Author's Notes

Hello There! It is I Jaster Kryze with another addition to New to the Splatoon! First things first, while I have already said this, I have to say it again. A HUGE thanks to my friends, they have had to put up with an anxious tired wreck... who also goes by me. I owe them a lot. Anyway, back to the story! This chapter was pretty interesting. First, It wasn't going to exist at all. Then I decided to throw it in before the original chapter 8 (now Chapter 9) as short fluff. Before it finally turned into a longer story than anticipated, and no longer as useless fluff. So It was interesting (but fun) to write. I sincerely hope you like it, so without further a do, let's begin!

(Just in case you didn't know, I don't own Splatoon... OR DO I?! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! But no, I really don't.)

Chapter 8: Roller Coaster of a Day

He closed the door behind him as he came in. Agent 3 had gone for a walk to think earlier that morning, having gone toward the Inkopolis docks. He was thinking about Agent 8, so far he had introduced her the other Splatoon agents (while also meeting a new agent himself), and showed her around Inkopolis. Now he was wondering what he should do today, and whether they should just take a break in his apartment after the pretty filled day they had yesterday. He had been walking for a while, only stopping for a few minutes at the start of his walk to watch the sunrise over Inkopolis. He deliberated it in his mind, trying to figure out what he should do, not wanting to rush her, but make sure she could enjoy this new world she seemed to relish every second of. He had gotten pretty far, when an idea struck him, one that he felt was fairly ingenious. He was going to show her some more of Inkopolis, while making it a relaxed, restful day. Which prompted him to head back for his apartment.

So he crossed the the threshold of his apartment, feeling pretty confident in his plan. Then he suddenly noticed how quiet his apartment was. When he left, 8 was still asleep, probably still tired from a long day of turf wars. He went over and opened the blinds in front of the living room window. He turned back around, and walked over to his bedroom. He lazily messed with his plain yellow long sleeve shirt, tugging at the bottom of it over his black shorts. He adjusted the bill of his black cap, turning the bill to point backwards. He glanced over at the air mattress he set up for his octoling roommate, the sheets upturned and pillows ruffled. He stopped, looking over the bed, his mind rewinding back to when he first entered, not recalling seeing her shoes by the door where she had left them the last few days. He lifted his hat, and scratched his two longer blue tentacles, which fell, and hung loosely at about his jawline, before tucking them carefully back in his hat. Had she gone out somewhere, or did someone from the Splatoon come by to hangout with her, and then decide to take her somewhere? Either way he went to check his shellphone to see if she left him any messages about it, when he realized it wasn't on him. The inkling freaked out a little when he realized it was gone as he tried to remember where he left it. His brain scoured through his recent memories for a few anxious seconds before 3 remembered. He had left the device on the sink counter when he took a shower the night before, and had failed to pick it up prior to collapsing on the bed out of exhaustion. He walked over to the bathroom, kicking himself for forgetting it last night and that morning. He was about to kick himself even more so.

He pushed the slightly ajar door, as he walked across the tiled floor and grabbed the his shellphone on the close end of the white sink counter. He quickly checked his notifications, putting it into his pocket, after seeing there were no messages or missed calls. He folded his arms, turning to lean against the counter, about to sigh in frustration when he froze in his tracks. His gaze was focused on the floor, not daring to look further up, even if his life depended on it. His current view would've been pretty normal, just the white tiled floor, and a bathmat along the bottom of the white bathtub, except for the tip of a pink tentacle with subtle, lighter pink rings around it, barely seen at the top of his vision. But he definitely saw it. 8 was laying in the water, taking deep calming breaths, the surface completely filled with bubbles, her head propped against the edge of the wall and rim of the tub, black eyelids contentedly closed, and the tentacle that ran down the left side of her face, lazily hanging over the side, as she had a faint, content smile on her face. 3 remained glued in a fairly awkward position, bent forward from when he was going to lean back. His face was blushing the brightest red possible, his flushing reaching to the tips of his ears. He figured from the lack of yelling, or just any sounds in general from his octoling roommate that she hadn't noticed his accidental intrusion. This was his moment. He closed his eyes (just to be safe), and slowly turned around careful not to alert her of his presence. He used the skills he had acquired from two years of being a Squidbeak agent to stealthily feel his way to the door, not making any sound, before he bolted for the living room and closing the door behind him, with all the subtlety of Pearl using a microphone.

