A/N: Here I am writing about a sunny day, on a particularly rainy day here. :) This chapter is set not long after the battle with the Hunt. I've been meaning to write this for a while, so here it is finally. And at the end there's a part with some of the faerie boys, because I couldn't leave them out. hahaha

It was a perfectly sunny day for a beach trip, and Steff glanced around in interest, glad there was no one else at the small beach they'd chosen. It was nicer that way, with just the inhabitants of the Institute, without the need for Glamours, and the like.

Rose had organised the day, and invited everyone, wanting them to celebrate 'winning' the battle against the Hunt faeries. Celebrating had been the last thing on Steff's mind after what had happened. However, she knew it was Rose's way of coping, and some of them definitely needed the break, so she was happy to help where she could.

It was a tough job trying to Portal everyone from the Institute to the beach, but they had managed it in the end. Anyone was invited – be they Shadowhunters or Downworlders. Surveying the beach, Steff couldn't help but smile, as the light breeze stirred her golden hair. She hadn't been to the beach much when she lived in England. In fact, she could only think of one time when she was much younger, and her family had gone to the Sunny Sands beach at Kent, less than an hour away. Often, it was too cool to swim, and on the day she'd gone, it had been rainy, and not nearly as nice. The sand had been grainer, and it didn't have the waves this beach did.

She watched in amusement as Rose ordered some of the boys around. "No, they need to be closer to the water," Rose ordered, standing with her hands on her hips, as Abel, Park and Caleb moved the beach umbrellas and seats closer. "There, much better!"

Rolling her eyes, Layla picked up one of the seats and moved it out from under the umbrella, and into the sunlight. "I could do with some sun," she said, sitting down and stretching out. Park and Caleb moved to sit near her, and Steff walked away, over towards the seats in the shade, as Caleb started talking about his favourite games, spouting off a list of high scores, to which Layla countered with her own.

Sitting near Ember, Rose, Leah, and Savannah, she gave them a smile, accepting a water bottle from Ember gratefully, when she passed one to her. "You picked a beautiful day, Rose," she remarked, watching the waves, contentedly.

"Of course I did," Rose giggled, fanning herself. She was dressed in a cute spotted pink bikini set, although Steff would never have the courage to wear something like that, herself. "I knew it would be."

"It's a shame not everyone could come," Leah remarked, looking thoughtful. "Mason and Alaric were some of the leaders, after all."

They weren't the only ones absent. Connor wasn't there, although it was no surprise. He'd only just lost his brother in the battle, and Steff grew sad as she thought about it, and the time not long ago, when she'd sat outside his door, talking to him. Also, while Abel had come, but he hadn't been able to convince his brother, Elijah, to come, since he'd thought it was a waste of time.

"A shame?" Savannah repeated. She wasn't afraid to wear bikinis either, and hers were strapless, and a deep, stunning red, that complemented her long, dark hair nicely. Steff looked away quickly, almost a little embarrassed at how low the front plunged. "Oh, Mason would never come, he's too much of a stickler. Besides, who would want him here anyway? And as for Alaric-"

Not wanting anything bad said about Alaric, Steff interjected quickly. "He had a Clave meeting to attend. I'm sure he would have come if he was able to."

Savannah gave a laugh as if amused, before standing up. "Who's coming in for a swim? I bet the water will be nice."

As some of them followed Savannah towards the water, Rose glanced over at Steff with a mischievous smile. "Aren't you going to come in, Steff? Are you wearing the swimmers I brought for you?"

Steff blushed lightly, which Rose of course found adorable. She had rarely been swimming, and didn't own a pair of swimming clothes, so Rose had insisted on buying some for her. Glancing over at her bag, Steff looked at it a little longingly, having brought a book along to read. "… I don't really know how to swim well. I didn't really plan on going in."

"Oh, but you have to. I purchased them especially for you. I think they'll look lovely on you. Please tell me you're wearing them!" Rose sang, staring at her. Leaning closer, she looked at the straps under Steff's light dress, and her grin widened. "Oh, you are! Come on then!"

"Rose," Ember chided, lightly. "She doesn't have to go swimming, if she doesn't want to."

"It's perfectly safe," Rose protested, gesturing out at the water. "We're in a big group, and I'm sure any of the boys would just love to save Steff."

