Bonnie's PoV
Despite her father forbidding her from hanging out with Patch, Zip, and Tackle, Bonnie still found time to hang out with them anyways. She made sure Yuri was with her, just in case her parents somehow managed to see them together. If Yuri was there, maybe the punishment wouldn't be so bad.
Though that wasn't always the case.
"Man, I'm bored." Zip laid back on the couch, taking a sip of his drink. "There's nothing interesting going on."
"Turf war is an option," Tackle pointed out.
"Yeah, but Patch isn't here. We can't have a full team without him."
"Where is Patch, anyways?" Bonnie spoke up. She didn't want to interrupt the movie they were watching, but given Zip and Tackle were talking over it anyways… Was it really that boring?
"Dunno," Zip admitted. "He just said he was busy."
Underneath his helmet, Bonnie could catch a hint of Tackle's smile. "Patch or not, at least I can hang out with you two."
"Yeah." Zip yawned and stretched his arms behind his head. "We should change the channel."
"Can't we finish the movie first?" Bonnie asked, clasping her hands together.
"You really want to finish it?" Tackle admonished.
"Yeah, I could fall asleep to this," the other boy agreed.
"You know what?" Tackle jumped to his feet. "How about we take a walk?"
"Now that's more like it." Zip stood up to join him. "But to where?"
"Dunno, but anything's better than here." He looked down at Bonnie. "Do you want to go anywhere?"
"Um..." Bonnie scratched her head. "Not particularly."
She glanced back at the movie. She wanted to watch it to the end, but Zip and Tackle clearly had other plans. If they wanted her to walk with them, then so be it.
"We'll just walk through the neighborhood then," Tackle concluded, beginning to walk over to the front door. "Let's get moving."
Zip turned the TV off, much to Bonnie's dismay. However, she got up and joined the two boys, trying to hold a smile as they stepped outdoors together. Warm sunlight hit her beige skin, and fresh air hit her nostrils. Flowers bloomed in the garden of Tackle's house, stretching out towards the sky. A few birds sat on the other side of the street, pecking at the ground.
The streets were as lively as ever as she followed Zip and Tackle down the sidewalk. An elderly shark chased off two inklings spraying graffiti on the side of his house, only for the inklings to vandalize a different building. A few kids raced down the street on their skateboards, earning the attention of any civilian they happened to speed past. Someone's nudibranch tried to chase after the trio as they walked past, but they quickly scooped it into their arms and simply went along their way.
Spring was in full swing now, and Inkopolis practically screamed it into her face.
They eventually reached a park. Bonnie bought them drinks from the vending machine, and they sat down on one of the benches, taking a much-needed break from their walk.
"Thanks," Zip said as he plopped onto the seat.
"You're welcome." She bowed. "It's the least I could do."
Tackle, however, simply looked away. "Yeah, thanks." He popped open his soda and took a large swig of it.
"...Tackle?" Zip raised an eyebrow. "You're not like yourself today."
"I was just thinking about something, that's all."
As he took another sip of his drink, Bonnie found herself twiddling her thumbs. Zip was right; something was off about him today. She doubted it was because of the movie.
So, she eventually asked, "...Do you want to talk about it?"
"Yeah, about that..." Tackle sat his drink on the bench and sighed, meeting her blue eyes. "It was about you."
Bonnie blinked, flabbergasted. "Me?"
"Yeah, you." He paused, holding his hands behind his head. "So, you remember that football game?"
"...The one where I was with my dad?" And went terribly?
"Yeah. I, um, ran into him there." He gulped. "He said... He said..."
"Don't force yourself," advised Zip.
He ignored him, setting his hands on Bonnie's shoulders. "He said he's my father. We're related, Bonnie."
The tension escaped Tackle's muscles as he finished, letting out a sigh of relief. He let go and sat back down, taking another swig of his drink, but all Bonnie found herself doing was stare at him, her mouth falling open.
They were related, he said. They had the same father. And now, Bonnie could finally see what else he reminded her of.
Her father. She didn't really see it in his face, but they had the same lithe build, the same steely gaze, and even the way he carried himself was reminiscent of her father.
All this time, she was friends with someone who looked like her father, and she never even noticed. Could she have other relatives out there she never even knew about? Did they know about her, too? Or were they as unaware as Tackle was before he started to learn more about his birth parents?
