Beware The ***. They signal Lemon Fresh times ahead.
"Games?" Luca parroted as he looked at his two guests. Senia once again clasped her hands together as she smiled brightly.
"Yes! Surely you have something fun we can play while we wait on your mother. Why, I bet they're stashed in your room somewhere," She continued as Sebastian nodded in agreement. Luca lifted his hand and scratched the back of his head, his eyes furrowing slightly in thought.
"Um. Yeah, I have some games in my room, but I'm not sure if-"
"Wonderful!" Senia cut him off by latching herself onto his arm, giving a challenging smirk as Luca colored with confusion. "Then by all means, lead the way darling. I can't wait to have another person to beat at their own games," Blush still plastered on his face, Luca glanced over to Sebastian who simply shrugged.
"What can I say? For some reason she's really good at games," He chuckled. Luca turned back to Senia as he began to stutter awkwardly, much to the amusement of Senia and Cereza.
"Well? Come on then Luke. Lead the way. Sebastian and I will follow closely,"Senia intertwined her fingers with Luca's as he simply nodded and began moving, Sebastian chuckling as his sister called over her shoulder for him to keep up. He began moving as well, stealing one last glance over his shoulder towards Cereza and Matzuo. He was silent before following his friend and sibling the rest of the way. Cereza found the action pretty odd but didn't question it. Instead she decided to tend to her guest. She turned towards Matzuo with a smile and prepared to get his attention. She froze when she noticed the look on his face.
It's true that she didn't know him that long, so her knowledge of him was basic at best, but the look on his face just didn't seem to belong. She'd seen him retreat back into his thoughts at times, and the look on his face was always blank. It was as if he shut everything out to focus solely on the images in his head. If anything, his face was worried or contemplative. But this look? It was calculating. Predatory. Like if Sebastian had said something Matzuo would've attacked him. It was such a foreign look on what she saw as a kindhearted Octoling. She was afraid to call out to him as if whatever caused the look on his face would suddenly be directed at her. Tentatively she reached forward, slowly letting her fingers brush against his arm.
In an instant, Matzuo's eyes were on her. She jumped at the quickness in his movements as he seemed taken aback at her reaction. His look slowly melted to one of worry, and something Cereza couldn't quite make out. Fear? She wasn't sure.
"Matzuo?" She whispered, finding her voice at the absence of the look. "Is everything okay?" Matzuo forced a smile and intertwined his hand with one of hers. The action would have caused her to blush under normal circumstances, but her focus was entirely centered around concern.
"Yeah. Everything's fine," He responded. Cereza didn't fully buy it, and the feeling was written all over her face. Instead of saying anything else, Matzuo gave her hand a quick squeeze. Cereza then fully noticed the situation and her blush crawled its way onto her face.
"So do you know that kid?" Cereza asked slowly pulling her hand away from his. Matzuo gave a look of confusion that Cereza couldn't tell if it was genuine or not.
"Who? That Sebastian kid? Nah. He just…reminds me of some guy I used to know,"
"Was it an enemy?" Cereza asked with a raised eyebrow. "Cause you were giving him a mad case of the stink eye," Matzuo laughed and the sound of it caused Cereza to smile and calm down a bit.
"No, it's nothing like that. Just memories," The Octoling responded. Cereza didn't fully believe that answer either, but kept her concerns to herself. "Hey," Matzuo whispered pulling her attention out of her thoughts and to him. "Luca has some games for his guests. What do you have for me?" Cereza grew a wide smile as she looked up at Matzuo.
"Well, I know where all the movies are unless my parents moved them,"
"Well what're we waiting for? Let's go enjoy ourselves," Matzuo did a small bow, which caused Cereza to giggle. She gingerly wrapped her fingers around Matzuo's hand and guided him to the living room, the boy glancing back once more towards the directions the others went.
There was a loud ringing. A groan followed suit, but the ringing easily drowned it out. Cerata opened her eyes as she tried to push herself to her feet. Her arms struggled from the shifting sand and the strain of her weight. Not able to fully lift herself, she settled with laying her head back on the ground. She let out another groan as another wave of pain traveled through her body. Everything hurt. Which Cerata took as a good thing. At least she still had all her limbs right?
She lifted her head the best she could and tried her best to will away the blurriness in her eyes. Slowly, her sight returned to her as the ringing subsided. She scanned her surroundings to try and pin point her two allies, or at least someone around that could help her. After a moment, she noticed another body on the ground. She reached her hand forward and dug her fingers into the sand, muscling up the strength to pull herself towards the body. The friction of the sand didn't help her aching body as she crawled her way forward.
As strange as it sounded, she focused on the pain, letting her mind juggle between it and her mission distracted it from her fears. She didn't know what she would do if Inkay didn't survive. So she didn't think about. She made light of the situation to make it easier to focus her body to move. Once she got close enough, she noticed the body did in fact belong to her husband. A weak chuckle escaped her lips as she inched her way forward.
"You men. When will you learn your wives are always right, huh?" She joked to herself. She dragged herself next to Inkay and used his shirt as leverage to pull herself the last bit of the distance. He was eerily still. Enough that it shook her resolve and she was actually worried. She pulled herself a little further and rested her head against his chest, sighing a breath of relief when she heard the familiar beating of his heart. Although it was much lower than she was used to, at least it was still beating. "Don't worry Inkay. I'm not mad at you. That comes later once we're back home safely," Cerata whispered as her muscles relaxed. She reached into Inkay's pocket, rummaging for a certain item.