"Hm?" One of 8 's eyes half opened, slowly scanning the room for source of the disturbance. She didn't find anything, but she noticed the door she left partially open was now completely closed. She sighed, 3 must've come back, noticed she left the door open, and must've closed it for her. When she woke up that morning, she noticed her inkling friend wasn't in the apartment. Still sore from the day before, she decided to try out a bath, wondering if that would help, while also just curious as to how it would work, and what it would feel like to be in a pool of water. Unlike when she used the shower, the bathtub was pretty straightforward and easy to figure out. She had looked at the surface of the water with a suspicious gaze. Truth be told she was nervous at the idea of submerging herself knowing how it usually ended when someone fell into a body of water. But soon enough, she managed to convince herself how ridiculous it was to apply that to something that was clearly safe since, 3 clearly had it for a reason. So she cautiously put a tan foot in the water, causing its level to rise. It sent a shock through her nerves, resulting in small gasp, but the initial feeling quickly faded, replaced by a consistent warmth. Intrigued by this sensation she put her other foot in as well, and soon laid down in the tub, the water level resting just at her shoulders. Immediately she had felt a soothing, warmth, and almost weightless sensation completely envelope her, starting from her skin radiating into her body, removing any feeling of her aches and hints of exhaustion before, leaving her in a state of peace, and comfort she never thought was possible. It had grown better when she used soap to wash herself, which caused the water to bubble, covering the surface, which had left 8 happily messing with surface with her feet and fingers, before she had chosen to relax a little more, propping her head against the wall and tub rim, free to just not think for a while. She sighed, she must've been in there longer than she thought if 3 was back. She softly mumbled to herself, "Oh well, time flys…" the rest of the sentiment completed in her mind as she tightened her closed eyes. The octoling sank a little in the water, now submerging her completely, soaking up every last second in the water. She blew out some bubbles and listened to them gurgle towards the others on the surface. After a few seconds, she decided to join them, and rose from the water and got out of the bathtub, pulling it's plug as she left.

3 was silently panicking, like a salmonid that swam up the wrong way and straight into a roller. He had no idea what he should do. He figured she heard him close the door, and if not, then definitely his heavy footsteps from when he bolted for the living room. He buried his face in his hands, groaning a little in worry. The thing was, he wasn't sure why he was this freaked out. Oh, he knew that it was a bad situation, and chances were it was going to make things awkward for a while, but in all honesty, he had accidently walked in on people changing before, (not often, but it had happened), and he apologized, left a little flushed, and if he met them again, they would just make a little joke about it, or silently agree to forget about it to the day they die. This time, he felt very guilty, like he violated something of critical importance, and could only think of the worst case scenario reaction she'd have. What was it about 8 that made him feel this way?

The soft footsteps that approached pulled him out of his thoughts, but only threw him into a whole new level of fear and anxiety. 8 stood in the doorway, leaning against one of the doorposts, arms crossed. Her pink tentacles, curled up just below her shoulders, having a more noticeable sheen from the water. She was wearing a white tank top with a red collar, and had black sports shorts with a white edge along the hem. Her tan skin seemed to have a soft aura around it from her bath. She watched 3 curiously, noticing he seemed on edge about something, "Hey there, um, good morning 3!" She flashed a small smile, her eyes closing a for a brief second. 3's head hung low, not daring to look his friend in the eye out of an odd mixture of guilt, and admittedly not wanting his brain to even approach the idea of her in the bathtub. He managed to get out a soft, "Hey." This caused 8 to frown a little as she pushed herself off the doorpost, and walked to the clearly antsy agent. "Are you ok? You seem… off." He looked up, and saw her looking down on him, and could see the concern becoming more evident in her amber eyes. His stomach started to flip-flop, and he started to debate with himself. She seemed unaware of his accidental intrusion. This should've put him at ease, but the odd guilt he felt kept building in him. His mind was buzzing, working itself more and more to decide a course of action. Then, the confusion cleared, and he decided to go with what felt like the best decision. "I'm sorry." It was soft, but clear, and his body tensed up in anticipation of what was about to come. 8 just looked befuddled at this response, "Sorry? For what?" 3's confidence in his choice quickly started to decay, as his face flushed a bright red from his cheeks to his ears. He awkwardly scratched his head below the back of his hat, "Umm…" He seemed to subconsciously refuse to continue speaking, wanting nothing more than to just hide and hope they'd both forget, but the clear curiosity on 8's face, brought on by his apology, quickly overided this decision. "Ahem, Well, you see. I… kinda… sorta walked in on you earlier." He immediately followed up by closing his eyes tightly, and tightening his body, his upper half bending over a little. She was taken aback by his actions, before she decided to focus on his statement. She mulled it over, when was he talking about, he was gone when she woke up, the only he could've seen her do anything this morning was…

