th[a]nks for the memories

even though [it's free real estate]

( Crashing waves and chattering gulls are a far cry from Penacony's Golden Hour, which is far more accustomed to the sounds of partying guests and puking, overstimulated locals. When he wakes, Gallagher thinks he's in a dream. Ironic, that. He knows what beaches are meant to be, but to arrive at one himself... Well, he'll be damned. He supposes there are still things in this world that can surprise him.

More surprising is his attire, or lack thereof. He rolls off his cot to find that his snug, well-tailored mixologist get-up has been replaced with an easy, breezy, beautiful robe. It's loose, but overly so. One stray gust could give his poor housemates an eyeful. And never mind the kicking — how is he supposed to kick the hell out of someone wearing this thing? He feels like a woman from an old Clockie film, someone ready to stand over a subway grate and let the wind have its way with him.

No one should be subjected to a sight like that.

At some point, he figures he'll get a chance at some real clothing once he gets outside and gets a look at his surroundings. It's gorgeous, don't get him wrong. The cloudless sky and rolling ocean is almost otherworldly to him... But he still needs pants. )

Hey, buddy. ( That's you. You're his buddy now — whether you're a housemate, a roaming guest, or a long-time resident. ) I don't suppose you know where a guy could get a decent outfit around here, do you?

my eyesight is going [b]ad

and this [party never stops]

( i.

Not to compare apples to oranges here, but this sunset sure beats the hell out of the Golden Hour's perpetual twilight. Imagine having a sun that moves, that actually indicates time. That's the appeal of Penacony — endless, timeless fun — but it's still neat to see all the colors of an ending day without hoping worlds in order to see it happen.

He could sit here and watch until the sky goes black, capture it in a memory bubble to have it at his side forever... Or he could just enjoy it as it is and then move on with his life, as he's wont to do.

Plus, the bar has drinks. He can't get himself a drink if he's staring up at the sky.

Still... If you'll allow him one more minute of wistful sighing and sungazing in your presence, he'd be eternally grateful.

ii.

When it comes time, he asks for Mango Star because he can imagine which notes he'd likely find within it. Something sweet, something melancholy, maybe something that reminds him of a distant, far home... Nope! It seems like drinks are done differently outside Penacony. It tastes good, but that's all it has going for it. No rush of memories, or deep, overwhelming emotions that push him to the brink of vulnerability. That's probably a good thing, considering, but he can't help but feel let down by the experience.

That is, until he catches a glimpse of someone familiar in his periphery, and he splashes towards them before the smart, logical side of his dogged mind can tell him otherwise. )

Old man? What the hell are you doing here?

( Convenient if you are indeed an old man. Otherwise, there's probably no reason for Gallagher to be approaching you like this, and with such conviction, too! Down, boy. )

get you out of those [c]lothes

one more night, one more [game of beaches]

( He gets the notification on his Watch and, well, that certainly is a challenge. Strangely specific, incredibly harsh, but a challenge nonetheless. It doesn't appear as if not participating is an option, either. He doesn't have much interest in becoming the 'king of the beach,' whatever that means, but losing also doesn't sound all that great.

He sighs. )

What kind of place is this? Even the sweet dream had a bit of decorum to it...

( As in, people back home at least gave the patina of class when they weren't being trashy on main, which was often.

Well, no way through but forward. He clears his throat. )

At the risk of sounding like a lecherous old man, ( which he clearly feels he's in danger of, ) how'd you feel about modeling for me? Nude. Per this Watch assignment.

( Were it not for the Watch, he would never! )