Sabbatical For The Soul -- Day 5: A Holiday From Himself free porn video

The lithe maiden was perched in front of Her dresser, silhouetted by the soft morning light sprinkling through the sheer curtains. She reaches into a nearby drawer, pulling out a hair straightening iron. With experienced hands, She begins to work through Her long curls, straightening small collections of her locks at a time. He watched all this, as he relinquished command of this body to the Compulsions. For what it's worth, he appreciated the occasional convenience the Compulsions offered, as it afforded him a moment's relaxation from otherwise jarring dissonance between his male mind and female figure. It also allowed him to enjoy the view in the mirror - and what a sight! A towel was wrapped around Her chest, hiding her ample bosom. Her cheeks were highlighted by a hint of cotton-candy blush, warming Her alabaster complexion. A flirting whisp of mint eyeshadow drew out the earthy greens of Her hazel eyes, while Her mascara'd lashes fluttered coquettishly with each blink. The succulent sheen of Her coral lip gloss completed Her visage, adding a hint of tease to her already brilliant smile. Under any other circumstance, he'd be thrilled to lock eyes with this beauty. To walk with Her and sit beside Her. To hold Her hand and kiss Her. Now, he's now walking and sitting *as* the girl. And instead of kissing Her, he's kissing someone else *as* Her. A blush crept up at the thought of his night with Tamara. For hours they tasted each other's lips, sighed at each other's touch, and cried out as they lifted one another to glorious ecstasy, before they shared the embrace of post-orgasmic bliss. He found himself opening up to Tamara's companionship - she was a fun person to be around. Especially at night, he decided. ~I wonder what she thinks about me? Probably a Lesbian fling to enjoy during her time off?~ he mused, as the reflection finished straightening the last remaining locks of Her hair. Setting down Her hair straightener, the Girl runs Her fingers through the full straightened length of Her velvety cascade down to nearly Her waist. With practiced hands, She starts to separate a small section of Her long bangs and began braiding them. Building the twist until it would eventually reach the side of Her head, She pins it deftly above Her ear, before doing the same on the other side. Tied this way, he realized, the braids swept Her hair to the sides of Her cheeks, allowing Her fiery tresses frame Her face as they flowed straight down Her body. Pushed by the compulsions, he makes his way to the open wardrobe. Freeing Her breasts from the towel's confines, Her feminine hands reach for a simple strapless bra, which She dexterously clasps behind him. Next, She mechanically pulled out a multicolored number from the forest of maxi dresses. Unzipping the back of the frock, She daintily steps into the skirt, before pulling Her slender arms into the outfit. The bodice was a modestly cut closed-back halter-top, revealing only Her collarbones and shoulders. After one final wiggle to settle Her busoms into the padded cups, Her hands snake back with feminine flexibility and closes the zipper, snuggly encasing Her upper body into the form-fitting top. Turning back to the dresser, She picks out a pair of brilliant turquoise teardrop earrings and matching bangles, before sliding into a pair of silver strappy high-heeled sandals to complete the look. Feeling the Compulsions finally ebb, he pauses to collect himself as he takes stock of his new outfit. No longer assisted by the Compulsions, he teeters tentatively on his three-inch stilts to the wardrobe door mirror, before examining the reflection before him. The red-haired vixen before him had chosen a halter-top maxi dress, decorated with an impressionistic multicolored floral pattern. The conservatively-cut bodice had a neckline that encircled her neck like a collar. The back was completely closed, while the front was adorned with a small slit high on her chest, which revealed a tasteful hint of skin without showing cleavage. Despite the modest cut, the padding of the cups only served to supplement his already-generous assets, while the form-hugging bodice squeezed him into an erect posture, giving him no choice but to push his chest outwards. The top tapered down to a figure-hugging inset-waist. Looking down, the he noticed that the fabric had a slight stiffness, allowing the skirt to keep an understated A-line. Along with the heels, the floor- length skirt elegantly lengthened his petite silhouette. The turquoise glint of her bangle and earrings juxtaposed perfectly on the multicolored canvas of her frock, and her straightened locks which now fell to the nook of her elbows. ~I can't keep up with this girl!