With that realization, everything else fit into place. Her face mirrored his, blushing to the point that the tone her skin took from her ears to the rest of her face almost matched the color of her tentacles. She took a shy step back instinctively repositioning her arms into a crossed position over her breast without realising she did. While 3 couldn't see any of this, he could hazard a guess at her reaction pretty easily. Agonizing moments of silence passed, the octoling struggling with the wave of embarrassment that had washed over her to say something, and when she did, it just affirmed 3's worries. It was soft, almost a whisper, gradually growing a little louder, "S-so, you um, mhm, you saw me… while I- I was-" She was cut off, by the inkling, his eyes snapped open, and suddenly on his feet, his hands open and held out in front of him, causing her to just watch him in surprise, her previous nervousness temporarily forgotten. Since he had decided to let her know of the source of his guilt, he had just sat there, all wound up and regretting saying anything at all. But when she put it all together, and he could hear the shock and possible fear in her voice, something in him instantly cut through his nerves, and gave him the strength to speak honestly, if not a little too quickly. "No. Nononnono I didn't see anything, I swear to cod I just forgot my phone in the bathroom and I went in there to get it I didn't see you, I mean I did, Not all of you! I mean, I saw the end of one of your tentacles and that was it I left as soon I saw it I didn't see anything, (sigh) I promise." 8's arms hesitated a little, but slowly fell to her sides, her mouth no longer agape, but held in a straight, neutral position. She looked deeply into his eyes, her gaze had a slight edge to it as she looked him over, reading his body language, trying to see if he was telling the truth. He sounded genuine, but she was going to make sure, and ended up focusing on his eyes. She peered into his bright blue eyes, studying them intently, searching for any sign of lying, her trust in him coming into question. But all she could see was hints of shame, and complete sincerity in his gaze from below the bill of his cap. Her amber eyes quickly lost their glare, and filled with softer, kinder glow. The inkling closed his eyes again, still feeling ashamed, and waiting for 8's reaction, feeling it would probably understandable, having missed the change in her eyes. Then it happened. It was soft, but unmistakable, and caught him completely off guard, and left him dumbfounded. 8 was giggling.

He stared blankly, as the soft bubbly noise, grew into a good hearted and proper laugh, causing the octoling to raise a hand over her mouth, her body shaking a little from it all. She eventually slowed to a stop. She sighed, and wiped away a tear that was building in one of eyes from the laughter. She was enjoying the irony of it all. Not even a day ago, she was in a similar situation, except in reversed roles. Know she was the one with their head on straight. "3," she started, seeing he was reasonably confused with this response, "It's fine, it was an accident, right?" He gave a small nod, as she continued, "Then your fine. Look, I trust you." the corner of her mouth tilted upwards, "I'm glad you told me." He looked down, his face in thought. Surprisingly, his brain was trying to get him to feel frustrated. He had spent all that energy, and gone through such agonizing waiting, and had his heart in his stomach, beating furiously, for nothing. His mind surprisingly wanted nothing more, than just to shout 'really!?' But he couldn't. Her kind, trusting laughter, eased him, and made him feel the best he had all morning. So know, he looked up, and smiled, having earned 8's understanding, and smiled gratefully at the girl, "Thanks 8." The two stood there in companiotive silence, both glad that they had moved on. Then 3 went over to the kitchen, to try to figure out what they could eat for breakfast. He figured now that he could move on from his earlier blunder, he could let her know his idea for the day. "So, 8..." She had moved over to the table, and was sitting in the seat opposite of the kitchen, "Yeah?" watching him curiously. He opened a cabinet with the few appliances he had to give him suggestions for a meal. "I had an idea, I'd kinda like to show you something later. I'd think you might like, you know, it if your up for it I mean." He waited for a response, and waited a little more. "8?" He turned around. She was frozen in her seat, her hands grip frozen on her knees. But it was her eyes, that caused him concern. They were wide, and they seemed to quiver a little, altogether conveying a clear sentiment, fear.

