#robert irwin hcs

[jasclearwaters]

Learn to Fly

Robert Irwin x Surfer! OC

Summary: After a life-changing event, Kendra is forced to adjust to a new reality. When an unexpected invitation from Robert Irwin arrives, she must navigate the challenges of recovery, her relationships, and what comes next.

Warnings: injury, emotional distress

Part One

If there was one thing I couldn’t live without, it was surfing. There was nothing like being on the water, just me and the waves, every rise and fall syncing with my body like it was all meant to be. Nothing else gave me that feeling. Nothing.

It was another typical day at the beach. Gabbie and I were out in the water, but we stopped surfing a while ago. Now we were just floating in the shallow water, watching my dad ride the waves with her older brother. Josh, on the other hand, was on the beach, all over his girlfriend Ashlund like usual.

"Do you think he's gonna be like this forever?" I asked, rolling my eyes at Josh and Ashlund, who were practically glued together. They’d been like this since they started dating. Josh didn’t want to surf anymore, didn’t want to hang out with Gabbie and me. It was getting old, fast.

“I sure hope not, ‘cause this is just gross,” Gabbie said, laughing at my exaggerated grimace. She knew all about my crush on him, even if Josh was clueless.

"I don’t get it. She's so boring. I never see them laughing together. We used to laugh all the time," I said, sighing as dramatically as I could.

“Don’t worry. He’ll come crawling back. We’ll just look like we’re having the time of our lives, and he’ll get jealous.”

I started to ask how we were going to pull that off, but Gabbie beat me to it. She splashed me hard enough to soak me from head to toe. Oh, it was on. We had this unspoken rule—we didn’t really care about winning, just about having fun. We went back and forth until we couldn’t anymore.

I glanced over at Josh again, but he didn’t even seem to notice us. My stomach sank. Gabbie caught the look on my face.

“Let’s just go to Kalypso’s without him,” she said, “and not bring him back a drink.”

It was the perfect plan. We were about to head back to shore when I felt something rough brush against my leg. Probably a sea turtle, I thought, but I didn’t think much of it.

Then I felt a pull. At first, I thought it was just one of those annoying pranks Malia, Gabbie’s niece, loved pulling—grabbing our legs to drag us under. But the tug wasn’t playful. It was strong and sharp, and when it yanked me under, the panic hit. That wasn’t Malia. That was a shark.

I looked down, and sure enough, it had a chunk of me in its mouth. I swung my fist, aiming for its nose, but when I made eye contact with its black, beady eyes, I froze. The shark twisted side to side like it was shaking a rope. And then I saw the blood. The water around me was turning pink.

I barely remember much after that, just flashes—Gabbie screaming for help, warning everyone about the shark. I could hear my dad and Joseph getting closer, their voices frantic as they yelled at Gabbie to get out of the water. I wanted to scream, too, but the pain was too much.

I could see Gabbie’s face, her eyes wide with terror. She looked at me for a split second, but then she didn’t hesitate. She grabbed her board and started hitting the shark with everything she had. It let go.

I didn’t feel the shark bite me. I didn’t even feel the pain anymore. I just felt numb. I didn’t feel anything when my dad and Joseph dragged me to shore or when Josh used his leash to tie a tourniquet around my leg. The leg I wouldn’t have anymore.

The ambulance came fast. I still don’t remember most of it. I held onto my dad like he told me to, but all I could think was that my surfing career—everything I cared about—was gone.

---

It’s been two months since the attack, and somehow, that wild moment turned into this whole movement. The clip Gabbie recorded in my hospital room was meant as a quick update for our friends—just a two-minute thing where I explained how I was fine, that it was just a shark doing what sharks do. But it spread faster than any of us expected. The local news picked it up first, then some bigger outlets, and soon strangers from everywhere were tagging me in posts, turning my words into some message about resilience and protecting marine life.

Nat Geo even reached out. Reporters called, organizations tagged me in shark conservation posts, and by the time I left the hospital, it felt like the whole world had an eye on what I’d do next. For a girl who just loved surfing, the attention was bizarre, but a part of me couldn’t help feeling proud. I’d gone through something brutal, and somehow, it had turned into something bigger.

Now I’m home. Dad and I walk into Kalypso’s, the whole place packed with people I know: the bar staff, some of Dad’s buddies from the fire station, the kids I used to teach in surf classes, even old high school friends. Everyone is there, and for the first time since the accident, everything feels almost normal.

Jake, Kalypso’s owner, is the first to spot me, pulling me into a huge hug. “There she is! The girl of the hour!” he says, grinning, and I feel that familiar warmth from all the years we’ve spent in this place. Soon, Dad’s friends are slapping him on the back, talking about how they couldn’t believe he’d raised such a “local legend,” while kids I used to teach surf lessons to run up for high fives, all excited and starry-eyed.

Then I spot Gabbie and Josh standing in the back, and they rush over. Gabbie hugs me so tightly I can barely breathe, her voice already breaking. “You have no idea how proud I am of you,” she whispers. Josh, who’s usually got a laugh or some dumb joke ready, just gives me a quiet hug, and I sense something’s off, but I brush it aside. I’m home, surrounded by the people I love. That’s all that matters tonight.

---

A few days later, I’m back at the beach, determined to get on my board again. The waves are small, nothing intimidating, and Dad’s here with me, steady and calm, like he’s always been.

But as soon as I try to paddle out, I feel the difference. My balance is shaky, my movements off. The prosthetic feels heavier, like it’s dragging me down, and each wave that crashes against me just throws me further off. I can’t get it right. Frustration bubbles up, and soon, I’m slapping the water, my voice shaking as I mutter, “Come on… just work with me here.”

Dad paddles over, giving me a steady look. “Take it easy, Ken. You’ve been through a lot.”

But the words just make me feel worse. I don’t want to “take it easy”—I want to feel normal again. My whole life, the ocean has been where I felt most at home, and now it feels like a stranger. I swallow back the frustration, watching the waves roll on without me, wondering if I’ll ever truly belong here again.

---

Later, as I’m heading back to my car, still damp and salty from the ocean, I spot Ashlund leaning against her truck in the parking lot. She watches me for a second, then pushes off and walks toward me with her phone in hand. She doesn’t bother with small talk—just holds it out, her face unreadable.

“Here,” she says, her tone flat.

I frown but take the phone, glancing down. A video is paused on the screen, and I already feel a sinking feeling in my stomach. I hit play, and there it is—Josh and Gabbie, on a beach, laughing together, her leaning into him. And then, clear as day, they’re kissing.

I don’t have words. Just this hollow feeling growing in my chest. I hand the phone back, and Ashlund raises an eyebrow, looking almost smug.

“Thought you’d want to know,” she says, her voice laced with something sharp.

I walk away, numb. For so long, I’ve been focused on staying strong, on pushing through the pain and finding my way back to the things I love. But this? This feels like a different kind of hurt.

---

That night, I sit alone in my room, staring at my surfboard, wondering if I’ll ever ride the waves the way I used to. I feel raw, as though the ocean has slipped away from me just when I need it most. And two of the people I thought would be there for me, are gone too.

Just as I’m sinking into that hollow feeling, my phone buzzes with a notification. It’s an email from a sender I don’t recognize, but the subject catches my eye immediately: “Steve Irwin Gala Invitation.”

I open it, my pulse quickening as I read the details. The invitation is to a gala in Las Vegas, celebrating wildlife conservation efforts, with Robert Irwin himself as the main speaker. They want me to come as a guest of honor, to speak on my story, and how it’s inspired others.

The ache in my chest lightens, just a little, replaced by a spark of excitement.

TAGS: @nicolej04 @honethatty12 @serenityisanerd @acdassenza @em-writes-posts @serenityisanerd @amanda08319 @x-d1vine @moonlighthycanith @hippiemuppet @sonthingwithl @ajuice-matts @lflores2008 @ac3may

Let me know if you want to be tagged in the next part

[ashisgreedy]

Garreth's Gareer AU HCs

Written By @finalgirllx and @greedyforgarreth simultaneously.

Headcannon's of Garreth Weasley in different careers! 

(These start out serious but we became delirious over time writing this. They devolve into… well, you will see.)

This was not edited. Cheers!

Baker

"Weasley's Confections"

He comes home smelling like sugar every day

He always has flour or frosting in his hair

He'd always bring home a sweet for you

He'd write your names on the little sweets

He's always brainstorming new cake-decorating ideas

He'd always try out new flavor combinations, leading to a very messy kitchen!

He has his own frosting line

during the holidays he has you come and assist him in helping customers in his little shop

During Christmas, you and he dress up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus to decorate cookies with kids

He holds a cake-baking class every once in a while for the community

Chef

He’s a personal caterer, with a small team

He puts on a little show as he cooks for small parties

He has signature dishes he makes that are unique to his catering business

He definitely has a roster of corny jokes for the occasion 

His favorite clients are small bachelorette parties and groups of older ladies because he loves how energetic they are and they laugh at his corny jokes.

Unbuttons his chefs coat throughout the evening for bachelorette parties 

“I'm having a pasta-tively great time”

He would have a volunteer come up for silly demonstrations - how to crack an egg

He hosts his own booth at food festivals to help market is personal business 

Zookeeper 

Robert Irwin vibes - Always educating people on animals

He loves helping with the petting zoos! 

Passionate about preservation of the species and holds educational classes for nearby schools. 

His favorite animal would be an iguana 

He definitely gives away stuffed animals from the gift shop! 

Wears a khaki uniform at all times in the zoo

When he’s not in that - he’s in animal patterns and Hawaiian shirts.

As a side hobby, he surfs to raise money for ocean animals

He’d definitely buy environmentally friendly items at all times

Airline pilot 

Mile high club a million times

Has dated all the stewardesses

Has a mask kink.

Falls asleep almost immediately after the plane takes off

“GARRETH! THE PLANE HAS BEEN TAKEN OVER!” 

Yoga Instructor

Holds instructional classes for business people during their lunch hour.

He’s insanely flexible, and shows it off

Knows his butt gets a lot of attendees

He wears silly headbands

Specializes in Hot Yoga classes

Would have the corniest playlist

His best friend Leander is the Zumba instructor 

He also teaches the occasional water aerobics 

Takes his yoga knowledge into the bedroom 

Wedding planner (morally corrupt)

Really pays attention to the needs of the fiancees…wink

Makes sure to attach his personal cell phone..wink

“Does he know what colors you’d like for the wedding? Or does he not listen to you as well as I could…” wink

Turns cake tasting erotic, feeding the fiancee a cake bite in front of her fiance… wink

He helps put the garter on the bride, slowly… wink

He offers you private dance lessons before the big day…wink 

Ruins your dress before the husband gets the chance…wink 

Shows you the ring he would have gotten for you instead (It’s much better).

