Chapter 11

Plage de Sable Blanc, Southern Prance

Our journey to the resort had been a rather uneventful one. Well, except for one brief occasion. I must admit that I found it quite humorous when Macintosh seemed surprised that I did not react adversely to flying on an airplane. Given that I had lived most of my life in a jungle, I suppose it is not surprising at all that he would assume I had no idea what an airplane was.

If you had seen me when I first made my way to Equestria, it would have been quite a different story. While I knew what an airplane was, I had never ridden one until the day I we left for Southern Prance. In all honesty, I was terrified out of my wits!

Human beings were never meant to fly. And to claim that we could do so in what amounted to a giant metal tube, filled with flammable liquid was…insane to say the least. Much to my embarrassment, I nearly had a panic attack once the plane took to the air. But the worst part of it was the fact that I simultaneously soiled myself and the upholstery of the fine leather chair beneath me.

Fortunately, the jet was a private one, utilized by the Equestrian government to transport important officials wherever they were needed. The staff took my incident in stride and gave me fresh clothing, as well as some medication to ease my anxiety. It helped, but I still felt utterly mortified at what happened and promptly sent them a letter of apology as soon as I was able.

Thoughts of accidental urination were far from my mind now, though. As of the moment, I was content to soak in the sights and sounds of the beautiful resort we were going to stay at for an entire week. I only now realized why it was called “White Beach”.

The sands, like their namesake, were white as porcelain and practically shone like diamonds in the early morning sun. Since it bordered the Minoterranean Sea, the climate was warm and pleasant, the water a vibrant aquamarine hue. For a moment, I closed my eyes and allowed the refreshing breeze to caress my face. I had a feeling I was going to enjoy staying here.

Macintosh cleared his throat. “Uhh…ah hate ta interrupt, but shouldn’t we be checkin’ in?”

“Oh! I am terribly sorry, Macintosh. I am afraid that I got caught up in the moment. Let us proceed.”

“Don’t worry about it, darlin’. This is a real pretty place. Ah couldn’t help but take a gander myself. Anyway, let’s get goin’.”

I nodded my head in affirmation. There would be ample time later to relax and absorb our surroundings. For now though, it was imperative that we meet our check-in time properly. Otherwise, we might lose out on our reservations.

The resort’s main building was elegant, but much smaller in scale than I expected. The façade was coated in a layer of light blue plaster, reminiscent of the many plantations Equestria once owned in the tropics over two centuries ago. When we opened the mahogany doors, I was quite surprised to find that the staff were dressed in black and red uniforms. From the look on Macintosh’s face, he was too.

The front desk was not difficult to find, considering that it had a large sign in both Equestrian and Prench directly above it. A friendly looking hostess smiled and bade us to come closer.

“Good morning! Do the two of you have reservations?”

Macintosh put our tickets on the desk. “Mornin’. I’ve got ‘em right here.”

“Ah, it seems that you are both V.I.Ps. That means you shall be staying in one of our presidential suites. Fully catered meals and all of our deluxe room service options are included in the cost. Please enjoy them at your leisure.”

Macintosh rubbed his neck. “Thanks. Umm…ah have a question, if ya don’t mind.”

“Yes?”

“Not ta sound rude but ain’t this a…nudist resort? Ah was kind of expectin’ y’all ta be naked.”

The hostess chuckled. “I take it that this is your first visit here?”

“Eeyup.”

“This is indeed a clothing-free resort; however the staff are required to wear uniforms. It is a matter of professionalism, you see. Our guests, on the other hand, are allowed to be nude wherever they wish.”

Macintosh bit his lip. “Ah see. W-well, I reckon we’ll head on up ta our room then. Thanks fer the information.”

“Not a problem, sir. Please enjoy your stay.”

I found it a bit odd that we had not seen any other guests roaming about. It may very well have been because we had arrived so early in the morning and they simply were not awake yet. In any case, it had not dulled the sense of amazement we both felt when we opened the door to the suite.