Her breathing was quickening, faster and faster, as feelings of helplessness and fear washed over her, reliving some of her worst memories. 3 was really starting to get worried. He noticed her gaze was centered on something specific, and he turned to follow its path. It fell on the cabinet he opened, he was wondering what could possibly stir such a reaction. There was an electric beater, a strainer, and an old toaster. He was going to just ask what was going on when he caught something in the corner of his eye. There, in the corner of the cabinet, almost in the next opening, was black blender, with a clear container. His head turned in quick succession, to 8, and back to the blender, confirming his realization. Everything clicked in that instant, as he remembered that day, his hand tracing the space between his right eye and ear without him even realising it. He sighed mentally, 'Everything's going sooo well today isn't it!' he hurriedly thought. He quickly moved over to the seated octoling crouching down in front of here, to look her eye to eye, though her gaze seemed distant and unfocused now.. "8. 8! Come on!" he stopped, deciding to try not to sound so panicked. He placed a hand one of hers, on her knee, and slowly exhaled, and speaking in a softer, more calming tone, "8, you're ok, Tartar's gone, you made sure of that. Your safe, I'm here." A few tense moments passed by, when 8 flipped her hand, holding his, and gave it a soft squeeze. He returned the action, and this response seemed to help pull her out of it, her amber eyes slowly coming back into focus, her breathing slowly coming back to a normal pace. Meanwhile 3 thought about what he just said, "You're safe, I'm here." he stopped for a moment, what did he mean by that, and why did he feel determined to keep that promise and a determined sentiment around that, keeping his word no matter what might come? His momentary distraction was temporarily cast aside for now, when 8 spoke up, "H-heh," she started, her voice soft, but strong, only wavering a little a she began, "it's almost kinda funny, that's the second time you saved me from a blender." Her beak showed a little, as she awkwardly smiled a little, quickly brushing her eyes to hide the tears that were going to be shed in her panic attack. There were a few tense moments of silence, before she awkwardly added, "(sniff) Well this has been an interesting morning hasn't it?" 3 slowly nodded, awkwardly smirking ever so slightly in an attempt to ease the situation, as he started to straighten up, but 8 stopped him. She lightly pulled his hand back towards her, causing him to stop and focus on her a little off guard at this sudden movement, and unsure of the intention behind it. 8's face flushed a little, realizing what she was doing. Her face turned a little more serious as she looked at the blue tentacled inkling, the two pulled in by the other's eyes. "Thanks 3, it means a lot to me." 3 blushed a little himself at this gratitude, his brain quickly scrambling to figure out how to sound kind, but nonchalant about it at the same time. He cleared his throat, and stated encouragingly "Of course," realizing that might have come across as arrogant, he quickly added, "Uh, no problem." He felt he was quickly losing his footing, and tried to sound more confident as he finally ended, "(Mhm!) I'm glad I can help." and then he shut up, hoping he wouldn't dig himself further into the hole he thought he was pretty deep into. 8 noticed the blushing on his face, but kept it to herself, the whole morning had seemed to be one long strange incident, and didn't want to jump to any conclusions about his flushed face (even if some of those conclusions might've made her face grow hot herself) Then they both realized they were still holding hands. They let go at the same time, awkwardly chuckling a little,'Heh heh…" trying to break the awkwardness of it. 8 in particular deciding his face must've been red because of that, which to her surprise, made her feel a little disappointed. So she decided just to convey her gratitude without words, looking gratefully at the inkling agent, who in response, smiled a little, glad he was there to help her. The awkward edge that clung to the silence faded, and it became quite comfortable for a few seconds. 3 used this time to slowly move back to the kitchen, and push the blender out of sight, closing the cabinet door. This was immediately followed by the sound of the silence breaking as 8 spoke again, grinning a little as she started "Sooo, what were you saying before 3?"

