Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The sun had long since set on the skies of Inkopolis, the girl knew this as she fumbled in her pockets to get the keys to her apartment. The inkling ran a hand through her tied blue tentacles, they were looped around her longer ears which flicked in annoyance as the door gave resistance to the key. Rusty piece of shit , Finally! The door gives way and the inkling can enter her apartment, the lack of light was not promising.

Hoku let out a sigh, turning the lights on and frowned at the sight. Her sister was still sitting by the couch, watching tv while fiddling with her guitar. The Ori looked like she barely got out of bed, as well as her lack of decent clothing giving away that she had been like this all day…again. Seriously she cannot wear a cat hood all day everyday, at least match your pants??? The taller squid did not want to be harsh to her, she knew how easily her sister fell to anxiety or self loathing- it was something they both needed to work on.

“Ori.. how long have you been bumming like this, come on- there's a splatfest starting soon why not get some gear ready for it?”

“Why? It’s not like you’ll be there. You work all the time. Besides you know I don’t know a thing about those ink sport things.”

Hoku hated how quietly her sister talked, she knew damn well it was because of their asshole dad. The way she panicked at loud noises or being alone, the way she clung so desperately onto her older sister and even the way she believed all those horrible things their family beat into her head, all of it was his fault. The old bastard berated Ori for so much as even breathing wrong, that was why she took her away from all of it. Especially after looking at her left eye.

The gash ran down to her chin, it faded mostly but it didn’t change the damage it did to the younger sibling. Leaving the once bright ocean blue eye into a paler less vibrant color. It had been years and yet Ori still flinched easily, and the root of the current issue- she never left the house without Hoku. Hoku was treated just as bad at home. She knew that, but seeing her father do the same to her younger sister was too far to Hoku. Yes, moving to Inkopolis was great for the two, Hoku ended up becoming an agent to a secret organization… ok maybe that was not great for the 19 year old- but her sister got to share her love of music online apparently. Ori told her once that she got 1 million subscribers on Squidtube, Hoku cried plenty of proud tears that day. Despite all this positivity, Ori had yet to make any real friends. She doesn't leave the apartment much, if ever or at all if Hoku isn’t there. The poor squid probably was scared of being alone, which is why the two siblings constantly have squabbles like this.

“I know i'm working but you can make some friends, you can meet squids who have the same opinion as you. Give it a try maybe?”

The 17 year old rolled onto her back, giving a bored look. “What is the theme.. You know I don't watch that news carp.”

“Would you rather go to a fancy party or costume party?”

It’s silent for a moment, before the soft spoken sibling spoke. “Neither.. I would rather go to a convention. Fancy parties are full of pompous bassholes, and costume parties are where I’d get bullied for cosplaying.”

That was to be expected, Hoku knew her sister had a fascination in conventions and the worlds of fiction. She often said it made her feel better to pretend she was in another world, or someone else. However this time hoku had anticipated her sister to try this.

Hoku had an idea, grinning as she clapped her hands. “What if the costume party was cosplay themed. Then you would go right?”

Ori had given a look as if Hoku had solved world hunger, and gave that bright smile that made the older sister’s day worth it. “That would be fun.. Maybe I can try it.. Maybe” 

Maybe, it was better than Ori’s usual ‘no way in shell’ so, Hoku took this as a win. She had one last important task at hand however, Hoku knew damn well there was a good chance she would skip the fest, but she did need to get her sister to make friends. She knew just the two squids to go to when it comes to this sort of thing. For now though, Hoku was going to make sure her sister ate, and also herself, they were both hungry.
The squid got to work for a usual night at the new Kalua household, but in her mind she prepared for her plan of action. Operation: get Ori out of her shell was now to start.

“I want you two to be friends with my little Sister.” Hoku deadpanned  while swimming through her ink, getting the jump on random octarians she saw left and right. The surprised noise of shock from the two squids on the other line were to be expected, Hoku was usually quiet during work.

“Huh, you have a little sister? That’s a convenient way of saying you want to hang out, Three.” Agent Two’s usual snark cut through the tension like a heated blade.

