Gina loved living in Pearl and Marina's mansion. Despite how massive it was and somewhat complicated it could be, it was a beautiful safe haven, with lots of windows letting in plenty of natural light and an excellent central climate control system, keeping things at a nice temperature. Gina would prefer her own, smaller, farm style house, but this was still a pleasant place to live. Even better were the wonderful owners of this great house.
Pearl and Marina were some of the first non-Octarian's she'd ever interacted with, albeit through radio calls and chat logs. Even though she'd gotten to know them so well without actually meeting them for almost two months, she'd felt like she was loved. She certainly felt companionship with her fellow soldiers in her old Splatoon and she had trusted them, but it felt very forced. They had been conscripted into service and only had each other to hang on to.
Pearl and Marina, however, had offered to help her escape the Metro without question and they had all grown to love each other as sisters. Marina was so cool and talented and was already an inspiration amongst the Octarian's before escaping to the surface. Gina wanted to be just like her.
Pearl was something different. Her tv persona was really just an act. In actuality, she was mature and capable, although the sass was real and she did sometimes have a short temper. It's true, she could be a little too blunt or just plain abrasive sometimes, but she never meant any harm. It was merely her way of expressing her feelings and in the instances she accidentally hurt someone, she would immediately apologize. She loved Gina very much and the young Octoling loved her back.
Gina rose from her bed and stretched her arms to the ceiling. Her little room was small, but bright, featuring light purple walls and numerous posters. Agent Three, who collected all kinds of memorabilia, had given a few posters to her as a gift when she'd first come to live here and for her 17th birthday, she had received even more. Gina's favorite was her Squid Squad poster, the largest and most colorful, signed by each of the four members. Squid Squad had been one of the first groups she'd heard on the Metro and was devastated to learn that they'd disbanded several years prior to that, but she still loved their music. She had first bonded with Three over the band, as they were her favorite as well, aside from the Squid Sisters of course.
Gina donned her favorite pair of sweatpants and an old hoodie of Pearl's that, being Pearl's size, was more of a shirt for Gina. She brushed her slippers aside, preferring to wiggle her toes across the carpet, smiling at the way it felt on her feet. Having been a soldier in the Octarian army, one learned to appreciate the little things and Gina hadn't forgotten to do that. Standing up and stretching again, she grabbed her phone from her bedside table and left her room, wondering what she would cook today. She'd found that her interest in learning to cook for herself had become something of a passion.
After briefly mentioning this new passion to Marina, the older Octoling had encouraged Gina to pursue it, partly given that Gina only earned income through odd jobs here and there, having yet to nail down a true passion to pursue as work. She had mostly worked at Crusty Sean's food truck and found she was quite good at being a short order cook. However, Gina desired a full-time job and wanted to contribute to Inkling society in a better way, but hadn't yet figured out what she wanted to do. All she knew was how to be a soldier. But now, after learning to cook, she had an idea.
Without conscious thought, Gina began gathering the ingredients for Marina's favorite breakfast dish: eel eggs benedict. Pearl, being Pearl, would eat just about anything and also liked Gina's cooking, so she began making two of them. She also started percolating a pot of coffee, as Pearl was always quite grouchy before her morning coffee. Just to be on the safe side, she grabbed a can of Pearl's favorite energy drink, ready to pour some of the liquified vitamins into her coffee in case of an emergency.
The two older girls never asked Gina to cook for them, she'd just been working at the food truck and found that she liked it. Marina could also cook and Pearl could at least butter toast, so they didn't need her to cook. She simply just did so out of wanting to show affection for her roommates. As the eggs warmed in the pan and she began prepping the muffins and bacon, the light was suddenly extinguished, plunging the room into darkness. Turning towards the hallway door, Gina saw the outline of a short, pale inkling.
Gina snickered quietly as Pearl turned the lights back on and began ambling across the kitchen floor, garbed in her favorite fluffy pink pajamas. She had her usual morning scowl on her face and noticing Gina at the stove, merely jutted her head upwards in her direction as recognition. Gina grinned and returned to the stove as Pearl sat down at the island with an agonized huff. Gina decided not to ask why she wasn't sleeping in on a Saturday like she usually did, which would likely just antagonize her.
Right on cue, the coffee finished perking with a beep and Gina poured a cup of coffee, added cream and, as a safety measure, added a splash of energy drink to it before stirring. She gently pushed it across the countertop with a well-trained sweep, sending it right into Pearl's open hand. Pearl grunted her thanks and began to sip.
