(So sorry. School, being internetless, procrastinating with Tokyo Mirages. This wait was torture and I'm sorry)

Luca had always considered himself a mentally strong kid. He didn't give into peer pressure that easily and stood by his word at all times. He was going to have to think over that view of himself a little more as he followed his new acquaintance down a string of streets. So far Sebastian had been quiet the entirety of the trip, only speaking up to give the occasional 'hello' or similar greeting to people doing the same.

So far Sebastian had lead him through a series of pretty crowded walkways, so Luca wasn't really concerned with foul play, but he was getting more and more concerned the longer the trip lasted. His paranoia shot up when Sebastian made a sharp left turn into an alley.

He looked over the opening and paused. Standing at the entrance, he wondered if it was too late to back out. His trust towards this Inkling wavered as the crowd in the street walked around him.

"Hey, don't freeze up now. Come on. The place is right around the corner," Sebastian's voice caused Luca to snap his attention to him. He watched as Sebastian stood in the middle of the alley, waiting for Luca to begin following again. Luca swallowed his nervousness the best he could. There were still a bunch of people nearby. If he screamed someone would hear.

He cautiously began to step into the alley with Sebastian, the latter growing a wide smile as Luca approached. Sebastian turned back around and began walking again. He turned two more corners and walked to a door, Luca standing next to him.

"This is the place," He said knocking his knuckles against the door. After a few moments, a slide opened up at the top of the door. A set of dark green eyes glared down at the two boys. A gruff voice uttered out a seemingly annoyed

"Password?" Luca looked over to Sebastian, who simply stared up at the eyes with the same smile. Luca stood for about three seconds in absolute confusion before the eye slot was closed and locks could be heard clicking. The door opened and Sebastian looked over to Luca, gesturing with his head to follow him. Even more confused, Luca followed inside the building, stealing a glance to the very muscular Inkling standing behind the door. The Inkling seemed to glare at him as long as he was looking.

"Um...what was that?" Luca nervously asked Sebastian, as he continued to lead him down a dim hallway. Sebastian chuckled.

"That? That was the password," Luca raised a confused brow as Sebastian continued walking.

"But you didn't say anything,"

"Exactly. I said nothing,"

"So 'nothing' is the password?"

"No, saying nothing is the password. Three seconds of confident silence gets you in"

"That seems like a horrible password,"

"You'll be surprised how often it keeps people out. Now," Sebastian came to a bright red curtain at the end of the hall, placing his hand on it and looking back at Luca with a grin. "You ready to have a good time?" Luca swallowed and nodded. Sebastian moved the curtain out of the way and Luca's eyes widened slightly. Behind the curtain was a large dim room. Inklings, Octarians, Jellyfish, Urchins, and more were just hanging out. The lights slowly changed colors giving the room a sort of soothing feel while everyone chatted.

Luca continued to look around, his eyes first locking onto the large stage in the far end of the room and slowly to the many tables in the middle, then eventually to the booths on the wall. Many people were eating different dishes while others could be seen drinking what Luca assumed was alcohol. There was a small, melodic beat sounding from the speakers on all the walls.

"Is...is this a club?" He asked not moving from his spot. His mom would kill him coming to a place like this with a complete stranger.

"What? No. Not really. It's just a club like place. I don't think they even serve alcohol here, and they encourage kids to come. Even have a kid's menu. Come on," Sebastian stepped deeper into the room and Luca hesitantly followed. Now actually inside the room, Luca noticed that there were quite a few families around the place, some sporting stage twos and threes. Sebastian lead Luca to a booth to the far right of the restaurant.

Sebastian took a seat on one side of the booth and Luca took one on the opposite side. Luca immediately felt himself sink into the deep red cushions on the seat and he instinctively leaned back, finding a comfortable position.

"Yeah the seats here are pretty awesome too," Sebastian added as he too melted into the cushions. Before Luca could give a comment, a waitress approached the table, handing them two menus.

"Welcome. What will you two gentlemen have tonight?" Luca took a menu and looked over the smiling Inkling. She had bright pink tentacles and wore a frilly red dress that seemed to bounce with every step she took. He gave a smile of his own before looking at the menu. There were a lot of dishes he didn't even recognize and some sounded unappealing. He eventually just settled for a catfish burger. Sebastian took his menu and handed it to the waitress.

"I'll just take the usual Sally," He said. Sally smiled and walked away from the table.

"I take it you come here often,"

"It's practically a third home," Luca raised an eyebrow at the comment.

"Third home?" Sebastian simply smiled before changing the subject.

"So tell me Luca. How old are you?" Luca stared at his new acquaintance for awhile, judging if whatever he was hiding was worth prodding further. Feeling that the subject was probably personal, he decided to ignore it.

