Two Months Off, Baby

- Summer, no particular date, just summer -

"Who's ready to partyyyy?!" Scott earing nothing except short swim shorts of gray and blue.

"Party at Julie's Aunt's beach house? Hell yeah, I'm ready!" You grinned, wearing a full body diving suit in mostly black with some sky blue accents, as well as some red swimming goggles currently resting on your forehead.

"Wow, Y/N! You really don't like showing skin, do you?" Ramona whistled. "You look great, don't get me wrong."

"Not a chance. But hey, at I dare anyone to try me when I have a diving suit like this on." You chuckled. "I'll dominate in water fights, no doubt."

"Did everyone pack their change of clothes?" Stephen asked, holding a duffle bag.

"Let's see... Change of clothes, shampoo, soap, sunscreen, sunglasses, towel... yeah, I've got the essentials." You nodded.

"Yeah, we're prepared, whatever. Let's go already!" Kim rushed.

"Right. To the bus stop!" You proclaimed, and with that, you and the gang ran off.

- One of those cartoony-spinny transitions but with the bus stop sign later -

Ah, the feeling of fresh air, the smell of salty sea water, the sound of crashing waves, the sand beneath your feet, and the beautiful ocean before you. Yup, summer beach days are always amazing.

The warm sun was shining brightly, the sky was clear, and the waves were calm, but high enough to be fun. Quite the place for many things, like beach volleyball, swimming, sunbathing, and romance. Scott and Ramona sure thought so.

"Ramona..." Scott spoke in a love-struck tone as the two of them stood before each other, near the sea.

"Shh. Don't you just wish this moment could last forever?" Ramona smiled.

"Ramona, I luh-" Scott began, only to be interrupted.

"Shhhhh." Ramona hushed, pressing a finger to Scott's lips.

"Luh-" Scott tried again.

"Shhhhhhhhhh." Ramona once again silenced him.

"L-let's make out!" Scott finished.

"Show me how!" Ramona accepted.

"Aw! Isn't that just the cutest thing ever?" You said, proud of the couple.

"Those two make my mouth taste like throw-up." Julie complained, rolling her eyes.

"This is probably the only time I'll ever agree with you, but... I agree with you." Kim said, equally bothered.

Julie held a volleyball, about to throw it at the lovebirds, but she stopped to look at you. "Well?" She asked.

"What?" You raised an eyebrow.

"You're not gonna stop me?" Julie questioned.

"I usually would. But it's your birthday, and I'm not gonna spoil your fun." You shrugged. "Go ahead, just this one time."

"Heh. Good call." Julie smirked, chucking the ball at Scott's face. "No shenanigans at my party, bitches!"

"Whoop-de-doo." Kim deadpanned.

"Are you well? Do you have brain damage?" Ramona asked as she looked down toward Scott.

"Did anyone see what hit me?" Scott questioned, and his voice was slurred.

"It was a volleyball that Julie threw." You informed.

"By the way, where's Knives? Didn't she come along?" Ramona inquired.

"Y/N!" Knives' voice suddenly called out. You turned around and found a structure made of green glass, in the shape of a dome, in the middle of the sea. "Your best friend has returned! I come seeking victory over you in a water fight!"

"Knives... you will not get a single drop of water on me." You declared, and you could feel the determination and dramatic anger from her, even from this far.

"Urgh...! Do not deny me my victory!" Knives shouted, and using her Glass Conduit abilities, she created some kind of, and quite literal, glass cannon to fire streams of water at you.

"Heh, someone's been getting creative with her powers!" You complimented, dodging her attacks.

"Thanks, I've been working on making this kinda thing work!" Knives replied.

"It's gonna take a lot more than that to land a hit on me, though!" You grinned, and you jumped into the ocean, the rose using concrete. "Good thing I absorbed concrete earlier! It's the only power I can safely use in water!"

"Oh, it is ON, Y/N!" Knives smirked, launching more water streams via her cannons, trying to hit you down as you flied over to the top of her glass tower.

Of course, you dodged left, right, forward, back, up, and down. Meanwhile, you gathered water in a seal-tight concrete ball, and you kept gathering and gathering until the sphere was an acceptable, large size.

You landed atop the tower, facing Knives. "So, are you sure you wanna do this?" You questioned.

"I know I want to, yes. And I'm pretty sure I will!" Knives answered.

"Fine then, time for the heavy stuff." You shrugged. And making the concrete ball levitate above Knives, you broke it open, and the water burst out like a fountain, soaking Knives completely. "Checkmate."

"Aw, dang it." Knives sighed, chuckling. "You win."

"You did good, Knives. Didn't know that was possible using just glass. You're more than impressive." You complimented, patting her head.

"Really? Thanks, Wyenn!" Knives beamed.

