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"[I am sorry this is the only way I can communicate with you, Callie. Even when we are in the same room]""Aww, don't sweat it, Dedf1sh! I'm fine with doing all the IRL talking. You know, I usually talk Marie's ear off whenever I'm invited to her podcasts!""[Yes, I am aware. I was able to study those Sunken Scrolls your comrades of Squidbeak collected, and a snippet of one of your cousin Marie's podcasts was among them]""Oh my cod, I forgot that was one of them!"It took a couple months, but Callie is finally on casual speaking terms with Dedf1sh: the "sanitized" DJ New Squidbeak Splatoon found in the Deepsea Metro. After they pumped Calamari Inkantation through Deepsea Metro's speakers, they didn't expect to find any cognizant denizens. But a sole distress signal proved them wrong. What they didn't expect was for the originator to be mute. Well, not clinically mute."So, I've been wondering, Dedf1sh: can you actually speak? Or did the sanitization actually remove your vocal chords or something?" Callie asks, genuinely curious.Dedf1sh took a while staring at her tablet before typing "[... No, the sanitization didn't do anything drastic like that. It is more like it... muted my mind? Being the only test subject that has regained consciousness is an interesting experience, as it's never happened before.]""Oh, the sanitization must have been terrible." Callie empathized, being under something similar around the same time. But she presses with her original question. "So, can you actually speak?"Dedf1sh takes an even longer time to respond. So long that Callie worries she may have stepped over a boundary she didn't see. But Dedf1sh does eventually respond."[Yes, I have tried a couple times in private. But I have yet to form coherent sentences. My voice is very hoarse from disuse, so it may be a while before I can speak normally.]""I see... well, can I be the first to hear your voice?" Callie asks apprehensively, fearing she's asking too much.Callie could almost imperceptibly hear a chuckle come from Dedf1sh's mouth as she's typing away on her tablet. "[I'll be sure you are, Callie. It's the least I could do for my first friend above ground.]" "Friend?!?" A strong paroxysm of joy shoots through Callie's body. She definitely thought she was considered an acquaintance from the sanitized DJ, but friend? That's more than Callie could have ever hoped for in the short time span of knowing Dedf1sh. .On her way home from Dedf1sh's apartment, Callie has time to ruminate on this revelation. "Hmm, friend..." While elated that Dedf1sh would think of her this way, a part of her almost feels...dejected? "I'm happy we're close enough to be considered friends, but..." Callie can't pinpoint the exact reason she feels this way, so she consults her cousin Marie when she gets home.."You're in love with them, aren't you?" Marie asks Callie, after hearing Callie's entire explanation."Who?" Callie asks, feigning ignorance."You know who, the Octarian DJ." Marie states, in her usual deadpan demeanor. "Octavio? That guy kidnapped me for squid's sake, Marie!" Callie laughs off the notion, not making eye contact. "Stop this, Callie. You wanted my help, correct?" Marie reminds, crossing her arms across her chest."Mmgh..." Callie slumps in her chair, head in her hands."Say it." Marie presses like a disapproving mother, knowing her child has stolen something."I... think I'm in love with Dedf1sh..." Callie finally admits. "Oh cods, now all my meet-ups with her are going to be so awkward! You know I can't hide my feelings once I know them, Marie!""Aww, cheer up, Cal." Marie chuckles, getting up. She walks beside Callie's hunched form and puts a reassuring hand on her cousin's back. "I'm sure your meetings aren't going to be that bad.""But it's true! Any time a topic about affection will come up, my face will turn as red as Agent 8's tentacles!" Callie shudders, imagining the shocked expression of Dedf1sh when she learns the truth."Why don't you slowly convey your feelings to her?" Marie suggests, trying to dig her cousin out of the hole she's currently residing in."What do you mean?" Callie asks, listening to any voice of reason."Do little things when you're with her. Compliment on small things, like her nail polish. Reassure her that she's a great conversation partner and friend." Marie lists off before getting a big idea. "Ooh, I've got a good one! Valentine's is coming up. How about you give her some chocolate?""Chocolate...?" Callie blanches, imagining all the little inkling's honmei chocolate she's rejected. The eyes full of tears as they run off... "Oh for Cod's sake..." Marie rolls her eyes, knowing Callie is thinking of the worst situation possible. "It doesn't have to be 'true love' choco, Cal. If she's apprehensive, say it's obligation.""Okay... okay I'll do it!" Callie's fists clench as she stands up, determination in her voice. "Need any help?" Marie smirks.Callie takes a moment before shaking her head. "No, I'll make them myself. The whole point is the feelings, right?" "Aww, she's growing up..." Marie thinks, proud of her cousin. "Well let me know if you need any help, okay?" She watches as Callie walks into their kitchen, listing off her ingredients. Marie then realizes something concerning. "... I'm going to have to be the mediator for these two, aren't I?" .
