A leap of faith.

[light_in_sound]

They were only a month late. Well, not really. They had celebrated their anniversary on the correct date. It had just not been in the manner Alison had planned. That, she supposed, was the hazard or planning too far in advance. Longshot's surgery had taken precedence and so the trip to the beach had been postponed. But, now they were remedying that

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[sonofarize]

Asuka kept an eye on the raging water war. It was harmless. Much like the sneaking Robbie and Miyuki were trying to do behind her back. However, Asuka had decades of ninja experience on them and knew what was going on. Not that she let on. The intimidation of them thinking what she would do when she found out kept them well enough behaved.

The ninja woman stretched out on her towel and glanced over at Alison and Lisa. Unlike the almost secretive smiles when Robbie got dunked, this one was more open.

"I don't think Robbie and Miyuki will win this one."

[clericpreston]

John suspected that the only reason Robbie had made the challenge in the first place was so he would have an excuse to be partnered with Miyuki. It was noble in thought. Foolish in practice. Fun for all concerned! Longshot was too fast and John too experienced to really be threatened by the two teens. Even as well trained as they were.

There was something to be said for being old, John considered and smirked as he watched his younger son try to shake the salt water out of his ears.

"They're doomed," Lisa answered Asuka without looking up from what she was doing. She had to pause in her painting when Alison laughed.

[sonofarize]

Miyuki was very well drenched. Especially considering she had tackled Robbie into a wave once to "save" him. And maybe quickly kiss his cheek while under water. Then she popped right up out of the water, grabbed her gun, and chased after Longshot to get another faceful of water

[light_in_sound]

Alison giggled for a moment at Lisa's matter-of-fact pronouncement of doom. It was probably true, but Alison had to at least try to be supportive. Poor kids.

"They might make it. If Longshot keeps getting distracted. Or a shark grabs John or something..." She winked at Lisa who giggled. Lisa had heard Longshot call her Dad 'Sharkbait' before. Now, it seemed funny.

"Just keep Miyuki away from Longshot with her Sai when they water train," Alison reminded Asuka with a grin. "I'm going to want another baby after these."

[sonofarize]

"Sure thing," Longshot replied as he slid his hands around to her back. Since he was sort of under her, he would have to do a little pushing before he could get on his feet. He had no idea how his hands slid under the back of her bikini top momentarily. The Mojoworlder did slip them back out quickly once Alison was up a bit. Then he got to his feet and offered her a hand up.

Asuka contemplated for a moment before saying she would ride up. Miyuki saw right after that Asuka and Robbie would be going up and Robbie's father would be busy driving so she said she wanted to ride up. The jonin said she would stay on the beach and watch events from down there.

Longshot bounced on his toes as he waited for everyone to get ready. Though he wasn't making a move to change into more clothing for some reason.

[clericpreston]

Lisa was right there beside Longshot and she bounced just as excitedly. She wished they'd all hurry up and go so she could get good pictures. It wasn't every day your brother jumped off a cliff.

Robbie couldn't help smiling at Miyuki a little when she asked to go, too. He was hoping she'd ride along. Asuka going put a little damper on his enthusiasm, but it was alright. He had other things on his mind as well.

As a father, fatherly advice was one of John's duties. So, as he passed Longshot on his way to the jeep, John quietly recommended that Longshot put some sturdier clothes on. There were -- John reminded his oldest -- things that Alison would want neither damaged nor seen by the rest of the world. In the unlikely event that something went awry, of course.

John himself donned a pair of jeans and an open, button-down Hawaiian shirt of epic color proportions. The one that made Robbie cringe and Lisa wrinkle her nose in distaste. He loved that shirt.

[sonofarize]

Longshot blinked at his Dad for a bit. Before he remembered the bag Alison had packed with clothes he was supposed to change into. The Mojoworlder had walked through the Nexus portals in his Speedo because he wanted to get to the beach and into the water as quickly as possible. No delays!