Actually listens to you (unlike your fiance)...wink 

Firefighter 

You met when he carried you out of a burning building..sexily 

He saves your kitten and gives it an oxygen mask until it’s lively again.

He pushes you out of the way of a falling burning ceiling 

He lets you wear his helmet to calm you down. (He tells you how silly you look and it helps)

He single-handedly prevented a train collision and explosion in the center of the city 

Sexy arms, covered in soot, and he takes off his jacket and you lick him up 

He’s the one that carries the massive axe that busts through walls. 

"Is this the firehouse? Because you've got me feeling the heat."

Him sliding down the pole during an emergency *Eyes emoji*

Massage therapist 

His massages take ages because he makes sure to work out EVERY knot you have before you get off his table. 

“Oh my dear, you sure are a little tense, aren’t you? Let’s fix that.” 

Love the hot rocks, “ooh, a little hot” whenever he uses them

He gives all kinds of facials for his dedicated clients 

If you get really, really horny during the massage, he says he’ll give you a “happy ending” but really it's just a clap of his hands and a smile.

He plays “Happy” by Pharell Williams at the end of every massage

Sometimes he’ll offer a bonus technique where he steps on the client 

His spa music is just hip hop and rap songs turned into gentle melodies. 

Detective 

The clue is in your panties~

If you’re a threesome, he and the other suggest “split up and look for clues” aka your holes. 

When he’s feeling goofy he’ll bring a magnifying glass to your pussy. “I don’t need this, I already know where the clit is!” 

The hat stays on during sex.

Handcuffs. Nuff said.

He makes the outline of a body on the floor with painters tape and fucks you in that position. 

He asks you questions during sex like “Where were you at 11:34 PM Monday evening?” “Do you have an alibi?” “What crimes have you committed?” “Can you please state your full name and contact information?” “Your childhood street address?” 

He makes you hold his badge up to him during sex.

He smokes his cigar after. 

Lifeguard 

Diving into that… wink.

Speedos all day, every day.

He is super happy to carry a whistle with him all day.

He would’ve saved Ash that one time. 

He wouldn’t have let finalgirllx fall into that lake on her bike. 

He smells like coconut from the sunscreen

Sand *everywhere* “Got some sandy buttcheeks there!” 

When he runs, his pecs bounce.

Really enjoys the maritime accuracy of Spongebob Squarepants 

Very proud of his CPR certification. 

Driving instructor 

Bends you over the seat and fucks you to make sure the leather of the seat cushion is durable. 

Makes you sit on his lap and it causes the horn to honk. He doesn’t mind <3

“I wanna ride.”

Pretends to honk the horn, but really he’s just squeezing your breasts. 

Fingers you while you parallel park to make sure you really know what you're doing. 

“Red means stop, green means go.” But this is your safe word instead. 

Is very passionate about turn signals and will yell at you if you forget to use it. Drivers safety biotch

"Do you believe in love at first drive, or should I take you for another spin?"

Kindergarten teacher 

Fucks all the single moms. 

He is excellent with kids and really enjoys providing them a foundation for a bright future ahead of them.

Has a breaking and entering kink. 

His favorite craft to do with the children is making flowers out of tissue paper. He loves seeing the look on the parent's faces when they gift it. 

Has a mask kink. 

“Baby Shark” is banned from the classroom. 

Enjoys macaroni art. 

He has a talking stick that he’s very strict about using.

Loves having the students draw him and he puts every single one on the walls of the classroom.

Meteorologist 

There are lots of memes of him online. 

“It’ll be wet out this evening, and I’m not just talking about you, ladies.” Gets fired immediately

Becomes an at home meteorologist that says suggestive things about the news on his lives. 

More popular than any news station in the entire world. 

Part times as a camboy. Uses the same channel. 

Sticks his ass out a bit when he points to the green screen. That he somehow has one at his house. 

Instagram polls asking what he should wear during his next live. 

“It’s gonna be cold, ladies! Don’t wear your bras!” …wink 

His camboy name is “Weather Boy” and he makes people call him that professionally as well. 

The front of his business card is for meteorology and the back is his camboy persona.

Musician 

Very good with his fingers. 

The Weasley Wigouts - his band name!

Picks a new genre for every album, he likes to switch it up. Makes for some very confusing tours. 

Tongue piercing.

Has a tramp stamp tattoo on his lower back of Professor Sharp. 

Got his start on Soundcloud. 

Calls his fangirls his “Weasley Sluts!” 

Orders Subway for lunch for the band every day. 

Grew his hair out longer so he can headbang with it, even during soft songs. 

Manbun Garreth era! 

Science teacher 

Really looks up to Bill Nye. 

Wears a lab coat everywhere. 

Always flirts with the math teachers. 

Loves the volcano experiments more than anything. 

He gets wayyyy too hyped about the science fair. “It’s next week! Don’t forget!” and the students groan.

Always has granola bars and hot chocolate stocked in case any student is hungry.

Never sends any of his students to detention. He takes them aside and just says “Come on, man…” 

When teaching a chapter on biology and reproduction, he yells at the students to “AVERT YOUR EYES!” and dramatically covers his own. 

"What did the biologist wear to impress their date? Designer genes!"

Has a tattoo on his chest that says “The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell.”

Voice over artist 

Gets his start in English dubs of hentai. 

He has a small role as an NPC in Hogwarts Legacy. Guess who! 

Loves voice acting for the Elder Scrolls series. 

Will do raps for his fans on live, as much as 15 songs. 

Can sing and has a small youtube video with cover songs he loves. 

His most popular cover is of “Sugar, We’re Going Down,” by Fall Out Boy. 

Treats BookTok to sexy ASMR from time to time. 

Florist

Knows all the meanings to all the flowers in his shop.

Wants to fuck you on a flower bed. 

Really loves blue flowers (I don’t know the names of flowers).

He obsesses over flower arrangements and makes them look perfect! 

Always has dirt on his face and under his nails. 

"If kisses were petals, I'd give you a garden."

Has a mask kink. 

Will arrange all of the flowers for his own wedding. 

Loves to roleplay as Ghostface with his partner. 

Always smells fantastic. 

Likes to put a flower behind his ear when he’s working.

[bansheeoftheforest]

So I've been thinking about Henry drinking poisons, and what if caffeine/alcohol doesn't really work on him so instead he just uses poisons. Most of his wine bottles are just filled with a poison he found could get him drunk. And instead of tea it's just a very energizing poison. I can imagine the lodgers just thinking he's incredibly picky about his tea and wine and then one day breaking into Henry's office to steal one of his fancy wines and just smelling the poison and thinking someone's trying to kill Henry. Also instead of Henry just drinking HJ7 and then being immune how about before he takes it he just drinks progressively worse poisons over time so when he does drink HJ7 he doesn't die. (Also would he just be immune to more chemical based poisons or also things like animal bites mushrooms and such?)

Ohohohohhoho!!!

Henry knowing that the HJ7 is highly toxic and therefore drinking poison in small to large quantities to prepare for it, or the earlier versions of the HJ7 being less to more and more poisonous so he still has some sort of immunity to it, is a hc I really like! And probably makes a lot more sense than the HJ7 immediately making him immune-- it could also be a good way to keep other characters from drinking it because... Well... It's still poison and they probably would drop dead drinking it!

Henry daydrinking because the wine can't get him drunk and reserving his "fancy wines" for when he wants to get drunk or loosen up, the Lodgers thinking it's some high quality fancy shit he never wants to share (he is very strict about never letting anyone drink any of his "fancy wines"), and using deadly herbs in his teas because... Well... It gives him quite the energy kick. Hemlock concentrate and nightshade tea seems to be his favourite but he keeps both of them out of the Lodgers' reach. The Lodgers getting fed up and tries to steal the wine specifically but get incredibly scared and confused when they smell the poison, pocketing it anyways so that they can tell the other Lodgers that someone is trying to poison Henry. Henry catching wind about it and just having to nod along like "ah yes how unfortunate that someone decided to poison my perfectly good wine-- Can I please get the bottle back so I can inspect it myself :)" because hemlock is fucking expensive and he is not about to throw away a perfectly good bottle just because the Lodgers think that he is about to get murdered--

ooohhohohohoh wait I have an angsty route for this.

Slight TW for the mentions of suicide:

What if the Lodgers think that Henry is actually trying to poison himself because they aren't aware that he is immune and he just uses it to get drunk? Would the Lodgers worry, suddenly realize that Henry has an entire shelf of poison, and steal it all when he isn't looking? Would they tell Rachel and Robert? Would they basically keep him under secret suicide-watch, scared that if they look away he will try to kill himself? Would the feel guilty knowing that they most likely pushed him to it?

I just... I just have many A Feeling for this <3

Also! I'd like to believe he is immune to most things because he used herbs, chemicals, and probably some animalistic things for the HJ7 but it's more like... While it won't kill him he is probably going to get some sort of allergic reaction to poisonous mushrooms and stuff like that because he only used them in early experiments and therefore, is not as immune as he is to deadly herbs and chemicals. Although I do like the thought of him being on a fieldtrip with the Lodgers and he gets bitten by a poisonous snake and it dangles from his arm and the Lodgers all panic and he just goes fucking Steve Irwin on it like "Well would you look at this handsome little laddy! :)" sdfssdfsd

[mrsrcbinscn]

Day 10 – Deux Moi: Write a headcanon for 10 different celebrities in the BDRP world.

Mak’s shitposty HCs

Hozier is part fairy, but only 1/4. HOWEVER. he is a medium and his ghost bestie is in fact an Irish lesbian ghost and sometimes she possesses him to write gay songs.

John Darnielle is still a mundus (/gross sobbing/ - Marlin) but he is a known Magick ally. His reaction to the use of Manifest Destiny in High Hopes says all you need to know -- man would be an ally.

Neko Case is part-siren, he maternal grandmother was a siren queen of her pod who left the sea for a human man.

Ryan Reynolds wants to be a werewolf so badly because he thinks it would be badass.

Robert and Bindi Irwin are mundus just like their parents, but, godmother talent fairies in Australia gave them fairy gifts of understanding Beast. They can literally communicate with animals in BDRP world.

Johnny Cash in line with his support of Indigenous rights (since I also HC that fairies and Indigenous peoples generally have vibed throughout history and now see their struggles in regards to land rights as linked issues) supported fairies rights to the lands their Hollows were on. Several country music stars of his generation were, in fact, pro-fairy. Partly bc part of backwoods culture is hunting and fishing, and you need woods and clean waterways for that.

Willie Nelson is half fairy. That’s why he smokes as much weed as he does. It takes more weed to get a fairy high than a mundus.