“Wait Mar, this might be true, Three always tries to rush home after patrol all the time. Maybe that’s why!” Agent One and her energy was enough to give Hoku the confidence to continue, she thought about her shut in of a sister and how happy she could be with people who would treat her kindly and not hurt her. This had to go through, there was no one else Hoku trusts more than Callie and Marie after all.

“Yeah, she is the same age as you two. We moved here together, but she… hasn’t really made any friends. She clings onto me alot, and doesn’t want to go out unless I'm there. I don’t know how to get her used to life here, I’m out of ideas and really think you two would love her.’”

Callie was the first to beam enthusiastically, her voice full of reminisce “Aww she sounds just like Marie when we were squiddos! Marie always used to cling onto me, still does  a bit too” she teased affectionately to her cousin, sticking her tongue out happily.

“Ugh, Shut up Callie I was NOT that bad. If your sister needs to get out more, no one is better for that than Callie, so why are you asking me?” Marie sighed, Hoku could tell she had a hint of sadness in her voice. She knew Marie well enough to know how in her own head the idol could get.

“Because if no one can keep Callie under control, my sister will probably explode from being overwhelmed. Visit our place, I’ll make dinner and introduce you to her. I would appreciate it a lot because I won't have to worry about my sister being a complete hermit. What do you girls say?” 

Hoku heard two sets of laughs, warm and light hearted before the coms sparked to life again. “Three, relax, you helped us save gramps and you are our friend. We would love to help you out- but why are you so worried about her being a hermit? Does she not have a soulmate mark” Callie pondered  gently, her voice laced with genuine concern.

Not having a soulmate mark was usually reserved for sad cases, your soulmate mark existed as long as you believe in finding them or have the willingness to open your heart up. If an inkfish did not have one, well it meant they did not believe in love, or that they deserved it.

Hoku frowned tensely, unable to answer quickly her voice was heavy as she looked at her right palm. A violet chess piece layed there, dim and dark, a sign that this person has yet to come into her life. “She.. doesn’t have any yet. That's why I'm worried, yes. I want to see my sister happy, mark or not, so having friends as great as you two would be perfect for her.”

By now Three had secured the zapfish, promptly exiting out of the kettle to see the two squid sisters smiling at her fondly. Their eyes determined as if on a mission before they gave small thumbs up.

“Alright you sad sack, count us in. Let's meet this mysterious sis of yours. Tomorrow work? We won’t be busy that day.” Marie cooly replied, while Callie was bouncing with an endless amount of energy. Hoku had the first step of her plan completed, and this made Hoku more excited than when she first became an agent. She was a step closer to seeing her sister being that happy squid she used to be, and that was all she ever wanted.

“Ori, I’m having some friends over for dinner tonight, so get yourself ready. I want you to meet them too, I think you’d like them. Hoku did not even look back to see her sister’s look of annoyance, she knew it was there just like how she knew she would start groaning.

“Since when did you have friends, dude you work all day- besides why are you bringing them here.. Wait for FUCKS SAKE YOU ARE NOT SETTING ME ON A PLAY DATE HOKU” Hoku had to hold back a laugh, she guessed that was kind of what was happening, but she knew Ori was way too proud and stubborn to be ok with that.

“It is not a play date, they are friends from work. And I meant what I said about you liking them. You guys have some stuff in common plus they are the freshest squids in Inkopolis, trust me. Now, I'm going to go grocery shopping and get stuff ready for tonight. Do whatever you need to do to prepare for guests, love ya sis”

Before Hoku could open the door to leave, she felt a familiar tug on her sleeve. She looked back at Ori, who was sheepishly handing the girl an envelope. “I uhm.. This is extra cash for the shopping, and you know rent is due soon.”

“You don't have to pay me for rent Ori you know that right? I’m just proud to see you making money off music, you’re so passionate about it”

“I’m doing my fair share of work. I don't like being dead weight and you know that.”

Hoku smiled when the bobtail squid hugged her from behind, she reached over to pat the girl’s head. She already knew this was Ori’s way of saying she loved her, and Hoku would always return it in full.

“Alright I’m off, get yourself ready alright Ori?”
Hoku left as soon as she felt the squid nod, spirits were high and she was ready for the night to go well.

