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

[bebest]

I knew you wouldn't let me down. They're a kid's drink. Kinda like this but just like... orange or whatever. Not alcoholic. Try the strawberry daiquiri, it's actually pretty great. Not as good as yours, but I'm not gonna make you work at a beach party, so-

[There's a delicious selection there, complete with curly straws to push in at the top. For the full experience. He grins, clearly pleased.]

I know right. Who needs to lug a whole-ass lounger out here when you can just make one happen? Plus, it's super comfy and smells great.

[doubledollar]

I don't have it in my heart to let you down. Aaaaaand I'm not the type to turn down a free drink, either. This stuff beats the pants off any sort of sour beer back home--I'm living in luxury.

[ he will take up Zulius' suggestion and up he plucks a strawberry one, giving it a little wiggle with his fake hand. ]

--Hah! I hadn't even thought of that. Comfortable, portable, and smells like whatever you like.

I'd say 'aren't you worried about getting it wet,' but.

I see you're about as ready to get into the water as I am.

[ as in: never. the water is satan's plaything. ]

[bebest]

'Course you don't! You're a bonafide hero type! And bet! We're having a relaxing time, you gotta let a little luxury in- as a TREAT!

[ His hair-lounger suddenly extends a little, enough for one skinny-ass human to sit down. Zulius pats the seat next to him like it's a totally normal thing to just sit on your bestie's magical fuckin' hair. ]

Give it a test drive, it's fetch.

[At the water comment, he snorts.]

HELL, no. I'm not getting this wet. That's why I'm staying way away from the water. That's for other people.

[doubledollar]

You're damn right I am.

[ and you know what. he's gonna scoot up from where he's sitting in the sand and take zulius up on his offer. His skinny ass is going on the hair-chair.

...and damn, honestly, it's more comfortable than any plastic lounger available on the beach. He expected it to be sort of soft and squishy, but it's somehow firm and soft --

And zules is right. Smells great, too. ]

Glad you're the first person to agree with me on that sentiment.

Water is terrifying.

[bebest]

[Come, enjoy the hair-chair, Vash. Sink into it. Let it give you comfort in this trying time. Tell it your secrets.

Actually don't do that. It won't keep them.]

I mean, I'm less terrified of it and more I hate getting wet. It's gross, and cold and why would anyone wanna do that unless they're wallowing in a bubble bath?

[Hm, he considers for a moment, taking a sip of his drink.]

Though coming from a literal desert hellscape, I can see why the ocean would freak you out. There's a whole lot of it.

[doubledollar]

[ his current secrets include how many donuts he's eaten this week and noone needs to know that. You learn nothing today, incredibly cozy hair-chair. God, what a life this has turned out to be lately. ]

I don't mind getting wet when it's, you know, for bathing, I agree. At least you're in, you're out, you're drying off. [ he gestures out at the ocean that... goes on, as far as the eye can see??? ]

We had NOTHING like that on No-Man's land. There was an ocean of sand, sure, but like; I spent years walking across it just fine. You knew where to avoid the parts where you could sink into it.

All this--water?? And how deep it goes? And what's IN IT?

It's gross.
I can't even begin to tell you that it's gross, for one--and for two, what if you sink and can't get back out.
It's like art.
Much better from a few feet back.

[bebest]

[Zulius can already make a solid guess on that one and it is many. ]

Exactly! It's a completely different thing, thank you!!!!

[Vash gets it!! He gets it!!!]

There could be anything in it! And you know you can drown like that [he snaps his fingers] and there could be sharks!! Has no one seen jaws.

[A beat. He puts his hand on Vash's shoulder.]

Babe, do not watch Jaws. I promise you that you will not like it.

[Vash does not need more reasons to be terrified of big bodies of water than he already is.]

Yup. Just sit on the beach, enjoy the rays, listen to it- don't go in it. Love yourself.

[doubledollar]

[ swimming is a fool's chore no thank you. ]

...I unfortunately DO know what a shark is, and it's definitely one of the reasons I don't wanna' go into deep water. That's their house, not mine. But I haven't seen Jaws.

[ the shoulder touch is so concerning. Oh no. Quick, drink the daqiri--]

We just got a TV at the cottage and I will now be avoiding any and all shark-based media.

Know what would be fun though, at the end of the night.
A bonfire.
Don't people usually do beach fires....

[bebest]

Riiight? They don't come on land to us, so we don't need to go to them. Nooooo thanks.

[He's looking out for you, Buddy.]

That's smart! But hey, congrats on the electricity AND the TV. I can give you a list of FABulous shows you've just gotta watch.

You know, you're right! That's usually what happens. Then people make s'mores. Have you ever has a s'more, Babe?

[He makes it sound like something rude and decadent, but it's just Zulius and his sweet tooth again. ]

[doubledollar]

[ he's distracting himself with this frozen strawberry drink--looking every bit like a guy just enjoying paradise. kni's off somewhere playing with sea cucumbers, wolfwood is probably somewhere down the beach complaining about the sand--life was good.

And about to get better, too, once Zulius asks him a question.

He repeats the word, as if Zulius just offered him a sentence in a new language. ]</small< S'mores... Can't say I've ever even heard that word in my life. Usually just. People roast like, hot dogs or corn over fire?

[bebest]

[Life is good!! Vash has earned some downtime after the madness of the last few months.

And Zulius, indeed, about to make this better. He reaches for a bag of marshmallows. ]

Okay, you are gonna love this, I promise. SO, you take a marshmallow, like this, and put it on a stick to roast on the fire, liiiiiike so.

[He does just that, starting to reach for the required other ingredients with his other hand as his marshmallow roasts.]

Soon as it's good and roasted, to pull it out, then you take your cracker and chocolate like so- and theeeen you get your marshmallow and put it on top- then you put your other cracker like a lil' delicious, oozy sandwich. Take the stick away and BAM!! A s'more!

[He holds the thing aloft, like it's a crown jewel - before offering it to Vash to take. This is literally the only thing Zulius can "cook" so he better consider himself blessed. ]

Go on, eat it. It's amazing.

[doubledollar]

[ zulius absolutely has Vash's whole attention. Despite how Vash is a 150-year old alien, here he is, looking like a kid on fucking christmas as he shuffles in close to watch his favorite zebra-man's every move.

marshmallow meets fire, meets cookie, meets chocolate.

Hey look those are three of Vash's favorite things: Sugar.

He doesn't need to be asked twice to take it-- not even caring that when he bites it in half, he's leaving a mess of half-melted mallow and chocolate on his face.

His eyes light up--and he has to actually try not to talk with his mouth full, here. ]

--Zulius, I think this is the single greatest sandwich in the world?

[bebest]

[Zulius is only too delighted to open this particular door for his dear friend. He watches Vash (so very messily) devour the s'more and a laugh bubbles out of him.]

I know right! I mean, people'd get into a big sandwich debate with you over it, but I'd say it totes counts! Glad you love it- share it with everyone! Put yourself into a sugar coma!