Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

She often called it 'The zone' whenever their friends asked. Needless to say, despite what her grades may imply, she sort of doesn't pay attention to much when in it. The "straight" A student entered it often and it led to quite some humorous yet frankly quite dangerous outcomes. Needless to say it's been a habit she's been prone to slip into, kinda like now as she's too focused on her switch.

"Yeah you didn't hear a word of that did ya??" Asked the one sitting on the chair next to her. As they currently were both seated outside of Principal murphy's office after a very last minute "Sasha and the Sharps" performance during lunch. Marcy finally looked up to her oldest childhood friend, Anne Boonchuy. She however was not blessed with the fortunate gift of receiving continuous A's in her classes despite the occasional tutoring from them..

"Eheh sorry. You know I'm usually absorbed in my levels when playing!! This is such a cool campaign, as it introduces such interesting characters, the art also improved due to collaborating with another studio!! Oh!! Ohh!!! This is my favorite part where Dar--"

Anne genuinely would love to listen to their rambling. Truly would be such a great time to spend it with her first friend in this moment they shared together. Except for the small lil fact that she lost focus near the start. It's not like they would mind much anyway. Anne knows firsthand that it's fine to tune her out as Marcy hasn't complained about it before. She'd tell her if they wanted her to listen. It goes without saying in this point of their friendship together.

Right...???

"Whoo boy! ..Welp went about as well as I thought. By which I mean it all worked out." The two girls looked in the direction of the blonde cheerleader. Being her usual overconfident self, which is something both girls secretly wanted to be. The friend smiled to the both of them with her usual unperturbed expression simply stating "Welp, I'd say that was an almost successful performance. So good job girls!"

Anne giggled for a second before responding "Eheheheh. I hear ya loud and clear Sash. If we finished up our usual routine then we would've totally KILLED IT!!" The guitarist said raising a hand to the percussionist who still seemed preoccupied and of course missed her hand. .....And accidentally smacked her face, she accepted her fate and just stayed in place with a sigh while Marcy slowly retracted her hand. Sasha's usual indifferent expression changed at that as she simply said...

"Mmm yes. I feel the main problem was that we were stopped too early sure. But maybe it was for the best as well, you both sort of were late on cue and not to mention alittle off rhythm. Pfff whatever though we just need pratice is all.." Sasha said waving it off and already over it as both girls looked kind of uneasy. Perhaps they just needed proper motivation and someone to guide them through it, rather than put down for these small details. I mean it was all for fun so why would it matter?

"Eh we don't have many periods left anyway. Let's skip and head to the arcade, I heard they got a cool fighting game Marcy!! And we can work on our dancing together Anne c'mon!!" Sasha was already heading towards an exit as both girls watched her for abit. Needless to say Anne had mixed feelings on this idea as she was already grounded a week prior. She was being tutored so she could make it up to her parents with a better progress report atleast. The Thai student simply asked the one standing up with her "Marcy. Do you really think we should be doing this?? I mean I don't think cutting class sounds as fun as she makes it out to to be.."

Anne looked at them and saw quite an uncomfortable expression on their face. Almost like they were afraid to answer, Anne was about to ask something before the familiar sing songy voice cut her off "Seriously guys, come on. We have to go before anyone notices okay? I'm ready leave without you two.."

This snapped Marcy out of whatever she was thinking of and walked ahead to keep up with her. Anne sighed and just followed both girls toward the exit, what did she know?? Maybe it could've been fun..

12:45 am

...Is what the young adult saw when they woke up from their desk. It would seem she was in the middle of updating her comic but passed out as they were drawing. She shakily raised a hand to the blank template and stared hard at it. This went on for several minutes before she rolled back in her seat and tossed the drawing pen on the floor. Seemed they finally were stuck on what this next update would entail, wasn't good for their perfect track record of posting at a specific time. "And to think I was getting I was getting so much better at it too! Maybe I just hit burnout. Pffff perfect after 98 successful uploads this when I hit it?? ...This suuuuucks-"

This wasn't good for the girl who had perfect attendance like she had for middle school for alot of her life. That was until..........

