(Mr Krabs x Squidward❤) Long Day's Work (13+)

The Reason for the Secret Formula

Sounds of clashing fists rang throughout Bikini Bottom gym. The large bass seemed to endlessly absorb Mr. Krabs's blows.

Bubble bass slid backwards a bit from the recoil of Krabs's big meaty claws, brushing himself off as he chuckled. "That was...pretty good..."

Eugene panted and wiped the sweat from his crimson brow. Whenever he felt like he was making progress, he was immediately humbled by a training session with sensei Bubble Bass.

"Yes..." Bubble Bass kun began, "that was pretty good...BUT YOU FORGOT THE PASSION!" Bubble Bass balled his fins into fists, staring into Eugene's eyes with a firey look. "PASSION! YOU FIGHT WITH NO REASON!"

Eugene was confused. "Agaga...I fight to win. So I can beat Patrick."

Bubble Bass did not waiver. Instead, he reframed his statement. "Krabs...why is it that you run the Krusty Krab? Why is it that you keep the Krabby Patty secret formula a secret?"

Eugene raised an eyebrow. "Why? For the money of course!"

Bubble Bass shook his head. "Wrong, try again."

Eugene gave sensei Bass a puzzled look. He thought more about his past. Why did he continue this farce of keeping the formula a secret? I mean, it was just a burger. There really was nothing special about it. The recipe that Krabs kept in his safe was actually just a blank page, a stand-in. The "secret" didn't really exist, so why did he keep it?

That's when Eugene finally understood. The secret itself was the entire point. The Krabby Patty was nothing without the mystery of the secret formuler. Just as Eugene was nothing without Squihward. In training to defeat Patrick, he had forgotten who the fight was really for. He was so focused on winning that his punches completely lost all meaning. Much like how he had forgotten the meaning of the Krabby Patty secret formula.

Bubble Bass recognized the look of recognition on Eugene's face. He laughed to himself proudly. "You finally understand now, don't you?"

Eugene smiled, his strength renewed. "Aye."

Bubble Bass straightened his posture once again, lifting his fists and preparing for another round of vicious blows. "Good, now you have the power to exceed your potential. Come at me again with your newfound power, I will show you how to properly wield it."