As the weeks passed by, the Team8s found themselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Between work and taking care of Bladey and Thread, they rarely had a chance to relax and spend quality time together as a family. So when Pin suggested a\ trip to Gelatin's Steakhouse for dinner one evening, everyone eagerly agreed.
The anticipation built as they piled into the car, Bladey giggling happily in her car seat as Thread chattered excitedly about their upcoming meal. The drive to the restaurant was filled with laughter and lively conversation, the Team8s relishing the opportunity to simply enjoy each other's company without any distractions.
As they arrived at Gelatin's Steakhouse, the savory aroma of grilled meat wafted through the air, tantalizing their taste buds and heightening their anticipation. They were greeted warmly by Gelatin himself, who was surprised to see the group at his restaurant.
"What are you guys doing here?" Gelatin asked, excited to see the Team8s gang.
Gaty smiled, "Taco and Lollipop we're telling us that you guys made some family-friendly renovations around here!"
"Speaking of," Saw said, "are Taco and Lolly here tonight?"
Gelatin nodded, "It's Taco's night off, but Lolly is somewhere around here tonight! I'll tell her you said hi!"
Gelatin then proceeded to sit the group down at a nice booth in the back of the restaurant. The team opened up their menus and looked over all the food options.
Donut turned to Barf Bag, whispering to her, "I still can't believe he actually managed to pull this off!"
Barf Bag nodded, "tell me about it. But hey, you have to give the guy credit! I'd say I'm enjoying this place so far!"
As the team continued to look over their menus, they couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the thought of indulging in Gelatin's famous steaks and other delicious offerings.
"I think I'm going to go for the filet mignon," Needle said, her mouth watering at the thought of the tender, flavorful steak.
"I'm torn between the New York strip and the ribeye," Pin admitted, scanning the menu with interest.
"I'm going to try the grilled salmon," Saw decided, looking forward to a lighter option.
Thread, hearing all the adults talk, wanted to be part of the conversation, "I have to go potty!"
Everyone at the table laughed at Thread's sudden comment.
Needle got up from her seat, "I'll take her guys," she gestured down at her enlarged baby bump, "Threads not the only one who needs to go potty."
The two of them left as the rest of the table continued to chat away.
"Pregnancy bladder is the WORST," Saw acknowledged, "I was getting up every five minutes to use the restroom when I was pregnant with this one!" Saw looked over at Bladey, who was sitting in a highchair at the end of the booth, and gave her a quick kiss.
The conversation flowed easily as they awaited their meals, with each member of the team sharing stories and jokes, enjoying the rare opportunity to unwind and relax together.
After a few minutes, Needle returned to the table with Thread in tow, both of them looking relieved.
"Thanks for taking her, Needle," Pin said, giving her a grateful smile.
"No problem at all," Needle replied, settling back into her seat. "Besides, I needed a break from trying to decide what to order!"
As they continued to chat, Gelatin appeared at their table with a big smile, ready to take their orders.
"So, what can I get for you guys this evening?" Gelatin asked, his pen over his notepad.
The team quickly placed their orders, each one eagerly anticipating the delicious meal to come.
"Thank's you guys!" Gelatin said. Before I go, I want to tell you about our kids eat free discount! Since your little one is under 12, her meal is free with any adult purchase, which you guys qualify for!"
"Why didn't you tell us about this sooner," Coiny asked.
"It's been a busy night Coinster," he remarked, "my brian hurts from all the orders I've had to take."
Coiny chuckled, understanding Gelatin's predicament. "No worries, Gelatin. We appreciate you letting us know now. That's a fantastic deal!"
Gelatin grinned, relieved that the team was understanding. "I'm glad you think so! We always try to make sure families feel welcome here."
With that settled, Gelatin headed back to the kitchen to relay their orders, leaving the Team8s to continue chatting and enjoying each other's company.
As the team continued to chat away, Saw suddenly felt two hands over her eyes.
"Guess who?" the voice behind Saw said.
Saw quickly turned around, having a good hunch who it was, "LOLLY!" she screamed, immediately getting up from the booth and giving her a hug.
"It's nice to see you too, Saw," Lollipop remarked, happy to visit her friend.
"How has it been going around here?" Gaty asked.
"Business has been booming around here!" Lollipop exclaimed. Lot's of the other TPOTers have been settling down around here and it's nice to catch up with everyone again!"
