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

[unreachableside]

[He doesn't answer immediately. As long as he doesn't try to force himself to remember, it isn't going to get worse. That's something he's learned, at least.]

... I think it's over.

[He lets out a long sigh.]

I should explain.

The beast alters my memory. It particularly enjoys making it difficult for me to recall anything from before, and if I do, it seizes the opportunity.

[crisantemo]

[ His sigh is accompanied of one of her own, relief rushing through her. Okay, talking him through it... works? Though she'll keep up the aura for the time being. ]

... I see. [ That explains why he was in so much pain. ]

What... triggered the recall? Or would thinking of that prompt the beast again?

[unreachableside]

I'm fine for now, as long as I don't try to push it. [Try to remember anything else, he means.]

... There was a man with gold eyes in my past life. I knew him well. I don't remember anything else, but I remember that. [He shakes his head.] I didn't want to drag you into this. If it had gotten the better of me, I could have hurt you.

[His voice is full of frustration, but it isn't directed at her.]

Still, you... did something. I don't understand how, but it helped.

[crisantemo]

Gold eyes...?

[ Oh. She's still for a moment, before just... gently tugging her hat a little more over her head now. This will help, right???

But her frown is still clear despite her moment of fussing. ]

I was prepared for that. I couldn't just leave you alone like that, though... [ He was in pain, how could she turn a blind eye? But now they know she can do something to help ease it, at the very least. ]

I guess... Speaking to you gave you something else to focus on? And I have this power, an aura that can soothe and calm. That would've helped too, I think.

[unreachableside]

[He... feels a little bad, admittedly.]

It's fine. I can still look at you.

[Very unlikely she'll trigger it a second time, unless she starts talking about chess and knights or something. It helps that she's not a six foot something broad-shouldered general.]

You could. I would have recovered eventually. ... Probably. [And if not, well, that's what the murder option is for.]

An aura? [Interesting.] Something like that helped me before—in my past life. A certain woman would speak to me and make me concentrate on her voice.

You resemble her. Perhaps that is why I was able to listen.

[crisantemo]

[ There's a second of hesitation, but if he says it's fine... She tugs the hat back up again, those gold eyes once more regarding him with a look that borders on disbelieving. There will be no hitting the murder option now or anytime. ]

That "probably" doesn't fill me with much confidence. [ Said as flatly as possible. ]

And if there was a chance I could help, why wouldn't I take it. [ She may not be shonen protag levels, but she is very stubborn about this.

And huh, she reminds him of someone? There's a quizzical tilt of her head, but that does make sense. Though whenever she later finds out he means Kafka she'll wonder if resembling her is actually a good thing, but -

- But for now, if it helps, then she won't question it. ]

Mm, that's most likely why. But if it works, we can keep using that in case music isn't an option. [ Pause. ] How do you feel now? Do you want some water or anything?

[unreachableside]

Nothing is a given in my situation—except for how it all ends. [He doesn't sound all that bothered by it. It's a fact... One he acknowledged a long time ago. He still feels bad for worrying her, though...

He rubs at his temple.]

... Could use a rest. Being out in the sun isn't helping.

[HE IS ONLY A GOTH WEARING TOO MANY LAYERS FOR THIS WEATHER]

[crisantemo]

Nothing is a given until it actually happens. [ Nope, she's still being firm about this.

And then she frowns further, squinting down at him once again. ]

Next time don't wear so many dark layers to the beach. [ Seriously Blade. But she lets out another soft sigh, a little more at ease now that things seem to have settled. ]

Need any help getting home, or do you want to rest here for the moment?

[unreachableside]

... Mm. Perhaps. [He'll give her that, but only because he's too out of it to argue.]

I burn easily. [He's not trying to sound petulant, but...] I didn't plan on swimming, either. [NOTHING has gone the way he wanted it to go today. It's exhausting.]

I think I'll rest for the moment. [He looks up at her, trying to think of what to say.] But I'll be fine on my own. I don't want to pull you away from your friends.