Lee Dong-wook is part-elf but could never, ever tell the public this due to how fairies and elves are treated in the entertainment industry in Korea.

On that note, Bae Won-shik, Marlin Bae’s younger brother (FC: Lee Joon-gi) is a known, out fairy in South Korea’s entertainment industry. He is the lead guitarist and co-vocalist of a band that is famous for many of their songs being part of drama OSTs, however, he has to either wear hats or keep his hair long covering his ears when performing or out in public in Korea, lest his popularity suffer from being “too fairy”. 

Which leads me into..is oldest daughter and the oldest of Nemo’s younger cousins, Bae Na-young (fc: Jo Yu-ri) has just made her debut in the first all-fairy girl group and them being fairies is “their thing” so they usually don’t cover their ears. It’s known she’s Bae Won-shik’s daughter, but even when they’ve made appearances on TV programs together, his ears had to stay covered.

[objecteiespai]

https://pirellihangarbicocca.org/mostra/lucio-fontana-ambienti/

https://www.designboom.com/art/lucio-fontana-hangarbicocca-ambienti-environment-10-02-2017/

Light art (art de llum) és una forma d'art visual en què el mitjà principal d'expressió és la llum . La llum s'ha utilitzat per a la pintura, dibuix, fotografia, arquitectura, impressió, vídeo i fins i tot en l'escultura al llarg de la història humana, però el concepte modern de l'art de la llum va sorgir amb el desenvolupament de fonts de llum artificial i l'experimentació en l’ art modern . Un dels primers a utilitzar aquesta tècnica va ser László Moholy - Nagy (1895-1946), un membre de la  Bauhaus  influenciat pel constructivisme, considerat com un dels pares d'aquest corrent. L'escultura de llum (Light sculpture) i els mòbils són components de la seva  Light-Space Modulator (1922-1930), una de les primeres obres d'art que utilitzen llum artificial pròpia, a més de combinar-se amb art cinètic. El desenvolupament de la  electrificació  va permetre a partir de finals del segle XIX i començaments del XX la utilització de la llum incandescent. Aquests fluorescents van tenir un especial impacte lògic en l'ús comercial, però també des de l'art, uns dels representants de la idea de la llum com a material van ser  Dan Flavin  i  Frank Popper . Altres artistes contemporanis:  Julio Le Parc , Chul Hyun Ahn, Olafur Eliasson, Spencer Finch,   James Turrell , Leo Vila-real, Lucio Fontana , Martial Raysse, Chryssa, François Morellet, Joseph Kosuth, Bruce Nauman , Piotr Kowalski, Mario Merz, Jim Campbell i Yann Kersalé. Font:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_art

Artists working with light

Grimanesa Amoros

Jim Campbell

Olafur Eliasson

Tracey Emin

Dan Flavin

HC Gilje

Jenny Holzer

Robert Irwin

Ann Veronica Janssens

Brigitte Kowanz

Yayoi Kusama

Glenn Ligon

Teddy Lo

Rafael Lozano-Hemmer

Tatsuo Miyajima

Ivan Navarro

Maja Petric

Bruce Munro

Daan Roosegarde

Keith Sonnier

James Turrell

Leo Villareal

http://kunsthalle-detroit.org/portfolio

[comiccrusaders]

The beloved Humberto Ramos (Amazing Spider-Man) and Brian Augustyn (Batman: Gotham by Gaslight) series, Crimson, returns! For the first time ever, experience Alex Elder’s ascension from vampire to chosen one in a comprehensive, prestigious hardcover format. This is the book fans have been waiting for! Collects all 24 issues, Crimson: Scarlett X Blood on the Moon, and the Crimson Sourcebook.

Complete Crimson HC Publisher: BOOM! Studios Writer: Brian Augustyn Artists:      Pencils: Humberto Ramos      Inks: Sandra Hope, Richard Friend, Mark Irwin, Trevor Scott, Chris Elarmo Cover Artist: Humberto Ramos Colorists: Alex Bleyaert, Ian Hannin, Robert Ro Letterers: Amie Grenier, Denice Park, Hurricane Bill O’Neil, Wes Abbott, Saida Temofonte, Richard Starkings, Ed Roeder, Robbie Robbins, Ryan Cline Price: $125.00

PREVIEW: Complete Crimson HC The beloved Humberto Ramos (Amazing Spider-Man) and Brian Augustyn (Batman: Gotham by Gaslight…

[graphicpolicy]

Complete Crimson HC

Publisher: BOOM! Studios Writer: Brian Augustyn Artists: Pencils: Humberto Ramos Inks: Sandra Hope, Richard Friend, Mark Irwin, Trevor Scott, Chris Elarmo Cover Artist: Humberto Ramos Colorists: Alex Bleyaert, Ian Hannin, Robert Ro Letterers: Amie Grenier, Denice Park, Hurricane Bill O’Neil, Wes Abbott, Saida Temofonte, Richard Starkings, Ed Roeder, Robbie Robbins, Ryan Cline Price: $125.00

The beloved Humberto Ramos (Amazing Spider-Man) and Brian Augustyn (Batman: Gotham by Gaslight) series, Crimson, returns!

For the first time ever, experience Alex Elder’s ascension from vampire to chosen one in a comprehensive, prestigious hardcover format.

This is the book fans have been waiting for! Collects all 24 issues, Crimson: Scarlett X Blood on the Moon, and the Crimson Sourcebook.

Complete Crimson HC preview. For the first time ever, experience Alex Elder’s ascension from vampire to chosen one in a comprehensive, prestigious hardcover format. Collecting all 24 issues and more! #comics Complete Crimson HC Publisher: BOOM! Studios Writer: Brian Augustyn Artists: Pencils: Humberto Ramos Inks: Sandra Hope, Richard Friend, Mark Irwin, Trevor Scott, Chris Elarmo…

[jasclearwaters]

Learn to Fly

Robert Irwin x Surfer! OC

Summary: After a life-changing event.

Kendra is forced to adjust to a new reality.

When an unexpected invitation from

Robert Irwin arrives, she must navigate the

challenges of recovery, her relationships, and

what comes next.

Warnings: none

A/N: tell me what you think! thanks for the love on part one. also lmk if i should make a fic playlist

Part Two

Walking into the grand ballroom in Las Vegas, I’m hit by a wave of sound and movement. Everything’s on another level—people mingling, laughing, dressed in gowns and tuxes that seem plucked right from a red-carpet premiere. It’s surreal, a complete 180 from my usual day-to-day back in Hawaii, and I can already feel my pulse picking up.

But this? This isn’t about me tonight. It’s about something bigger. That’s what keeps me grounded as I look around the room, trying to spot Robert. And then—there he is, standing near the stage, looking completely in his element.

When our eyes meet, he gives me this wide, easy smile, one that just immediately disarms me. Texting back and forth with him over the last few weeks, I thought I’d had a sense of his vibe, but seeing him in person is a whole other thing. The guy has this energy—open, warm, like someone who’d just as easily sit down for hours chatting with you about conservation as he would dive right into the ocean to save a turtle.

“Robert!” I say, moving toward him, feeling my own smile widening. There’s a moment when he just looks at me, like he’s taking in every detail, and I can’t help but notice the way he lights up seeing me here.

“Kendra, you made it!” He steps forward, extending a hand, but then, almost impulsively, pulls me into a hug. I’m a little taken aback, but it feels genuine—like we’re already friends, and honestly, it’s the best way to be greeted right now.

“Of course! I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” I tell him, and it’s true. Even beyond my work, the last few weeks of talking to Robert had made this feel like the right place to be, like we were on some parallel track.

He introduces me to a few key people: colleagues from the zoo, donors, conservationists, his family. Everyone’s warm and welcoming, but my attention keeps slipping back to him. Every time he speaks, there’s this quiet confidence, this unfiltered passion that you can’t fake. And it’s almost distracting—I can feel myself drawn to it, a kind of intrigue mixed with attraction I hadn’t expected.

Soon, Robert’s mom, Terri, takes the stage to introduce him for his speech. She’s a striking woman, blonde like Robert, and carries herself with a kind of effortless elegance. The room quiets, and all eyes turn to her.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here tonight,” Terri begins, her voice smooth, confident. “It’s my absolute pleasure to introduce my son, Robert, a man who is not only dedicated to the cause of conservation but also embodies the spirit of kindness and perseverance. I’ve watched him grow into the incredible person he is today, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work he’s doing.”

I see Robert standing off to the side, a slight flush in his cheeks, but there’s a warmth in his smile as he nods at his mom. There’s something special about the way she speaks of him, the pride unmistakable.

“Robert,” she continues, “has always had a deep connection to the world around him. From the moment he could walk, he was out there, in the ocean, in the forests, always fascinated by the life and beauty in the world that most people overlook. Tonight, we’re here not only to raise funds but to continue supporting his vision, his work. So, without further ado, my son, Robert.”

Robert steps onto the stage with a calm confidence that instantly fills the room. He’s wearing a simple but sharp black tuxedo, his blonde hair perfectly styled, and his blue eyes scan the crowd with that same warmth and openness I’ve come to know.

“Thank you, Mom,” he says with a soft smile, before addressing the room. His voice is clear, easy to listen to, carrying without effort across the crowd. “Thank you all for being here tonight. The work we do—the habitats we protect, the animals we save, the ecosystems we restore—it’s not just a job for me. It’s a passion, and it’s something I believe in deeply. But it’s also a responsibility. And with that responsibility comes the chance to make a real, lasting change.”

As he speaks, his gaze shifts toward me in the crowd, catching my eyes for a brief second before moving back to his audience. The brief connection sends a wave of warmth through me, and I feel the slightest blush creeping up. He’s not just talking about conservation; he’s talking about something bigger—about a cause that feels like it’s right at the core of who he is.

“We live in a world where so much is lost every day, where so many species face extinction, where entire habitats vanish overnight. But tonight, all of you here—you’re proof that we can choose a different path. We can choose to fight for something bigger than ourselves.”

His words hit me in a way I wasn’t expecting. There’s a quiet intensity in his tone that pulls me in deeper. He’s not up there for applause; he’s up there to inspire action, to rally the room, and it’s working. When he finishes, the room bursts into applause, and I find myself clapping with an enthusiasm I didn’t even realize I had. Robert is already stepping down from the stage, and as he returns to where I’m standing, he gives me a grin.

“Not bad, huh?” he says with a twinkle in his eye.

“You were amazing,” I tell him, meaning every word. He looks at me for a second, surprised but pleased by my sincerity.

“Thanks, Kendra. That... means a lot,” he says softly.

The rest of the evening passes in a blur of conversations and introductions, but it’s like we’re in our own little bubble. Every chance he gets, Robert comes back to check on me, to share a quick joke or tell me a story. And every time he does, I feel that pull a little stronger.