Even more embarrassed, Steff laughed nervously, as Rose took her hand, pulling her up. "I did say something modest, Rose-"

"Oh, come on, Steff, it's much more covered than mine or Savannah's. Plus, the blue will match your eyes!" Rose replied, persuasively.

"Okay, okay," Steff said, finally. She slipped her dress over her head, giving Ember a smile when she said it looked nice, before finally following Rose to the water to join the others.

ooOoo

Percy sat with Lev under another umbrella, content to just watch as the others swam. Lev typed away on his laptop, trying to finish a last-minute assignment for university. "I don't know how you can type so fast," Percy remarked, watching for a moment and thinking of his own poor efforts on a laptop. "That must take some skill."

"Less skill, and more practice," Lev laughed, finishing off a sentence on the computer.

"I wonder if I could make any potions that would be suitable for the beach," Percy remarked, looking deep in thought, as he stared back at the water. His thoughts were interrupted, however, when one of the half-faeries from the Institute started rummaging around the drinks container. "What about a potion that's an endless supply of softdrink?" the faerie suggested, a cheerful glint to his eyes as he looked around. "Surely someone brought some along?"

Before Percy could reply, he picked out a lemonade can, giving it a shake. Percy opened his mouth to suggest he stop before it spilled everywhere when he opened it, but he decided it was too late. "Thank you for the suggestion… What was your name?"

"Finn. That's my name," Finn replied, giving Percy a wink, making him immediately look away.

"Uh, nice. I'm Percy," he replied, with a slight laugh. "I'm guessing Rose invited you?"

"Yup. She's pretty cool. I don't know what we're celebrating, but celebration is my middle name, so of course I had to be here," Finn agreed, flipping the can open. After being shaken, it quickly started to spill out and over his arms although Finn merely laughed, lifting his arm to lick it off. "See ya 'round, Percy."

Percy nodded, exchanging a slightly puzzled look with Lev, before taking out his notebook, to add an idea to it.

ooOoo

At a squeal of delight, Layla sat up a little, from where she was lounging. She had no interest in swimming that day, and she wondered whether it was a werewolf thing, or whether she was just tired. Caleb had left to go in the water, but Park had disappeared, being gone a little too long to just be getting a drink, like he'd said. She easily spotted the cause for this, as Evande let out another squeal. Amused, she couldn't help but snort, watching as Evande chased Park's tail.

As Park protested, she finally got up, deciding to go and help him out. She was just as terrible with children, but at least she thought she was a little better at ordering them around. "Evande," she called, rolling her eyes slightly in exasperation as he reached again for Park's tail, and tripped over in the sand. "Leave Park alone."

While Park looked grateful, Evande just giggled and got up again, continuing to chase him.

"Kids these days," she muttered under her breath, trying to hide her amusement. Then, raising her voice again, she pointed towards a sand castle making set that someone had brought alone. "I think I saw Church. I'm sure he'd love to make a sand castle with you. You better go and find him."

"Really?" Evande exclaimed, jumping up and starting over to grab the set. "I'll make one with him!"

"Great, great. Don't stray too far, kid," she chuckled, exchanging a look with Park.

"Honestly, Park. Getting chased by a kid… What next?" she said, when Evande had scurried off.

"I can't help it, I swear," he protested, glancing back at his tail. "It's not like I want to be a kid magnet."

"Just sit down," Layla said, nodding back towards the chairs. "I'll get the drinks before you get mixed up in some other catastrophe."

"Sorry," Park said, holding up his hands with a helpless grin, before walking back to sit down. "I'll have whatever you're having."

Fishing out some drinks, she brought them back, before settling back in her seat.

ooOoo

Having a rapid conversation in Bulgarian, Grigor and Stefan leaned against some rocks at the side of the beach, watching. Grigor still didn't believe it matched the beaches he'd been to in Bulgaria. In particular, his favourite one, Sunny Beach. It was an 8km stretch of fine, golden sand, lined with high-rise resorts, a trillion restaurants, watersports hire tents and some of the craziest nightclubs in the country.

However, his eye was caught by some of the girls in their bikinis, and he whistled under his breath. "The girls here are nice," he remarked in Bulgarian, to Stefan, his gaze caught on a girl in red swimmers who was laughing, as she swam over a wave.

