Only the ocean

Hanako wiggled. She could get why Meadow was all bashful about it, accepting compliments wasn't always easy, but she well and truly meant it. If the roles had been reversed Hanako would have flat out refused, the thought of getting all wet with that mucky water made her skin crawl. Even now the water sloshed about, green and murky, so far removed from the crystalline waves outside. Hanako turned away, returning her attention back to her her friend and took a moment to hum in thought at her question. There was just so much she wanted to see and do with Meadow, to run and play till their legs gave out. But maybe this wasn't the place for it. Or at the very least the novelty was fading, Hanako wanted to see the sunlight again.

"Hmm, let's go back outside. I saw loads of plants near the beach, maybe they're what you're looking for." It was a convenient excuse but any time with Meadow was well spent.

With a spring in her step she turned back the way she came, her tail wagging in wide and sweeping gestures, ushering Meadow to come tag along. Her friends words were awfully sweet, soft and comforting like an embrace. To anyone else it might've seemed like a strange thing to thank her for, but Hanako knew where her friend was coming from, that it was her way of asking for reassurance in a not so round about way. If that's what she needed from Hanako then she was more than happy to provide, to make her feel as wanted and welcome as her heart desired.

"No." Hanako said, real serious, as she stepped to a stop and wheeled wheeled around. Her smile emerged a moment later and the koi girl gently booped Meadow on the nose with her paw. "Thank you!"

And then she dashed off, a giggle spilling from her lips as she rushed towards the outside light.