Part 2, in which Squidward...has some rather excellent manipulation skills? I wasn't expecting that!
The first thing the two cephalopods always did was look around - inquistively - to see if there were any entries that were likely to be in with a chance of largely out-voting theirs'. Squidward had to think "Wow, this really does feel like a competition!", as, every year, the creative directions were always so different. They passed many different kinds of impressions of what you could do with specific art mediums. One was a beautiful topiary structure bearing some fruit, but after having a quick study of it, Squidward thought it wouldn't be special enough to win. It seemed like Squilliam could read his mind, as usual, because he commented: "Look, Squiddy! A beautifully-cut bush! But I thought topiary was YOUR speciality, not this person's."
"It's okay," Squidward said quickly, managing to not speak between gritted teeth. "Why would that win? I could do so much better at home, even under a specific time limit. Plus, why grow fruit on it? It's clearly a ploy to make the witnesses think it's some sort of 'special feature'. And everyone likes fruit, so that's definitely what I'd call taking the 'easy path'." Then, to Squilliam's dismay, Squidward strode in front, confidently, even smiling, when Squilliam had clearly been expecting a worried expression from his rival. He couldn't help but pout. "Okay, I look stupid," he finally said to himself. "He's just confident. But he won't be soon. Heh-heh."
The next few entries they walked by had been categorised and were all mosaic sculptures of various objects, all being kept in one place. Now it was Squilliam's turn to keep his 'game face' on, without looking too concerned. He was a mosaics buff. To hide any suspicions from Squidward, he casually commented: "Oh, look. Mosaic art. That reminds me a little of my own tiled flooring." But Squidward was still coming up with clever things to say that had him speechless for his next line.
"That you created yourself? Obviously not. You'll have to practice, Squill. Practice makes perfect, of course. Maybe you should do it next year." He slapped his shoulder. "We need to get to the voting booth now, all right? There's no point admiring them right now, we've got somewhere to be." He continued that annoying strut. Squilliam was interested in the reason why Squidward had called him 'Squill'. It almost suggested manipulation. And, maybe because he also...no, no, NO. The other reason was ridiculous. But one thing was for sure: Squidward was smooth. Squilliam could never actually share that with him.