"Come on Inkay. Please tell me you at least brought it with you," Cerata groaned. She smiled when she pulled out a small device. It looked like a basic keychain, but she knew better. It was an item given to Inkay by the organization. A small trinket of an Octopus on the head of an squid. It was the coloration of the icon for the secret agent group Inkay was apart of. It was supposed to symbolize the unity between the two species. She ran her thumb over the trinket and pressed down hard on a section near the middle.
After a few seconds, an audible click resounded from the keychain, and the pupils of both the squid and octopus began flashing a bright red. Cerata smiled softly to herself. She gripped the keychain in her hand before going still on top of Inkay, unconsciousness once again taking over her weary body.
"How could you have failed? It was a simple mission! Get in, set the bomb, get out," A voice roared over a cowering Inkling. The Inkling had his head bowed. His yellow tentacles draping to the ground from his kneeling position and just how low his head was being hung.
"A thousand apologies, sir. But I wasn't expecting the agents to show up. I would've been able to take them out but then the woman showed up. I wasn't expecting her to be as good a fighter as she was,"
"Then what did you expect?!" The voice boomed as its owner took a threatening step forward. The Inkling flinched at the voice once again echoing throughout the room. "You do realize this is the same Octoling woman who stood up against the acclaimed Octameri, as well as Octavio's machine? Her endurance through both were higher than Leviathan's himself. Did you expect her to just roll over?" The voice roared. The Inkling quickly shook his head.
"N-n-no sir. I-I-I just thought that since she was out of commission since her first pregnancy, she may have softened up a bit," The figure slammed its foot on the ground, the Inkling once again flinching as his eyes stayed locked on the ground. If he were looking up, the figure would notice just how much fear was evident in the Inkling's green eyes. "Forgive me, sir! I won't make the same mistake again!" The figure took a deep breath, pinching the skin of his nose as he slowly let it out.
"See to it you don't. It would be regrettable to have to send in the others for backup," The Inkling's fingers clenched along the ground as his voice lowered.
"Please. I can handle it on my own. No need to get them involved. Sir," The Inkling quickly rebutted. "I'll return and plant the bomb where you wanted ASAP,"
"Rise," The figure said. The Inkling shot up, looking up almost pleadingly to the figure. "That won't be necessary. I'm sure that they will have increased the guard around the area. Besides,haven't you heard?" The Inkling slightly tilted his head to the side in confusion.
"Er, heard what, sir?" A smile grew on the figure's face as his fangs glistened in the low light.
"Our actions have been announced to the public so they can better, 'prepare themselves'. So I think it's time for us to show them the force they're messing with," The Inkling once again lowered his head and crossed his arm in front of him in a bow before speaking.
"Not that I'm opposed to the idea, sir, but why are we so concerned with that? Don't you have…other goals? Not that I'm questioning my orders but we have still yet to find a compatible-"
"Calm yourself," The figure didn't lash out like the Inkling thought he would. Instead he calmly responded. " You know the main goal. And believe me when I say we're working towards it. But as long as those agents are targeting and going after you, we're free to continue our business here. You understand that, correct?" The figure nodded, keeping his head bowed.
"Yes sir. I understand,"
"Good. I'm sure you know what will happen if you fail," The Inkling was silent for a moment before responding.
"Yes, sir. So please tell me, what is my next mission?" The figure chuckled.
"I told you you could rise, didn't I?" The figure said, tone almost joking. The Inkling quickly stood up straight and locked eyes with his superior. But his sight quickly locked on to the object in the figure's hand. The Inkling's eyes widened and shoulders slumped at the sight of the object as the figure's smile turned into a smirk. The figure extended his arm almost menacingly towards the Inkling. The object was in the shape of an Inkstrike, but it was smaller, only about a foot long.
"B-b-but!…That's the-!"
"You've wanted to travel before right? I think it's about time you took a little road trip," The Inkling broke his sight from the bomb and once again locked eyes with the figure.
"Road trip? But…to where?"
"You know I never really liked Squidville. It was always too…" The figure's voice grew dark and menacing as he spoke the last word.
"Populated,"
"Well, here we are," Luca said opening the door to his room. Sebastian stepped in first looking around his room with a whistle. Luca watched with amusement as Sebastian walked around his room like an excited child in a toy store.
"Not bad. Not bad at all Luke. And are those Splatterman Comics?" Sebastian stepped to the right of the entrance and ran his fingers along the edge of the bookshelf. Luca stepped fully through the door with Senia still clinging to him. He closed the door behind them as Senia took one arm and slowly did a wide sweep with it trying to make sure she wasn't going to bump into anything.
"Yeah. My dad helped me find them. They're pretty awesome,"
"So we're in your room right now Luke?" Senia asked, still refusing to release his arm. Luca smiled to himself at Senia's reaction. She seemed so sure of what she was doing at her own home but here she clung to him almost adorably. He shrugged with a nervous smile, Senia putting her wandering arm back on his as if his movement signaled he would abandon her.
"Yeah. We're in my room," Senia extended a leg, sliding it around the immediate area around her similar to the way she did her arm. .