They had been walking for a while, having turned away from the beaten path a while ago. She was anticipating her destination fairly eagerly. They left the apartment pretty late into the afternoon, the blue sky having a darker tone, as the sun began its decline, shadows starting to grow. 8 played with a yellow bracelet, she had among the things she collected underground. When she was putting it on, she asked her companion where they were going. He had put his headset, it's ink adjustable LEDs currently off, around his neck, just in case he needed it, and turned to face the octoling as he opened the door for her, coyly smiling, "You'll see." Now, she was trudging through the forest, tall trees surrounding her in every direction, following 3 across the leaf and branch littered floor. She could hear the distant songs of birds in the trees above them, their sweet songs cut off by the crunching of dead leaves beneath her feet. She took a few quick steps, now walking alongside the inkling, his vision focused on the area in front of him. He hadn't been this way for months, generally just busy with Squidbeak business, and then the whole thing when he went with Cuttlefish and the metro happened and… well, he just hadn't been there for a while. They forest had grown and changed a fair bit since he was last there. The small path he had once worn out when he first made it two years ago was gone, lost among the scattered leaves and branches. But there were enough that was still familiar that he could head in the right direction, or at least vaguely. He was hoping he wasn't just leading them into the middle of nowhere, when he noticed a thicket starting among the trees, slowly growing thicker and thicker in front of him. His eyes grew wider as realized where he was, stopping, and searched it carefully, his gaze landing on a group of vines that grew into a shape that vaguely resembled a arrow. He approached it, and turned his head to look at the octoling, who returned the look, a curious glint in her eyes. "We're almost there." he announced proudly, pulling aside some vines, causing the branches they were attached to to move away, revealing a path through the thicket, the clearing made possible by the branches having grown into each other to make a sort of crude archway. He nodded his head toward the archway, gesturing for 8 to go first, which she did, with a polite smile as she walked by him and through the path the thicket had made. 3 walked through, using his arm to slowly allow the plants to move back into their previous position, essential 'closing' the hidden entrance. He picked up his pace a little, to catch up with his friend, who was waiting for him, a little ways off, slowing down once he was once again side by side. The earlier part of the forest was already interesting, but now, 8 was fascinated. The winding, twisting branches above her that randomly, yet intricately intertwined, creating a strange, almost mysterious atmosphere around her. The earlier calls of birds was suddenly missing, the only sound being the crunching of leaves and twigs underfoot. Her eyes were slowly picking up more and more details as her pupils adjusted to the darker lighting around her, noticing the intricacy with which the branches and bushes grew out. Then as they turned a corner, there was a yellow light hitting shining across the ground in front of him, and 3 suddenly stopped, causing 8 to do the same her curiosity growing, were they there? As it turns out, they were, 3 walked up into the light, faced her, and looked to his left, at the sharp turn the path took in that direction. He slyly smiled, "We're here!" and bowed, moving his hands to gesture in that direction, before quickly straightening himself up, and awkwardly dropped his hands to his sides, realizing, how corny he just acted. 8 giggled a little at the silly antic and slightly shook her head, her pink tentacles swaying in response, as she gave him a silly look, easing him a little, as he sheepishly smiled in response, as she walking by him, and out of the path.

The light was blinding at first, her eyes blinking rapidly as her eyes, as her eyes were caught off guard. She raised a hand over her eyes to shield them from the overwhelming light, as her pupils dilated and she could see everything around her. She gasped a little at the sight. To either side behind her the forest suddenly cut off, giving way to a few grassy small hills that lead down to the ocean. She took a small breath, the scent of a sea breeze tickled her nostrils, as she watched water reflect the yellow glow of the declining sun. she could hear some leaves crunching behind her, prompting her to turn around, and watch 3 emerge from the tree line, "So 8, what do you- uh…." "He let his statement trail off as he stared admiringly at her. The setting sun had cast a golden glow across her clothing and tan skin, and shined a little off the top her head on her tentacles, while the wind softly blew the dangling ends of her tentacles to the side, one of them crossing just below her mouth. The long shadows across the rest of her, seemed to just add to the stunning sight. "Woah." the words so soft, that he wasn't sure if he said it or thought it. The octoling softly smiled, her amber eyes seeming to almost glow in the light as she excitedly looked at 3, "This… This is amazing 3! It's so beautiful!" However, it wasn't the environment's beauty that kept him a little tongue tied. "3, how'd you find this place?" 3 responded by continuing to just watch her, a warm glow slowly creeping into his cheeks seeing the smile on her face, and obvious excitement in her expression. Then his eyes went wide as he realized his mouth was hanging open while she was still waiting on his answer. The blushing on his face grew as he stammered to give an answer, "Oh! Yeah, I um, (ahem!) I uh, found this place when I moved to Inkopolis Square two years ago. I had a place where I could just go and think to myself in the Plaza. So when I got here, I looked, and, well, found this place. I kinda figured since your staying with me, I could show you this place too."

