This chapter was actually supposed to come out yesterday but I came down with a sudden sickness and couldn't do anything the past day or two. I did however take that time trying to think over what I wanted to write for this chapter, so here we are!

(Y/N) POV

(Y/N) was walking into the main room as the Deep Cut trio were all huddled in a circle.

Ever since the Splatfest theme was announced, the three had been playing matches of Rock, Paper, Scissors. The only issue was that all three of them chose the exact same move every time based on their Splatfest teams, so it was just a never-ending stalemate.

(Y/N): You three know it doesn't matter how many times you try it, it's going to be the same outcome every time, right?

Frye: No no no, because rock breaks scissors and then paper covers rock.

Shiver: Frye, don't be ridiculous. Rock would tear through both of them.

Big Man: Ayy! (The scissors are made of metal, so they wouldn't break so easily!)

(Y/N): I think you three need to reevaluate how this game is played.

He said while leaning on the back of the couch.

(Y/N): I'm also shocked Big Man can even throw scissors with his flippers.

Big Man: Ayyy. (It took a bit to figure out, but that's why no one expects me to do it.)

Shiver: That... is actually quite the devious move, Big Man... Well played.

Frye: Which team do you plan on going, (Y/N)?

(Y/N): Undecided for now.

Frye: What a copout...

(Y/N): I am leaning toward rock or paper though.

Frye and Shiver then smirked in Big Man's direction.

Big Man: Ay? (What's wrong with scissors?)

(Y/N): Sorry, Big Man, but scissors are only something to throw when going against someone pretty smart at the game. Most people throw rock as their first move, so paper is the best starting move. Worst case, they thought about that too, and just both of you threw paper.

Big Man: Ay? (Then what about rock?)

(Y/N): As I said, it's the usual first move for a reason. And I mean, it's a rock, so realistically it should destroy both.

Shiver: Glad someone sees the vision.

She said with a victorious smile behind her fan.

Big Man just sighed understanding that scissors would probably be the least popular. But then he pumped himself back up knowing that he could still make up for it with the actual matches.

(Y/N) just patted Big Man on the back to encourage his fighting spirit.

Shiver and Frye then looked at each other and then at (Y/N).

Frye: So, what'll it take to come over to the winning team?

Shiver: Choosing Team Rock.

Frye glared at Shiver.

Frye: Nuh uh, Team Paper's gonna be taking home the gold!

Shiver: You can entertain that idea until the results come in.

Frye grumbled under her breath.

Shiver: So, have you taken any time yet to listen to some of our music?

(Y/N): Yeah, I was listening to some last night. Honestly, I'm pretty impressed.

Frye: Of course you would be. Deep Cut are the freshest out there!

Shiver: We've had plenty of years to practice our superiority.

Big Man: Ayy. (I do a pretty good job if I say so myself.)

Shiver: Now the real question. Are ya ready to hear the new song we have prepared for the Splatfest?

(Y/N): It's a brand-new song?

Frye: Of course it is! If we're gonna go out on a grand stage like that, we've got to hit their ears with the best we have to offer!

Shiver: Big Man spent a lot of time getting the music to come together just right and not like a mess and clash of tons of different noises.

Big Man: Ayy... Ay! Ay. (I didn't think I was going to make it at some points... but it turned out great! All thanks to Frye's idea.)

(Y/N): Frye's idea?

Big Man: Ayyy. (Frye had the idea to take old traditional school songs and dances so they could be combined into something entirely new.)

(Y/N) turned to Frye, impressed at how she came up with such an interesting idea for their music.

(Y/N): I've got to say, it's a Deep Cut original take that I'd be excited to hear.

Frye just smirked and had her arms crossed and eyes closed while looking very proud of herself.

Frye: Sometimes my genius is... it's almost frightening.

Shiver: So, ya think you're ready to hear how it sounds?

(Y/N): Are you sure? If it's a new song, wouldn't it be bad if it got out beforehand?

Frye: Naaaw, we trust you. Besides, we need to practice it a bit anyway since it'll be the first time we'll be performing it for people. It'd be great to have a bit of reception for what to expect.

She said while shaking her shoulders up and down while leaning in close to him.

(Y/N): Okay, yeah, I'll admit, I am excited to be the first one to hear it.

Shiver: Excellent! Big Man, set up the equipment while we get ready.

Big Man nodded while going to get everything set up in the room they used to practice music in, due to its thick walls.

Frye: Also, ya might want to hold onto your socks, because we're definitely gonna blow them off!

