heart heaved faster then a car, she took notice of how carefully Shiver seemed to step, almost like a plan she predicted for the situation. Shiver liked making plans ahead of time that was obvious, even when the unexpected happened.

They'd got to the Ice cream spot which despite being new, was quiet due to the rain, Frye held open the door as Shiver shook the umbrella outside and folded it away, she bowed subtly before entering. Frye looked at the ice cream flavors on array.

'' Daaang, they all look so good.. How am I supposed to choose at this point?- ”

'' Easy! Choosing one. ''

'' Har har so funny Blueberry- '' Frye stared for a second before becoming sure. '' Never mind, strawberry all the way, it's in my blood and it's never proved me wrong! ''

Shiver ordered a few scoops of Vanilla and Frye strawberry. They sat at a table inside.

'' You're overcomplicating the anatomy of icecream, Vanilla is a classic, and the first thing you think of! ''

'' I dunno! The way you're describing it.. look's like you're ready to die on this van-hill-a. '' Frye snickered at the joke.

'' Har har, so funny Lemon. ''

'' I ain't a lemon!- ''

'' Or would you prefer Papaya, Mango, Cardinal? ''

'' So you do remember the names of the Eels. '' Frye slammed her hands on the table competitively making Shiver jump slightly.

'' Course I'd remember all.. how many Eels you'd have, it's something you're interested in no? '' Frye leaned back on the white curved chair, crossing her legs on it.

'' Sure doesn't mean I'd expect you to remember though- ''

'' That's what Partner's do. ''

Frye stopped for a second, was Shiver a relationship person? Did she know about the hints Frye was subconsciously blurting and dropping?? Her hands shook as her heartbeat increased.

'' Partners..? ''

'' In crime. ''

'' Ah. '' Frye lowered her head with a chuckle, hiding what little disappointment she had before grinning.

'' What else would there be? ''

'' Nothin!- ''

They sat in silence for a bit. Before the Ice cream came, the two got up and grabbed the cups, they paid on their way out as Shiver got a coned ice-cream while Frye got cups, Shiver held the umbrella for Frye. The walk back felt tense, and a bit awkward, as the sky's opened up to drop their toxic droplets, not many people were out, if anyone was out at all. The rain wouldn't do much, just sting.

'' I've noticed.. your lipstick, never seen ya wear blue.. what kind? '' Shivers face blushed a tiny bit, not enough to be noticeable but to know it was there.

'' Oh, it's uh- Coral blue No 5. It's relatively quite an old trend but.. i figured it would look nice, plus it doesn't smudge. '' Fry turned her head to see her smooth soft lips.

'' Really? ''

'' Yeah look. '' Shiver popped a quick kiss on Frye's forehead, catching her completely off guard as she stopped walking, her heart mentally broke, in a good positive way, her skin was a little sweaty, she couldn't believe that just happened. Frye felt unable to look away from Shiver, her hand grazed over her forehead to check if there was any smudging, there was a little. She tried to keep up with Shiver and continued eating in a flustered silence. '' No smudges. ''

Frye walked shiver back to her apartment, holding the door open for her as the blue Octoling shook her classy and foldable umbrella disposing of the water on it. She was still eating some part of her ice-cream once she stepped inside.

'' Frye? '' Frye had already started leaving before hearing her soft but firm voice, she turned around and semi shouted yeah at her.

'' Thank you for, today. It was quite fun as our day off. '' Shiver smiled and Frye responded with an agreeing nod and random noise from the back of her throat, Shiver waved before closing the door. Frye stood out in the rain, bewildered that that even happened, Shiver might've not even KNOWN that she liked that. Frye hastily pulled out her phone and started running back to her apartment, half due to the rain, and the other wanting to talk to Big-man about the day.

Shiver closed the door before rubbing her hand on her lips, the lipstick did smudge but not enough. She frowned and put the umbrella away along with the fan. She was still wondering about the words Frye had blurted out. '' Consider it a date. '' Was she a dating person? Shiver never struck Frye as the dating type. Shiver thought Frye found love irrelevant and had never experienced it for herself so she didn't dwell on it. They knew better to not make any choices or actions against Frye's will though, her heart thumped as she disposed of the now emptied cone into a bin. Frye was curious, dumb sometimes, a bit too forward and very.. very extroverted and energetic. Those were all the things you could call her. Something clicked in Shiver's head.

'' Wait she was flirting with me- ''

###

'' BIG-MAN SHE KISSED ME ON MY FOREHEAD- ON MY FOREHEAD OH MY FREAKING COD- '' Frye giggled on her bed rolling around with Big-man on the phone.