~ he exclaimed to himself. Whereas her previous outfits were timelessly delicate, this particular get-up was much more modern, even fitting for a magazine cover. It was tasteful, revealing nothing, yet suggesting everything. It was effortlessly erotic. With a resigned sigh, he begrudgingly enjoyed looking this good. The new hairdo, the form-flattering dress, the jewelry - it all made him feel femininely potent. Placing the make-up that he'd used into a small white clutch, he swung its gold chain over his bare shoulder and made his way to Tamara's door. Tapping a few times on her door, he was greeted with a muffled, "I'll be right there!" He couldn't hear but chuckle to the assortment of rummaging sounds that followed. Tamara's room was as carefree as she was -clothing was strewn all over the couch, and even a bra was dangling on the handle of her bathroom door. Her shoes were sprinkled throughout the floor of the small cabin, each missing its partner. The dresser was equally messy, although that was due to the steamy make- out session they'd had last night. Her door flies open to reveal a preoccupied Tamara. "I'll be right out! I got held up finding my keycard," she exclaimed, looking down at her own purse. She was wearing a cotton racer-back maxi dress of her own, showing off her sporty figure. Her yellow flip-flops played against the salmon hue of her dress, while simple diamond studs and a silver necklace added a dash of girlishness. "I can't believe you're faster than me today, Isabelle. I was just about to come over to see how...." She trailed off as her gaze final locked onto the redhead. She couldn't have possibly finished her sentence, as her now pounding heart that felt like it'd leapt to her throat, blocking the words that were making their way out. "...Wow." Tamara composed herself. "You did all that? I was just about to head over to see how you were doing!" "Umm...yeah. Just threw something on," he replied bashfully. "Just threw something on? Girlfriend, you look positively chic! I think I scored myself some serious arm candy!" She teased. "I love what you did to your hair!" "Thanks! We...should probably get going," he responded, both proud and self-conscious at the same time. ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ Julie and Mia were already waiting for them at the waiting place. Mia had picked out a cream off-the-shoulder crop top that bared her midriff, and paired it with a lipstick red maxi skirt that helped extend her short figure. Julie had chosen a cute little black chiffon skater dress decorated with tiny strawberries printed into its fabric. Her hair was tied into a high ponytail with a red scrunchy. "What a nice outfit! I really love your dress!" Mia bubbled. "I wish I was tall enough to wear something like that!" "You're too kind," he returned. "I'm not that much taller than you!" Sarah and Richard were the next to arrive. Sarah glided along in a beachy white maxi dress with a sleeveless bandeau top and a cottony skirt that tumbled and flowed with each step. A baby-blue short- sleeved bolero completed the look. Her fianc? Richard wore a simple short-sleeved button-shirt and white shorts that matched his fianc?e's outfit. "Good morning everyone! Sorry for running a bit late. Has everyone arrived yet?" "No," Julie responded. "I think we're still waiting on Trevor." "No such thing as being late on when we're on vacation!" Tamara piped. "Good point, except that I'm starving!" Richard mused as he patted his belly. "I heard they have breakfast waiting for us on the shore?" "I'd make fun of you if I wasn't about to say the same thing!" Sarah responded. "Although I have to say, Isabelle, that I *love* your hair! The braids are a nice touch!" "Thanks!" He responded. "It's *so* much work though!" Truth be told, he was warming to the gentle swaying and brushing of his long locks on his face and shoulders. However, this was tempered by the inconvenience of it all - it was always blowing into his face in the wind, and he found he was constantly brushing it away from his face or behind his ear. But worst of all was how much time and work it took to wash and dry. At the end of the day, was it really worth the effort? "I used to have longer hair myself, but that's exactly the reason why I chose to cut it short. Much less hassle. Plus, short hair can be cute too!" Tamara added. The group of girls continued to banter about hair, and the merits of short and long hair, when Trevor finally arrived, wearing a simple V- neck T-shirt, grey khaki shorts, and flip-flops. "Sorry for holding everyone up! We're good to go!" he panted as he rushed up to the group. "Well I guess even if you do have short hair, doesn't mean you won't be any faster getting ready in the morning!" Sarah teased. "Short hair? What are you talking about?" Trevor asked. "Oh nothing. We were just talking about whether long or short hair is better. Isabelle straightened her hair out quite long - what do you think?" Sarah asked, smiling impishly. The ginger-hair girl's cheeks immediately flushed as hazel eyes met chestnut gaze. He tracked Trevor's pupils as they locked onto his hair, before tracing down his figure. What did he think? "You look...nice," Trevor stated as his Adam's apple rose then fell in a gulp that was plainly visible. "Thanks," the redhead replied. He felt slightly flustered - as his mind simply wasn't used to the type of gaze he was getting from other members of his male species. But at the same time, he felt a spark of pride. ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ The cruise had set up a pop-up caf? on the pier. Before them stretched the open Mediterranean ocean, its waves lapping calmly onto the pier. Behind them lay the town of Mykonos, its waterfront adorned with rows of Venetian-style fishing houses and shops. Store-owners were milling about and setting up, preparing for the inevitable throng of tourists. "In the past, the island of Mykonos was under Venetian rule for quite a while, long before it became part of modern Greece," Julie pointed out. "That's why the houses have such a Venice vibe. That area is over there is known as "Little Venice" and it's very quaint. We should definitely check it out." Before them lay a spread of various breakfast fare. There was spanakopita filled with creamy feta and spinach, a coaster of assorted succulent olives, and a platter of assorted deli meats and hard-boiled eggs. The group passed around a bowl of fresh cut berries and melons. "Blech!" He grimaced, putting down a piece of the rusk bread. "This is so tough and dry even with butter - don't like it very much!" "I know - you can kill someone just by throwing this at them!" Mia added as she dropped her piece onto the table, the dry thunk emphasizing her point. "It's much better if you dip it in olive oil. Softens it up," Richard suggested. "The yogurt's amazing though!" "It is right?" he agreed, polishing off the last of his fluffy white yogurt. It's tangy bite perfectly complemented the aromatic sweetness of honey that was generously drizzled on top. Setting his spoon down, he breathed a contented sigh. A gentle breeze wafted by, carrying the briny scent of the Aegean sea. He felt at ease. As he was letting getting ready this morning, he'd come to the decision to just relax and try to enjoy the situation as best he can. There was simply nothing that he can do at this point - he had no money, and no way to contact the outside world. And what if he did? Who'd believe him? Besides, fate has decided to plunk him into the middle of an ocean paradise, in the body of someone young and healthy. Even if it is the wrong sex, there are much worse places to end up. Luckily, Tamara and Julie seemed quite knowledgeable about what the island had to offer, so the gang spent some time planning their day. Julie proposed visiting some of the famous local landmarks, before wandering to "Little Venice" where they will have lunch and spend the rest of the day. Tamara suggested ending the day in a bakery in town that had an amazing view and pastries to match. Luckily, the island is small and the weather perfect, so they decided to walk. So with that plan, they set off on their Mykonos adventure, chatting and laughing along with the group as they meandered along the coastal paths of the small island. Routine had become his shelter from the heartache of losing Sharon two years ago, and even now the healing had been slow. Work dominated his life, and at the end of each day he'd pick-up takeout on his way home, where he'd retreat into the pale glow of his television, aimlessly flipping through the channels. Weekends were a particular struggle, and he'd sleep in as late as he can to reduce his idle time. Often he'd go for a run or a long walk to break the monotony. Once in a while, his coworkers would call and drag him out to social gatherings - football games, bar hopping, or shooting some hoops. They cautiously left their wives and girlfriends at home, which he appreciated at first. But the constant tip-toeing around him ended up being a perpetual reminder of what he'd lost. But now he was surrounded by the exotic backdrop of the Greek scenery, and in the company of a cheerful group who weren't burdened with his past, and who didn't pity him. He couldn't help but be swept up in the moment as he walked hand-in-hand with Tamara, looking very much like a pair of best girlfriends. Soon, they approached a majestic row of windmills, each only two stories tall at most. They stood like a troupe of dwarfish sentinels overlooking the town, each wearing a conical straw hat that comprised the roof. "These are the windmills I had read about. Aren't they delightful?" Julie exclaimed. "Yeah! Let's take some photos here!" he found himself saying, temporarily forgetting that he won't have access to these photos afterwards. ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ The group were captivated by the view, sapphire Mediterranean seas speckled with the white hulls of the fishermen's boats, returning with the days' catch. Seagulls soared overhead, welcoming them home with caws of hunger. Eventually the group started their way back into town. Along the way, they stopped by a delightfully small church, gleaming whitewashed walls vividly juxtaposed against the rich azure skies. The interior was rurally furnished, with a small altar at the front, facing a row of wooden chairs that acted as the pew. The walls were colored a rich sky-blue, expanding the otherwise cozy space. The archways, railings, and other adornments were pained in white, keeping with the coastal motif. Smoothing out his skirt, he sat down in one of the chairs to rest his feet. He wanted to take a picture of the church as a souvenir, but realized he won't be able to access the picture afterwards anyway. He had to be content with storing it away in his memory as best he can. "This is the Church of the Panagia Paraportiani, or 'Our Lady of the Side Gate.' It got this name because this used to be side entrance of this part of town. There's actually five churches in the building, but only this one is open for visiting," Julie mused, thumbing through a tour book. "Oh Richard, it's so pretty here! We should've had our wedding here instead!" Sarah gushed. "Well we can do a run through right now," he kidded. "I'm in no tux, but at you're wearing something white and something blue. You've got your girls with you and I've got my groomsman Trev here. That's most of the wedding party!" "Wait no, I'll be the flowergirl!" Mia exclaimed. Skipping around the church, she dramatically scatters imaginary flower petals as she frolicked about, causing everyone to laugh. "OK OK. I'll be the priest," Tamara plays along, grabbing Julie's tour book from her hands as she rushes up to the altar to take her make- believe place, Richard following closely behind. "I guess that means we're playing along too," Trevor holds out his elbow to Julie. Taking his arm, they walk slowly down the aisle, giggling along the way. "We need music. Isabelle!" "Really?! Oh..um...OK!" Improvising, he starts humming Canon in D, filling the small chapel with the sweet ballad. ~Wow...my voice is so high!~ "You guys...this is so embarrassing!" Sarah bashfully protested, her face now beet red. But all could see that she was equally flattered by the impromptu rehearsal his friends were holding for her. Even Mia dials down her exaggerated prance, as she steps daintly down the aisle, gracefully sprinkling her imaginary petals. "Madame, you mustn't make your future husband wait!" Tamara chided in her best imitation baritone, causing Julie to chuckle. "You guys are all insufferable, you know that?" Despite her complaints, she wrung her hands in earnest as she started slowly down the aisle, her eyes glistening with emotion. "All rise for the bride." With that, he stands, as he softly continues humming. In front of the altar the two soulmates stood, under a pillar of soft sunlight that washed through the stained glass, as they lost themselves in each other's loving gaze. Sitting at the pew, he unconsciously puts a hand on his bosom, his breath catching from the beauty of the moment. "Please be seated," Tamara said. "We are gathered here today to witness the matrimony of Richard and Sarah, two lovers who were fortunate enough to find their one-and-only amidst the sea of people on this world. Today, they will enter into a Union and walk together on this journey called Life. "This Union is not one to be entered lightly, but solemnly. Reverently. Lovingly. Virtuously. Therefore, if any person can show just cause why they should not be wed...they should shut the hell up because they clearly don't know what true love is!" This was met with a healthy fit of giggles. "Now, Richard do you take Sarah to be your wife. To have and to hold, from this day forward. For better or for worse. For richer or poorer. In sickness and in health. To love and to cherish, until death do you part?" Richard stares at his fianc?e with loving eyes, as he reaches out to grasp her hands. "I do." "And Sarah, do you take Richard to be your husband? To have and to hold, from this day forward, until death do you part?" Sarah stares up at her man, eyes moist. "I do." "By the power vested in me by... the publishing company Fodor's, whose product I now hold." More snickers followed. "I pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss to seal the deal!" The room erupts into a warmhearted cheer as the lovebirds step into each other's arms, locking lips, as Tamara steps back to grant them a moment's privacy. Staring at the back, she was surprised to see the auburn lass in the back wipe a tear from her eyes. He couldn't lie to himself - a part of him was envious of Richard and Sarah. That they were similarly engaged as he once was. That they somehow made it so much closer to affirming their love for one another - an affirmation that was robbed from Sharon and him. But seeing the beautiful display of love and unity before him, he realized that the affirmation he sought was a formality. A gesture. A demonstration of love that was already there. This was