#effulentbalatron

[weatheringquerist-blog]

-- weatheringQuerist [WQ] began pestering effulentBalatron [EB] –

 WQ: Hello, John.

WQ: I am loathe to admit, but I have allowed distractions to

WQ: distract me.

WQ: As distractions are prone to doing.

EB: those darn distractions. how dare they. haha.

EB: what's up q?(edited)

EB: i hope you don't mind if i call you that. it amuses me a lot.

WQ: John, I do not mind at all. Life in court is as luxurious as one would expect, but it was rather lonely.

WQ: I find comfort in the knowledge that you feel enough at ease to bestow upon me a moniker of your choosing.

WQ: I openly welcome this familiarity. It it rather refreshing.

WQ: This is beside the point, however.

WQ: I understand we are grossly understaffed in mental health?

WQ: I wish to provide what help I can. Your father expressed tutoring regarding this line of work that I am more than willing to attend.

EB: that's no problem at all miss q! you can even use a nickname at me too and i'll support it no matter how weird and awkward it is, haha.

EB: okay, down to business.

EB: i think it's kind of a no brainer. we're still understaffed and you've always been trustworthy and level headed. you can probably help out the other volunteers too.

EB: i'll just assign you to my dad directly. he's the one that can probably handle the most.

WQ: You shall receive a nickname that is fully befitting of your essence.

WQ: My perceived level-headedness took years of mastery, I assure you. I did not start out this way, but then again I do not suppose many do. However, I appreciate you saying so. I will do what I can.

WQ: It would be beneficial if I took pointers from the professional well versed in the subject, so I will be taking your advice and speak to Mr. Egbert concerning this.

EB: alright! hehe. well i just wanna say i'm grateful for you signing up.

EB: it's a really valuable use of your time right now, i promise you that.

EB: anything else i can help you with?

WQ: I.

WQ: Yes.

WQ: Simply a concern on relatively the same subject matter. Or a statement, rather.

WQ: John.

WQ: We have fought so hard to be where we are. Every single person of this crew. Even those who are no longer with us or on board.

WQ: It is difficult to have a world hate you, and even more when it is not only a world that explicitly requests for our capture or annihilation.

WQ: I am surprised we have endured this as long as we have without cracking. It is a rare thing to see from a group this diverse, and even rarer that despite all individual fears we have continued to remain unified.

WQ: I am proud, for what it is worth.(edited)

EB: oh. wow.(edited)

EB: thank you so much. that really does mean a lot to me.(edited)

EB: i am kind of flustered by that! haha.(edited)

EB i think you really are going to be one heck of a counseler.(edited)

WQ: I am flattered, but I only express what I have seen from both this crew and from what I have known to be true.

WQ: You have been quite the model of optimism, yourself.(edited)

EB: there's no reason not to be, right?

EB: let's save the pessimism for when shit gets real.

EB: and we have plenty of opportunities for that, for sure.

WQ: I suppose there is not. As long as the optimism is not burying truer feelings underneath.

WQ: A healthy dosage of smiles is always good to see.

EB: burying truer feelings huh? haha. wow.

EB: that sure is something.

WQ: Not that you are.

WQ: It is simply something often seen in situations where people have no control. Thus it may be something to look out for in those who experience it.

EB: yup. i'd call that a head start!

WQ: ^_^ WQ: In a way it is.

[taskforcetumut]

ATRIUM SECURITY RECORDING 0403

===THERES A GIANT MEENAH STATUES IN HERE===

JOHN: - he sees it. he's giving it the stink eye as he slowly eats dinner.-

RULEUS: -marching his stout baby self in here to squint at the giant statue. Science explain this.-

JOHN: sorry kiddo, i am just as lost as you.

JOHN; -uncapatchas a beaglepuss and slowly floats it onto meenah statue's face.-

ARADIA: -enters the cafeteria, first caught off guard by this LARGE MEENAH STATUE. she has to inspect it-

RULEUS: Oh! :O!!! -hands on his face. Is this what is called vandalism? He is learning so much.- H! AH-RAY-D!A! -bounces up to her, saying her name so carefully-

JOHN: -yes sweet child, learn vandalism. it's just another word for pranking. next up john is floating a feather boa, but he stops to turn around, giving aradia a little smile.- heheheh. hey ahraydia.

ARADIA: -smiles when she sees ruleus because she REALLY missed him- hi ruleus! are you and john up to some shenanigans today? -she waves at john, giggling- hey ARADIA: here for food?

JOHN: i mean that was my original reason for coming here.

JOHN: now i'm teaching ruleus how to deface statues of meenah.

JOHN: step one: get wind powers.

JOHN: -finishes floating the feather boa around meenah's "neck".-

RULEUS: Hello! -puffs himself in his jacket, so important. He is being discussed.-

ARADIA: impressive ARADIA: makes me wish i had wind powers ARADIA: oh wait ARADIA: -the boa seems to shift slightly, uncurling on its own and wrapping back around the neck of the statue-

JOHN: well there you go, ruleus. alternate step one: get brain powers.

JOHN: -eats potatoes.-

RULEUS: -giggling and leaping around the foot of the statue as the boa is tied. THIS IS EXCITING FOR HIM.-

RULEUS: -he will now attempt to climb it-

JOHN: hmmmm. -glances at aradia.- think he could fall or something?

JOHN: or it could fall on him?

ARADIA: if either happens i got him ARADIA: -she's got her psionics giving him an extra boost up that statue anyway.- its kind of fun watching him

JOHN: meh. yeah. he's pretty darn sturdy. -keeping an eye on him too.-

JOHN: have you eaten yet?

ARADIA: -shakes her head- thats what i was coming in here for actually! seems like i came at a good time

JOHN: haha, yeah. dinner time?

ARADIA: yeah! -she giggles, still watching ruleus- how have you guys been doing?

RULEUS: -Woah!!! He's so high up! He attempts to stand on the base, arms and fins out with surprise. Ruleus has decided he likes being tall.-

ARADIA: -balancing him-

JOHN: -worried grunt.-

JOHN: (you sure he's okay up there?)

RULEUS: (Sl!ppery ?!sh, sl!ppery ?!sh. Sw!mm!ng through the waaaaaaater.) -bobbing his knees, singing in the distance-

ARADIA: oh i have him ARADIA: i might be the reason hes standing up ARADIA: maybe

RULEUS: Oh no! !t's got eaten by aaaaaaaaaah... RULEUS: Octo-pus. Octo-pus. Snorkl!ng !n the waaaaaaaater. -fanning his tiny arms out at each syllable he's memorized- GLUB GLUB!

JOHN: -he can't help but grin at that. he's so proud.-

RULEUS: -dances his little rump. Boop boop.-

ARADIA: -how could he get any more adorable? she claps for him-

JOHN: -by far the best use of a statue that shouldn't exist. he adds some claps of his own to the mix.- woohoo! go ruleus! :D

RULEUS: -puffs his cheeks and scoots his boot even more. He dance.-

ARADIA: looks like someones in a great mood!

JOHN: he's a big show off. heheheh.

RULEUS: -John knows him so well.-

ARADIA: i hope hes like this forever

JOHN: it'll for sure be interesting when he gets older.

JOHN: -snaps a pic on his comm to send to feferi.-

RULEUS: Can ! sea? -basically, he wants down now.-

JOHN: yeah, buddy. help me choose some stickers. we can't just send it plain. -floats ruleus down himself, making sure to go slow since he gets sick easily.-

ARADIA: -she giggles, moving to look at the picture too- what a great picture ARADIA: send that one to me?

RULEUS: -immediately scampers over.- What !s !t!!!!!!! -throws himself at John's knee-

JOHN: look at you. you look like a conqueror.

JOHN: -shows him.-

JOHN:see that's you. -tap- and that's the fool you're standing on.

JOHN: (hehe sure.)

RULEUS: !t's me!!!!! -he exclaims, pointing at the comm-

JOHN: it you.

RULEUS: !t's me? -Is he saying this right? The words he knows, he usually just parrots them.-

ARADIA: yes its you!

RULEUS: -stares up at Aradia.- .................... -reaches out to her. He will now grace her with an opportunity to carry him.- >:0

ARADIA: -oh my god this is a rare moment she can't pass up on, so she leans down to scoop him up in her arms- wow i get to carry you? lucky me

JOHN: -takes another picture-. woah!

JOHN: -takes like three pictures.-

RULEUS: -Yes, good. He is hold. His face gets all squinty with satisfaction.-

ARADIA: -poses with him- you probably wont let me give you a kiss on the cheek huh ARADIA: is that pushing it?

[taskforcetumut]

ATRIUM SECURITY RECORDING 0389

DIRK: -he's outside on the beach in the early hours, sneakily taking a cigarette break where/when he thinks no one will bother him. Gotta destress, man. Even if it means indulging in unfortunate habits.-

ROXY: =BITCH U THOT. Slaps him on the back and breathes in heavily= mmmmmmmmmm smell that sea air? smells like.... salt and fish and bitter asschapped nicotine no destination like a vaca location amirite

DIRK: -INHALES WRONG in surprise- Hrk-- -hack cough- DIRK: Ahem. Hey Roxy. DIRK: ... Right you are. About all that.

ROXY: =pats his back as he hacks= all about alla that right there ROXY: whats up honey horse?

DIRK: Not much. Just taking a moment for myself before I dive into the daily grind. -awkwardly puffs-

ROXY: =Looks up at him and hums, puts arm around his waist and leans= yoga not doin it?

DIRK: -wraps his arm around her shoulders, glancing down at her for a second before he looks back at the ocean- Nah. All that contortion gets me too hot and bothered.

ROXY: =does her Dirk impression= Goddamn is that my ass? Nice.

ROXY: really tho not to be the wet blanket but pretend i just licked my fingers and pinched the end of ur cig like a total badass =mimes this= sssssssss boom now whats up

DIRK: -pouts a little, but only a little...- I was done with it anyway.

ROXY: then dont mind if i do =yoINKS and puts it out for real against the bottom of her shoe but holds onto it. Don't liter on the beach kids= ROXY: since i went ahead and ruined your solitude and private moment guess that makes me responsible for entertaining you before you go sit at the top of the food chain

DIRK: I'd say so. -looks back at her, brows raised- How are you planning on doing that?(edited)

ROXY: naturally im gonna keep the art of story tellin alive and well and weave you a tale of mystical proportions that entices the fantasy and tickles the imagination

ROXY: as in show u these fuckin adorable pictures of pythia losin her shit over her bacon brekky =whips out the comm= lil piggies stood no chance she was ruthless =look at ur adorable neice dirk=

DAVE: -suddenly HERE, because he has to- damn look at that baby DAVE: ok whos smokin up in here and pollutin the beach

DIRK: -ok, he's smiling now. How can he resist?- Aw shit-- -SUDDENLY BROTHER- DIRK: What are you talking about?

DAVE: im talkin it aint even natures natural sweet dank og bud

DAVE: give back to the earth or some environmentalist hippie shit like that

ROXY: hey dave ur here to enjoy the beach air too huh?

DAVE: whats left of it

DIRK: -rolls eyes behind shades-

ROXY: its more like a mixture if you ask me ROXY: a gentle folding in of beach stank and chem stank

DAVE: so whats everyone doin out here anyway

ROXY: i was workin my way up 2 second base before my chances were shattered

DIRK: And to think, she almost touched a Boob.

DAVE: thats me DAVE: manboob blocker extraordinaire

DIRK: How do you live with yourself?

ROXY: now i feel like i outta grope him on the principle of it

DAVE: you should DAVE: its a hard life

DAVE: -his communicator goes off and he checks it- looks like i gotta go DAVE: have fun you two -pats them both on the head AND HE GONE-

DIRK: -watches him run off- That kid is bizarre.

ROXY: hes a cute lil weirdo

DIRK: Yeah. He is. -looks at the picture of Pythia again- Did you guys do anything for Father's Day?

ROXY: yeah =smiles and flips to the pictures= it was a whole big cute nasty display

ROXY: did citrin give his daddies love bites?

DIRK: Of course. You know he nibbles on everything he cares about. DIRK: He drew me a picture, too. That Jake also framed.

ROXY: awwww thats cute ROXY: i hope its over the mantle

DIRK: I'm gonna put it in my office once I head that way, actually. -pulls out the drawing in question. it is very COLORFUL and... abstract. or maybe representational. nobody can be sure.-

ROXY: omg how cute =Peeps this artistical masterpiece= are u gonna have a display light above it?

DIRK: How did you know? Maybe even a flashing neon sign that says "my son made this", too.

ROXY: =looks over it= did he sign it? you should have a gallery opening

DIRK: ... You know, I would do that. DIRK: Now that I've got the idea in my head I gotta do that.

ROXY: put cit in a lil suit and bowtie ROXY: he can explain his inspiration while the guests get cheese cubes and grape juice =nudge nudge nudge=

DIRK: -holds his fist to his mouth. he's trying not to bite his knuckle... but he is definitely weeping internally- Shit. DIRK: He's so damn cute. -but all this baby talk has reminded him of a conversation he had yesterday- DIRK: ... Hey. Can I ask you something?

ROXY: =It's so cute, Dirk's so adorable. She hums longer than she needs to, really "Considering" that= ROXY: yeah sure i grant u one question my noble hoble

DIRK: -snorts, though he seems a little bashful.- Do you ever think about ah... DIRK: Having more kids?

ROXY: oh ROXY: i.. yeah i cant say the thought never crossed my mind like remember the whole experiment a while back? i mean im glad we didnt participate but still

DIRK: -nods slowly- I've been thinking about it. Never really mentioned that to anyone, though. -except maybe family... he's unsure- DIRK: Until Jake brought it up yesterday. DIRK: Dunno when we'd ever have the opportunity but... You know. The thought is still there.

ROXY: yeah... its a nice thought too ROXY: =snorts= im just imagining us being flooded with lil babies

DIRK: -laughs a little- I can see it. You know how carried away I get.

ROXY: i cant say ill be any better ROXY: at least i wont clone the babies like i did the cats

DIRK: -snorts- Yeah. We don't need a whole gaggle of Eridan Juniors running around.

ROXY: =grins= u sure? ROXY: theyd love uncle dirky ROXY: pile on the beef

DIRK: Hah. Steak with a side of shrimp. DIRK: -man he's really craving some surf and turf... if only he wasn't too socially awkward to brave the restaurants again- I do wonder what kind of method we should try. I mean, we got options, but who knows how plausible any of them would be. DIRK: Maybe I'll look into the whole "ectobiology" thing, too.

