Merbros: Meeting Up With Grandma and Grandpa
Spencer: They're just gonna meet them up at the island cove or something. Billy anxiously taking the basket with her.
Billy: She's swimming around in circles, keeping an eye out for predators and any other dangers with the egg held close to her chest inside it's nice, warm bag. Nothing's getting her fry.
Spencer: Spencer's going to be a nervous mess, not only cause of his own instincts nagging at him, but because of hers and then they're about to tell his parents they're about to grandparents... Oh, gosh, if she's still doing that circling around thing when they get up there, they are so going up in the boat. The basket's covered and holds water well enough that their egg with be perfectly fine in the shade...It's safer to get up in the boat anyway so no one can look up and see mermaid tails, just a boat's shadow and they'll hide.
Billy: Out of the water? You want her to get out of the water? She can't protect her egg like that! She's going to need a lot of convincing to get into that boat. Right now though, it's barely a speck on the horizon. So it's okay. No need to worry yet. She still remembers what Spencer said about them being angry.
Spencer: Yes, out of the water. Their egg will be perfectly safe on the boat. But their baby won't be if another mer were to see them from below, right next to a boat. Of course the baby mer wouldn't be hurt but he or she would be left parentless because they would be. ...Well, maybe not parentless since it was Billy's egg but...Still he or she could end up with a weirdo and get hurt.
Billy: O-oh! Oh, no no no! No one's taking their egg! She'll get in the boat! No one's gonna see them! It'll be fine! Just. Fine. No egg thieving...Mama will take care of you, sweetie...
Spencer: See? And it's okay...No, no one's gonna steal their egg. He'll kiss her, holding her as he tucks them a little closer into the rock. It was sundown so it wouldn't be bright for that long but...Part of the reason he didn't want them in the water right now was because he was defenseless this close up to the sun. He can barely make out his mate who was right in his arms, let alone an enemy wanting to fight. They would be safer on the boat.
Billy: O-oh...She wasn't even thinking about that...Sorry, sweetfins. She'll listen to you. She nuzzles at his cheek, and returns the kiss, every so often peeking into the bad to see that their egg is still where she left it. The boat's not that far at least...Should be here soon. Are you sure they won't be mad for long?
Spencer: "It's okay." He smiles, kissing her, but not trying to do the same for their egg. He didn't want to accidentally knock it out of her hands. He was kind of glad Billy seemed to forget he was day-blind a lot. Though it was a little embarrassing when he had to remind her he needed help with something or couldn't do what she asked. "Is the baby okay?" He asks, listening to the motor grow louder. "And yes. They'll be mad at me anyway. Not you or our egg, trust me." They might be a little tough on her but not mad, just a little reprimanding about not being safe or something.
Billy: "I still should've realised...Even if you are wearing your sunglasses, it's still bright out here..." Much brighter than it is underwater. It's a miracle he can see anything at all. "Yes, they're fine. Not a single scratch, bump, or bruise. Not on my watch!" She gives the egg a careful kiss then leans up to kiss Spencer's cheek. "They still shouldn't be...I'm just as much to blame as you are. You need two people to make a fry." She huffs a bit, planning on giving them a piece of her mind if they're too tough on him.
Spencer: "Mm-hhmm...The sun will be gone in a little bit though...And if I decide to stay dry on the boat my eyesight will get a little better." It always did when he was human. And he was over being embarrassed now, his parents knew to bring robes with them now anyways. "Heh, good. You hear that, baby? Your Mama's taking good care of you. Already being a good mama." He hugs his mate close, tucking her against him when the waves from the boat start coming in, the call of his mother's voice reaching his ears. Oh boy... "Yeah, but...My parents didn't raise you, and for all they know it's probably normal for mers to have kids this young..." He swallows, waiting til the waves are nice and calm before starting to guide his mate and fry away from their cover, hand staying on Billy's upper arm to know where she would be heading and where to follow. "You ready? Let's, um...Warm them up a bit before dropping the bomb, okay?"
Billy: "If you dry off fast enough. Or if we're on the boat long enough..." It may take a while to explain...And they may have brought towels. Those will help too. "Heh...Daddy's gonna be taking good care of you too, sweetie. He's a very good daddy, no matter what." She kisses Spencer's cheek again, earfins perking up when she hears how close the boat is. "It is. I'm twenty-one already. It's considered to be a bit earlier than normal in current times, but not at all unheard of or strange." Has she ever mentioned how old she is before? It's never really come up so she doesn't think so...That's not going to be a problem too, is it? "Yeah, I'm ready...Warm them up how? They'll want to know why I have the bag, won't they?" She shrugs a bit and takes over the guiding, swimming them right up to the back of the boat. "Hello! Long time no see!" She waves, trying to smile. They haven't done anything wrong yet.
Spencer: "Oh, I'm sure we'll be up there a while..." If not just from him being held back by his earfins. "I'm gonna try my best, sweethearts." He kisses his mate back, hand sliding down to brush her arm-fins. "Twenty-one...Um, try not to mention that if possible, please." Because he's not sure what reaction might happen from that... Probably not much though, his own parents had a fair amount of years between them. "It's for reasons I'll explain later." When they aren't greeting his parents. "We'll figure it out," He whispers, "Hey Mom! Hey Dad! Where's Je--"
"Billy, honey! Oh, goodness, Spencer wasn't going crazy, Hugh! Look! Oh, and you're so pretty." She coos, crouched down on the tailgate of the boat and reaching for a hug. "And baby, look at you! You were so cute, I couldn't help looking through the telescope to see if you were there already and oh, I squealed," Hugh cuts in with a 'screamed', "When I saw you holding her by that rock and keeping her safe... Oh, you're my brave little boy~" She says, squeezing him as she does.
Spencer blushes with a drawn out, "Moooom. Calm down. It hasn't been that long since you saw us last and...Are you crying?" He says, having heard sniffling. He laughs in a bit of exasperation, mentally telling himself that great, Mom was in one of those moods so this will go so much better. He hugs her close as he can at the awkward angle, kissing her her cheek. "Are you alright?"
Billy: "...Is that a good thing or not?" His tone says no. But she'll protect her mate. Even if it is from his own parents. "That's all that matters, honey. You'll still be great." She nuzzles up against his side, humming happily. "Okay...? I don't know why they'd ask, but...If you say so I won't mention it." Her age is a secret from now on. Not that she was especially forthcoming with it in the first place, but still. Spencer knows his parents best after all. "Eheh. No, ma'am. My sex changes with the season. Thank you for saying so!" Her smile is much more genuine now at the compliment and she flutters her fins, laughing a little as Spencer is hugged. "He's very brave, yes. He's been taking good care of me since I changed." She adds, pulling herself up further by clinging onto to the edge of the boat. "I don't suppose you'd mind if we climbed aboard? It'd be a bit safer for...Reasons we'll get into later?"
Spencer: "Eh..." He's not sure. So he just kinda shrugs, looking helpless. He smiles at the nuzzles though, kissing her again. "Thank you." He murmurs warmly. "And alright." He nods quickly, then looking up at his parents with a smile. "She is, isn't she? Scared me to death when she didn't tell me before though, isn't that right?" He teases playfully, poking her on the nose as his mom pulls back to kneel next to them on the 'tailgate'. Payback for agreeing with that embarrasing stuff she's saying, missy.
"You didn't tell him!?" Jane gasps, but then starts laughing. "Oh, I wish I had seen it! Spencer always has the funniest reactions to surprises!" Spencer pouts at this, looking away and missing at what she was gasping at for real this time. "Oh, dear...! Billy, honey, what are you...Spencer Wright!" The teenager's head whips around, eyes wide with a trained, "Yes, Ma'am!" blurting out. What was she...? Oh. "Young man, I ought to pinch your ear off--"
"N-no! Mom, no! Totally not what you're thinking! It's...Mom! Mom! Ugh!" He drops his head on the boat, seeing her outline walking away and knowing she was ignoring him for the time being, muttering words as she digs for something in the boat's storage compartment. In the meantime he carefully wraps his arm around Billy, lowering her so her upper body was out of view again. "Mommmm..." He calls, knowing it was useless.
"Honestly, you'd think he'd know better. If they needed some women's clothes then should've just asked..." She mutters to herself, finding what she was looking for and coming back over. "Hugh, shut your eyes." She says, smiling reassuringly towards Billy. "Come here, honey. Of course you can come onto the boat. I've got a towel and robe to wrap you up, okay?"
Billy: "I forgot! It's not an every year kind of thing and it completely slipped my mind! ...But he did have quite the reaction. Eheh. Didn't even recognise me." She giggles, poking at Spencer's nose. "Hm? What's--H-hey, now wait a minute, what did he do?" She pouts, leaning back against her mate with a huff. They haven't even said anything about the egg yet!
"Y-yes, dear." Hugh dutifully closes his eyes, covering them with a hand. That completely surprised him! Spencer should've known better to mention if Billy needed a shirt.