Then, as the evening continues, it’s my turn. I step up to the podium, and I can feel the weight of everything—my body, the room, the moment. I glance down at my prosthetic leg. Some days, it feels like it’s still not fully mine, and tonight is no different. But I’m here, standing, and that’s what matters.

“Thank you all for being here tonight,” I begin, my voice steady, but it’s not as firm as I want it to be. There’s a softness, an edge of vulnerability that I’m still getting used to. “I’m honored to be standing here. But I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t hard.”

I pause for a moment, letting the weight of my words sink in. The room is silent, waiting, but I can feel the rush of emotions—the fear, the sadness, the anger. It’s all still there, just beneath the surface.

“A little over two months ago, I was attacked by a shark. I never thought I’d be saying those words. I never thought I’d be standing here, in front of all of you, sharing this part of my story. But here I am.”

I take a breath, my fingers gripping the podium a little tighter. “I lost my leg in the attack. And every day since has been a challenge. Learning to walk, finding my balance again, re-learning how to move—some days, it feels like I’ll never get there. Some days, it’s hard to even imagine it.”

My prosthetic feels heavy. But I refuse to let it hold me back. “But here’s the thing: I’m still here. I’m still alive. And I’m not going to let fear or anger dictate my life. I’m not going to vilify sharks for what happened to me.”

I look out at the crowd, letting the silence stretch for a moment, knowing this might be hard for some to hear. “The ocean is a beautiful, dangerous, unpredictable place. But it’s also home. Home to creatures—creatures who are just like us, trying to survive. Sharks are part of that world. They’re not monsters. They’re not villains. They are part of an ecosystem that we’ve spent too long trying to control and destroy.”

I shift my weight slightly, feeling the prosthetic shift with me. It’s not easy. It’s a reminder of the new reality I’m facing every single day. But I won’t let it stop me.

“I could have chosen to live in fear. I could have let this experience shape me into someone who hated sharks, who wanted revenge. But that’s not going to help anyone. It won’t stop attacks from happening, and it certainly won’t help protect the oceans. We need to stop vilifying sharks. They’re misunderstood. And it’s on us to change the narrative.”

I take a slow breath, my voice catching for just a moment. “I’m standing here today because I want to make sure that when people hear my story, they don’t just see a victim. I want them to see someone who is choosing to use what happened to her as a way to educate, to make a difference. I’m not here to spread fear. I’m here to spread understanding.”

I look toward Robert, who’s standing by. His face is soft, filled with admiration, and it gives me strength to keep going.

“I know the ocean is a dangerous place. I know that shark attacks happen. But I also know that sharks are not the enemy. They are essential to our ecosystem. And if we’re ever going to protect them, we need to change how we think about them.”

I let the silence hang for a moment. The words feel like they’re settling into the room, into my heart.

“I’ve been through a lot in the past two months. And I’m still adjusting, still figuring out how to live in this new body. But I’m still here. And I will keep talking about sharks. I will keep spreading awareness about the importance of protecting them. I’m not going to let this experience define me. I’m going to let it empower me.”

The room is quiet for a beat, and then the applause starts—soft at first, then louder, stronger. I can feel it in my bones, in my chest. This is why I’m here. This is why I’m fighting.

“Thank you,” I say, my voice softer now, a little breathless. I step back from the podium, the relief washing over me.

I barely noticed the applause ending as I slipped offstage. My prosthetic, sleek as it was, felt like a lead weight by now. I scanned the room, looking for somewhere to sit, and Dad appeared, right on cue, his steady hand finding my shoulder.

“You good?” he asked, eyes full of quiet concern.

I took a breath, adjusting my stance. “Fine. Just… it’s been on all night.”

He nodded. “Alright, sit tight. You’ve earned a break.”

Dad and Robert guided me over to a quiet corner, where I sank into a chair with a relieved sigh.

“You nailed it,” Robert said, smiling as he settled into the seat next to me.

“Thanks. Means a lot, coming from an icon like you.” I lifted the prosthetic a few inches. “Could’ve done without lugging this anchor around all night, but… you know, fashion.”

Robert chuckled, a warm, genuine sound that made him feel less like a wildlife star and more like a real person. After a moment, Dad gave my shoulder a gentle pat, a knowing look in his eyes. “I’ll leave you two to it,” he said, and disappeared into the crowd.

Robert glanced at him as he left. “Your dad’s great,” he said. “He told me a little about his rescue work—wildfires and all that. Pretty amazing stuff.”

“Yeah, he slips it in whenever he can. It’s kind of his legacy,” I said, rolling my eyes. “But honestly, I probably wouldn’t be here without him. I mean, I was barely six when he dragged me along to my first beach cleanup.”

Robert’s expression softened. “Like father, like daughter, then?”

“Yeah, I guess so,” I said. “Been obsessed with the ocean ever since. Guess that’s something we have in common.”

“I get it,” he replied, leaning in slightly, his tone low and thoughtful. “I grew up in it too. The rainforest, the reefs… it’s like they’ve got a pulse, you know? You think you’re in control, but you’re really not.”

I smiled, nodding. We spent the next half hour swapping stories, like we’d known each other for years. He talked about diving in the Great Barrier Reef, rescuing stray joeys in the outback, and the strangely adorable quirks of orphaned wallabies. I shared memories of dawn surf sessions, early morning runs along the shore, and the quiet peace of just me and the waves.

“Surfing’s my blood,” I told him. “It’s like church out there—me and the ocean. Clears my head like nothing else.”

He nodded, understanding. “And it’s not just a hobby for you, huh? It’s like a philosophy, almost.”

“Exactly.” I smiled, grateful that he got it. “It’s more than a place. The whole ecosystem, it’s like… a family. And I’d do anything to protect it.”

As I spoke, he was quiet, listening, and I felt this unspoken understanding settle between us, like he got me in a way most people didn’t. Just as I was about to ask him something, he glanced at his watch, frowning slightly.

“Ah… actually, I’m heading back to Australia soon,” he said. “Family stuff.”

“Oh yeah?” I replied, keeping my tone light. “Don’t you ever get tired of hopping around the world, saving wildlife and all?”

He laughed softly, shaking his head. “Not exactly. But… listen, have you ever been to Australia?”

I shook my head. “Always wanted to go. I was basically raised on Crocodile Hunter reruns.”

He studied me for a moment, eyes narrowing as if he were weighing an idea. “So… you’d be game for it?”

“Absolutely,” I said, thinking it was hypothetical.

He paused, looking away, then back at me with something almost nervous in his expression. “Well, what if you came back with me?”

I blinked, caught off guard. “Wait—seriously?”

“Yeah,” he said, grinning, a bit of that carefree charm reappearing. “I know it’s a little random. But think about it—I could show you the reefs, the outback. There’s this wildlife rehabilitation project we’ve been working on with the zoo, helping with the recovery of the dugong population along the coast. We’ve been monitoring the ecosystem, trying to protect it from illegal fishing and pollution. Thought you might be into it. It’s all about preserving what’s left out there.”

It was a crazy offer, the kind that seemed too good to be true. But as he looked at me, waiting, my heart raced.

He was serious. The question hung there between us, and I couldn’t help but wonder…

TAGS: @nicolej04 @honethatty12 @serenityisanerd @acdassenza @em-writes-posts @serenityisanerd @amanda08319 @x-d1vine @moonlighthycanith @hippiemuppet @sonthingwithl @ajuice-matts @lflores2008 @ac3may

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[jasclearwaters]

Learn to Fly

Part Six

I throw myself into training like it’s the only thing keeping me afloat. The ocean has always been my refuge, my reset button. But now, every session feels like I’m fighting against myself. My body isn’t responding the way it used to. My prosthetic, which should feel like an extension of me by now, still betrays me at the worst moments. My movements are stiff, my timing is off, and every time I go down, frustration builds like a riptide dragging me under.

I should be getting better. I need to be getting better.

Instead, I push too hard, too fast. The wipeouts keep coming. Again. And again. And again.

Robert is watching. He’s always watching. His voice carries over the crash of the waves. “Kendra, slow down. You’re forcing it.”

“I’m fine,” I snap, paddling back into position.

“You’re not,” he says, paddling closer. “You’re doing that thing where you shut me out.”

I ignore him, focusing on the next set rolling in. I need this. I need a win.

The wave rises beneath me, and I pop up too fast, too rigid. The second I try to shift my weight, my prosthetic slips out of alignment. The board wobbles beneath me, and before I can correct, I go down hard.

The impact knocks the air from my lungs. Saltwater stings my nose as I fight to the surface, gasping for breath. My board bobs just out of reach, my leash tugging against my ankle. I clench my jaw, my whole body burning with frustration.

“Ken—”

Before Robert can say anything, I rip off my leash, shoving my board aside as I storm toward the shore.

I hear him paddling in after me. “Kendra, just talk to me.”

I don’t stop. My pulse is pounding, my hands curling into fists.

“Kendra—”

I spin around so fast that he almost runs into me. “Talk to you? About what?” My voice is sharp, cutting through the crash of the waves. “How I can’t even stay on my board? How nothing feels the same anymore?” I gesture wildly at the ocean, my throat tightening. “Or should we talk about the fact that you’ve been acting weird since the engagement party, and I have no idea where we stand?”

Robert stops short, his expression shifting. “Is that what this is about?”

I let out a bitter laugh. “Yes. And no. It’s everything. It’s this huge change, it’s me trying to figure out who I am now, it’s—” I exhale sharply, my voice dropping. “And it’s you.”

His brows draw together. “Me?”

I nod, swallowing hard. “I’m getting mixed signals from you, Robert. One minute it feels like there’s something between us, and the next, you pull away. And I—” My voice wavers, but I push forward. “I don’t know what to do with that.”

Robert shifts his weight, rubbing the back of his neck. “Kendra… I’m sorry. I really like you, but—I’m scared.”

I scoff, shaking my head. “Yeah, I know. But of what? What about me scares the fearless Robert Irwin?”

His jaw tightens, his eyes flickering with something I can’t quite read. “I’m scared that this is just a getaway for you.”

I freeze. “What?”

He exhales, looking out at the waves before meeting my gaze again. “You’re here for the dugong project. For the competition. But what happens after that? You go back to Hawaii, back to your life.” His voice is quieter now, almost hesitant. “And I don’t know if I can handle starting something with you, only to have you leave.”

His words hit me like a wave to the chest. I hadn’t thought that far ahead—not really. I’d been so focused on getting through each day, each challenge, that I hadn’t stopped to consider what comes next.

The air between us is thick with uncertainty. The crash of the waves, the distant call of seagulls—everything fades into the background.