ROXY: =Go to all the restaurants, she'll treat him= yeahhh idk ROXY: i can look into it too but animals or cats are kinda my comfort zone

ROXY: i could also as mom about some of this stuff and see if she could offer up some ideas

DIRK: -smiling a little again- That'd be cool. DIRK: ... Not that I'm in any rush... But... It helps to be prepared.

JADE: -speaking of babies!!! She's been very busy and holed up for a while but she wants her tiny bab to experience the beach while they're here, so she's got Dove all sunscreened and water shoed and water diapered with her own adorable little hat on. She's lowering the bab down to help her walk over the sand long before she notices Dirk or Roxy.-

ROXY: itd be a fun project to work on on the side ROXY: =LOOK AT THAT BABY= awwwww look =nudges dirk and gestures=

DIRK: -?- Oh my God. Look at her. -he's gonna weep again... dove is the cutest...- DIRK: Hey Jade. -waves a little after putting his picture away-

DAVE: -I MADE HER THE CUTEST-

JADE: ? -PEEPS at Dirk and Roxy- oh hey!!! DOVE: -she is walking. She is GOING. She is NOT STOPPING FOR ANYTHING OR ANYONE. Tiny furious steps!!!- JADE: oh-- haha sorry!! -lord this baby is dragging her along- look dove its uncle dirk and aunt roxy! DOVE: -she is not looking. This beach is FASCINATING-

ROXY: =Waves at Jade and the cute baby dove= wanna plot a coupe to steal dove?

ROXY: =AWWWWWWWWWWW+

DIRK: Yes definitely. -he's totally forgotten he inteded to go to work... this is definitely more relaxing than having a smoke, though. he's already making his way over to them to get a closer look at dove fleeing- DIRK: Damn... Look at her go.

DOVE: -she's going right up to the water and slowing down once she gets to the squishy wet sand... And SHRIEKS when a wave laps at her legs.- JADE: pfffhehehe!! its cold baby!

ROXY: =Who needs work when you've got babies tbh. She walks a little to them and grins= i need to see her in lil water wings and a donut inner tube

JADE: haha yes!! we will do it wont we DOVE: -she don't know don't care. She's laughing at the water now.- JADE: :) JADE: we have a cute one shaped like a puppy

ROXY: omfg! thats so adorable im gonna cry ROXY: =Squats a little as Dove walks and walks behind her still squatting some= u wanna make ur auntie roxboxy cry?

DOVE: -WHOA. Now she notices her. She sits down right then and there and stares at Roxy before scooping up a fistful of wet sand and trying to smush it on Roxy's knee.-

ROXY: =watches that smush= help im being bullied

ROXY: you really do wanna make me cry

DOVE: -GRINNING. She's grabbing up two handfuls now.... And trying to put one in her mouth- JADE: no no no no!! -GRABS THE HAND-

ROXY: i cannot believe this she was gonna make me eat dirt

DIRK: -laughs a little- DJ, where did this vicious streak come from? Know you didn't get it from your dorky dad.

DOVE: -WHINY NOISES. Hand flapping a little and sand plops everywhere. She gets distracted easily, though, when another wave comes up and surprises her. She scream again.-

JADE: -she's just laughing- i dont know dave can be pretty meaaaannn

ROXY: shes seen u give dave enough wedgies thats learning by examples

ROXY: well tru he is pretty

DOVE: -she leans over all sandy now and starts crawling closer to Roxy, and she's gonna use that knee she made sandy to try to stand up again. she wants to GO PLACES.-

ROXY: =takes the babies hand then the other= where we headed miss maam

DOVE: -she's gonna try to lead Roxy right into the water. She wants to SPLASH.-

ROXY: =makes sure she's holding her and goes in the water, she can dry her shoes later= here she goes back to the ocean shes going home

DAVE: -anybody still here because Dave is gonna crash-

DOVE: -OF COURSE DADDY. She stops right in the water and stares at it as it laps back and forth and tilts her head back to look up at Roxy, still grinning. Are you seeing this shit??? This is what she would be asking.-

JADE: -she is just gonna lay back on the sand... It's warm....-

DAVE: -here comes Dave, dressed a shirt and swim trunks. Seeing jade and dove, he sneakily takes off his shirt and flip flops and runs into the water, scooping up dove from behind. Sorry Roxy- got you

DOVE: -A THIEF!!! She yell at her sudden scoop and plaps a sandy hand on her dads face.-

ROXY: holy shit its the comeback kid

JADE: -vaguely squints at them and snickers-

DAVE: oh no you got me DAVE: girl your self defense skills are on lock DAVE: you just annihilated me DAVE: rox is dove attackin you too i cant believe ive raised a monster -kisses doves cheek-

ROXY: she was bullying me ask jade she tried to make me eat sand

JADE: its true!

DOVE: ha da

DAVE: -fake gasps- dove how dare you

DOVE: yyyAH!!!

DOVE: -squirms-

ROXY: she hungers for more destruction

DOVE: -she's trying to lean out of his arms and greet the water again-

DAVE: -lets her down in the water again while holding her hand- see i told you shes a monster

DOVE: -wobbles a little and reaches down for more wet sand, but gets splashed a little in the face by a wave and proceeds to scream some more-

DAVE: -laughing a little- dove youre good DAVE: i got you baby DAVE: you wanna splash me

ROXY: let her shout ROXY: also let her splash tho get him good bully ur dad fathers day was yesterday today the gloves are off

DOVE: -SMACKS THE WATER but only because it was mean and then starts trying to grab it too before it rolls back away... And she whines about it and bounces in place in protest-

DAVE: i think shes tryin to get revenge on the ocean DAVE: dove what are you doin down there girl chill

DOVE: -she has NO CHILL. she's trying to run after it but can't walk on her own so she just stumbles-

ROXY: she wants to kick its butt

DAVE: shes gonna kick its butt DAVE: wanna go out there with us DAVE: and by out there i mean like five feet away

DOVE: -probably falling and held up by dad hand-(edited)

DAVE: -dad hand is never letting go-

ROXY: my shoes are already ruined i dont see why i shouldnt fuck up the rest of my outfit

DAVE: laaaaame

ROXY: dove tell him ur face is lame

DOVE: -she's trying to pull her dad down by the hand and whining about it some more-

DAVE: -he scoops her up again and holds her securely and slowly wades a little deeper- want me to beat up the ocean

DOVE: -YES. But also she's staring at the water and letting this happen because they're getting closer-

=== There are a group of people setting something up in the distance. It doesn't look like they'll be done any time soon, but this sure is a thing that's happening down there!===

DAVE: -gonna carefully go a little farther with her so maybe up to his waist but just her feet are touching the water- take that ocean

DOVE: -smiles at him and reaches for the water-

DAVE: -gets in a little further so the waves lap at her tummy- you like that DAVE: pretty cool huh

DOVE: -she's making loud syllabic noises to tell him exactly what she thinks about this ocean stuff and patting the water as it comes and goes. Also patting dad.- da da da da

DOVE: yeah i know right DOVE: who needs technology when we got the ocean DAVE: the answer to that is everyone DAVE: but water is awesome

DOVE: -she's talking to YOU. She pats his face and pokes his nose- da da da

DAVE: yeah its crazy-- -he pauses and looks at her with surprise- da da? DAVE: like DAVE: oh shit thats me DAVE: oh my god DAVE: oh my god DAVE: oh my god ok DAVE: im fuckin dada DAVE: JADE!!!

JADE: -she totally fell asleep right there on the warm sand... It was nice... Now she's sitting up super fast- what!?!???

DOVE: -SHE YELL TOO-

DOVE: DAAAAAA

JADE: -ok the baby seems fine....-

DAVE: -kind of scrambles toward the shore with baby- she said my name DAVE: dada DAVE: she talked DAVE: im not even fuckin around she said it DAVE: -he's so excited he has no idea how to process this-

DOVE: -SQUEALING. She has no idea why they're excited but she's ok with it- JADE: omg really???

DAVE: yeah DAVE: she like put her hand on my nose and everything and just was all dada

JADE: -she's standing up now to get close to them and look at dove- did you say dada? da da? DOVE: -STARES at her and looks at Dave.- da

JADE: -LAUGHS-

DOVE: -SHRUG EMOJI-

DOVE: -y'all are weird... She's gonna keep babbling-

DAVE: -laughs too- see DAVE: see tell me thats not half of dada DAVE: except back there she put two da das together obviously referring to me DAVE: fuck shes talking DAVE: what are we gonna do

JADE: i guess we just have to listen!

DAVE: next time im gonna record it DAVE: damn it i sound like such a dad

JADE: you are such a dad its true

JADE: you were such a dad before she even came out

DAVE: wow DAVE: rude accusations

DOVE: bla

JADE: yeah see she agrees

DOVE: -pinches Daves nose this time. Try breathing NOW.-

DOVE: -dad nose in entire baby hand-

DAVE: -speaking nasally- are you trying to steal my nose

DOVE: duh

JADE: ... -FUCK. Ok that is too ironic for her not to laugh-

DAVE: -he laughs too- hey that sass isnt supposed to start until like pre teen years or somethin DAVE: first youre talkin whats next drivin

DOVE: -she is still not releasing the nose. She is curious about her own baby grip.- uh!!!

JADE: uh no dad shes going to swim first cant you tell :p

JADE: shes telling you to hold your breath in the water (edited)

DAVE: good tips dove DAVE: dont want to get water in my lungs DAVE: that would fuckin suck

JOHN: -he's out here today practicing flying. he hasn't actually tried FLYING out in the open for a long, long time. way back on lowas was the last time. he realizes that he's gotten a lot better at it and simaltaneously, a lot worse. IN HIS OWN MIND he'd look like a superhero if it wasn't for the diving suit.-(edited)

RUFIOH: -already out here, cruising lazily on a wind current. There are a bunch of seagulls who seem to have accepted him into their flock. Waves at John from a distance.-

JOHN: ! -IT'S A BUNCH OF SEAGULLS, THAT'S SO COOL. He waves back, pointing to the seagulls and mouthing THAT'S SO COOL.-

RUFIOH: -double thumbs up and does a sweet loop-de-loop in the air.-

JOHN: -well now that Rufioh is showing off his moves, John has to show off too. It's bro code. So he does this thing that he's been practicing where he dives down at a very high speed and then pushes himself off the water with an air current. Then he looks around to see if Rufioh is impressed by his antics.-

RUFIOH: -yeah! He's pretty impressed, just regarding this with a chin stroke and a nod. The seagulls flutter around him in a cloud.-

JOHN: -this satisfies the John. He flies around in a big loop again, but when he comes back, it's closer to Rufioh and his cloud of birds.-

RUFIOH: hey, man... you look a l1l shakey. -releases the birds from his mental link. They nyoom off as John gets closer.-

JOHN: SHAKEY? -he thinks he has to shout because of the wind.-

=THE EVENT ON THE GROUND IS UNDER WAY. it appears to be a taco cookoff. Various species have all gathered around to compete on who can make the BEST tacos, and all kinds of people have gathered for the food=

=john and rufioh can probably smell it=

JOHN: -THIS IMMEDIATELY CATCHES HIS INTEREST.-

RUFIOH: -wavers his hand and makes a ZOOMing motion, just laughing. Did John know sign language? Oh. That's probably where the seagulls are going. He glances that way too. Oh shit...-

CRONUS: -is definitely hanging around for tacos-

CRONUS: -john its your favorite person-

JOHN: -He does but hes' confused. He cocks his head. But he's also distracted by taco smell. Aw man...Cronus is there. But tacos are also there.-

JOHN: -Maybe THIS TIME, Cronus won't be so bad. He's optimistic.-

RUFIOH: -John is being distracted. Rufioh FLAPS his wings at him, buffeting an impressive amount of wind before taking a steep nose dive, heading straight for the ground.-

CRONUS: -hes already got a massive pile of tacos, and is chowing down on them, with a soda on the side. They have alcohol there but hes really trying here-

JOHN: WOAH! he gets pushed back a little and pauses before cackling and copying him. He's never really afraid of messing up and falling, the Breeze will always catch him even if he really fucks it up.-

RUFIOH: -but Rufioh's so much faster! Can John hope to beat him in a race?- RUFIOH: -he lands really suddenly by Cronus, probably toppling the Drink into the sand. Oops.-

CRONUS: ........ -stares at his drink, mid bite. Looks up at rufioh- vwowv, seriously?

RUFIOH: hey to you too babe. }:) RUFIOH: -hovering with interest by tacos. Are they meat?-(edited)

JOHN: -nope, John is NOWHERE NEAR AS FAST as someone who was born with wings,, although he does try! he lands a little bit later, just gently lowering himself to the ground.-

CRONUS: -SOME ARE, but about half of them are of the bean variety - you owve me. a drink and a kiss. -glances at john- vwell, hello hello, if it isnt john egbert.

RUFIOH: owe you what? -nabbing a bean taco. Or two.-

CRONUS: a drink and a kiss, i just said. you knocked my drink ovwer.

CRONUS: its ruined.(edited)

RUFIOH: your face was ru1ned f1rst... but you don't see me compla1n1ng. -hehehehe chomp-

CRONUS: yeah, because you dont actually think that. -whips his hair-

RUFIOH: -leans over to peck a kiss to him on the temple- you don't know me.

CRONUS: yeah, i think i do. -gives him a nuzzles before munching a fish taco-

RUFIOH: s1ck, dude... haha. -snickers and shakes his head- RUFIOH: your breath 1s fuck1n' rank.

CRONUS: vwowv, excuse you? im just sitting here havwing a good time vwith these tacos and you come ovwer and start attacking me.

RUFIOH: ok but... that doesn't have to do w1th your breath stank1ng. -leeeeans against table, smug-

CRONUS: -GLARES. Picks up one of these spicy bean tacos and attempts to shove it in rufiohs mouth-

RUFIOH: omph. -gets his mouth stuffed.- ... RUFIOH: -waggles eyebrows and bites the taco clean in half-

CRONUS: -now HE looks smug- doubt your breath is so rosy fresh nowv. -hangs onto the other half, waiting for rufioh to finish the half he has-

RUFIOH: a1n't l1ke 1'm 1n den1al. -muffled. Give him a second. Breaks out a soda and cracks it open, chugging it down.-

JOHN: -MAKE A FACE. but HE'S GONNA TRY! TO BE NICE!- hey. you look like you're doing better!