'' I don't think she meant it out of- Like like- but like. IT STILL WAS A KISS- IT WAS A SUCCESS IN MY BOOKS!- '' Big-man congratulated her over the phone as Frye still continued to roll around, releasing bursts of energy while she was at it. He mentioned needing to go to sleep so they said goodbye and she hung up the phone. Frye squealed to herself as her eyes stared, fixated at the ceiling. It was a good date,

and definitely a good day.

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Shiver sat by her desk writing in a journal of all the stuff that happened. Her mind was wandering places it never usually went. Sure she could recollect the Museum, sneaking into abandoned parts, and the money she got to keep. She could also remember the walk to the Ice-cream place that ended up in her kissing Frye's forehead. Shiver held her hand to her head and started hitting her head. Why did she do that so abruptly?? What if Frye didn't like it? They didn't want to create ore awkwardness or potential situations where she'd have to confront what she was doing.

She had no explanation, she just did it.

That was it, she just did it.

There wasn't an explanation, she just wanted to. She could recall the witty banter in the ice cream place. But she could also recall notes she didn't know or acknowledge at the time. Frye's heartbeat. Her unusual walking or attitude after the small kiss, the way she responded when Shiver held her hand, her sweating a lot which they noted she did that when nervous. They also recalled their outfit, the actually done proper hair, and the way Frye did her makeup, it was done so cleanly it could even impress Shiver.

She also recalled the way Frye's hands fiddled when nervous, the way her eyes sparkled when talking, and they way her clothes seemed to coincide with one another. The way her complexion contrasted with her jagged and hyper eccentric personality brought butterflies to Shiver. She could even recall the sadness in Frye's boisterous but comforting voice when They were talking about partners in crime instead of.. partners. It clicked for Shiver after a few seconds.

'' FUCK, SHE WAS FLIRTING WITH ME. ''

Chapter Text

Frye woke up to her phone blowing up, she groggily rose from her messy bed where she tossed herself into last night. Her fingers weakly grabbed her phone as she scrolled through notifs, same as normal, postings.. likes on media, message from Big-man.. message from Big-man??- Frye suddenly snapped out her tired daze of endlessly scrolling and opened the message jumping up.

'' Ay Frye! Checkin in on ya again-
Shiver want's to talk with yah at her place..
Congrats on the date yesterday though! Pretty sure you've got whatever Shiv can handle! :D ''

Frye's stomach sank, and she wasn't sure if it was in a good or bad way. One one hand bad, fuck, what if Shiver was mad after yesterday, Frye was acting like a total FOOL. On the other hand good, maybe Shiver wanted to talk more about yesterday.. Frye got up rolling out of bed, she had slept in her normal clothes from yesterday due to the blindness of her excitement. She tossed herself into the shower and put on her normal showbiz outfit that she wore for announcing news and shuffled out the front door. It was sunny today and a faint smell of rain could be smelt from yesterdays downpour; Much more people were out. For the entire walk up to the fated house there was an anxiety and sick feeling brewing in not just her head, her stomach too, her mind was too mixed up to coherently process or explain anything.

She stepped back on the pavement to Shivers domain and hesitantly walked to the door, before knocking she took a few deep breaths and started shaking her hands to get out any last bit of energy she had. She knocked on the door and swayed back and forth. Shiver opened the door in a sleek black top, with a belt and grey fitted trousers. Her hair styled in a way that it would otherwise clash with the outfit being a total opposite, her fingertips looked almost navy blue.

'' Hello..come in. ''

'' Am I- In trouble?- '' Frye stepped in taking her shoes off by the door, following Shiver to the sofa.

'' Why ever would you say that..? '' Shiver almost responded in a ghostly tone, soft but quiet enough to assume it was a whisper, Frye tilted her head puzzled.

'' The way Big-man sent the message it was like.. almost trouble like. ''

'' Well you're not.. about yesterday, '' There it was, the line she didn't want to hear. '' I'm sorry for.. abruptly kissing your forehead. It was wrong and I didn't know what I was doing. ''

Frye's body relaxed as she took a huge sigh in her head, so that was what all the fuss was about.

'' However, ''

Shit.

'' Frye.. were you, flirting with me? ''

Frye could only sit in stunned silence, despite her face being all calm, the inside of her body was panicking, her mind was a daze and her hands were sweaty. She wiped them on her trousers.

