Disclaimer: Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh cupcakes.

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Opinions are opinions and everyone has their own, but most would agree that being hurt sucks. But the cool thing about wounds is that they heal. Even if you're never the same again, one day they just won't hurt anymore.

And just like any other wound, the wounds around the Octopod were healing nicely; especially for Shellington. He had taken a nice hot shower and had been holding down meals regularly. Most importantly, he had Deborah and the Vegimals by his side.

"Shellydo gabada," chirped Tominnow.

"Yes, I am feeling better." Shellington said softly as he nuzzled closer into his robe. His fur was still slightly damp from his shower and he was getting chilly.

"I'm happy that things are okay again," said Deborah. Both of them laid down and made themselves comfortable on the bed.

"I really missed your lessons," said Deborah. "I never realized how long the day was without them."

"I…I missed them too," said Shellington shyly.

"You know…" Deborah shifted a bit. "I think you're a really, really great guy and really sweet."

"Yeah?" Shellington blushed. "Well…IthinkyourethegreatestsweetestmostfantasticladyIveevermet!" He put a paw over his mouth. He didn't intend for that to come all out at once.

Deborah giggled. "You're a wonderful man, Shellington."

"Oliver."

Deborah was confused. "What?"

"That's my first name," said Shellington. "I chose to go by my surname so people would take me more seriously."

"It's a beautiful name," said Deborah. "I'm gonna call you Ollie."

Just then, Tunip toddled into the room with a steaming bowl. "Dooba soupa!"

"Is this for me?" Shellington smiled and took the bowl. "That's very sweet of you, thank you." He took a sip. "Oh, kelp soup, my favourite!"

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It was midnight, and the Octonauts were all fast asleep.

Except for Shellington and Deborah. Those rascals were still wide awake and chatting the night away.

"And that's why I never ate pickles ever again," said Deborah.

Shellington nodded, a little grossed out by her story. "Do you have a middle name?"

"Yeah," said Deborah. "It's Marylou."

"That's a much nicer middle name than mine. My middle name is friggin' Quincy."

"Oliver Quincy…" Deborah rolled it around in her head. "It has a nice ring to it. Certainly rolls off the tongue easier than Deborah Marylou."

…

"Have you ever kissed someone before?"

"Once," said Deborah, "in high school. It was my best friend Donna. She was…I guess 'curious' is the word, and we just…kinda…went for it. I thought it was nice."

Shellington's eyes went wide. He didn't expect Deborah to have kissed anyone, let alone a girl.

"I feel like I might be bi, but I don't really know. I didn't date much in high school."

"Neither did I…" Shellington was casually petting Codish's head. "But I did pine after the greatest guy in school. His name was Glenn, and he was just…perfect. But I was too shy to say anything, and he got together with someone else. But I guess it's my own fault for not ever saying anything. And besides, that Eileen is quite a catch herself."

"Yeah? You should see Susan from school's boyfriend, Robert. Now that is a hunk a' burning love." Deborah swooned.

Both realized that they were gushing about other peoples' partners right in front of each other, and laughed awkwardly.

"I love you, Debbie."

"I love you, Ollie."

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And there we have it! The Kelp Forest arc and Season 1 as a whole have both come to an end!

This is the end of Season 1, but it's not the end of Junior Officers, as Season 2 will be coming very soon! It's gonna have new adventures, new friends, and (gasp!) a new Junior Officer! Stay tuned!

- Kedabory