"A robe? No, ma'am, I don't need--" She begins, confused, until she realises what the problem must be. "Oh! Oh, no no, that's not his fault! I've something I could wear if I wanted. He was really insistent on it actually, but...Well, they're just not comfortable at all. Especially during the season. Hardly anyone wears a top this time of the year." It's normal, she promises! Don't be mad at Spencer for something she refused to wear! She glances down at the bag their egg is in for a moment and bites her lip, knowing she won't be able to climb up into the boat while she's holding it. "Sweetie...Will you hold this for me?" She's reluctant to part with it, but it's necessary and she trusts Spencer with it. He knows what it is so he'll be careful.
Spencer: "Forgot and then teased me about it." He sticks his tongue out, showing he wasn't really mad. He wrinkles his nose at the poke, only resisting the urge to snap his teeth cause he was in front of his parents. Oh...Oh, his dad. Ah-ha...Awkward... Yeah, sorry Billy, you're gonna have to stay covered. "Y-yeah, um...It's a normal thing down there, Mom. No one, um...Really wears clothes. And then if they do, it's like...Decoration instead of for, um...You know." He blushes brightly, clearing his throat as they both turn their attention to him in surprise. "Yeah...Um...I didn't even realize for a while cause, uh...Yeah." Oh god, the look his dad is giving him. He can't see it, no, but he can feel it. Don't you dare say anything about him being lucky, even as a joke, he does not want to die.
"Oh...Oh, my. I apologize then. You gave me such a fright..." Jane does settle some though, not being cross with Spencer anymore. "Would you mind wearing the robe though, honey? I don't know if Hugh's heart could take it." She says teasingly. "Oh...Do you want me to get that for you?" She asks, holding her hand out.
"No, Mom, I've got it. It's, uh. Fragile." He shrugs, trying to silently say, sorry. Spencer's hand slides down Billy's arm until he finds her hand, smiling reasurringly as he takes the bag. "Don't worry..." He might not be able to see, but he doesn't need to. He won't let it go.
Billy: "You were adorable, how could I resist?" She giggles again, leaning over to kiss Spencer's nose in apology. "Mm-hmm. They're for decoration only. But they get really restrictive when it's mating season." She's sure Spencer's mother can understand why at least. Though it must've been awful having to wear clothing all the time when she was swelling with milk.
Hugh just grins, zipping across his lips. Mum's the word, son.
"Oh. I'm sorry, of course I will. It should be loose enough, right? I don't want to stain it." If she starts leaking milk it would be much worse than just water. "Ah...N-no, thank you. Spencer's right, it's very fragile." She smiles apologetically, stroking across Spencer's cheek in thanks. "I won't. Thank you, sweetie." Once it's safe in Spencer's arms she climbs up the rest of the way into the boat, curling up so she takes up less room. "Alright, I'll have it back now, if you don't mind." He'll need to climb up too of course and won't be able to with the bag.
Spencer: "Adorable, yeah." He snorts, but smiles at her kiss, wishing he could see her face a little more clearly so he could figure out where to kiss her and still not be embarrassed in front of his parents. Ah...Billy...
"M-mating season? Is...Oh my, is this what that's all about?" She should have guessed but...Oh, dear. Her baby with someone during a mating season? No, no way! He's way too innocent! Look at how he's blushing like that... No, she'll just refuse to acknowledge that may be happening. ...Her babyyyy. "Restrictive?" Her eyes widen a bit at that, wondering if she means what she thinks. Mers must be very open with, um...Those things...And...And if clothes are an inconvenience then...Oh goodness, her baby is-!
"M-mom! It's not what she just made it sound like!"
And then an angel's news. Oh, thank gosh. "It's...Not? Then why would clothes be restrictive?" Now she's just confused. "Oh, no you're alright, and no, it should be plenty loose? Stain it with...Oh, um. Is it that time?" She tries to whisper, but to the horror of Spencer's ears he hears her.
"Oh my god, Mom, no! Would you...Just stop, please!" He's a tomato, please have mercy on him over here! "It's not that, it's...Um." He bites his lip, glancing at the blob in his vision that's his mate. No...He should probably say it to stop any misunderstandings. "Um...Mermaids...During mating season, um...Th-they kind of...This sounds bad the way I'm explaining it but I don't know how else to but..,It's like they're cows? They just...Make milk during the, um...Season." Yeah. And it is such a good thing Billy doesn't know what a cow is, but by the look that crossed his mom's face she didn't appreciate the analogy. Ah, wait! He saw her face! Yes, his vision's getting better!
"Pff, alright. Catch." He jokes, but doesn't go through with the motion or anything, carefully handing the bag over, making sure it was filled to the brim with sea-water. Afterwards he starts climbing up himself, scooting in and circling around Billy protectively, much to the amusement of his mom and dad.
"Oh. Then, um...No, sweetheart, you don't have to worry. They're robes I bought for you and Spencer, it doesn't matter if you get them a little stained. I'm so sorry you have to deal with that though... Does the pressure get bad? You need me to bring you something to help?"
Billy: "Mm-hmm. Your face turned so red the whole room was lit up." She grins, appreciating the memory. She loves Spencer's bioluminescence so much. "Yes, ma'am. That's why I've changed this year. Spencer being nearby triggered it." She laughs a little at Spencer's blush, kissing him on his glowing cheek. "Um. What did I make it sound like?" She tilts her head in confusion, not sure what the problem is this time. Does she not understand then? Humans really are different, aren't they? "That time...? I'm lactating if that's what you mean??" What other time could there be? "What's a co--Ah! D-don't you dare!" She lurches forward and takes back the bag, cradling it to her chest. Don't even joke like that! "O-oh...Alright, thank you..." She sits the bag down inside the curl of her tail and slips the robe on, her eyes not leaving it. "N-no, ma'am. I've been taking care of it since I first started. And Spencer's been really helpful with it. I'm not sure what you mean by something to help though?"
Spencer: "Shut up." He pouts, face that red right now, actually. And getting worse. "You, um. Made it sound..." He hesitates, glancing at his mom who conveniently is picking at her nails, so he leans in to Billy, whispering in her earfin. "You made it sound sexual, like, um...The clothes were restraining cause, uh...They were...Were in the way for, er...Mating." He clears his throat, leaning back and pointedly not looking at his mom or dad.
"No, um...Human girl thing." He clears his throat again, embarrassed. "I was kidding. Billy, you know I never would." He kisses her temple, wrapping an arm around her once she has the robe on, helping his mom put it together to tie it. He sees his mom trying to peak into the bag and pointedly flicks his tail, catching her attention and raising an eyebrow above the line of his sun glasses. They'll get to it, don't rush. His calm demeanor completely collapses at what his mate says next though, his face brightening as he hides it in her shoulder. "Billy, please."
"Yes, sorry, dear. I seem to be jumping to too many conclusions today. And so it was Spencer that caused the change in appearance, huh? Well, I hope you didn't mind, you are a very beautiful woman, just like those mermaids in the movies and books. Not that you weren't a really handsome man as well, though, sweetheart. Lucky on both sides for you, huh?" She says cheerily, before glancing at her son. She frowns a little at his look but doesn't question it yet. Maybe it was a present? "Oh. Spencer has, has he? I bet he enjoys that, right sweetie?" He says with a laugh.
"Moooom! Please!" Don't embarrass him even more! And oh, gosh...Billy, don't you dare mention the drinking!
Jane laughs good-naturedly, patting his hand. "Sorry, sweetie. And I meant help like with a pump? It'll suck the milk out really easy for you...I don't imagine you have any down under the water do you?" Poor thing...
Billy: "Eheh. Sorry, darling. But it's just so cute. I love they way you glow." She smiles, rubbing a hand against his shining face. "Oh...Oh, wow, no! Nooo, no no no! That sort of thing only happens with your mate! And in the confines of your own home. Or, well...Somewhere else extremely private where you're sure not to be intruded upon..." She adds, remembering the cashier and her mate at the clothing store they went to.
"Okay...? Do I want to know?" She's not going to have to deal with whatever it is when her tail splits into legs, is she? "Y-yes, I know...Instincts though, sweetheart." She could help responding at the mere suggestion of danger to her egg. Which is why the hand moving towards the bag it's in makes her curl tighter around it, a hand moving to hold onto the top. Sorry, gramma, but it's too soon.
"What? You are. You've helped a lot. This year's been so different compared to the others..." She's usually having to do this alone. "Oh, no, I don't mind it! It was a small inconvenience that's all, but it's worth it." She smiles, nudging up against Spencer's side and nuzzling his cheek. "Hee. Yes, he's certainly enjoyed it." She coos, kissing at an earfin. Don't worry, she won't say. That's private. "A pump? No? I don't think so...But it's alright, really! Soon enough we won't even need to do it anymore." The fry will take care of that once it hatches.
Spencer: "Doesn't mean to keep embarrassing me, you know." He puffs air in her earfin, trying to tickle her a little as revenge. "Y-yeah...I, um...Billyyy. I love you but you're killing me here." He says quietly to her, embarrassed beyond belief but laughing a little. Jeez.. "Um...Probably not. You won't have to mess with it I think..." Shouldn't. Not while...Well...No. Do women who just had birth have to go through that so quickly again? They have like an off time don't they? "Sorry, I won't do it again." He knows he would have a heart attack of his own probably...Or no...He doesn't think he'd believe Billy would do it enough to worry if she did that. He smiles and rubs at her tail gently when she shifts it like that, kissing her cheek. "Y-yeah but...Mmnn..." He buries his face more in her shoulder, hiding behind the fluff of the robe.
