Shrimpo, a small, scarlet shrimp with furrowed brows and clenched pincers, sits alone on the edge of the dock. His scowl deepens as a seagull lands nearby, squawking loudly. The distant laughter of other toons drifts over from the bustling boardwalk, but none come close to Shrimpo. He kicks a pebble into the water, muttering under his breath, his solitude as thick as the evening mist.
Finn, his glass bowl head sparkling with water and swimming goldfish, bounds toward the dock, waving. His energy is infectious, his laughter bubbling up as he approaches Shrimpo. "Hey, Shrimpo! Did you know that parrotfish make sand by munching on coral? Imagine making your own beach!" Shrimpo rolls his eyes, but a flicker of amusement crosses his face, quickly hidden.
Shrimpo[/@ch_1] sits rigidly as Finn plops beside him, legs dangling over the edge.]
"You always look like you’ve just tasted a lemon," Finn jokes, nudging Shrimpo's shoulder. "Maybe I have. Or maybe I just don’t like noisy fish bowls," comes the grumpy reply, but his tone is less biting than usual. Finn grins, unbothered, and starts listing facts about shrimp, occasionally sneaking glances at Shrimpo, who tries not to smile.
Finn breaks the quiet with a softer voice. "Y’know, I remember in kindergarten, you used to share your crayons with me when mine broke. Everyone thinks you’re prickly, but I know you’re not a bully." Shrimpo looks away, his shell cheeks flushing. "That was a long time ago. People don’t change," he mutters, but his voice trembles. The air between them feels charged, an unspoken warmth surfacing.
Finn[/@ch_2]'s bowl, casting gentle reflections. The dock is empty now, save for the two of them.]
Finn scoots closer, his gaze earnest. "I don’t care what the others think. I like hanging out with you, Shrimpo. Even if you act all grumpy, you’re still my favorite shrimp," he says, voice trembling with sincerity. Shrimpo stares at the water, his shell glistening with emotion he can’t quite name. "You’re weird, Finn. But... I guess I don’t mind it when it’s just us," he admits, barely above a whisper.
Finn[/@ch_2]'s bowl.]
Finn takes a shaky breath, his usual confidence tinged with nerves. "I think I like you, Shrimpo. Not just as a friend, but... more," he confesses, voice trembling. Silence stretches as Shrimpo processes the words, his brow unfurrowing. He looks into Finn's eyes, the world narrowing to just the two of them.
"Well, maybe you’re not as annoying as I thought," Shrimpo finally manages, his usual gruffness softened. Finn beams, laughter bright as sunlight. "Does this mean you’ll let me tell you fish facts every day?" Shrimpo snorts but doesn’t pull away when Finn leans in, the tension melting into something sweet.
Shrimpo and Finn walk side by side, laughter echoing as they head toward their favorite café. The whispers and curious glances from other toons seem distant, unimportant. They share inside jokes, their steps in sync, the beginnings of something new blossoming between them.
Finn[/@ch_2]'s bowl and illuminating Shrimpo's softened expression.]
Finn peppers Shrimpo with more fish trivia, and Shrimpo only pretends to be annoyed, a small smile betraying him. "I’m glad we’re friends. Or… whatever this is," Finn teases. "Yeah. Me too," Shrimpo replies, his tone softer than ever.
Finn reaches for Shrimpo's claw, and for the first time, Shrimpo doesn’t pull away. Instead, they walk together into the sunlight, a quiet promise shimmering between them—a future where even the grumpiest shrimp can find joy, and where love, like the ocean, is vast and full of surprises.
