The Suckling

Love Manifestation

Shiver made a beeline for Tres, who had his back turned against her as he studied over the studios' building plans. She sauntered on over, head held high and hips swaying to and fro a silent rhythm. It was all so very extra, yet the graceful demeanor she carried herself with was more for own sake rather than Tres's. If she carries herself with the same level of etiquette that's been drilled into her since birth there should be no issue.

"Hello, Tres," she said rather huskily, eliciting a flash of surprise upon her visage before she composed herself. She hadn't meant to come off sounding so eager.

Tres jumped from the sound of her voice, startled. He quickly turned around before placing his hand on his chest, sighing in relief as he spotted Shiver. "Oh! Hiya, Shiver. You startled me there."

"Shiver?" Shiver raised a brow, a coyish grin forming behind her fan. He really was such an endearing goof. "Please, we're well beyond being just acquaintances. Call me, Shiv."

"Ah, you mean it?" Tres brightened, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, if you insist... Shiv."

Shiver shuddered inwardly, eyes fluttering dreamily. "You know, for someone working security getting snuck up on isn't good for your performance review."

"Yeah, well, my situational awareness kinda goes down the tubes when I-" He let out a yawn, politely covering his mouth before smacking his lips. "When I haven't gotten much sleep."

"Oh, you poor thing," Shiver consoled, caressing his cheek. "The Captain's been working you down to the ink, hasn't she?"

"Hmm, yeah," Tres blushed at the gesture. In his bleary-eyed state he didn't realize he had leaned into her hand, treating it like the softest silken pillow. He hummed happily, closing his eyes for a spell. "Eh, it isn't so bad. I got to hang out with everyone in a massive underground bunker full of danger and discovery. Heh, I got to hang out with you..." he mumbled drowsily.

Shiver went wide-eyed and hastily pulled her hand away from Tres's cheek as if it had caught fire, snapping him out of his daze. He probably didn't mean anything by it, but his words, spoken in half-consciousness, had sent her hearts beating wildly within her chest.

"B-be that as it may," Shiver stuttered, swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat, "you need to take it easy. We can't have you collapsing from exhaustion, mister security squid."

"Heh," Tres grinned dumbly. "Thanks, mom." Shiver's expression shifted quickly from enamored to annoyed in an instant. That response had earned him a swift smack over the head with her fan. "Oof!" he groaned, rubbing at his forehead.

"Don't call me, mom," Shiver huffed, frowning. She turned away, folding her arms, side-eyeing him as he kept that stupid grin on his face, the very same that made her want to melt. Sighing, she flicked her tentacle and pointed her fan at his nose, assuming a take-charge attitude. "Listen here, I've decided to graciously lend you my help. Rejoice, for the Megalodon Mistress will lend you her aid, if only to prevent you from straining yourself any further."

Tres was taken aback by the offer, but was no less thankful about it. He let out a humble chuckle. "I'll take everything I can get. I appreciate it, Shiv."

"And I would appreciate it if you start taking better care of yourself," 'and maybe go out on a date with me,' she almost added. "Now, come on. Show me those plans, I'll help however I can."

She sidled up beside him, standing shoulder to shoulder, ignoring the heat building up from within. It was highly peculiar, for someone who purportedly rummaged around in trash all day he somehow smelled considerably less offensive than your average sweaty Inkling male. Rather, he smelled of rock and minerals, a not-at-all unpleasant earthy scent that reminds you of a summer's day. It made her want to get closer than they already were.