Obviously. Everyone counts on you, all the time. You talk to me sometimes about how it’s a lot of pressure…but you love what you do, regardless. Just—promise me you won’t push yourself too hard. Okay? I really mean that. [ She gives him a look that she hopes will convey what she means without

AGENT THREE!@squidb34k.bsky.social · 2mo ago

going to make his head hurt at this rate. ] Espe— hah, especially if I’m, mm, your… [ Favorite person. Is this real? Is this happening to him right now? His face feels warm. The lure on his jacket feels just that much heavier. Three’s cheeks have gone a delicate peachy color. ]

No harm in askin’, right? They can always take a break in the VIP room. Aaaand if they’re not up to it, I can be your backup plan! …Y’know, if, there wasn’t anyone else you wanted to bring instead. Hah.

Eight.@octennialagent.bsky.social · 2mo ago

[ Oh..! A gentle nudge, shoulder to shoulder. ] Do you think they would be liking? It is…a lot of noise, a lot of energy and this is fun, yes. But also.. a lot of being in the same place.

Would you look at the menu already!! [ But she’s holding in laughter as she opens her own, thoroughly enjoying the banter. ]

⠀ 𝐃𝐉 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐎.⠀@scratchinwasabi.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Don’t give me that, kiddo. ‘sides, I ain’t even lookin’ fer a fight! You said once, why not make it twice. ❪ A laugh, nudging her a little. ❫

‘Course you’re allowed! Means a lot, honestly. I’m sure you already know this, but I really admire you. [ Biting the inside of her cheek. ] And, despite everything, I’m really glad things turned out the way they did. [ She’s quiet for a moment before shaking her head and putting that signature

General "DJ" Octavio Takowasa@droppthezeabass.bsky.social · 2mo ago

< *he snickers. He really does mean it, though. Four's real vocal about her Thoughts, and they're worth listening to. She's crafty and good with people too! (Or good with him, anyways...) Half'a these things I've never seen before... They got anything spicy?

[ The corners of her lips begin to curl up. ] You lookin’ for a spar, grandpa? And after I took you out to lunch ‘n everything?

⠀ 𝐃𝐉 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐎.⠀@scratchinwasabi.bsky.social · 2mo ago

❪ Following closely from behind, squinting at her once the response took its time to sink in and reaching over to tap her shoulder. ❫ Once, eh? Want me to prove my point again?

What, you’re not gonna guess? Scared of offending me? [ She laughs, giving him an arm nudge with her knuckles. Extra light. ] I’m 24. So, it’s been a while. As much as I’d love to tell you about what happens when you grow up… that’ll probably mess up some time-space nonsense, wouldn’t it? Hmm.

AGENT THREE!@squidb34k.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Not bad… just strange. Um.. [ But at least it’s real enough. She touched him. He definitely felt that against his skin. ] You look like you’ve done a lot more than I have, now. [ A vague gesture. ] How…far am I? Or, how old are you now..?

Marie’s been givin’ ‘em to you, huh? [ If she is, then that means… ] You’ve…returned from the Deepsea Metro then, I assume? [ Trying to piece together exactly where he’s at means she has to tread lightly with her words. Four remembered how long it took Three to open up to her about what

AGENT THREE!@squidb34k.bsky.social · 2mo ago

…Easing into it.

Did somethin’ happen? I’ll say. [ Four closes the distance between them. He’s still taller than her (who isn’t?), but the gap is less noticeable. No need to strain her neck. She puts her hands up, cupping his face, and then tilts his head down. . . . No tentacle scars. They’re

AGENT THREE!@squidb34k.bsky.social · 2mo ago

[ He turns to face her fully, taking a tentative step forward. Three doesn’t remember if…well, anything happened at all. She looks older, more grown up. More scarred and experienced than the Four he knows. What in the world..??? ]

Pff…who else? [ What’s with the formalities? …And why is he just standing there? Probably wants her to walk over herself. Fine then! She’ll play the game. The inkling strides towards him, tightening the hoodie around her waist. ] I’m surprised that thing still fits you! It’s cute.