For the first time since the engagement party, I let myself really look at him. His damp hair curls at the ends, saltwater dripping from his skin. His hands are clenched at his sides like he’s bracing for impact.

He’s scared. Not of me. Not of what we are. But of what happens when—not if—this all comes to an end.

I swallow hard, my heart pounding.

What do I say to that?

I should be angry. A part of me is—because I don’t want to be treated like something temporary. But another part of me—the part that knows what it feels like to be afraid of losing something—understands.

I exhale, letting the tension drain just a little. “Robert…” I step closer, the water lapping at my ankles as I search his face. “I get it. I do.”

He looks at me, wary, like he wasn’t expecting that.

“I know what it’s like to be afraid of getting attached,” I admit. “To be afraid that something good won’t last.” My throat tightens. “But you don’t get to decide for me what this is. Just like I don’t get to decide for you.”

Robert rubs the back of his neck, looking away for a moment. “It’s not that simple.”

“I know,” I say softly. “But it’s not impossible either.”

His jaw clenches. “I’ve just… I’ve seen too many people leave. I don’t want to get caught up in something that’s just going to—” He exhales sharply, like he doesn’t even want to finish the sentence.

I nod, my heart aching a little at the weight behind his words. “And I’ve spent the last year watching everything I thought I was disappear.” I glance down at the prosthetic, at the thing that changed everything, then back at him. “But I’m still here. I’m still me.”

Robert watches me, something shifting behind his eyes.

I take a breath, steadying myself. “I don’t have all the answers. I don’t know what happens after the competition, after the project. But I know I don’t want to just ignore this.”

He swallows, his hands flexing at his sides like he wants to reach for me but isn’t sure he should.

“I’m not them,” I say gently. “I don’t know where I’ll be in six months. But I know that right now, I’m here.”

Robert’s gaze locks onto mine, something softening.

The waves roll in and out, steady, unchanging, but everything between us feels different now—like we’ve stepped onto uncharted ground.

Robert lets out a breath, his shoulders dropping slightly, and then—finally—he steps forward.

His hand lifts slowly, hesitantly, as if giving me a chance to pull away. I don’t. His fingers brush my cheek, warm and careful, and the way he looks at me makes my chest tighten.

“This isn’t just a getaway for me,” I say quietly.

His thumb grazes my cheekbone. “Then what is it?”

I don’t know how to put it into words. All I know is that every moment, every glance, every touch between us has been building to this.

So I stop thinking.

I close the distance between us, pressing up on my toes, and kiss him.

Robert exhales against my lips, like he’s been holding his breath this whole time. Then his hand moves to the back of my neck, pulling me in, and suddenly, it’s not hesitation anymore—it’s certainty. It’s something that’s been there all along, finally breaking the surface.

The waves crash behind us, the salt air thick between us, but all I can focus on is the way his lips move against mine, slow and deliberate, like he’s memorizing this moment. Like he doesn’t want it to end.

When we finally pull apart, his forehead rests against mine.

I don’t say anything. Neither does he.

We don’t have a resolution. Not yet. But we do have this.

And right now, it’s enough.

TAGS: @nicolej04 @honethatty12 @acdassenza @em-writes-posts @serenityisanerd @amanda08319 @x-d1vine @moonlighthycanith @hippiemuppet @sonthingwithl @lflores2008 @ac3may @spitfire445 @radha-sakhare @britbratface

[jasclearwaters]

Learn to Fly

Part Four

We spend the morning at the docks, meeting with marine biologists working on tracking dugong populations. Robert is completely in his element—confident, knowledgeable, passionate. It’s hard not to get caught up in his energy.

I film snippets for my TikTok as we go:

Clip One: Me, pretending to wipe sweat dramatically from my forehead. Text overlay: POV: You came to Australia for a conservation trip and immediately got humbled by the heat.

Clip Two: A quick pan of Robert explaining the tracking process, his hands animated as he talks. Text overlay: This man really has Steve Irwin’s energy and I am STRESSED.

Clip Three: Me holding up a dugong plushie I picked up from the zoo gift shop, giving it a serious look. “This is the only one I trust.”

The rest of the day is a blur of data collection, recording GPS points, and taking notes while Robert and the team discuss patterns. I do my best to keep up, but I’m mostly just in awe. This isn’t just a passion project for him—it’s his life.

As we pack up, another boat pulls into the dock, and a woman with long, sun-streaked hair jumps out. She’s effortlessly gorgeous in that way outdoorsy girls tend to be—tan, lean, a little windblown but in a cool way.

“Rob!” she calls, walking over with a bright smile.

“Sophie!” He grins back, pulling her into a quick hug. “Didn’t know you were back in town.”

She laughs, swatting his arm. “You never check your messages. Just got back yesterday.” Then, her gaze slides to me, curiosity flickering in her blue eyes. “And you must be Kendra.”

I nod, keeping my expression neutral. “That’s me.”

“Sophie’s an old friend,” Robert explains. “She used to work on the reef conservation project with us.”

“Oh, cool,” I say lightly, but something inside me pulls back a little.

Sophie is… comfortable with him. The way she stands close, the casual touches—it all speaks to a history I don’t know about. And I’m not the kind of girl who jumps to conclusions, but I also know when I don’t have all the facts.

So I do what I do best—I shift gears. Film another TikTok, focus on the project, and remind myself why I came here in the first place.

Because whatever this thing is between me and Robert, if there even is a thing, it’s not something I’m going to push for. Not when I don’t have the full picture yet.

---

That evening, I edit some of the day’s TikToks while sitting on the edge of my bed, the quiet hum of nocturnal wildlife filtering in through the open window. My phone buzzes—comments are rolling in fast.

"The chemistry between you two is crazyyy"

"Girl, blink twice if you’re catching feelings for the Wildlife Prince."

"Sophie who??? We only acknowledge Kendra in this house."

I snort at that last one, but my stomach twists just a little. It’s not like Robert and I are a thing. Hell, we haven’t even crossed that line. But still, something about Sophie lingers in my head longer than I’d like to admit.

A knock at my door startles me.

"Hey," Robert says when I open it. He’s leaning casually against the doorframe, hair still damp from a post-boat shower. He smells like salt and eucalyptus. "Just wanted to check in. Big day today."

"Yeah, it was," I say, keeping my voice easy. "Pretty amazing, actually."

He grins, and I hate that it does things to me. "Glad you think so. You really held your own out there."

"Well, I had a good teacher," I quip, tucking my phone under my thigh before he can catch a glimpse of my TikTok feed.

For a second, there’s something unspoken between us. It hums beneath the surface, much like the dugong we spotted earlier—just out of sight, but undeniably there.

Then he clears his throat. "We’re heading out early again tomorrow. More data collection. And, uh… Sophie’s joining us. She’s back for a bit, wants to help out."

I nod, keeping my expression neutral. "Cool. The more the merrier, right?"

Robert studies me for half a beat longer than necessary, like he’s trying to read something in my face. But then he just nods. "Right. See you in the morning, Kendra."

When he’s gone, I flop back onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. The logical part of me knows there’s nothing to worry about. But the other part—the one that’s spent the last week laughing at Robert’s bad jokes and getting butterflies whenever he flashes that grin—is a little less sure.

And that’s dangerous. Because I didn’t come here for this.

I came for the work.

At least, that’s what I tell myself.

---

The next day, we’re back on the water.

Sophie fits into the team seamlessly, and it’s clear she knows her stuff. She and Robert have this easy rapport, finishing each other’s thoughts when they talk about conservation efforts, bouncing ideas back and forth.

I stay focused on my tasks—filming updates for my audience, making sure I don’t fall overboard, the usual.

Clip One: Me holding up the tracking device, looking skeptical. "Me pretending I understand the science behind this when really I’m just here for the vibes."

Clip Two: A slow zoom-in on Sophie and Robert laughing over something while I sip from my water bottle. Text overlay: Me realizing I’m the side character in my own storyline.

I tell myself I’m not bitter. And honestly, I’m not. I barely know Robert, and it’s not like I expected anything.

But as the boat bobs along the waves, I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve just stepped into a scene that’s already been written. And I’m not sure where I fit into it yet.

---

We’re back on the water early, scanning for dugongs when a distress call crackles through the radio. A juvenile dugong has been spotted tangled in a discarded fishing net, struggling near the mangroves.

Robert exchanges a quick look with me. “We’re the closest boat. Let’s go.”

I nod, ignoring the way my stomach clenches. Getting in the water still brings a rush of memories I’d rather not deal with, but this isn’t about me.

By the time we reach the location, the dugong is barely moving, its large, dark eyes blinking sluggishly. The net has wrapped around its body, restricting its movement. Robert and another researcher slide into the water first. When Robert looks back at me expectantly, I take a steadying breath before following.

The second I’m in, my heartbeat skyrockets. The water is murky here, the shadows shifting. I force myself to focus.

“You okay?” Robert’s voice is calm, but his eyes search mine.

I nod. “Yeah. Let’s do this.”

Carefully, we work together, cutting the net free. The moment it loosens, the dugong stirs, flapping its tail weakly. I place a hand on its side, feeling the rough, scarred skin beneath my fingers. It’s okay. It’s alive. And I’m still here, still breathing.

When it finally swims away, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Robert’s hand brushes my shoulder. “You did good, Shark Girl.”

I huff out a laugh. “Yeah, yeah.” But I feel lighter as I climb back into the boat.

---

After I’ve showered off the salt and exhaustion, I find myself in the kitchen with Terri. She’s been back from Oregon for a couple of days now, and we haven’t really had a moment to talk.

“I saw the video Robert took of you helping that dugong,” she says as she stirs something on the stove. “You looked strong out there.”

I lean against the counter. “Felt more like ‘barely keeping it together.’”

Terri smiles knowingly. “That’s how growth feels sometimes.” She gives me a considering look. “You remind me a little of Steve, you know.”

I blink. “What?”

“He never let fear stop him. But that doesn’t mean he wasn’t scared. He just didn’t let it win.” She sets a plate in front of me. “You’re doing more than just surviving, Kendra. You’re still fighting for what matters to you. That’s bravery.”

I don’t know what to say to that, so I just nod, tucking her words away somewhere deep.

---

The next morning, my phone is still blowing up. I groan, rolling over to check TikTok, and immediately regret it.

A clip of Robert helping me onto the boat has gone viral—someone slowed it down, added soft music, and captioned it: “He’s so in love, it hurts.”

Oh no.

The comments are a mess:

“The way he looks at her?? I CAN’T.”

“They’re actually soulmates, right?”

“Someone check on Sophie.”

I roll my eyes and text Robert.

Me: The internet is unhinged.

Robert: You’re telling me? I just got asked about it. In an interview.

