S. Welles - To Ocean's End

She looked at his feet. “I’m sorry I put all of you through this.”

Mido pulled her into a hug. “Shh… You don’t need to apologize. I understand why you ran off.”

Jessie pressed herself to his half-soaked body. She shouldn’t have given in to her desire to stay with him but she couldn’t resist him any more than breathing, broad sweaty shoulders and all. “Do you really understand?”

“Probably not a hundred percent, but don’t worry about it. No one’s mad at you.”

“Dyne looked pretty mad.”

“That’s just his disposition. Don’t take it personal.”

“What about Sauna and Scully?”

“What about them?”

“Are they just better at hiding their anger?”

He rubbed her back. “Sauna’s a softy. He likes you anyway. Scully just goes with the flow and, if anything, he enjoyed the excitement.”

“What?”

Mido straightened up and smiled at her. “Long story. He’s tested Captain’s patience many a time. Today was nothing extreme—well minus the close call with his transformation. That was an interesting sight.” He turned for the ticketing station. Jessie reluctantly peeled away and they began walking hand-in-hand. Mido wiped his glistening brow. “Now, we’re going to head to the ship and get our things, then book a hotel for two nights and take a much-needed vacation.”

“A hotel?” The idea both scared and thrilled her. She shouldn’t want it but she did.

“Don’t you want a break from the ship while we’re at port?”

“Oh, yes,” she said fervently. “After Tethys, I could use a nice long break from ships in general.”

“I bet. I’ll let you pick the hotel, okay?”

Jessie nodded, not sure what to think of it all. Ultimately, where else would they board up for two nights, besides under a tree or something? Maybe she should get Ed and Ted to share a room with them, to make sure she and Mido behaved. But… maybe the two techies wanted their own private time.

That ruled that idea out.

They hopped in line for Jessie’s refund without rescheduling her trip, then exited the station without a single guard accosting them. The other soaked passengers spoke in terrified whispers and pointed at Dyne as they all headed for the ticketing station, but otherwise they stayed way behind him. Who knew what tales they were weaving after seeing Dyne command water and turn blue? When Mido and Jessie got back on the sidewalk, Jessie turned one way as Mido tugged her towards the curb.

“We’re taking a cart. There’s no way I’m walking all the way back to the ship after running all the way from where we kissed, to a bar, then to Captain, and then to you. I’m beat.” His eyes darted downward. “And a little sore.”

“Sorry.”

“No more apologizing.” He squeezed her hand.

They flagged down a canopied cart powered by a cyclist and cuddled together once seated. The cyclist didn’t give them any grief after Mido explained how the water tower broke and flooded their train. They all agreed that the strong sun would dry off everything soon enough. The cart zipped along the busy streets with ease, and they rode in silence as they took in Revivre’s sights and sounds. They were just two of the crowd, a pleasant change of pace. Jessie consciously took in as much sensory information as she could, determined to use it all to recondition herself whenever she backslid.

The cart cyclist waited for them while they collected extra clothes and toiletries, then carted them to the hotel strip on the shore. By then their pants were damp, as if they’d been soaked through only with sweat. Yeah, she would want a shower as soon as possible, along with some fresh clothes. Mido paid the cyclist, then guided Jessie along the strip. There were hotels on both sides, but she kept her eye on the shore ones. For some reason she wanted one right on the beach. Maybe the location reminded her a bit of home. They walked hand-in-hand and slower than most pedestrians. People went around if they wanted to go faster. And when they came upon an elegant hotel named Nautilus Spa & Resort, Jessie stopped.

“That one.”

Everything about the hotel’s appearance radiated relaxation and pampering, from the stonework, the name’s script, to the plants and flowers accenting the exterior. She just needed a bikini, bathing suit skirt, and flip flops, and she’d fit right in.

“You sure?” Mido said with a charming smile. He sounded like he approved of her choice.

“You bet.”

They headed inside and were greeted with a smooth stone floor with a red carpet leading up to the reception desk, lots of lush green plants giving life to the interior, a small waterfall that spilled into a goldfish pond, and one big shop full of clothes, necessities, and souvenirs. Mido and Jessie waited their turn in line as they took in the hotel’s splendor, then were helped by a tanned lady with a big smile. She greeted them with her spiel like it was fantastic news, letting them know about all sorts events and special accommodations, like their twenty four hour spa and music performances throughout the day and evening, and once she went through her list, she asked the usual questions. When she got to the bed question, Mido turned to Jessie for an answer.

“One bed or two?”

Jessie wanted to blurt “one” but she thought a moment. She didn’t want to give the wrong signals in case things came to that and she found herself unable to go through with it. “Two. Just in case.”

Mido showed a twinge of disappointment in his soft smile, but it lasted only a moment. He turned to the receptionist. “Two, please.” He paid for the room, booked a massage session that was mentioned earlier, and once all their information was was stored on their biochips, Mido led Jessie towards the shop. “Want some different clothes or anything while we’re here?”

Jessie took in her bodyguard attire. “Please.” It’d be real nice to dress ladylike and feel like a woman, one who wasn’t abused and disrespected; just beautiful and desirous. They joined the throng of shoppers without any fear hindering her movements. Jessie picked out a bikini, and Mido some swimming trunks. She wanted a one-piece but they seemed to not exist in the store, so, if they swam at all, it would have to be privately. She added some cheap panties and girl’s socks (since she wasn’t fond of the tube socks supplied by Sam), a pair of flip flops, and a t-shirt and capris. Mido picked out some sandals and a matching t-shirt, and paid for everything. When she asked if he was still comfortable paying, he said, “Of course.” Hands full, they headed for their hotel room.

The two-bed room had all the amenities but wasn’t particularly spacious. However, the coziness was compensated by a huge patio leading directly to the beach. A beautiful ocean view greeted them on the other side of the glass doors. Jessie dropped her bags on the first bed and took in the sparkling panorama.

Mido stood behind her, put his hands on her shoulders, and face beside hers. “Almost as beautiful as you.”

Jessie put a hand on top of his and leaned against him. Once again, she found herself convinced that he was working magic on her. He felt so good to be with.

“Our appointment is in an hour-ish. Ladies first in the shower?”

Her heart began racing at the thought of being naked around Mido, and not in a good way. As much as she wanted him, she wasn’t ready to go farther. The realization made her heart sink and took away from the magic. “How do I know you won’t try anything funny?”

He laughed. “I’m not that kind of guy, Jessie. Besides you’re the one who kissed me earlier and put me out of commission for a bit. You got me good with your steel toe boot. And your lips.”

Jessie said nothing. What could she say, except another apology? He’d told her to stop with the apologies. His lips were near her cheek. She could feel his breath and wouldn’t be surprised if he kissed her.