AGENT THREE!@squidb34k.bsky.social · 2mo ago

..? [ Four? It sounded like her— mostly. But her voice is different than what he’s used to. He turns to look at her. Then he blinks, confused. ] Sorry? [ He blinks again, then double takes. ] Agent Four? [ Be cool. Be cool. Be COOL. ]

Three? Why’re you standin’ so far away? Get over here already! [ Squinting… ] Heh! What, are you walkin’ down memory lane? Been a while since I’ve seen you wear that.

ONCE, gramps! Keyword!! [ She turns to the host again at his words. ] Low seats, please. In fact—do you have a table low to the floor? … Yes, we’ll take the cushions. [ And off they went. ]

⠀ 𝐃𝐉 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐎.⠀@scratchinwasabi.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Then you get the point I’m makin’! ❪ While she asked the host, he took his time in having a look around this place before flicking his gaze over to four. Quite the interior! ❫ Are those seats low? Not keen on hoistin’ myself up.

I’m just sayin’, the stools at the bar are totally your vibe! [ She follows the chuckling octarian to the window seats, crossing one leg across the surface as she sits. ] And who was the one tellin’ me not to work as much, huh? [ A pause. ] I take it back. It was a lot of people, actually.

General "DJ" Octavio Takowasa@droppthezeabass.bsky.social · 2mo ago

< Those bar seats. Ain't gonna pull that one on me, kid. * he chuckles to himself, and sets his eyes on a free table by the window. Cmon! Yer gettin' slower than me, kid! Gotta put'cha on more missions.

What’s with all the yellin’…?

[ You could see the enthusiasm in her eyes as they brightened with his suggestion. ] Are you kiddin’? I’d LOVE to go! Say the word and I’m there. [ Her hearts swelled. All these years later and he’d never offered to have her visit places near his own home. …Or, his home, for that matter.

General "DJ" Octavio Takowasa@droppthezeabass.bsky.social · 2mo ago

< Better. * pausing for a bit. An old man tends to get carried away often. He doesn't branch out of his circle often. Boo hoo, how lonely. That's how he'd react, anyways. Sorry, kid. I don't mean to ramble. Feel free ta cut me off.

‘Course you can. You got me good once. Left a nasty bruise. [ Closing it behind her, asking the host for a table for two. ]

⠀ 𝐃𝐉 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐎.⠀@scratchinwasabi.bsky.social · 2mo ago

❪ Grumbling to himself a little in Octarian before making his way towards the door, speaking up. ❫ Haha, veeery funny. I may be old but I can still pack a punch.

[ Checking her nails with a grimacing expression. ] So, like. Not really sure ‘legally’ has ever stopped any of us from doing… literally anything.

💙 Orchid 🎶@captain3golem.bsky.social · 2mo ago

"I dunno if we're like.. legally allowed to launch a damn rocket into space

As if I’d leave you behind! You’re hard to miss, y’know. [ She opens the door for him, tucking a tentacle behind her ear. ] Fossils first!

⠀ 𝐃𝐉 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐎.⠀@scratchinwasabi.bsky.social · 2mo ago

❪ A huff, playfully rolling his eyes while keeping those arms crossed. ❫ Yeah, yeah. ⠀ Sure it is. Let’s go, and don’t leave me in the dust either! It’s tedious gettin’ around.

You’re funny. She says you can ask her for tickets any time! [ Gently knocking him in the ribs with her elbow. ] Hey. You wanna take Neo?

Eight.@octennialagent.bsky.social · 2mo ago

I will be.