Right after, Marina emerged through the kitchen door, wearing her turquoise kimono, walking with a great deal more grace than her musical partner. She smiled at Gina, who smiled back. Gina passed out two plates of eggs benedict and bacon to her hungry clientele.
"Thanks," grunted Pearl with more energy, having noisily slurped down half of her coffee already.
"Yes, thank you, Eight," spoke Marina with a warm smile. "You don't have to make us breakfast every morning."
"I know," replied Gina. "But I enjoy it."
"So, what's on the agenda for today?" asked Pearl, sitting up straighter and speaking a little louder as the coffee began to kick in.
"Oh, nothing much," said Gina. "I don't come up with my own plans, I just do whatever Four and Three come up with. Although, it's usually Four who plans it all."
"You always just do what they do?" inquired Marina. "Surely you have new things you want to try." Gina just shrugged as she sat down at the island with her own breakfast.
"It's been nearly a year," Gina said. "I've seen all the sights and I've done all the activities. There isn't much left to do."
"Well, there's no harm in just having a day to do whatever you want," said Pearl, who now had that manic gleam in her eyes and was gesturing animatedly. "Treat yo self." Gina giggled, causing Pearl to raise an eyebrow.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing," said Gina innocently, looking at Pearl. "I just that I think it's funny that you're so grumpy before your morning coffee." Pearl grinned.
"I guess so. Coffee is a way of life after all," she added sagely, taking another swig. Marina wrinkled her nose.
"It does taste good, but I don't know about it being a way of life," said Marina, emphasizing the last four words with her fingers forming air quotes. "Besides, it just makes me need the bathroom afterwards." Pearl barked in laughter.
"Part of the magic, I guess," the Inkling chortled, downing the rest of her mug in one and smacking her lips in apparent relish. Marina shook her head and Gina giggled again, before refilling Pearl's mug. Marina turned back to Gina.
"Well, would you like to have a day with us?" she asked brightly. "We're just doing some shopping and hanging out. Might be testing some new outfits for the show."
"I also have a doctor's appointment downtown, so I can get that out of the way," said Pearl quietly, almost to herself, her eyes unfocused.
"What for?" asked Marina curiously, gazing at the pale inkling. Pearl gave her head a shake and waved her hand. "It's nothing, no big deal. Are you in, Big G?"
"Sure!" said Gina, perking up. "What were you guys thinking?"
"'Rina wants to cover up some," stated Pearl slyly. Previously looking at Pearl suspiciously, Marina threw her a dirty look.
"It gets cold in the studio," she huffed defensively.
"Whatever," said Pearl with a grin. "And I think I can incorporate a hoodie into mine while still looking somewhat elegant. And we can get you something," she added, smiling at Gina.
"I'll just wash up and be ready for you guys in a bit!" Gina exclaimed, running off quickly.
"No running!" Marina sang. Gina slowed a little, but still moved quickly. Marina just shook her head again with a sigh as Pearl laughed.
Pearl and Marina finished their breakfasts and went to wash up themselves. Gina was already waiting for them, a giant smile on her face that would have made Agent 4 proud. Pearl chuckled, admiring Gina for still being so excited about the surface, despite having been here for nearly a year. The three of them piled into Marina's black sedan and set off for Inkopolis Square.
Gina felt she would never tire of going to Inkopolis Square. It was one of the first places she had visited after reaching the surface and defeating Tartar. Pearl and Marina had passed through while taking her back to their mansion and both pop stars had soon realized that Gina was no longer with them. Turning around, they saw her in the very center of the square, mouth slightly open, turning slowly on the spot, staring avidly at all the bright colors, the beautiful buildings and even her fellow Octolings milling about the pavement. Pearl and Marina had just watched, feeling a welling of emotions as they realized that Gina really was seeing all of this for the first time.
That feeling and the memory of that day always pulled at Gina's hearts strings. As she entered the square for the umpteenth time, she couldn't help but stop for a few moments and take a look once again. As Pearl walked up beside her, Gina instinctively grasped her hand. Pearl just smiled as they walked together, Gina acting like the adorable little child that still existed somewhere inside of her.
As they walked towards a nearby clothing store, they spotted Ichiro, friend of the three Agents, within Small's Barber Shop, the business that his father ran and where Ichiro worked. Callie and Marie frequented the place, recommending it to Pearl and Marina. Ichiro waved through the window and the three of them waved back. Gina's cheeks colored a little bit as she waved. Glancing to her left, she saw Pearl and Marina smirking a little and the heat rose even higher as she averted her gaze from the shop window.