not a real wedding, but it was clear that the couple was already certain each other - a certainty that did not require a ceremony to affirm. Comparably, the time that Sharon and him had shared and the memories made, were his affirmation to the love they shared. He glanced over the Tamara, who carried a wide smile of her own. He could not deny that they had chemistry together, even in spite of this borrowed body and the feminine stipulations that came with it. Maybe this bond they've been cultivating, went beyond physical pleasure? Maybe that's the lesson behind this whirlwind romance and mock wedding ceremony. That love still exists in this world. That it's there if he looked. That he's allowed to fall into it if he wished. Maybe that's his souvenir from this church. From this holiday from himself. ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ They took a different route back into town, marveling at the Venetian architecture along the way. The red-haired girl had become somewhat proficient at walking on her heeled sandals, but the cobble-stone avenues were unfamiliar terrain. Even worse, the dress was proving to be quite a challenge for the inexperienced girl, and a few times hem of the floor-length skirt would find its way underfoot, almost tripping the hapless lass. Tamara had wandered up ahead with Mia for the moment, leaving him alone in negotiating the uneven walkway, which now was sloping downwards. One hand was holding up his skirt to give his feet some clearance, while the other was outstretched as he balanced his way onward. ~I feel so clumsy in these heels!~ He noticed that even the way he stretched his hands for balance appeared feminine, despite his best efforts. Looking at his slender limb, he could not notice how he had held it mostly tucked at the elbows. The manicured nails and the petite hands completed the look. It was unintentional, but the redistributed centre of gravity of his full buxom figure made this position the most natural for balance. ~God, I look so dainty.~ "Hey you look like you're struggling a bit there." Right then Trevor had caught up to him. "Do you need a hand...whoops!" Stepping on a particularly smooth bump, the slender heel of his sandals simply could not find purchase. Rolling onto the outer edge of his feet, his body jolted to one side. Reflexively, his hands reflexively grab onto Trevor arms as he fell. "S....sorry!" the red-haired girl apologized. Struggling to regain his footing, he clings on to Trevor, the only available support within reach. The fall had caused the mass of his hair to fall into his face, and with his free hand he instinctively brushes it out of his face, settling it down over his shoulder. "No problem," Trevor responds genuinely. "The roads are quite uneven here. Those shoes don't look like they're up to the task." "Yeah well...of course you'd like it when I'm decked out like this," he quips sarcastically. The hint of pride he'd felt previously about his outfit was now replaced by resentment that it was so impractical. ~Function over form huh, Vivian? ~ Trevor raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean I'd like it?" "Oh...no no that's not what I meant! I meant guys in general likes it when girls dressed girly right?" he stammered, unaware that he had just addressed himself as a member of the fairer sex. "Sorry, I was just being sarcastic. Just a bit frustrated at these heels" "I see. For a second there I thought you were flirting with me," Trevor responds abashedly as a blush creeping into his face. He chuckled internally. How can anyone get embarrassed with just a bit of flirting? He adjusted his grip around Trevor's arm as they continued down the cobblestone path. "What, can't take the heat?" he teased. "No, I was just surprised. Seeing you and Tamara being an item, I assumed you were gay." Trevor said, without a hint of sarcasm as he recollects himself. "Oh!" It was the pretty lady's turn to be surprised. "I'm not ga....I mean, Tamara and I just...." he stammered, his personal impulse wrestling with his Compulsions. How would he explain being a heterosexual man trapped in the body of a heterosexual woman? He was definitely attracted to Tamara, but this body undeniably reacts to Trevor. Plus, he can't really tell Trevor that he and Tamara had just met - that would put them both in a bad light. Except it was true that they had just met.... ~Why am I even trying to explain myself?