The Fateful Day...
.Callie arrives at Dedf1sh's apartment as always. But this time with a special package at the bottom of her handbag. One that could make (or break) this relationship with the sanitized DJ she's so infatuated with."Heya, Ded!" Callie has recently been calling Dedf1sh this little nickname. Ever since Dedf1sh has called her a 'friend' she has gotten a little bolder with her affection. But Dedf1sh hasn't been reacting to any of the changes; though she doesn't usually react to many things."[Good afternoon, Callie.]" Dedf1sh types on her tablet. Both girls move to their usual chatting spot, one noticeably more nervous than the other."Um... I really like the nail polish you have today, Ded!" Callie attempts to use her cousin's words of wisdom.Dedf1sh appears confused, staring at one of her hands before typing. "[Isn't my nail polish the same as always? Regardless, thank you.]" "Your wisdom isn't helping, Marie!" Callie kicks herself, not expecting flirting to be this difficult. Reflexively, she changes the subject. "Do you know what today's date is, Ded?"Dedf1sh swipes through some tabs on her tablet, looking for the calendar app. "[February 14th, why?]"Callie takes a deep breath while rummaging through her handbag and commenting: "Well, in Inkling culture, on February 14th we have a tradition where we give chocolate to..." Callie pauses "... close friends and the like! And I decided to make you some!" Fingers crossed, she places the chocolate in Dedf1sh's lap.Dedf1sh picks up the chocolate and inspects it, not motioning towards her tablet.Callie starts getting nervous. "Do... do you not eat chocolate?"Dedf1sh continues to stare at the chocolate.Sweat beads start appearing on Callie's forehead. "If-if you don't want to accept it, it's fine!"No response. "Abort, abort! Idols and children first! I need to get outta here!" Callie panics, gets up and makes up an excuse to leave. "U-um! I actually remembered I have a meeting this afternoon, I have to leave now! Let me know what you thought of the chocolate if you eat it, yeah?"No response. "Carpcarpcarpcarp." Callie feels tears stinging her eyes as she power walks towards the front door, not noticing the movement behind her. And the clattering of something falling to the ground. Like a tablet...As Callie has her hand on the front door, she feels an oddly cold, yet warm hand on her other. She turns around to see Dedf1sh has caught up to her, still holding her chocolate. But her tablet is nowhere to be seen. She looks like she's debating about doing something."Ded? Something wrong?" Callie dumbly asks, knowing Dedf1sh can't respond without her tablet.Dedf1sh clears her throat a couple times. Then a cough. Then clears it some more."Ded?" Callie wonders what's going on, staring at the hand around her wrist.Dedf1sh takes a deep breath, and gets a bit closer to Callie before whispering:"... Thank... you, Callie..."Three words. All Dedf1sh could muster is three little words before resorting back to coughing. Her voice was understandably hoarse and rough, but had a touch of softness to it.And it was the most beautiful noise Callie has ever heard in her life. The same shocks of joy she felt when Dedf1sh called her a friend came back tenfold, and Callie had trouble standing up. She wanted to sing, run, jump for joy, all at the same time.Callie puts on the biggest smile she's had this entire week as she opens up the front door. "You're very welcome, Ded! Seriously, lemme know if you like it, okay? Later!" Callie waves during her departure, signaling to the DJ. Dedf1sh waves her off, still holding the chocolate.Callie keeps the smile the entire time as she skips back towards her and Marie's apartment, clad with good news.."Oh, you're back so early, Cal." Marie welcomes a still elated Callie back to their apartment. She stares at her practically vibrating cousin before commenting:"I'm guessing it went well?"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Callie has been feeling much more confident after the successful Valentine's Day mission. Not only have her feelings been correctly conveyed, at least somewhat; but she also heard Dedf1sh's voice for the first time.
"Thank you, Callie."
Callie spent that day in bed falling asleep to those words playing on repeat. Every time she remembers that phrase, she notices another little detail. The shudders of breath from Dedf1sh's mouth as she calms herself to speak. The roughness of her voice from years of disuse.