CRONUS: -watches rufioh do this, leaning on his hand- -takes another bite of one of his own tacos- spicy huh? .... -glances at john- -oh right he's here-

CRONUS: better? oh right. heh, i vwas fine in the first place, so...

JOHN: -Nevermind he's already super annoying. He makes another face.- right. it's not like i was there! -HONES IN ON TACO STANDS. he would like to construct a few if possibe, if only for his own enjoyment.-

CRONUS: -watches john carefully-

RUFIOH: 1t's cool of john to hang out, huh. -casually glances between the two of them-

CRONUS: sure, i mean, heh, hes my kismesiss matesprit id be an ass not to be okay vwith it.

CRONUS: and i for one, am not an ass.

JOHN: -YES YOU ARE.-

JOHN: -he chooses chicken tacos but piles on the peppersr and hot sauce. heart burn? pshh. what is that.-

CRONUS: -he's just going to casually feed rufioh the rest of this taco. Especially now that johns here, he really wants to show off on the pda-

JOHN: -he does come back and join them, but he is squinty eyed. still he can't stare TOO much. he has food to stuff in his face.-

RUFIOH: -he can eat on his own, dude... but grazes anyway.- RUFIOH: so john... for a guy who's always w1th a foot off the ground... you don't really hold much steady a1r, yo. RUFIOH: 1t's cool that you have all the fl1ghty powers anyway. that's actually really awesome, heh.

JOHN: oh yeah? well, apparently you were there when i got em., dude -licks hot sauce off his fingers-

JOHN: i guess i don't. i am not sure if that's a bad thing though.

JOHN: maybe if i had wings it would be, but if i'm being pushed around by the wind, it's kinda like...flowy you know?

CRONUS: -he doesn't care, he's going to shove tacos at you anyway- -glances inbetween the two- vwhat? you tvwo vwere out flying together?

RUFIOH: for l1ke a second. -is only going to eat this one taco and call it quits. Sucks to fly on a full stomach.-

JOHN: it was pretty cool though. how you had all the those birds around you? and your dive was so fast!

JOHN: -H edoesn't know this, so he's eating like four of five of them. lol-

CRONUS: hey, heres an idea, vwhy dont you take me flying? -is eating like fifty thousand tacos-

JOHN: -kinda grins at the imag of cronus whizzing through the air.-

RUFIOH: 1t's best to wa1t an hour after eat1ng to fly, yo. don't want you blow1ng chunks on acc1dent.

RUFIOH: vert1go's a real th1ng.

JOHN: oh...i didn't know that.

JOHN: guess i'm benched, lol.

CRONUS: -8T- are you serious? so thats a no? -IRRITABLY munches taco-

JOHN: heheheh. whoooops.(edited)

RUFIOH: for now. -pats him on the back-

CRONUS: nowv you doubly owve me.

RUFIOH: a1n't gonna be sorry about respons1ble fly1ng dogg... 1t can be dangerous 1f you don't know what you're do1ng.

CRONUS: -groans and leans on him before giving john the stink eye like this is somehow his fault. Just keeps munching these tacos anyway-

JOHN: -John eats MORE CHEERFULLY THAN BEFORE-

RUFIOH: -pets up his head. Who's a good fish?-

CRONUS: -he is.....- vwhat if i like a little danger in my life?

RUFIOH: upchuck a1n't exactly attract1ve, homes... sorry. -pet pet pet-

JOHN: -woah. when did THIS happen?-

CRONUS: oh so youre not into that? ill keep that in mind. -might be purring a little-

RUFIOH: wow... RUFIOH: never thought that would factor 1n but okay.

JOHN: -euuuugh this is too much for him right now and he can't even fly away.-

CRONUS: -WHOOPS. Sorry john, for all these seadwellers grossing you out- hey, i just vwant to keep an open mind here.

RUFIOH: gross...........

JOHN: hmm. -HE REALLY WANTS TO ASK IF THIS IS A THING PEOPLE ARE REALLY INTO IN REAL LIFE, but this sounds like a private converstaion.-

CRONUS: -starts staring off into space as his mind is lost in perverse thoughts as he munches this taco and cuddles up even more-(edited)

RUFIOH: -no............... John please dont think Rufioh is in support of this.-

JOHN:-IT HAS CROSSED HIS MIND.-

JOHN: -guilt by association, dude.-

RUFIOH: - }:( -

[taskforcetumut]

ATRIUM SECURITY RECORDING 0386

ROSE: -There is a large empty glass tube set up right in the middle of the atrium with a brand new tie tied around its middle section. Happy Father's day.-

DIRK: -regards this ironic display with the utmost admiration-

TAVROS: =Looking at this display fondly (and a bit bashful) as well, though he absolutely 100% thinks its for some kind of science appreciation and not a human holiday he constantly forgets about being a thing.=

JOHN: -he doesn't get this test tube thing. is it a vase? he taps it. also john is wearing a full blown fancy suit again.-(edited)

MEENAH: -comes up behind john and gets in real close- yo

TEST TUBE: -glowers disapprovally of the young lady's transgressive manner of dress-

JOHN: -freaks out and then instantly tries to make it look like he didn't freak out but he's squinting- ...hey

JOHN: -he heard Jaws music, his life flashed before his eyes.-

MEENAH: 38) i came from onea those

JOHN: yeah well! that's not as weird and creepy as you think it is. i came out of one too.

JOHN: -actually yes it is weird and creepy, they're just a collection of weird, creepy people tbh.-

MEENAH: you a clone too

JOHN: yeah "apparently they cloned me". -scare quotes-

MEENAH: dam MEENAH: didnt reely know what they was doin huh

JOHN: well sure, they were trying to make a haunted house and we were the props.

JOHN: oh wait, you missed that one right?

MEENAH: yeah whale MEENAH: just sayin if they DID MEENAH: yould have some taste MEENAH: but that kinda splains a lot

JOHN: yeah it kind of explains how dumb you are too, hahaha.

MEENAH: -touches her heart- cuttin me deep here egghead

JOHN: that was a good joke. they just spend too much time on your fancy teeth and hair and didn't give you the right brains or sense of humor.

MEENAH: p shore youre the bigger joke i mean comeon MEENAH: who you even sposed to be

JOHN: i am john fucking egbert that is all i need to be.

JOHN: besides eating some breakfast. that is also something i need to be.

MEENAH: uh huh MEENAH: got some breakfast with me

JOHN: -suspicious look-.

MEENAH: -broad grin-

JOHN: cake isn't breakfast you barbarian. -grumbles and goes towards EGGS-

MEENAH: coddam you cold egghead -FOLLOWS HIM-

JOHN: -shoves a ridiculous pile of eggs on his plate while occasionally looking at her.-

MEENAH: you shore you want that

MEENAH: think i saw a drone spit in it

JOHN: the drones have never failed me. you on the other hand...

MEENAH: 38)

JOHN: come on you have to eat some real food too. i am honestly worried if all you eat is baked goods.

JOHN: its gonna stunt your freaky clone growing process or some shit.

MEENAH: you callin me short -she's tiny-

JOHN: you said it not me. -sits down with eggs-

MEENAH: sides i eat reel food fish is reel

JOHN: well...true.

JOHN: but i haven't seen you eat one. -nomnom-

MEENAH: 38) MEENAH: -pulls a live one out of her sylladex-

JOHN: -stops eating eggs like :o-

MEENAH: -CHOMP-

JOHN: -he knows exactly what's gonna happen with that fish being with Feferi so long and he looks down- okay! uh nevermind! i got it! you eat fish real good!

MEENAH: -purposely eats this fish as noisily and slurpily as she can-

JOHN: ...-there goes his eggs-

JOHN: -puts them on the floor for the security dogs- ok i'm out. this was fun and educational as always.

MEENAH: you shrimpin out on me egghead

JOHN: well i'm not eating or listening to you eat more so this is what we got.

MEENAH: thought you said you was hungry MEENAH: p shore i barely saw you eat shit

JOHN: yeah something grossed me out, idk what haha.

JOHN: i mean if you want me to stay that bad i will stay. we are friends. -queasy but smug grin-

MEENAH: 38) -leans in real close-

JOHN: ew your breath is terrible now. -gags-

MEENAH: -opens her mouth and breathes because she's fucking two-

JOHN: -Aaaauuggh makes an overdramatic noise because he's also fucking two. He covers his face and looks BETRAYED.-

JOHN: the fuck...shit....

MEENAH: its fresh aint it

JOHN: -lifts his hands and sends a little breeze to at least blow her hair back and air out his face-

MEENAH: you tryin to blow me awave son

MEENAH: weak

JOHN: yeah well i am just being nice about it for some strange reason. -echhhhh-

JOHN: you're lucky i don't pull some avatar shit on your smelly butt.

MEENAH: the shits that mean

JOHN: what are we talking about here my wind powers or your breathe? like i am not even being sarcastic that specific time.

JOHN: oh you've never heard of avatar.

JOHN: it's a really good thing. troll avatar the last airbender maybe?

MEENAH: -shakes her head- nope nebber heard of it

JOHN: i am not sure if i can recommend it. what kind of stuff do you even like besides obviously confectionarys and being generally awful?

MEENAH: phat stacks of cash

JOHN: you're a ferengi too.

JOHN: -shakes his head- unfreakin beleivable

MEENAH: im fuckin loaded yo got so much money up in here

JOHN: why?

JOHN: i mean i know there's a lot of rich people on here but we don't get a lot if opportunities to spend money.

MEENAH: dunno just like it MEENAH: just wired in my code

JOHN: so you like cash or you like collect shiny bits? haha that's kind of cute.

JOHN: in theory?

MEENAH: both MEENAH: gimmie the bling too yo

JOHN: yup. definitely a ferengi.

[taskforcetumut]

ATRIUM SECURITY RECORDING 0384

JAKE: -trots to do some exercises in the sand. There's something really great about getting the blood pumping in the proximity of the ocean. Hands are on his hips and he is ready for some LUNGES.-

JAKE: -touching his toes and stands again only to repeat it. One two three. One two three.-

CRONUS: -WANDERS ONTO THE BEACH, trying to get some fresh air for once in his life. Feferi probably put him up to this lbr-

JAKE: -lunging in a square he drew out in the sand, just watching the beach. He is sweaty and lost in thought. He won't notice Cronus wander out right away.-

CRONUS: -WELL CRONUS NOTICES HIM and wanders on over, grinning greasily at him- vwell hey there.

JAKE: -puffs his breath before straightening up, at attention with a stern salute to his brow.- CRONUS MY GOOD BUD. HOWDO!

JAKE: Here to enjoy the surf n turf? The weathers just peachy for that kind of thing!

JAKE: -wiping himself off with a towel-

KANKRI: -Speaking of surf, Kankri is stepping out of it now and yes, he is wearing a full, long sleeve, high neck, rash guard swim shirt. Because who wants to get sunburned? He didn't go swimming often, but it would be a crime to ignore such a nice day, and a chance to be off the ship.- KANKRI: -Also of course he notices Cronus right away and waves at him. Its been a while since hes seen his pal around.-

JAKE: -Oh... haha. It's Kankri. Remember the last time they talked? That was great. Yep.-

CRONUS: heh, yeah its pretty great isnt it? -he doesn't really wanna be out her that much tbh.....0-

KANKRI: -He honestly tries not to remember the last time he spoke with Jake actually.- KANKRI: -And by choosing to ignore the memory, it lets Kankri feel alright with approaching them both.- KANKRI: I take it y9u 69th must 6e 9ut t9 als9 enj9y the pleasant weather?

JAKE: Ill say! And the terrain is ideal for that SCOOT BOOSTER in workout vigor hahaha. JAKE: Oh drat. -wait he said that aloud like a doofus.- Uhhhhh... you bet your bottom dollar it is! -big nervous grins-

KANKRI: -Wow Jake. WOW.-

JAKE: -Good thing he's sweaty already.-

JAKE: -slowly... goes back to doing some squats in place.-

CRONUS: yeah, a guy like me needs to be out vwhere people vwill see him, and vweather like this is perfect to get noticed.

JAKE: Errrr... in what way?

KANKRI: -Hes going to ignore the rude remark and keep pleasant. Enough people dislike him already, and he wants Cronus to be his friend for as long as possible.- KANKRI: Well if y9u are g9ing f9r visa6ility, a clear day like t9day will in fact 6e great f9r that.

JAKE: -maybe just starting to edge away. One step. And then another. Maybe half a step more.-

CRONUS: hey, you knowv vwhat vwould get me evwen more noticed?

CRONUS: -sways hips as he slowly starts pulling his shirt off-

JAKE: -He has a shirt on???-

KANKRI: -He glances at Jakes slow and steady retreat, and when he looks back Cronus is stripping.- KANKRI: 9h. KANKRI: Well I h9pe y9u at least intend t9 wear a pr9per am9unt 9f sunscreen then.

CRONUS: -WELL, SORTA.-

CRONUS: -but now he doesnt-

CRONUS: -flings it to the side-

KANKRI: -That shirt is going to be filled with sand.-

JAKE: -is uneffected by this strip show- By your shirtless logic you are now the most gawkable fella on the whole wide beach front!

CRONUS: yeah, see, someone gets it.

JAKE: -too bad the beach is abandoned except for Jake and Kankri. Jake is clapping.- Now thats what i call gumption! :D

KANKRI: -Hes still taking out a bottle of sunscreen and offering it at Cronus.-

CRONUS: oh you vwant to rub me dowvn? sure go ahead. -presents self to kankri-

KANKRI: -He squints at Cronus.- N9, that was n9t particularly what I had in mind, and that was n9t what I was trying t9 c9nvey with my gesture. H9wever, if y9u d9 need assistance putting 9n the sunscreen I can help.

KANKRI: -You are a grown troll Cronus you should know how to apply sunscreen.-

CRONUS: vwell yeah i need assistence vwhy else vwould i throwv myself at you like this? CRONUS: -looks over at jake- you agree right? its hard lathering all that juice on in those hard to reach places.

KANKRI: Actually I always c9nsidered it as a t9pical cream.

JAKE: -distracted thinking about how he's never once used sunscreen in his life. That he remembers anyway. Oh Cronus is talking to him- ...Whats this about hard to reach places?