"Man. Gonna have to write a section to my avid readers on the site for why I didn't update later today. Heheheheh that'd surprise Sashy for sure. I need proper motivation or somewhere I can get it from. Just a place that I could head to for awhile. .....I know a spot!! Ohio it is--" They shook their mouse as the computer's background changed as it came on. She left it on a shuffle mode to be a different place whenever she turned it on. Right now it just so happened to be the golden gate bridge.

They looked to it with intrigue. They hadn't been to San Francisco or Los Angeles in months, infact it'd been Anne's birthday when she showed up. Definitely a clever plan that both her and Sasha had talked about and planned together. What was the harm in showing up again..??

Marcy quickly got to work booking her next flight muttering quietly to herself "I'll be lucky to afford a seat with legroom--" They said shuddering on one of the flights she took to visit during the holidays..

Never again...

Chapter Text

Marcy glanced from the arcade cabinet she was quite invested in beforehand. Just watching where both of her friends were currently at.

They seemed to be having a good time on their latest go at "Super Dance Funtime Fusion!!" She was never really the best at participating in dance offs. It's not like Sasha gave her much of a chance to anyway. Which was for the best probably, after all she was most focused on beating all-time records on games she's played a hundred times now.

"Whoo! You're getting better at that part Boonchuy. Gotta keep up your pacing though-"

"I was just doing like you said. ...But I'm glad you think I'm better though. That, uh, means alot."

"Yeah yeah! Course it does-"

Sasha smirked as she then kicked the coin slot a couple times. The poor machine was rickety from all the customers that danced on it. (And from all the times the blonde haired girl did exactly this-)

One kick

Two kicks

Annnnd....

"Jackpooooooot!!!"

The coins spilled from the machine like a slot machine and she'd just won big or something! ...Sasha picked up the pile of extra tokens proudly, just looking over to both Anne and Marcy.

"Fun isn't over yet ladies! We can play to win bigger prizes. Anne I see a pair of yellow sunglasses in your future-"

"Wha??" The poor brunette was still trynna figure out how the second oldest in the group pulled off such a stunt.

Marcy tried to conceal a smirk, Sasha was very smart. No wonder she always bossed them around as she knew how to do these things. While marcy could never muster up the courage or strength for that matter!! Darn her weak body from all the times she's skipped gym--

"Pff! Fill her in later Mar mar! She's definitely lost on the whole thing heheheheh.." Sasha got a kick outta that missing Anne's clearly upset expression.

..Marcy noticed but didn't say anything, perhaps she wanted to reassure her oldest friend maybe. But felt now wasn't the right time and she'd probably do it later....

She would get distracted and forget to though.

___________________________

Marcy stared out the window of her plane, this was a nice idea. It would be fun to head back to LA it held so many memories. Both good and bad, but Marcy chose to focus only on the good. She sunk back in her seat just deep in thought, what would her girls think seeing her again??

Marcy is also really banking on Sasha letting her crash on her couch again. That was the best couple weeks just laying there every night...

Maybe more progress was made on the portals and then they can travel back to.....!!!

"Calm yourself marbles. Before you lose them thinking over all the possibilities! ....Well whatever the case, I'm excited to consider them-"

Chapter Text

"Ewwww!! It jumped closer to me-" Anne squealed as the offending amphibian seemed to hop closer to her. A chuckle escaped past one of her two friend's lips.

"Awww? What this little cutie?? C'mon Anna banana! It hasn't even grown into a a full adult yet." Marcy as usual acted on impulse and picked up the frog with her bare hands. Anne cringed at the gesture and looked away, Sasha was indifferent as she was on her phone....

"BluhHhh!! Mar-mar!!! You can't just pick up random animals. It isn't right. You could get some kinda sickness or whatever-" Anne said defiantly even if she had a habit of doing the same at times. As she's been known to randomly scoop up cats off the street. Whether they liked it or not...practically how she found domino.

Marcy just rolled her eyes and let the frog hop outta her hands and hurriedly hop across the street. It was just like a game Marcy had seen before, she forgot the name though. Hmmmmm...

"Anne's got a point, Mars! Frogs aren't for picking up......they're for dissecting!!! Cut 'em open and take out their tiny guuuuuuts!" She made a few stabbing motions at Marcy's belly as she laughed and tried to shove Sasha away. Meanwhile Anne was trying her hardest not to puke at the visual. That was somehow WORSE!!!!