And her name, spoken for the first time from Dedf1sh's lips. She never thought of her name as anything special. Sure, it was one half of the famous "Squid Sisters", but no announcer could compare to Dedf1sh. Even Marie, her own cousin, now had competition for whom Callie wants to hear her own name from the most.
Callie happily replays that moment over and over in her head as she heads over to Dedf1sh's apartment, wondering when she will hear the sanitized DJ's voice again.
"[Good evening, Callie.]" Dedf1sh greets from her tablet, as usual.
"Aw."
Though the outcome was a little obvious, Callie can't help but feel a bit disappointed. Perhaps it may be a while before she hears it. But still, she responds in earnest.
"Heya Ded! I'll be bothering you again for a couple hours." Callie greets, flashing a toothy smile.
Callie hears a faint chuckle come from Dedf1sh's mouth as she's typing. "[Never think that you're a bother, Callie. Our conversations are always a treat.]"
"I swear, this girl's going to give me a heart attack."
Callie calms her heartbeat as she and Dedf1sh make their way to their regular communing spot. "Did you have a taste of my Valentine's chocolate, Ded?" She asks, hoping for some feedback; positive, if at all possible. Marie didn't have to suffer through multiple iterations for nothing.
"[I found your confectionary quite enjoyable, Callie. Might I ask where you purchased it from?]" Dedf1sh types, surprising Callie.
"Purchased?" Callie repeats the verb, confused as to why Dedf1sh would think she'd give her candy from a store.
"[Yes. I did some research after tasting it and came up with nothing. I was thinking of purchasing more.]" Dedf1sh continues to type, not noticing Callie's change in countenance.
Callie calms herself before revealing "Oh I... I made it." Callie subtly bites her lip, afraid of Dedf1sh's reaction. Will she be disheartened that she can't purchase more?
Dedf1sh takes a second from typing to glance in Callie's direction, whom averts her gaze. Another chuckle is heard as she types "[I see. That would explain why it was so delicious. I will take heed of that and save the rest for special times.]"
"Your sacrifice was not in vain, Marie!"
Callie tries her best not to show the immense joy she just received from hearing Dedf1sh's compliment. The pure amount of ecstasy from your hard work bearing fruit, especially from your crush, can not be measured. It takes Callie a while before she can reply. "If you like, I'd be glad to make you more sometime!" Callie offers, still recovering from the initial dopamine rush.
.
A couple of casual topics wile away the hours. The weather, the recent Splatfest results, even a couple funny things Callie and Marie do in their free time. Then Callie asks a question that's been bugging her since the beginning of their encounter.
"So why are you back to speaking on your tablet, Dedf1sh?" Callie asks, staring at the piece of tech Dedf1sh has been communicating with the entire time.
Callie notices a very abrupt change in posture from Dedf1sh, who becomes stiff as a board. She knows this is an uncomfortable topic for the sanitized DJ, but Callie is steadfast in hearing her speak again.
Dedf1sh's expression turns stony as she types: "[My actions on Valentine's Day were unprecedented, Callie. I do not know what came over me. I had to keep the chocolate safe and stop you, and had no hand for my tablet.]"
"Aww, so no more talking?" Callie's response is childlike, but underneath is the dread of never again hearing Dedf1sh's sweet voice.
Dedf1sh's stony facade falters. "[My... my voice was terrible. I need much more time and practice before I can comfortably speak.]"
"I don't think it was terrible at all! In fact…" Callie trails off and places a hand on Dedf1sh's, which is holding her tablet. Callie could swear she felt it tremble in uncertainty. "I thought your voice was very sweet, Dedf1sh. I'd love to hear it more. Maybe think of our meetings as a practice session?" Callie tries to deliver her praise with as much sincerity as possible.
Dedf1sh stares at her tablet, then Callie, then the hand resting on hers. "I-" She starts, but is immediately cut off by a series of rough coughs. She takes a moment to collect herself, puts her tablet on her lap and holds Callie's hand in her own before whispering "... I'll try for you, Callie."