KANKRI: 9ne that deflects s9me 9f the surface damage 9f UV rays fr9m less p9tent sun stars.

CRONUS: -stares coldly at kankri- -cold stare goes away- yeah, vwell, anyvway. -wiggles his butt some more and raises his arms up-

JAKE: Hehe. Anyway. JAKE: Theres not a big spectacle about spreading lotion on another man is there? From one bro to another?

KANKRI: -Boy did he feel the chill from that stare. Good thing its gone now.- KANKRI: Alright then. -He steps around to the other side of Cronus to start spreading sunblock evenly on the back of his neck and shoulders, making sure to be extra cautious of his gills during the process.- 9f c9urse n9t. KANKRI: I can't see why it w9uld 6e, 9ne friend helping an9ther as it is.

CRONUS: i bet youre really honored im letting you stroke my body like this.

CRONUS: not that my fame really means anything but you knowv, i vwouldnt blame you.

CRONUS: i feel pretty honored too vwhen im rubbing myself dowvn.

JAKE: ... -squinting. He's pretty sure there are a number of innuendos aplomb but he just can't put his thumb on it.-

KANKRI: I d9 c9nsider it a privilege that y9u trust me well en9ugh as y9ur friend t9 ask f9r my assistance f9r this. KANKRI: -Continues down Cronus's arms, making sure that its all even and rubbed in fully.- KANKRI: -He is also failing to pick up on any possible innuendos as well.-

CRONUS: -wow, what even is this-

JAKE: -has returned to performing some squats-

KANKRI: -What it is, is a friend helping a pal keep safe in the sun-

JAKE: What else are good bros for? Nothing i say!

CRONUS: yeah, sure, good bros.

KANKRI: I c9ncur with that statement, Jake. -Alright time to move onto the lower back.-

CRONUS: -clicks his tongue and single pistols at both of them-

JAKE: -DOUBLE PISTOLS AT CRONUS-

JAKE: ;D

CRPNUS: -WOAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!-

KANKRI: -He is behind you, this is an impressive skill-

JAKE: -has taken out a couple of weights and is now pumping his arms-(edited)

KANKRI: -He caps the bottle of the sunscreen once he has finished with Cronus' back.- KANKRI: I have finished pr9tecting the harder t9 reach sp9ts, w9uld y9u like t9 apply it t9 y9ur fr9nt 9n y9ur 9wn?

CRONUS: do you really think you can handle that showv?

KANKRI: Uh. KANKRI: Yes, I think I will manage. -What even?-

JAKE: -is pretty sure he's talking to Kankri-

CRONUS: -spluts a massive glob of sunscreen into his hand and starts doing another stupid sexy dance as he starts rubbing it on his belly and chest-

JAKE: ... -stops pumping his muscles to squint like ??????????-

KANKRI: -He is blank staring hard at Cronus, but is very much embarrassed for him.-

CRONUS: -this is basically the most unattractive applying of sunscreen as there's just so much of it and it's dripping all over the place in globs-

JAKE: Heavens to fucking betsy this is some show.

KANKRI: -Takes out a second bottle of sunscreen and starts reapplying a small amount to his face while Cronus makes a mess.- KANKRI: I w9uld suggest y9u really d9 well t9 rub all 9f that in evenly. 9therwise m9st 9f it may just c9me 9ff 9r 6e 9f little use.

JAKE: Does that much of it actually work? -eyeing the sunscreen-

KANKRI: It certainly is n9t the ideal am9unt.

JAKE: So what is?

KANKRI: Hm. -He has to think on it for a moment.- KANKRI: Well, f9r that am9unt 9f surface area, I w9uld guess that perhaps an am9unt the relative size 9f an Earth currency quarter. Perhaps a little 6it m9re 6ut n9t 6y much.

CRONUS: -time to stare again because what-

CRONUS: -why are they talking about earth money when they could be talking about him-

JAKE: Now when you say surface area... you mean his front right?

KANKRI: Yes 9f c9urse.

JAKE: Can i be spotted some?

DIRK: -sets up a pool chair in the distance, sits down, leans back and watches all this while sipping a drank-

KANKRI: -His eyebrows raise a little, surprised that Jake is asking him for some.- KANKRI: A6s9lutely, here y9u may use this 69ttle since I am starting t9 think that judging fr9m the am9unt dripping 9ff 9f Cr9nus, that he may have used a g99d am9unt 9f what was left in the first 69ttle. KANKRI: -Steps over to jake and offers him the second one he had in his hands.-

JAKE: Oh. -drops the weights into the sand and holds out his hand.- ... JAKE: Fudging shoot my shirt. -and starts to tug his shirt over his head. Behold the chest hair gentlemen. Behold.-

CRONUS: so anyvway, im pretty sure i still need help ovwer here.

DIRK: -siiiiiiiiiip. nice.-

KANKRI: -Why is everyone stripping in front of him.- KANKRI: -Looks back over at Cronus and his mess of sunscreen and sighs.- I did menti9n t9 y9u that y9u might 6e applying t99 much sunscreen. -Walks back over to him- I am unsure if y9u can even ru6 that much int9 y9ur skin.

JAKE: -still holding out his hand so Kankri can give him some-

KANKRI: -HE GAVE YOU THE WHOLE BOTTLE.-

CRONUS: -cool, his whining got the attention back-

JAKE: -Oh. THERE IT IS. Applies but a dollap into his hand.- ? JAKE: -spreads a drop on his nose-

KANKRI: -See, Jake knows how to apply it. Sort of anyways.- KANKRI: -Hes still studying Cronus, trying to think of the most effective way to fix his sunblock situation.-

JAKE: -spreads another tiny drop on his cheek. This is going to take forever.-

DIRK: ...

DIRK: -siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiip-

KANKRI: Hmm. I'm afraid we might have t9 c9nsider taking 9ff all 9f the extra that y9u have put 9n in 9rder t9 let it s9ak int9 y9ur skin pr9perly.

CRONUS: oh like going for a svwim?

CRONUS: sure thing, chief, vwhy didnt you say so?

CRONUS: -wanders into the ocean and disappears-

KANKRI: Well n9, that might n9t actually 6e s9 efficient, plus there is the risk 9f the extra 6eing transferred int9 y9ur eyes 6y the-- KANKRI: -Its too late hes gone. Oh well.-

KANKRI: -Glances back at Jake to check on his progress.-

JAKE: ... -pauses to stare at Cronus retreating into the ocean, hand still squishing a bitty amount of sunscreen on his cheek.- Err... JAKE: -it's not actually progress here.-

KANKRI: -Oh dear.- KANKRI: Hm. KANKRI: Jake its actually alright t9 put 9n m9re then such a small am9unt at 9nce. Certainly d9 n9t attempt applying it like Cr9nus did, 6ut a little m9re will help t9 speed up the pr9cess and ensure g99d c9verage.

JAKE: And my glasses? -hes trying to avoid smearing it on his glasses but also get as much of his face as he can. Streaks some sunscreen on his forehead.-

KANKRI: Uh. Well y9u can take th9se 9ff while y9u rub it in.

DIRK: ...

DIRK: -sets glass in the sand, gets up-

JAKE: -takes off his glasses. He is now virtually blind.-

KANKRI: -Yes but at least he will not have weird tan lines!-

JAKE: -weird tanlines are a thing?? Jake has short lines on his legs.-

DIRK: -saunters over in his twunk tank top. hello gentlemen.-

DIRK: What's goin' on guys?

KANKRI: -Owl turns at Dirk and the internal sweating begins.-

KANKRI: I was letting Jake 69rr9w my sunscreen. Y9u are welc9me t9 have s9me as well.

JAKE: Dirk! -he bork and squints at the fuzzy shape of him. Yes that is him.-

DIRK: Thanks, Kankri. I'm good. -looks jake over.- DIRK: Do you need help, Jake?

KANKRI: -He isn't going to be helping Jake like he did with Cronus with Dirk here. Hes pretty sure Dirk already told him he wasnt allowed to ever talk to Jake, so rubbing sunscreen on the man's face would certainly be not allowed.-

JAKE: If you wouldnt mind? Id really like to see what all the fuss is about! -This thing called sunscreen.-

DIRK: -YOU BET YOUR SWEET PATOOT IT WOULDN'T BE, KANKLES-

KANKRI: -HIS NAME IS NOT KANKLES-

DIRK: Alright. Hold on. -takes the bottle from him and finishes applying it to his face so he can get his glasses back on, then maneuvers behind jake to work on his back... AND THEN HE STARTS STARING AT KANKRI WHILE HE DOES SO-

KANKRI: -WHY?!-

KANKRI: -This is making him mildly uncomfortable.-

JAKE: Hoo hoo heh. -snorts as Dirk squishes his face with sunscreen.-

JAKE: -he's also pretty much fine with Dirk putting sunscreen on his sweaty back muscles, attempting to put his glasses back onto his nose- :0

DIRK: So, Kankri. -rub rub... he's not tall enough to look over jake's shoulder so he's kinda peering around- DIRK: How have you been?

KANKRI: -Dirk PLEASE- KANKRI: -He looks uneasy with this as he feels- I myself have 6een alright I supp9se. KANKRI: And y9u?

JAKE: -He decides this feels good and shifts on his feet, unable to keep still.-

DIRK: I'm alright too. Today's been relaxing, though. -rubs all the way down jake's back. squeezes along his sides... TICKLE TICKLE-

KANKRI: -He would just leave this place but they have his sunscreen.- KANKRI: That is g99d t9 hear. I am finding t9day t9 6e rather pleasant as well.

JAKE: JEEZ. FRIGGIN. STOP THAT! -starts and squirms away from Dirk, giving him such an offended look-(edited)

DIRK: Hehe. Ok, I'll behave. DIRK: -shifts around- ... Do you need me to get your front?

JAKE: If you would behave yourself then yes! -PUFFS HIS CHEST, hands on his hips.- >:/

DIRK: -GREAT. time to rub sun screen on the tiddies-

KANKRI: -Is a bottle of sunscreen really worth this...-

DIRK: -glances back at kankri- You enjoying LOMAT? -RUB RUB-

JAKE: -tiddies getting nice and screen'd. Dirk just has some great hands. Jake puffs his cheeks, allowing this attention.- >B|

KANKRI: -Dirk are you enjoying THIS TORTURING OF HIM.- KANKRI: I find its a refreshing setting as app9sed t9 further c9ntinu9us space travel.

DIRK: -yes- Yeah. It's a good scene. DIRK: I've been enjoying the sights, personally. -smiles at jake now-

JAKE: -cheeks still puffed behind his mustache.- ................ -he blush-

KANKRI: The 6eaches are nice t9 96serve. -Someone help him.-

JOHN: -did someone call for help? well, john's not helping but he is waddling up with sunscreen already pre-applied.- :O

DIRK: -casually rubbing up jake's arms. completely innocent. he doesn't notice john yet because he's a LITTLE distracted-

KANKRI: -Spots John coming towards them and star eyes. Just being a distraction is helping.- KANKRI: Hell9 J9hn.

JOHN: -same shit, different day.- hey guys! -fingerguns at kankri.- nice job on being outside!

JAKE: -FLEXING but then he is also distracted- Ahoy john! -WAVES-

JOHN: -bounces happily because all his palbuddyfriends are here.- :D

KANKRI: 9h, thank y9u. -Hes kind of a little embarrassed about John congratulating him on just being outside, but yeah John has a fair point because he doesnt get out much.-

DIRK: -looks over at john- Oh, hey. -ah... his hands are lingering on flexing arms-

KANKRI: It is als9 nice t9 see y9u 9ut and a69ut as well.

JAKE: -He's proud of his guns, these biceps. Leans over to press a whiskery smooch to Dirk's cheek.-

KANKRI: -Likely mutters something about "PDA" at Dirk and Jake.-

JOHN: -JEEZ THINGS ARE REALLY TOUCHY FEELY OVER HERE. he gigglewheezes between the teeth of his big grin.- so...what are you all up to? i'm just making the most of the beach while we're here!

KANKRI: I was swimming until recently and n9w I am lending Jake my sunscreen s9 that he can pr9tect his skin fr9m the harm 9f sun damage.

DIRK: -what was that about pda kankri?? he can't hear you over the sound of him RETURNING THIS SMOOCH. MUAH!!-

JOHN: aaand i can see that's going very well B)

JOHN: -thumbs up at kankri.- but you dont' have to stand around and watch. let's do something! -bounce bounce-

JAKE: -WOAH!!! AN UNPRECEDENTED DEVELOPMENT!-

KANKRI: I wasn't watching! I was just waiting t9 get my 69ttle 6ack and had very little t9 d9 during the time! KANKRI: 6ut alright, fine we can certainly d9 s9mething if y9u wish t9. -Yes. Hes already moving to stand closer to John.-

JOHN: eheheheh! great! ...-squishing his toes in the sand.-

KANKRI: -He is wearing water shoes to avoid the sand getting between his toes. He doesn't like sand that much.- KANKRI: What d9 y9u wish t9 d9? 9r rather what w9uld y9u n9rmally d9 at the 6each were s9me9ne t9 6e acc9mpanying y9u?

KANKRI: -He is already feeling more relaxed then he was a few minutes ago.-

JOHN: we could dig a big spa for our feet...or kick a ball around like i have any idea what the heck to do about sports, hehe.

JOHN: or we could go swimming again, or build something out of sand...

JOHN: or look at the funky wildlife in tidepools.

JAKE: NOW HOLD A SECOND. -stops smooching on dirk for a second.- Are you suggesting a sporting activity john??? 80 JAKE: What about frisbee??????

JOHN: that's one of the suggestions. -waggles eyebrows-

KANKRI: I am h9nestly quite fine with any 9f these activities. I have already g9ne swimming 6ut I w9uld n9t pr9test g9ing again if y9u really wanted t9-- KANKRI: -Oh right Jake and Dirk are still here. Bluh.-

JOHN:is it...a good one? -looks around them, continuing to waggle his eyebrows.-

JAKE: A damn good one ill say! What do you say dirk? -he is excite-

DIRK: -rubs on jake's arms while he thinks- Hmm. Alright. DIRK: As we all know, I am a man who loves his sports games.

JOHN: frisbee seems good. i mean dogs can do it so why can't i?

JAKE: AHA!!!!!!!! -produces a frisbee from his sylladex- Lo and behold! The tool of the trade.

JOHN: HEHEHE i knew it.