Fortunately the setting light had managed to hide the red glow on his face, as she turned around again to look at the sun dipping into the water, the sky taking on orange shade, with traces of pink and purple the higher you looked that seemed to douse the normally white clouds in their colors. She looked back, watching him once again slowly approach her, the sun's glow adding enhancing the yellow of his shirt, and stop once he stood to her right, and he too looked out on the edge of the hill they were on, watching the setting sun. She looked out, enjoying the calm sounds of the breeze and distant waves, then quickly glanced back at his direction, which he didn't seem to notice. She couldn't believe this inkling, would do so much for her, showing her around, and offering his home to her, he was such a kind friend and, maybe more? She sighed and averted her gaze to the left, toward the ground that dipped down, and then to another hill. She had to admit, she was open to the idea of being more than friends with him, but honestly wasn't sure if she just rather stay as good friends, or didn't want to open up, and find out he didn't feel the same. She looked back at 3, and sighed, regardless of the confusing feelings and thoughts that were beginning to fill her, he was still a kind friend, who did so much for her, and he deserved to know that. So she took a deep breath, "You know, with all that time I spent looking at those old magazines in the Metro, I always tried to imagine what the world on the surface would look like on the way to the next Station, and each time it would always be a little different." 3 turned his head to look at the octoling, the bill of his black cap now sitting over his shoulder, as she continued with closed eyes, and a gladdened expression. "But… nothing I ever could've imagined could match up with what I've seen and done since the NILS," her eyes opened, and she looked into his blue ones, adding in a softer voice, "and since I've met you." He turned his body completely in her direction. His eyebrows raised, adding to the slightly confused expression on his face that 8 thought looked kinda cute, enhanced by the headset around his neck, and backwards hat. She blushed at this realization, but nonetheless decided to try to erase any confusion at what she meant now, and hugged the inkling. Her arms wrapped around him, just under his arms, her hands on the back of his shoulders, her head next to his. His arms, at first awkwardly hanging in the air above them, his brain once again working overtime in response to this action, as his face clearly showed his nervousness. But he sighed, blocking these thoughts in his mind, and relented, smiling warmly as his arms closed around her back, and his head rested on her shoulder as he lightly returned the embrace. She moved her head back to look him in the eye, their gazes locking on, as she smiled, and rested her head against his chest. They remained in each other's arms for a little while, 3 feeling a little more hot faced as time passed. Suddenly conscious of his hands, he grew unsure of how tightly to hold onto her, not wanting to squeeze her and make her uncomfortable (physically or emotionally), or just have his hands laying their limply. So he tried to keep it somewhere in the middle, which just caused his hands to nervously twitch a little, slightly changing the intensity of his grip, causing him to panic further, and hope she didn't notice. Luckily for him, she didn't and after a few more moments, 8 moved her head back, and to a step back to break the embrace. However, her foot landed on uneven ground, and her center of gravity was thrown off. Still holding on to her, he tried to help her balance out, but to no avail, as the two fell over, and rolled down the hill like a log.

After a few bumps and grunts, they finally rolled to a stop at the bottom of the hill they looking over on. 3's eyes slowly blinked open. He lifted his slowly, shaking it a little in an attempt to shake off the slight feeling of dizziness he felt, letting out of soft "OwWw...". There was soft groan in response that seemed to come from beneath him. He propped himself up with his hands as he dipped his head down toward the source of the sound, which caused him a bit of shock. Just a few inches from his face was 8's, whose eyes were closed wincing, and his hands and knees were on either side of her body, suspending him above her.. Her two pink tentacles down the front of her head were strewn across her face. "8, you ok?" She groaned a little again, moving a hand to massage the side of her head a little, "Yeah, I'm, I'm fine, but, uh, maybe we shouldn't do that again" She laughed a little, her soreness from the fall still apparent through the chuckling. She her eyes fluttered open, her vision mostly filled with 3's head, his two longer tentacles dangling loosely in front of him know that they were no longer held down by the hat.. At first startled a little they both focused into the other's eyes for a little bit, their gazes entranced by the other's. After a few seconds that seemed to go on for minutes, 3 realized the position of the two were currently in. His eyes quickly darted up and down as he realized this, his face flushing into a similar color as 8's tentacles. Despite the low lighting, 8 noticed the shift in tone on his cheeks and ears. She looked him up and down, and then also realized the situation, causing her to mirror him, even down to the smile that straightened out into a more unsure expression. 3's embarrassment grew and his logical thinking began to shut down as a result of that.