My stomach drops. Me: Oh god. What did you say?

Robert: I panicked.

Before I can respond, he sends a link. I click it, and sure enough, it’s a clip from his interview this morning.

Interviewer: There’s a lot of buzz online about you and Kendra. Any truth to it?

Robert laughs, rubbing the back of his neck. “Kendra’s incredible. I mean, have you seen her in action? Total legend.”

The interviewer smirks. “So that’s not a no?”

Robert stares for a second too long, then says, “We’re just—uh—saving dugongs.”

The comments under the video are even worse than TikTok.

“HE DIDN’T DENY IT.”

“Bro is blushing. Case closed.”

“What does ‘just saving dugongs’ mean??? Is that code??”

I groan, flopping back onto the bed. Me: Thanks for making it worse.

Robert: I panicked, okay??

Me: We’re never hearing the end of this.

Robert: Probably not. Wanna go save some dugongs and pretend the internet doesn’t exist?

I sigh. Me: Yeah. Let’s go.

---

Out on the water, the morning is smooth—until it’s not.

I’m climbing over the side of the boat when I feel it—something shifting, a faint click where there shouldn’t be one.

Then my prosthetic gives out.

I barely have time to react before I lose my footing, slipping sideways. Robert moves fast, grabbing me before I can hit the deck.

“Whoa, you good?” His grip is steady, his voice calm, but my face burns.

“I’m fine,” I say quickly, trying to push away. But my prosthetic is jammed, the knee joint locked in an awkward angle.

Robert kneels beside me. “Let me help.”

“I’ve got it.” I fiddle with the latch, but my fingers are shaking. The stupid thing won’t move.

Robert waits a second, then—gently—rests a hand on mine. “Kendra. It’s okay.”

I exhale sharply. I hate this. Hate feeling vulnerable. But I swallow my pride and let him help.

Together, we get it unstuck. As I readjust, Robert gives me a look—soft, but serious. “You don’t have to do everything alone, you know.”

I force a smirk. “That’s rich, coming from Mr. ‘I Wrestle Crocs By Myself.’”

He grins. “Fair point.”

We don’t say anything else. But as we get back to work, I feel a little less alone.

--

That night, the team invites us to a beach bonfire. The air is warm, the fire crackles, and for the first time in days, I let myself relax.

I’m mid-sip of my drink when Sophie plops down next to me. “So,” she says, nudging me. “You and Robert, huh?”

I choke. “What? No.”

She laughs. “Tell that to the internet.”

I groan. “It’s just people reading into things.”

Sophie hums, swirling her drink. “Yeah, people love a good story.” She glances at the firelight reflecting off the small ring on her left hand, then smiles to herself. “Liam—my boyfriend—proposed last month. I should probably start planning a wedding at some point.”

I pause. “Wait—what?”

She grins, holding up her hand. “I thought Robert would’ve mentioned it.”

I glance across the fire at Robert, who’s busy making someone laugh.

Huh.

That weird, unsettled feeling I’ve been carrying? It disappears.

Maybe I don’t know what’s happening between me and Robert.

But for the first time, I want to find out.

TAGS: @nicolej04 @honethatty12 @acdassenza @em-writes-posts @serenityisanerd @amanda08319 @x-d1vine @moonlighthycanith @hippiemuppet @sonthingwithl @lflores2008 @ac3may @spitfire445

[jasclearwaters]

Learn to Fly

Part Seven

The next morning, I wake up too aware of everything.

The weight of last night still lingers in the air—Robert’s words, his touch, his kiss. I should feel relieved that we finally admitted what’s been obvious for weeks, but instead, I feel this low, buzzing anxiety under my skin. Because now that we’ve crossed that line, there’s no going back.

And what happens now?

I hesitate for way too long before finally stepping out of my room. The house is quiet, the early-morning light spilling through the big windows, and for a second, I wonder if Robert’s still asleep.

Then I hear movement in the kitchen.

I find him standing by the counter, already dressed in his usual khaki and boots, sipping coffee like it’s just another morning—like we didn’t kiss last night, like the world didn’t shift on its axis.

But when he looks up and sees me, his whole face softens.

“Hey,” he says, like it’s easy.

“Hey,” I echo, suddenly unsure what to do with my hands. Or my face. Or literally any part of my body.

A small, knowing smile tugs at his lips. “You hungry?”

I blink. “Uh. Yeah. I think?”

He chuckles, setting his mug down. “Well, that’s convincing.”

I roll my eyes, but it doesn’t have the usual bite. Because the second he moves closer—crossing that space between us like it’s the easiest thing in the world—my brain short-circuits again.

“Are we good?” he asks, voice quieter now.

And I hate that my first instinct is to panic. To wonder if I’m making this harder than it has to be.

“Yeah,” I say, because it’s true. “I just… I guess I don’t know what happens next.”

Robert’s eyes search mine, something warm and steady settling there. “We keep going,” he says simply. “Unless you don’t want to.”

And there it is—that little out. The safety net, in case I decide this is too much.

But for once, I don’t want to take it.

I inhale, steadying myself. “I want to.”

His smile grows, slow and sure. And when he leans in—just slightly, just enough for his fingers to brush against mine—I don’t pull away.

The touch is enough to send a shiver down my spine. It’s almost too easy. The connection between us feels so natural, like we’ve been doing this for years instead of just one night. I try not to overthink it, but my brain is already two steps ahead, spinning out.

He’s still standing close, not pushing but not backing away either, like he’s waiting for me to decide how this goes. I force myself to focus on his hand—his fingers brushing against mine—and how it feels different now. It’s not the casual touch we used to share during training or while we were joking around. It’s intentional, loaded with something deeper, something neither of us has fully unpacked yet.

“So, what’s the plan today?” I finally ask, hoping the question will steady my racing heart. Anything to avoid the flood of emotions that threaten to spill out if I focus too much on the moment.

He hesitates for a beat before his eyes flicker to mine. “Training. But... after that, I was thinking we could grab lunch. Maybe go for a walk. Just... spend some time together. No pressure.”

The simplicity of it throws me off. No big talk, no expectations. Just... time.

I smile, a little more at ease now, and let myself relax. “I like that idea.”

We spend a few moments just standing there, neither of us really moving. The air between us feels charged, but not in an overwhelming way. It’s more like a quiet understanding, as if we’ve both accepted what happened last night and are deciding what comes next, step by step.

“Alright,” Robert says, breaking the silence, “I’ll let you get ready, then we’ll meet outside in 20?”

I nod, feeling a small weight lift off my shoulders. It’s not a grand gesture, not a big moment, but it’s enough for today.

“Sounds good.”

He gives me one last look—a quiet, soft smile—and then heads out of the kitchen. I stay there a moment longer, fingers still tingling from where he touched me, the buzzing anxiety still in my chest, but with a new kind of warmth mixed in.

I don’t know what’s next, but maybe, just maybe, I can be okay with not having all the answers right now.

---

Later that afternoon, we head to the beach for more training. The sun’s high, but the breeze is cool, and for a moment, it feels like everything is just as it should be. We’re laughing about something stupid, something simple, when I realize how easy it is to be around him.

And that’s when I start to wonder—maybe this isn’t just some fleeting thing. Maybe it’s real.

When the waves start to pick up, Robert looks at me, a flicker of something serious in his gaze. “Ready to catch some waves?”

I smirk, squinting at the horizon. “I’ve got this.”

We paddle out together, the tension between us still there but less obvious now, like it’s woven into the rhythm of the waves and the movement of our bodies. Every time he looks over at me, there’s a warmth in his eyes that makes my chest tighten in a good way.

It’s still early. There’s still a lot to figure out. But for now, with the sun in our faces and the sound of the ocean all around us, I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be.

---

It’s another late afternoon, and we’ve been out here for hours. I can feel the weight of the sun starting to dip, casting everything in that warm golden light that makes the world look like it’s holding its breath.

Robert’s been giving me pointers all day, but today feels different. There’s something about the air, the way the waves are coming in—everything just seems to click.

I’m paddling out, muscles sore but familiar with the rhythm now. I know what’s coming. I feel it in my bones.

I push through the water with determination, my heart already pounding in anticipation. I’m not just going through the motions anymore—I’m in it. The rush of energy surges through me as I position myself just right.

Then, I see it. A wave rolling toward me. It’s bigger than I’ve been catching, but something inside me says, this is it.

Without thinking, I paddle with everything I have, my focus narrowing, the sound of the waves rushing in my ears. My whole body is already shifting, anticipating the movement, the balance, the timing.

The wave catches me just as I pop up on my feet. It’s a perfect wave—powerful, fast, and wild. But I’m not fighting it. I’m riding it.

For a split second, the world goes still. I’m just a part of it all. Everything fades except for the water beneath me and the wind in my hair. I feel more alive than I ever have in my life.

I carve left, then right, the board slicing through the wave with ease, my movements synchronized with the rhythm of the ocean. It’s pure instinct. This is what I was born to do.

When I finally ride the wave to the shore, I’m breathless, my heart hammering in my chest, but I can’t wipe the grin off my face. I’m shaking, but it’s not from the fear or the doubt that’s been hanging over me since the shark attack. It’s from the sheer exhilaration of knowing that I just did something incredible.

I glance over at Robert, who’s standing by the water’s edge, eyes wide, his mouth slightly open. He’s staring at me like he can’t believe what just happened.

“That was…” His voice cracks, but it’s clear. “That was insane.”

I’m still catching my breath, but I can’t help the laugh that escapes. “I… I can’t believe I actually did that.”

He shakes his head, grinning. “You’ve got it, Kendra. You really do.”

I stand there for a second, letting the rush of the wave and Robert’s praise sink in. My hands are still trembling, but it’s not from nerves anymore. It’s from the realization that I’m back. Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally. I’ve found my rhythm again, and it’s not just for the competition. It’s for me.

Robert steps closer, his smile widening as he moves to stand beside me. “You’re ready,” he says, his voice low and steady.

I look out at the water, feeling the weight of his words settle in. “You really think so?”

“I know so.” His gaze is intense, and for a moment, I feel like he’s seeing all the doubt I’ve been carrying around—and for the first time, it’s not there anymore.

I nod, finally feeling the confidence that’s been hiding beneath the surface. “Yeah. I think I’m ready too.”

And in that moment, with the sun setting behind us, the world feels like it’s falling into place. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I have a shot—not just at the competition, but at something much bigger.

---

That night, as I lie in bed, I can still feel the rush of the wave in my veins. But something else is there too. It’s the thought that maybe, just maybe, I’m not just fighting for a win in the competition. I’m fighting for a future that’s completely mine.