"Hm. I expected to have tripped over something by now. I wasn't expecting your room to be so clean, Luke," Sebastian chuckled as Luca colored a bit.
"What? Did you think I was some kind of slob or something?" Luca feigned a hurt sound to his voice, eliciting a chuckle from Senia as well.
"I do apologize. My brothers are the only other people whose rooms I've seen and saying they're a mess would be a complete understatement," Luca looked at Sebastian with an amused grin and a raised eyebrow.
"Hey, I don't see a point of cleaning if it's just going to get dirty again," Sebastian answered. Senia let out a scoff as she finally gave Luca some space, releasing his arm and letting her fingers trace down to his hand.
"By that logic you shouldn't stuff your face so much because you'll just get hungry again,"
"That's different. You see I like eating," Sebastian said patting his belly. Senia rolled her eyes as she shook her head, Luca laughing at the response. "Anyway, Luke, where dem games at?" Sebastian continued, turning around to scan around the room.
"I tried to tell you guys. All the games I have are either video or needs you to see. So, I'm not really sure what we can all play,"
"Aaaaah, Luke," Sebastian said, wagging a finger towards his friend. "Tsk, tsk. Not properly preparing games for all your guest. That's bad hosting. I expected more out of you,"
"Oh shut up you," Luca retorted.
"Well, since Luca doesn't have a game, why don't we play 'Oh Dark Lord'?" Sebastian grew a wide smile while Luca grew a very nervous expression. Oh Dark what? That didn't sound like your standard board game.
"Um…Play what?" The siblings both grew a mischievous expression as they turned towards Luca.
"So wait, what is this movie about again?" Matzuo questioned as he eyed Cereza fiddle with the TV.
"Little Shop of Terrors," She responded as she pressed the play button and the screen hummed to life. She turned around and made the short walk to the couch that Matzuo was sitting on. She plopped down next to him with an excited grin as he returned it with a raised eyebrow.
"And what's it about exactly?"
"Well we'll just have to watch and find out, now won't we?" Cereza nudged her shoulder against his as he let out a small chuckle.
"Ok, ok. Let's find out," Cereza's smile widened as she crossed her legs on the couch and leaned back into it. Matzuo stretched his arms along the back of the couches, reaching around Cereza and tapping her shoulder to gesture her to move closer. Cereza colored for the umpteenth time that night as she avoided eye contact but complied. Matzuo smiled and started absentmindedly drawing circles on her arm, lulling them both into a calm state as they watched the movie.
"Stupid Inkay. Stupid Kelp. Stupid men,"
"Um…Callie? You know we're awake now, right?"
"I know! You're both so stupid!" Kelp sank back into his seat, hanging his head down like a scolded child as Inkay sat beside him in a similar fashion. The two males were once again in the infirmary with Callie and Marie glaring down at them.
"You guys should've just waited for the weapons before even risking going after the culprit," Marie added as she tapped her foot on the floor. "Do you know what would've happened if Cerata hadn't showed up?"
"You both would be dead," the mentioned Octoling answered as she stepped through the Squid Sisters with nowhere near as many bandages as the two males. "You're lucky Callie called me when she did. What were you two thinking?"
"We didn't expect to run into the guy! We just wanted to find clues for-" Kelp was silenced by a sharp elbow from Inkay. Kelp winced and glanced to Inkay, who still had his head down. Kelp got the message and returned his head to the same position. "We're sorry," He finished with a sigh. Cerata gave a similar sigh as she squeezed the bridge of her nose.
"I had other plans for tonight…Marie, what time is it?" Cerata asked, her body slumping showing just how tired she was. Marie reached in her pocket and pulled out her phone.
"It's a little past midnight,"
"Midnight?!" Cerata screamed now seemingly fully awake. "How long were we out?!"
"Quite awhile. Though your wounds weren't as severe as the ones Kelp and Inkay took on the last run, you were out of it for a bit," Cerata looked between the people in a room then the room itself as she began checking it for her things.
"What's the matter? Had a hot date tonight?" Marie joked as Cerata continued to fret.
"I was supposed to cook dinner for Cereza and Luca! They had friends coming over!"
"Friends?" Inkay parroted, sitting up straight in his seat for the first time.
"Yes, friends. And my first impression is a forgetful hostess thanks to you guys! Callie, Marie, I have the green light to leave right?" Cerata asked as she started putting her arms through her jacket.
"Yeah, you're fine. The guys are a little banged up so they have to stay a bit more," Callie answered as she and Marie stepped out of the Octoling's way.
"Great. Thanks girls," Cerata shared her farewells as she practically bolted out of the door. Callie and Marie watched her leave before turning their sights back to Inkay and Kelp. Both Inklings gave a wide smile, which only made the Squid Sisters frown more at them.
"You two need to stay here and rest some more. The doctors will be back in a little while to check in on you. Don't. Go. Anywhere," Marie scolded. Kelp and Inkay nodded furiously before Callie spoke up.
"We'll be going now too. Marie and I will be studying that mask we found at the battle sight. It could lead us to some clues,"
"Here's to hoping," Inkay said. With that, Marie and Callie left the room as well.
"How dare you fail me yet again! And blaming the weather for your incompetence! Pathetic!"