Stefan folded his arms, one of the only ones in his usual clothes, not dressed for swimming at all. He was just there if Grigor needed him to translate. After all, he had not fought, so it didn't seem fair for him to be able to celebrate like everyone else. "You should go and talk to them, then," he encouraged finally, a little sick of Grigor's incessant talk about them. "In English," he stressed. "It'll be good practice."

"Maybe I should," Grigor agreed, running a hand through his hair, and straightening. Pulling his shirt over his head, he handed it to Stefan, content to just wear his swimming trunks. "Wish me luck."

Stefan took his shirt, not putting it down, since he didn't want it to get sandy. "You don't need it," he laughed. "Just be your usual charming self."

Grigor flashed him a grin, before starting away, to join the others at the water.

ooOoo

Once they'd finished swimming, there was a mad rush for the towels, as everyone dried off.

Layla made a face as Caleb shook his head nearby, getting her wet, before looking in dismay at her arm. "Ah, I'm sunburnt. Again."

"Maybe going red suits you," Park joked, and she reached out to hit his arm.

"Oh, be quiet," Layla said, getting up and dusting the sand off her chair, as she glanced over at the others.

Steff dried off her hair, slipping her dress back over her swimmers. It wasn't often she wore dresses, but they were admittedly easier to get on and off, during such an occasion.

"Thank you everyone for coming!" Rose chirped, standing up on a chair, so they'd be able to see her. "I hope you all enjoyed it!"

"Thanks for organising everything, Rose," Ember said, and Steff nodded in agreement.

"Yes, we couldn't have done it without you," Steff said, hoping to cheer her spirits.

Rose beamed, and while everyone took their time gathering everything up and heading towards the Portal, she looked out at the glistening water.

It seemed like a promise of better things to come.

"You must tell me where we're going," Aspen laughed, as he followed Caspian. "Surely we're nearly there, by now."

Caspian didn't bother to glance back at him. "You really do need to learn some patience."

"I can't help it," Aspen complained, lightly. "I really have no idea."

"Good," Caspian replied, suddenly reaching out to take his hand, and draw him closer. "We're nearly there," he said, lowering his voice and before Aspen could protest, he held a hand over his eyes, continuing to pull him onwards. "So you can't look. Not yet."

"How kinky," Aspen grinned, and Caspian merely rolled his eyes, pulling him a little more, to increase their pace. "Shut up," he retorted, as if not sure what else to say.

Stifling a laugh, Aspen focused on the sounds, hearing a particularly unfamiliar one ahead. He'd certainly never heard it before, but he'd imagined it many times before, and he felt his anticipation growing. "Is it-…" he started, before Caspian drew him to a stop, and lowered his hand. "…The ocean," Aspen finished, his green eye sparkling in delight as he stared out at the sand and the water. It was a small hidden cove, surrounded by mountains, and they were the only ones in sight.

"It's a lot like I imagined," Aspen said, stepping closer, until he could feel the sand under his feet. "It's very beautiful."

Caspian nodded, and his blonde hair was annoying when it blew in his face, obstructing his view as he walked to join him. He was a little intrigued by the ocean as well, but his gaze was keen on Aspen's face, as if more interested in analysing his reaction.

"I love it," Aspen sighed, and he raised his hand to the clasp of his cloak, undoing the heavy weight. Folding it up, he placed it down on the sand, along with his sword, before looking at Caspian, expectantly. "Here," he said, gesturing to Caspian's own cloak. "We don't need these."

Pausing, Caspian undid his, before passing it to Aspen, so he could fold it and add it to his own. He then placed his staff on top, making sure it was steady, before straightening.

"It's our very own hideout, just like the lake." Aspen glanced at him sidelong. "How did you find it?"

"I found out from someone," Caspian replied vaguely, refusing to say any more on the subject, and Aspen found it endearing that he'd asked someone else, just to find out for him.

"You? Asked someone? Don't tell me the world is ending," Aspen joked, lightly.

"Oh, shut up," Caspian retorted, pushing his shoulder lightly, before starting towards the water, and Aspen followed eagerly. Bending down when he reached it, Aspen dipped his hand in the water, finding it a little cool, but otherwise nice. Raising his hand to his mouth, he licked his finger quickly, as if testing it. "Salty," he remarked, with a grin.

