Holiday in... not Spain
Posted on Mon Feb 25th, 2019 @ 10:11pm by Lieutenant Commander Angus Murphy
Mission:
Sojourn
Location: Marga III
1320 words - 2.6 OF Standard Post Measure
Feeling much better now that was able to move around with relative more ease, Patrick was eager for this holiday. Eager to be away from the ship for just a little while. Packed with only a small backpack, dressed in comfortable clothes, he stood waiting in the transporter room. He had no idea where exactly they were going, or even what the planned activity was. Then again, he didn't really care if there was nothing planned, all he cared about was being with Murph for a little while. And, being with him, without the interference of duty.
Murphy arrived in the transporter room shortly after. He was wearing a very gaudy shirt with giant red tropical flowers crowded on a dark green background and carrying a small duffel bag slung across his shoulder. Sunglasses were perched atop his head. He grinned when he saw Patrick. "Ready for some adventure?"
"Yes," Patrick smiled as he sized him up. "You're looking very dashing," he complimented, "where are we going?" He did hope for somewhere sunny, at least get a little bit of a tan along the way.
"I found the perfect spot," Murphy promised, "and we're probably over dressed, because it's beach and sun and fancy restaurants galore at this resort." He stepped up onto the transport pad.
"I'd think we're under dressed for a fancy restaurant," Patrick chuckled, "but I do love the idea of a beach." Regarding his partner a second time, he frowned. "Did you bring sunscreen? I don't fancy you ending up as a lobster."
"They said we could pick up anything we might need from the shops," Murphy assured.
Murph nodded to the transporter operator once they were in place on their respective pads and they disappeared as they were transported down to the resort.
So, the first thing that was noticeable was that no one in the resort's welcoming crew were wearing any clothes when they greeted their arriving guests in the middle of the lobby and placed floral leis over Paddy and Murph's heads.
"Uhm..." Feeling very awkward and seriously overdressed, Patrick looked to Murphy. "Are you sure that this is the right place? Or were you serious about being overdressed..." He felt his cheeks burn as he thanked the flower lady, doing his best to keep his eyes anywhere but on her. "I mean... I'm perfectly happy with this if we're alone but in public..."
"Yeah, I don't.. umm..." Murphy dipped his head as a well-built guy put a lei around his neck.
"Welcome to Aloveau Cove," the woman who had lei'd Paddy told them as she tucked another flower behind his ear. Her accent was thick and exotic, but warm like honey. "You are free to wear whatever you want," she told them, picking up on Patrick's uncomfortableness. "We encourage you to try natural, however. To step out of your comfortable zone and be at peace with yourself and everyone. Maybe start at the spa and just let yourself be relaxed."
"You have a hut right on the beach," the man told them. "My name is Manu and I will be there if you need anything."
"Uh-huh," Paddy managed, drawing closer to Murph as if to make a point, "shall we then?"
"I'll take you right to your door," Manu offered, holding out his arms for the bags which he collected from the two guests as the woman put drinks into their hands in exchange.
"Uh.. thank you, Manu," Murphy said, turning beet red as he grabbed onto Pat's hand. He sipped the drink as they followed Manu outside and down the boardwalk and through tall plumes of beach grass. "I don't know," he told Pat quietly, trying not to look at Manu's backside. "I could probably get used to this."
"You would huh..." Patrick followed his gaze before looking away. "I suppose we could... Everyone is the same right, we only wear clothes out of shame of ourselves." He smiled uncertainly, looking sideways. "I suppose.. I wouldn't mind showing what a handsome man I've got?" He teased playfully.
Murphy coughed. "We're going to need some sunscreen, Manu."
Manu nodded and offered, "I'll bring some by. I can apply it too. It has to be rubbed in just so."
"No!" Murph blurted out, "I... I think we can manage."
"I'm sure we can," Paddy added quietly, stepping inside the cabin. It looked very crisp and clean and seemed to offer enough privacy. He waited for Manu to leave before turning to his partner. "Do we ah...join in or go in bathers first?"
Murphy laughed, but he was really embarrassed over the whole thing. "I'm so sorry, Pat... I had no idea. I swear. That was not in the advertising." He flopped down on the bed and let out a sigh. "It is beautiful here, though, and I... I think it could be fun to put it all out there. No secrets. Right? I'll do what you do."
"Oh I have no doubt, and I don't doubt you." Moving to the window he peered outside, almost dreading the return of their rather handsome host. "It's very beautiful here," he agreed, turning to face Murph, "and I do rather like the view." He paused for a moment, then proceeded to pull his shirt up over his head. "I think we're better off blending in," he suggested slowly, cheeks burning brightly, "we'll stand out like a sore thumb if we don't. Right?"
"I think we're going to stand out like a sore thumb no matter what we do," Murph chuckled as he, too, started to disrobe. "I'm as lily white as they come. When the sun hits these cheeks, it's going to blind everyone within a kilometer radius."
"I know," Patrick chuckled, "maybe we should have you get a tan before next shoreleave, though I'm sure with the proper care we'll get some colour on you the upcoming days?" he gave a nervous laugh. "At least it'll be an even tan huh?" He turned his head when there was a knock on the door. "That'll be Manu with the sunscreen," he said, walking back towards the door, opening it just enough for him to be face to face with the local male, while being able to hide himself behind said door. "Hello," he greeted, "I assume you brought the sunscreen?"
Manu passed over the sunscreen in a nice little resort-branded bag through the narrow opening of the door. "If you would be needing anything at all, please let me know. There is a call button on the wall by the bed, good sir. Also, I can arrange dinner to be brought to you, or handle reservation or transportation into the city. Good day." He dipped his head respectfully and turned away.
"That Manu guy is pretty helpful. Maybe I need a Manu on Majestic, you know, like a Yeoman. But... better." Murphy laughed and picked up a beach towel from the small pile on the end of the bed.
Closing the door, Patrick returned to the bed. "As long as its just a yeoman," he answered, while neatly folding the remainder of his clothes. He was feeling very self conscious despite knowing he shouldn't have to. "Do you want me to apply this?" he asked, holding up a small bottle, "or do you want to wait until we get to the beach?" He picked up a second towel and slung it across his shoulders, rather than folding it around his waist like a skirt.
Murphy grinned wryly, "I'm afraid if you apply it now, we'll never get to the beach." He looked his partner over and nodded appreciately for a moment. He took Pat's hand and lead him to the door. "Come on, last one in the water loses."
Squeezing the hand that held his, Patrick followed. "Let's go."
Lieutenant Angus Murphy
Chief Engineer, USS Majestic
Patrick O'Malley
Chef
pnpc Lhaes