"Oh Dark Lord! You should've been there! It was so bright out, and the sun kept reflecting off my partner's excess tentacles!" Sebastian called out, doing an exaggerated bow. Senia stood on top of Inkay's bed, barefoot of course, with a blanket draped over her shoulders like a cape.
"And what do you have to say to that minion?" Senia roared out. Luca was bowed down on a knee, holding in his laughter the best he could while keeping up his minion voice.
"Oh Dark Lord, what he says may be true, but he is still at fault for he was supposed to be in the front line. As per your orders. My troops were meant to swoop around and surprise our enemies but he wasn't in position,"
"Oh that's how you want to play it huh?"
"Silence! I will have you slaughtered for going against plan!" Senia called out. She jumped off the bed, landing in the exact place she had the last few times she was the Dark Lord. "Luke wins,"
"Why am I not surprised?" Sebastian chuckled. Luca did a victory fist pump as Senia slowly put her shoes on. "You know you only won because the Dark Lord had a thing for you," Luca colored at the assumption and shifted his gaze to the wall as Senia let out a loud scoff.
"Please. He won because you gave terrible excuses. 'I was hungry'? 'My shoe was untied'? Really brother?" Sebastian simply grinned and shrugged his shoulders. There was suddenly a light beeping coming from his pocket. He reached in and pulled out his phone, his smile faltering.
"Whoo. Time sure flies when you're trying to save your butt. We missed med time Senia. We should probably head back," Luca lost his smile as his shoulders drooped.
"Sorry mom never showed up. It must look bad to be promised a family dinner and not get anything..."
"Oh don't worry about it Luke darling. I'm just hoping nothing bad has come of your mother," Senia replied as she and Sebastian began walking towards the door.
"Yeah. Hope everything's okay. We'll text you when we get home. And you text us to let us know your mom made it back OK," Sebastian added. Luca nodded as he walked the two through the hall. The siblings stopped at the door and turned towards Luca. "Well Luke. It was fun. We should do it again sometime," Sebastian extended his hand and Luca smiled as he shook it. Senia decided to give Luca a hug, pulling away with a smirk.
"And don't forget you're welcome to our humble abode any time. And if neither of us is there, you know where we are," Luca nodded again as Sebastian stepped towards the door.
"Well Luke, guess we'll see you later," Sebastian said, grabbing the door knob and giving one last salute. Senia turned to do the same but paused, taking a step back from the door. Sebastian raised an eyebrow before a small clicking sound filled the area.
Suddenly the door was swung open, the edge of it slamming into Sebastian's face. Sebastian hit the ground as Luca's eyes widened and he rushed to his side. Senia simply raised a dainty hand to her mouth and chuckled.
"OH! I am so sorry! I didn't mean to I swear!" Cerata called, dropping to her knees as Sebastian sat up rubbing his nose. A forced smile could be seen peeking from behind his hand.
"Don't worry about it Mrs. Squilliam. I'll be fine," Cerata pouted as she and Luca helped Sebastian up.
"Ah I'm so sorry. I'm so unforgivably late then I hit you with a door. I'm a terrible hostess," Cerata whined. Senia smiled and took a small step forward.
"Don't worry about Mrs. Squilliam. We were just worried something bad happened to you,"
"No, I just had to…clean up one of my husband's mistakes…But anyway! Again I'm so sorry! Can I get you an ice pack? Or something? Are you bleeding?" Sebastian removed his hand from his nose, rubbing it and flexing it to check if everything was ok.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry about it," Cerata took a breath of relief before looking between the two.
"So you must be Luca's friends? I'm so happy to meet you!"
"Oh yeah. Mom, this is Senia, and Sebastian," The group gave proper greetings as Cerata shook each sibling's hand.
"It's such a pleasure. And I'm sorry for being late. But I did manage to get some pizza," Cerata reached out the door and pulled in four pizza boxes. "I ordered two meat lovers and two veggies. Just in case,"
"We love meat lovers," Sebastian excitedly stepped forward before getting elbowed by Senia. "But we'll take either or,"
"Take one of each. Maybe next time I'll actually cook for you guys," Cerata handed each sibling a pizza box which they gratefully accepted. A beeping echoed again as Sebastian reached in his pocket and silenced his phone.
"Well it's been a pleasure meeting you but we have to be going,"
"Yes, it was a treat. Thank you for the pizzas ma'am," Cerata smiled at the siblings' mannerisms. The group exchanged goodbyes as Cerata locked the door behind them as they left. She let out a deep breath and groaned, absolutely mortified at how her first impression must look. Sensing his mother's feelings, Luca simply walked up to her and patted her on the back.
"Is your sister still here?" Cerata asked, her exhaustion now clear in her voice.
"Yeah. I think she's in the living room watching a movie with her guy friend," Cerata nodded and walked to the mentioned room to offer the undoubtedly hungry adults some food. What she found instead was the TV screen on the DVD's menu, and the adults sleeping on the couch, Cereza resting on the male's shoulder and his head resting on hers.
"That's so adorable!" Cerata almost squealed taking out her phone. She snapped a picture of the two, both stirring at the sound of the shutter.
"Mom?" Cereza questioned, leaning up and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Cerata stood there, a hand over her mouth and her phone still pointed at the two. "MOM YOU DIDN'T!" Cereza shrieked jumping off the couch and at her mother.