Jane chuckles, reaching over and patting Spencer's arm. "It's alright, sweetheart." She's killing her too. Her babyyy. Billy, darling, if you weren't so innocent about it all she'd be worried about how much you're saying. Mers must just be really open with this stuff. Poor Spencer, she internally laughs, thinking of how hard it must be on him. He always got so embarrassed easily. "Sorry." She apologizes, settling back and leaning against the seats behind her. Jane sees the interaction, her heart clenching and then swelling. Her baby really was growing up.. "Oh...Is mating season almost over then?"
Billy: "Doesn't it though?" She giggles, leaning back a little and fluttering her earfin. "Am I? I'm sorry, I'm not trying to..." It's just natural for her to speak so casually about it. She's not embarrassing Spencer's parents, is she? She peeks up at them, a little worried. "Oh. Well, whatever it is I'm glad I won't." She's heard about the live births and if it's anything like that, well. No, she doesn't want to deal with it. "I would appreciate it, thank you." She smiles a bit sheepishly, knowing she's probably worrying a bit too much, and gives Spencer a squeeze back. "But? But what?" She may be purposefully sounding a lot more innocent than necessary if only because Spencer makes the cutest faces when he's embarrassed. "Well, yes, but...That wasn't quite what I meant...It won't be stopping when it usually would. Normally I'd have switched my sex back already. There's, um...There's been a...A little surprise this year." She nudges at Spencer's shoulder to see if he wants to continue where she left off.
Spencer: "No, it doesn't." He laughs, kissing her, and then finally lifting up his glasses right after. His vision fuzzy's again but he blinks it out, the light being low enough now that he could see fine without them, not as well but.. well with everyone so close anyway it didn't make a difference. It was just far off that was hard to see now. "It's okay, I know you're not." It's nothing bad just...Embarrassing. "Oh trust me, I'm glad you don't too."
"Be very glad, it's just awful. Your sist-"
"Mom, no! No talking about that, please! Over and done with!" Don't do it. Spencer glances down at the squeeze, smiling. Billy...He loves you so much. "Nothing and, u-um..." The teenager swallows, hand tightening in Billy's robe. Oh no...Billy, he likely won't have to continue.
"Oh, fine. We won't talk about it anymore." He huffs with a laugh, settling in her seat. It's not a moment later though that her eyes are wide, mouth open in shock. "...What?" She..She's misunderstanding again, right? Her eyes move from Billy to Spencer and once she sees her son's expression she knows. "Spencer..."
"Heh...U-um...Mom! Before you do anything rash I'm really, really sorry because I'm not sorry that this happened, and yes it was an accident and yes, we probably should have waited b-but I promise I'm going to do everything I can to take care of the baby and Billy a-an--Ahh!" He cuts off as he's suddenly pulled forward into a crushing hug, barely able to breath with the arms around his neck. "M-mom...?"
Jane's eyes are still open in complete shock, tears slowly dripping out. "Spencer...Oh, sweetie..." She holds him tight, mind working hard to try and process this. Her baby...Her baby was... "Honey, I love you so much..."
"M...Mom, are...Mom, are you okay?" He can't tell if it's happy, angry, or disappointed tears here. He looks helplessly at his dad, almost afraid to see his reaction to this. "Dad?"
Billy: "I think you're wrong on this one, sugargills." She giggles again, nuzzling their noses together. "Can you see now? It's not too bright?" Or is he just drying off quicker than she is? The robe she's wearing now is doing quite a good job of keeping her damp. "I'm still sorry..." She blinks a bit as Jane goes on, smiling a little at Spencer's reaction. "I think I know enough for the time being. No need to continue." Not if Spencer's going to react like that to it. Billy jerks back some once Spencer's torn from her side, worried about her mate, but unable to really do anything with their egg at her side. She holds the bag close, squirming in her worry until she realises he's only getting hugged and nothing more. "H-he's been doing such a good job, he...He's going to be a good father. So you r-really don't need to worry..."
Hugh's a mask of shock at the news, but he manages a smile, reaching over to pat at Spencer's shoulder. "I can't say I'm not surprised, son. We weren't expecting grandchildren this soon."
Spencer: "Am not." he's totally right here. "Yeah...I can see pretty good. Not perfect but...I can make out all of your faces so I'm alright." He smiles, kissing her nose for worrying. "Good! See, Mom?" Noooo need to detail it. "A-ahh...It's okay, Mom...Really...Mom?"
"Oh sweetheart, I'm sorry just...Oh, goodness. Hugh. Hugh don't say that! I'm not nearly that old! Spencer's just our baby..." She squeezes him tight, and Spencer just holds her, eyes going over to his mate and mouthing an 'It's okay.' "Mom...I'll always be your baby...You know that. I can still be your baby with one of my own, can't I?" He asks, petting at her hair.
"Yes! Yes, of course you are! A-and...Oh I'm so sorry, sweetie. Both of you. I didn't mean to be a mess it's just..." She pulls back finally wiping at her eyes. She gives a choked laugh at what Billy says and nods. "Oh, I know he will. And I'm so proud of him...I wish you two could have waited until I started getting gray though." He jokes, wiping away dripped mascara and trying to cheer up, a smile on her face. "Oh, honey...How are you doing? How long have you known? Do you know when you're due?"
Billy: "Are so~" No, she's not letting you win this one, sweetheart. She'd never be able to freely tease him again and that's one of her favourite things to do. "Well, alright...But you put those back on if your head starts hurting, okay?" She doesn't want him to get a headache from the brightness. Especially not now.
"No one said you were old, honey." Hugh laughs a little, rubbing down her spine. It's okay, Jane. Shhhh. "Of course he's still our baby. There's no doubt about that."
"Sorry, ma'am...It really wasn't planned. Things just sort of...Got out of hand." She smiles a bit sheepishly, scratching at her cheek. She won't go into anymore detail. It is a private matter and she does know when to keep her mouth shut. "Me? I'm doing just fine, thank you. I reacted pretty much the same as you did. Eheh..." With happy tears and clinging to Spencer. "We knew for sure once the eggs were laid...And if by due you mean when the egg hatches? That won't be for a few more months yet."
Spencer: "Are not~" He teases back. He won't let it go either, missy. "Pff, yes ma'am." He sticks his tongue out, but sets the glasses down on the bench behind him.
Jane watches them with a teary smile, trying not to be sappy and say how much she was reminded of her and Hugh when they were young. "Yes but now he's out grown up baby! Oh and I am getting old, Hugh...We've already got a grandbaby on the way..." She laughs, still a little in shock but happy. "Yes, yes I understand... Oh, but Spencer that was why I signed you up for all those sex ed classes! So you could have a planned baby..."
"A-ah, I...I know Mom, but, um...I know. And the baby might not've been planned but...I am ready." He's been getting ready and...He will be. "Yes...Yes, she did. Probably even more emotional and clingy." He teases, leaning over to kiss her.
"W-what? What do you mean--?"
"Mom, mer babies, um...They hatch." Spencer cuts in before she can ask, noticing the confusion. "Yeah, I know but, um...They...They get laid first, and Billy's already done that a-and before you say anything! That happens like...A day or two after and we didn't have time to come get you! S-so now...Now we wait for him or her to hatch..."
"F-from an egg?" Her eyes widen, worry showing through. Eggs didn't seem as reliable as being in the mother. Her eyes fall to the bag held in Billy's arms and she suddenly realizes. "Oh...Oh, you have the egg with you? Sweetie!" She hits her son gently on the shoulder, tearing up again. "You should have said so sooner! Can I see it? Please?"
Billy: "Shhhh. Yes, you are." She grins and grabs at his tongue, tugging on it a little. If you're gonna stick that out she's gonna find a use for it, mister.
"Not at all. You're just as beautiful as the day we met." He smiles, wiping at Jane's tears and kissing her cheek.
"I'm afraid our methods of reproduction are too different for the classes to have helped much, ma'am...But we really are ready. I've been preparing for this for a long time." Since she first changed all those years ago...Since Spencer doesn't want her mentioning her age she won't say how many years ago exactly.
"A-and I may have been, but I think I was entitled to it!" She pouts a little, cheeks starting to flush. This is her first fry it's completely expected of her to have reacted that way. "Y-yes, ma'am...I'm...I'm sure it sounds strange to you, but...I protect this egg with my life. Nothing's going to happen to it. Not ever." She hesitates a moment at the question, but nods, carefully setting the bag down and opening the flap to reveal the matte shell of the egg. It's no bigger than it was when she laid it, still just barely able to fit in her palm.
Spencer: "Noth." He laughs, even if it was a bit difficult to with her holding his tongue. He wiggles it in her fingers, glancing to make sure he parents weren't looking before sliding his tongue to lick a certain way that he hoped Billy recognized. He'd done it enough down low that she ought to.
Luckily Jane is a bit too busy to notice. Turning to hold onto her Hugh and kiss him. "Oh, Hugh..." She sighs, smiling when she sees the same grin and kind blue eyes she fell in love with. She kisses him on the lips, soft and sweet before pulling him down to sit with them on the floor, surrounding the little bag. "Oh, sweetheart, I've been meaning to tell you, you don't have to call me ma'am. Just...Call me Jane or anything you want, okay? Anything but ma'am because that makes me feel so old." She laughs, leaning into her husband. "We're family so familiar names are needed, right?" She says cheerily.