"Fourteen. Birthday was a week and a half ago,"

"Ah, happy belated. I'll treat ya to a milkshake,"

"No thanks. I'll just stick with my burger,"

"You sure? The milkshakes here are really good too,"

"Yeah. Thanks though,"

"No problem," Luca turned his head to look over the crowd as the two fell into a long silence. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. His eyes eventually scanned over the empty stage in the back of the room.

"So what's the stage for? Do bands play here sometimes?" Sebastian turned towards the stage as well and a knowing smirk crossed his lips. He leaned deeper into the booth and propped his legs up, still looking over the stage.

"Oh that? That's the karaoke stage,"

"Karaoke?"

"Yeah. You sing?" Luca quickly shook his head.

"Oh no. That's more of my sister's thing," Luca wondered if he had mentioned something he shouldn't have as Sebastian's eyes narrowed in an almost predatory like fashion.

"Sister huh? Well if she sings maybe you should bring her here sometime," Luca turned away to keep from looking at the boy.

"I-I'll think about it," Sebastian chuckled as he turned back to the stage.

"But anyway, it usually always has some schmuck up there trying to sing some song. Occasionally some person that can actually make a tune strolls their way up there. The only reason it's empty right now is because they're preparing for the usual act,"

"Usual act?" Luca questioned as he turned back towards Sebastian, a bit more relaxed without his gaze on him.

"Oh yeah. There are three singers that come up every weekend. They started as just some kids doing karaoke but they were so popular it became a part-time gig," Luca looked back over the stage and wondered how well these kids would sound.

His question would be quickly answered as the lights stopped changing colors and dimmed as a spotlight shone on a door to the right of the stage. The crowd at first grew quiet at the change of their surroundings but then an uproar of cheers echoed throughout the building.

"Sorry for the wait. Here's your food," Luca jumped at Sally's sudden reappearance and Sebastian chuckled as he sat upright in the booth. Sally set Luca's catfishburger in front of him in a tray practically over flowing with fries. He muttered out a 'thank you' as Sally smiled at him before turning to place Sebastian's tray down.

Luca's eyes widened at all the food that sat in front of Sebastian. There was a double patty catfishburger practically over flowing with mustard and other toppings, with a small tray of hot wings to its left and a tray of fries to its right, being towered over by a large glass of a vanilla milkshake with two cherries poking out of the whipped cream.

"Thanks Sal,"

"No problem Seb," And like that Sally walked away. Luca stared at Sebastian with a slightly worried expression. "What?"

"Are you really going to eat all that?" Sebastian's response was a bigger smile as he placed a french fry in his mouth. The crowd erupted once more, drawing Luca's attention towards the spotlight again. From the door, a tall, tanned Inkling boy stepped out. But that wasn't who the crowd was cheering for. Instead they were cheering for the small girl who gently held on to his hand.

Luca's eyes widened slightly at the sight of the Inkling girl. She wore a white, frilly dress, that seemed to drape outward, resting just beneath her knees. The dress was sleeveless, showing her slightly pale skin as it looked even brighter in contrast to the tanned Inkling standing next to her.

What feature Luca locked onto next were her tentacles and the style they were in. They were a white color similar to that of Marie's, but ended with dark green highlights at the ends. She had them wrapped around her head with the ends completely covering her eyes. The male Inkling let go of her hand and gestured to her with both arms.

"Ladies and gentlemen! I present to you, our enchantress, Senia!" The crowd cheered as the girl grabbed the edges of her dress and did a small courtesy. She turned towards the stage and made her way up the three steps, slowly stepping up to the microphone. She fumbled with the microphone stand for a few moments before adjusting it to fit her height.

"See something you like Luca?" Luca's head shot towards Sebastian, who had a knowing smirk on his face.

"What? No, I'm just...wondering what song she's going to sing," Sebastian's smirk widened and his eyes narrowed at the obvious lie accompanied by a fuchsia blush.

"Mhmm. I know exactly what type of music you were thinking of," Luca sent a glare towards his new acquaintance, who simply laughed and brought his burger to his mouth. Luca returned his sights to the performer as she waited silently for the rest of the band to get in position. Once they were ready, she slowly opened her mouth.

"Thank you for coming out to listen to me. Whether the group's big or small, I truly appreciate your interest in my singing. I hope you all enjoy!" The girl gave a small bow and the crowd sounded out their support. Luca found her choice of words strange. The place was obviously packed to the brim. He shrugged it off and waited patiently as the crowd calmed down.

"I wanna be on the front line, knotted up suit ties, talking like a headstrong mamma.

Got a picture in your wallet, making me a habit, wearing your vintage t-shirt"

Her voice came out soft and delicate as the room finally settled into a complete silence. The room easily carried her voice from the speakers to everyone's ears and Luca found himself pulled in by the beat of the music and the melody of her voice.