"I'm sorry baby! But you were just too cute!" Matzuo woke up and stretched, opening his eyes to be greeted to the halfling trying to pry a phone out of her mother's hand.
"Did…I miss something?" He asked to no one in particular.
"No. Nothing important," Luca chuckled. "Pizza?"
"Oh. Thank you,"
Sebastian and Senia walked home in silence. When they arrived, they both headed to the kitchen and got their medication. They took their pills and ate some pizza, not once uttering a sound. After eating an even amount of both meat and veggie lovers, Senia finally spoke.
"Well, I'll be headed off to bed. Good night Sebastian," Sebastian said his good nights and Senia left the room. She was halfway up the stairs before Sebastian poked his head through the doorway.
"Hey…sis…" Senia paused, looking over her shoulder.
"Yes?"
"I was just thinking…We aren't….close…are we?" Senia raised a confused eyebrow before turning to face her brother.
"Whatever do you mean?"
"I mean. Luke…and his sister…they're really close. Like 'best friends' kinda close. So I was just thinking…it must be nice? Right?"
"It must be. But I don't see why you bring it up now,"
"It's just…we don't really interact with each other since…we got here. I was just thinking we could…get to know each other a bit better. All we have is bro and each other really so…maybe…tomorrow we can go…I don't know. Find another karaoke place? Maybe learn something about each other that doesn't involve singing on the way there and back," Senia smirked.
"Are you asking me out on a date?" Sebastian's face colored and his face turned into a frown.
"Why'd you have to go and make it all weird?! No it's not a date!" Senia laughed before turning back around.
"Sure I'll go. It may be fun,"
"And sis…"
"Yes Sebastian?" Sebastian averted his eyes as his cheeks grew another shade darker.
"…I…good night sis…"
"Good night brother," With that, Senia headed up the rest of the stairs and Sebastian let out a large sigh. Despite this, he grew a large smile afterwards.
"Words are hard but…this is nice,"
*Three weeks later*
Luca bobbed and weaved the best he could, dodging shot after shot of bright yellow ink as his breath came in quick bursts as he did his best to keep his legs moving beneath him. His cardio had improved drastically since his first Turf War, but he was sure that there were plenty of squids much more fit than him.
But that wasn't what he should be focusing on. He slid across the ground, pressing his back against one of the Ink Bags spread throughout the stage. More shots continued to hit the bag as well as the area around him. He gripped his Splatterscope tighter in his hand, taking much needed breaths as he prepared to launch his counter attack. When he poked his head out and pointed his weapon to where his opponent was, he was shocked to find the area empty.
Suddenly a burst bomb exploded on his back, knocking him off his feet. He turned to see his opponent, E-liter directly in his face. Luca closed his eyes and waited for that dreaded feeling.
Splat!
And then that weightless feeling hit, followed by him being dragged back into the spawn point. When he respawned, his father was already walking towards him, E-liter flung casually over his shoulder but a stern look on his face.
"You failed," Luca groaned, picking up his weapon and stepping off the spawn point.
"I know, I know, I lost sight of you,"
"You did, but that's not why you failed. You failed because you gave up," Inkay explained, stepping closer to and placing his hand on his son's shoulders. "I know sometimes it may look like there's no way out, but all you need is to just keep trying. To pave a new road when it looks like you've reached a dead end. You understand Luke?" Luca looked up at his dad and nodded.
"Yeah. I got it dad,"
"That's my boy. Now, you ready to go again?" Before Luca could answer, Inkay's phone went off. The two looked down in confusion before Inkay pulled it out and answered it. "Hello?" Luca watched as Inkay's face shifted from a simple straight face to concern. "Is it something serious?…" Inkay's face turned grew focused as Luca looked up in worry.
"Dad?"
"I understand. I'll be right there," Inkay hung up his phone and turned towards Luca.
"Dad? Is everything ok?"
"Sorry Luke. Some stuff has come up at work. You know how it is," Inkay gave Luca a quick hug and began heading for the transporter. "Sorry we gotta cut training short today! I'll make the next lesson twice as hard!" Luca exaggerated a groan as his father laughed. Inkay left through the transporter as Luca decided to stick around for a bit to learn the map. After that got boring, he exited the training area.
Now with an entire day to himself, Luca thought what options he had to do. Obviously he could go visit Sebastian and Senia. He was invited to come over whenever he wanted after all, and the siblings were more than happy to host him whenever he asked. He had been over almost constantly since their visit, and they had been over his house since then too. Much to Luca's mom relief. He was sure surprising them today would be a welcome event. Making sure he had all his belongs, he began the trip over.
"So let me get this straight, you have been seeing this guy for like three weeks, and you haven't even kissed him yet?" Em scolded the halfbreed sitting across from her. Cereza blushed and looked away as Wakame chuckled.
"You do like guys don't you?" He joked, earning him a swift pillow to the face.
"Shut up! Of course I do! It's just that…I want to take things slow, you know?"
"Well does he even know you're interested? Because I would be confused as hell if I was seeing someone and they didn't even attempt to give me a kiss," Em crossed her legs and leaned forward. "Have you even talked about your relationship?" A blush still covering her cheeks, Cereza shook her head.