While she never imagined herself ever befriending a frog, the image of a dead one on some operating table was cruel! Not even any gross or slimy amphibious creature deserved that punishment. She couldn't bring herself to harm one so casually. Girl was a people pleaser and one that couldn't hurt a living creature like that. Whatever the case she noticed the sun going down and saw it was getting darker...

"Hey, erm, guys we should head back. My Mom is gonna be pissed if we get home too late. Ever since that one stunt Sasha pulled she's been on edge. Heheheh-" Anne chuckled nervously awaiting their response, they both silently watched. Before Sasha sighed wrapping her arm around Marcy as she nodded her head..

"Whatevs. Guess we gotta listen now since your mom said so. But we're going somewhere else tomorrow!! Just so y'know. Now c'moooon-!"

Sasha walked as she dragged Marcy along leaving Anne to stare at them both for abit. The middle schooler sighed as she didn't wanna be grounded again. Especially for something that wasn't entirely her fault. Whatever that's what friendship was for....!!!

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A charming young woman who's been an employee of the Aquarium of The Pacific had another tour going on. She was just talking about the amphibian exhibit, that she mostly managed, when a boy in front appeared to have a question..

"How, uh, do ya h..h...handle frogs?? Like w-when t..they're s...so yucky?" That gave her a big laugh, loving it when kids were so blunt with their statements. After calming herself down the brunette with a leaf covered scrunchie and ponytail replied..

"Well in my years I've learned every amphibian is different no matter the species. When it comes to their size, shapes, gender and even slime heheheheh. ....I used to think they were quite yucky too when I was your age. But, weeeeelllll, after sometime they're like a source of comfort for me. I hope inspire others to feel the same-"

Anne smiled as she picked up a smaller frog with her gloved hand. Just showing the class as they all marveled at it as if it was the most important thing in the world. She always knew taking these shifts during the field trips were worth it. Especially for moments like these...

She smiled and looked down in thought as she remembered the frog world she left behind. And all the crazy adventures she had with her friends. In all honesty despite all the heartbreak and betrayal at times. ......She wouldn't have traded it for anything else--

Unbeknownst to her a plane had landed in LA at this time. ....Bringing back a familiar face she'd get reacquainted with for sure...

Chapter Text

Marcy got out of the taxi as they looked at a familiar café. If she could be honest, those complementary peanuts did nothing for them on the flight!!! Can't think of the next webcomic update on an empty stomach so...

"Maaaan! I gotta stop in for a quick bite and then I'll text the girls. Let 'em both know I'm in town so we can hang again. It'll be fun!" Marcy smiled to herself as they entered the small Café, getting hit with a huge whiff of coffee beans.

Marcy was looking around and noticing the small changes made in the establishment. Like signs advertising some overpriced "new" drink! That was already eyeroll worthy before she saw some selection of pastries that were a tie-in for some new movie. Things sure were changing in the time she last was here, everything keeps moving forward whether they stick around or not....

"No wAaAaayYy!!! Mar-Mar is thAt yoUUuuU?!?!" Marcy jumped as she immediately knew that surprised yet soft voice. They turned on her heel and saw that familiar blonde haired beauty, just sitting at a table looking directly at her.

As if on cue both broke out into excited screams and cheers. Rushing towards one another and embracing in the middle of a small Café. Making a scene as the other customers heard them shouting and giggling at the reunion. To some this would probably be touching and cute to say the least.

...But these specific patrons didn't know who these grown woman were. So they just looked annoyed and alittle concerned at the display. Both eventually broke away, Sasha still holding Marcy's shoulders as she said with her bright blue eyes..

"Heheheheh! W-What the hell Marcy?!? Didn't even give me a heads up you were gonna be in town?! Would've so picked you up from the airport again and bridal carried you in the apartment.." Sasha posed dramtically as she said that last part, trynna bring Marcy closer who was giggling like crazy. She definitely missed her alot...

"Oh pleeease! Keep bragging about how you can lift some other time. Besides I did send a message in the gc it must not have sent or something-!!!" The Taiwanese girl pulled out their phone and looked down at her last message. Just as she thought, they couldn't rely on the anything being sent on the flight over. Marcy giggled as Sasha looked over her shoulder..