Barf Bag, witnessing the conversation, took a hold of Donut's hand. Despite all the time that had passed, she still felt a little uneasy seeing her after she made fun of her in BFB. Regardless, she knows in her heart that she's changed significantly. Otherwise, she probably would have never allied with Gelatin and Teardrop of all people.
"And how are you little one," Lollipop said, holding Bladeys little hand.
"That's my cousin Bladey," Thread announced.
"I know that dear, I met her just days after she was born," Lollipop told her. "I remember seeing you when you were Bladeys age, you've grown up a lot since then my dear."
"And I'm gonna have a little brother soon too!" Thread excitedly remarked.
Lollipop jolted a little in surprise. Saw and Gaty never told her that they were going to have a little nephew.
"Oh yeah, never mentioned that, huh," Saw said.
"It's true though," Needle said, as she got up to reveal her baby bump.
Lollipop's eyes widened in surprise and delight as she beheld Needle's baby bump. She approached Needle with a warm smile, gently placing her hand on her belly.
"Congratulations, Needle! That's wonderful news," Lollipop exclaimed, her excitement palpable.
"Thank you, Lolly," Needle replied, her smile radiant. "We're thrilled to be expanding our little family."
"Okay everyone, I think Lollipop needs to go wait some tables now," Gaty acknowledged, not wanting to take up too much of her friend's time.
"It's all good Gates, but yes, I must return to taking some orders now," Lollipop remarked. "Hope to see you all around soon."
The team waved goodbye, happy that Lollipop, Saw, and Gaty had some time to reconnect. As Lollipop walked away, Gelatin came out with everyone's yummy food.
"Ooo, that smells good," Pin said, her mouth watering.
Once everyone got their plates, they all dug into their various meals.
"Mmm, this is delicious!" Coiny said, his cheeks full of steak.
"Man, how did he pull this off?" Barf Bag questioned, "this is some of the best steak I've ever had!"
As Saw took some bites out of her food, she pulled out the little can of baby food she had brought for Bladey, as she was a bit too young for steaks. She got the food on the spoon, and tried to feed it into Bladeys mouth. However, she was being a little bit fussy.
"No," Bladey said, pushing away the food. The entire table laughed at Bladey's assertive little baby communication.
"What do you mean 'no'?" Saw questioned, "It's dinner time Bladey!"
"NO!" she said again, sounding much more assertive.
"Okay, Okay," Saw said, surprised at the tone of her daughter's voice, "I guess you don't want any food then!"
Bladey's insistence on refusing the baby food only added to the amusement around the table. It seemed that even at her young age, she had a strong sense of what she wanted.
Thread, watching her cousin's antics with amusement, chimed in, "Maybe Bladey wants some of our food instead!"
Saw chuckled at Thread's suggestion. "You think so, Thread? Well, I guess we can give it a try."
With that, Saw offered Bladey scooped up some of her mashed potatoes with a spoon, curious to see if Bladey would show any interest. Much to Saw's surprise, Bladey's eyes lit up at the sight of the potatoes, and she eagerly grabbed it, taking a small nibble.
"Looks like someone prefers the grown-up food," Saw remarked, laughing softly as Bladey happily swallowed the potatoes.
The rest of the team watched in amusement as Bladey enjoyed her mothers meal, her little face smeared with bits of potato. It was moments like these—simple, joyful, and filled with laughter—that made their trip to Gelatin's Steakhouse truly memorable.
As they continued to enjoy their meals and each other's company, Gelatin made his rounds, ensuring that everything was to their satisfaction. The team couldn't help but praise him for the delicious food and excellent service, expressing their gratitude for the wonderful dining experience.
With their bellies full and their spirits high, the Team8s savored the remainder of their evening at Gelatin's Steakhouse. As the night drew to a close and they prepared to head home, they were filled with contentment and gratitude for the time they had spent together.
As they bid farewell to Gelatin and the friendly staff, promising to return soon, the Team8s made their way back to the car, their hearts full of love and their memories of this special evening destined to last a lifetime.
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Yay, don't we love some wholesome chapters! I really like this one in particular. I think this is like, the first time Bladey talks? She's growing up so fast waaa! Anyways, how are we almost at 11K reads already, didn't we hit 10K like a week ago? Thank you guys so much for your support (I know I've said that a lot but it really means the world to me that people are actually enjoying this book)! See you all in the next chapter!
- Sunny