[ Stifling laughter by covering her mouth as he rants. Glued at the mouth! She’s keeping that one on the back burner. ] Classic Gramps. You can’t be without a roast for too long. I bet that’s what makes you start to shrivel! Thank god you have me, huh? [ She doesn’t know Cuttlefish too well,

General "DJ" Octavio Takowasa@droppthezeabass.bsky.social · 2mo ago

< Or he woulda hit'cha with his cane. I think captain has a permanent bruise from his agent days, HAH! Let's go, y' slimy lil' brat. * Contrary to his words, there's lots of mirth in his voice. He follows along as told, albeit a little slow. It's hard for an octopus these days!

Yes you do. You’re pouting right now. [ Poking his cheek gently with one finger. ] It’s part of your charm, though! You give off the ‘mysterious and dark past’ vibes from your face alone. It’s totally in these days.

⠀ 𝐃𝐉 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐎.⠀@scratchinwasabi.bsky.social · 2mo ago

❪ Looking up at the sign, blinking a few times. Well…what do you know, it…kinda does? Weird. Immediately looking back in their direction, squinting. ❫ I do NOT pout, thank you very much.

fucking creighton 😭😭😭

[ She’s on the verge of tears laughing. ] ‘Creighton, come gimme a kiss!’ Oh my god. How do you do it? I’m gonna die. [ Wiping her eyes. A couple laughs remain. ] Okayokayokay. I’m serious now. (snrk.) It just opened up downtown. We’re only a short walk away.

General "DJ" Octavio Takowasa@droppthezeabass.bsky.social · 2mo ago

HAHA!! Creighton Cecelius Cuttlefish. It's real pretentious. I give you my express permission ta tease him 'bout it next time ya see him. I guess my title ain't much shorter. Where did'ja wanna go?

Uh huh. Your expression says otherwise. [ Big, toothy grin. ] Ooookay! We made it. Look at the sign! [ It’s a modern-looking lunch place with a big neon sign of an octoling in swim form. ] It’s pink! It looks like you! Except, y’know, without that big pout.

⠀ 𝐃𝐉 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐎.⠀@scratchinwasabi.bsky.social · 2mo ago

You’re already doin’ somethin’ reaaaal nice and that’s draggin’ me to– wherever you’re plannin’ on goin’.

Huh? Yes you can! Gosh. You gramps’ are all so alike. You don’t let me do somethin’ nice for ya!

⠀ 𝐃𝐉 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐎.⠀@scratchinwasabi.bsky.social · 2mo ago

You’re payin’ for an old Octarian such as myself? I can’t let ya do that.

[ Sputtering. ] Waitwaitwait. Hold the phone. CREIGHTON? Is that Cuttlefish’s full name? Oh my god. Gramps, that’s so bad. Creighton…eeeYUCK!

General "DJ" Octavio Takowasa@droppthezeabass.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Hah! I thought they were pretty good. Mostly off of the impression Creighton gave me when he shoved it down his throat faster than I've seen anyone eat anything. You lookin' fer a café or a bar? I'll pay. Would feel horrible makin' you do it.

[ Typing away at her phone. ] Mar says VIP next week. You free?

Eight.@octennialagent.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Ahh. I will be so…I am so excited…

Don’t be like that! You’ll love it! It’s on me, anyways.

⠀ 𝐃𝐉 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐎.⠀@scratchinwasabi.bsky.social · 2mo ago

❪ Is pulled along. ❫ Ah- Guess this is my life now.

Lunch!!! [ Tentacle grabbing, then pulling along. She won’t take no for an answer. ]

⠀ 𝐃𝐉 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐎.⠀@scratchinwasabi.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Lunch?

…And so, that’s why the newbie definitely took it after you! Y’know, amongst other things. [ She looks up at him once her ramble is over. Under the brim of his cap, his eyes appear closed... ] Oh shit. I did it again, didn’t I.

AGENT THREE!@squidb34k.bsky.social · 2mo ago

[ It doesn’t matter. He’s so very content to listen to her chatter and to reminisce with her. How sweet… His argument against Neo learning it from him is easily forgotten. ]