"She was! Don't you go making fun of her, Spencer." Jane warns, Spencer just nodding and laughing a little. "...I know you will, sweetheart. But Billy, honey..." She sits up, leaning forward some to gain her full attention. "Remember that you do have Spencer here too. It may seem like the Wright men are a bit clueless, and you'll be scared to leave your baby alone even with him. And that's okay. You're gonna be scared and he is too. But remember that you can lean on him, and even hand the baby over for awhile. He'll take care of it." She says warmly, knowing that a lot of this advice was early but an egg still required care, she guesses. "And sweetheart? You've always got me and Hugh too. If either of you need anything." Don't stress out too much...
Jane leans over the bag as the lid is lifted, looking down and clasping her hands together when she sees it. "Oh...It's so small...Hi, baby...My name's Jane, honey and I'm your grandma." She doesn't hesitate to talk, knowing even tiny fetuses could sometimes hear and this was just like that. "...Wait...Is the shell soft?" She moves as though she was going to feel it but Spencer catches her wrist, gently, but still firm.
"...Sorry, it's really...Your nails are so sharp I just...Is it okay?" He asks Billy first, not sure. "I don't know if...Will the shell keep the baby from getting sick?" His Mom or his Dad could have some human-oriented illness getting carried around by them the baby might not be immune to.
Billy: Billy's eyes widen and she flushes, dropping her hold on Spencer's tongue. Noooo, she can't get aroused right now, Spencer, what are you doing? Her hormones are still going crazy, you know!
Hugh makes himself comfortable, an arm wrapping around his wife's stomach and giving her a careful squeeze. He's just as excited as she is.
"O-oh, um. I'm sorry, m--Jane...? Heh. If ma'am is taboo, I guess Gramma is gonna be out of the question too then?" She asks, smiling a bit impishly. "I'm not scared...Just a little wary? But Spencer's not clueless! It's instinct only, I can promise you!" She squeezes an arm around him and him pulls him to her side, feeling protective. You may be his mother, but please don't say such things about her mate!
"I...I know I can. He's going to be such a good father...He's already a wonderful mate. There's no way he could be anything else." She's a bit surprised at the offer of help from /them/ too though. They won't be nearby, what can they do? But she smiles and nods, a hand absently moving to stroke at the egg. "Thank you. I appreciate the offer." Spencer's hand is moving faster than she can react for once and she freezes, nervously biting at her lip. "It's...It's soft, yes...And it does keep out illness...I...Just...Just for a moment..." She doesn't want to be rude...But she doesn't like this at all.
Spencer: Spencer grins at her, cheeks a little pink himself but amused. 'Later?' He mouths, asking her. Maybe even on the beach? Billy didn't like the sand on her though.. Hmm.. Well.. if they took the towels.. "Billy it's okay, I know what she meant." He kisses her head, holding her close. "Ah...Hey Mom? can you can me a towel or something? I think I'm almost dry." He says, feeling around himself for a moment. "Heh, I sure hope so..." He smiles, brushing an earfin.
"...You're not scared? Not even a little?" Jane looks more worried at that, not understanding how she couldn't be. Didn't she say this was her first baby? She knows she was terrified with Spencer. "I'm sorry! Honey, I didn't mean anything mean by it! His father is the same way. Sweet and generally innocent is what I meant." She didn't meant to come off sounding mean. "Sweetheart no, if it makes you uncomfortable I won't." She turns her wrist in Spencer's hand and he loosens his hold, allowing her to take his hand and hold it. "Just seeing it is plenty..." She doesn't want to hurt the baby either. "...We'll see what the baby wants to call me. How about that?" Meaning if the baby wants to call her Gramma, then she'll be Gramma, but until then Jane or Janey please.
Billy: ...'Later.' She mouths back, lips twitching into a small smile. "Ah...Are you dry already?" Even with the way she's been clinging to him? "I don't think I'll get very dry with this on...I, um...Guess that's okay though? Since you don't want to see me..." She knows it's nothing personal, but it still stings a bit. They've all complimented her looks, but they don't want to see one certain part of her?
"That's...That's different. I'm not scared to leave the egg with Spencer, but..." She does worry that she might do something wrong...She wants her fry to be the happiest, healthiest child it can be...Is she really going to be good at this? "O-oh, um...Sorry...I'm just...The season's not quite over and I'm feeling protective..." Not that she's any less protective of Spencer when it's not the season, but still. "I don't want to keep them from you though...If you really want to, I...I'll look away." If she can make herself do that much. Maybe Spencer can distract her... "Eheh. Yes, ma'am. Er. I mean. Yes, Jane. If that's what you'd prefer."
Spencer: Spencer nods, kissing her nose. "Yeah...Getting there...Thanks Mom." He takes the towel, draping it over his waist for when he shifts. "I'm still wet where you're cuddled up but my fins are getting that weird feeling and they're all dry already." So he might as well shift already. "Wha--...Billy, no, that's...That's not it." He kisses her on the head, trying to cheer her up. "It's like...Remember what I told you about how, um...That part of you seems like...This part almost to humans?" He points down to where his crotch would be. "It's more out of respect to you than just not wanting to." He's sure his parents would get over it rather quickly it's just.. it would be uncomfortable.
"Yes, sweetheart it's...Humans are a bit weird about these." She pats her own breasts, shaking her head. "It's nothing to do with you...And I can assure you, Spencer would throw a right fit if I were to show mine." She laughs when she hears her son gagging dramatically, bopping him on the head for it. "You might understand it better if you were to walk without a top in this form up the beach with guys all over it..." She'd definitely understand then, but from the look on Spencer's face...It didn't seem like he'd ever let that happen. "You'll do fine..." Jane leans forward, kissing Billy's forehead. "It's quite alright...And are you sure, darling? I...How about we compromise with me just holding the bag?" In her lap even? "Please."
Billy: "Mm...The end of my tail's starting to itch a little, but other than that I'm still okay." Her gills are still nice and moist, but it is making breathing the air a little difficult. "Y-yes, I remember...It's not personal, I understand that." She can't help her initial reaction to it though. "I'm sure they're beautiful all the same, m--Jane. Even if Spencer doesn't want to see them." She giggles, prodding at Spencer's side. She didn't particularly appreciate that bop to his head, but knows it was playful and not enough to actually hurt him.
"I can certainly agree with that statement." Hugh nods, smiling and squeezing around Jane's waist.
"I would? Why? Would something happen...?" She blinks, tilting her head at Spencer's expression. Something bad then? "Ah...Th-thank you..." She blushes a little at the affection, trying not to start sniffling. "...That might work, sure." But Billy's staying close. She won't take her eye off it for even a second.
Spencer: "Is it? Ah, I'm sorry...Do you want to dry off real quick? Dad can turn around." He says, kissing her head. He can feel himself about to shift, only a few places were still moist on him, his hair being pretty much the only thing keeping him from shifting. "Yeah...I know. And...And there's nothing wrong with them, trust me. It's just like, um...A private area to humans." Like with your lower parts.
"O-oh honey thank you." She laughs, patting at Billy's hand. "And thank you, Hugh." She giggles, calling him her 'ferocious lion' and turning to kiss him. Spencer's tongue hangs out, a grossed out look on his face. This would be about the time he walked out of the room if he could.
"N-nothing." He shakes his head, turning back to his own mate. "They um...Well, let's just say if would be the same as you wandering out alone and looking to mate with someone right when the mating season frenzy starts up." It would not be pretty. Especially around this time of year when college guys are just coming down to the beaches. They probably wouldn't try to do anything but...Wolf whistling and getting hit on would definitely be a thing, especially for someone as beautiful as Billy is.
"You're welcome, sweetheart." Jane smiles warmly, sitting up a little straighter when Billy says she can see the egg. "I promise I'll be as careful as I can be, alright?" She smiles, holding her hands out for the bag. She wouldn't keep it long, just enough to be able to look up close.
Billy: "Um. Well, it is a little uncomfortable, but...It's alright. I don't want to cause any problems." She smile up at him, shaking her head. She's a little uncomfortable with being on legs while she's supposed to be protecting her egg too. She can't walk very well and she wouldn't be able to defend it or herself if she had to move quickly. "I know. Your reaction to them was proof enough." And you've said so on more than one occasion. It still doesn't change much.
"I've only said the truth. You don't need to thank me." She grins, nearly reaching to tug on Spencer's tongue again before remembering what he did earlier. "O-oh...That's...Okay, I'm...I'm not doing that then..." The problems that would cause would not be fun at all. So despite how nice it might be to walk around topless, she'll unfortunately have to refrain. "Y-yes, alright. Just, um...Careful not to spill the water..." Billy reluctantly deposits the bag into Jane's waiting arms, squirming nervously and hugging tightly at her stomach. It's okay. It's fine. This is her mate's mother. She won't hurt it. Would never...Never do anything on purpose...
