Artist's Description
Bubble’s eyes went wide for a moment, looking up at Mako…the Orca Pony pod proposed to Mako that he should join them. All the doubting thoughts Bubble had were starting to get stronger. She stepped away from him for a moment, turning away from him so he couldn’t see the panic on her face. She played with her hair nervously, her ears folded back…. After a moment, her ears perked back up and she turned to him again, smiling.
Bubble: That’s great! Wonderful even, I’m happy for you!
Mako: looks a bit confused and caught off guard It is.. small smile, but it falters a bit I mean.. I've been wondering what it's like out there, but.. pauses to look out at the ocean …I'm not entirely sure. I said I’d think about it.
Bubble’s ear have a twitch as that annoying voice came back.
“He's leaving for HER..!”
She rubbed her face, letting out a soft sigh.. they just found these Sea Ponies, the other half of who Mako is.. who knows when they’d see them again, if at all.
Bubble: I think you should go.. Mako turns to her, looking a bit surprised I-I mean, you've been on land your whole life. This opportunity isn't going to show up often, you should take them up on it… trails off
Mako: ear twitches a little, turning back to the ocean to hide the concern and twinge of hurt on his face. … I’ll think about it. Swiftly turning to go into the bridge and start turning the boat around, thinking “I should be more excited than this…. Why aren't I…?”
When he was out of view, Bubble sat down, leaning against the wall. her ears drooped as she let out a tremble that she was holding in. She'd curl her knees up to her chest, and lay her head on them.. she didn't think it would hurt that much to say that.
On the way back it was really quiet on the boat. Getting to the docks the sun was starting to set, they were out there longer than they thought they were. Mako would tie up the boat, having the same chilled face.. then he'd call out to Bubble if she wanted to spend a few hours at his place to rest for a while. She was gathering her things, rubbing at her eyes, clearing them from tears and sleep. She went to pick up the basket of food and realize that there was still some food from lunch left over. Walking up to the dock she said that she should put the food in the fridge before it goes bad. Mako replied saying he'll have some later..
When in the kitchen to put it in the fridge, after closing the door Bubble felt his arms wrap around her and his face nuzzling against the back of her head, purring and growling softly, but there's a slight whimpering squeak in his throat. Bubble blushed softly, the pit of her stomach twisting at the sound. She lay her hands on his, gently loosening his grip… she spins around to face him, gently cupping his face and nuzzling her sad face against his. Nuzzling back Mako gently put a hand over one of hers. He had his eyes shut tight.
Mako: … I don't know what to do… lets out a shuttering sigh, thinking “Why does this hurt so much…?”
Bubble didn't know how to respond.. In the back of her throat she wants to scream out.. telling him to stay.. but she doesn't want to be the reason why he isn't happy… she'd kiss him gently on the forehead..
Bubble: …whatever decision you make, I'll be here for you.. no matter what.
Mako: has the faintest smile, but it wouldn't last.. gently takes hold of her hand Will you stay the night..? his ears folded flat against his head and his tail fin laying on the floor
She nodded, giving his hands a gentle squeeze… maybe it was impulse.. maybe it was just the right moment, but she doesn't really know what compelled her to kiss him on the lips. it wasn't a gentle kiss either… sloppy.. emotional…
He was caught by surprise, but wouldn't pull away, returning the kiss. His heart swollen with conflicting feelings, gently placing a hand on her cheek. He felt wet tears roll down his hand as they kissed. As their lips parted, Mako heard soft beggings… “Please… don’t go… please don’t leave me…”
His heart tightened in his chest.. making the decision had just become harder… unable to give a response just yet, all he could do was bring her in close, but gently to calm her crying eyes. She cried with her face pressed against his chest, all the pent up emotions from before just flooding out. After a bit she calmed down, nuzzling her face against his chest… she rubbed her face, apologizing for losing it.
Wiping the remnants of her tears away with his thumb, Mako says she doesn't have to apologize.. looking at her eyes he'd quietly say it's been one hell of a day… fighting back the urge to cry he'd gently take her hands again and go to the couch, too exhausted emotionally and physically to even go to the bedroom.. she’d lay down first, letting him lay against her so she could comfort him… her hands rubbing down his back and running her fingers through his mane.
Holding her close, Mako nuzzled into her neck for a minute before getting at eye level with her. He'd look deep into Bubble's eyes, his silver gaze filled with emotions unable to read clearly… Eventually his eyes close, falling asleep.
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……. Sniffles not a lot of words I can say here without tearing up. ; it was sad, but fun to write this with AskBubbleLee ! Stay tuned for the final part of this story arc!
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