"That you do. It's one of the many things I like about you." Barnaby replied, smiling back at the man across from him. Martín del Mar was dependable. Thoughtful. Intelligent. And now that they'd admitted how much they meant to one another, Barnaby was finally allowing himself the emotional breathing room to truly contemplate all of the ways he enjoyed Mars and his company.

It helped that he was in a particularly affectionate mood, too. He'd made several plans for this little seaside trip of theirs, the details of which were currently swirling in his mind.

In no time at all the horizon drew closer. Bit by bit the sliver of land enlarged, morphing into a sizable island paradise ringed by beautifully clear water. Mars had steered them expertly here, so that the dock ahead was front and center, ready to be utilized.

"Unless you want to risk capsizing the Nauti, you'd better take over." Barnaby retorted, humor thrumming from every spoken syllable. "I don't think I've graduated to working alone just yet."

Still, he did recall some things, like preparing a spring line for when they pulled up to the dock. Barnaby moved to where he thought would be most helpful, though he looked back toward Martín del Mar for direction.

Martín del Mar
mission: SLEEPLESS IN SLATEPORT

☉

"I'm nothing if not motivated to achieve. But maybe not that sort of achievement." He laughed, he smiled, and when Mars threw him the ropes he started fastening the spring lines. "I think I'm good here. I'll help with the luggage in a sec."

Once the yacht was safely secured, Barnaby led Mars to where they'd be staying for their trip.

It was an isolated bungalow built in the intersection where sand met solid earth - positioned in such a way that they had a view of the ocean from almost every window. Behind the vacation home stood an abrupt cliff face and a grove of palm trees, giving the entire property a distinct air of privacy. There wouldn't be anyone remotely close to their location for at least a few miles.

They could relax and finally begin to enjoy their little getaway.

Some time later, after they'd thrown their luggage into the bedroom and Barnaby had cooked them a delicious seafood feast for dinner (keeping in mind to make all of Martín del Mar's favorite dishes), the afternoon gave way to late evening. A sliver of sunlight clung to the horizon, but even that would fade away soon. Stars already dotted the darkening sky above.

As Barnaby stowed the rest of their dirty dishes into the sink, he caught himself staring at the setting sun. A bank of sliding glass doors had been opened to both let in the evening breeze and show off the stunning view of the water, which he was now taking full advantage of.

Quietly, he patted the pocket of a light cardigan he'd put on earlier, before walking over to where Mars sat at the dining table.

"Come take a walk on the beach with me." Barnaby said while looking down into golden eyes, his hand slipping casually into Mars' own. "It'll be nice to get some fresh air, hm?"

Martín del Mar
mission: SLEEPLESS IN SLATEPORT

☉