KANKRI: -Is he going to be one of the most uncoordinated guys here?- KANKRI: I am n9t exactly certain that is a c9mparis9n y9u w9uld want t9 make J9hn.

KANKRI: 6ut yes it is rather simple.

JOHN: why not? dogs are great!

JOHN: i wish i had a dog with us right now to play frisbee with us.

JAKE: Oh drat. If only i had porthos. :( JAKE: But alas he enjoys his time with grandma most of all!

JOHN: O: i don't know who that is! -reaching for jake's frisbee! lemme see it!-

DIRK: You don't know Porthos?

KANKRI: My guess is that P9rth9s is a canine then?

JOHN: what the hell, have you guys been hiding a dog from me?

JOHN: i am very dissapointed if that is the case.

JOHN: damn. i thought we were friends.

JAKE: Hes my robotic canine companion!

JOHN; YOU HAVE A ROBOT DOG???

JOHN: well, jade has one too...

JAKE: I BUILT HIM MYSELF! -HOLDS FRISBEE UP IN THE AIR.-

JOHN: i guess i shouldn't be so surprised.

JOHN: okay, i guess we should all spread out in different directions?

KANKRI: -He is quickly learning that dogs excite john. Very well noted.-

JOHN: is that how this works?

JAKE: I dont know fella. Would you like to see???? -chucks the frisbee at John-

KANKRI: -Minor shrug- I 6elieve s9? I d9 n9t think there are many rules t9 fris6ee unless we are playing pr9fessi9nally.

JAKE: -it zoom-

KANKRI: -OOP there the disk go-

JOHN: -i mean it's pretty easy for him to grab it, he can float.- is this cheating?

JAKE: Its most definitely cheating.

JOHN: awww...

-floats back down.- alright. noted!

KANKRI: !!! -F uck he still gets a little bit shocked whenever John starts floating. It has failed to sink in fully that his friend can do that.-

JOHN: -back up quite a ways-

DIRK: -moves back in another direction, watching john-

KANKRI: -Hes also backing up as well now, not too far, but helping to provide distance.-

JOHN: -yeah he'll throw it at dirk, and it flies towards dirk. thankfully this isnt' football.-

KANKRI: S9 are we attempting t9 f9ll9w any s9rt 9f rule guidelines 9r is this merely t9ss and catch?

JOHN: uhhh i'm not sure! -calls at him-

JOHN: i would think it'd be more fun if we made a game out of it!

KANKRI: There are f9rms 9f fris6ee events in which there are teams and a p9int system! -Calls back at him-

KANKRI: I am n9t exactly 9ne hundred percent certain 9n h9w it functi9ns, 6ut I think that as l9ng as we all c9me t9 agreement 9n a meth9d it sh9uld n9t matter!

JOHN: -yeling because he thinks he's farther away than he is- THAT SOUNDS UNCESSARILY COMPLICATED.

DIRK: -oop here it comes... SWEET CATCH!!-

JAKE: YAHOO! WAY TO GO! -clapping in the distance-

KANKRI: -John can be so loud but thats okay.- KANKRI: Well we can simplify them f9r 9ur ease and use!

JOHN: -COMES CLOSER- ohh i have an idea. what if we split up into teams! and we have to throw the frisbee at our team mate, but the other team has to try to intercept.

DIRK: -thank you, thank you. shades glint at john's suggestion, tho-

JOHN: -he can't possibly see a way people can get hurt playing frisbee like this. if they do then they are truly lost causes.-

KANKRI: That s9unds like a fairly g99d idea. -No more shouting because there is no need to now.- KANKRI: -Looks at Dirk and Jake- H9w d9es that suggesti9n s9und t9 69th 9f y9u?

KANKRI: -John dont jinx it. Dirk will find a way-

JAKE: That sounds stupendous! -CALLS OUT-

DIRK: -IF ANYONE CAN FIND A WAY, IT'S DIRK-

DIRK: -thumbs up tho-

JOHN: alright, it's me with dirk and jake with kankri then!

KANKRI: -waIT NO-

KANKRI: Th9se are the teams?

JOHN: well yeah. look at those two meatheads. it's not fair for them to be on a team together.

JOHN: hehehe!

JAKE: That is because you have yet to best me in a scrum chum!!!!!!

JAKE: -shakes fist at John-

KANKRI: Alright. That is a fair p9int. -He is only a little pouty about not being on John's team...-

JOHN: oh you have to bring THAT into it. haha! >:0

JAKE: Are you saying thats not a factor?????????? Talk about a bitter old yeller! -big giffaws-

JOHN: you're going down son!

JAKE: Dont call me son boy!

JOHN: i'm not your boy, bro!

DIRK: -well the thing about that is...-

JOHN: -STFU AND THROW THE FRISBEE DIRK-

KANKRI: -They could have all just gone swimming and not done this.-

DIRK: Alright, are you guys ready? Because here it comes. -WINGS IT BACK AT JOHN. PCHOO!!-

KANKRI: -Why is it never swimming.-

KANKRI: -Oh wait shit they are starting!- KANKRI: -HES NOT GOOD AT THIS-

JOHNS: -BOLTS FOR IT-

JAKE: -kicks off aiming to knock the frisbee out before John can catch it. Fucking PUNCHES IT OUT OF THE SKY.- HIYA!!!!!!(edited)

JOHN: >80!!!

KANKRI: -Well that solved the first pass- KANKRI: 0:B

JAKE: -youth rolls to the ground and tosses it at Kankri- HEADS UP KANK BANK!!!!

JOHN: -jumps up to try and swipe it!- ACK!

KANKRI: -OH SHIT.- KANKRI: -Hes running to catch the toss but as John moves to intercept hes stopping because he doesn't want to risk RUNNING INTO HIM and invading his personal space.-

JOHN: -manages to grab it and tries to fake them out before sending it sailing towards dirk-

JOHN: man, regular jumpinG sucks now!(edited)

JAKE: -flailing towards the frisbee- >8O!!!

KANKRI: Y9u sh9uld still try t9 enj9y it, and n9t take f9r granted the a6ility t9 jump at all actually. Since there are th9se wh9 d9 n9t have the physical a6ility t9 jump at all, als9 keep in mind that there are th9se wh9 can 9nly jump n9rmally, J9hn.

KANKRI: -Casual lessons to avoid playing frisbee-

DIRK: -well DIRK certainly has no problem with jake slamming his body into his, so as he runs for it he will shove into him if need be to grab the frisbee-

JOHN: -distractedly running around-what???

JAKE: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH! -crushes Dirk into a running tackle-

KANKRI: -THAT SURE LOOKED UNSAFE-

DIRK: -DOOF-

JOHN: of course you guys would find a way to make frisbee a contact sport. -snorts-

KANKRI: I wish I c9uld say I was m9re surprised that they have.

JAKE: -scrambling for the frisbee-

JAKE: -kicking up so much sand-

JOHN: -tries to sneak in behind jake while he is distracted-

KANKRI: -Hes moving in closer as well but also being certain to keep enough distance for when Jake throws.-

DIRK: Son of a-- -HE'S TOO DISORIENTED TO MAKE THE GRAB. at least for the frisbee. he has a handfull of jake muscle to try and stop him.-

JAKE: -he's sweaty and rubbed down from sunscreen. JUST TRY AND KEEP A GRIP ON HIM.- Is that the game were playing now???? -easily starts tussling Dirk into the sand- ENGARDE YOURSELF.

JOHN: -since they're busy wrestling he GOES FOR IT.-

KANKRI: -Why is it always wrestling. Also, he can't let Jake down twice, so Kankri musters up his courage and is sprinting for the frisbee grab as well!!-

DIRK: Bring it on, bitch. -GOES FOR THE HEADLOCK-

JOHN: -catches kankri's eye and can't resist messing with him. he feints.-

JAKE: HORRRK. -crushes Dirk's middle with arms. This is an EXTREME HUG.-

KANKRI: -John you were his FRIEND, why do you mess with him like this? It causes him to temporarily stumble and slow in his run.-

JOHN: -YOINKS THE FRISBEE-

KANKRI: -N O-

JOHN: -laughs maniacally and runs with it-

KANKRI: -He hasn't given up yet. Kankri is determined to prove himself and is continuing after John, readying himself to snag it whenever he throws it!-

JAKE: -How can John throw it if Dirk is incapacitated????-

JOHN: -GOSH LOOK he's so cute. but yes, jake that is a good point. now he doesn't knwo what to do with the frisbee-.

JOHN: -dancing around aimlessly?-

KANKRI: -He isn't cute!! Hes SERIOUS. Also seeing that John is just moving around to by time now, Kankri stops running and positions himself a strategic distance away.-

DIRK: Oof-- -HHHH. gets his legs around jake so he can roll him over, then tries to sit up. WAVES HIS ARM AROUND. JOHN HE'S OPEN... SORT OF...-

JOHN: -now he's got kankri to contend with, but to mess with him he feints a few more times before throwing it. WHAT'S HE GONNA DO KANKS?-

JAKE: -This is an extremely compromising position. Jake is now squished into the sand, stunned.-

KANKRI: -DAMMIT JOHN stop toying with him!! He's a little delayed in his swipe for the frisbee but maybe hopefully he can still get it since Dirk is struggling with Jake!-

DIRK: -haha get FUCKED-- oh right kankri is still an obstacle... he's kind of banking too much on kankri failing horribly since he's left mostly stationary here.-

JOHN: -now your chance kankri, he sails it up.-

KANKRI: -Well jokes on you because in that case he is CATCHING IT.-

JOHN: >80

KANKRI: -This is one of the greatest accomplishments of his week and even he is kind of shocked for a moment as he holds the disk in his hands.-

JOHN: -DANG BOYYYY-

KANKRI: 9h, wait. Jake!! -YOU NEED TO GET UP NOW JAKE.-

JOHN: >8) -goes to lurk around kankri waiting for him to throw it-

JOHN: -he's proud of you tho, bud.-

JAKE: -well Dirk can't see the frisbee being caught because Jake is taking his distraction as a chance to ROLL AND FLIP HIM til he's pinned into the sand- AHAHAHA! TAKE THAT YOU BLINGING ASSHAT!

KANKRI: -Hes proud of himself too, friend- KANKRI: -But also GET OUT THE WAY. Kankri attempts to do the same series of feints that John did to him, pay back indeed! But all in an attempt to buy time for Jake to get ready to catch-

JOHN: -he's not really fooled because he knows jake isn't ready yet, but he still dances around for fun anyways.- whatcha gonna do, kankri? -teases-

KANKRI: Well, while I am n9t entirely sure what I am exactly g9ing t9 d9, I can tell y9u that it w9nt inv9lve all9wing y9u t9 have the fris6ee! -This is his method of teasing back-

JOHN: -oh my god, he's caught off guard by how cute THAT is. sorry kankri, he's a terrible sinner.-

DIRK: -OOF again....- Leave my blingy ass hat out of this. -jake is a little too big for him to get out of this position, unfortunately, BUT HE WILL SQUIRM-

JOHN: oh...well...i think it DEFINITLEY WILL involve that! -super later-

KANKRI: -Jake you better be ready because he is taking advantage of John's off guard moment to THROW THE FRISBEE TO YOU-

JAKE: -shoots a hearty wink all crushing Dirk with his weight like he is.- ;) JAKE: -before flinging himself off of him, springing back to his feet with impressive agility for a dude of his size. He's got a frisbee to catch!- KANKRI THIS WAY! -flaily his arms until FINALLY!!! The frisbee is thrown.-

JAKE: -HE'S GONNA CATCH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!-

DIRK: -he's too gay for this shit. he's dead...-

JOHN: -HE'S GONNA GO FOR IT, BUT IT'S TOO LATE, he does kinda slide in the sand because he's used to floating now and ACTUALLY WEIGHING SOMETHING IS WEIRD.-

KANKRI: -IF THIS IS A SUCCESSFUL TOSS AND CATCH THEN THAT WOULD BE A MAGNANIMOUS ACHIEVEMENT-

JAKE: -super hero lands as he CATCHES THAT FRISBEE, holding it high in the air like the mightiest trophy-

JAKE: YIPPEKAYE MOTHERFUCKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

KANKRI: !!!!!! -ITS BEEN CAUGHT. He doesn't approve of the language BUT HURRAH.-

JOHN: show off! -BUT HE'S KIND OF HAPPY FOR KANKRI ANYWAYS, LOOK HOW PROUD HE IS. he hasnt' seen him this relaxed in a while.-

JAKE: -doing a victorious little jig there in the sand-

KANKRI: -That is sadly so true. But yes hes actually smiling too!!-

DIRK: -finally shoves himself up-

JOHN: ughhh -JUST FLOPS DOWN INTO THE SAND, chuckling-

KANKRI: -Looks over at John's noise and watches him flop.- Are y9u giving up already J9hn? What a shame y9u seemed s9 eager t9 let me kn9w h9w y9u intended t9 catch that secured pass!

JOHN: wow, just screw that wine cork in, why don't ya? i'm just relaxing for a second.

JOHN: letting the defeat sink in, if you will.

JOHN: -sunbathing-

JAKE: -goofy grins at Dirk probably, as Kankri and John pal it up-

KANKRI: -Are you wearing sunscreen John? He feels compelled to ask.-

KANKRI: -Walks over to the sunbathing doctor.- KANKRI: Are y9u pr9perly pr9tected against the sun?

JOHN: oh yeah, you would know by now if i wasn't.

JOHN: it'd be like a red lobster.

DIRK: -dON'T LOOK AT HIM LIKE THAT. casually flips the fiance the bird.-

KANKRI: 9h, then I take it y9u w9uld 6urn easily?

JAKE: -holding the frisbee up to his face to shoot Dirk some kissie faces, free from John and Kankri's prying eyes.-

DIRK: -makes more obscene gestures, not free from anyone's prying eyes. WANK WANK.-

JOHN: mmmmhmm. i learned that hard lesson at a young age. i gotta say dude i'm impressed by your fancy frisbee finesse!

KANKRI: -He aint even paying attention to Dirk and Jake anymore, all his attention is on John, so you are safe for now.-

KANKRI: I w9uld n9t exactly call it "finesse" h9wever thank y9u f9r the c9mpliment regardless. I als9 find y9ur talents t9 6e admira6le, certainly 6etter then my 9wn, and even with9ut the use 9f y9ur fl9ating capa6ilities.

