What if? (P2) || Jake/Reader || Draft

Broken rules

"I'll call Bob and Arohk over." You step ahead of Trudy and hold back a few plants so they don't whack her in the face. "-They can help as well as get their fill — it's a bonus all around."

You're first up to the creek, and Trudy isn't too far behind as she rolls up her knee-length camo pants so she can really get in.

"Why go through all the trouble?" You step more into the water and feel around for the hidden current. "-why don't you just take off your pants? It's just us. It's not like I'm gonna care, even if you get naked."

"You say that, but you'll just end up wanting to make out with me if you see me naked."

"I've seen you nude before. Multiple times. You're merely getting bold over there."

She has a puzzled expression on her face.
"Y'know.. I don't think I've seen you naked since I found you on the floor heavily pregnant with twins."

"Oh, Trudy." You stop for a moment to call your Ikran over. "—I wasn't aware you were sad because you haven't seen me nude since. Should have told me, I would've flashed you a time or two."

She turns around to face you after tossing her pants on the larger stone, and steps a few inches into the water.

She holds it together just fine until you both make eye contact, and suddenly neither of you can hold in the laughter.

It's not until Arohk comes in full force and splashes you that your attention is finally elsewhere - having to wring out your braid as he swims around in the deeper end.

"Jesus, Arohk." You fling your hands to get the water off. "How about a little space next time?"

At least Bob has the courtesy to pace himself when he walks in, more than eager to catch a few fish.

There's a third and unexpected Ikran who makes their way in as well.

"What the hell?" You suddenly question. No other Ikran should be answering the sully-call. Or at least, wouldn't be within range to do so.

"What? What's going on?" Trudy turns to you with a large fish hanging off her arrow.

"Lo'ak's Ikran is here." You move out of the water to go greet her, and she chitters in a soft tone as you rub her muzzle. "-She shouldn't be. They don't answer a call unless they're without their rider."

"Oh, no." She yanks the fish off and tosses it to Bob as hes closest, which hes happy to oblige and catches it.

You try to get an answer from Lo'ak on your comms, and then Da'mik.. Tommika.. Tuk. Your heart sinks.
You even try Spider just as Trudy does, and nothing.

"You don't think they—"

"No, no." You raise your hand. "They're probably just sitting somewhere together."

"Kiri?" Trudy calls out on her ear piece. "Kiri, are you with your mom?
—-Okay, thank god you're okay at least. Have you seen the kids? Spider? Lo'ak? We can't get a hold of them."

Nothing but silence on your end.

"—Okay, well, has your mother?—-"

Your heartbeat rises as you wait for Trudy to speak again.

"—-Shit. I mean— Dangit. Okay.
Well thank you, anyway.
No, no. I don't. We're gonna go find them. Tell your mom would you? Keep an eye out?
Okay, thanks. I'll call in if we hear anything."

"Anything?" You come closer and Arohk stalks in near you, worrying as he feels the way your emotions drop so suddenly.

"No. All I've got is that Kiri's okay and she's with Grace, but they haven't seen them."