It was lavish beyond description. Everything about the room oozed opulence and excess, from the soft velvet rugs to the king sized ebon wood bed. There was even a portrait of the famous Prench Emperor Neighpoleon atop his noble steed, upon the wall.

What truly set my heart aflutter was the pair of sliding glass doors that led out to a small patio. Needless to say, it gave us a wonderful view of the ocean. Perhaps later…I would take advantage of such a view and enjoy it whilst entwined in my lover’s arms. I may or may not have let out a girlish squeal. What? It was my vacation. I was entitled to some excitement. Surely, anyone would have done the same in my position.

Neither Macintosh nor I decided to pack much in the way of clothing. It only made sense, since we were going to be nude most of the time. However, I knew that he was not as comfortable as I was concerning casual nudity, so…I told him that he could wear a robe if he so desired.

Once I was done unpacking, I stripped off the t-shirt and shorts I had been wearing and kissed him on the cheek as a form of encouragement. Never will I admit this aloud, but it pained me to see the expression that crossed his face afterward.

It was a mixture of hesitation, embarrassment, and uncertainty. Right then and there, I thought that our vacation had already ended before it even had the chance to begin. I cannot say I was completely surprised, he had expressed discomfort with the idea before we left. But…I had to do something to make him feel better about all of this, to assure him that he had nothing to be ashamed of.

I went behind him and wrapped my arms around his shoulders. His muscles, as I feared, were incredibly tense. Clearly, he would require quite a bit of coaxing to relax and accept the situation for what it was. I…did not want to force it upon him, but I also wanted him to enjoy his stay here.

I nuzzled his neck. “What is wrong, Macintosh?”

“Ah think ya know.”

“Most likely, but it is better to voice your fears than allow others to assume.”

Macintosh sighed. “Eeyup. Like ah told ya before, this whole…goin’ around in the nude thing is a bit unnervin’ fer me. What if—what if people stare at me or ah…happen ta…pitch a tent?

“Pitch a tent? Pray tell, why would anyone find humor in that?”

Macintosh rolled his eyes. “Don’t ya know—oh right, ya wouldn’t. Pitchin’ a tent is a euphemism fer gettin’ an erection. I’m not sure if ah can control it…”

“Do not worry about that. I will not become upset over something that occurs naturally. However, I can understand why you would be embarrassed to be seen aroused. Should you happen to become erect, we can always go for a swim, cover it with a towel, or I could…take care of it for you.”

“You’d do that?! Zecora it ain’t—”

My face erupted into a fierce blush. “O-only in the direst of circumstances! I am not some perverse exhibitionist! Obviously, I would try to go somewhere secluded. It would be…too embarrassing otherwise.”

Suddenly, I felt Macintosh’s muscles begin to relax as he bellowed with laughter. Not the nervous kind, mind you. But the kind that can only occur when one experiences something truly humorous. I yelped in surprise when he abruptly turned around and pulled me into an embrace.

“You’re somethin’ else, Zecora. Ah guess I’ve got nothin’ ta worry about if you’re around. Sorry if ah worried ya. Like anythin’ in life, I’m sure it’ll just take some gettin’ used to on mah part.”

I poked his chest. “Do not make light of your worries, my love! We all struggle with different issues. I just wanted to make certain that you know I am here to help you no matter how big or small those struggles may be.”

“Alright, ah got ya. Just don’t expect me ta be comfortable with this whole nudism thing right off the bat. It ain’t somthin’ I’m accustomed ta doin’.”

I placed my hands upon his cheeks. “You have absolutely no reason to be ashamed of your own body. We are all born nude; it is society that makes us feel naked. Take a deep breath, disrobe, and remember that I shall be at your side.”

Macintosh did as I asked, albeit hesitantly. What seemed like an eternity later, he finally peeled off his briefs and stood before me in all of his natural glory. Granted, he still looked incredibly nervous and the uncertain blush upon his face only exacerbated the impression. But…I was proud of him nonetheless. As a reward, I gave him a quick kiss of encouragement.

