Ali moans and grips the covers as Keaton thrusts into her. "Ah, yes!" She bites her lip and squints as he gasps and pumps faster. "Ali- I- I love you!" He groans and Ali feels a familiar warmth spread between her legs. She stares up at him, his yellow eyes filled with longing. Her eyes narrow and she rolls out from underneath him, picking up her skirt and top. Keaton falls onto the bed, watching her "Aren't you gonna say it back?" He fiddles with the blanket.

Pulling the crop top over her head she turns away from him, letting out a short "No." Keaton sits up, still breathing heavy, "Have you ever said it?" Ali shimmies the tight black skirt over her hips and crosses her arms "Of course I have." He stays silent for a minute then asks "Have you ever meant it?" The pink haired octo girl closes her eyes and whispers "No." She hears Keaton get up and put on his boxers, then feels two slender arms wrap around her in a somber hug.

"Listen, Ali, I've had so much fun with you. In just a day I've seen more good in you than anyone else in Inkopolis." His arms tighten around her and Ali has to keep herself from melting into them. "Keaton..." She feels the steady beat of his heart against her back and revels in his warmth. "I don't know what happened to you in the past, or what you've done, but nothing could change that you're strong, kind, and beautiful." He turns her around and his silhouette against the window showcases every lean line on his body. Ali looks him over and then finally into his bright yellow eyes. She takes a deep breath and folds her arms over her chest, has if holding herself together.

Keaton runs a hand over his tentacles, something she'd seen him do numerous times throughout the day, and tilts his head "Maybe if you tell me some of the things on your mind, you'll see they aren't as bad as they seem." Ali thinks about it for a second before her phone starts buzzing. Looking at the name she's instantly filled with guilt; it's Marina. They were supposed to go to Crusty Sean's for dinner after her Salmon Run shift. "I need to go..." She picks up the call and walks over to the window.

"Agent... I mean, Ali? I've been trying to get in touch with you since seven thirty!" Marina's voice rings out from the speaker clearly. Ali rubs her face with her hand, "I'm sorry, I got caught up in my shift and then I had someone over. I just lost track of time. I'm so sorry, I'm ready now." There's a pause on the other end, then Marina sighs "Sean owes me, meet me in the square in a half hour." "Copy." Ali hangs up and turns to see Keaton staring in disbelief "Were you talking to Marina?" He blinks "From Off The Hook?" Ali can't help but giggle at his expression "Yeah, we're kinda close."

She sits on the bed and pulls on her heeled boots, and then realizes Keaton hasn't moved. "Um... I have to go. Thank's for coming over." Keaton shifts his weight from one foot to the other, "Will I see you tomorrow?" Ali raises an eyebrow "Maybe. Depends on if you leave now." He smiles a lopsided smile and grabs his headphones from the night stand. Ali closes her eyes, and when she opens them again he's gone. Ali opens a drawer and pulls out the octoling shades and slides them on. The dark room appears green, and comfort descends upon her.

Creeping out of her apartment and out of the building, Ali heads for the square. A few inklings linger, chatting at tables. One, younger squid girl gives Ali a questioning look. Agent 8 isn't surprised, her gear was known to turn heads of all ages. She spots a tall, almond colored octoling leaning against a building and walks over. "Hey!-" She's cut off by a hug. "I was so worried! You didn't respond for hours, I thought you'd been left behind by the boat, or worse-" "Marina, I'm fine! I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, I genuinely lost track of time." The exotic looking octoling looks her over, as if judging for herself that Ali was unharmed. Seemingly satisfied she nods her head, "Okay. Just be sure to keep your phone on hand until you're settled in."

Nodding, Ali turns her gaze to a tall shrimp walking over. "Crusty Sean!" Marina clasps her hands together and smiles brightly. The grumpy shrimp just grunts and unlocks the truck. The window opens and he leans out, "We're even now, alright? I was already asleep." Marina grins sheepishly "Sounds good. Ali, what do you want? I'm getting a Triple- Fried Galactic Shwaffle!" Marina is practically drooling, causing Ali to smile. Looking over the list, the pink haired octoling points to a menu item. Marina follows her finger, "The Seanwich? Oh, no. Make hers the Galactic Seanwich, please." Ali looks at Marina questioningly, but says nothing.

The girls sit at a table, sipping on two sodas, waiting for their food to be ready. "So... Who'd you have over?" Marina sips her drink innocently. Ali plays with her straw wrapper, silent. "... You don't have to tell me, it's okay." The singer gives a melancholy smile. Ali rips the wrapper, "A squid named Keaton." Marina's eyes widen slightly "Oh, what for?" Ali makes an inserting motion with her fingers and Marina covers her mouth with her hands. Ali nods and looks up as Crusty Sean brings two heaping baskets to their table. "Can I go home, now? Please?" Marina waves him away with a curt nod. He rolls his eyes and walks away.

Ali picks at the deep fried food in front of her as Marina sputters "What? Already? Did he use you?" Ali looks up dully "No, I used him." The popular octoling looks shocked as Ali takes a big bite of her food. "Wow... Ali you have to be careful. This squid has feelings." Ali looks up and narrows her eyes "You went through the same stuff I did. You know what work is like back in Octo Valley. I guess you survived with less damage than me, but that doesn't matter. We all handle our trauma differently. I prefer to externalize it... That's how I cope wit my feelings." Ali stands up, "Thank you... and I'm sorry for being short with you, I'm just having a rough time getting used to my new life." Marina stands and holds out her arms for a hug. Ali walks into them and embraces her. Ali takes note that Marina smells like fresh laundry. The two girls part, and walk back to their own separate homes in Inkopolis.

Thanks for reading!