Spencer: "No it's alright, if you're uncomfortable then just say something, okay?" He holds her close, kissing her cheek. He doesn't want you to be uncomfortable at all. "Do you want me to get a bucket of water instead?" To pour over her fins? He's about to shift any second so he could do that. "Y-yeah...Please don't." He would not be good at defending her. Some kid with his arm around someone that pretty telling them to back off, yeah...He'd get laughed at.
"But you're so sweet how could I not? Thank you dear. And of course." She gently takes the bag in her arms, securing it against her bosom as she lifts to top to look. "Oh, precious...Hugh, this is going to be our grandchild..." She coos, leaning against her husband with tears in her eyes.
Spencer watches with a nervous smile, knowing his mom would be careful but also knowing she wasn't used to this sort of baby. His arms tighten around his mate and he rubs at her shoulders, trying to reassure her. "It's fi--Ah..." He cuts off, pulling away some as he starts to feel his skin prickling. He closes his eyes, squeezing them shut at the uncomfortable feeling as his body starts shifting, fins and scales shrinking into him and smoothing out into smooth tan, skin. A gasp leaves him when it's finally over and he opens his eyes, blinking as his eyesight comes back normal. "Fine..." Well...He stretches a little, before reaching for his mate band around his ankles and unclasping it, instead reclasping it around his neck. It was like a collar but...It was the only part of his body it would fit around now.
Billy: "...Please? If you don't mind..." It's not going to be rude to keep her fins when everyone else is without them, is it? She guesses it'd be hard to move around on what amounts to land with her tail still too, but not as hard as walking is. Especially since the waves will be rocking the boat still. "I won't. I promise." She could likely punch them herself actually. But Spencer will still want to try and she wouldn't want to put him through that. "There's still no need to. Sweet or not." She smiles a bit nervously, edging closer to be able to see inside the bag.
"It's so small...Will you be able to tell if it's a boy or girl?" Hugh asks, absently stroking down Jane's back and looking down at the egg.
"Ah...N-no...Not until it's hatched..." She tries to relax, nails digging into the skind of her stomach and leaning back against her mate. But then he's moving away and she can't help turning a bit to look back at him in worry. "Oh...Finally changed, huh? Are you okay?" She remembers how strange it felt and wants to be sure he's not hurt. "Heh...It looks good even there." She smiles, brushing her fingers along the band.
Spencer: "Mmkay. I will as soon as I can." He kisses her again, smiling at how soft her cheek was. He wishes he could get away with kissing her more. "Thank you..." He would've had a heart attack.
"Yes, but I wanted to, sweetheart." She smiles at Billy. Spencer was so lucky to have someone so sweet... She was so worried with how trusting he was he'd end up with someone less than good for him. "That's in a few months didn't you say? Oh I'm going to be a mess waiting to see..." She smiles down at the little egg though, cradling it to her just a bit longer before leaning forward to hand it back to its anxious mother. She pauses though, bringing it back to her own chest as she sees the signs of Spencer shifting. She'll wait a moment and hold the baby for a bit longer.
"Heh, yeah. Looks like it." He resettles the towel over his lap, smoothly crossing his legs like he never lost them. Some things were like riding a bike, and he was glad leg function was one of them for him. "I'm alright...And yeah, matches yours a little more closely, huh?" He smiles, looking at the necklace around Billy's neck. Her's fit her much better...Close against the skin and designed to curve with it. His was a little big around his neck though and sort of hung. It was still beautiful though. "Do you want me to get your water bucket?" He asks, moving to get up on his knees and wrapping the towel around himself, watching with a smile as Jane cradles their egg.
Billy: "No rush, sweetie. But I'd appreciate it, thank you." She smiles, nuzzling up against him in return. "Love you." She mumbles, tucking closer against him to help distract her from her egg being in someone else's arms. "Mm-hmm. Months and months away from now, I'm afraid." The egg will have grown by then, of course. While the membrane gets thinner and more opaque as the nutrients are consumed and the fry grows. So while they'll be able to see the fry through it the closer it gets to hatching, it won't be enough to see any exact details.
Billy nearly snatches the bag when she realises Jane's trying to hand it back but then it's getting pulled back away and she clinging to her sides again. F-fine. Keep it even longer. Go ahead. "It does. It suits you still." She smiles, still a bit envious of Spencer's easy manner of using his legs. He makes it look so easy and then she tries and falls on her butt. Sigh. "Yes, please. Careful not to get yourself wet again though." She doesn't want him to regrow his fins right after he lost them and fall over.
Spencer: "Mm-hmm...I will. And I love you too." So, so much... Spencer sees the way Billy reacts to Jane pulling it away, kissing his mate's forehead with a bit exasperation. Mom, please. "Here." He reaches for the bag, which Jane gives another smile to before handing it over to her son. "Yeah...Months...Which I think is good because it gives us time to get things set up for him or her." He kisses his mate, kneeling carefully as he holds the bag out towards her, his own anxiousness having settled completely. It didn't matter if it was his arms or Billy's. As long as it was in one of theirs he was alright. He knew Billy needed their baby in her arms though, so he didn't mind a bit letting her hold the bag.
"Sorry, sweetheart. I was wanting to wait until Spencer was changed all the way." She hands it over easy enough though right after, eyes watching the sweet exchange. "We'll be able to visit before then won't we? And you'll let us know when it's about time so we can see the baby?" Please? She'll be so antsy already, they better be calling with updates as often as they can.
"Heh, thank you." He kisses her nose. Waiting until she had the egg before moving to stand. At this he's a little wobbly and awkward, but as he moves around the boat, holding on to things, his steps get surer and by the time he's got the bucket he's walking with relative ease. "I'll be careful." He laughs, making sure his towel was tucked tight before he leans over, and scoops up water, holding the bucket way out as he walks back over, setting it next to his mate as he settles on the opposite side of where he was, on the upslant of the boat so the water she poured wouldn't get on him.
Billy: She smiles, just barely managing to hold back from an 'I love you more' play argument. "Enough time to get a crib and a some toys...More blankets...A pacifier..." She frowns a little, thinking of all the things they'll need to trade for. Luckily they've plenty of treasure to trade with. It'll just take a lot of time to find things she thinks are good enough.
"Thank you..." She cradles the bag close before setting it down in the curl of her tail and carefully petting at the egg in an instinctual need to check it over for harm. "No, that's okay. Don't worry about it." She waves it off, a lot more relaxed now that the egg's in her care again. "Of course! We wouldn't want to keep them from you. We can't be sure of the exact time it's going to hatch though...So it may not happen when you're here." She warns, not wanting them to get their hopes up of seeing it hatch.
"You'd better be." She eyes him with a grin, watching as he bends over. She's got such a sexy mate. Even like this. "Thank you, sweetfins." She paps at one of his legs with her tail before letting it dip into the bucket. Oh, yes, that feels much better.
Spencer: "To try and baby proof our house..." Oh god...The baby's going to be able to know how to swim. No just sticking things higher than he or she can reach. Spencer sees her frown and leans forward to kiss it away. "It'll be alright. We've got plenty of time to get ready." And to learn as much as they can about babies and kids and parenting... "You're welcome..." He smiles as she checks it over, watching for himself to make sure too.
"Oh, if you need pacifiers and toys I have of few of Spencer's old ones put away somewhere! The pacifiers are waterproof of course and some of his bath toys maybe you'd want? Oh and we still have all those cute little baby clothes and shoes and pictures... Hugh, we'll have to bring them next time. Even if they can't use them it would be so much fun to look through it all, wouldn't it, sweetie?" She coos, Spencer looking a little dumbstruck.
"My...You want to drag out all my...Mom." You're going to embarrass him though!
"Oh it'll be alright, sweetie. And oh, yes, I understand...If we can't be there for the hatching let us know when we can be there as soon as possible though, okay?" Like...Right after. Because she knows it might be dangerous to carry a hatching egg but it would be alright to come see after the baby's hatched though, right? Jane follows Billy's line of sight and giggles. She pats Hugh's leg, trying to get him to see. Her Wright men all have such adorable butts. Well...Her's and Billy's now she supposes.
Spencer blinks a little at the eyes all on him, but shrugs it off, thinking they were just making sure he didn't fall. "You're welcome." He laughs at the pap, kissing her cheek as he settles next to her again, all the gold jewelry Billy's gradually given him and his dagger clicking and jingling as it settles against the floor of the boat. "You feel better now, beautiful?" He asks, voice low and a bit embarrassed.
Billy: "...We're going to have to find someway to block off the treasure room." And the one full of all her human souvenirs. "R-right...Plenty of time still..." It still won't be any easier she thinks... "Oh? Those would be nice, thank you. As long as you're sure they'd be alright getting wet?" Human things? Yes, please. She's still so fascinated with all of them.
"Oh, of course, dear. We must. Think of all the memories." He sighs, wiping away a pretend tear. Their baby boy's all grown up.
"Oooh, you have those picture things? Of Spencer? I'd like to see those!" He's so cute now, how much more adorable was he when he was younger? "Yes, of course. They'll need to know their grandparents as soon as possible. And...Their aunt too maybe? If she wants to come." She's not all that surprised she didn't come this time. She seemed like a busy girl the first time they met.
Hugh blinks and turns a bit, a small smile pulling at his lips once he understands what she's trying to point out. His son is so lucky.
