Chapter Text
As Gangle and Pomni walk through the portal, they exchange in some small talk. They both walk aimlessly, not exactly acknowledging the environment.
Pomni's hands tremble ever so slightly, remaining at her side. She seems stiff.
Gangle has her arms in her usual T-Rex position, attempting toward contributing their conversation. She has a shaky smile on her face.
Still a little dejected, Gangle hesitates before she asks,
"Do you...think that Zooble will be mad at me f..for...doing this whole thing..?" Gangle says, her voice wavering ever so slightly.
"...No? Why would they?" Pomni reassures comfortingly.
"Oh...Oh. Sorry, J..Just forget I said anything..!" Gangle says, sinking into herself a little.
"Gangle, really it’s alright. If you aren't comfortable with this, I-"
Gangle shakes her head at Pomni, and she curtly cuts herself off.
"Ah-Gangle, careful, theres water there-" Pomni points, a frantic tone to her voice.
Gangle turns around a split second too late, slipping over and falling straight onto her mask. A cartoonish sound plays as she trips, a purposeful detail Caine had added.
Frail as the mask is, it shatters, and Gangle's expression drops.
Pomni comes over without a second thought, extending her hand to help Gangle up. Her ribbon firmly wraps arround Pomnis hand, and she dusts herself off.
She cannot stop the tears that start to form below her eyes.
Theres a moment of silence before Pomni finally speaks up.
"Gangle, it's..Okay.." She tilts her head.
"I..just really wanted to be happy for this." Gangle says, her voice shaking. Tears still fall down her face.
"Just because you're not happy, doesn't mean it won't be enjoyable for you, right..?" Pomni asks, her tone softer.
"I..I know, it's just..Wouldn't you have preferred I be happy?" Gangle wipes at her tears.
"I promise i'll try to, ah...Make this a nice experience for you." She says, smiling warmly.
Gangle nods, giving her a look that says 'You too'.
"W..Why are you so sweet to me..?" Gangle asks, genuine confusion in her voice.
"Ah..Well. I really do care about you.." Pomni responds, shuffling on her feet.
"Hey, Gangle? I have a question.." She asks, waiting for Gangles nod.
"Do you know who wrote the suggestion for todays adventure..?"
"I'm really sorry Pomni, b..but I have no idea.." Gangle responds, fidgetting.
"No, no it's completely okay." She averts her gaze.
"I.. guess i wouldve liked to recieve some clarity." Pomni adds.
"M..Makes sense." Gangle states.
"H..Hey, Pomni...?" Gangle sits up a bit, nervous.
"Mhm?" She brings her gaze back to Gangle.
"..You're comfortable with all this? H..Having to kiss everyone.."
Pomni stays quiet for a bit, before replying. She fidgets.
"...Yeah. I don't exactly mind all too much, i've..Kissed plenty of people." Pomni giggles, and Gangle follows.
"G..Good to hear, 'c..cause I'm getting really nervous..." Gangle mutters quietly, pressing her ribbons to her mask.
Her cheeks are flushing.
"Hey, ah. It's going to be alright..We've got this..!"
"What if I screw it up and..And make a fool of myself..You'll hate me..."
"Gangle..I could never hate you. Even if you do, I..."
She'd swallow, Pomni's own cheeks flushing.
"..I'd still enjoy it."
Trying to deflect what she just said, she wraps her arms around Gangle, gently pulling her into a hug. Gangle clings to her back, making a noise equivalent to a squeak.
Their embrace goes on for about a minute, before they both let go.
“Pomni..? I..think im ready” Gangle says, her tone incredibly low.
"Are you sure? I want to be sure you're comfortable..”
Gangle nods, her eyes still fixed on Pomni.
"I'm really sure.."
There is a moment of awkward silence between the two.
Pomni decides to start, cupping one side of Gangle's mask.
Gangle's eyes widen a bit, yet she leans into the touch slightly.
And in her moment of bravery, she decides she's going to initiate it.
Gangle wraps one of her ribbon hands firmly around Pomni's button, causing her to pull closer. Gangle's lips meets Pomni's, gentle.
Pomni makes a muffled noise, quite caught off guard by her bravery in starting it. But she chuckles into the kiss at that.
Gangle moves her ribbon from Pomni's button to her back.
Pomni accepts the touch, without just putting up with it. Enjoying it, even.
It goes on for quite a while, surprising for both of them.
Eventually, Pomni pulls back.
Out of breath, she chuckles. Both their faces are flushed a deep pink.
"Aha. S..Sorry. How was that?.." Pomni mutters.
"I..Liked it!.." Gangle smiled shakily, also breathing heavily.
"G..Good. Hah.." Pomni brings a hand to her own cheek, before her arm falls to her side.
Caine snaps, and they're both teleported back. Pomni avoids everyone's gaze.
Gangle walks over to Zooble, still sinking into themselves.
Zooble cuts her off before she can mutter an 'I'm sorry'.
"It's alright. We'll get our turn." Zooble says, deathly quiet. They grab Gangle's hand, rubbing their thumb across the ribbon gently.
"W..When?" Gangle asks, flustered.
"Whenever you ask." Zooble's eyes squint, indicating a smile. But Gangle's face just flushes a further red.
The others don't hear Gangle and Zooble's little conversation, but Jax glances at them and rolls his eyes.
"So, how was kissing ribbons? Must've made out by how long you toook." Jax teases, crossing his arms.
Pomni shoots him a look, still quite flustered.
"Jax..." Ragatha says, looking unamused.
"What? You just can't admit that i'm right." Jax has his arms fall to his sides.
"Even so, you probably suggested-"
Bubble creeps up behind Jax, and he stiffens, straightening himself up.
"..What.." He mutters, as if he's been through war with the soap.
Bubble just passes through his body.
Jax looks between Ragatha, Pomni, and Kinger, who are all exchanging the same look. He already starts getting defensive before they open their mouths.
"WHAT?!" He throws his arms up in the air.
Caine reappears, jolly as always.
"Who's next, everypony?!" Caine asks, his tone loud.
Zooble perks up, and raises their hand.
"I am." They say, looking from Gangle to Pomni.
"Great, greaattt!" He clasps his hands together, forming a portal.
"Wait-Wait..Can I get a moment to-" Pomni is cut off, for what feels like the millionth time.
"Nope! In you two gooo." He says, bringing his wand up to his teeth and putting on his most innocent look.