Chapter 10: Bold Actions

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[Hey it's me again. I wanted this done by Valentine's Day but I'm a failure so you get it now instead. Enjoy <3]

Only a few days had passed and the pre-eliminatory rounds were already beginning to take place. To their surprise, the S4 was joining in as a team as well! It would not be shocking if they ended up winning. Yet, at the same time, the blue team had defeated them before, so who's to say?
Blue team made it out of the pre-eliminatory rounds, as well as the neon green team, yellow-green team, and the S4. Things were looking good for them. Perhaps Glasses' team would be able to fix Crusty Sean's truck after all, despite originally thinking this was a wild idea. The real contest wouldn't be taking place for about another week; those who were in charge of the contest wanted to give the contestants enough time to prepare for the final turf battle. This meant everyone could take it easy for at least a little bit, which gave Goggles a great idea.
The blue inkling sat comfortably on his couch and pulled out his phone, going through his contacts until stopping at the letter 'R'.
Goggles: Rideeeeeeeeeer~
He didn't expect him to reply immediately, so he scrolled through Inkstagram as he waited.
Rider: Hm?
Goggles: Hi!!! We should hang out :D
Rider: OK. Wanna come to my place?
Goggles: Now? :o
Rider: Sure.
His mood had suddenly elevated and his enthusiasm showed through the smile stuck on his face. Nothing made Goggles happier than another opportunity to spend time with Rider, and it was even better now that they shared special feelings towards each other. Sure, turf wars or hanging out with friends could be quite enjoyable, but this certain inkling was lovestruck. It was a rewarding feeling he felt almost addicted to. Goggles didn't just want to be with Rider, he needed to. He slipped on his jacket and made his way out the door.
Upon his arrival, Goggles was greeted with several freshly picked, dark red roses put together into a bouquet. His eyes widened at the pleasant surprise. Rider's cheeks were a warm crimson as he struggled to make eye contact. "I thought... you might like these," he said, and tilted the flowers towards the other so he could see them better.
"Aw Rider, you didn't have to!" Goggles took the roses and admired them, feeling ever so grateful. He placed them down neatly on the wooden coffee table in front of Rider's couch. "I'll be sure to take good care of them at home!" he beamed. Goggles stood in front of the other, his smile ever so present. Rider placed his hand on the side of the blue inklings's warm face, his thumb rubbing back and forth over his cheek. The shorter inkling leaned against his hand.
"...Cute." Rider unintentionally said aloud.
"I'm cute?"
"Of course."
The two sat down on the comfortable, beige-colored leather sofa. Rider rested his body against the arm of the couch while the other leaned on him. The dark-skinned inkling kept petting him and rubbing his head, Goggles enjoying every second of it. This went on for a couple of minutes, before Rider brought something up.
"Did you know the squid sisters starred in a movie as of recently?" he began. "It was a bit surprising considering Off the Hook are the new idols now."
Goggles had remember seeing one of the movie trailers at home on his television. "Yeah! It looks pretty cool. I'm still a big fan of them, I would definitely watch it!"
Little did Goggles know, he would be watching it soon, right in the comfort of Rider's home and his presence. He sat up and quickly recalled some memories he and Rider shared at the last concert the Squid Sisters had in Inkopolis Plaza. It was a special performance since the splatfest was Callie vs. Marie. While he had chosen team Callie, the other had chosen team Marie. This topic kept them busy until Rider finally found his TV remote and turned it on.
"We could watch it now... That is, if you'd like to. I have snacks on the kitchen counter," he said, pointing back at the room with his thumb.
"I would love to!" Goggles replied, clapping his hands in excitement.
"Alright, I'll get the snacks. You can turn the movie on."
Goggles then proceeded to pick up the remote, taking a few seconds to find the play button. After pressing it, he set the volume and grabbed a soft blue-gray blanket that rested on the opposite side of the sofa. He thought about Rider while he waited him to return with the snacks and for the movie to start. It was quite nice for them to finally spend time alone, away from the public and free from possible judgement. The S+ Rider with the C- Goggles? Although an odd combination, the contrast between the two formed an inseparable pair. Rider needed someone to brighten up his life, while Goggles needed someone who he could get serious with.
He had already gotten lost in thought by the time Rider came back with the snacks, unaware that the movie had started. The yellow-green inkling reached for a cookie and put it up to the other's mouth, allowing him to take a bite before finishing the rest himself. Everything felt very natural as they watched the screen. Goggles put the blanket over the both of them and reached under to take hold of Rider's hand. The two were blushing like idiots.
They had been giving each other soft touches throughout the movie, and they were nearing the ending. During this time the blue inkling had placed himself in Rider's arms, who would feed him a snack or two when he asked for it. A sudden thought popped into Rider's head, taking his mind off of what they were watching. He watched Goggles' expressions change slightly in response to what took place in the movie. His mouth curled up into a grin, leaving Rider curious as to how it would feel pressed up against his lips.
The dark-skinned inkling was going to try something bold, something that he had wanted to do for quite a while now. But he had to wait for the right moment, and after the movie's resolution, he took ahold of the TV remote to pause it. "Goggles." His name rolled off the tongue. The inkling in his arms sat upright and faced him to respond.
"Hm?"
Rider gulped. He was nervous, but he made an attempt to hide it. He had never actually kissed anyone before, making him doubt whether he could actually pull off the act. The smaller inkling in front of him was still there, waiting, unaware of what was going on in the other's head.
Without another thought, Rider leaned towards Goggles and kissed him. The blue inkling reacted instantly, his body jolting at the sudden mouth-to-mouth contact. He was quick to settle down after a few seconds, but by that time Rider had already shook his head and pulled away.
"I—I'm sorry," he muttered, feeling the blood rush to his face.
Goggles' eyes grew wide. His lips were parted in shock, and he didn't respond. He tried to say something — anything — but the words would just not come out.
"I know I should have said something first, Goggles, it's just that—"
Suddenly, Goggles leaned back in, connecting their lips once again.

[Okay I know what you're thinking: How has Rider never kissed anyone before? Honestly idk bro.]

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