Expectations 11.12.23
Note: This takes place following Otter Things Have Happened. Also contains implied Skilene.
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After Kowalski threw himself into the pool in his dramatic breakdown following the news that Marlene broke things off with Fred, Marlene turned back to the others.
"It was probably for the best, Marlene," Skipper commented. "You're too good for him, anyway."
Marlene laughed. "Well, thanks, Skipper. I just wish you would've told me that ahead of time. Would've saved us all a lot of trouble . . . and headache."
Skipper stood from his reclining chair on the island and approached her. "Well, dollface, I just figured it should be your call what came of the relationship," he told her.
Marlene crossed her arms. "Really? You never hesitate to poke into my business," she pointed out, raising a brow.
Skipper smiled. "Then stop having such interesting business for us to poke into," he joked.
Marlene rolled her eyes. "Technically, you're the reason I had such interesting business considering I never asked you to set me up with someone," she pointed out.
Skipper laughed. "Fair enough, dollface. Well, forgive us for the experience not living up to your expectations."
"That's an understatement," Marlene said, dropping her arms back down to her sides. "It was quite a revelation realizing he wasn't kidding . . ."
"Oh, yeah," Skipper said with a wave of his flipper. "We go way back. We could've told you that."
Marlene's jaw dropped open for a moment. "And you didn't tell me?!"
Skipper held his flippers up innocently. "Like I said, you were left to come to your own conclusions!" he insisted.
Marlene rolled her eyes again. "Real funny, Skipper."
Skipper dropped his flippers with a sigh. "You're right, Marlene. We could've been more honest with you. Next time, we'll be more up front with the intel."
Marlene shook her head and held up a paw. "Oh, no, no. I don't think so. None of you are ever setting me up ever again," she insisted.
"Fair enough," he replied, putting a flipper on his hip. "But if you ever find yourself wallowing in crushing solitude again, we'll ensure you're courted properly."
Marlene laughed. "I'll keep that in mind, Skipper. Maybe stay out of my love life for now," she said.
"For now?" Skipper asked, cocking a brow.
Marlene just smiled and hopped off their island, heading back to her habitat. Skipper watched a moment before turning and stopping in his tracks upon seeing Rico and Private still watching him. Nobody said anything for a moment.
Finally, Skipper spread his flippers. "What?"
[Words: 408]