JAKE: -snorting into frisbee and waves off his hand. Oh ho ho Mr. Strider, how lewd of you.-

JOHN: -opens his eyes- that shit is hard! i'm begining to forget how to NOT use it. haha.

Revolver Brahcelot-Last Wednesday at 11:54 PM

DIRK: -waggles brows-

JOHN: i don't really have to think about it at all anymore, it jsut sorta happens. i have to think more about not using it.

DIRK: -but then he closes the distance between him and Jake- Hey, they look like they're having a good time. -glances at johnkri-

KANKRI: D9 y9u c9nsider that a 6ad thing then? While I am c9ninu9usly alarmed 6y y9u rising 9ff the gr9und, I can imagine many w9uld c9nsider the a6ility a 699n.

JAKE: -places the frisbee right on Dirk's head.- Ill say! We can chalk this afternoon as doubly successful.

JOHN: i don't think it's BAD or anything, it's just kinda ...weird. hehehe.

JOHN: i'm trying to think of something to compare it too, but the sun is making me stupid.

DIRK: -a beautiful hat- I was thinking of taking off... But maybe they'd like to be left alone. -ok he's at least TRYING to be subtle here-(edited)

JOHN: mmm it feels nice out here.

JOHN: -def isn't paying attention to dirkjake anymore-.

KANKRI: -He looks up at the clear sky and nods.- It certainly d9es. I d9 n9t enj9y g9ing t9 6eaches at all usually, 6ut this visit was surprisingly fairly decent.

KANKRI: -Sits down next to John, keeping his hands on his knees to avoid getting sand on them.-

JAKE: Ah! Way ahead of you strider. -yoinks him by the wrist and SCAMPERS OFF TO PARTS UNKNOWN.-

DIRK: -well that was easy! There they go-

JOHN: -hes just covered in sand and loving it.- nice of you to join us. o ho ho. -fake fancy butler voice-

DIRK: <3

KANKRI: Actually I 6elieve it was y9u wh9 j9ined, since the rest 9f us were 9n this 6each 6ef9re y9u.

JOHN: well i meant down here in the sand, but that is technically true.

JOHN: you guys looked like you needed serious help since all yu were doing was watching dirk slather jake like a buttered croissant.

-HHEHEHE-

KANKRI: -He blinks and then realizes something.- KANKRI: Wait a m9ment they never gave me 6ack my sunscreen! -Glares off in the direction of the long since gone DirkJake.-

JAKE: -there's nothing left in their wake but a frisbee in the sand-

KANKRI: -You hooligans-

JOHN: pfft. really? they were too busy being lovey dovey i guess. haha. those guys.... -ACTUALLY THEY WERE DRIVEN OFF BY JOHN AND KANKRI BUT JOHN DOESN'T KNOW THAT.-

KANKRI: -NEITHER DOES KANKRI.- KANKRI: -Small huff- I might just 6ring it up t9 them later, h9wever that was the 9nly spare I 6r9ught with me, and Cr9nus certainly used up the last 9f my first 69ttle.

JOHN: i'll give you some. we have alchemizers, y'know.

KANKRI: 9h I am aware. 6ut I just meant f9r right n9w. Whenever I kn9w I will 6e placing myself exp9sed in the sun f9r any extended am9unt 9f time I always 6ring tw9 69ttles 9f sunscreen s9 that there will 6e plenty if 9thers f9rget their's.

JOHN: cronus used a whole bottle?

JOHN: ugh, that guy...i swear...

KANKRI: -Nods again- KANKRI: I 6elieve he was attempting t9 sh9w 9ff. And als9 was n9t aware 9f h9w t9 pr9perly apply it, since he requested me t9 assist him in putting 9n m9st 9f it.

JOHN: -raises eyebrows- oh uh...did you?

KANKRI: Yes, 9f c9urse. He was a friend in need 9f help, and I pr9vided it.

KANKRI: -Quirks his own brow slightly at John's raised ones-

JOHN: -SHRUUUUUGS-

JOHN: yeah i've been coming down here as much as i can. i just want to make the most of it.

KANKRI: I can certainly understand that. -Looks out at the water now- KANKRI: This is my first time g9ing t9 the 6each since we were 9n this planet, 6ut Im already c9nsidering returning perhaps 9nce m9re 6ef9re we leave.

[taskforcetumut]

ATRIUM SECURITY RECORDING 0381

ROSE: -she's laying on the beach with a tablet. She's looking at all the job listings, but mostly just taking in sunlight.-

JOHN: -walking around in board shorts, squishing his toes in the sand and looking at stuff in tide pools.-

ROXY: =Casts a shadow over Rose. Standing there in a bikini and a grey wizard beard that comes down to her knees. Her sunhat is also pointy at the top and said bikini has sparkles all over it= ROXY: waddup babe

ROSE: -if she had sunglasses, she'd pull them down to gawk at that beard.- ROSE: I find myself at a loss for words, actually. ROSE: -She tugs at the bottom of the beard.- I had no idea wizened enchanters could swim, besides.-

ROXY: hell yeah we can ROXY: we play volleyball too check it ROXY: =kicks up a volleyball and gently bumps it over to john= THINK FAST =Not that fast, it's a lobb of a hit=

ROSE: Please, be gentle with him. He doesn't understand your mystic ways. ROSE: For all he knows, that volleyball could be an artifact of untold power.

ROXY: oh it is

ROSE: Ah. ROSE: Well, I guess John's dead now. ROSE: He had a good run.

JOHNV -sqwawks and splashes into the tidepool in his surprise. those poor micro organisms didn't stand a chance-

ROSE: There he goes.

ROSE: Reflexes of a lynx, though.

ROXY: fuckin majestic

JOHN: oh hey guys! -calls back at them as he shakes himself off and reaches sluggishly for the ball.-

ROXY: omg

ARADIA: -she gets to spend the day with citrin thanks to his dads wanting some ALONE TIME, so that gives her a particularly great excuse to go to the beach. she's holding ananya's hand in one of hers and citrin's in her other and walking at a PRETTY SLOW PACE mostly because of ananya but they have FINALLY reached the beach-

ROXY: what a cute

ARADIA: looks like we came at a good time!

JOHN: -whistles and waves-

CITRIN: -he's TRYING to drag her ahead. he looks so cute in his swim shorts and water wings- halo!! -waves at everyone. its ok guys... he's here-

ROSE: -She offers a little wave, peeking back down at her tablet and briefly wiping the screen off on a boob before tapping at it a little bit.- ROSE: ...Hello there. -aw, babies.-

ROXY: =awww= two cutes

JOHN: -OBVIOUSLY he's gonna roll the ball towards the kids what do you take him for? -

ARADIA: -grins at john, thERES THE BOYF. and she also grins at rose and roxy, too. EVERYBODY HERE- hey! ANANYA: -trucks through the sand while attempting to catch up to citrin. they're really walking more like ducks in a row-

ROXY: =A giant sap, that's what=

CITRIN: -sees that ball comin' at him and... KICKS IT- >8D

ROSE: You show it, Citrin.

ROSE: Kick it in the grill.

ROXY: aww baby kicks ROXY: we could even play kickball

JOHN: woop woop! -hollers at tiny row of ducks procession. plops on the sand like :)-

ARADIA: -totally wearing a bikini top and shorts for the walk over and laughs- hes a good kicker thats for sure ANANYA: -pulls away from aradia and hurries over to john which is still relatively slow. she's got her swimsuit on, too.-

JOHN: -trying his best not to concentrate on aradia in swimwear- oh yeah i wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of that one, hehe. what about you ah-nan-yaa? huh? -crawls up the rest of the way to pick her up.-

CITRIN: -breaks free TOO and lad scampers towards the water-

ROSE: -there he go-

ARADIA: -well, john's got ananya, and she doesn't have to worry about ananya drowning, but CITRIN requires a little bit more supervision, so she follows- whoa there ARADIA: youre getting fast ANANYA: -pasts john's face and wheezes at him, holding on and LOVING the attention-

JOHN: haha friggin bye. -...watches her dash off :///)-

JOHN: it was a long way in the sand huh, kiddo? well you're finally here. the world is your oyster.

CITRIN: -ghibli shivers when he puts a foot in the water- cold!!

ROXY: =sits next to rose and watches them and the kiddies= aww i oughta bring py

ROXY: and let her swim i mean

ROXY: mayb on a baby fish leash..... =what with her being a seadweller ad being all camo=

ROSE: That sounds like the sort of thing you ought to have videotaped for some twenty years in the future. ROSE: But yes. That would probably be nice. ROSE: It's still too bright out here for Baldur.

JOHN: -takes ananya to joins the lalondes- hey girls. child harnesses?

ROXY: maybe bring him at night? put a lil light on his back

ANANYA: hi...! -she nods. sand is hard to walk in- ARADIA: -sticks her feet in the water- youre right it is very cold! the more you get in the less cold it will feel though ARADIA: i promise!

ROXY: awww hey johnny boi and ananananananya banana

ROSE: Yes. And possibly a child umbrella.

ANANYA: -hides her face against john. she's not really shy, she's just pretending to be. that's why she's grinning-

CITRIN: hmm... -waddles in a little farther-

JOHN: -dances her fingers as she pretends to hide- ananabanafofanna

JOHN: fi fi fo fanna

ARADIA: -makes sure she stays RIGHT with him- hows that? still cold? ANANYA: -giggles and smiles at rose and roxy-

JOHN: hehehe. there you go. i knew it.

ROSE: -Waves her fingers at the tiny child.- Hello there, squirming neonate.

ANANYA: -that was a really long pair of words but she assumes it's directed at her- hi...!

JOHN: ananya what's a neonate? nobody knows because it isn't a word.

ROXY: =snorts=

JOHN: its a conspiraaaacy.

ROSE: So you claim, yet here we are, teetering at the edge of the murky abyss, fathoms below the surface of the world where light dare not touch.

ROXY: cmon rose this beach isnt THAT bad

CITRIN: ztill cold... -he sounds so sad... but he is determined to brave the depths ANYWAY.-

ROSE: Didn't you hear him? ROSE: It's cold.

JOHN: -speaking of murky abysses- hey ananya you wanna dig a hole? play in the sand?

ROSE: Besides, all beaches share a similar darkness. The sea is torrid and dark.

ROSE: Explain to her what 'torrid' means, she should be getting this.

ROXY: she also needs to learn nerd :P =strokes her beard in thought= teach this child well

JOHN: i would but i don't know what it means. :(

ANANYA: you...! -that seems like a funny answer to those two questions- ARADIA: you just have to keep going! ill go with you

ROXY: oh shit.... did she just serve u

ROXY: YOU dig it john jfc

ROSE: Can't turn down a direct order like that.

ROSE: She outranks you.

JOHN: you want to bury me? what is this betrayal? I'll dissapear into the depths rose is talking about. -sits down in the sand with her- ananya i thought we were friends.(edited)

CITRIN: -starts to get farther until his feet don't touch the ground, which isn't an unfamiliar feeling for him but he wasn't EXPECTING it- whoa!! -reaches for her hand-

ANANYA: yeah...! -she has no idea what he's talking about but it seems like the silliest thing to d right now would be to agree- ARADIA: -squeezes citrin's hand- i got you dont worry ARADIA: how does it feel?

JOHN: -she's so good at being silly, he's proud. he looks right at her with mock seriousness and starts shoveling his hands into the sand.-

ANANYA: -looks back at rose and roxy for their reactions-

JOHN: -SHE'S A BUDDING JOKESTER.-

ROSE: -Makes a wide :O face, covering her mouth with a hand.-

CITRIN: nice!! -not a nice meme, but it is nice. he's kind of keeping himself afloat with psionics, instead of actually trying to move his arms and legs... why SHOULD he??-

JOHN: -he actually laughs at the face aimed at the child. rose pulls it off really good OK.-

ANANYA: -her fins flick, she is PLEASED with this result and proceeds to try and grab bits of sand in her tiny hands and drop them on john- ARADIA: yeah! nice ARADIA: youre so good in the water citrin

JOHN: -he reacts with a dramatic gasp even tho he barely feels it.-

ANANYA: -LAUGHS LOUDLY-

ANANYA: -does it again-

JOHN: -this time its more like a raptor sound.-

ROSE: -She picks up a handful of sand and drops it on him.- His fate is sealed.

JOHN: -this kills the john. he flops into the sand.-

CITRIN: -he nods in agreement- yez. -he IS good at this. he's the BEST-

ANANYA: -puts more sand on him and giggles up at rose-

ARADIA: yes! -she repeats. god she loves the way he talks, it's ADORABLE- you should try splashing around -gently demonstrates-

ROSE: You're very good at this. ROSE: You could have a career in gravedigging.

JOHN: -fuckin goodbye john is dead he makes a blehh sound which signifies this. ask aradia she can confirm all dead people make this blehh sound.-(edited)

CITRIN: ... hmm... -that DOES look fun... he follows her example, waving his free arm through the water-

ANANYA: bleh...! -falls over like she's dead too- ARADIA: -continues with him- see?

JOHN: -oh no they are dead they have died.-

JOHN: -you were right all along rose.-

ROSE: -Pokes Ananya.- ROSE: Oh dear. ROSE: She seems to have expired.

ANANYA: BLEH...!

ROSE: -Another poke.- Boy. She seems like a lively dead thing, though. ROSE: -pokes right in the belly-

ANANYA: -laughs loudly again and squirms-

ROSE: A very squirmy little dead girl. -Poke poke tickle.-

JOHN: -raspy voice- you're not really dead anaanya. -sandy hand monster pretends to munch her toes.-

ANANYA: -she can't stop laughing because of all this TICKLING BUSINESS!!!-

ROSE: -Rose looks terribly satisfied with herself.- We may have a case of the undead on our hands.

JOHN: -raspy voice.- blehhhh. i dont see your point.

JOHN: -absolutely covered in sand by now his hair is sticking up.-

ROSE: -She picks up Ananaya, and places her on top of John.* Ananya, please take care of this undead monster.

CITRIN: yez... i zee... -he doesn't REALLY know what that statement means, but people say it all the time in shows and it's funny-

CITRIN: -splashes a little harder- eheheheh.

ANANYA: rawr...! -that's what monsters do, right?- ARADIA: -gently splashes citrin- oops!

JOHN: - lifts her and makes "roaring" noises back at her not as good as a troll could do probably-

CITRIN: >80 -BLEH- hey!! eheheh. -splashes her back-

ANANYA: -screams but in an amused way- ARADIA: oh my god citrin you splashed me!