He pulled on the jeans and t-shirt Alison had packed. Once he had it pulled on, he glanced down at the writing. It was upside down but he was sure it said "Daddy, You are soon to be the world's greatest dad! Love, Your Babies"

The Mojoworlder blinked and looked at Ali like he had no clue where the shirt came from.

Asuka smiled to herself as she pulled a black sarong with yellow plumeria out of her bag. She wrapped it easily as a long skirt around her waist before pulling her sandals on. Miyuki grabbed a pair of shorts to put on. Jeep upholstery could be mean to sensitive cheeks.

[light_in_sound]

Alison gave him a knowing smile when he looked to her. The idea had been hers. The execution had not. When trying to surprise a man trained by ninjas, it was always good to have other ninjas around to help with the sneaking.

She gave Miyuki a wink and mirrored Asuka's smile as she slipped on her own sandals. She would ride up with them and then have John bring her down before Longshot took his leap. She could see better from the beach, anyway. And, if she suddenly had a case of nerves, it wouldn't disrupt her husband's fun.

"Ready to go, Daddy?" She smiled and held out a hand to Longshot.

[sonofarize]

Miyuki was almost tempted to give Robbie a kiss. Except she had seen his eyes trail over to where Asuka was standing. She gave him an embarrassed smile.

"I would like to go with you very much." Then she realized Robbie's father was right there, and she turned an even brighter shade of red. John was not as threatening as Asuka, but he was still a parent. Miyuki retreated to over by the jonin.

[light_in_sound]

"That's alright," Alison told Longshot. "You won. The wind was just being a sore loser."

She giggled and hugged him tighter. "You looked so happy up there. I haven't seen you smile that big in a long time. I'm glad you liked your anniversary present, sweetheart. I wanted it to be something you'd always remember with a smile."

[sonofarize]

"Big, pushy, sore loser," he agreed. Which he could do since he was sans parachute and clinging to Alison. No wind would get him now! Ha HA!

"I'll always remember anything you give me with a smile. Because thinking about how much you love me makes me smile." He kissed her softly. "And you're gonna smile when you go up there with me after the babies are born."

[clericpreston]

John did everything he could do not to laugh. It was hard, though. The way Miyuki and Robbie were trying to sneak about in plain sight was kind of cute. He'd have to have a chat with Robbie about it, though. As a father, he knew he should. But, he wasn't entirely sure what to say.

Maybe he'd talk to Asuka first.

Robbie simply continued to blush and shuffle his feet in the sand.

[sonofarize]

Alison better be careful how she propped her feet on her husband. At this point, he would likely take it as an invitation. He managed to scoot a little forward, but that's all Ali would get. His hand picked up the pace. His face was contorting somehow. He felt too good to care exactly what facial expression he had.

He grunted as he squeezed a little harder.

[clericpreston]

After Miyuki chose her souvenir, Robbie pulled her along to the Italian ice shop. Miraculously, he remembered Lisa's request for strawberry ice. Since Alison hadn't made a specific request, he bought lemon for her -- a larger amount, too, since Longshot might want some.

All the purchases were paid for and Robbie took Miyuki's hand again as they walks back to the beach. They walked as slow as the melting ices would allow. He didn't want to have to let go of her hand until absolutely necessary.

[sonofarize]

Miyuki did not remember Lisa's request, but she was too busy tagging along with Robbie to care. She swung their clasped hands as they walked. She smiled at Robbie. This was the stuff of the good books in her opinion. She didn't want this chapter to stop.

[light_in_sound]

Alison didn't properly account for her lack of willpower where her husband was concerned. It was on the tip of her tongue to say that she changed her mind and start stripping. But, if she held out now, later would be better.

Didn't mean she had to be completely uninvolved, though, right? She slipped down off her rocky shelf and stood beside her husband. The expression on his face was something she would treasure for a good, long while. It made things tighten low in her belly and further weakened her resolve.

Deep breaths. she slipped her arms around his waist. Not all the way around. Just partway. One hand rested on his non-belly button. The other settled at the base of his spine and inched its way up slowly.