"Tied ribbons on your top hat, telling me I'm all that, just like the girls from your hometown.

Sweet blooded and up-stranded, see if I can stand it, shrinking in the shallow water,"

Luca was fully captivated by the sound of her voice before the first verse was even over. He stared forward in awe as Sebastian silently watched the performance before looking over to him.

"Keep your mouth open like that and a bug will fly in," Luca snapped out of his trance to notice he was in fact gawking. His face colored once again as he pried his attention from Senia.

"What? I just...haven't seen a live singer in person..." Sebastian chuckled as Luca slowly returned his attention to the stage.

"Magnetic everything about you. You really got me, now," Luca attempted to watch in a more neutral demeanor. He was pulling it off until she slowly began removing her tentacles from around her eyes.

"You took to me so well. Hypnotic, taking over me. Make me feel like someone else. You got me talking in my sleep," Her tentacles now rested at her sides while her hands gently held on to the microphone. Slowly her eyes opened to reveal a bluish white shine to them, and Luca found himself even more awestruck. "I don't wanna come back down. I don't wanna touch the ground. Pacific Ocean, dug so deep. Hypnotic taking over me," With that last line over, the band upped the tempo, Senia removing the mic from the stand and beginning to twirl and dance her way around the stage. The crowd whistled and cheered during the instrumental part of the song, causing another uproar.

"She's really popular here, huh?" Sebastian put the last bite of his burger in his mouth before putting his hand over it to respond.

"Oh yeah, big hit. Some people show up just to listen to her. Which is why she gets paid for the annual gig thing," Luca continued to watch as she swayed her body and moved to the music before she had to begin singing again.

Her movements were so fluid, seemingly guiding Luca's attention over her entire being. It was ok to stare right? She was up on stage performing for everyone. It was perfectly ok.

"So is that the face of love at first sight?" A now familiar voice caused the hybrid to once again blush in embarrassment.

"S-shut up dude," Was his response as a friendly smile covered his face as he didn't even bother to turn his head away this time..

"I'm just saying dude. The look on your face makes it pretty obvious,"

"Ok, so what if it is?" Luca began to only half listen to Sebastian as Senia began singing again.

"I'm just saying man. I'm not sure if you're her type," Luca shrugged but kept the smile on his face.

"Mom always said you'll never know until you try. I wonder...if she's seeing anybody," Sebastian almost let out a loud laugh but caught himself after the first 'HA'. But that was loud and sudden enough to tear Luca's attention from Senia and send a raised eyebrow towards Sebastian. "What?"

"Nothing. It's nothing. I'm pretty sure she's not seeing anyone right now," Sebastian said with his wide smile on his face.

"Oh? And how can you be so sure?" Sebastian's smile lowered just slightly as he reached for his milkshake.

"Because, my new friend," Sebastian turned his attention towards the stage where Senia was once again dancing. "My little sister is blind," He brought his drink to his lips as Luca's eyes widened.

"She is?" He questioned as his eyes returned to the stage. His eyes widened more as the first part of Sebastian's sentence registered in his head and he turned back towards the boy in disbelief. "Little sister?!"

Ding Dong

"It's not too late to change your mind,"

"You stop that," Cereza lightly scolded as she walked to the door. She opened the door with a smile to the Inkling boy standing on the other side. "Hey Wakame!" She sang as she jumped into the boy's awaiting arms.

"Hey there princess!" He called back returning her hug. She released him and looked into his smile as he entered the apartment. "Where's the witch?" He asked walking forward.

"Making a brew to make you choke on your tongue!" Em called from the other room. Wakame chuckled with a certain glint in his eye.

"Oh I know something you can choke on," he yelled back.

"I will cut you!" Em called back, the sound of her jumping from her seat sounding throughout the apartment. Cereza jumped in front of Wakame just as Em rounded the corner.

"Ladies, ladies, you're both pretty. Why don't you just fuck and get rid of all this sexual tension between you two?" Cereza grew a smirk of her own as she looked between the two. Wakame chuckled and Em simply glared.

"I wouldn't touch him if he was the last person on the planet," Em spat as she returned to the living room. Wakame chuckled again as he turned towards Cereza.

"I think she likes me," He whispered. Cereza rolled her eyes as she began following Em. "So what's up?"

"Did you see Luca play today?"

"Of course! I didn't let him take potshots at me for nothing!" Wakame exclaimed. "He did awesome. Though I think he needs to work on his wall climbing," Cereza laughed in agreement as she walked into the living room. Em had placed herself on the couch, legs propped up to take all of it up. Cereza rolled her eyes as she approached her friend. She lifted Em's feet and plopped down, placing her feet down on her leg. Wakame took a seat in a chair closest to Em. Em scoffed and rolled her eyes as Cereza continued.