'' Well!_ Uh.. aha I Could'- '' Shiver interrupted her,

'' Frye. Were you flirting with me. '' Her voice more firm, but a little desperate, like she wanted to know the answer at any cost. Frye reluctantly backed down and nodded her head. Shiver's face flushed a little red, coming to her realizations. She held her hand fan in her hands, every few seconds fiddling with the base and spinning it.

'' There's no easy.. way to say this. '' Shiver swallowed her pride, and probably the rest of her spit as she coughed slightly.

'' I.. like you too. ''

Those were all the words Frye needed to hear before she sat stunned again. Shiver reciprocated, but she wasn't for relationships? She was wrong. For once in her life Frye was happy she was wrong. Her eyes watered up which turned to sniffling, and then waterworks. Shivers expression changed from silent solitude to certain shock.

'' ..Oh my cod why are you crying?- Does me liking you disgust you? '' Shiver stuttered over her own words and she put her hand to rest on Frye's shoulder while Frye babbled.

'' No you dumbass!- It's BECAUSE y- you like me- all this time i.. hhgNH. I spent all this time thinking you wouldn't ever like me .. hgn. that way! '' Frye wiped her eyes choking on her tears.

'' So.. so good tears? ''

'' Yes Shiv- you- you Idiot it's good tears- '' Frye sniffled. Shiver sat on the other side of the sofa still puzzled, unsure how to help the sobbing Inkling in front of her, They pulled the blanket off their side of the sofa and passed it to Frye. Frye held onto the blanket and sniffled staring at Shiver. The blue Octoling suddenly propped up.

'' Do you think I actually kissed you to.. show you the Lipstick wouldn't smudge? ''

'' .. Y- yes..? Why else would you have kissed.. m- me? ''

'' I.. I like you too. But still my kiss was improper and way to unexpected for it to count as a real kiss. ''

'' So I- in that case we haven't had- had a real one then. Why? ''

They both fell silent, as Frye's tears turned to blush on her cheeks.

'' Oh- OH- ''

'' Gosh Frye do you not catch on?! '' Frye squinted through the blanket.

'' How about you catch some punches in a second- ''

Shiver stood up and walked to where Frye sat on the Sofa, Frye instantly getting a little fear prickle up in them due to if Shiver was being serious about the fighting. Except she leaned down, gently taking her hand to behind Frye's head, plucking a kiss from her lips to Frye's nose. The yellow Inkling sat bewildered. Her entire body frozen before mumbling.

''.. Can- Can you do that again please..? '' Shiver raised an eyebrow at the request responding with a chuckle, so she leaned back down plucking a kiss under Frye's eye on her tender cheek smudging some of the newly applied lipstick from last night. Frye's purple fingertips digging into the blanket.

'' Would- never.. never think you'd be.. the first to move. MAKE a move!- '' Frye chuckled sheepish burying her face in the blanket.

'' Jeez Frye.. you know you remind me of the sun. You're entirely energetic, have a warm fuzzy feeling. But the sun never really knew when to stop and start on others terms.. '' Shiver sat down next to Frye holding her hand in theirs. '' But the sun makes everyone smile when it's out. '' Frye felt a hand on her cheek, the one where Shiver kissed, she didn't believe it and refused to, any second she'd wake up..

Any second now..

Now..?

Nope this was real. She stared at Shiver who referred to her as the Sun, and her heart fluttered like a butterfly, and seemingly took her vocal chords as well as she didn't know how to respond, a quick turn back fluttered into her head along with her vocal chords.

'' Well, may the sun ask out the moon? '' Frye's hand cupped Shiver's face bringing the Octoling closer. Shivers eyes widened as she stuttered.

'' Moon?- What moon?? ''

'' You. Sun and moon. They go hand in hand. The moon is dramatic and flashy, loves showing people it's there, but it's also a sign for rest and tranquillity. So like I said. May the sun ask out the Moon?''

Shiver was altered unresponsive and defenceless to the Inklings taunting back, the Sun had warmed her way Into their mind and didn't entirely know how to respond.

'' The Sun may. ''

Frye pulled Shiver's face close, shifting her knees forward to lean on the Octoling's lap to kiss her on the lips. Frye's hands wrapped around Shiver's neck pulling her closer in the warm embrace. Shivers hands wrapped around Frye's waist holding the dear Inkling close to her, their hands tingled with some sort of lovely pain, like an electricity stemming through their body. Once they pulled away the lipstick was smudged. Their breath was warm as they couldn't believe it happened.

[do not let me write love how the fuck do i do this]