"Hey, you two! We're gonna go have dinner!" Ramona yelled, waving at you.

"Got it! Be right there!" You called back, and with that, you and Knives went on over.

- One "after swimming on saltwater" shower later -

You took off your diving suit and switched back to your usual attire. Sort of. As you promised, your colors were different now.

Your red flannel shirt remained, but your hoodie was now a little lighter, like a gray instead of black.

The denim on both your vest and pants was also slightly lighter, and your sneakers still remained to their true black with white stripes.

Aside from your underwear and socks, which went without saying, you also put your red beanie and shades back on.

"Ready to get some grub?" You asked Knives as she finished dressing back up, too. Along with the others.

"Yup, I'm starving!" Knives answered.

"What are we gonna have for dinner?" Stephen asked.

"I demand Licks Burger!" Scott demanded.

"Uh, excuse me? Whose birthday is it, jerk?" Julie retorted.

"Damn it! What do you want to eat?" Scott sighed.

"..." Julie thought for a moment before responding with, "...Licks Burger."

"Hell yeah!" Scott exclaimed.

"Let's get some Licks Burgers, then!" You smiled.

- One Licks Burger To-Go later -

"I'm pretty happy right now." Ramona admitted, sitting on the bench, leaning against Scott.

"Me too." Scott agreed.

Ramona sighed, "I think you're the nicest guy I've ever dated. Not met, but dated."

"That's kind of said." Scott said through a mouthful of burger.

"We all know who the 'nicest person I've ever met' prize goes to." Ramona chuckled, looking at you.

"Oh, you flatter me." You blushed, rubbing the back of your neck.

"Scott? Being the nicest you've dated?" Julie scoffed. "It's pathetic!"

"Who the hell asked you?!" Ramona snapped, glaring.

"Back off, bitch, it's my birthday." Julie retorted.

"Juls, please. At least tone it down. Just a little?" You sighed, trying to calm the tension.

"Fine. But only 'cause it's you asking, Y/N." Julie rolled her eyes, backing down.

"Well, I'm depressed now. How's your burgers?" Ramona asked, turning to you and Scott.

"They're pretty good. Nice, juicy flavor and satisfying texture. No complaints." You responded.

"Yeah, that. Want a bite?" Scott offered, holding his burger in front of Ramona.

"Eww, no. I'm a vegetarian." Ramona rejected.

"I saw you eat a chicken shawarma like two hours ago!" Scott argued.

"Oh, yeah..." Ramona trailed off. "Well, I'm not hungry."

"So, Y/N. Where have Ramona's evil ex-boyfriends been?" Scott asked, and it was a very valid question.

"Matthew's on rehearsals at a theater I found for him. He told me he was once one of those kinda kids. And still is." You explained. "Lucas is working at the Second Cup with Stacey and Julie."

"And now I get more breaks because of it. He likes the attention." Julie added. "I guess I should thank you for that, Rowe."

"You're welcome, Juls." You smiled. "As for Todd, he's still maintaining his vegan diet and apparently went on a, and I quote, 'journey of self-discovery'. Overall, I think they're doing alright."

"I still don't get how you can talk them out of being evil." Ramona commented. "It's kind of amazing, though."

"I just have that charm." You shrugged, taking another bite of your burger.

- At the Beach at Night -

"This is so excruciating! I'm so sick of all your hating!" Stephen, Kim, and Scott sang around a campfire.

"Wooooo!" You and Knives cheered.

"Thanks." Stephen said, taking a chug of beer.

"You know, that song really pisses me off." Julie scoffed.

"Yeah? I played it just for you. Happy birthday, baby." Stephen snarked.

"Stephen, most of your songs just bore me to tears, but that one-" Julie paused, sipping her beer. "The song is about me! He thinks I'm a total bitch and a half!"

"Gasp." Kim faked shock.

"You mean she doesn't know?" Ramona asked Scott.

"But it's such a good song! You're missing the tenderness." Knives pointed out. "The narrator is sand and hurt, see? But the girl thinks it's all about her! Don't you get it? It's brilliant."

"Uh-huh. Should we be letting her drink beer?" Julie raised an eyebrow, looking at Knives.

"Knives, drop the bottle. You're not 19 yet." You warned.

"Right..." Knives pouted, tossing the bottle.

"Okay, let's uh... Let's play another one." Stephen suggested, picking up the guitar again.

- Julie's Aunt's House, Later -

"Where'd Kim go?" Ramona asked as she laid her head in Scott's legs as he sat on the couch. "She seemed pretty wasted..."

"Why are you so interested in Kim?" Scott questioned, sounding jealous.

"I like Kim." Ramona smiled, drunk.

"Are you gonna marry her?" Julie asked, a bit drunk.

"Toooootally." Ramona confirmed, and you couldn't tell if she was serious or not.

