Fata Morgana

Posted on Thu Mar 28th, 2019 @ 9:28pm by Lieutenant Commander Angus Murphy

Mission: Sojourn
Location: Marda III, modern city
856 words - 1.7 OF Standard Post Measure

Still holding Murphy's hand, Patrick led them away from the shop a little further. It was clear something that had been said was spooking him, even if he didn't really understand what. "It seemed fun," he agreed, releasing his hand to rub his own arms. "But now I really just want to go home." He looked up, eyes all but begging him. "Together, I want to go home and I want you to come with me. Please... I've had enough of this planet."

"What?" Murphy looked disappointed, but he recognized the look in Patrick's eyes and he knew he wasn't going to change his mind. "Are you sure?" He nodded and knew he was sure. "Okay. I probably have a lot of work piling up, anyway."

"I'm sorry..." Patrick looked back at the shop and shivered. "There was something about the way she said things and I really feel that if we'll stay here any longer, something will happen." He turned to face the engineer. "I really enjoyed spending time here with you, and maybe we'll come back here someday, like we fantasized about, but right now.." He shook his head. "I'm sorry..."

Murphy smiled reassuringly. Of course he thought Patrick was being a little overly dramatic, but it was alright and certainly nothing to be upset about. "It's okay," he said, said again. "I loved being with you this whole time. I had a fantastic time. There's nothing to be sorry about. We'll go home." He tapped his commbadge. "Murphy to Majestic. Two to beam up."

As they rematerialized on the ship, knowing their belongings would be sent after them soon, Patrick couldn't help but feel bad about cutting it short. On the plus, he would be having his own kitchen and be able to cook them dinner again. That was something he had missed greatly the past week or so. And he was keen to try out a few dishes he had learned about. "How about I cook us dinner tonight?" he suggested, "and you pick something for us to watch?"

"Yeah, maybe. Let's see what's fallen apart since I left," Murph laughed softly. "I am ready to dive back in. Rested up and rejuvenated."

"Do you think your quarters are renovated yet?" Patrick asked carefully, really in no hurry to see Murph move out. Especially not after all this time spent together. Plus, somehow it was a space he felt reluctant to go even though he knew deep down it was rather silly to feel that way.

"I don't know," Murphy admitted sheepishly as they walked together out into the corridor. "I just figured we were going to stay in the same quarters... sorry, maybe I shouldn't have assumed?"

"Oh no that's not what I meant," Patrick clarified, "I'd love to have you stay with me. I assumed you'd want your own space back." He chuckled softly. "I guess we shouldn't assume huh? Seriously though, you can stay with me for as long as you want to. Indefinitely, if you want." He smiled gently.

"Mmm," Murphy replied. "Well, let's think about it, but I'm not in a hurry to move back on my own. But, maybe? I might need some place where I can bring my dates without my current love finding out," he joked and threw Pat a salacious wink.

Closing his eyes, Patrick stuck out his tongue in a child-like fashion. "They're your quarters, your call love." He shifted, moving back into his arms, walking as close to him as possible. "What would you like to eat tonight?"

"Hmm," Murphy thought for a moment. "Sometimes I play Replicator Roulette. I just let the replicator pick. It's only ended up really badly one time. So, I guess, surprise me?"

"Except I'm cooking," Patrick reminded him as they approached his quarters. "I'll whip up something simple then." He grinned broadly. "I'll surprise you yet," he promised, "do you want to get freshened up first? Nap and then food, or food and then nap? Oh and don't forget to pick the movie."

"Uh, why don't you get settled and take a quick nap and I'll run down to engineering and make sure Cravens is still in one piece," Murph smiled and leaned in to kiss Patrick. "I'll be back soon, ok?"

Patrick nodded. "Alright." He knew beforehand that a 'quick run' was probably going to be more like 'a few hours'. "I may go by sickbay for a quick check up," he added after a moment of thought, "to avoid getting yelled at later."

"You're going to sickbay? Who are you and what have you done with my boyfriend?" Murph asked, mocking seriousness. "I'm proud of you for going," he then added.

Half smiling, Patrick nodded a second time. "I don't want to get yelled at," he offered, "I didn't exactly...rest...like she told me to." He leaned in, kissing him a second time. "Go.. I'll be fine."

"Yeah, I know you will be. See you later for dinner," Murph winked and then headed off for engineering.

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Lieutenant Commander Angus Murphy
Chief Engineer
USS Majestic

Patrick O'Malley
Chef
pnpc Lhaes