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

II

[venti_late]

[Venti is in equally dorky summertime drip with shades that match Zhongli's. He doesn't normally go to a beach in the middle of the day, given that he's as pale as a Welsh-German ghost. At least his getup actually hides his leylines, unlike the poor brunet.

By the time he pulls up a chair and sits down next to his partner, he's just had a dip in the water. About the only part of him not wet with seawater is his hat. Venti will be careful to not get any of it on Zhongli's food or book, but the rest of him is fair game given how he immediately leans against the brunet's arm.]

Just gonna read all day today, Zhong?

[He sounds amused. Like there's an implied 'nerd' in there somewhere.]

[lapislazily]

[Zhongli immediately stops reading and regards Venti from behind his sunglasses. He sighs softly and shifts them so they're sitting on top of his head.]

I made food earlier. [As far as he's concerned, he's here mostly to supervise. But he closes his book and sets it on the table so he can give Venti attention. He leans in and lowers his voice.] Is there something you'd like to do, má què?

[You two are being gay on main, please.]

[venti_late]

Mmhm, and it was probably delicious food, I'll give you that. Your cooking never fails to impress and delight the senses.

[That's no exaggeration, honestly. Zhongli's a wonderful cook.

Venti smiles brightly as the brunet leans in. His voice is also lowered, but it's still breezy.]

How long has it been since we've walked on a beach at sunset?

[lapislazily]

You are welcome to the rest of mine if you feel inclined. [They haven't started feeding each other in public yet but honestly it's only a matter of time.]

... Oh. [Now that he's thinking about it...] Longer than I care to admit...

[Since Venti is pressed up against him, he tiptoes his fingertips down and clasps his hand beneath the table.]

Would you like to walk with me? We still have a little time. [They can put the party in the rearview enough to even steal a kiss or two down the beach where no one will bother them.]

[venti_late]

Only if you're sure you've eaten enough. [Don't feed him a skewer, Zhongli, that might look a little risqué with their current audience.

Venti giggles gently, but he's happy to thread his fingers between Zhongli's. He looks up at the brunet with a joy that's clearly seen.]

I'd love to. I can't think of a better farewell to summer.

[lapislazily]

[It might. Maybe. A little.]

Neither can I.

[Venti is practically glowing. Mirth dances in Zhongli's eyes. He leans in, lips far too close to the shell of Venti's ear, and whispers:]

Merely looking at you brings the taste of the sweetest cider to my tongue.

[No one appears to be looking this way, so he sneaks in a kiss to their twined hands.]

Shall we? [He moves to get up.]

[venti_late]

[Oh, Zhongli's way more dangerous when he's being smooth with purpose. Venti feels warm and tingly with that line, like he's just had some very heady wine. He has to return the sentiment, though not directly in the brunet's ear. His voice is soft and quiet, teal eyes dancing with amusement.]

And listening to you is like warm sunlight to my ears.

[His smile widens with the kiss to their hands. The bard stands with his partner, and then starts dragging him towards the shore away from the party.]

You have to at least get your feet wet, Zhong!

[lapislazily]

[Zhongli's smile grows until it crinkles the corners of his eyes, a rare thing only meant for Venti to see right now. He can't resist a chuckle when he's dragged toward the water, though.]

Yes, yes, I suppose I should. It is tradition, after all.

[But if he sees tentacles he is outta here.]