While this awkward situation would've been an interesting development in the agent's internal quandaries over the extent of their feelings toward each other, all they could think about was something, anything cutting the awkward tension choking the air. Their prayers were answered when something landed on 8's nose. 3 jerked back in surprise, while softly 8 gasped. Her amber eyes crossed to better focus on the small winged insect, enhancing her already befuddled expression. 3 couldn't help but smile at the octoling's curiosity,shown through what he had to admit was a very cute expression. Her eyes grew wider (and caused the inkling to admire her further) as the small bug revealed a special secret. "Woah!" 8 softly gasped, watching the small creatures abdomen emit a yellow glow, illuminating her nose. 3 quickly identified the insect in a surprised voice, "It's a glowfly." he hadn't really seen or thought much about these bugs, aside from how to avoid them suring jobs at Grizzco's, so it was fascinating to watch. Almost on cue, the glowfly skittered a little, tickling 8's nose, before it spread it's wings and took off, lazily bumbling through the air, issuing another soft glow. Their eyes started to follow it's slow flight, but widened as they saw the area around them. The sun had fallen well below the horizon, leaving only a hint of orange against the ocean, as the rest of the sky had taken on a dark, violet tone beneath the full moon, and in response to that, they were surrounded by glowflies, slowly zipping through the air randomly, but beautifully contrasting the night sky with their small yellow glow.

"Whoa." The two watched the insects slowly dance through the air as they both whispered in awe to themselves. 3's eyes looked down and realized he had his chance, he carefully maneuvered himself slowly lifting his hand and leg that he ended up lying down next to 8. She rolled her head over to look at the inkling smiling a little in relief, now that the earlier situation seemed to be over. He returned the smile as he too felt some relief, but then looked up, leading him to poke her tan shoulder, and then point up. She followed the direction and felt breathless for a moment. Above them, the sky had continued to darken, allowing for celestial bodies to unveil themselves around the moon now that the light was no longer restricting them. 8's eyes spun, and she almost grew dizzy trying to soak in the quantity of small stars jeweling the navy and violet sky. They watched in quiet awe, soaking in the atmosphere. The seemed to enter a new world, one where time sped by, minutes feeling like seconds. But eventually, 3 felt a stiffness in his body, an early indicator that he should probably rest. So he sat up, his hand brushing against his fallen cap as he did so. He realized his tentacles had been dangling loosely this whole time, and sheepishly put on his hat, once again securing his blue tentacles underneath it. He heard a yawn, and then turned to see 8 slowly sit up as well. Her half closed black eyelids, and groggy mannerism also betrayed the urge of sleep that was creeping up on her. She tiredly leaned against 3, too tired to think of what he might think of her because of it, resting her head against his shoulder, the top of her head brushing against the side of his. She softly spoke, almost whispering, "It's so beautiful. Thanks, 3…. for everything." He smiled to himself, as he watched her slowly move a hand to rub the building weariness from her eyes, as he remembered 4's words to him the day before, softly relaying a paraphrased version to the octoling, "Of course 8, we agents have to stick together, always." She smiled tiredly, and let out a content, "hmmm" in agreement (though 3 didn't seem to hear it), as 3 stood up, extending a hand to assist 8 up as well, and the two slowly made their way back from their hidden spot, under a bright starry sky, guided by the sounds of night, returning to the comfort of their home.

(Author's Note cont.)

(Well that was Chapter 8. I realize It is a lot, but I feel like it all ties into the main idea of this chapter, 3's wondering of where he might/could stand with 8 and potentially vice versa. Either way, it was fun to write them in a more shippy sense (you know, since this IS a shipping story ;3) But that's all for now. I'll be back with Chapter nine in about 2 weeks, give or take a day or two. As always, don't forget to give me your thoughts, and as always, Woomy, Ngweh, Ngyes, and Veemo!