"No. We've just been enjoying each other's company. Just, having a great time,"
"You'd have a greater time if you did all the stuff you're doing now, except with some face sucking thrown in," Cereza rolled her eyes as Em began making kissy faces at her.
"Seriously guys. I wanna just…take things as slow as possible. I don't want things to end up like-"
"He who shall not be named. Got it," Wakame cut off. Cereza gave a somber smile and nodded.
"Yeah that. I just wanna…test the waters, see if he's really a nice guy or if it's all an act. If it's all true and he does like me, then he'll wait. Besides…I give him goodbye pecks on the cheek everyone once in awhile," Wakame and Em both smirked.
"Well, whatever you do, I hope it makes you happy,"
"In a different way than Elliot makes her happy. Obviously he must bed like a legend cause he ain't bringing nothing else to the table," Wakame said propping his legs up on his chair and taking out his phone.
"You keep my man's name out yo mouth before I beat you until you can't speak anymore," Wakame scoffed and rolled his eyes.
"Hey, don't be mad that Cereza isn't a skank that gives it up on the first date,"
"Well I don't either! You're the man whore that beds whatever broad he meets, Bakame,"
"'Bakame. That's not even a clever name," He muttered to himself.
"Mhmm. You better keep your voice down,"
"Guys, guys, stay civil! Please. You fight like an old married couple," The Octoling girl and the Inkling boy traded a glance before they both made hurling gestures.
"Disgusting,"
"Absolutely repulsive," Cereza just laughed.
"If you two are done, maybe we can decide on a movie," She said once again picking up the remote.
Luca walked up to what might as well have been his second home. He stepped up to the door and rang the doorbell, waiting patiently for the telltale sign of Sebastian coming to the door. However, the footsteps that approached the door were much lighter than Sebastian's heavy thuds.
"Who is it?…"
"Oh, hey Senia. It's me, Luca," The locks on the door came undone as the small girl opened it wide.
"Luke! What a pleasant surprise. I thought today was the day you trained with your father,"
"It is, but something came up and he had to cancel early. So I decided to drop by. Can I come in?"
"Of course," Senia stepped out of the way to give Luca more room to enter.
"So where's Sebastian?" Luca asked as he started walking towards the living room, which was where they usually hung out.
"He's out running errands. Shouldn't be back for awhile," Senia answered, choosing instead to start climbing the stairs. Luca raised an eyebrow but said nothing as he began following her.
"So I've noticed you two have been really happy lately, Senia,"
"Really? I haven't noticed a difference,"
"Well, it may just be my imagination, but you're both a lot…brighter? I guess you can say. Like the jabs you guys throw at each other are actually jokes the other enjoys,"
"Well, we have tried to become closer as siblings. Maybe that's what you're noticing,"
"Maybe," Senia led the way into her room, Luca following behind a tad bit slower. "So what do you do when Sebastian's gone?" Luca asked, scanning around the room. He had been in it plenty of times before but besides the first time he came in here, Sebastian had been here too. Now noticing exactly where he was and who he was with, Luca tried to distract his mind from going places.
"I was just practicing my music. Focusing on my violin skills this week. Please, take a seat wherever," Senia explained as she paused and wrapped her tentacles around her eyes. Luca glanced around the room before sitting at a little tea table near the bed. Hearing him sit down, Senia walked over and sat across from him. "So Luke, ask me something," Luca began pondering the demand he had been giving plenty of times by the female. After straining his brain for a question he hadn't already asked before, one came to mind. It was prying but maybe she'll be willing to talk without Sebastian nearby.
"How often do you see your dad?" Senia lost her smile as she crossed her arms.
"More often than I would like," Luca gave a sad look as he dug deeper.
"What did he do to make you hate him so much?" Senia turned her head away from Luca, as if even her blind eyes didn't want to look at him.
"He can hardly be classified as a father. There was never any compassion or care. He just runs our family like a business. It's been that way ever since the first one was born...He never really..." Luca was silent for a moment, expecting her to continue when she took a deep breath. "So yeah, that's why I hate my father," She finished. "So my turn for a question right?" Luca sat back in his seat, not surprised at her sudden cut off but wanting more. He respected her boundaries and decided to drop the subject.
"Yeah. It's your turn,"
"Alright then. Luca, what do you think defines a 'bad person'?" The question caught Luca off guard as he tilted his head in confusion.
"A bad person?" Senia simply nodded.
"Yes. A bad person. What qualities to you think make a person, unsavory?" Luca thought about it for a moment. A bad person? Did this have something to do with her dad? Regardless Luca started thinking of qualities.
"I think...they have to be mean. They have to not care about other people's wellbeing, and don't care if they hurt someone," Senia turned back to Luca with a quizzical look on her face.
"Hm. But what if they know what they're doing is bad, or degrading. They just do it because they know it's the only way to get by?" Was that some type of defense? That didn't sound like something Senia would be giving her father. Maybe she was thinking of someone else.
"Well, I'm sure whatever the reason for them to do something to become a bad person, they could've gotten by without doing it," Senia closed her eyes and smiled, wrapping her tentacles around once again.
"What a nice thought," She whispered. Luca was about to question what she meant when she spoke up again. "Well Luke. It's your turn for a question," Luca pondered what he should ask next. Obviously anything about her father would sour her mood, so maybe something on the other end of the spectrum.