"Okay you're story seems to check out. For now anyway, might need to be treated to a payed coffee and scone just to be safe..." Marcy just nodded her head with an eyeroll-

"I mean if I must. I'll do as I'm ordered.." Sasha laughed as she wrapped an arm around Marcy heading to the counter to order their refreshments of choice...

________________

"Whew that was another successful time spent together. Glad we all had fun eh girls??" The younger blonde said as she stretched her arms above her head. Both her middle school friends were alittle slow to follow. It hurt being this patient sometimes...

"Yeah, uh, i-it sure was fun. Didn't expect to spend some of my allowance money in all honesty. Caught me off guard dude..." Anne muttered that last part as she rubbed her arm. I mean that was fine to give money to your friends, right? Not expecting to be payed back was perfectly normal and understandable...

"Well take care Anne and Mar-Mar!! Gotta head to my Dad's house tonight. He's expecting me to be over till then chumps.." Sasha gave them a small wave before pulling her phone out and walking down the sidewalk...

"Welp guess it's just us now Marbles. Hey I wanna ask you something if you don't mind. Y...You ever feel alittle unsure about some things? Like, uh, you should speak up and t...tell others how you feel on certain matters?? Bluh I mean, uh, you get what I mean?" Anne didn't know how to vocalize her opinion on certain issues yet. The trio were still in middle school so it was hard at times...

Felt like it was right to ask Marcy about this. She was the smartest girl she knew currently and maybe can answer her question. Put her mind at ease on the matter and maybe just.....

...Ah she focused on her game right now. Couldn't bug Marcy while she was in the zone. That would be too selfish to do right? ...The two continued walking down the the street until they came up to the Boonchuy residence. Anne was about to wave to Marcy and leave until--

"Yesss! Personal best record!! Oh yeah hahahahahaha!!!" Marcy waved her hands in the air as their switch was quickly shoved into her coat pocket. Anne giggled at that, her first childhood friend was such a dork. She was glad that never changed...

"...Anyway, what were you saying Annie?? Sorry I kind of tuned you out as I was just so focused on the game and I, uh, well-"

"Pff!! Don't worry, I get it Mar-Mar. Don't gotta overexplain and all that. I'll figure it out myself.."

"...Oh you sure?? Well, if you say so Anne. I'll see you tomorrow okay banana..?" She gently grabbed the Thai girl's hand in reassurance. Anne didn't know why but that simple gesture warmed her heart. Making her feel fuzzy as her smile grew...

"..Yeah. Later Mar-Mar!!" Anne just waved to Marcy who did the same and kept doing so even as the curly haired girl had backed up to her door. Anne laughed as they kept waving, even while she slowly stepped inside and closed the front door..

Marcy also laughed at how silly that whole thing just was. Yet it felt just like them if that made sense. ...Like it was something special both of them only did together.

...A warm feeling also entered the child's heart as she continued walking home. Neither girl knowing what it meant at the time. Probably would take awhile before either did-

Chapter Text

..Anne walked in the forest alone, it was getting closer to nighttime.

The poor girl had just turned 13 today and here she was in an unfamiliar land and world.

The bugs were huge and she was pretty sure a frog about her size passed by. This Teen girl in a Frog world was out of her depth and comfort zone. Had nothing but the clothes on her back.....and whatever was in her backpack currently!

"Just to be sure. ....Yeeeeeep! No bars on this thing!! Well crap, assuming this isn't a dream I'm just gonna hide. Then possibly have a breakdown later. Night's still young." Anne said as she looked at her useless phone, least the battery wasn't too bad.

She should definitely conserve what she has though. Because unless there's a power outlet in that cave over there, this just won't cut it. Anne wasn't new when it came to roughing it. Her Dad had convinced her to come on a few camping trips.

Ah yes the lovely pastime of mosquito bites, bears, poison ivy rashes and losing your fav scrunchie...

Anne looked towards the cave as the surroundings climate got colder. The girl shivered as she shrugged her shoulders, had to find shelter somehow. So she set her backpack down near the entrance and crawled inside. This birthday hadn't gone how she planned...

...She slowly unzipped the back of her bag and took out the last thing Anne held in her own world. A music box with a fancy looking design and engravings. The girl looked around and sighed.