~ he wondered. "Sorry, that was too forward of me," Trevor apologized, nervously running his fingers through his hair. "You don't have to explain anything, least of all to me." "...No. It's, complicated. I can't really get into why though...." It was as close to the truth as he could get. "It always is. I understand." They continued in pregnant silence, as brown-haired boy patiently guided the ginger lass down the bumpy cobblestone path. "You know," he finally said, "I remember how rough it was for a few of my friends when they came out. They described it as being stripped naked, for scrutiny by friends, families, and even strangers. "They felt incredibly vulnerable and isolated. They didn't know who they can be truthful to, or for that matter what the truth *was* to begin with. Who were they now? How did they want to be seen by the world? How does that fit with who they were inside? I don't pretend to know first-hand what you might be going through, but it's clear you're in turmoil about it. You don't need to tell me anything, but whatever you do want to say, I will listen." He looked at Trevor as those words came out. Was he that transparent? Despite the words being misdirected towards his sexuality, Trevor was somehow still completely on point, and was able to completely capture his current inner conflict. Was he a man or a woman? Gay or straight? What did these things mean to his relationship with Sharon? Who will he become, at the end of this experience? Despite his insecurities, it was comforting to know that, even when stranded and muzzled, someone was somehow still able to understand what he was going through. He unconsciously clung tighter to Trevor's arm as he brushed his hair out of his face. "Thank you. You're wrong and you're right. I can't get into details about what I'm going through, but things are going to be OK. I can't be more thankful that you understand and are here for me. That already means a lot." Trevor smiles warmly. "I'm glad." ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ After a light lunch, the group found themselves wandering the town. The streets were crowded with delightful little shops selling local goods - meats and cheeses, olives and olive oils of all sorts, artisanal crafts and clothing of exotic fabrics. The girls were currently browsing through a store selling trinkets and jewelry, sampling locally crafted necklaces and bracelets on one another. "How about this one?" He asked, holding out a blue and white terra cotta necklace in front of Tamara. He was less bored than he expected, despite being the least bit interested in jewelry shopping for this borrowed body. Rather, he enjoyed socializing with his newfound friends, most of all Tamara. It was refreshing to laugh at and with one another, and a welcome distraction from his insecurities. He glanced out the door, where Trevor and Richard stood chatting with one another. That was another difference between being a man and a woman - as a man, he was always watching himself when mingling with women in a platonic manner. Was he being too cold? Too suggestive? Too awkward? Unsurprisingly, it was much easier to just "hang out with the girls" when he was one of them. And being in the company of four lovely women was quite the visual bonus too. Looking in the mirror, he saw his own reflection staring back, garbed in a gracefully flowing dress, her face bright with laughter. At least right now, it seemed to be a bearable price to pay. They were just about to head out to the shop next door when they were approached by the shop owner. "We were just about to take some photos for some marketing material and we couldn't notice how well-dressed and photogenic your group was. Do you want to help model some of my pieces?" "Sounds fun! I'm in!" Mia volunteered. "Yeah lets do it!" Tamara chimed in. "We are?" Julie stammered. The owner picked out a piece for each of the girls. He received a pair of golden arm cuffs, inset with a dark gemstone to add an exotic flare, while the rest of the girls were given an assortment of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. They made extra effort to lavish Sarah with as many pieces as possible, and once Tamara divulged that she was a soon-to-be bride, the owner happily joined in on the fun. "Guys I'm literally weighed down by all this bling!" Sarah protested. She was almost comically decked out - a silver tiara perched on her head, crystal-inset pendant earrings adorning each ear, and an extravagantly jeweled necklace encircled her neck. She was wearing arm cuffs, while two bangles encircled each wrist alone. Even fine delicate anklets encircled each ankle. The girls squealed with delight, and even he laughed with gleeful abandon. After making some final adjustments on the girls, the owner led the group outside, where the photograph and his crew was waiting. "Make them look good, Alex!" "Yes boss!" the photographer replied. It looks like the plan was to grab some tourists for the shoot all along, as it was clear the photographer was well prepared for portraiture work. Using the Mediterranean coastline as the backdrop, there were also a couple of younger assistants holding reflector boards to help light the subject against the ocean's glare. Sarah was conscripted to be the first model. As the photographer took her through different poses, he joined the girls in teasing her with catcalls and jeers, fueled further by her mounting embarrassment. Even Richard and Trevor, who were looking on from a distance, rejoined