"So..." Bonnie finally started, bringing his attention to her. "We're related."
"Yeah." He took another sip of his drink. "Sorry I didn't tell you earlier."
"It's fine." She looked down at her feet. "It's just a lot to take in."
"You aren't worried about your parents?" he asked in disbelief.
"Yeah, but..." She clenched her fists. "They aren't here right now." She wasn't going to tell them either way. If her mom found out her dad cheated on her however many years ago...she didn't want to see it. And if her dad found out she knew Tackle was her half-brother, she didn't know how he would react.
Zip's voice brought her back to her senses. "Isn't that your mom over there?"
Bonnie's heart skipped a beat as she looked towards where he was pointing. Indeed, her mom was standing underneath a tree with her hands on her hips, lecturing some young inklings holding Splattershots. She figured she was here because of work—why else would she be in East Inkopolis?
She hoped she hadn't noticed her yet. She did not look happy right now.
"Yeah." Her voice was barely above a whisper. "She is."
"We should start walking again." Tackle hopped off the bench and tossed the empty can of soda. "She's one of the last squids I want to see right now."
They agreed and started walking down the sidewalk, towards the other end of the park. They didn't get very far before Bonnie heard her name and stopped in her tracks. Zip and Tackle heard her name too, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads.
"Bonnie!" her mother called again, walking over to the group. "Don't ignore me, young lady!"
The blood drained from her face. She was mad.
She turned to face her and quickly bowed. "I'm sorry Mom! I'm sorry!"
Bonnie's mom stopped in front of her, eyeing the two boys that accompanied her. "You two, scram."
Zip stepped back, holding out his hands. "Hey, we were just hanging out."
She clenched her teeth, hissing out a sigh. "Must you hang out with such a bad influence?"
Zip clenched his fists, but Tackle put a hand on his shoulder and shook his head. "Let's just go."
His hands fell to his sides. "Yeah." He pursed his lips, eyes darting about. Then, he saluted goodbye. "See ya, Bonnie."
Trying to smile, she met their gazes and waved. "Bye."
Tackle dipped his head and began to walk away with his friend, down the cobblestone path and back into the streets of Inkopolis, disappearing amongst the crowd. Bonnie's smile fell at the sight, a sinking feeling settling in her stomach.
Now that they were gone, Bonnie could face the wrath of her mother.
She met her eyes, parting her lips as she mustered the courage to speak. "Are you OK?" she soon asked.
"I'm fine." The creases in her forehead suggested otherwise, though. After a few moments, she let out a sigh. "Work has just been stressful lately. That's all."
Bonnie's grip around her drink tightened. "Did you need me for something?"
"No, not particularly." Another pause. "I only wanted to say hello." Before Bonnie could respond, she continued, "You know, I was surprised to see you here. I thought you would be doing a turf war."
She scratched the back of her head. "No one's available," she pointed out. "So I asked to hang out with some other friends."
She sighed. "You could always play by yourself, you know."
Her eyes went wide. "But I like playing with my friends."
"I know, I know." Her mom rested her hand on her forehead. "I guess all teenagers are like that." She checked her watch and slapped her hand on her thigh. "Well, I should be going. I'll see you tonight, Bonnie."
Bonnie nodded. "You too."
As she watched her mom disappear deeper into the park, Bonnie decided to turn the other way, walking the way she came. She finished her drink and threw it into a wire trashcan before venturing back onto the streets of Inkopolis.
She's seen her mom when stressed. She didn't act like that. She would be a lot more closed off, a lot less willing to talk to her daughter.
So what was making her so mad? So mad she didn't even ask about dinner tonight?
Bonnie had a sneaking suspicion what, but she was too scared to voice it out loud.
Her mom hadn't made dinner when Bonnie came home. Instead, she was sitting on the couch, reading a magazine.
The thought of food made her stomach rumble. She wanted to eat a snack, but if dinner was coming soon, she shouldn't. It would only ruin her appetite.
So, she walked up to her mom and cleared her throat. At the sound, she set down her magazine and whipped around to face Bonnie. Any anger on her face melted away at the sight of her daughter.
"It's just you," she breathed. Clearing her voice herself, she crossed her arms. "Did you need something?"
"Um, I was just wondering about dinner."