"...Let this be a dream. I cannot live in such a confusing and d-dark environment. T....T...Take me back! I need to see M-Marcy and Sasha-"

She felt her eyes water as she remembered how her parents messaged her to come back home. There was probably a whole birthday party planned and all that....

Anne always found them to be embarrassing or cheesy as both parents were always so overly affectionate and pushy. Made the party a chore to get through usually, but.....

"...T...T...Take me back. Let m-me wAke Up-!!!" She gingerly opened the frog themed box and.......nothing. Anne flipped it open again a few more times before she got fed up-

"UGH STUPID GIIIIFT--!!" She tossed the box at the rock covered wall as it fell over on the cold and muddy ground. Anne gripped her hair tightly, breathing heavily as she slowly layed down...

The teen began to softly cry just overwhelmed and confused on the whole thing. Her only source of light now being the small blue glowshrooms it was almost pitch black outside. Anne just didn't care, she found she didn't care about alotta things right now..

Like how she was laying near a puddle that her leg was touching. Or how she has a twig and leaf snagged in her curly brown hair now. How her right yellow sneaker seems to have gone missing..

She didn't even care about the giant spider and worms that were surrounding her either!!!

...Scratch that! She cared about something--

"AAAHHHHHH!! GETAWAYGETAWAYGETAWAAaaaAayYYyY!!!!!!"

She's had better birthdays.

__________________

Anne sighed tiredly, she just got done feeding the frogs in the 'Amphibia' exhibit. It was a long day before she got here, so that explained why she was mostly worn out...

The Thai woman stared down at her phone, smiling at the wallpaper she currently had. It was during her last birthday where she, Sasha and Marcy went out for drinks. All were posing dramatically since it was Marcy's idea, they took many photos that day...

Anne was feeling nostalgic thinking on her past birthdays. It felt strange how fast 10 years have gone by since she last saw Amphibia. ...Well in person, she looked at photos she saved of the plantars on her laptop constantly.

Definitely a relief she had the hindsight to do that before giving Sprig her phone. Anne's frog family in another world, she definitely missed them and felt homesick for the place that was like a second home to her.

"..Well, I'm almost off for today. Suppose I can clear my mind and look at the more aquatic variety! Heheheheh, a convenient job for sure." Anne glanced around the whole 'Get Lost in Amphibia' exhibit one last time before slowly walking out.

"So me and him are making great progress!! I'm sure in no time he'll open up to his mom about this.." Sasha was going on about a child she was counseling for at the moment. Marcy listened intently, proud of Sasha for helping kids in need..

"That's lovely Sashy. I'm sure he appreciates it and will be more comfortable to tell his parents soon..!" Marcy replied happily, they couldn't get over how much has changed in the past several years.

Sasha had grown up from the stubborn and angry child she used to be. ...To just becoming the sweetest and most compassionate person she's had the pleasure of meeting. Granted she still gets angry at stuff, but she deals with it in a more healthy way!

"Heh yeaaah. So how's your webcomic coming aloooong?? Gotta say Marcy you really let me down with no update recently. As an avid fan of your work that was so disappointing..!! Hmph-" Sasha playfully puffed out her cheeks pretending to be offended as Marcy got a good laugh outta that...

"Heheheheh! Oh I'm sorry your majesty. I'll just pull the next update outta thin air for your viewing pleasure. Apologies..."

"That's more like it! Now was that so hard??" Sasha emphasizes her "sassy" behavior with a small hint of valley girl in her voice.

Marcy is almost snorting with laughter as she wiped a tear from her eye!!

"Ahhhh mAaan! ..But for real, I am working on the next update. I'm just trynna figure out where to pick up from-" Marcy said as she rubbed the back of their head. Sasha nodded and looked intrigued at what they had to say...

"I see. So you think taking an impromptu vacay back to LA is gonna help you?? Or are ya just trynna slack off.." Sasha smirked smugly at that remark.

"I'M NOt SlAckiiiiNGG-!! ...I just c..came out here to get some inspiration. Y'know to get my creative juices flowing and be ready to tackle the next big update." Sasha nodded at that, seeming to understand as she sipped her drink in thought. ...Before making a face as it was surely cold by this point--

"BleCh!! ...Ah I-I see now. Makes sense with you explaining that and everything." Sasha remarked as she quickly tossed the cup over her shoulder and into the trash bin. "So you'd rather come here for being inspired and all that jazz. ...Rather than spending time with YOUR FRIENDS!!"

