Work Text:
Love Prevails
“Don’t get cooked, stay Off The Hook!” The red ‘On Air’ sign turned off as the inkling-octoling duo ended on their signature poses. They had just finished their final broadcast for the ‘Money vs Love’ Splatfest, with love taking the victory.
“Good work girls! That’s a wrap!” A jellyfish called out from behind the cameras. The idols relaxed their postures, feeling relieved that their work was done for the day.
“That was a hype Splatfest yo!” The short inkling grinned, hopping side to side and shaking off the stiffness. “Got my ink pumping!”
“See Pearlie,” She looked over to the direction of the voice to see her octoling partner happily jog over. There was a big smile on her face. One that never failed to give Pearl butterflies. “Love conquers all!”
“Money is still the best Rina and I’ll prove it!” They began to walk out of the studio together, continuing their little disagreement.
It was pretty early in Inkopolis Square. Everyone had returned home after a weekend of fun and turf wars. Not a single soul was left in sight. The aftermath of Splatfests were always like this. But it was nice. It meant that the couple could have some alone time. Exactly what Pearl wanted…
“I thought my team had it for sure!” She folded her arms, walking alongside Marina. “Money can buy ANYTHING!”
“Not true! Money can’t buy you happiness!”
“Yeah it can!”
“No-” Something cold fell onto Marina’s nose as she flinched. She glanced up to the sky to see drops of water starting to fall all around them. “Rain? I left my brella at the studio!”
“Let’s just head to cover for now Rina!” Pearl grabbed her coat, from around her, then jumped up to place it on the octoling’s head. Marina held in place with one hand while her girlfriend grabbed her other hand and pulled her to safety.
The two of them watched as the rain got worse from under the stage. There was no way they could get home in this weather. Marina was sitting on the steps that lead up to the lobby, while Pearl was standing in front of her. Almost like a bodyguard of sorts.
“I’ll call Brine to come pick us up!” She got out the newest model of the sea cucumber and started tapping away before putting it to her ear. “Yo Bri! Can you come get us? An hour? Got it.” She hung then sighed. “It’s gonna take a bit Rina, rain is causing traffic.” She looked back at her with a smile. “Good thing I’m rich eh? Coulda been worse.” There was silence. “Yo! Earth to Rina! You still there?”
“...Does money mean that much to you?” Pearl heard the change in Marina’s voice instantly. It was sad. The last time she sounded like this was when she spoke about her past. “Do I even… mean anything to you?” Both of them immediately froze. Marina realised what she was saying while Pearl just stared in shock. It hurt hearing her like this. After everything they’d been through, their first meetings, the ups and downs. She couldn’t believe she was hearing this. “I-Ignore what I said!” Marina tried to run out into the rain. However, her hand was quickly caught, stopping her from proceeding further.
“Rina. You know how much you mean to me. You’re my best friend. I can’t be Off The Hook without ya, no. I wouldn’t want to be Off The Hook without ya! You mean everything to me and I won’t let a stupid splatfest ruin that! I’m sorry I made ya think that way. I got too carried away.” Marina couldn’t hold it back anymore. She burst into tears as she turned and went into her friend’s arms. She shook her head.
“I’m so sorry Pearlie.” Her voice was shaky. “I said hurtful things to you during the broadcast. I called you a monster and said the richest people are the loneliest and-”
“It’s okay Rina.” Pearl rested her hand on her head as she gently rubbed it, her other one hugging her. They stayed like this with the rain filling the silence.
As Marina’s tears stopped, so did the rain. Revealing the sun, which was joined by a beautiful rainbow in front of them. Pearl beamed. “Follow me.” She held Marina’s hand again as she pulled her up onto the splatfest stage. The green octoling stopped in her tracks, gazing at the multicoloured lights in the sky. It brought a smile to her face. “So beautiful.” Her eyes couldn’t pull away from the rare phenomenon.
“This is my chance!” Pearl reached into her dress pocket. “I know you said money can’t make you happy. But…” Marina looked over to see her best friend on one knee beside her. She was taken aback. “What if I wanna make someone else happy with it?” The rapper took out a little box then opened it up, revealing a beautiful ring with ‘Pearlina’ engraved in it.
“Huh?” The ends of the octoling’s tentacles and fingers went a bright pink. The same pink used in the Splatfest.
“Hit it!” A group of musicians appeared below as they gave Pearl a beat.
“I’m so happy,
You’re in my life,
Now I want you,
To be my wife.
Marina Ida,
I’m on my knees,
Will you please,
Marry me?”
Tears filled Marina’s eyes as she covered her mouth with her hands. She was speechless. She just couldn’t form words. The happiness she was feeling right now was unexplainable. Inexpressible. She nodded repeatedly as she put her left hand out in front of her now fiancee.
“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Pearl slid the ring onto Marina’s finger then stood up. Her amber orbs gazed up at her girlfriend’s own green and peach. They leaned in closer, Pearl going on her tiptoes, as they went to kiss each other. Marina couldn’t stop crying tears of joy. She wished this could last forever. This moment, being with Pearl. She never wanted it to end. They pulled away after a while then watched the rainbow while holding hands.
“You were right Rina, love does prevail. But money makes it even better.”