It will take the whole night before Callie descends from the cloud nine she's currently residing in.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"Welcome back, Callie." Marie greets her cousin as she returns from Dedf1sh's apartment. "I swear, every time you return, you're more happy than the last time.""Eheh, well can you blame me?" Callie responds in a rhetorical manner as she puts away her coat."Okay, consider my interest peaked, Cal." Marie states as the cousins make their way back into their own apartment. "Why do you enjoy your time with this DJ, anyways?"This question makes Callie stop in her tracks. "You... you want to talk about love lives, Marie? You never want to touch the topic, usually!""Like I said, my interest has been peaked." Marie reiterates, crossing her arms. "This is the first friend you proactively go out to hang with, and the first you've, heh, acquired feelings for." Marie watches as Callie squirms after the mention of 'feelings'. "Still getting used to them, huh?" "Well, if you don't mind sitting with me while I gush about Dedf1sh..." Callie teases sheepishly, worried she'll be talking her cousin's ear off."I've got the time." Marie says as she gets comfortable, knowing Callie will have a bunch to say about the Octarian DJ. "So spill it.""Okay, so first off: what attracted me to her at the start was her appearance. Unlike Three, Eight, and Gramps, we had personally never seen a sanitized Octoling before." Callie starts off."Yeah, Three was a little hesitant to trust her." Marie recalls practically stopping the Agent from splatting Dedf1sh right there and then when they found her in the Metro. "But a little encouragement from Eight warmed Three up to her.""Yup, her features are super unique. The green skin, different from all other Octolings. And her beautiful purple tentacles, which perfectly frame her face." Callie lists off, slipping more and more into dreamland. "And how they turn red on the tips! You think that was her previous color pre-sanitization?""Yeah, yeah, I know what she looks like." Marie waves off Callie's list, attempting to get her back on topic. "How about her eyes?""Eyes?" Callie questions, then thinks deep about it. "I... I've actually never seen them. They're always hidden behind her shades..." Callie's shoulders droop, disheartened that there's a feature of Dedf1sh that's unknown to her."Something for the future then." Marie comments. Sensing she's brought down the mood with the topic, Marie changes the subject. "Anything else besides appearance?""Oh, tons!" Callie perks right back up. "She has so much knowledge on music composition! I swear I learned more from her than the many years I spent studying music theory ." Callie practically spits out the last words, not wanting to have to return to her cursed college books again."I suppose she would have a lot of knowledge concerning that. We really only focused on lyric composition and singing, but she created her own music down in the Metro." Marie remarks, surprised Callie would actually talk to Dedf1sh about these types of topics. "All of this doesn't sound like 'crush' material, Cal. What made you fall for her?""I'm getting to that, Marie! Lastly, she's a great conversationalist!" Callie pipes up, getting to one of her best points about Dedf1sh. "Her way of communicating is... odd, but she keeps the conversation going no matter the topic.""Right, the tablet thing..." Marie recalls Dedf1sh's use of the tablet for 'talking'. "And it's not awkward?""Not at all!" Callie remarks. "Though a lot of the time I'm lost in thought staring at her as she types." Callie laughs to herself, recalling her own idiocy. "She keeps a cool demeanor no matter what she's typing..." "Ah, here it is. The reason why she always returns here practically floating off the ground." Marie smirks, getting to the crux of Callie's infatuation. Finally; time to tease her. "Ohh, you get lost in her demeanor?""It-It's not just that!" Callie hotly retorts, feeling the blush forming. "She's actually said a lot of really sweet things recently! And the tablet thing!" Callie forgot to tell Marie of her most recent discoveries. "I've actually got to hear her speak! Like, from her mouth!""Is that so?" Marie comments, curious as to why Callie thinks this is such a great discovery. Sure, hearing the DJ speak is pretty big, but she has to ask: "Why is this important?""Well, y'see, her voice is very hoarse and rough from disuse, being sanitized and all. And the words that do come out..." Callie pauses, clasps her hands together and tucks them between her legs. "Are faint, but really sweet and soft..." A huge blush forms around Callie's cheeks.Marie is dumbfounded. There's no way her cousin is falling more for this DJ because of her speaking. "I mean, it may be because she's on her tablet most of the time, so the few times she actually does speak are special. And every time I repeat those phrases in my head I always get this warm, tingly feeling throughout my body..." Callie closes her eyes and thinks of the now multiple times Dedf1sh has spoken.Marie decides to tease her cousin some more. "Oh, and what phrases are these?" She asks, expression in a knowing smirk."None of your business." Callie suddenly turns away, pouting at her cousin."Alright, fine." Marie shrugs and returns to her position. "So what's the next plan of action?""Action?" Callie is surprised. She just finished talking her heart out and now Marie wants to discuss plans ?"Yeah, you want to get your feelings across, right?" Marie asks, now more motivated to help her cousin out.Callie thinks for a moment before remembering that one topic that made her uneasy. "Well, it may not be getting my feelings across; but since we were on the topic of 'eyes' earlier..."