"Make it yourself," she responded. "I'm not in the mood to eat right now."
Make it herself...? She rarely got to do that when she wasn't with her friends.
"O...kay." Bonnie dipped her head and slipped back to the kitchen.
The first thing she did was open the fridge, searching for something to make. As her eyes aimlessly scanned the contents, she found herself craving something smooth, like soup. There was also stew, but maybe that was a little too much right now. So, she closed the fridge and started to move over to the cupboards.
At the same time, though, she should make something for her parents, too. If she made something they all liked, then she could save some time. Maybe some fish? Or poultry? She could also make a pasta dish; she could never go wrong with that.
The sound of jingling keys snapped her out of her focus. Bonnie walked towards the front door, just in time to see her father step inside. Her mother wasn't there to greet him.
"Honey?" He lifted his chin. "I'm home."
No answer. Bonnie's eyes drifted towards the living room, where she had seen her last.
Her mom stood up, her knuckles growing white as her fingers dug into the palms of her hands. She began marching over towards her dad, a scowl etched into her face, a blazing fury in her sky-blue eyes. She didn't even much as acknowledge her daughter as she stopped in front of the man, staring up at him.
Bonnie shrank back towards the kitchen. Her anger was out in full force now. She should go to her room, but part of her begged to see her suspicions proven correct.
"Henry," she growled. If her eyes were fire, her words were ice.
Her dad blinked. "Alice...?"
"Nineteen, twenty years ago. You cheated on me back then, didn't you?"
Now it was her dad's turn to take a step back, eyes widening with horror. "W-who said that?"
She took a step forward. "A boy I saw with Bonnie at the park. He said you told him he was your son."
"T-that happened nearly two decades ago!"
"So you admit it."
He shook his head and crossed his arms. "Why bring it up now? I've been by your side ever since Bonnie was born, haven't I?"
"Because you should've never done it in the first place. It sickens me to know you've been hiding this from me all this time."
Bonnie's stomach rumbled, and she moved towards the kitchen. She needed to grab something to eat, then she could hide in her room until her parents calmed down.
If they calmed down. She didn't want to see their relationship fall apart. They might never be able to pick up the pieces then.
It was funny, wasn't it? Despite everything, they were still her parents. They were the people who raised her. They've been together for all these years. The thought of them breaking up seemed inconceivable.
She thought she didn't love them...but did she love them after all? But why?
She found herself putting a cup of noodles into the microwave as her parents continued to argue.
"We promised never to keep secrets from each other ever again when we married," her mom continued. "Did you forget that promise?"
"You would've been mad at me if you knew," countered her dad. "It was only for one night, I promise. I never stopped loving you. But temptation led me to forsaking our vows."
A long pause hung in the air. Bonnie's eyes darted back to the microwave, trying to focus on the steady hum it gave off.
It beeped, and Bonnie took it out and stirred it together. Back in the living room, she heard her mom let out a sigh and walk away.
Her dad proceeded to walk into the kitchen, slumping into a chair and shaking his head. Bonnie stared at him for a few moments longer before slipping out of the kitchen, up the stairs towards her bedroom. As soon as she stepped inside, she shut the door and slumped against it herself, eyelids heavy as she slurped away at her noodles.
Soon, the noodles were all gone. But she didn't want to go back downstairs. She didn't want to face her parents. She didn't want to get caught in the crossfire of their relationship.
If Tackle just told her they were related when they were still at this house, could all of this have been avoided? Her mom must've overheard them at the park for her to know. And it was by mere chance her mom happened to be at that very park in the first place.
The empty cup fell from her hands, rolling around on the ground. A lump in her throat, she brought her knees to her chest and ducked her head. She wished she could be with her friends right now. Then she wouldn't have to think about all of this.
She wished that this was all just a terrible dream. But no matter how hard she wanted to wake up, she couldn't. Because this was reality.
A knock came at her window, and Bonnie shot her head up in alarm. Who was there? Did one of the Rainbow Squids want to sneak in? Or was it a robber trying to break in?
She scrambled to the closet and took out one of her chargers, her fingers wrapping around it. But as she focused on the figure in the window, she was met with the sight of an afro and purple eyes.
Victor. Didn't he say he would go to the Splatlands? Why was he here?