CITRIN: -splashes her MORE- yez!!

ARADIA: -pretends to lose her balance- youre so strong!

[taskforcetumut]

ATRIUM SECURITY RECORDING 0376

JOHN: -creeps in much later, going straight for the "breakfast" items despite it being evening.-(edited)

FEFERI: -on her way back from the gym, she ends up stalking John all the way to the cafeteria. Why he creep?- Jo)(n!!!

JOHN: -looks up just as he stuffed his face with waffle.- !

FEFERI: -she's happy to see him, of course. She bounces over to give him a smooch on the head.- )(ey! I was wondering w)(et)(er I could catc)( you!

FEFERI: )(ow's t)(e waffle? 38o -eyes it-

JOHN: -is kiss. has to finish eating it before he can reply.- great as always. you want some? my eyes were probably bigger than my stomach. -even though he's ravenous.-(edited)

FEFERI: Yes!!! Feed me, please! -perches at the chair right next to him and chinhands.- )(mmm... I )(ear Cronus is in t)(e glubbing infirmary again. Is that true?

JOHN: -inward sigh as he slowly cuts her waffle- yes he is. he's doing better for the moment. i'm sorry. i should have let you know. i just forgot.(edited)

FEFERI: It's okay! I wasn't around anyway.

FEFERI: I just got back from t)(e B-----EST D-E-EP DIV-E -EVER. -fins flutter but then she frowns- But t)(en I )(eard some AL-ERTS from Cully... Glub.

FEFERI: I'm reely glad to know )(e's doing better t)(oug)(. You know )(e pulled t)(e same stuff on Lauctis.

JOHN: hehe i figured. hows the ocean on this planet? i mean in terms of oceans...and how they are rated.

FEFERI: Full of food. 38) -She ate so many fish, you don't even know.-

JOHN: -pauses about cronut- that's good to know. i mean i already assumed it was a recurring problem. i don't know whether i need to make up a new...strategy for this stuff or maybe get with mental on it. i was just kind of -yawns- studying up on it all night, you know?

JOHN: food...-remembers he has food and starts eating again.-

FEFERI: I t)(ink you're on t)(e rig)(t track. -gazing at him with a lot of sympathy- And I know w)(atever you decide to do, you're going to do your very best. Because t)(at's )(ow you get stuff done!

JOHN: you sound like a PSA. -gratefully gives her a syrup smooch on her face.-

JOHN: -absorb the positivity. ABSORB IT.-

FEFERI: Yuck!! )(e)(e)(e! Keep your syrup to yourself! -rubs at her cheek, making such a face-

JOHN: -scoots closer- bleghhhhhh. ->:D-

FEFERI: -pushes at his face- GROSS.

JOHN: hehehe! what? imagine if you will...what those poor little fishes feel when you come at em.

FEFERI: T)(ey don't feel anyt)(ing. T)(ey don't )(ave time!

FEFERI: All my kills are clean.

JOHN: -snorts as he forks more waffle.- but what if they had little fishie dreams? what if they wanted to go to school and become sturgeons.

FEFERI: I- O)(.

FEFERI: ....

FEFERI: -slowly lowers her head down onto the table.-

FEFERI: I can't B---------------ELI-EV-E t)(at fis)( pun. -WHEEZES-

JOHN: -grins at her. oh he's so proud of himself. -

FEFERI: -keeps her face buried into her arms, snorting so grossly with laughter. GDI. Shoves her foot at his shoe.-

JOHN: -she's so adorable. he is cheered and forgets how tired he is because its time to play footsies with her.-

FEFERI: -NO. WTF. Dabs at the toes of his shoes with hers, the giggles only increasing. John is one hundred percent mature, yes.-

JOHN: -they both know how mature he is. he is a man of medicine, HE HAS A DR. in front of his name, he's laughing like a third grader rn.-

FEFERI: -Enough of this!!! Feferi is picking up a fork to nab a piece of the waffle. Take that!-

JOHN: O:< hey! -this prompts him to block her attack instead with his own piece of silverware. they are silly people.-

FEFERI: )(ey YOU. You said you were going to S)(AR-E!!!!!!!!!!! -STABS AT WAFFLE. Let her feast!-

JOHN: but I cut you a piece over here. you can't be all LAWLESS about it!

FEFERI: Um?? I got a D-EPARTM-ENT TRANSF-ER. I AM t)(e law around )(ere! -stab stab poke-

JOHN: this isn't breakfast, its breaking and entering.

JOHN: you sit on a stack of golden, syrupy corruption.

[taskforcetumut]

ATRIUM SECURITY RECORDING 0353

DIRK: -HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY. Dirk is here in the cafeteria, assembling a Mother's Day lunch for his own MOM.-

RILEY: -she is here for the Mother's Day lunch. ITS A WEIRD CONCEPT BEING A MOM FOR MOTHERS DAY, but here she is, nonetheless, letting Dirk do his thing because there's really no talking him out of it-

DIRK: -returns to the table and sets the plate down for her- Here you go. Strider style feast. -it's probably loaded nachos honestly.-

RILEY: -Perfect. This is fine cuisine in her eyes anyway. She's ready to eat and it's so nice to eat outside of her room- thanks, baby. looks fucking amazing.

DIRK: -sparkles and sits down next to her- No problem. DIRK: So... How are you enjoying the ship? Now that you can actually enjoy it.

RILEY: -takes a bite of these NACHOS- it's a lot bigger than i remembered. which is probably why i've been getting lost every time i leave the room.

DIRK: Do you need a map? I can install one onto your comm.

RILEY: does it include a gps because i am freakishly direction disoriented.

DIRK: Of course. -already holding his hand out for it-

JAKE: -trots into atrium like nobody's business while Porthos the robot puppy is tagging at his heels. BORK.- Aloha strider fam! -It's time for BREAKFAST.-

RILEY: -passes communicator to Dirk when Jake walks by and she greets him with a smile- hey, jake! fuck, is that a robot dog?

DIRK: It's Porthos. -fusses with the device-

JAKE: Ah yes! This is- Okay well. He is a very well behaved thank you! -Just as he speaks, Porthos goes for Dirk's shoelaces.-

PORTHOS: -nipping at shoes-

DIRK: ! DIRK: NO.

DIRK: -jerks away-

PORTHOS: >:O -BORK BOOF. He is so small Dirk and stumbles as he jerks away. His tail wags anyway.- JAKE: -is off getting himself a loaded breakfast plate.-

RILEY: -can't help but giggle at robot dog- that's so cool! who made that?

DIRK: Jake did. Dunno why he had to program him to always go for my shoes, though.

ROXY: =Beep beep= BEEP BEEP =wow that took a lot of energy actually. She was still tired but hey. Progress. Here comes fish on wheels=

ERIDAN: -HERE COMES THE FISH ON WHEELS-

PORTHOS: BARK!!!! -chasing Roxy and Eridan. His sensors smell cat.-

ERIDAN: the FUCK -WHY-

PORTHOS: -sniffing up Roxy and Eridan and logging their scent. Mostly their shoes. Theyre not nearly as fine quality as Dirk's so he doesn't chew them.-

RILEY: -fuck!!!! It's the fish guy. Slides under the table stealthily-

ERIDAN: -WOW, EXCUSE YOU???????????-

ROXY: =A POOCH. A ROBO POOCH, she stops she's gonna hug the fuck out of this dog with her barms= !!!

ERIDAN: -his shoes are VERY fine quality-

PORTHOS: -he wiggle and vibrates at the hug. Maybe piddles some oil a little. This is very exciting.-

ROXY: what a cutie snoot =lifts the pup seeing the oil her bfg has done worse piddles= awww he aint even ship trained yet

ERIDAN: fuckin gross

JAKE: -returns with a breakfast burrito in tow, munching.- Whos not ship trained? JAKE: -eyes the oil- Baaah porthos. Havent we been working on this???

JAKE: -throws his hands up anyway- Erijam! Youre home free of the infirmary!!!

JAKE: How are you feeling???

RILEY: -u can't see me my time is now-

DIRK: ... -looks down at his mom. There she goes.-

RILEY: -DONT LOOK AT ME YOULL GIVE IT AWAY- RILEY: -don't make me go back there ugh-

ERIDAN: -HE DONT EVEN CARE ABOUT RILEY RIGHT NOW- i dunno im feelin ERIDAN: -trying to keep himself from sliding around and sitting weirdly in t he chair due to not being able to feel much DOWN THERE*

RILEY: -u never know with trolls-

DIRK: (Mom, I think it's ok.)

RILEY: (when you say think how sure are you?)

JAKE: -doesn't notice the awkward way he's sitting and just beams at him.- Well damn if you dont look fresh! JAKE: And trot rox? How are you? -shuffling closer to her and looms, eyeing her with a crinkly eyed grin. He see you.-

DIRK: (Like 84% sure.)

RILEY: -sighs and slides back up- because of how specific that percentage was, i have no choice but to trust you.

DIRK: I'll take care of it if things go south. DIRK: ... For real this time.

ERIDAN: -blinks at riley before glancing at dirk, BUT DOESNT SAY ANYTHING-

RILEY: unless you go down with me.

RILEY: -SPOTTED-

DIRK: -looks back at Eridan- ... -sweats- DIRK: -peers over shades... WINKS????-

ERIDAN: -WHAT???????? flushes at the wink and looks up at roxy like DID U JUST SEE THAT????-

RILEY: -carefully eating nachos-

DIRK: -AHA the distraction ruse worked-

RILEY: -YES-(edited)

ROXY: =WHAT? Sorry she spaced out= oh im alright

JAKE: As opposed to all lefts? -nudges her like ey eyyyyyyyy?-

ERIDAN: .... -stares hard at jake-

DIRK: -babe plz-

JAKE: -hes trying to get her to smile, okay. Even at the cost of his own dorkiness!-

RILEY: -that girl looks weirdly like Roxanne-

DIRK: -dat me best friend-

ROXY: =snrks for jakes efforts. He's a good bean= whats all this up in here? =LIKE IT WASNT OBVIOUS but conversation=

JAKE: You know. I dont actually know? -Why IS everyone out and about?-

ROXY: =oh that makes sense= its a holiday celebrated on a buncha different days on earth but basically praising all the moms =pythia is likely on her back here also. Family outting=

DIRK: -watching his mom eat nachos-

DIRK:                        

JAKE: Ahhh.... -frowns and then just- HOLY CHEESE AND POTATOES. IS IT MOTHERS DAY???????????? -appalled-

DIRK: ... -Jake plz-

PYTHIA: -SHE SHORE IS, clinging like a precious child- ERIDAN: yeah somethin like that

RILEY: -snorts at jake's yelling- yeah, i guess so! -glances at Roxy and Pythia- she yours?

JAKE: -just standing there like an idiot. How does one even CELEBRATE mother's day??-

ROXY: yeah but its not over yet u still got time

ROXY: =sniles at riley a little= yeah she is her names pythia

DIRK: -give gma nachos obviously-

JAKE: -You cant give grandmas nachos! What about her frail old gums?-

DIRK: Isn't she cute?

RILEY: -NACHOS ARE A PERFECT WAY TO CELEBRATE. She grins at Roxy- she's gorgeous. -seriously the prettiest baby troll she's ever seen though- happy mothers day.

PYTHIA: :3 -chirpglubs. She knows she's pretty- ERIDAN: -hes PROUD OF THIS GRUB he had no part in creating-

ROXY: =shes very proud and smiles more reaching for pythia to come sit down with the gang while pushing eridan= happy mothers day 2 you too

RILEY: -wow she hasn't heard that in over 20 years. WEIRD- thanks.

JAKE: -still feels wrought with guilt for forgetting a holiday he never really celebrated before and draaags himself to sit at the table.- :(

ERIDAN: wwhats your fuckin damage

JAKE: -Sir are you talking to Jake.-

JOHN: -comes in wearing his Sunday best, tie and fixed collar and all.-

ERIDAN: -oh hai john-

DIRK: -looks at Jake in a way that says may I offer you a nacho my love-

JOHN: -friendly chatter- hey guys!

JAKE: Ahoy mister john bomb! -waving. He does not notice the nacho offer.-

JOHN: -plops down with his mates.-

DIRK: -wtf-

DIRK: Hey John. Have you met my mom?

JOHN: nope i have only heard of her in legend!

RILEY: -it me- hi. john, i'm guessing your name is?

JOHN: hey dave and dirks mom! im super jazzed to meet you. -goes in for excited hand shake.-

-TAILWAG-

DIRK: John is one of our doctors, as well as my neighbor and good buddy.

JOHN: -preens.-

JOHN: -I AM A GOOD BUDDY!-

ERIDAN: johns MY doctor

ERIDAN: -eyes everyone-

JOHN: -ERIDAN CALLED ME HIS DOCTOR.-

DIRK: -don't make me wink at you again-

JOHN: -sparkling-

RILEY: -extends hand to shake his, grinning- call me riley. i'm equally jazzed to meet you too. -listens to dirk's intro- ooh you grabbed a personal doctor gig, huh? awesome.

JOHN: -proudly puffs chest.- yup! that's definitely what happened!

RILEY: nice. you gotta be a good one. -it's good news that a doctor is living next to Dirk. Just in case-

DIRK: -mother please-

JAKE: -munching burrito, glancing between all these friends at once.-(edited)

ERIDAN: -he wants a food- -stares at jake's burrito-

DIRK: -pokes obnoxiously at Jake-

JAKE: Wh- -keep your hands to YOURSELF. Punches his hand out of the way.-

RILEY: -why are Dirk and Jake so cute it's not fair-

JAKE: -And now Eridan is staring at him. Why.-

DIRK: (Ouch.)

JOHN: -keeps futzing with his collar and probably messing it up more. mmmm >8/-(edited)

DIRK: -looks at Eridan ogling the burrito- Are you hungry?

ERIDAN: yeah a little *mumbles- john wwasnt lettin me eat nothin but garbage

JOHN: -owlturns at Eridan. no burrites you destroy ur tum.-

DIRK: -looks back at John-

RILEY: -these nachos are endless and it's a miracle-

JOHN: oh come on, its not garbage its just stuff that's easy on your stomach.