"Yes, guppy. Much better." She smiles, nuzzling up against him and kissing his cheek. "What about you? Still feeling okay?"
Spencer: "Definitely the treasure room, yeah...Too much sharp stuff in there...And then the storage because of well, you know." Jellyfish and such. They're gonna have to smooth out the reef walls some so the baby doesn't get cut bumping into them too...Get rid off all the stinging anemone's...
"Oh yes, they'll be fine. Spencer put those things through so much I don't see how sea water could hurt them any. And oh, Hugh, you cut that out." She laughs, kissing her husband's cheek. You big goofball. "Oh yes, we'll bring them! We've got so many cute ones... We'll have to bring the camera next time! Take pictures of the baby and both of you... Oh! Wait!" She reaches around, digging in her purse that was set against the wedge of the seat and pulls out her phone. "Let me get pictures now! So we can have them of when the egg was so tiny... I'll have to save up and buy one of those diver's cameras for the both of you too..." So they can have one and take pictures of their home and the city and the baby as it gets bigger... She's already been putting away money for one actually... And she thinks she'll get the one that takes videos too... A nice one for Spencer.
"Jess? Oh! Yes she was so sorry she couldn't come! She had a tournament tonight that she couldn't miss. She'll be so excited when she hears though!" She's going to be an aunt! Jane see the the smile on Hugh's lips and laughs softly, hand oh so sneakily going back to slip in his back pocket, squeezing.
"Mm? Yes, I'm alright. Not itchy anymore, my skins kind of tingly though. Not used to being dry I guess." He laughs. It felt almost like when you first took your socks off and your feet were all ticklish. "What about you? The robe's not too itchy is it?" It felt pretty soft to him but mer skin was a little different. His eyes roam over her, checking to make sure she was okay, and a small smile growing on his lips as his eyes take in the sight of her. You're so beautiful, Billy...
Billy: "So much to be done..." If it gets to be too much they may have to hire someone to help. Someone they can trust to be discreet. No one needs to know about the fry before it's absolutely necessary. "Then we'd be glad to take them, wouldn't we, Spencer?" She smiles at him, poking his nose. He knows how much she likes human things, he wouldn't begrudge her, would he?
"Yes, madame. As you wish." He bows his head, trying to hide a grin.
"Oh! Yes, please! Could we maybe get a waterproofed copy of them?" She'd very much like to have pictures to show the fry when they're older. She wishes she could've had pictures of herself to look back on. "I'd figured she was busy, it's no problem, really. She'll get to see the pictures at least, right?" Of the egg in it's bag and of Billy herself. If she can convince them to let her take of the robe for it. "Itchy? The normal kind of itchy or the sand stuck between your scales kind of itchy?" She asks, a bit worried. Depending on which kind it is it might be a bit painful...
"No, it's alright. It's plenty soft. And not too tight." Fortunately. Releasing the milk can wait a bit longer. "What are you looking at, sweetheart?" She smiles back at him, reaching up to stroke at the side of his face and behind his ear.
Spencer: "We'll be fine." He kisses her forehead. He generally stayed awake during the night much too often anyway. He'd have stuff to do now. "Mm-hmm. Thanks Mom, we could really use them." He snorts at the poke, taking it in his webless hand and kissing her finger.
"Of course. And alright, you all bunch up together okay? Picture time~ And Jess will love to see them yes. She was pretty upset when she realized she couldn't come." She loved Billy so much, after she got over the initial shock of seeing him the first time.
"Normal kind. Don't worry, sugar." He smiles a little at taking her nickname, he was so going to keep saying these, even when Billy shifted back to being a male. "Good...And nothing...Just you." He smiles, blush on his cheeks as he kisses her, faintly hearing the click of his mother's camera phone. Of course.
Billy: "Yeah...Yeah, we'll be okay." She nods, earfins fluttering. She needs to stop worrying so much. Spencer will be here still. She giggles at the kiss to her finger, taking the chance to snag his hand in hers and press it to her chest so she can nuzzle at it. Silly mate.
"Eheh. Yes'm." She squeezes in closer to Spencer, resting her head on his shoulder and smiling at the camera. She'll ask about the robe in a moment. "Aw, I'm sorry to hear that. We'll have to take plenty of pictures for her then." She might not believe that's really Billy though since she's changed genders. Hopefully Jane and Hugh can convince her.
"Well, alright..." She still kisses at his hands anyway to get rid of the itch. "So I've noticed. Anything in particular though? You can't see most of me covered up like this." She smiles into the kiss, recognising the sound the camera makes and pushing up closer to make for a better picture.
Spencer: "Ah...You dork." He laughs, but lets her nuzzle his hand, cheeks pink. Spencer leans into Billy as well, cheek pressed against her hair and an arm around her shoulders. "Yeah...How's she doing this year, anyway? Does it look like she's going to make it to nationals?" He asks, curious.
Jane smiles at her picture, eyes watering a bit. They're such a wonderful couple... She wishes she could have thrown a wedding for them... Oh, her heart. A wedding would just be so lovely... "Jess is doing as amazing as she always has. And nationals are looking pretty close too! She'll have to train harder this year though, she wants to compete in the mixed genders one." And requirments for men and women are a little different so she'll have to work out those things, like the weight classes and such.
"That's good, you'll have to get pictures for me, okay? And, um..." He pauses, leaning forward some. "What about that boyfriend of hers? She got rid of him, right?" He asks, a bit of protectiveness coming into his voice. "Hm? Oh, just all of you...And it doesn't matter, you still look beautiful in that robe." He could see the curve of her body through it and the white of the cotton just made her skin glow so gorgeously... Spencer smiles after he hears the second click, pulling away gently and kissing his mate's forehead.
"Oh, Kleet? That boy is long gone, thank heavens. Didn't even remember her name. And when we found out he was a former bully of yours. Tsk." Jane crosses her arms, not looking at all pleased.
Billy: "Pfff. That's still funny out of context." Dork. Heh. Only as long as they're not doing anything mating related though. Then it's not funny. "Ooh? She's really doing that well? I'm sure she'll do wonderfully." She's so strong, how could she not?
"Oh, do I? Well, I'm glad you think so." She coos, wriggling her shoulders and making her breasts jiggle. She loves teasing you, Spencer. "I don't suppose it's so beautiful that you wouldn't want a picture without it, do you?" She asks, eyes wide and lip wibbling. Pleeeeease? "...He was what?" Billy's eyes narrow and she turns to look at Jane. "Explain, please." Who's been bullying her mate? She'll end them.
Spencer: "Ah...I forgot about that." He laughs a bit sheepishly, kissing her cheek as an apology. You're not a whale dick, Billy. "B-Billy!" He blushes, don't do that in front of his parents! "Um...I...Mom, would that be alright?" He asks, knowing that if Billy wanted to it probably meant something. "Dad can just close his eyes." Cause he really can't say no to that face she's making. "Um...N-nothi--"
"Sure, honey. If that's what you want. Maybe she can pose like those fashion models?" All coy and hiding things even though they're showing? "Oh, my...You didn't tell her?" She blinks, looking between them. "Spencer used to get the worst kind of bullied...Bruises and bloody noses every time he came home..." Jane's voice saddens and she tries to keep from tearing up. "When we found out that it was that Kleet boy who'd been the one leading all that...Boasting about how he ran Spencer off..." Oh, she and Jess had tore him a new one.
Billy: "You tend to forget a lot, sweetheart." Billy laughs, not taking to heart. She knows what Spencer meant. "Spencer~?" She bats her eyelashes, lifting her hands up to her face and giggling behind them. "Yes, please. I want a picture of my usual appearance."
"Sure, I can, hon. I don't mind." Hugh agrees, promptly turning his back to her and covering his eyes for double measure.
"Th-thank you, I appreciate it, really." She smiles, slipping the robe off and sitting to the side. That feels much better. "I don't really know any fashion poses, but I can sit the way I usually do when I'm performing?" Certain songs you just can't dance to. They're too mellow. "Wh-what? Spencer..." Billy swallows, grabbing for her mate and tugging him into a worried hug. "I'll kill him..." To do such a thing to her mate...How dare he?
Spencer: "Oh, gee thanks." He laughs anyways, trying to ignore the questioning look from his mom, nope not going to explain it. "Billy..." He warns her, eyes saying he was so getting her back later.
Spencer waits until his dad is turned around before he starts helping her take it off, eyes trying not to focus on what he knows he shouldn't be in front of his mom. "She means like...Um..." He thinks for a moment before crossing an arm over his chest, just hiding his nipples. "Like coy stuff. Where you're naked, yeah but you're sitting in a way that no one can really see anything." Modeling sort of. "I'm not sure you're performing poses will work but...Um, maybe?" They'll see? If it doesn't he won't say anything. It's not like anyone outside of his family will-- "Ah, just...Just Mom? Don't show the picture to Rajeev like...Ever, okay?" If...If he ever does get to see Rajeev and Shanilla again that is...
"Mom..." Spencer says, sounding hurt and a little betrayed. Why would you bring that up? He holds his mate close though, trying to calm her. "It's alright.. It was dumb, okay? And wasn't that bad.. Just annoying."
