2; THE BEACH EPISODE

[medicgunner]

WHO: Everyone!!
WHERE: Starting on the network, then The Beach!
WHEN: Forward dated to the last weekend of August
WHAT: Beach Episode!!
WARNINGS: None hopefully??



[With no context, no preamble, no nothing. Early on the last weekend of August, Eunie greeted the network with a message.]

text; un: fortuneclovers

hey
Eunie here, changed my un
so this month was fuckin awful
im goin to the beach. Maybe have a little fun there to get the mind off all the bullshit
if you’re seein this youre invited too. come on and lets have a good time, bring what you want

Oh yeah
im bringin a volleyball for the nets
anyone who wants a game come at me. >:)

🌭 getting grilled

[So ended the text one humble weekend morning. Eunie didn’t have specific plans for this, she just sort of ran off and invited the whole app to the beach without considering the logistics. She did say to bring what you want but she was social enough to arrange some things for a bit of a beach gathering.

It wasn’t a lot, a few coolers and BBQ grills people can hand around and either loiter or cook at if they have the capability. If they don’t though they will be removed from the grill. But maybe that’s part of the fun.]

🌊 ocean owned

[Aside from the coolers, there’s obviously the beautiful sea people can surf or swim in all they want! The water is fine, a little cold but in a way that felt refreshing from the hottest days of the last legs of summertime. The tides were even and there was no real risk of drifting away, but don’t go too far out unless you’re a strong swimmer. There are lifeguards on duty but we’ve had enough trauma this month, we don’t need a drowning scare. Or do, I’m not your mom.]

⛱️ avoid the burn

[Not a swimmer? Well then catch up on your tan under the share umbrellas and towels laid on the sand. Or your sunburn. It is a bright and sunny weekend after all so no matter what you’re catching up on, get your sunscreen on too.

It’s also just as good for a little break from the swimming and the music to steady yourself before you head out or head back into the water or some piers you can walk down on your own for the same experience to just catch the sea breeze while staying up and about.]

🏐 bolleyvall bapped

[That being said, Eunie was not joking about there being volleyball. There are a few nets on the beach for a few different games to go on at once. Organize a tournament or just play casually. Remember though that there are normies on the beach and any Earth Shattering volleyball spikes might cost some property damage claim money. This isn’t death soccer, people.

Who am I kidding, this is going to turn into a disaster either way. Go ham, challenge the bird girl or just watch the chaos unfold and place your bets, kids.]

🎇 bonfire lit up your life

[As the day winded down and night settled on the beach, some folks were headed home or have gone there already to get the sand out of their shorts. But those who stuck around will get the pleasure of sitting by a bonfire not me as they bid a fond farewell to the summertime and summer vacation.

Or get in touch with their inner arsonist in a less destructive way.

Sit, relax and socialize, take in the ambiance of the twilight by the fire, roast some marshmallows or hot dogs. Maybe decide to camp out for the night. It is a pretty peaceful time, and it’s these small moments of calm with friends and loved ones we have to cherish the most when in recovery, right?]

Comments

[prunedworlds]

"Oh, you know, they make this thing called sunscreen..."

Could be worse, he could be an actual vampire, like one guy Ritsuka's gotten to know here.

"Just most of it, huh?"

[fionnuisce]

"They don't make sunscreen strong enough to deal with 'British recluse' levels of sun aversion."

This is how they show affection.

"But you're right, let me just get right on that whole 'running a marathon up and down the beach' thing."

[prunedworlds]

"Well, maybe you should just get one of those sun parasols, then? A fancy one to carry around."

It really is, though it says something that Ritsuka's gotten to be so willing to snark; friendly as she is she's still been taking a while to establish real closeness with many people here.

"It might be a little crowded for that today, but it looks like there's volleyball?"

[fionnuisce]

"You really just can not leave well enough alone, can you."

Unfortunately, this is not a character flaw as far as Waver's concerned. In fact, the deadpan is practically glowing affection.

"How the hell do you expect me to play volleyball without killing myself?"

[prunedworlds]

"So... That's a no on the parasol?"

Sometimes, snark is simply the easiest way to show affection.

"I dunno, but I'm sure you could figure out something!"

[fionnuisce]

"There's a joke to be made about dual-wielding, but I think I'll leave that job to the actual spearman."

Cane in one hand, parasol in the other. Truly, an unbeatable offense.

"And I don't quite think I was ever cut out for sports."

[prunedworlds]

He can't deny it would be a Look, though.

"More the coach type, huh?"

Or teacher, or tactician. That said, Ritsuka's expression softens a bit, shifting from that teasing grin to a more thoughtful smile.

"Are you having fun now?"

Did she deliberately draw him into this whole snarkfest just because she saw him looking a bit stressed or uneasy? It's not impossible...

[fionnuisce]

"Huh-?"

...Oh, you clever little jerk.

"You--damn it, Fujimaru." A sigh. "Yes, I suppose I am."

[prunedworlds]

A thing that must be understood about Ritsuka is that she has a hard time enjoying herself if she sees people she cares about unhappy. Something about not being able to ignore people in trouble, maybe. And Waver has, for better or worse, rather firmly established himself in that category of people at this point.

"I'm glad." She really does look like she means that, too. "So, do you still wanna see if we can split some watermelons?"

Or, you know, if there's something bothering him that'd help to talk about that's an option too, but she has no intentions of prying.

[fionnuisce]

"...yeah, sure. I've never done that before, either--might be fun to try."

He does not have an abundance of physical strength and this may end in disaster.

[prunedworlds]

That's what the bat is for, this is a beach game enjoyed by kids, after all. Much like a pinata, but with more potential for splashing bystanders.

"Alright, I'm gonna finish getting dried off and then see if anyone has a bat and a blindfold. You can ask around too if you want."

Or go back to sitting with his book, but hopefully with less moping.