"If it was up to me I'd still be playing with him. It's so fun! He plays all protective like dad does. But mom said he needs to play with people his skill range, so I only got to play one match with him," Cereza's face scrunched up in mock sadness, causing Wakame to laugh.

"Well that doesn't keep you from playing with him some the next time he goes right?"

"Yeah. You can tag along next time. Though I don't think that the other teams in his bracket would appreciate someone with your status showing up. I mean you and your parents are kind of legends in the Turf War scene. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before Luca gets up there with you guys," Cereza chuckled and crossed her legs.

"I guess. I just want to enjoy some with him. I mean, what if he decides he doesn't like Turf Wars? Like Aunt Molly,"

"I'm sure he's having a blast doing some Turf Wars. But you have to let him face the challenges and not, ya know, carry his team," Cereza smiled at Wakame and slowly nodded. "So he's out playing Turf Wars, so what're our plans for the day?"

"So you're telling me she really can't see?"

"Yep,"

"But she's moving around so fluently on stage,"

"That's because she's one of those blind genius types. She can remember how many steps are between point A and point Z and to everything in between thanks to a lot of brain training from father. She also has insane hearing. Like I'm pretty sure it may be up there with those of a super hero. So that combined with her smarts, she knows this place inside and out, and if you ask her for a tour she wouldn't miss a detail. Unless it was new," Luca watched as Senia continued to twirl and spin around the stage, stopping just short of the edge of the stage and the speakers.

Luca continued to watch Senia move. As often as he's in his room, he probably couldn't move around it nearly as smoothly with his eyes closed. His eyes did narrow a bit as all of Sebastian's words bounced around in his head. He turned his head towards the Inkling boy fast enough for the latter to notice and do the same.

"That joke you made earlier was kinda mean," Luca scolded. Sebastian's smile didn't waver as he shrugged.

"It's cool. Sis isn't the easily offended type and kinda has a dark sense of humor...if she...has a sense of humor..." Luca tilted his head but didn't question it. He turned back to Senia just as she was finishing her song. The crowd clapped and cheered as she did a small courtesy before placing the microphone back in its stand. Her tentacles once again wrapped around her head as she moved towards the way she came.

She stepped off the stage and back towards the door she walked in through. The crowd continuing to cheer even after she was out of sight. The male Inkling from before stepped back on stage, adjusting the microphone to his height.

"Alright people! Now that you're all pumped up, it's now time for karaoke! Anyone who thinks they can sing, come on over to the sign in and give your name and the song you wanna perform!" The room erupted in cheers as people got up and headed towards the sign-in.

"You sure you don't wanna give it a try? Could be fun," Luca quickly shook his head, finally going back to his burger.

"I told you, I don't sing. Maybe you should go up there," Sebastian chuckled lowly before bring his milkshake towards his mouth.

"Nah, not today. Maybe some other time. Um. Speaking of time, you know what time it is?" Sebastian reached in his pocket and pulled out his phone, sliding it open to check his phone.

"About 5:50,"

"FIVE FIFTY?!" Luca screamed jumping up from his seat. "Where did the day go! Listen Sebastian, I really have to go," Sebastian raised an eyebrow but didn't question the sudden rush.

"No problem. If nothing happens we can hang out tomorrow,"

"Yeah, sure. Thanks for the food!" Luca quickly, albeit clumsily, ran from the table towards the exit. Sebastian just watched with a chuckle.

"Where's he off to in such a hurry?" Sally questioned picking up the empty plates.

"I don't know," Sebastian shrugged. "Hey Sal, be sure to get me the doggiebag too," Sebastian said turning towards the waitress.

"Of course. Be sure to send my regards," Sal said walking off. Sebastian sank into his chair, his smile faltering a bit.

"Will do,"

Sooooooo. Yeah. Sorry for wait. I'll try to have the next chapter up quicker. I'm still sorta busy so I'm just going to skip ahead and answer some reviews.

TheRealEpicMan: Romance? Take a look at this chapter and squint your eyes then give me your guess.

ElectronThunder: So far, the plan is Luca will have the majority of the Spotlight with an almost equal amount going to Cereza. Next chapter will most likely be split like this one with Cereza getting the most attention.

Ultrapyre: I thank you for your constructive criticism. But on the previous story, I questioned what the viewers were comfortable with. The chapters there were around 7000 words long, and the reviewers were comfortable with that being the floor. So in this story, anywhere from 4k to 9k word chapters are game depending on how much information I want to put out. And It's barely gotten out of the prologue ark. Things will begin heating up soon.

Anyway, until next time.

Astalabyebye,

Bang