“Cal, are you ready to go? Hoku texted me the address and said to head over.” Marie adjusted her jacket and cap. As much as on paper she acted like this was just for Hoku and thanking her for helping them save their gramps, Marie also was curious about how the agent lived. She was also curious about this mysterious sister Hoku never mentioned until now, or why she never mentioned her. Marie pulled up her right sleeve, Staring at the yellow star marked on there, it was a rather generic mark if she had to say so. To her it was just a star, little smudge in the center. Callie said it reminded her of a music note, saying she had a mark just like it. They often joked about their soulmates being another pair of inklings who were popstars like them. Marie didn’t muse more on the train of thoughts when she heard Callie call out.

“Ready!~ Let's hit the road and burn it down, whatever the saying is. There's a poor little soul just as shy as you are Marie and that means I have to save them, just like I did for my favorite little cousin ever!~” Callie giggled and readjusted her beanie after getting a head smack from Marie. The pair head off into a rather short walk around the plaza to find the apartment they were looking for. Callie always enjoyed seeing the nights so starry and full of tranquil life. As high energy as she was, she saw the beauty in the lax and slow in this world too.

Marie took it upon herself to knock on the door, giving a cool wave when they saw Hoku open the door. The agent’s casual wear being a rather roomy sports sweater and ripped jeans. The look screamed, relaxed homebody and it somehow fit the agent perfectly. Hoku did always give that vibe of being a teddy bear underneath all that stoicism and sullen expressions.

“Hey you two, come in dinner will be ready in a bit so get comfy.”
The two walked in and, come on, Marie couldn’t not tease the agent. She had her usual crooked grin while she sat on the couch. “Wow.. with how bad you smell half the time i'm shocked this place is so clean”

Callie let out a shocked laugh, giving Hoku a hug as a greeting before flopping down next to her cousin. “Marie Hotaru Cuttlefish, that was so.. So- ok yeah I can’t keep it up she has a point” She threw herself back in a fit of chuckles, smiling at Hoku’s eye roll and casual motion of tying her tentacles back.

“Oh har har, you both should be comedians. You forget I don't live alone, my sister likes keeping the common room clean at least. Speaking of..” Hoku walked over to the first door on the left of the apartment, knocking softly. After a minute her eye twitched and she knocked harder.

“Ori- come on, we had a talk about this, meet my friends they won't bite.”

Marie for a moment was going to question if this really was an elaborate prank on Hoku’s end, or something.. Until she heard a soft voice. It had a bit of edge and roughness in its tone but overall was really soft spoken.

“Never say someone won’t bite, you become liable for when they do lie..”
“Ori I will drag your little ass out here, you know I will.”

It got quiet for a minute before the door opened. It felt unusual for Marie, she was the logical of the two as well as the least to buy into the carp about falling for someone instantly. She wasn’t saying she was falling but.. She really felt something that gave her the warm fuzzies when she saw the inkling come out the door.

She looked shorter than most inkling’s Marie has seen, she had to be like an actual foot shorter than her. That same deep complexion Hoku had, but yellow tentacles that were bright like electricity, golden stripes adorning the bottom ends as well as two little tufts at the top of her head, like little demon horns. Those blue eyes were also really nice to stare at, at least to Marie, even if one eye was pale with a gash going down the side of her face. She was wearing just a simple plush hoodie, matching demon horns on the hood, and matching shorts. The squid walked out boredly messing with a small console in her hands.

“Callie, Marie, this is my younger sister Ori. Ori, meet Callie and Marie, my friends from work.”

The squid looked up and gave an awkward wave, after locking eyes with the two squids, her face had a dusted bit of yellow and her eyes darted to the floor. “Hi I guess.. Sorry my sister probably forced you guys into this. Hoku, what am I supposed to be doing? Can I just go..?”

Cute.. That was the thought that went across both squid sisters minds, as the inkling was ushered to sit between the two. Hoku sighs gently and motions to the kitchen.

“I’m making burgers for us all so why don’t you get to know them huh Ori? You both love music, why don't you talk to them about the stuff you make! So that is a start right?”

“Ori you make music? That's so fresh! What kind of music do you make?” Callie beamed with her eyes nearly bursting with how starry they looked. Ori had a meek expression, setting her console on her lap before raising two hands defensively.