She crept over the window and opened it. The octoling was practically beaming as he climbed into her room, holding out his hands.
"Finally!" he exclaimed.
Bonnie quickly shushed him. "Not so loud! I don't want my parents to know you're here."
"Sorry." He rubbed the back of his head. "I was just wondering if you were going to answer or not."
"Well, that doesn't matter. Why are you here?"
"I wanted to see you, of course."
Her shoulders began to sag. "You came at a bad time." Bonnie crawled onto her bed, turning away from him.
"What, did something happen?" Victor asked.
"My dad cheated on my mom before I was born."
"Oh. I'm...sorry that happened"
Bonnie's only response was a grumble.
He leaped onto her bed, landing in the form of an octopus. "Well, we can have some fun before I have to leave."
Bonnie raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"
"You know..." Victor waved a tentacle.
Scowling, she grabbed him and threw him at the wall. "We're not dating."
Victor transformed back, rubbing his head. "Ow... You did not have to do that."
Bonnie sat up. "Did you expect me to say yes?"
"Well, I thought after seeing your face in Octo Canyon, that after everything...you would still want me around."
Her expression softened. She did still care about him. He had been nothing but nice to her. But he was only a friend, and nothing more. And yet... "You still helped with the kidnappings."
Victor frowned, lowering his head. "You are right...and I am sorry."
"It's not me you should be saying sorry to. It's Octa Prisma."
He looked away. "I cannot face them. Not after everything. Besides, it would be better if they think I died in the Splatlands."
Bonnie placed her hands on her chest. "They wouldn't want to think you died!"
His attention snapped back to her. "What?"
"No one should have to think you died. That might be how things work in Octarian society, but that's not things work in the rest of the world. You have your freedom now. You can start over."
His expression softened. "Bonnie..."
She opened her mouth to speak, but she cut herself off at the sound of footsteps walking up the stairs. She shot a glance at Victor and mouthed for him to hide.
By the time her mom opened the door, Victor had squeezed into her closet. She picked up the empty cup of noodles and walked over to Bonnie.
She gulped. "Mom."
"Bonnie." She folded her arms over her chest. "I'm sorry you had to find out about what your dad did."
Bonnie blinked. She was apologizing? But why?
When she didn't answer, her mom continued. "I know your father forbid you from hanging out with Beth's kid's friends, but in the end...I suppose I'm not that mad. After all, I ended up learning about a terrible secret he's kept from me all these years."
She averted her gaze. "Am I in trouble?"
"No." She planted a kiss on her head. "Not now."
Her mom turned away and started heading out the door, but Bonnie found herself speaking before she could stop herself. "Wait."
She turned to face her daughter. "Yes?"
"...What's going to happen between you and Dad?"
She parted her lips, thinking before shaking her head. "I'm not sure myself."
She shut the door, and Bonnie let out a sigh of relief. Once she was sure she had left, she opened the closet, and Victor tumbled out with her charger wrapped in his tentacles. He transformed into a kid and handed it back to her.
"I should go now," he said, stepping over to the window. "It's a long way to the desert."
Without thinking again, Bonnie grabbed his hand. "Wait." With his attention, she asked, "Could you...stay here a little longer?"
Surprised flickered in his purple eyes. But eventually, he nodded. "Yeah."
They plopped onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling. They simply sat there in silence, save for the sound of their breathing, for a long, long time.
Bonnie's eyes traced the webbing pattern running across the ceiling. If having a boyfriend was anything like this...then maybe she wouldn't mind it at all.
A/N: Shorter chapter today, but an important one nonetheless. I think my writing has really improved since the beginning of the story, hasn't it? But it's only natural I would get better-it has been five years since I started writing this story, after all! A lot can change in five years! Anyways, hopefully weekly chapters are here to stay until the end of the story. But balancing this story with "Speak No Evil" is quite difficult. But I like writing these stories, so it isn't too big of a deal.
On the topic of Splatoon, Springfest has officially been announced! It's also been five years since the last one; how time flies! I thought I mentioned it back in the very early chapters of this fic, but looking back at it, I guess not. Well, I was on Team Hare back then, and I'll be on Team Bunnies now! Will Frye finally get a win? We'll have to see in a few weeks! Just like you'll hopefully see what happens in the next chapter next Sunday! Branchwing, out!