Immediately afterwards, two more familiar inklings walked past them. They were Agents Three and Four, wearing their usual turf war gear and carrying their favorite modified weapons. They had changed their normal green and yellow tentacle colors to a vibrant orange in preparation for their next match, Orange vs. Purple. Seeing the group of three waving at the pair, Four waved back with her usual infectious grin, while Three tipped them an enormous wink as they continued onward to Deca tower, ready to lay down some ink.
Pearl and Marina spent the next few hours trying on new clothes, attempting to create new outfits to wear on Inkopolis News. After much time and effort spent by all three of them, both hosts had new outfits. Pearl's new clothes consisted of a shorter version of her current hoodie over a white shirt, a pair of white shorts plus pink leggings and sparkly silver high top shoes, which helped to give a few inches of much needed height. Combined with her multiple rings and earrings, thick gold necklace and silver crown, she was quite the sight to behold, flashing a gang sign at Gina's camera as the Octoling took pictures on her phone.
Marina, meanwhile, had selected something much more modest than her previous outfit. She had a similar top to before, but it reached much farther down her torso and she teamed it with a stylish black leather jacket. She had donned dark turquoise jeans and simple white flats, plus her white bandana that had become something of a signature look for her.
"You two look great!" exclaimed Gina, clapping her hands.
"We sure do," agreed Pearl with an insufferable grin, sharing a high-five with Marina, who had rolled her eyes at Pearl's comment.
"Some people at the station won't be too thrilled," she commented. Pearl sighed loudly and obnoxiously.
"Marina, we are some of the biggest stars in the world right now. I think we can get away with whatever we want."
"I suppose so," replied Marina, her face suddenly morphing into an uncharacteristically nefarious grin.
Despite Gina's stammering's, Pearl and Marina insisted on buying her some new clothes. They did, however, agree to just buy her new shirts, shorts and pants, rather than something more elaborate. Pearl did, however, surprise her with a very stylish leather jacket, making the young Octoling mumble her thanks and she simply hugged the little inkling in gratitude.
The trio had lunch at the Crust Bucket before Pearl walked off towards the Eastern District for her doctor's appointment. During that time, Gina and Marina did some sightseeing around the city. The highlight was all of them seeing the remains to the NILS Statue still floating in Inkopolis bay, surrounded by research ships and curious scientists of all species. Pearl rejoined them at the statue and the trio spent time making numerous disparaging comments and laughing about its long dead occupant, Commander Tarter.
After a long, yet fun day, the three of them returned home for dinner. Even though they had been there, Gina still talked excitedly about her day out with them and wouldn't stop thanking the duo for their hospitality and generosity. Pearl and Marina just couldn't help but smile at her. Gina skipped off to her room to change into something homier and Pearl and Marina sat down at the kitchen island.
"Gina is just too cute," commented Pearl.
"Yeah," agreed Marina with a smile and a stretch. Pearl stared off for a few seconds before speaking again.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy to have her keeping up the house for us, but I still wonder what she wants to do with her life."
"She's become quite the cook," Marina said enthusiastically, perking up. "She's spent some time at the Crust Bucket learning to cook and she could really go places with that skill." Pearl snorted loudly.
"What? Cooking? Go places?" she queried derisively. Marina's jubilant smile fell into a frown.
"Yes, of course," she began slowly. "She is great at cooking and has expressed a desire to be a chef." Pearl laughed out loud.
"Why would she want to do that?" she asked with more laughter. "Why would she want to do servant's work?"
"Servant's work?" said Marina incredulously. "What about Gina being a chef would make her a servant?" Pearl turned to Marina with a pained expression on her face, as though explaining the obvious.
"Being a chef means she'll be serving other people for the rest of her life instead of really contributing to society. She has so many better skills and doesn't need to relegate herself to something as lowly as being a chef."
"Pearl…" began Marina indignantly, when the snap of a door from behind made them both jump. They saw Gina walking very quickly through the kitchen towards the door to the living room, her gaze averted from the two of them. She appeared to have redressed quickly and haphazardly, still putting her coat on and jamming a beanie onto her head, while carrying a small handbag.
"Gina?" asked Marina. Gina paused on the threshold of the door leading to the living room and the pair briefly saw her face. Marina gasped as she saw that her eyes were screwed up and were welling with tears.