The past few weeks have been a blur of training and emotions, but tonight feels different. It feels like everything I’ve been through, every setback, every struggle, has led me to this moment where I finally feel whole again. For the first time in so long, I don’t feel like I’m just going through the motions. I feel like I’m truly living.

But I know I wouldn’t be here without the people who’ve supported me. Without Robert, without the Irwins. They’ve all been a part of this journey, and I don’t think I could’ve done it alone. I roll onto my side, thinking about everything I’ve accomplished—what’s coming next—and the thought of it all feels so... real now.

There’s a knock on my door. Soft, gentle. A sound I’m becoming familiar with.

“Come in,” I call, pushing myself up in bed.

The door opens, and there’s Terri, her presence filling the doorway like always—warm and steady, the embodiment of comfort.

“I thought I’d check in on you,” she says with a soft smile. “How are you feeling?”

I glance down at my hands, nervous energy still prickling at the back of my neck. “Good. Better than good, actually. I think today was a breakthrough. But… I don’t know. It feels like everything is happening so fast.”

She sits beside me, her calm demeanor reassuring. “It can feel overwhelming, especially when so much is changing. But you’re handling it, Kendra. You’ve come so far since you first arrived here. I think you’re starting to realize just how strong you really are.”

I laugh softly, but it’s a little shaky. “I’m starting to realize I might actually have a shot at this competition.”

“You always did,” she says gently. “I think you’ve just been scared of the big picture. But now you’re seeing it for what it is: your picture.”

Her words hang in the air, and I feel the weight of them, knowing she’s right. All along, it’s been about me. About finding my strength again. Not just on the board, but in my life, in my heart.

“I think I’m scared,” I admit quietly, the words catching in my throat. “Not of the competition, but of everything else. Of what happens after. What happens with… with Robert.”

Terri tilts her head, studying me with a soft, knowing look. “You’ve been through a lot, Kendra. Don’t rush yourself. But you deserve happiness, just as much as anyone else. And sometimes, that happiness comes when you stop worrying about the what-ifs.”

I nod, feeling the quiet truth in her words. But then my thoughts return to Robert, to the way he looked at me earlier, the way we’ve been moving through all of this together, uncertain but steady.

“What if it all just fades once the competition is over? Once I go back to Hawaii?” I say, barely a whisper.

Terri doesn’t hesitate. “If it’s real, it won’t fade. You both have a lot of things you want to do, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do them together.”

The words settle in my chest, like a soft weight lifting off my shoulders. “Yeah,” I say, finding a small, hopeful smile. “Maybe I’m just scared that things won’t stay this good.”

“I think you’re afraid of letting yourself have it,” she responds, her voice warm and full of understanding. “But you’ve earned it. And I’m not just talking about the competition, Kendra. You’ve earned the chance to be happy, to follow your heart. Don’t be afraid of that.”

I pause, feeling a swell of emotion that’s hard to put into words. I think about everything I’ve been through, the struggles, the pain, and the journey to get here—and somehow, with Terri’s words, I realize I’m not just in this for the competition anymore. I’m in this for me. And for the people I care about, especially Robert.

“Thanks, Terri,” I say softly. “I needed to hear that.”

She gives me a gentle squeeze on the shoulder. “Anytime.”

After a few quiet moments, she gets up to leave, pausing at the door. “You know,” she says, a playful glint in her eye, “if you need help with anything, or someone to talk to, I’m here. Whether it’s about surfing or… anything else.”

I smile, my heart a little lighter. “I think I’ll be okay. But I’ll keep that in mind.”

She nods, and the door closes behind her with a soft click.

---

The sun rises early, spilling light across the room. I’m up before the others, my mind already buzzing with thoughts of today—of the competition and of everything that’s still ahead. But there’s something else too, a quiet hope that fills me. The weight of the uncertainty I’ve been carrying feels lighter now.

Robert finds me in the kitchen again, just like yesterday. But today, the air between us is different. Less uncertain. There’s an ease in the way we move around each other, a comfortable silence that doesn’t need to be filled with words.

He hands me a cup of coffee, just the way I like it, and smiles. “You’re ready for today, I can tell.”

I take the cup, feeling the warmth seep into my palms. “I think so. I feel… more ready than I’ve felt in a long time.”

He watches me, and I see something in his eyes that I haven’t seen before—something deeper than just admiration. “I think you’ve been ready all along.”

For a moment, I don’t say anything, because I realize he’s right. I’ve been holding myself back, but now, I’m ready to step forward.

“I think I’m ready too,” I say, my voice steady. And with that, I know that whatever comes next, whether it’s the competition or whatever this thing with Robert is, I’m going to face it head-on.

And for the first time in a long time, I’m not scared.

TAGS: @nicolej04 @honethatty12 @acdassenza @em-writes-posts @serenityisanerd @amanda08319 @x-d1vine @moonlighthycanith @hippiemuppet @sonthingwithl @lflores2008 @ac3may @spitfire445 @radha-sakhare @britbratface

[jasclearwaters]

Learn to Fly

Part Five

The next afternoon, Sophie drags me into town under the guise of needing help picking out a dress for her engagement party. I don’t protest—I could use a break from the online chaos, and despite everything, I like spending time with Sophie.

As she flips through a rack of dresses, she gives me a sideways glance. “You and Robert have been spending a lot of time together.”

I shrug, sipping my iced coffee. “We’re working on the same project.”

Sophie smirks. “Sure. But it’s more than that, isn’t it?”

I pause mid-sip. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Oh, nothing.” She pulls a shimmery dress off the rack and holds it up. “Thoughts?”

I narrow my eyes. “You’re being weird.”

“I’m just saying, Robert doesn’t look at everyone the way he looks at you.”

I scoff, trying to ignore the sudden heat in my face. “He looks at me like a co-worker.”

Sophie just grins. “If you say so.”

I shake my head, but my mind keeps replaying moments I’d tried not to overanalyze—Robert’s hand on my shoulder after the rescue, the way he watched me across the bonfire, the texts after the TikTok went viral. The little things that felt like nothing in the moment but now seem to add up to something more.

Sophie hums, flipping through more dresses. “You know, he’s not as subtle as he thinks he is.”

I glance at her. “Meaning?”

She raises an eyebrow. “Meaning, if you asked literally anyone else on the team, they’d tell you the same thing.”

I let out a short laugh, shaking my head. “You’re reading into things.”

“Am I?” She holds up another dress, inspecting it. “Look, I’m not saying you have to do anything about it. But if you ever wanted to, I don’t think you’d be met with much resistance.”

My heart does an annoying little flip, and I quickly change the subject. “That dress is nice. You should try it on.”

Sophie grins but doesn’t push further, and I exhale in relief.

As we leave the boutique, my attention snags on a flyer taped to the shop window. Sunshine Coast Open Surf Competition – Registration Now Open.

My stomach does a weird flip. It’s been so long since I even considered competing. Since the accident, I’ve only surfed a handful of times, always on my own terms. The idea of paddling out in front of a crowd, of pushing myself back into the world I left behind—it’s terrifying.

But also, maybe, exactly what I need.

Sophie follows my gaze and raises an eyebrow. “Thinking about it?”

I chew my lip, hesitating. Then, finally, I nod. “Yeah. I think I am.”

She nudges me playfully. “Good. Because I think you’re ready.”

---

The sound of the waves crashing fills my ears as I adjust the straps on my wetsuit. I take a deep breath, feeling the familiar salt air in my lungs. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt like this—on the edge of something, both excited and terrified.

Robert’s already suited up, his board under his arm as he walks over to me. His easy smile makes me feel like maybe I’m not as far from getting back in the water as I thought.

“So, how are you feeling?” he asks, his gaze scanning the beach like it’s second nature to him.

I give him a half-smile, still nervous. “Like I’m about to make a fool of myself.”

He laughs, the sound light and reassuring. “You won’t. Trust me, we’ll take it slow. Just focus on getting your balance first.”

We walk out to the water together, and I try to push away the thoughts swirling in my head. Surfing with a prosthetic leg. I’ve been doing it in my own time, in the privacy of my own space, but now? Now, I’m going to have to do it in front of Robert.

No pressure, I think, trying to focus on the task at hand.

The first few tries are a mess. I’m struggling to get my footing right. My prosthetic leg feels clunky, unfamiliar. Every time I try to stand, I wobble and fall back into the water. I can’t help but feel frustrated. I was good at this once. I was a pro surfer. And now, it’s like I’m starting from scratch.

Robert’s there beside me, watching, but he doesn’t say anything—just lets me fail, lets me figure it out. It’s frustrating, but I get why he’s doing it. I have to get through this on my own.

“You’re doing great,” he says after my third wipeout. “Just keep your focus, and you’ll get it.”

I push the hair out of my face, staring at the waves. “It doesn’t feel the same,” I admit.

Robert paddles out next to me, his voice calm and steady. “You’re adjusting. It’s gonna take time, but you’ll get there. You’ve already made so much progress.”

I nod, though I don’t quite believe him. Every time I try to get back up, it’s like my body forgets how to move. But I keep at it, even if it’s painful, even if it’s embarrassing.

Then, finally—after what feels like hours—I catch a wave. It’s small, nothing impressive, but I ride it just long enough to feel the board underneath me. For a split second, it’s like I’m me again. The real me.

I can’t help the smile that stretches across my face as I tumble off the board and into the water, the rush of success filling me up. When I surface, Robert’s there, grinning like he won the lottery. “There you go. You did it.”

I laugh, breathless. “Okay, okay. I might be getting the hang of this.”

He nods, his eyes soft with something like pride. “Told you. It was never about being perfect. It was about getting back in the water.”

We spend the rest of the afternoon going through more waves, me slowly getting more comfortable. There’s a certain rhythm to it now. A rhythm I’ve missed. Every time I catch a wave, I feel more and more like my old self, my confidence building bit by bit.

And then, towards the end of the session, something shifts between us. I’m paddling out for one last attempt, and I feel Robert just behind me, his presence constant and steady.

When I ride the wave this time, it’s like I’ve finally found my balance. I feel the board glide beneath me, the ocean carrying me effortlessly, and for the first time, I actually enjoy it. I reach the shore, my heart pounding, the adrenaline buzzing through my veins.

Robert’s standing there waiting for me, his eyes shining with excitement. “That was awesome,” he says, his voice full of admiration.

I try to play it cool, but I can’t stop the grin on my face. “Yeah, I think I’ve got it now.”

Then, he steps closer, his smile softening. I notice the way his gaze lingers on me, how his eyes seem to study me in a way that sends a jolt of heat through my chest.

“See? I told you you’d get the hang of it,” he says, his voice low, almost teasing.

Before I can respond, he’s so close that I can feel the warmth of his body, hear the soft rush of his breath. My heart starts to beat faster, and the space between us seems to shrink, like we’re both leaning in without even thinking about it. His eyes flick to my lips, and my stomach flips.

