TW/ mild gore
"Jay is so jealous," Cole commented as we stood at the gates of Starfarer amusement park. A large, iridescent banner, replicating the look of deep space, was hung over the golden gates. 'Grand Opening!' was spelt out in bold white.
"We'll take lots of pictures," Lloyd said smugly, before squeaking when I gave his stomach a tap.
"You boys be nice," I chastised, struggling to hide my own amusement. They snickered unashamedly.
"Hey, what took you guys so long?" Naomi asked as she linked her arm through mine and lead me through the opening gates of the park. It was bustling with families and couples alike, mingling amongst workers in costumes of characters from the franchise. Cole and Lloyd walked behind us, chuckling amongst themselves. Probably about something gross. As boys do.
"We stopped in Jamanakai," I murmured quietly, wincing when I heard Lloyd's laugh hitched in guilt. He swiftly put on a facade and so did I. "He wanted for me to show him around. Favourite places and such. I'm sorry that we lost track of time."
Naomi waved it off. As fast as she was to get angry, she was just as quick to forgive.
"What did you guys do while you were waiting?" I queried, lining up to get our day passes. The shouting of hundreds of people was almost deafening. Naomi shot me a sly smirk.
"You don't wanna know," she purred. I gasped a shocked laugh, smacking her shoulder.
"NAOMI!" I exclaimed, cheeks red. She cackled before shaking her head.
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding," she stressed with an amused grin as we were handed our passes. "Nah, we just watched youtube in the car. Now! My mom wants photos!"
Naomi quickly took a snap of the park's entrance before turning to the boys. Cole was already expectantly holding out his hand - our photographer, it seemed. Until he was also in the photo, in which Lloyd or I would be taking it.
We meandered our way around the grounds, taking in the sights of the galaxy-action themed sci-fi nerd park. It was Lloyd's heaven.
My favourite ride was the four-dimensional pilot ride, where it looked, felt, sounded and even smelt like we were piloting Fritz Donegan's ship through an asteroid field. Naomi's favourite was the roller coaster imperial sludge, Cole's was the space viper bumper cars and Lloyd's - well, he just loved everything.
"I think my insides have been all rearranged," I grumbled nauseously as I stumbled out of the most recent ride - the drop of doomegan. I appreciated the wordplay of the name, but my stomach did not appreciate the ride itself.
"Do you need to sit down?" Cole asked when I tripped into Naomi. She barely managed to catch the both of us before we tumbled over.
"That's probably a good idea," I murmured sheepishly, sending my best friend and apologetic smile. It felt like the world was swaying. "I just need a minute. You guys go on ahead."
"Uh, no," Naomi stressed, poking my forehead with a finger. "You're not allowed to be on your own, remember?"
"Nomes is right," Lloyd said before falling into a soft smile. "It's okay, we don't mind waiting until you feel better."
"I feel so bad," I groaned, taking a seat at an empty picnic table in the little food court area and placing my bag on the table.
"I kind of need a break myself," Cole admitted, glancing at Naomi and Lloyd who were still practically buzzing with energy as they tried to remain seated. He grinned in amusement. "Why don't you guys go ahead and find that massive swing ride you were talking about? We'll stay here and meet you afterwards."
"The Lake of Calter ride!" Naomi gasped before folding in on herself guiltily. "But I don't want to be selfish."
"No, please," I begged. "I don't want my dumb stomach to hold you guys back. Have fun!"
Lloyd looked torn. I gave him the best reassuring look I could muster while my stomach pledged war against myself.
"Okay," he finally caved. "We can stick with the games after this. I think we did all the cool rides, anyway."
"Are you sure?" Naomi asked. I nodded and then she hesitantly stood from the seat.
"Feel better soon, sunshine," Lloyd murmured, leaning over the table to press a kiss to my nose. "We'll be right back."
"Have fun, don't die," Cole said as Naomi, finally letting herself show her excitement for the ride, grabbed Lloyd's arm and began for the Lake of Calter.
"Sooner we go, sooner we get back," she said.
"I'll take photos!" Lloyd called.
"C'mon Casanova!" Naomi laughed, hauling Lloyd along by his arm. "The line's growing longer!"
He gave one last wave before letting Naomi tug him towards the ride. I leant my chin on my palm and waved goodbye with my free hand. As soon as they were out of sight, I dropped my head onto the table with a groan. Cole whined, holding his stomach as he slumped.
"How are they alive?" he bemoaned.
"I don't know," I cried into the table, hugging my queasy belly. "It feels like death is dancing on my yet-to-be grave."
"I feel that," Cole agreed with a grumbled wail. I dug my finger into my wrist, desperately hoping to find the pressure point Lloyd once showed me to quell nausea. It worked, but only a little.