"Wait whaaaaa?!?!" Marcy flatly replied as Sasha put on a show of fake crying and everything. They could've sworn Waybright wasn't this dramatic beforehand..

Sasha was going in with the whole charade she was doing. (Guess their theater classes in middle school were finally coming in handy!) She quickly took the napkin she ate her treat off of and pretended to wipe a tear. Before flinching and hissing as she muttered..

"AgHhHH!! CruMb in my EyE what the FFfffff--?!??!" Sasha, this time, turned genuinely upset at the whole thing. While Marcy laughed at how much of a fool the blonde was being...

"AhaHahahahahAha!! Are you a...a...actually insane?!? What is wrong with you?!" Marcy's belly hurt from all the chuckling she was doing. Sasha was guilty and def needed to pay their medical bills...

"...I truly suffer f..f..for my art. Gonna make like Grimesy and have a blind eye too. Pfff-" The blonde smirked as she remembered the toad she had a friendship with. They both made a great team and did anything they put their mind towards.

To think she went from being some weird alien prisoner he had in his tower. ...To being his badass lieutenant that dual wielded swords and led armies!! Oh frog, she missed those days-

"You text Anne yet??" Sasha asked as she blinked her left eye rapidly. Trying to make sure it wasn't red or bloodshot..

"Nah not yet. I was about to do so anyway..." Marcy replied nonchalantly as she scrolled towards her contact. She smiled sweetly as she looked towards their past text messages.

"Perfect." Sasha smirked as she pulled out her keys and swing them around her finger. She just quietly said "C'mon let's head in and surprise Boonchuy. Anne definitely needs to see her Marcy again.."

Marcy felt their face flush as she heard that, but quickly followed Sasha. Guess they were heading to the aquarium as she works today. It would be nice to see her again, just out of the blue...

No special occasion this time, but Marcy did miss Anne. Alot more than she initially thought she would..

"Saaaaaaay. Why can't I get cool shades too??" The driver of the red convertible slowly turned her head in their direction. Staring marcy down through her shades. ".....Just saying-"

Sasha sighed as she put the car in drive before quietly muttering..

"...Only pitstop we're making on the way there."

"...No it isn't."

"...Damn right."

Marcy laughed again as the car drove down quite fast. They threw their hands up as Sasha zoomed down the road. ....This trip was SO worth it!!

Chapter Text

...Marcy gazed outside of the window to her room in newtopia. Just fondly staring as she wrote inside of her journal. Jo sure has recorded some cool adventures thus far..

Like the time she spent in the royal guard along with all her cadets. ...Oh, how she missed them dearly after all they've been through. Good ol' Javi, Kettle and femur have all gone their separate ways. So many interesting places they've traveled to and the people they encountered.

It felt nice to have friends, even if it was for a short period of time. Anne and Sasha just had to be out there somewhere, this ranger just had to find them!! Though she had duties to attend to as Olivia and Yunnan reminded her.

"..That's all for now Jo! Now I just gotta practice flying more on Joe sparrow for abit. And noOOooo not because I think it's fun. ....But because he's AWESOME!!!" Marcy squealed as she headed out of the room, walking down the halls of the castle. Who knows maybe Andrias will give her a new mission later, that'd be swell...

_______________

Sasha and Marcy currently shopped around a small gas station, guess since the lady already treated them at the café. She didn't feel like wasting more money on the artist right now anyway....

"Hmmmm!" Marcy seemed to hum at as they stared at herself in a nearby window..

"Hmmmm??"

"Correct Sashy." Marcy said as she took off the purple shades that were currently worn. "I feel if we're gonna surprise Anna banana again we need to in style! Make this tradition mean something..."

"Listen Mar-Mar I get what you're saying really. But shades aren't what matter in the long run. Anne loves seeing you and is gonna be happy no matter what..." Sasha said sweetly putting a hand on their shoulder.

"....Heh y-you're right. Guess that's why you're a licensed therapist practically." Marcy looked back at Sasha, staring deep in those cerulean eyes. "I needed that, thank you Sasha I....ARE THOSE FAKE NOVELTY MUSTACHES!??!!?!?!"