"What's you're brother like?" Senia grew a smirk and raised an eyebrow.
"Sebastian is a lazy slob who means well,"
"You know that's not what I mean," Luca playfully argued. They both shared a small laugh as Senia took a deep breath.
"He's…too caring. More responsible than either Sebastian or I will ever be. He always puts us above himself yet never considers what'll happen to us if…" Senia suddenly stopped. Luca subconsciously leaned forward, eager for more information. "Let's just say he's really important to Sebastian and I," Senia said standing up. She made quick yet careful steps around Luca, choosing to take a seat on her bed instead. "So my turn for a question right?" Luca nodded, once again forgetting that Senia couldn't see the gesture. He gave his answer while turning his chair around to better look at her.
"Have you ever kissed a girl?" And just like that, a huge monkey wrench was jammed right into the cogs of Luca's brain. The stuttering attempts at a response caused Senia's lips to curve upward in amusement. "Oh? A boy then?" Luca's face was practically the same shade as his tentacles at the comment.
"No I haven't! I haven't kissed anyone…"
"What? Not a single kiss from anyone?" Luca held his head down in embarrassment.
"Well it hasn't been that long since I took my form, and even before that I told you I didn't even have friends let alone someone to do…that stuff with," Luca looked up to see Senia gently tap the area beside him. He could feel his heart thumping in his chest as he swallowed. Almost in a trance, he stood up and took a seat next to her. The Inkling girl scooted a bit closer and slowly traced around until her hand rested on his.
Luca looked at the gesture before looking up towards her face, blush still deeply adorning his face. Senia slowly removed her tentacles from her eyes and Luca could swear she was staring straight at him, into his very soul. Everything was quiet for awhile as the two simply stared at each other. Senia's hold on Luca's hand tightened only slightly as she slowly began to lean forward. Luca's could hear his heart thumping in his ears as the Inkling girl shortened the distance between them.
Luca stood frozen as Senia paused a mere hair's breath away. He was yearning so desperately for her to remove that final distance as his own nervousness kept him in place. Senia closed her eyes, and slowly, he did too.
Ever so gently Senia pressed her lips against his. Luca took a slow and drawn out inhale as Senia gently pressed her lips to his. It was such a soft, sweet kiss that the longer it went on, the less he wanted it to end. At the same time his mind was overrun with thoughts of his inexperience. Was he being gentle enough? Maybe too gentle? Perhaps he should adjust his head a little. Before he could get the answers to his question, Senia slowly pulled away. Luca opened his eyes, head still swimming from the lip lock. Senia leaned forward, lips still parted just slightly in front of him.
"Did you like it?" She whispered. Luca could only give a soft nod in response, head too out of it to form proper words. Senia gently placed her lips back on his, starting a second, slightly harder kiss. Her free hand found it's way to Luca's chest and made its way up, the other following suite until her arms were wrapped around his neck.
Luca,extremely into the kiss and not quite sure what he should be doing, tentatively wrapped his arms around her waist. Senia wrapped her tentacles around Luca's, gently pulling him forward and deepening the kiss even further. She slowly yet determinedly positioned herself on Luca's lap.
This gesture gave enough of a jolt to Luca's system to cause him to pull away slightly. His eyes traveled down to how Senia straddled his body, the scene itself being blocked by the frills of the dress she wore. Senia didn't seem bothered by him pulling away. In fact her breath was coming out in slow, deep breaths as a predatory smirk graced her face.
"Senia…I…"
"Yes?" Senia responded, grinding herself against Luca's lap. His breath and whatever words were coming out got caught in his throat. Senia giggle and began slowly nipping and biting at Luca's shoulder. Every action she did causing Luca's head to swim more and more. But somewhere in that drowning mess, a little voice still called out to him.
"Are you sure…we should be?…"
"We should be what Luke?" Senia pured, her voice coming out soft against his shoulder blades.
"Doing…this," He breathed out. Senia's lips curved upward as she leaned back.
"And what exactly is, 'this' Luca? I'm just sharing the experience with you," Luca could feel the beat of his heart throbbing in his head, among other places. And if the look she was giving him and the sound of her voice indicated anything, Luca knew just what kind of 'experience' she was suggesting.
"Still, my dad said I should wait until I'm married and with someone I l-…" Luca colored more and looked away.
"And do you always do what daddy says?" Senia teased.
"N-no! It's just that…" Senia gently placed a finger over Luca's mouth, guiding his head to look at her.
"This is good a place to fall, as any," She sang. Her other hand reaching up to her own shoulder. Luca swallowed as her hand trailed down his chin towards his chest. "We'll build our alter here," So tortuously slow, Senia let her dress fall down her shoulder, draping around her waist. Luca stared as she exposed her bare breasts to him, his eyes instantly locking onto the pink nipples standing erect. Senia smirked, cupping her small breasts with one hand and having the other trail slowly down Luca's chest to the bottom of his shirt.
"Make me your Maria," Luca, so entranced by what was going on in front of him, didn't noticed how he was slowly scooting backwards, Senia still cradling him. She started lowering her head to his stomach, slowly pulling his shirt up and raising her rear towards the air. "I'm already on my knees," She whispered. She slowly trailed her tongue from his waistline to his bellybutton, Luca shivering the entire time.