"Yes, something like that." Jane laughs at her son's demonstration, getting her camera ready. "Oh, don't worry I won't." She's noticed how Rajeev is. "..,I'm sorry honey but...It was not just annoying and you know that. Sweetheart, you need to tell people when you're hurting. I had no idea until I found you crying in the bathroom and by then you were..." She stops herself, realizing she was saying too much and instead scoots over to hug her son. "I'm sorry...I had really thought you had told her...And you need to tell her these things."
Billy: "You're welcome." She grins, poking at Spencer's nose. "Yes~?" Whaaat? She's not doing anything! Just being cute! "Oh. There's not much sense in hiding them only that much though, is there?" You can still see the rest of the chest that way. "We can try at least, right?" Or she can just curl around Spencer and make herself look sexy. That would look nice. "Rajeev? That's one of your friends, right?" Spencer doesn't really talk about them much so she can't really be sure.
"That doesn't sound like nothing..." Billy frowns, nuzzling against Spencer and squeezing him close. Her poor Spencer... "Why would he do something like that...?" Spencer's so sweet and caring...
Spencer: Oh, he's going to get you and a small revenge is happening with him readjusting his towel, making it so only Billy can catch a little flash of something. He knows how much it throws her off to just see it out like that. "Um...It's more like, um...It's complicated, but we can try, yeah." He'll explain it better later, Billy. "Uh-huh. He's kind of a woman's man though so...He'll only see the picture of you with the robe. If, um...Mom, are you going to tell them?" Or...Will they wait?
"It's up to you, sweetie." Jane answers, seeing the teasing going on she focuses on her phone, flipping through the pictures she took and trying not squeal. So cute~
"I'm...I'm alright though...They were just...Just jerks." He shrugs, trying not to think about it. "They thought I was weird." He finally answers. "And I'm, um...Well, I'm small so...Easy target." That's how it is usually...
Billy: Ah...That's still so weird...It's more of it than she's gotten to see so far though. Last time Spencer was human around her--Him. He wouldn't let him see anything. He had to content himself with examining his own body. "Okay. How do you want me then?" She smiles, leaning back and showing more of herself off. She'll let Spencer decide how he wants the first few pictures to look. "You're jealous then. Again." She giggles, leaning up to kiss at Spencer's cheek. "Okay, he doesn't have to see the other ones. Are we going to meet them though? I would like to know them if you don't mind." A friend of Spencer's is a friend of hers too, right? Maybe? "...You're not weird. And how small you are is cute!" She scowls, squeezing tighter to her mate. "And even I'm smaller than you are right now..."
Spencer: That was before they were all, er...Intimate all the time. Of course it's different now. Spencer's eyes drift down at her shifting, blushing as he has to force his eyes up. "A-ah, um...Come here." He wraps a hand around her waist and then another over the coil of her tail, shifting it to lay over her lap. He's careful about the egg though, making sure it doesn't get knocked around. "Okay and, um...Here, put an arm around my neck? And then...This one right here..." He guides it to his side opposite of her, telling her to hold on where his gills normally would be. "Is her arm right, Mom?" He asks, trying not to blush at having this beautiful mermaid all draped over him.
"Yes, perfect." She smiles, raising the camera. "Are you ready?" She asks, watching as Spencer moves his arm around Billy, the other resting on her tail in his lap.
"Shhh...And, um...Yeah. I...I hope so... I just don't know if we can with the, um..." While having to watch the egg. "Yeah but...But right now you're a girl. And being short and a girl isn't a bad thing...It...It is for a guy though." He hugs her back, not happy with saying this. Now she'll know why he protests getting called small so much and...And he doesn't want her pitying him.
Billy: Billy nods and follows Spencer's instructions, giggling at Spencer's expression and kissing his cheek. "Yes, I'm ready. After this one I want one with the egg, okay?" Held in her hands against her chest so it will stay moist and safe. "Oh...Unless they want to come out here with your family the next time they visit? Otherwise, um...After the egg has hatched then?" The fry always comes first, of course, but afterward it should fine, right? They'll need to socialise the fry anyway. "Says who? Whoever it is they don't know what they're talking about at all! You're...You're prefect the way you are..." Please don't say anything otherwise...You're so beautiful...
Spencer: "Okay." He kisses her forehead, smiling warmly. He hears the click of the camera and laughs, turning so she can get a real picture of them smiling at her. "That...That might work...Would you mind bringing them?" He asks his parents, they could just trick them and say they were going on a little trip or something.
Jane takes the picture, smiling at how beautiful her son and mate are. So pretty... And with the setting sun casting them in those colors... If she had a mind to, she could probably auction these photos off for thousands. The mermaid touch being what made it though, they'd think it was such a lovely costume...
"Says how humans are. Guys are supposed to be big and tall or at least that's what's expected."
Billy: She giggles again at the kiss, turning to get a proper picture this time. "That one should be really cute, I think." Both of them. Once the camera clicks again, Billy carefully lifts the egg out of the water and cradles it to her chest, leaning down for a moment to kiss it. "Hey, baby..." She begins, adopting Spencer's use of the word. "Your grandma's gonna be taking your picture, okay? So smile for her." Obviously it can't, but she's going to try to teach it beforehand all the words it needs to know. "...That's so...So stupid though...Doesn't even make sense..." She sniffs, nuzzling her face against his collar.
Spencer: "It is~ So very cute. I'll show them to you afterwards." Jane coos, happy as can be.
Spencer watches as she lifts the egg out of the water, smiling at how cute his mate was being. "And you better get used to it cause she's not ever going to stop taking your picture." Spencer teases, leaning over Billy's shoulder to smile down at their egg. He hears the faint click of camera and looks up with a smile, knowing the picture his mom just got. Both of them smiling down at their egg. He brushes his hand against Billy's shoulder, getting her attention so they can take a picture with them looking. "Are...Are you crying? Billy..." Spencer pulls her close, kissing at her temple and rocking her in his arms. "It's okay...I'm alright, now." Please don't cry...
Billy: "Can you do that?" It's possible to see the picture before it's been put on paper? "I'd like to see, yes!" She wriggles a bit excitedly trying not to move too much since she's in Spencer's lap and holding their egg. "No, never ever. You're going to be so cute how could she ever resist?" No matter what she knows that's going to be true. Whoever they take after, however they look, boy or girl...They'll be adorable. Billy looks up at Spencer's urging, giving a watery looking smile to the camera. Her fry's going to be so beautiful... "N-no..." She shakes her head, holding her breath to help calm herself down. "It's n-not alright...They hurt you..."
Spencer: "Uh-huh! We'll show you don't worry! And could you hold the egg out please? Just a little..." So she can zoom in on it. "Not ever, ever, nope." And she's going to take that careful picture of the baby, glistening in the dim sunlight and then it can get back to its safe place in the bag.
Yes, please careful with the wiggling, Billy. Spencer almost let out a noise there from that. He smiles and waits for the picture, before kissing his mate again, hand cradling under hers to be a part of holding their egg too. "Billy, please don't..." Spencer kisses her, holding her close and wishing she wasn't crying. He knows it's because she cares about him but it's making him so close to crying himself, and he doesn't want to do that...Not right now...
Billy: "O-oh, um...Just...Just a little bit." She doesn't feel quite safe holding it too far from her body, but she does lift it away a tiny bit, waiting for the click of the camera before tucking it back against her. "I think that maybe...That's enough pictures for right now?" She suggests, carefully depositing the egg back into the bag without waiting for an answer. "S-sorry...Can't...C-can't help it..." She shakes her head, trying to will away her still stupidly out of whack hormones.
Spencer: "Okay, that's fine dear.." Jane smiles reassuringly and leans back against her husband's back, resting against him for just a little while. She wasn't so peppy anymore, not with the mention of the bullying.
"I know...I know, it's okay..." Spencer just holds her tight, telling her it's okay and he's okay... No lasting damage. Well...Any scars that were left were wiped away by Madame X... His freckles too, which he was sort of glad of though. Those were embarrassing.
Billy: "Sorry...Are, um. Are there any other pictures you want to take of just the two of us maybe?" She smiles back, not wanting to cut short her fun.
Hugh sighs and reaches a hand behind him to pat at Jane's shoulder, not particularly liking the turn the conversation's taken either.
"I'm...I'm okay...S-sorry, I...Let's...T-talk about something else, please..." She sniffs again, taking deep breaths and trying to calm down. She's not happy with what they've done to Spencer at all, but it's over now and...At the moment she can't do anything about it.
Spencer: "Oh, I'll get plenty in just a little bit. We can rest just a moment... Oh! And I brought some snacks if either of you want some!" She gets up, squeezing her husband's hand on the way over to the little fridge, digging around.
"Thanks Mom." Spencer calls, a little excited. He misses human food. "You don't have to apologize...And alright...Let's talk talk about how sweet our baby is going to be, taking after you."
Billy: "Snacks? Are there any, um. Any of those peanut butter things?" She really enjoyed that last time. It was so good. "D-do so...Didn't mean to d-depress everybody..." She doesn't like crying. She can't wait until she settles into femaledom. The longer she stays like this the more she'll level out. "H-heh...Gonna be like you though. Silly."