Making a sound in agreement, Caspian remained standing, although he dipped a foot in the water tentatively. "It's not bad," he remarked, his eyes flicking over to him. "… I might go for a swim. Did you want to come?"

Considering, Aspen shook his head. "I don't think I will. The water feels funny on my wings," he said, not keen on the idea of the waves crashing on them. "But you go. I'll enjoy the view," he grinned, slowly.

Caspian nodded in understanding, as if he'd expected that answer. "If you're sure."

"It's fine," Aspen urged, walking over to lay down on the sand, resting his head on his hands and adjusting his position to make it more comfortable for his wings.

Caspian hesitated for a long moment, his eyes moving to scan the beach, and Aspen wondered for a moment what he was thinking. About to ask, he found he didn't need to when Caspian's hands curled around the hem of his shirt, and he easily worked it out.

There was no one nearby, and he was glad when Caspian had the courage to pull his shirt up, and off his head, leaving it on the ground. He wanted to say something… anything, but when Caspian's eyes met his, there was an unspoken understanding, and he knew he didn't need to say it out loud. He knew exactly what he meant.

"I'll be back soon," Caspian promised, turning back to the water and starting towards it. Once he reached it, he waded into the water until he was in deeper, before he ducked under a wave, and easily swam past it.

Propping himself up on his elbows to watch, Aspen whistled under his breath, enjoying observing, finding the beach both peaceful and excitingly new. The water was breathtakingly clear, and he could see Cas's powerful strokes, as he made his way through the water.

"Mmm, I could get used to this," he murmured, resting his hand against his cheek comfortably. The gentle rumble of the waves cultivated his thoughts, and he succumbed to them, thinking about them incessantly, until Caspian finally emerged from the water. His hair was dripping wet, and he looked pale in the sunlight. His silver eye was light as he approached him, his gaze scanning his expression. "Enjoying yourself?" Caspian asked.

"Definitely," Aspen agreed, his lips curling up in a smile. "The view of the ocean was almost as good as you," he said, playfully.

Rolling his eyes, although there was a hint of a smile in them, Caspian reached down to his shirt, picking it up. Before he could put it on, Aspen beckoned him over. "Wait. Come over here," he said, his eyes glittering.

Watching him questioningly, Caspian's hands stilled on his shirt. "… What?" he said, although he moved closer.

Laughing breathily at his caution, he reached up, catching Caspian's hands to pull him down and closer to him. A little caught off guard, Caspian moved closer, bracing his hands against the ground on either side of him, to catch himself. Aspen's hands snagged on his shirt, and he pulled it away from his fingers, setting it down beside them. "There, much better," he breathed. Wrapping his hand around Cas's neck, he pulled him even closer, until his lips could brush his cheek.

"I'll get you wet," Caspian protested, although Aspen ignored him, not minding the drops of water that fell on him intermittently.

Running his other hand through his blonde, wet strands of hair, he smiled fondly. "Thank you for bringing me here," he murmured, his lips brushing Caspian's. "It's perfect."

"I'm glad you like it," Caspian replied, his eyes intent on his. "And that it lived up to your… expectations."

The sand was hard against his wings as he shifted slightly. Playfully, he leaned forward, pressing his lips to Caspian's, as his hand moved lightly along the lines of his chest. Caspian returned the kiss, and he didn't flinch as Aspen's hand moved along his back, feeling the raised scars there that Caspian hated so much.

"I'm happy you could take it off, here," Aspen said, braking apart just slightly, so he could speak. His hand rested back against his chest, lightly, to show what he meant. "It's a part of you, and it doesn't make you any less of a faerie. You're still perfect, scars and all."

Caspian inhaled, staring at him for a moment. He didn't say anything, but he didn't need to. His gaze was steady, and there was a kind of acceptance there, that Aspen had never seen before. Leaning forward again, Caspian kissed him for a long moment, before moving to lay beside him. Aspen turned his head to look at him, and he wondered if the sand hurt his back, when it dug in. Watching him warmly for a moment, he exhaled slowly.

The day had been perfect, and he wished silently that they never had to leave, as all thoughts of the Hunt fell away behind him.

So I don't know if I got everything right and sorry the first part was rushed (there's so many more characters I could have written about, it's a little overwhelming), but there's my quick one day attempt.