Still spreading butterfly kisses over Luca's abdomen, Senia hooked her index finger around the top of his pants, and the thumb of her other hand over the back of her dress. She slowly pulled down on both, having a bit more trouble with Luca's garments than her own. Luca's eyes shot up to her raised rear, dawned in white lace panties. He swallowed as he sat on her bed in only a shirt and his underwear while she sat in just her bottoms cradling him. Senia leaned back, letting Luca take in all of her.
With her knees on either side of him, Senia pressed her sex against his. Another tingle shot up Luca's spine as the moist spot on her panties pressed against him.
"If you want to stop just tell me. And I will," Senia leaned in close, letting her hand snake their way under his shirt as she whispered in his ear. "But I really don't want to," She purred, grazing her teeth against his ear. "Come on Luke. Just say yes," She purred hovering her lips over his. Luke, now completely drunk off her managed to breathe out a low
"Ok," Senia's smile widened as one of her hands snaked under Luca's underwear. Luca tensed as her hand gripped him. She raised herself up again,pulling Luca's underwear down and directing his penis towards its destination. She hooked a thumb under her panties and pulled them to the side, Luca watching every move she made with the same form of nervousness from when the doctor preps the needle.
Senia let out a long, drawn out moan as she slowly impaled herself on Luca's dick. Luca felt his toes curl and he gripped the sheets as Senia slowly took him all in. Once fully sheath, Senia turned towards Luca with a smile.
"Does it feel good?" She moaned, wriggling her hips around.
"Yeah…it feels amazing…" Senia's smile brightened at the comment. She leaned back, propping herself on one hand while spreading herself with the other.
"You see where we're connected right? You see where we become one?" She questioned, slowly bouncing against him faster and faster. Her breath becoming increasingly ragged as Luca moaned out a response. Luca was more than lost in the moment. His fingers dug into her hips as if to guide them, but Senia was in complete control as she made the bed play its own wonderful tune.
Luca watched what she wanted, her fingers playing around the edges of her opening as she took his entirety again and again. The room was filled with sounds Luca had never experienced before and wanted more of. He wasn't sure how long Senia continued bouncing and grinding herself against him, but he did know that he could feel something building up.
"Senia…I think I'm about to-"
"Not yet," She gasped, pressing her chest against his, not missing a beat in her rhythm. "I'm so close. Just a little longer Luke darling," Luca groaned, calling forth as much will power as he could to complete the request. Senia continued to bounce against him, her moans picking up in pitch while Luca's turned into grunts.
"Senia…I'm…!"
"Right there! Right there!" With one mighty grunt and a scream of ecstasy, Senia leaned back, a wave of her juices covering Luca's lap as he shot his seed over her stomach. She panted as her breath slowly returned to normal. She slowly dragged a finger across her belly, wiping up some of his seed and putting it in her mouth. "Mmmmm. Excellent work holding out Luke. If you had broke a second sooner you would've came in me," Senia seductively said. Luca was too busy coming down from his high to fully grasp her words. Nonetheless, Senia slowly removed herself, gave a finishing peck to mini Luke and began gathering her clothes.
"Wasn't that fun Luke?" Senia asked. "We definitely have to do it again sometime,"
"We…we do?" Luca parroted, sitting up on his elbows. Senia nodded and began heading towards her room's bathroom.
"Of course! You enjoyed yourself didn't you?" That was a complete understatement but Luca didn't know how to put it into actual words. "Well, I'm going to go take a shower. You got me all dirty you know. If you're still here when I get out, we can hang until Sebastian comes back,"
"Y-yeah. That sounds like an idea," Luca answered as Senia walked into the bathroom, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
Inkay ran into the meeting room, fully adorned in his Agent 3 gear. Dressed in similar attire, Agents 1, 2, and 4 sat around a circular table. Dressed in formal suit, Apalo sat on the end opposite to the door. All wore saddened expressions but Apalo looked positively pale. As if he had stared death in the eye seconds before Inkay stepped into the room. Agent 1 was gently rubbied his back while the others waited for Inkay to take a seat.
"So guys….What happened?" The Agents looked between each other before looking back at Inkay.
"You…know Squidville…right?" Agent 1 asked. Inkay didn't bother answering. Of course he knew Squidvile. It was the biggest city in the state. Such a silly question obviously didn't deserve an honest answer.
"Well…" Agent 2 continued. "There no longer is a Squidville…"
Sorry about the long wait guys. I sort of lost motivation on continuing the story. It's at the point where you're ready to get to the good stuff but I still have to do all these buildup chapters. *sigh* The struggle of being a writer. This big chapter makes up for the absence though doesn't it? Yes? No? Maybe so? Alright no...I'm sorry...
So a shout out towards Wampumpeag. Everytime I was preparing to start adding to this chapter I'd get either distracted by Battleborn, Overwatch, This War of Mine, Etc. and just not do it. But this person messaged me requesting me to update the story. Which I was gonna do anyway, just, whenever. Remembering there are some people that really like the story. And to you people, I thank you. Moral of the story: Reviews=motivation=faster chapters. So remember that guys.
Also, sorry Wampumpeag. I didn't upload before school, I am at school finishing it off. Such a slacker. ;-; But I've only been here a day so...And speaking of school, I have a class that I have to find and be at in 10 minutes so, Until next time!
Astalabyebye,
Bang