“U-uh nothing.. Nothing that important it's more like messing around haha ignore Hoku”

“Don't be modest sis, you make music online right weren't you telling me about that one song that did well.. What was the name?”
“H-hoku no, no no- please don’t..”
“World is mine? Or something like that right?”
“FUCK!”

Callie felt horrible about how big her shit eating grin was finding this out, this squid could not get more adorable in her opinion. “Oh my cod isn’t that the adorable idol song, the one they got the robot singers to do?” Oh, Callie was grinning more at how yellow Ori got, something told her this felt right . To be here messing with Ori and seeing her reactions with such giddy.

“They aren’t.. Robots- but I wouldn’t like- know much about it..Listen uhm different subject please..” Ok Callie couldn’t resist anymore, she pulled Ori into a tight hug chuckling at her surprised chirps.

“Haha, cod I’m sorry for teasing too much, but aww I’d love to hear you sing sometime Ori~ Don't be shy right Marie?” Callie was so glad to see Marie sharing the same wide grin, she was better at holding back her laughter, cooly leaning onto the other side of Ori affectionately. As if to reassure the panicking squid, even if the two wanted nothing more than to keep the cycle of relaxation and tease to continue.

“Callie has a point you should be more confident Ori… How else will you be the number one princess in the world huh?” Marie smirked at the squid's whine, burying her face in her hood while Callie howled in laughter.

“I hate it here.. Hoku you are the worst..” Marie could have sworn she saw a soft smile on the squid’s face, and Callie could hear a tiny bit of a laugh. It seemed maybe this was far from the worst after all

Dinner was served and Callie and Marie couldn’t have felt any giddier. They quickly found out that Ori was a delight to be around for their dynamic. When comfortable enough to talk more, she is able to keep up with Marie’s snark. She could match Callie’s energy when needed, even if she was  a more reclusive squid. She gave the energy of an introvert preferring to eat and sneak some grasps onto her console… which Marie snatched and proceeded to bet she could beat Ori’s highscore on. They had finished their meals just for Marie and Ori to argue over who was better at some silly game, Callie eagerly getting ideas when they both saw how small Ori’s swim form was.

It had to be like a little over ½  the size of a regular squid, and she would say the same protest that “bobtail squids are compact, not small!”. It was perfect for the two cousins. Eventually Hoku said she needed to run off quickly, saying their gramps called for some help with “work”.

Callie guessed Hoku must have kept agent work a secret from Ori, probably not to worry her. What was a bigger question on her mind was how Ori never heard of the squid sisters. Marie had asked and Ori simply said “whose that? I don't listen to most pop music” A fun squid to be around who had no idea who Callie and Marie were outside of being new friends? This had to be too good to be true.

Sadly, all good feelings had to end. Ori mentioned going to the bathroom and leaving the cousins alone, at that moment they had both simultaneously lifted their sleeves. The sight was as bad as they thought. Callie and Marie’s soulmate marks were lit, the same marks that had the same symbol on it. They shared a look and sighed, Marie looking rather concerned.

“Well.. this is awkward..”

Callie chuckled in excitement. “I dunno think about it, now we will always be in each others lives, even if it’s because of one squid who's a complete dork. A cute dork..”

Marie nodded in agreement, they both knew Ori was a cute dork, but worry was still on the squid’s face. “We know she might not ever get her mark to show.. But what do we do if she only has one?”

Callie did not want to think about that, it felt too painful. The idea of ever arguing with Marie sent bile into her throat, she shook her head aggressively. “We will figure it out together Mar, squid sisters forever.”

The cousins hugged tightly, Marie muttering softly. “Squid Sisters forever.”

The two pulled away before Ori came back, they rolled their sleeves back down and decided until the squid’s marks would show, and yes they will be hopeful and say marks, that they will just enjoy the fact that they have Ori now. They found their soulmate, and until it came for Ori to realize her own marks, they will honor that vow to make good friends with her. Hoku did say she wanted them to protect and be there for Ori, so it’s not like it's that different.

Eh, I'm sure Hoku won’t mind in the future. Callie mused with a smile.