"Can't wait to play babysitter to you all." You chuckled, being the only one completely sober aside from Knives.

"I'm right there with you, Y/N." Knives nervously laughed.

"I'll just go get everyone some milk. It ought to help the hangovers tomorrow morning." You proposed, getting up from your seat and heading for the kitchen.

"I'll miss you..." Ramona slurred, pouting.

"It's just the kitchen... Oh boy, this is gonna be fun..." You sighed.

- August -

"Oh, hey, I forgot to get the mayo!" Scott exclaimed as you, he, and Wallace went out on a grocery trip.

"You didn't forget, we still have mayonnaise." Wallace said as he read a magazine.

"I'm pretty sure we'll be fine, Scott." You reassured.

"No, no, the french stuff! With garlic. It's important." Scott insisted.

"You mean 'imported'." Wallace corrected.

"Yeah... that." Scott nodded.

"Don't feel bad, it's easy to confuse." You chuckled.

"Plus, you know we can't afford extra mayonnaise." Wallace pointed out. "Anyway, look at all this great stuff we're getting! Y/N, we do have everything in the list, right?"

"Let's see..." You took out the shopping list from your vest's pocket, and you went through the items, checking them off. "Ramen noodles, wonder bread, 6 boxes of cheap pasta, imported marinara, butter, pepper havarti, deli smoked turkey, 2 diet colas, 3 boxes of mac & cheese, and broccoli. All for the price of $35.32"

And according to the notes, the ramen is for Scott, Wallace buys 2 diet cokes every day (2L), broccoli is the only vegetable that Wallace eats, and all fancy/expensive items are for Wallace and Scott can't have any.

"See? We're scrimping and saving, but we aren't suffering, are we?!" Wallace smirked.

"You're the master of grocery shopping, Wallace." You applauded.

"Thank you, thank you. It's what I do." Wallace smiled.

After paying for everything, you three got on your happy way back home. Taking the cart with you, for some reason.

"Oh, hey, at some point we have to go see Peter about our rent, okay?" Wallace reminded. "This week, or next week, or... whatever."

"Our landlord? Why do I have to go?! He scares me, and you do all the talking anyway!" Scott complained.

"You need me to pitch in the rent this month?" You asked, knowing how tight things have been with the group lately.

"Thanks, but it's alright. You've already done so much, Y/N." Wallace smiled. "Plus, you live more in the VW rather than our place. So, that technically isn't even your apartment."

"If you say so." You shrugged.

"Anyway, Peter's bark is worse than his bite. He's just a little intimidating since he controls our destiny!" Wallace reassured, though it didn't sound very reassuring.

"Yeah, just a little bit..." Scott trailed off.

You got home, helped Wallace and Scott set up the groceries in their places, and waited until something interesting happened. And you didn't have to wait long, because something did.

"Huh, I guess we are out of mayo." Wallace realized, opening the fridge.

"Why are your pants off?! Stop taking your pants all the time!" Scott demanded, walking into the kitchen.

"I'm hot! Also I'm hot, so enjoy it while you can!" Wallace boasted.

Scott mumbled something under his breath, but you could only make out the phrase "scarred for life" when he spoke.

"Also, Y/N, how the heck can you wear denim, a hoodie, and a beanie even in summer?" Wallace asked.

"Fresh mind, fresh body." You simply answered.

"Whatever. Ah, what the hell! The mice got into my rice again! This is garbage!" Wallace groaned.

"Oh, yeah, they got my bread, too. My mom says we should get some of those really big Tupperware thingies." Scott suggested.

"You listen to me. I'm the one who tells you what your mom says, okay?" Wallace glared.

"Not a terrible idea, though." You admitted.

"Ha ha ha. At least Y/N understands. Anyway, I know it's hot, but you don't see me running around naked all the time!" Scott ranted.

"And have I once complained?" Wallace questioned.

Scott did answer, but you couldn't hear it over the sound of the blender that Wallace purposefully turned on. Smartass.

Uh... what the hell are you doing?" Scott asked.

"Ice-cold margaritas, guy! You want in? You said you were hot, right?" Wallace answered.

"Uh, no, you said you were hot. I was gonna go to Ramona's in a minute." Scott pointed out.

"Y/N, what about you? Margarita?" Wallace offered.

"Hm... Sure, why not?" You shrugged, getting up from the couch and heading over to the kitchen.

"Well, at least one of us is hot, and another just accepted out of courtesy. How are you and Ramona doing, anyway?" Wallace asked as he took a sip of margarita.

"Uh... you know. Pretty good." Scott shrugged.

"Did you say the l-word yet?" Wallace questioned.

"The l-word?" Scott repeated. "You mean... lesbian?"

"Uh... no. The other one." Wallace corrected.