“Let us begin our holiday.”

What a beautiful day it was to frolic about at the beach! Was that the correct term? I confess that the concept of swimming in the ocean and playing in the sand purely for the sake of leisure was a foreign one to me.

One might presume to ask: “Zecora, were you such a dull girl that you never had any leisure time?” My honest answer is: of course I did, but it was scarce and I was nowhere near the ocean, so going there was out of the question.

The more I thought about, the more the idea appealed to me. The sun was shining; the weather was warm, and the water crystal clear. It was about as ideal a day as nature could provide me with. All of this was made so much better with Macintosh around my arm! And I was wrong about not seeing other guests. They too seemed to have the same inclination as we did.

It was not crowded by any means, but there were a fair number of people ambling about. They were engaged in all sorts of activities. For example: a few of the guests spent their time conversing at a small café , while others took to playing a sport that involved throwing around a plastic disk called a “Frisbee”. I was about to suggest we go for a swim, until I spotted someone familiar.

By the spirits, I did not believe it was possible! Before us was none other than Fleur. To be exact, it was not only her but her husband as well. The two of them were lying on a towel, nestled up to one another. Fleur was busy stroking her husband’s hair while he read a book. They looked as if they had not a care in the world. I was happy for them.

I did not wish to interrupt what seemed like such a tender moment, but at the same time I felt it would be rude not to greet my newest friend. As luck would have it, I did not have to make a choice in the matter.

Fleur just happened to notice me when she turned her head. With speed I did not realize she possessed, the olive skinned woman jumped off her towel and gave me a quick kiss to both of my cheeks. I returned her kisses in kind and smiled.

“It is so good to see you, Zecora!”

“The feeling is mutual, my friend. Might I ask what you are doing here?”

Fleur twirled a lock of her hair. “Well, Fancy and I enjoy coming here for our annual vacation. That’s why I made the date on your tickets the same, so that we could enjoy each other’s company. I hope you don’t mind.”

“No, I do not mind at all. I was just surprised to see you.”

Fleur did happen to nod in response, but she seemed like she was occupied with something else. For a moment, I believed that she was lost in thought or perhaps she was just tired. However, I noticed that she had a predatory gaze about her eyes and she was fixing it directly at Macintosh.

Fleur grinned like a Cheshire cat. “So…this is the man I have heard so much about.”

Macintosh immediately began to blush from all the attention he was receiving. I am probably a bad person for thinking this, but it was rather adorable how he tried to keep his composure for my sake. I grasped his hand gently as a show of support and encouragement; for I could tell he desperately wanted to cover up his groin.

Macintosh forced himself to smile. “Mornin’ Madame Chancellor. Mah name’s Macintosh Apple. Pleased ta meet ya.”

“Please, call me Fleur. There is no need for such formalities in this place.”

“Ah don’t know. I’m not sure I’m comfortable callin’ ya by yer first name. It doesn’t feel right…”

Fleur chuckled. “Mr. Macintosh, it would be foolish of me to insist on titles when we, quite literally, are baring ourselves for all to see. Let us speak as friends and enjoy ourselves, non?”

“Ah reckon ah can do that.”

It was at that moment that Chancellor Fancy Pants decided to stop reading his book. I will admit that as he rose from his towel, I was quite surprised to see how muscular and handsome he was. Do not get the wrong impression! I was only making an observation. But…I probably stared at him longer than was strictly necessary. It was not as if I did not notice Fleur sizing up Macintosh too!

Fancy shook Macintosh’s hand. “Greetings, my good man. How would you like to join me in a rousing game of volleyball whilst the women have a chance to catch up?”

“I-I’d be honored, sir!”

“Like my wife said: you don’t have to be so formal. We’re simply two gents having a good time at the beach. If you are to join me, I feel as though I must issue you a warning first.”

“What…kind o’ warnin’?”

Fancy wrapped his arm around Macintosh’s shoulder. “I take it you’re new to the whole nudist experience, right?”