Spencer: "Heh, yes, darling. I got you tons of peanut butter things this time." She saw how much you liked that stuff. "Oh, no...That was my fault, honey. Don't worry, okay?" She comes over with the tray of food, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "Here, why don't you get you a snack so you'll feel better. These are some peanut butter sandwiches." She points to the little bread triangles. "Some peanut butter crackers," She points to those, and then the other peanut butter things she brought, "Some peanut butter cookies and then Reese's peanut butter cups to. Pick whatever you want, we have plenty."
"Y-yeah..." He swallows a bit, ignoring the nagging worry in his head about that and kissing her again, listening to his Mom. He grabs a Reese's cup for himself, popping the whole thing in his mouth, so he has an excuse not to talk for a moment.
Billy: "Thank you...You're sweet." She smiles, earfins fluttering. Spencer's mother reminds her so much of her own sometimes... "N-no, it was mine. I've b-been a little over emotional lately..." She wipes at her eyes, taking one of the cookies and nibbling on it. "These are delicious...Did you make them?" Or did she barter for them? Either way she loves them. "...You still don't want them to, do you?" She sighs, fins drooping. She just can't understand why...O-oh, wait, but... "It's...It's not because of the things those horrible people said to you, is it?" Those awful bullies...
Spencer: "You're very welcome, honey. And that's completely understandable, you be as emotional as you need to." She kisses her on the head again before settling back, leaving the tray sitting on the ground between them. "Mm-hmm. I made everything but what Spencer's eating. But of course he always goes for the candy first." She laughs, seeing the sheepish smile he was giving her.
Spencer keeps his eyes down, swallowing the last of the food in his mouth before he answers. "...Could...Could we talk about this later?" He asks, looking over at her. He doesn't want to do this in front of his parents.
"Wait...Spencer, honey, what's going on?" Jane pipes up, concern in her voice. Was something the matter?
Billy: "S-sexchanges tend to cause a lot of imbalances for a while..." She shrugs, chewing on her cookie. "Candy? You traded for that then?" She wonders how those taste... She snatches a piece of the other disk in the package, giving it a careful lick. "Oh! That's sweet!" Much sweeter than the cookie is. "...Okay. Later then...T-time for subject change number two?" She gives a forced smile, fiddling with the handle of the bag."
Spencer: "Not only that but having an egg too... Spencer, honey. You be sure to give her lost of massages and warm baths--Well...Massages and love alright?" Since they really couldn't take warm baths. "And you take plenty of naps, okay?" Stay nice and rested. "Traded? No, I bought them for us. And yes, candy. Sweet stuff that's just that. For tasting good and not very healthy at all. Spencer loves it though." She laughs. "Or I think it's more the chocolate in the Reese's that he loves."
"Yeah, that's the chocolate." Spencer laughs, not minding the snatch of his other chocolate cup. "The peanut butter's inside, see?" He leans down and takes a bite out of hers, snickering a bit. "Please? And, um...N-nothing, Mom."
Billy: "The egg laying part was actually one of the most fun parts, really." She grins, thinking back on the experience. Mmm. Oh, yes. Very fun. "And I don't think there's much time to be frittered away napping. Not with everything we have to do. Massages do sound nice though..." Maybe just before they're going to bed for the night? "O-oh, right. Like with the shells. Spencer's explained that before. It was called, um. Monies?" Something like that anyway. "Chocolate...Oh!" She laughs, poking at the peanut butter inside the chocolate and licking it off her finger. "Yeah, I see it. That's so cool..." She could get so fat eating these...Luckily she can't get to them very often. "Sure...Um. How about...Your friends then?"
Spencer: "Fun? Oh...Well, it must be different than what I had to do to get Spencer out." She laughs, the disgusted look on Spencer's face making her laugh harder.
"Mom! Please don't talk about that!" He's about to grab Dad and take him to the beach or something so these two can talk as freely as he wants without dying of embarrassment... He'd take the egg though too, no listening to how embarrassing Gramma is for the baby.
"Oh no, sweetheart. Yes it's important to prepare but...Be sure you take time to relax and enjoy yourself too. Your baby's gonna...Gonna grow up all t-too soon and...And...Before you know it he's...He's going to be married and...And h-having babies..." She can't help but to cry, wiping at her eyes again as Spencer makes his way over, pulling her into a hug.
"Mom, I love you.. And I'm always going to be your baby...It's okay..." He hums, letting her crush him in her mom-hug for a little while, red lipstick kisses getting placed all over his face. She even kisses his nose, hands cradling his face.
"Oh I wish you still had your freckles...I know you didn't like them but they were so cute...You don't look as young without them..." So much older...It hurts. "Money, yes...You don't pay for things down there? You trade?" That's interesting...She wonders what it's like.
Spencer smiles back at her, leaning a little away from his mom, kneeling between the two women. "Yeah...Very cool and, um. Sure? What about them?"
Billy: "Eheh...Yes, I'd imagine so. Eggs are...Much...Much smaller than a live fry..." She shivers, her imagination getting carried away again. "I'm...I'm afraid I'm going to have to agree, please..." Way too scary... "W-well...I guess every now and then we could relax a little..." Have some them time...With the egg still in the room with them of course.
"O-oh, um...Don't cry..." She just got finished crying, don't make her start again with such sad thoughts... "Could...Could you maybe tell me about marriage again instead?" That's not depressing, right? No need to cry there.
"Freckles? Aww, did he have those? That must've been adorable." She smiles at all the red marks over Spencer's face, likening them to giant freckles. Yes. Adorable. "Mm-hmm. Items or services. Or shells if you can't offer anything else." Depending on your status, of course. "Well...What are they like? Are they nice?" Would the like her?
Spencer: "Yes...A whole lot..." It would have been so much easier to lay an egg she thinks. "Oh, yes sure. And yes, enjoying it all is best. Don't get too worked up and stressed." It's no fun that way. "I'm sorry...It's just so hard not to." She sobers herself up though, wiping away tears and settling herself.
"M-marriage? Oh...Oh, honey, it's beautiful. A big day planned months ahead for two people to become husband and wife or, um...I guess the human equivalent to mates? The bride or the girl picks out this big, gorgeous, white dress and the groom wears this suit that he just looks so amazing in. All the family gets invited to come see and the two pledge their love and promise to be with and take care of each other...Oh, I wish I could give you two a wedding...It would be the most beautiful thing..."
Spencer listens to her, imagining it in his head as he looks at Billy. A wedding...Why couldn't they? Would that be something Billy wants though? "Y-yes...I used to have tons of freckles, right across here." He swipes his finger from one cheek, over the bridge of his nose and to the other. "And I can assure you they were not adorable." He used to cover them up with makeup. "Er...Well. Shanilla, she's really nice, like. Super sweet. She's kind of quiet and, um...She's really smart. Used to come over to help me study and do homework for school. She's Indian, like, um...Her skin's a little darker than mine, and she can speak another language... She has some pretty neat clothes too from there. Then her brother is Rajeev, and, er...He can be nice. But mostly it's about him and his plans on getting this girl to like him. He's pretty cool to hang out with though, and has my back for stuff even if he does complain about it." He gives a wry smile, remembering when he complained so much about the dress thing and ended up loving it. "They both helped out a lot with my movie-making and...Honestly, I think they'd be a little wary of you..." He says, looking at her. "They're kind of protective but...Once they got to know you I think they'd like you."
Billy: "Of course there were three eggs this time, but they weren't all laid at once, at least..." And three is a lot less than she could've had.
"Oh...No, stress would be bad for everyone involved..." And that includes the baby. No, she'll have to relax every so often. "That does sound nice...A lot like the old traditional mating ceremonies..." They've gone out of practice in recent years, but Billy still remembers the ones she used to perform for when she was a child still. "Why...Why couldn't we do that again?" If they went up on land again...And she lost her tail and fins and...Practiced her walking...Then it should be doable, shouldn't it?
"Fibber! That sounds /super/ adorable!" She grins, trying to picture it. Little tiny specks all over her mates already adorable face. "It sounds like you really care about them..." And miss them too... "Wary? I guess that's understandable. Being a stranger to them..."
Spencer: "Three? Oh, goodness...I guess it does make up for some of it..." Wow...
"Mm-hmm, so you be sure to get your rest sweetheart." Stay nice and happy. "Oh would you want to!?" She asks excitedly, clasping her hands. "We could start preparing it now and be ready just after the baby hatches!" It would be so adorable...And she could somehow work it out that Billy comes ashore and tries on dresses while Spencer stays home and watches the egg? They'd have to plan the wedding around the dress so of course she'd have to come pick it first.
"Was not! It was dor--Er...Nerdy! And...And I do..." He does miss them too... "Yeah...They'll warm up to you though, don't worry."
Billy: "I got to eat the pain dulling herb this year though, so it really wasn't bad at all." She did say it was one of the fun parts, didn't she?
"Yes, ma'a--Jane. We'll make sure we don't overwork ourselves. "W-well, it does sound like it be so pretty...Why don't we? Spencer?" Would he want to do that? It's a human tradition, after all...He must've been thinking about it for so long before he thought he lost the chance to...
"Adorable." She giggles, leaning up to kiss Spencer's cheek where he said the freckles were. Cutie. "...You should see them. I never meant to take you away from them..." It's her fault Spencer's so far from home... "I'd hope so..."