BRO: - there is a mysterious BLUR and Riley will suddenly find a pink smuppet replacing her endless nachos. The smuppet has a ribbon that says HAPPY MOTHERS DAY on it-

JOHN: you could have pancakes-(edited)

JAKE: -CHOKES. THAT'S A PENIS.-

ERIDAN: -.....................-

DIRK: -DEREK!!!!! Jk he loves smuppets-

JAKE: -Wheeze!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!-

RILEY: ...these fucking puppets.

JOHN: -DIRK YOUR DAD IS SO WEIRD!-

BRO: -flash steps again to return the nachos-

RILEY: why did you have to- thanks.

BRO: -but he definitely ate some-

RILEY: better watch out because i will hunt you DOWN. -for these nachos-

BRO: -Rihanna winking in the bg-

ERIDAN: fuckin interuptin john blessin me wwith pancakes wwhat a goddamned jerk

DIRK: Yeah he is.

JOHN: pancakes! I'll go get em. -eager to get away from adult strider weirdness.-(edited)

JOHN: -also his shirt isn't tucked in all the way dangit.-

RILEY: -okay at least it's pink and not AS hideous as the other ones but it's still hideous-

JOHN: -trots off, still messing with it.-

JAKE: -doing his best not to oogle the smuppet. How inappropriate... He hopes his grandma never sees one.-

GRANDMA: -WALKS IN- :)

ERIDAN: -WATCHES JOHN GO before glancing over at grandma-

GRANDMA: hi everybody!

JAKE: -N O.-

JOHN: -comes back with pancakes and bananas because they're good for you dammit. there's grandma now where dad...-

RILEY: -oh. more people. and a good looking older lady. she quickly puts away this goddamn smuppet because this will NOT be part of the first impression she gives-

JAKE: -he could pass out from relief. thank you, Riley.-

JOHN: -places plate before eridan-

JOHN: -he sit-

JAKE: Hello grandma! -rising up to give her a BIG HUG, hopefully she saw NOTHING.-

ERIDAN: oh thanks -DELICIOUS PANCAKES- -time to dig in-

GRANDMA: -SQUEEZES him back- hi jake!! how is everybody doing today?

JAKE: Fantastic! Or at least i thought so anyway. -he looks guilty- I am very apologetic to say i had no idea today was mothers day. :(

JOHN: -aww-.

RILEY: okay but to be fair neither did i. until this guy. -points at dirk-

GRANDMA: huh?? it's mother's day??

GRANDMA: :o

GRANDMA: then you must be dirk's mom!

JOHN: -AWWWW.-

JOHN: -his friends and their families.... Its so cute.-

GRANDMA: -ur my family too... She smile at John-

JAKE: Hehe. -well if grandma forgot, then it's not so bad.- :)

RILEY: -there is something oddly affirming about being pointed out as dirk's mom without having to say so first. she nods proudly- yeah. he's mine. i'm riley.

JOHN: -8) -he also doesn't really remember how they're supposed to be related BUT STILL CUTE.-

GRANDMA: i'm jolene! it's so nice to finally meet you.

RILEY: oh yeah! -she recalls a conversation she had with derek and davenforth and this jungle lady AND OH THAT'S WHO SHE IS. her smile widens- nice to meet you too. i've heard nothing but good things.

JAKE: -hovering by Grandma E.-

GRANDMA: hehe aww... i could say the same! i just wish i'd heard more. -smiles up at Jake but then slides into a seat at the table-

JAKE: -pulls out chair for Grandma to sit in.-

DIRK: -pushes Eridan's plate around just a little bit to annoy him-

GRANDMA: thank you, jake!!

ERIDAN: -EYES DIRK- the hell are you doin

DIRK: Nothing.

ERIDAN: -sQUINT-

JOHN: -maybe shifts eridans plate a little too while dirk distracts him.-

DIRK: -;)-

JOHN: -INNOCENT POSE.-

ERIDAN: ...............................

JAKE: -fiddles with his hands. gosh he wished he had a gift to give Grandma...- Ah... JAKE: Grandma?

GRANDMA: yes, jake? :o

JAKE: -This is embarrassing! And Jake isn't really one to draw attention to himself this way but. It's a special occasion! He squares up his shoulders, ulimately deciding to bite the bullet. Everyone witness him.- JAKE: Its no gift suitable for mothers day or anything such but! JAKE: I think you should know that dirk sollux and i... are committing to one another. We are engaged! -lets that sink in for a second, standing there sweatily.- JAKE: ... -Oh yeah. He shows her the gold banded, three colored ring on his hand.-

JOHN: -big eyes OMG!-

ERIDAN: -chokes on pancake-

JOHN: -VIBRATES AND WHIRLS AROUND AT ERIDIRK LIKE :D-

DIRK: -OH SHIT THAT JUST HAPPENED. He looks very flustered, but mostly because that announcement was directed at granny...- GRANDMA: -stares at Jake with wide eyes before looking at the ringed hand offered in her direction. She takes his hand, a big smile spreading across her face.- oh wow...! jake, that's so wonderful i...! -sniffle- i'm so happy for you!! :') GRANDMA: -looks at Dirk- and you too! congratulations!! -more sniffs while she squeezes Jake's hand.-

JAKE: -How adorable! He just squeezes her hands back, getting a little sniffly hiimself.- 8'O

GRANDMA: -admires the ring a little more before she pulls Jake into a hug-

JOHN: -AHH they're all so good...good family... he loves them. he also slaps dirk on the back and squeezes his shoulder- congratumolations, buddy!

DIRK: -tiny wheeze- Thanks.

ERIDAN: -COUGH COUGH CHOKE-

DIRK: ...

JOHN: -is he really choking-

DIRK: Eridan??

JOHN: -OWLTURNS-

ERIDAN: -COUGH COUGH COUGH HACK pancake piece gets coughed up-

JAKE: ...Holy smokes.

JOHN: -rubs his back- jesus!

DIRK: Uh... You ok?

ERIDAN: -squints- yes

ERIDAN: -...... quietly nibbles pancake now-

JOHN: -keeps patting him restlessly. PLEASE BE CAREFUL FRIENDS.-

DIRK: ... Ok.

DIRK: -anxiously playing with his own ring now. His new favorite thing to play with when he's feeling nervous.-

JOHN: -waits patiently for eridan to congratulate dirksoljake....???-

JAKE: -just keeping eyes on grandma, all big smiles and hand squeezes.-

ERIDAN: -keeps just BUSYING himself with these pancakes, not saying a word-

ERIDAN: - did JAKE SAY SOMETHING, HE DIDN'T HEAR ANYTHING-

JOHN: -HMM. this is awkward. and poor Dirk is twitching.-

GRANDMA: hehe... seeing you so happy really is the best gift i could even ask for. -starry eyed up at him- DIRK: -deflating the longer Eridan goes without saying anything-

JAKE: Golly what else can i say? -bashful laughing- We sure dont know what the future holds so why the blazes not the three of us?? -Glances hopefully towards Dirk like :D? Is he doing a good thing?-

DIRK: -snorts a little at that goofy smile, but he still seems pretty bummed-

JOHN: -smushed between these best friends like 8(-(edited)

JOHN: -but outwardly he's 8)-

GRANDMA: -why Dirk look like that- that's a great philosophy!

ERIDAN: -fins are starting to DROOP. he's done with his pancakes and is ready to leave-

JAKE: -leaning down to smooch grandma right on the head and envelope her in a big hug. He sniffles, having no idea whats going on with the others.-

GRANDMA: ! -doh Jake is SO CUTE- hehehe!

DIRK: Hey, I'm gonna... Brb? -gets up and ABSCONDS-

JAKE: -gesturing for Dirk??? Get in on this hu- Oh.-

JAKE: -standing there like...- Uh.

GRANDMA: ...

JOHN: -:-

ERIDAN: -WHEELS OFF-

JOHN: -he sees you, wheeling off.-

JAKE: ........... -shuffling his hands. Um. Okay. Kind of looks at John like help what happened??-

JOHN: uh! -WELL...WHAT...DO...-

JOHN: -stands up and gives Jake a firm hug- i'm really happy for you, dude. of course I already knew but ...shhh

JAKE: Oh ah. Sure. -Thank goodness for John. He was about to panic.-

JOHN: -rapid back patting- :D

JAKE: -big old watery eyes on him. Thank...-

JOHN: -as he finishes his pats he moves over to sit by Jake since everyone split.-

JAKE: -Guh, well. Since it's quiet all of a sudden, he's gonna focus on eating the rest of his cold burrito.-

JAKE: :(

JOHN: -just keeps him company and waits for his dad :-

GRANDMA: -PROBABLY BABBLING ABOUT SOMETHING-

DIRK: -sneaks back in and hovers over Jake and grandma- Hey.

JAKE: Mrrphph. -he's eating.-

RILEY: -she was absent for a second but now she has returned!!!!-

RILEY: -at least Dirk is still here and mostly everyone it looks like-

JAKE: -gently stress eating-

RILEY: what did i miss?

JAKE: Nothing!

JAKE: I am almost done with my lunch here.

DIRK: -drapes arms around them and gives them both a squeeze- DIRK: Oh. DIRK: Jake just declared our engagement to everyone.

JAKE: -Mrrrrrgh. Is squeezed.-

RILEY: !!!! -eyes widen- so it's official?

JAKE: More or less! Ahem. -stands up and gathers up his garbage.-

DIRK: ...

DIRK: -more or less????-

RILEY: -she's confused. looks at Dirk-

DIRK: ... Uh. Well... -shows her the ring on his hand-

JAKE: -He could be here for that, at least. Jake is just not feeling so well.-

RILEY: OH! -she's back to looking excited- congratulations! again. but officially, congratulations!

DIRK: -manages a smile- Thanks.

JAKE: -just hovering awkwardly. Don't look at him, Grandma.-

RILEY: to both of you! ...both of you or...?

JAKE: The three of us i believe! But oh jeez. JAKE: Would you look at the time?? I entirely forgot i was in the middle of something beforehand! JAKE: Shall we continue the discussion later? -he is scooting...- Yes? Okay. JAKE: Toodles everyone! -HE ESCAPED-

RILEY: -that was really fucking weird- okay?

JOHN: -GROANS LOUDLY.-

JOHN: ....sorry. -clears throat and drinks milk.-

GRANDMA: -hmm...- oh, it's fine, i'm sure! he's always all over the place haha. DIRK: -frowning tho-

RILEY: oh, okay! as long as he's good. -son why are you frowning-

DIRK: -HES NOT OOOOKAAAAAY- Hey mom, do you wanna go for a walk?

RILEY: -looks up and over at him- yeah, sure. i ate too many nachos anyway.

DIRK: Let's walk it out then. -looks at grandma and John- We'll catch you all later, alright? GRANDMA: take care, dirk! and it was nice meeting you, riley. :)

JOHN: -nods and sits there chinhandsing.-

RILEY: -stands up with Dirk- nice meeting you too! see you all later, i'm sure.

DIRK: -scrambles off with the mom-

GRANDMA: -looks at John. SMILES.-

JOHN: -waves at her. hello jake's grandma-

GRANDMA: -waves back- hi john! how are things?

JOHN: -WELL BESIDES THE OBVIOUS AWKWARD BULLSHIT THAT JUST HAPPENED.-

JOHN: i have no complaints! how are you?

GRANDMA: -shhh...- GRANDMA: oh, about the same...! i've been focusing on my skaianet plans since we've been grounded.

JOHN: huh. has it just been you working on 'em?

JOHN: -feels kind of embarassed because he almost forgot about skaianet. DUHHHH.-

DAD: -at the mention of Skaianet, here is James. With a tray of chocolate covered strawberries for Auntie Jolene.- HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, AUNT JOLENE.

JOHN: -perks up! hey this is somethng!-

GRANDMA: !! GRANDMA: aw, james! -smiles up at him- you shouldn't have. -she's gonna PARTAKE anyway...-

DAD: -removes his hat and also produces a dozen bright blue flowers for her.-

GRANDMA: oh my gosh!! -now she's laughing. always full of surprises, this one- you are just too sweet.

JOHN: :) -this is definitley cheering him up.-

DAD: -He is most pleased with the reaction and has ONE MORE TRICK up his sleeve. With a quick flip of his hat, it appears to turn inside out and becomes a white sun hat, complete with bow and everything. He places it delicately on her head.- THANK YOU, DEAR AUNT.

DAD: YOU LOOK RAVISHING AS ALWAYS.

JOHN: eheheh! -claps and whistles-

DAD: -from his shirt pocket, he produces a tiny framed picture of Nanna. He puts it on the table.-

DAD: JOHN AND I WERE ABOUT TO ENGAGE IN A MOTHER'S DAY DINNER IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN US.

GRANDMA: -starry eyed over her beautiful new hat, and then notices the photo. Oh... Gosh. She's getting so emotional today. More sniffs.- i'd love to.

DAD: -puts a matching blue flower in John's shirt pocket. You look spiffy today son.-

JOHN: -this is kind of weird to witness. no one's ever had mother day's dinner with them except for dead grandma photo. but it's good weird! def. good weird.-

JOHN: -straightens flower proudly- yeah? i did my best to put in some extra spiff!

DAD: EXCELLENT WORK. NANNA WOULD BE PROUD OF YOU, SON.

JOHN: -HE HAS PLEASED DEAD GRANDMA PHOTO AGAIN ON THIS DAY. dad gets a thumbs up.-

DAD: -soon, he produces a macaroni cheese casserole for the three of them to partake in. It is beautiful.-

JOHN: -heck yes it is.-

DAD: -But also green beans because vegetables are good for you.-

JOHN: -ignores grean beans for now.- wow, you made a lot of this. can i save some for ruleus, aradia and feferi?

JOHN: and ananya.

JOHN: wow, a lot.

JOHN: actually maybe i shoudl just make my own.

JOHN: ehehhehe.

DAD: YOU MAY TAKE LEFTOVERS REGARDLESS.

JOHN: -singsong voice- ss-core...!

GRANDMA: -giggles at these nerds. Gosh... She's feeling so nostalgic...- everything looks delicious, james. :)

DAD: THANK YOU, AUNT JOLENE. DAD: THE DESSERT SLATED FOR THE EVENING IS CHOCOLATE MOUSSE PIE.

JOHN: ! -HE MADE A PIE INSTEAD OF A CAKE!-

DAD: -It's the only way John would eat it.-

JOHN: -raises fork- huzzah!

JOHN: -then stabs macaroni wedge.-