"He tried at Julie's birthday beach party back in June. Ramona kept interrupting him." You explained as you sipped your drink.

"Yeah... What, is it important?" Scott wondered.

"I don't know, guy, but your mom says it to me all the time." Wallace chuckled.

"..." Scott paused for a moment. "If you need me, I'll be in the bathroom, crying."

"Baby, you know I di'int mean it." Wallace said as he sat down on the couch.

"..." You took another sip, and then spoke. "I'll say this now, but make one mom joke about me, and this will turn into the Evil Karma book real fast."

"Duly noted." Wallace said.

- Moving Day: Kim Pine -

"Okay, as you know, I'm moving in with Hollie and Joseph today. If you're here, you volunteered to help, so let's do it." Kim ordered.

"To work we go, then." You nodded.

"Also who the hell is that guy?" Scott asked, pointing to the other person besides you, him, and Stephen who was also helping unload the boxes from the car.

"Hi Jason." You greeted.

"It's Jason. You've met him, like... four times. Easily." Kim explained.

"Hey guys. Jason Kim. I, uh... I own the car." Jason awkwardly introduced himself.

"I remember you. What's up?" You said as you shook his hand.

"Jason Kim?!" Scott beamed, accentuating the second part of his name.

"Ha ha. You said that the last time, too. Can we move on?" Kim scoffed, facepalming.

"Right, right. To work." You nodded, and then everyone began unloading the boxes.

"I can't believe you're moving, Kim." Scott sighed.

"Why can't you believe I'm moving? It's completely ordinary. And I hated my old place." Kim stated.

"I can confirm she did. Stayed over once, and all her roommates were bitchy." You said, grabbing a box and carrying it inside.

"I dunno Kim, it's kinda blowing my mind!" Scott exclaimed.

"Would you carry the stupid boxes inside, please?" Kim rushed. "Right-hand door on the landing!"

"Hello Holls!" You said as you passed the front door and entered the house.

"What are you doing here?" Scott asked.

"Hi Wyenn! I'm making iced tea. And I live here, Scott." Hollie smiled.

"Oh, wow, Scott's moving in with you guys?" Scott questioned as he brought some boxes upstairs.

"That makes a lot of sense." Stephen commented.

"We're so glad you approve." Hollie rolled her eyes.

"Should I move in, too? All No-Account Video peeps in one place." You joked.

"I wouldn't mind having you around more often." Hollie chuckled.

"Don't count it out, if something happens, I just might. Don't worry, you won't even know I'm here." You winked, and then followed behind Stephen.

"Y/N, which room is Kim's?" Stephen asked.

"Uh..." You looked up at rooms. "I don't know, throw a dart."

"This way, then." Stephen headed up the stairs, and you followed him. Entering the very first room to your left. It was Joseph's room. "Hey... Are you... recording music? You have a home studio?! Oh my god."

"Do you want something? Can I help you?" Joseph asked, sounding annoyed.

"Uh, yeah. Where's Kim's-" You were interrupted by Stephen.

"Joseph! Can you record our album? Sex Bob-Omb needs to record an album! We need to take it to the next level! You saw us play in the chapter with a Skillet song, right? We aren't all that sucky, right?" Stephen rambled.

"You could've said please." You pointed out.

"..." Joseph thought about it. "Okay, I'll do it. But only because I find you attractive."

"I can live with that!" Stephen grinned.

"Cool. But now, where does Kim's stuff go?" You asked.

"Oh, Kim's room is across the hall." Joseph answered.

"Sweet." You and Stephen grabbed the last two boxes and headed into Kim's room.

- A few days later, and it's really hot -

- RING RING -

Your cellphone rang, and you quickly took it out. "Hellooo?" You asked in a groggy voice as you'd barely woken up.

"Y/N, tell Scott to get out of bed." Wallace ordered.

"Are you calling from the living room, a payphone, or are you working in Customer Service and talking through your headset?" You asked.

"The latter. But anyway, there's a heat wave warning in effect, so I'm ordering you and Scott to get out of the furnace-like apartment and go somewhere air-conditioned lest Scott die." Wallace explained.

"Will do. Bye." You hung up, and put your phone back into your pocket. Getting dressed and getting out of the VW, you found Sott still laying in the futon, absolutely drenched in sweat.

"Scott, Wallace says we gotta get out. Heatwave." You informed.

"And where do we go?" Scott asked, sitting up.

Your phone rang again, and you picked up. "Wallace? Is that you again?"

"Yeah, you and him go to someplace cool! Or, you know, tell him to go get a job or something." Wallace added.

"Got it. Ciao." You hung up, and stuffed your phone in your pocket. "Get dressed, we'll go to the mall. AC's free."

"Alright, I'll meet you outside." Scott said, and he went to get dressed.