[She'd be forgiven for doubting him after All Of This.]

[crisantemo]

[ She is absolutely doubting him, and the look she's giving him makes that all the more clear.

Then she hums, taking off her hat and just... Plopping it onto his head. There, some protection from the sun you pale emo nerd. ]

I'll be back in a moment. [ Time to get him some water and maybe a fruit skewer to get his energy back up. ]

[unreachableside]

[Blade looks absolutely ridiculous all dressed like he just missed the AFI concert but with a sun hat on. He grasps the brim so he can look up at her. Where is she off to now?]

... Fine. [He really is in no shape to protest. Even one little fight with his unwanted head-roommate can take so much out of him.]

[crisantemo]

[ With the reassurance he'll stay put, Lapis scurries away to go get some necessary supplies. Which is a bottle of water and a fruit skewer - she's at least quick about it, and she's soon rounding the corner once more with full hands. ]

Here you go, this should be gentler on your stomach. [ Time to eat and hydrate, Blade. Both will be offered to him, so he can take whatever he wants first. ]

[unreachableside]

[He looks up as she kneels in front of him. He has a little bit of a dazed look, like he was trying not to fall asleep under that big hat. He takes the water first, opens it, and then takes a long drink—draining half the bottle. Then he takes the fruit skewer.]

Thanks. [Really, his manners aren't terrible...] I suppose you're right. I should have brought a hat.

[He looks down at his lap.]

... I'm still learning. I spent six months in the hospital after my accident. I wasn't allowed to dress or feed myself for the longest time, like it was a prison. They watched me every minute of every day because they were afraid I couldn't live on my own. This is my first year experiencing summer outside of a hospital bed.

I'm not telling you this because I want your pity. It's... so you understand how much you're helping me by doing all of this. Even though it's dangerous...

... I won't forget it.

[crisantemo]

[ It's a relief that he's drinking and eating, and a soft sigh leaves her as some of the tension drops from her shoulders. And she'll let him keep that hat on for now, the last thing she wants is him to overheat next.

But then she blinks as he speaks; the slight incline of her head showing that she is listening. That... does make sense, to be confined like that and then having to adjust to all this freedom again. It's not a case of just knowing what to do immediately.

For a moment, she's not really sure what to say. Her only concern was to make sure he's okay, whether that means helping him through his demon rearing its ugly head or making sure he does have something to eat. There was no desire for thanks or acknowledgment. ]

I'm glad that I've been able to help. And I'll keep helping, no matter how dangerous it might get. [ There was no way she was going to stop, not now. ]

So whenever you do need help or advice with anything at all, I'll do my best.

[unreachableside]

That much is obvious. I've told you not to bother multiple times, but you're as stubborn as I am.

[It lacks his usual bite. There's just resignation. If he's going to have to deal with this from now on, then the least he can do is repay the debt however he can. If that means making her things, or servicing her weapons, or protecting her himself—he can do that.]

... Hm. [He sounds almost amused for a moment, and he adds:] Didn't think I could still make friends...

[LAPIS HAS WON THIS TIME]

[crisantemo]

[ There's just a faint grin in response to that, not even in the slightest bit offended.

Then he drops that word; 'Friends'. And now that grin brightens, undeniably pleased with this - even if she considered them friends before, hearing him say it makes it hard not to be a little bit giddy. ]

And now you're stuck with me. [ SHE WINS. ]

How're you feeling now? Do you feel like you can walk? [ Time to get this emo out of the sun. ]

[unreachableside]

[... Well, the way she brightened just now makes him feel a little silly for whatever reason, but it's out there and he's not going to take it back.

Maybe he can have a friend or two. That's... fine, right? Especially if they are friends who can whoop his ass.]

... I think so. I'm not as dizzy as I was before. [Amazing what some water and a skewer does for your blood sugar. He carefully gets to his feet, not afraid to use the rock to support himself.]