Ice Cream and Mayhem

Part One

Today was hot. Really hot. It was the hottest it had been in a while. Androids could withstand heat up to a certain degree, but this 100 degree weather was just too much for the PowerFX family. It certainly didn't help that their air conditioning sucked.

Ruby, Hio, and Oliver sat around a portable fan. It was the only one they could find within the immediate vicinity, and they all immediately gathered around it once Hio had discovered it. They kept their coats off, and Oliver had his button up sleeves rolled up since he didn't own any short sleeves. Hio balanced an ice pack on his head while Cubi and James laid on top of it, and Ruby periodically drenched her face with a water bottle from the fridge.

Sweet Ann and Big Al sat by, shoveling ice cubes into their mouths. Even in her short white dress, Ann was still burning up. Al had opted to be shirtless for this ordeal, though it only helped a little.

Sweet Ann was nearing her last ice cube when she stood from the table, dramatically slapping her hand on the countertop to get her family's attention. "Alright everyone, I've had about enough of this heat, haven't you?" She didn't wait for a response as she clapped her hands together. "Let's go get some ice cream."

"Ooh!" Oliver raised his hand and waved it eagerly. Sweet Ann gestured to him, and he smiled. "Can we go to a waterpark too?"

"Oli, you know water isn't good for our stitches." Big Al dismissed gently. Oliver's smile dropped into a frown.

"It'll be okay if I wear my wetsuit." She ruffled Big Al's hair. "Just don't get your head wet, and you'll be fine too." She turned to Oliver and slightly bent down. "We can go to the waterpark hon."

Oliver grinned and flapped his hands. "Yay!"

"Can we invite our friends?" Ruby asked.

"I don't see why not." Big Al answered her as he stood. "Just let them know to bring their own money."

"Gotcha!" Ruby took out her phone and immediately started texting.

Sweet Ann shooed them away. "Go get your swimsuits kids! Meet me outside in the car."

Ruby, Hio, Oliver, and Big Al disappeared down the hallway as Sweet Ann headed towards the door. She started up the car and set the air conditioner onto full blast. She shuffled her family playlist (comprised of only PowerFX Vocaloids songs) and connected it to the speakers. Big Al came out the door with the kids, towels and spare clothes in a bag that Big Al carried. Big Al climbed into the passengers seat and the kids filled in the back seats. He set the bag on his lap, and Sweet Ann pulled out of the driveway and headed to the ice cream shop. She only hoped Kaito didn't get there before them.

"Hey, mom?" Hio spoke up, and she glanced into the rear view mirror.

"Yes, hon?"

"Arsloid, Cul, and Fukase need a ride. Can you pick them up?"

"Of course!"

They picked up the red head trio and then arrived at the ice cream shop. They found the shop was relatively empty other than the workers. Oliver and Fukase immediately went up to the glass and pressed their faces against it, discussing what flavors they wanted between themselves.

"Oliver, Fukase, that's unsanitary." Big Al scolded, pulling them away from the glass.

"Oliver eats dirt, I think he can handle licking some glass." Fukase commented, and Oliver nodded, licking his lips.

"Remember who's paying for you, little shit." Cul bonked Fukase on the head with her wallet, and Fukase stuck his tongue out at her. Big Al chuckled. "Be respectful or you're not getting anything."