..Moment ended as soon as it began, to think it could've been really touching if it continued. Well atleast Sasha will stay-

"ARE THERE ANY BLONDE ONES?!? QUICK LET'S GO SEE!!" ....Seemed the two best friends were equally as interested. Surely a whole mustache montage would transpire..!!!

____________

...The herpetologist sighed as she finished cleaning out a tank at the last minute. That got quite messy real fast!! She had to make a quick mental note..

"Heh! Alright I'll make sure to change up his diet quite soon then. Because that was a nightmare to witness..." Anne chuckled dryly as she finally took off her gloves.

Not hearing any fast approaching footsteps, clearly tuning everything out as she was so tired from today. Had to also remind herself to call her mom about--

"ExcuUUuuusEeEe me Miss!! I hoPe i'M not interruPtinG?!" A loud and slightly high-pitched sounding voice said to the poor woman. ...Anne held a sigh as she just wanted to leeeeave-!!

"....S..SomethinG the m-matter??" Anne didn't bother turning around. Hoping she could answer whatever the visitor needed and let her go home!

"Oh I w...wAs wonDerinG if yoU could s...sParE me some time to aNswer some q...questiOns?!?!" Did this one's voice somehow get more grating??

Swear, Anne was gonna get a migraine just listening to whoever that was! She was about to turn around and yell back but just quietly said...

"I'm about to head out. So I-I don't h...have the time to-"

"ArE you SuuUUUre?!?!"

"YES." That does it!! This person couldn't take a hint so Anne was gonna tell this customer to piss off--

....Or she would've if not seeing the two guests that showed up today.

...It couldn't be! Surely this was some hallucination from breathing in all that cleaning supplies!!

"...Heh. Can't even make time for a friend. I see how it is!" The blonde woman with red sunglasses smiled at the employee..

The woman looked just as pretty and confident as always. Her strong arms folded, cool smirk, dope shades, well dressed and-

.....Was that a fake mustache?? ..AH WHATEVER! SHE VISITED HER!!! AND WHAT COULD BE BETTER-

"...HeEeEeyYYyy." Anne's eyes widened as she saw a smaller form slowly walk out from behind Sasha.

"...Wow. I feel I put more work into my introduction Mars. And I come here more often! Didn't even commit to the fake accent or a falsetto voice-!!!" Sasha chastised the Asian girl who sported her own shades and mustache. Who proceeded looked down in shame-

Anne let out something close to both a gasp and a squeal as she covered her mouth. It couldn't be..!!!!

She noticed that long dark hair and green clip anywhere! And that light blue denim coat with the cute pins on them too. Oh my frog, her first childhood friend-

Marcy gulped nervously as she waved her hand slowly. Before saying with a half-hearted fingergun...

"...W...What's s..shaking banana??" Marcy internally beat herself up for saying something so lame....and alittle cringe.

..Yet that did for Anne! All previous exhaustion and drowsiness left the woman in that moment. Her feet instantly rushing forward

Marcy barely had time to react as Anne tackled the Taiwanese artist within seconds. They let out a surprised yelp as Sasha looked on in amusement...

"Oh WhA--!??!"

Anne was so happy she picked up Marcy and spun the girl around. Giggling the whole time as they quickly clung onto her workshirt. ....Sasha tore her phone out of her pocket and instantly snapped a photo of the moment.

"MAArcYYYyy!! I-I c...can'T beliEvE it-!!! I meAn..." Anne stopped spinning them and gently stared into her brown eyes. The two seemed to be focused on eachother in this moment. "..I didn't e-expect this-!! Especially so soon. I mean, you..."

Marcy's smile softened as she knowingly continued Anne's words for her...

"Me.."

Then both nodded and said at the same time as they lovingly embraced...

"..Here."

Sasha just watched the tender moment shared between both of them. Knowing that Anne needed this after such a stressful week, working at an aquarium was a busy job..

Sure it was rewarding but definitely had it's ups and downs. So as Sasha stared at the two friends who haven't stopped hugging yet, she knew this was the right choice....

She'd direct them both to the car parked outside soon but let them have this. They had plenty of time to hangout together...

Both Anne and Marcy felt a warmth they were deprived of for so long. In that moment they were kids again, just hugging after a rough adventure in newtopia.

Letting themselves melt in between strong arms and a reassuring heartbeat...