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Every family took family pictures. Or at least that's what Hiram told Captain, after scheduling a photo shoot for them.
Captain grumbled softly about it, but at least he could wear his navy blues. He didn't see a point in making a fuss. Especially when Hiram got after him about the hook in his ear. He liked it. Or that's what he told everyone. Even when Hiram chased him through the manor with pliers.
When it was finally time they drove out to the beach. A fitting backdrop for the family of three. They'd managed to get Siren in a ruffled sailor dress that she insisted on playing with for every second she could. She toyed with the poof and spun around like a ballerina in her skirt. And the men were dressed in their best. Captain's hair was neatly hidden under his hat. Or as much as Hiram could manage. Even when Captain teased him that he thought he liked his messy hair.
Ushering the family up to the shoreline, the photographer fiddled with their tripod and camera. Trying to keep it stable in the sand was more trouble than expected as they couldn’t get it even, or keep it from sinking into the sand.
Which was when the real trouble started. Siren was far more interested in the ocean than sitting for a camera. Giggling quietly, she slipped away and ran for the waves while the adults were busy trying to figure out cameras and angles. Toddling along into the water, she was about to reach a wave when she was suddenly picked up.
"Careful, Siren," warned Captain in a gruff voice. "We'll make Hiram upset if we ruin that dress." Carrying her back, he fought against her wiggling. "It's just one picture, then we can play," he reasoned with her. Though he may have been telling himself that more than Siren.
Once they were back, it was trying to get them posed. Even kneeling in the sand was too tall for Siren, and none of them had thought to bring chairs. They tried putting her on a knee, but Captain complained it looked silly and they were off to find better ideas.
The longer they went, Siren got bored and tried to wander off again. There was an outcrop of rocks wet from the tide and full of things to explore! Crawling up the rocks, she put her arms out to keep her balance as she walked. There were seagulls up ahead, heads tucked under their wings and napping. She crept closer.
At first, the birds didn't notice or just didn't care. They stayed tucked in together, seeming to be sleeping the afternoon way in a warm sunny spot. But as the fumbling tot bot got closer, they suddenly took off with loud squawks. Loud enough to startle little Siren.
With a yelp, her little arms failed wildly, trying to stay balanced. Falling back, she closed her eyes and waited to hit the water as the world rushed around her. There was a splash, and she felt water droplets hit her. But for as loud as it was, that was all. No being covered in water, and no sinking to the bottom. Cracking open an eye, she looked up to see Hiram smiling down at her.
He was standing in the water up to his knees. Hiram had managed to rush to the rescue just in time, catching her inches from the water. Lifting her up on his hip, he looked down with a sigh of steam. "I suppose no one will see my legs now, will they? Come on you. While you're still pretty as can be." Walking back, he smiled at his husband. "Guess we're doing waist up."
Captain laughed and shook his head. But he stepped over and plucked Serin from Hiram's arms. "I think I've got an idea. Go stand by the camera."
Before Siren could huff or get upset, she was lifted high over Captain's head. Giggling brightly, she stuck her arms out like she was flying. When Captain spun her around, she squealed happily.
Captain walked over with her up high before putting her on his shoulder. Standing next to Hiram, he adjusted her to sit on both their shoulders and wrapped his arm around his husband.
Hiram reached behind them to keep Siren steady. Still giggling happily, she and her parents smiled for the camera for a family perfect photo.