Gina had come to view Pearl as something of a mother-figure and Pearl herself had said she felt like Gina was her daughter, albeit in an adoptive sort of way. Gina looked up to Pearl, valued her opinions and advice, but this was something else. Pearl had just put down her desire to be a chef. She considered it servants work and likely thought Gina completely mistaken for choosing to want to pursue her dream.
"Gina, where are you going?" cried Marina, clambering off her bar stool.
"I just realized, I have things that I-I need to do," said Gina in a constricted voice. "S-sorry to rush out."
Pearl merely looked confused as Gina exited the kitchen and rapidly descended the stairs. Marina rushed after her, but Gina was fast, already reaching the front door and quickly pulling on her boots. Gina felt the tears finally sliding down her cheeks as she wrenched the door open and only just managed to suppress a sob as the door shut behind her.
Marina stood for a few moments at the bottom of the stairs, trying to control her breathing. Setting her jaw, she stomped back up the stairs and reentered the kitchen, to find Pearl looking bemused.
"PEARL!" burst out Marina unexpectedly, making the Inkling jump.
"What?" Pearl asked, raising her hands. "What did I say? Why did she rush out?"
"Because you just stomped on her dream, that's why!" yelled Marina, stamping her foot. "What's wrong with being a chef!?"
"I just think she can do better," replied Pearl, still looking somewhat puzzled. "Gina has so many talents and skills. She's quite the soldier, she can sing, she's good with her hands, among other things. I thought she could do more, that's all!"
"So what?" whispered Marina, breathing hard through her nose. She looked so fiercely at Pearl, that the latter recoiled slightly, looking wary. "She has a dream," growled Marina, pointing behind her at the kitchen door. "She now has a passion, a desire. She had already told me about it and I know she wanted to tell the closest mother figure she has in her life and that figure just tried to shatter it!"
"I did not!" shouted Pearl angrily, jumping off her own barstool and pointing at the door herself. "I care about Gina just as much as you do and want the best for her, because I love her," she said, adopted her own hard glare. Marina raised an eyebrow and rested a hand on her hip.
"And the best way to show her how you love her," she stated scathingly, "was to say that her dream was stupid? And she had to overhear it from you, of all people?"
Pearl opened her mouth to retort and then closed it again. Marina spoke again.
"Being a chef is not servants work," said Marina, her voice full of righteous anger. "You never needed to cook, because there were chefs in your home growing up, so you regard it as servants work. Plus, you can't even do it yourself, you're so helpless."
With one last look of disgust, Marina turned on her heel and stormed out of the kitchen, slamming the door behind her.
Pearl remained standing where she was, stock still. She began to sweat as the realization came violently crashing down on he, wave after wave of it. She DID regard cooking as servants work. Why else would she, when she had always been provided that particular service? Not only that, the image of Gina trying to hold back tears of anguish as she ran from the kitchen was now burned into her brain.
Pearl had hurt Gina, badly. With Gina overhearing her, she had inadvertently attempted to destroy her dream. Pearl began to walk, slowly. She herself descended the stairs, one by one and continued farther down into the basement. She traveled slowly through the various rooms, not quite seeing where she was going, her mind filled with a blank shock.
Entering the downstairs bathroom, she closed the door and stood in front of the mirror, gripping both sides of the vanity tightly. Staring into the sink, Gina's face continued to swim through her memory and she was unable to banish it. She gasped and began to choke up. Pearl slowly raised her head and stared at her reflection in the mirror. Suddenly, violently, Pearl sobbed.
Tears cascaded down her cheeks and into the sink as she began to cry in earnest. Gina had had her dream go unvalidated and scorned by the woman she considered to be like her mother, as Marina had put it, the one she went to for advice and parental companionship. Pearl herself had even begun to see Gina as more than just a friend, or little sister. She had started to mentor her alongside Marina and had tried to act as a good influence. She had failed.
Pearl began to cry violently. She felt her knees buckle and her legs collapsed from underneath her. She fell right to the floor, curling up into a tight ball, feeling the cold, hard tile beneath her. That cold sucked any warmth that was left from her body and she was alone in her grief. Marina was angry with her and Gina was distraught, deeply upset that her mentor had stomped on her passion. How long she lay there curled up and sobbing, Pearl didn't know. All she knew was that she remained there for what felt like an eternity, crying her eyes out and Marina never came to look for her.