Big Man poked his head into the studio. He knew Shiver and Frye were still mad at him, even if they had been good sports about the Splatfest. Of course, Shiver had won again, but at least they didn't argue about the results.
Shiver was, of course, sitting at her little table within the studio; Frye nowhere to be seen. Shiver was creating a small stack of gold on the table, clearly more interested in her hobby rather than noticing Big Man towering in the doorway. He turned to leave, Shiver tapping her closed fan onto the table twice and clearing her throat.
"Where do you think you're going? We'll be going on in a few minutes."
Big Man turned back around and slipped himself into his usual place behind the screen. He watched Shiver for a bit before Frye walked in.
"You're early!" She told the Octoling. She sat on her cushion and smiled at Big Man. Odd..."And you are too! Maybe I'm just late? Argh! I told myself I'd end up on time today!" She rubbed her head on both sides, messing up her tentacles.
Big Man opened his mouth to say something, but Shiver began before he could speak. "We wanted to talk to you about something."
Big Man gulped, a chill going down his back. He knew exactly what this was about; they weren't done punishing him for his collaboration with the Squid Sisters.
Frye held up the image of him with Callie and Marie. "Yeah, about this!"
He knew it. He braced himself for another slap on the cheek from Shiver's fan, but it never came. He opened one eye to find both of the girls staring at him.
"Huh? Why are you just staring at me like that?"
Shiver let out a heavy sigh. "Frye and I wanted to apologize for what we did."
Frye nodded. "Yeah, we were just jealous you got to hang with Boss Marie first! And the money part? Well, you know how Shiver is."
"It's true. We all wanted to be the first to do something with the Squid Sisters and got upset when you beat us to it."
"Plus, I can't be mad at you! The twins love that song!"
Big Man was relieved. "Does that mean you-"
"Next time though, we do want a bit of the cash." Shiver gave him a glare, a small smile appearing.
Big Man beamed. "You really mean that?"
Frye nodded again. "Of course! Deep Cut wouldn't be Deep Cut without Big Man!"
After the news had been finished, Big Man hurried out. Shiver and Frye were confused, but decided to leave him alone. He returned a few hours later, fins behind his back.
"Whatchu got?" Frye asked, attempting to peek behind the manta ray.
"Ay! Close your eyes!"
Shiver complied after first rolling them, Frye did so excitedly; her hands out already. Big Man placed the gifts into Frye's hands and onto Shiver's little desk.
"You can open them now!"
Frye let out a loud gasp. "A signed edition of Liquid Sunshine?! The twins'll flip!"
Shiver seemed less excited, and more confused. "It's signed by the Squid Sisters. Why'd you get these for us?"
"I appreciated your apology!" Big Man smiled. "So I had Boss Marie and Callie sign them for you guys! Look at the back."
Shiver read hers aloud. "'Shiver, your fighting spirit goes unmatched. Keep up the good work with the rest of Deep Cut and you may be a famous as us someday.'"
Frye flipped it around. "Let's see...'Frye, your energy will lead you far in life as long as you keep that happy attitude. See you all on stage!'" She beamed. "Thanks, Big Man! That was so nice of you! The twins only listened to it via radio, so they'll be super happy to see I got my hands on it!"
Shiver pointed her fan at the manta ray. "I appreciate the gift, even if I might not use it."
"I mean, it's all in the thought, right?" Big Man asked.
"I guess. The notes are nice though."
"The first part sounds like you, Big Man," Frye teased. "You had them right the notes for you so we wouldn't know, didn't you?"
Big Man flinched. "Uh, yeah..."
"I should've known," Shiver muttered. "You did make the song with them."
Big Man blushed, embarrassed. "I did hope you wouldn't notice..."
"We'll cut you some slack this time, but don't expect us to that every time. Next time, we're doing a song with you."
"Aww," Frye said jokingly. "Are you going soft on me, Shiv?"
"Of course not!" She angrily tapped the fan against the desk.
"Aww, I want to give you two a big manta hug!"
Frye laughed as Big Man scooped them into an embrace. Shiver looked upset for a moment and pushed Big Man and Frye away from her when she looked like she was starting to enjoy it.
"That's enough of that. What do you say we find some new stuff to sell?" Shiver asked, fixing her shawl.
"Ooh, maybe Alterna still has some hidden treasures!" Frye agreed. "What do you say, Big Man?"
"Yeah! Sounds fun!"