And then, just as quickly as it started, he pulls back, his expression back to that familiar smile. “You’re really doing great out there.”

I stand there, stunned. My pulse is still racing, and I don’t know what to do with the way I’m feeling. Did that just happen? Was that moment real, or am I reading too much into it?

I shake my head to clear it, trying to laugh it off. “Yeah, I think I’m starting to get the hang of it.”

But inside, I’m reeling. What does that mean?

---

Later that night, I call Sophie. I need to talk to someone about what just went down.

The phone rings a few times before Sophie answers. “Hey, you good?” she asks, her voice warm, always knowing when something’s off.

“I don’t know,” I admit, sinking into my bed. “I’m… confused. About Robert.”

Sophie doesn’t skip a beat. “What happened?”

I take a breath, trying to steady my nerves. “We were surfing today, and, I don’t know. He was… close. Too close. And I swear, something was there, but I don’t know if I’m reading it wrong.”

She’s quiet for a second, and then her voice is teasing. “Kendra, I don’t know how many more signs you need. He likes you.”

I cringe. “I’m not so sure about that.”

Sophie huffs, clearly not buying it. “If you’re not sure, then why are you telling me about it?”

I bite my lip. “Because I can’t tell if I’m just imagining things. It’s just—he’s been so nice, and I—ugh, I don’t know.”

Sophie’s voice softens. “You don’t have to figure everything out right now. But you can’t just keep second-guessing yourself forever.”

I nod, though she can’t see me. I know she’s right. I don’t have to have everything figured out, but I also can’t just keep pretending nothing’s happening.

---

The next morning, I’m heading out to grab some breakfast when I see Robert in the hall, looking like he’s in his own head. He glances up when I walk by.

“Hey,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck. “Got a second?”

“Yeah,” I reply, my heart starting to race, wondering if he’s about to bring up yesterday.

“Look, I know this is kind of last minute,” he starts, and I can tell he’s a little nervous. “But I wanted to ask if you’d be my date to Sophie’s engagement party. I thought it might be fun, and I’d really like it if you came with me.”

My heart stops for a beat. Wait, he wants me to go with him? I’m sure my face betrays everything I’m feeling because Robert’s expression turns hopeful.

“Of course!” I finally manage, my voice almost cracking with excitement. “I’d love to.”

He smiles, relief washing over him. “Great. I’ll be looking forward to it.”

I nod, still processing. As he walks away, I stand there for a moment, trying to catch my breath. I’m going to the engagement party with Robert.

And for the first time, I’m starting to think maybe this could be the start of something more.

---

The drive to the venue is a blur of chatter, but my mind is a million miles away, consumed with the quiet tension that’s been building between Robert and me. The night feels like it could hold a thousand moments, and I’m unsure which one I’m supposed to focus on. I keep stealing glances at Robert, trying to gauge what’s in his eyes, but all I see is that quiet confidence that’s been so familiar over the last few weeks.

When we arrive, the party is already in full swing. The venue is a sprawling space, soft lights hanging from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. There’s laughter, clinking glasses, and music playing just loud enough to feel like it’s part of the background hum of the night. But despite the energy of the crowd, I feel like I’m in a bubble with Robert. Every movement, every glance feels amplified, as if everything in the world is moving slower, focused only on the two of us.

Sophie and Josh are greeting people by the door, and I wave as we make our way inside. Sophie looks radiant, her engagement ring sparkling in the light as she pulls me into a tight hug. “I’m so glad you could make it!” she says, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Of course. Wouldn’t miss it,” I say, forcing a smile.

But my focus keeps drifting back to Robert, who’s standing just a few feet away, his hands in his pockets, scanning the crowd with a relaxed ease that’s only making my nerves grow. I try not to look at him too often, but every time I do, it feels like something is pulling me closer to him.

The party carries on, but the more time I spend in it, the more I feel out of place. People are laughing, talking, dancing, but I feel like I’m moving through it all in a haze. Robert and I are in different groups, but I can’t help the way my eyes keep finding him across the room, the way he always seems to be looking back at me. There’s something magnetic about it, a pull that makes my stomach flip every time our gazes meet.

At some point, I slip out onto the patio to catch my breath. The night is cool, and I lean against the railing, trying to steady myself. The music is muted out here, the sounds of the party muffled, but I still feel the thrum of it in my chest. My thoughts keep drifting back to Robert—his laugh, his smile, the way he said I was ready for more than just the competition.

A few minutes later, I hear footsteps behind me. I turn around to find Robert standing just a few feet away, his hands still in his pockets, his gaze searching mine. There’s a softness in his eyes, like he’s trying to figure me out.

“Mind if I join you?” he asks, his voice a little hesitant, but there’s something else there too. Something real.

I nod, and he steps closer, but there’s still some space between us, like we’re both afraid to cross it. We both lean against the railing, the cool breeze ruffling our hair as the sounds of the party drift in and out.

“You okay?” he asks after a moment, his voice low.

“Yeah,” I say, nodding, though I don’t feel it. “Just... processing everything, I guess.”

He smiles, but it’s not the usual easy grin. There’s something more to it, something that feels like he’s trying to make sure I’m okay, like he’s waiting for me to open up. But I don’t know how to say what’s on my mind.

The silence between us grows thicker, more charged, and then, almost like it’s a reflex, Robert reaches out, his fingers brushing against mine. It’s a light touch, so subtle at first I almost think it’s an accident, but when I don’t pull away, he lingers, and suddenly everything in me feels like it’s caught in a whirlwind.

My breath catches in my throat, and I turn to him, my heart thundering in my chest. He’s looking at me, his gaze steady, but I can see the uncertainty there too. His thumb moves lightly over my hand, and it feels like my entire world has narrowed down to this one moment—this one fragile, breathtaking second.

Then, before I can say anything, Robert steps back, his face flushing slightly. “Sorry,” he mutters, rubbing the back of his neck. “I didn’t mean to—”

“No,” I say quickly, shaking my head. “It’s not... It’s fine.”

But inside, my mind is spinning, my heart racing. What just happened? Was that a sign of something? I want to ask him, but the words are stuck in my throat, and I don’t know if I’m ready for the answer.

---

The night wears on, and though I try to lose myself in the party, my thoughts keep circling back to Robert. I find myself watching him from across the room, but this time, there’s something different in my gaze. He’s not just the guy I’ve been training with. He’s... something else. Something I’m not sure I’m ready to figure out yet.

When the party winds down, Robert and I make our way back to the house, the silence in the car thick with all the unspoken things between us. Every time I glance over at him, my stomach flutters, and I wonder what he’s thinking. What he’s feeling.

As we pull up in front of the house, I don’t know how to act. We’ve both been walking this fine line between friendship and something else, and tonight, that line feels like it’s about to snap. He looks over at me, and his eyes hold mine for a long moment, like he’s waiting for me to say something.

I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out.

“Goodnight, Kendra,” he says quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Goodnight,” I reply, my heart still racing in my chest.

I watch him disappear into the house, my mind reeling, and I can’t help but wonder if this night was the beginning of something new—or if it was just another moment that will fade into the background of everything else.

TAGS: @nicolej04 @honethatty12 @acdassenza @em-writes-posts @serenityisanerd @amanda08319 @x-d1vine @moonlighthycanith @hippiemuppet @sonthingwithl @lflores2008 @ac3may @spitfire445 @radha-sakhare @britbratface

[jasclearwaters]

Lmao my going on a date with Robert Irwin moodboard was stuck at 15 notes until yesterday 😭 seems like his tag is getting a bit more attention now

i knowww everyone's finally getting on the hype train they're so late (jk!!! the more the merrier, i hope the campaign gets more people interested in conservation!!!)

[jasclearwaters]

HAVE YOU SEEN ROBERT IRWIN'S BONDS CAMPAIGN

it was the first thing i saw when i woke up the other day 😭 ngl it's got me feeling possessive seeing everyone thirsting over him...in my mind that's my man fr i'm an og lol

[jasclearwaters]

since my old post is getting some traction atm, if you have any requests for a robert one-shot of fic send them my way please!

[jasclearwaters]

Hey so I was wondering if you did headcanons for Robert irwin??? Like what would it would be like to date him and such? If you can't that alright!

@emily-writes-posts

Dating Robert Irwin Headcanons 🐊

- First off, I think Robert won't meet his special someone until his 20s. This boy is so dedicated to his work that dating is the last thing on his mind.

- And when you both meet, neither of you are looking for love, it just finds you.

- Unlike with his parents and his sister, it's not love at first sight. You don't hate eachother but it's strictly platonic.

- Maybe you meet at Steve Irwin's Gala Dinner, or another event that Robert attends for the benefit of the zoo. You both have completely different careers, but share a passion for wildlife.

- Like I said, the connection is strictly platonic, at first. You get to know eachother inside and out. Despite any culture differences you just click together. Whenever you're not both captive to your demanding lives, the two of you are side by side.

- Robert falls first. He confesses first too, because lord knows he can't keep a secret. Especially not from you.

- You're hesitant. Robert is your best friend, and you couldn't bear for that to change. After some pondering, you agree to go out with him.

- After that first date it's all history. Nothing important changes between the both of you. You remain friends, but now lovers intertwined with that. Your evening talks at sunset concerning future plans and dreams explicitly involve eachother.

- You're an adventurous couple. Your favorite thing to do together is go on roadtrips. You love escaping the world together and blasting your favorite songs as the wind blows through your hair. You frequently have to tell Robert to keep his eyes on the road though, as he can't help but sneak loving glances at you.

- Still, you also enjoy quiet nights in. Robert is the best hugger and cuddler. His strong arms become your safe space after a rough day. It goes both ways. Robert can become insecure about how he's taking care of things woth conservation. This often leads to you running your hands through his hair while his head is in your lap and giving him reassuring words.

- He compliments you any chance he can get. And he brags about you to everyone. Physical touch is also one of his top love languages. You will likely always be holding hands, fingers interwoven.

- When you're apart, you're still in touch. He sends you things throughout the day like memes and pictures of cute animals. He also loves to paint for you.

- Of course the family loves you. When you start going out, "finally's" pour from Terri, Bindi, Chandler, and the rest. Grace definitely calls you Aunt Y/N. You're a goofy bunch, always laughing and sometimes playing pranks on eachother. Especially you and Bindi vs Robert and Chandler.

- He's serious about you and plans on marrying you. You support eachother always, in career or otherwise. Anything that happens in life, good or bad he wants to experience with you. He always makes that clear.

A/N: Rushed bc otherwise I'd overthink it and it would never get written. Here's dating hcs for your fave modern croc hunter! Hope it's satisfactory. Not proofread.