Bikini Time - Lily, the bat

Story by Leena Lily adjusted her oversized sun hat for the twelfth time, her clawed fingers fumbling with the brim. The beach was bright—too bright—and even with her wide sunglasses and SPF 100 slathered over every inch of her pale skin, she still felt like a marshmallow left too close to a campfire. Her bat-like ears twitched at the sound of crashing waves, and she tugged self-consciously at her bikini top. The special design—strapless, with just enough fabric to loop over her shoulders and under her crotch—was supposed to accommodate her wings, but it also meant her chest had a habit of making unscheduled escapes. She huffed, adjusting herself again before tightening the knot behind her neck. "Stupid straps," she muttered, her fangs poking her bottom lip. Her three-toed feet dug into the warm sand as she shuffled toward the water, her massive bag slung over one shoulder. Inside was everything she might need: extra sunscreen, a parasol, a first-aid kit (in case she nicked herself with her claws), three books (she’d only finish one), and a thermos of iced coffee—maple bourbon pecan flavor with plenty of whipped cream. A gust of wind caught the thin membrane of her wings, making her stumble. She flapped them once to steady herself, then immediately regretted it when her bikini top slipped. With a squeak, she crossed her arms over her chest. Why did I agree to this? Then she heard it—laughter. Familiar, warm, and loud. Her red eyes flicked up, scanning the shoreline until she spotted them: Leena and Karin, waving at her from down the beach. Leena’s fiery hair was impossible to miss, and Karin’s mile wide grin glinted in the sunlight. Lily’s ears perked up. Forgetting her earlier misery, she flapped her wings once and broke into an awkward half-run, half-glide toward them, her bag bouncing against her hip. Sure, the sun was evil, her swimsuit was a traitor, and sand was definitely getting between her toes—but her friends were here. And that made it worth it.