She said with a hop and a skip that made (Y/N) smile at the excitement of it all as they made their way to the room.

~~~

The three hadn't even broken a sweat while practicing the song, aside from Big Man who was clearly anticipating (Y/N)'s reaction to the song he put so much work into

Frye: Well, whaddya say?

Shiver: Killer, isn't it?

(Y/N): What do I say?! It was amazing! It's got a sound to it that I can't explain and sounds so unique. And when the chorus kicks in, it all immediately blends together perfectly!

Big Man sighed in relief having heard such a positive outcome and was finally able to relax.

Frye: Woah, that's a lot of words. Didn't take ya for such a musical nerd on top of being a technology wizz.

(Y/N): I just got to understand a bunch of this sort of stuff. I had some friends who were big on music, so I ended up learning about the stuff a good deal.

Shiver: So, what are you? Some kinda of jack of all trades then?

She said in a teasing manner.

(Y/N): I guess you can say that, but the point is, this song is going to blow everyone away during the Splatfest.

Shiver tried to hide her smile behind her fan at his praise but Frye quickly pulled Shiver and Big Man into a hug.

(Y/N) gave a laugh seeing at how Shiver had been blindsided by Frye's hug, and how she had managed to pull Big Man in as well.

Frye: What're you laughing at? You get in here too!

(Y/N): With your strength? I don't know if that'd be a good idea.

He said jokingly.

Frye: Nah, get over here!

Frye tried to pull him in but she couldn't catch him while holding the other two in the hug, so she let the hug end there.

(Y/N) felt a bit sad seeing her slightly upset reaction at her not being able to catch him, but that was quickly caught off guard by Big Man picking up (Y/N) into a hug that nearly took his breath away before the other two once again joined in for a big group hug.

And with Big Man's hug being that strong, he definitely was glad that Frye, who seemingly pulled in someone strong like Big Man, hadn't been the one to get ahold of him.

That said, he did enjoy the group's moment and just accepted it.

Shiver quickly broke off though.

Shiver: Okay, enough of all that. I think my skin will get agitated if I hug three times in a single day.

The others then also stopped.

Frye: Shiver, you know no one's falling for your little "cold-blooded" thing anymore.

Shiver just faced away from them while recomposing herself.

Shiver: I don't have any idea what you're talking about.

She then turned around to face (Y/N) again.

Shiver: And as for you, decide what team you're joining for the Splatfest. Don't keep us waiting.

(Y/N): You only want me to pick because you want to use me as ammunition for which team is the best.

Shiver: Depends on the team you pick...

(Y/N): Fine, I'll pick a team by tonight. Just don't try and guilt me into choosing your teams.

Big Man: Ayy. Ay. Ay! (Just pick whichever team you want. They're more just amped up about running the Splatfest more than anything right now. I mean, I am too!)

Big Man spoke with the jolliest of smiles on his face.

Big Man: Ayy. Ay? (I'm going to get started on dinner now. What do you all want?)

He asked as everyone was leaving the room.

Frye: Ooh! OOH! Can we have cake?

Big Man: Ay... Ayy. (Frye, that's a dessert... we can have that after the Splatfest is over to celebrate.)

Frye: I'll take it! Ya better keep your word, Big Man!

Shiver: Make us something hot. A great meal is one you can feel burning your tongue.

Frye: The fact you have any taste buds left alive is a miracle...

Frye said with an eye roll and a smile.

(Y/N) meanwhile decided he wouldn't keep them waiting and decided he'd go choose a Splatfest team right now. He'd use the time it takes to walk to the city center to think of which Splatfest team he wants to join as this first Splatfest in a new place.

(Y/N): I'm fine with whatever. I'm going to go out for a little bit though. I'll be right back.

Big Man: Ay, ayy. (Okay, but don't take too long so it doesn't get cold.)

Shiver: Frye will eat your food before it gets the chance to get cold.

Frye: You've been warned, so don't blame me if you're not back fast enough.

Frye said with a teasing grin while glaring at him.

(Y/N): I won't, don't worry, it won't take long.

He said as he went to leave, now already trying to think about which team he'd pick.

~~~

Shiver POV

Shiver and Frye were grabbing the curry Big Man had made for all of them. Frye even was already aiming at (Y/N)'s food and reaching over for it.

Shiver smacked her hand that was reaching over for it.

Frye: Ow, I wasn't gonna do it!... I was just... making sure his was alright.

Shiver: Mhm. At least finish your own before you steal his.

Frye: Fine...

She said as she took a bite and enjoyed the flavor of the food.

Frye: Big Man, this curry is the best.

Shiver took a second to blow on her bite before eating it and taking a moment to savor it.

Shiver: I've gotta agree with her, you've outdone yourself once again, Big Man.

While Shiver was enjoying her food and complimenting Big Man's cooking, Frye had snuck a bite off of (Y/N)'s plate before Shiver could stop her.

Frye just snickered at Shiver since she had snuck that one past her.

They heard someone come in, presumably (Y/N) be back already.

Shiver: You're lucky you got back this quick, it was almost too late for your dinner.

Once he was in sight of them, the three all looked at him and noticed the shirt he was wearing was a Splatfest Tee.

They all took a moment to note the team choice as well. Big Man resigned himself knowing it wasn't going to be his team. Frye looked annoyed over at Shiver while Shiver just gave a victorious smile over at Frye while Shiver took another bite of her food.

Frye: I'm taking another bite off his plate...

1883 Words

January 27, 2024 - 12:28 A.M.