the group and clapped along. This carefree game continued as each girl went up, eventually causing a small group of spectators to gather as the impromptu photoshoot continued. But finally, it was his turn to model. Nervously he stepped forward, to the hoots and whistles of his new girlfriends. Blushing fiercely, he self-consciously cradled his arms in front of him as he looked tentatively at the camera. Behind the viewfinder, the photographer was greeted with the view of a voluptuous young lady, whose bosoms were accented by the form-fitting bodice of her dress, and by the crook of her arms. A small collection of her sleek red hair draped in front of one shoulder, the rest flowing down to the small of her back. She was standing slightly off-axis, accentuating the arm cuffs she was wearing. It was perfect. "You're a natural! Hold that pose...just a few more shots....great!" Alex praised, as the camera's flash fired furiously. The girls cheered on. "Next! I want you to do this!" Alex instructed, as he held his arm in front of him, and brought the back of his wrist to his forehead, while keeping his hands relaxed. He leaned his body back while keeping his legs straight and pointed, his other arm falling limp behind him. It looked like he was mid-swoon. "I can't do that! That's...and these heels!" "C'mon girl we all had to pose!" Mia cheered. "Yeah you gotta do your fair share - I did!" Sarah added. Muttering words of regret to himself, he imitated Alex's earlier pose, twirling his hands girlishly in front of his forehead. He tried to lean back as far as he could while keeping his legs pointed and straight, feeling his center of gravity teeter precariously on his slight yet substantial heels. "OK we'll try this for now. Hold that for a few seconds." Flashes go off as Alex gets to work, bouncing this way and that as he captures her from various angles, as the girls cheered. "Can you lean back a bit more?" "Easy for you to say!" he shoots back as he obliges. "You're not wearing hee...whoops!" Inevitably the inexperienced girl misjudges her center of gravity and loses her balance. Taking a step back, he rolls his ankles again as the stiletto heel slips on the smooth concrete surface. Just as he begins to stumble, he feels a pair of strong arms catch him. "Whoa there...you alright?" Trevor asked, having timely stepped in to catch him from falling. "Yeah...yes I am." He looks up at Trevor's gaze of concern. "Thanks. I don't think I'm cut out for this. I'm not being very graceful at all." "Well just as long as you didn't hurt yourself. I thought you looked beautiful by the way...so I guess you're right that I do like the way you look." His cheeks once again erupted with the now familiar flush of embarrassment. "He's right," Alex said, walking up with his camera. Pointing the preview window to the group, who has now joined behind Trevor and himself, they saw the shots so far. The girl in the shot was positively beautiful, her vivid frock bursting forth from the rich Mediterranean backdrop, her fiery hair alight with vivacity. She was bashful in one frame, graceful the next. And in the last shot, she romantically falls into the arms of her beau, their eyes locked in a moment of infinity. "This was a great shot!" Alex gushed. Let's get a few more with you two and we'll bring the group back in OK?" A part of him was shocked at how good he looked, but he couldn't help but also feel proud about it. As the photographer took him through various poses with Trevor, he couldn't help but fall into the energy of the shoot, feeling more and more the feminine goddess he looked. He twirled, skipped, tossed his hairs and played with his skirt. He held Trevor's hand, leaned into him, and perched on his shoulders. The girls cheered on through all of this, but he didn't notice that Tamara's cheers were just slightly less animated than before. ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ As the shoot wrapped up, Alex asked the group to rejoin. Tamara walked up, slightly less enthused than the start of this endeavor. As she saunters up, the redhead bounces forward to embrace her gleefully. "C'mon! I want to have a picture with you too!" Any negativity that Tamara had felt was melted away, as she was dragged back towards the photographer. Alex took a few pictures of the pair, having them walk towards the camera, hand-in-hand and eyes locked with one another, but just slightly smiling as they did so. The pose felt so corny that the two soon found themselves in fits of giggles. Tamara looks at her bubbly muse. She had seemed so guarded in the past few days, and it was the first time she'd seen her so open and carefree. It was impossible not to be softened by her energy right now. Tamara gave her hand a squeeze, and was rewarded by a quick glance and a squeeze in return. ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ "What an adventure, eh?" Trevor asked rhetorically. "I know! We came for the scenery, and left being a part of it." Julie added. The group was on the top deck of the ship as it lumbered away from the island. Sitting on a row of benches, they reminisced the day's adventure to the soft light of the moon climbing over the horizon. Sarah leaned against Richard in one bench, while Julie and Mia huddled together in a second one. Trevor relaxed on a beach chair that he'd pulled up. He was leaned up against Tamara, his knees tucked up beside him and rested his feet on the park bench, having freed them from the confined of his feminine footwear. He wiggled his toes, hidden from view under his long skirt which spilled elegantly over the edge of his bench. Skirts were not so bad, he decided, as he rubs his smooth thighs together, hidden from view. ~Open yet covered. You certainly can't do this with pants.~ he mused nonchalantly as his hands absentmindedly ran down the front of his bodice, sliding continuously over his shapely hips, tracing the fabric as it snaked its way down over his wiggling toes. Another gentle breeze passed by, this one slightly chillier, and he nuzzled closer to Tamara's warm body, feeling her arms creep around his slender waist. After the photoshoot, they rushed to the caf? that Tamara had recommended, which was just around the corner. The crowd that had gathered from the shoot had made them minor celebrities, and the caf?'s proprietor was more than happy to give them a seat by the edge of the balcony. The food was wonderful. They had ordered and assortment of sweet and savory pastries, much of which had a Middle- Eastern flare which, Tamara later explained, was simply because of the historical influences of the region. He especially liked the skaltsounias - fluffy crescent-shaped pastries filled with a sweet crunchy honey mix of almonds and walnuts. Once they'd sat down, the group finally realized how tired they were and really didn't have the motivation to continue their exploration of the town, while the men seemed happy just to not be dragged around for more shopping. There they relaxed, silently sipping on their luscious lattes and creamy cappuccinos, as they watched other tourists milling about, against the soundtrack of the gentle lapping waves. They sat there until dusk, when they were greeted by the brilliant sunset. Their balcony spot offered them an unobstructed view of the harbor and the sun diving into the horizon, casting the skies ablaze in tones of orange and sepia. It was another perfect ending to a perfect day in paradise. Eventually, they reluctantly, dragged themselves back to the ship. At Tamara's suggestion, they decided to dine al-fresco, each grabbing some food and a drink before settling down on the top deck. "Eating out here was a great suggestion Tamara," Sarah commended. "It's so lovely and peaceful up here. It's hard to avoid the crowds in a large cruise ship like this!" "Yeah. You have to pay attention to the ship's schedule too. There were a lot of shows and events happening tonight so that means less people on the decks." They lounged on the deck for another hour or so, reliving the day's adventures, the busy lives they had left on pause before the vacation, and their plans that awaited them afterwards. He had no trouble joining in on the conversation - after all, no one there knew who he really was. They'd just assume he was referring to himself as a girl, working an office job in New York city. And the Compulsions added a layer of insurance to prevent him from making any unintentional slips of tongue. "I can't believe there's only a few days left in the cruise guys," Julie said. "It's going to suck going back to work." "I wish we can stay like this forever. The weather is wonderful and the people here are so generous!" Mia added. "I know, right? At least we'll have a photo to remember this day. Alex was so nice in printing out this photo for us, don't you think?" Sarah said, as they all nodded. On the photo, the group was walking down the boardwalk, arm in arm, set against the azure skies. They were all laughing, looking at one another." Meanwhile, he fished a second photo out of his purse. It was a picture of him, hands locked with Tamara's, as they looked intimately at each other. They were both in jovial laughter as they walked together, away from the camera. Alex's assistant had managed to capture the moment the two were lost in laughter. He had begged Alex to print it, just for them. He figured that even if he were not able to keep the pictures and memorabilia from this trip, at least he can give Tamara a keepsake. Tamara looked at the girl on her shoulder, smiling wistfully as she looked at the photo. The redhead turned to her, pushing the photo towards her, her eyes glistening in the moonlight. Tamara smiled back. No words were needed, and Tamara accepted the gift with a smile of her own as she snuggled closer to the redhead, smelling the sweet scent of her strawberry hair. It was silly for her to worry, Tamara realized. For now, things were quite alright.