“Eeyup?”

“The volleyball games around here can get rather intense, you see. And they are most certainly not restricted by gender. My advice to you is: try your best not to become distracted by any ermm…female anatomy. I must admit that it can be difficult sometimes, considering that the vast majority of women here are quite nubile.”

Macintosh blushed. “A-ah hadn’t thought about that.”

“I highly doubt anything will happen, but I’m just trying to avoid any awkward situations that might occur. I dare say I had to learn that lesson the hard way when I first visited this place with Fleur. HA! Oh what a terrible pun that was. Forgive my crass humor, chap.”

Fleur rolled her eyes. “Oui, I remember that day. You just couldn’t stop staring at Sapphire’s ass, could you?”

“Her gloriously toned rump was right in front of me! How could I not admire its splendor?”

Fleur put her finger on her lips. “I will admit that she was quite attractive. I may have even stolen a glance for myself. But…I made sure that you had your fill of splendor after we got back to the room, non?”

“Indeed you did. And what an unforgettable afternoon that was! I could barely walk the next morning. That is why I love so much, my dear.”

Fleur kissed his neck. “And here I thought you married me for my personality.”

Macintosh and I looked at one another and I swear we shared the exact same thought. As much as I enjoyed spending time with Fleur, I could not help but feel we were witnessing something that should have been private.

When I saw her grab Fancy by the buttocks, I decided that it was time to steer the situation back to some semblance of decency. So, I coughed loudly to get their attention.

Fleur’s eyes widened. “Apologies, ma belle amie. Fancy and I get caught up in the moment sometimes. Come, let us grab some beach chairs and catch up while the men go about their game.”

Fleur decided to set up our chairs directly across from where the volleyball match was to occur. She claimed that it would give us some “eye candy” while we talked. Her husband had been correct. There was a surprisingly even mixture of men and women alike willing to play. And I also happened to notice that they were (by Equestrian standards) all quite attractive.

Something akin to apprehension stirred in my stomach. Poor Macintosh was bound to have issues with arousal if all of the women here looked as though they belonged upon the cover of one of Rarity’s fashion magazines. I suppose it was simply due to the fact that they all were wealthy and could afford the time to exercise and eat properly.

I cannot say I approved of the image they were projecting. The human body was a beautiful thing; no matter what form in came in. And these men and women only furthered the idea that one had to attain physical perfection to feel confident in one’s own skin.

Some would think me to be a hypocrite believing such a thing, considering that I was in excellent shape myself. I took care of my body because I only had one and it was important to keep healthy to remain happy. It was more than just physical appearance, though. It was a belief. A belief that one should be never ashamed to be who they truly were.

I sighed to myself. Such thoughts would only serve to cause me undue stress. I was supposed to be enjoying myself, not debating the stringent rules and expectations societies placed on their citizenry. So lost in thought was I that I had not heard Fleur calling out to me.

“Zecora, would you like something to drink?”

I blinked slowly. “Oh—umm—yes that sounds wonderful.”

“What would you like? I’m getting a Mai Tai. You look like a Sex on the Beach type of girl. Does that sound good to you?”

I blushed. “Excuse me?!! That is highly inappropriate! I mean, I have entertained the thought in my fantasies but I am uncertain if Macintosh would want to do that and—”

“Relax, Zecora. It’s merely the name of a drink. I wasn’t suggesting that you go have sex in the middle of the beach with Macintosh right now. But if that’s what you're into…I certainly wouldn’t judge.”

I crossed my arms. “What a ridiculous name for a beverage.”

“Oui. Some of these cocktails have odd, if interesting names. Are you still interested in ordering one?”

“I presume they contain alcohol?”

Fleur nodded. “They do.”

“I do not care for alcohol. Are there any regular beverages available?”

“I know what you might like. I’ll just order you a virgin Piña Colada.”

I scrunched my eyebrows. “Virgin? I assure that I have lost my maidenhood, despite my more traditional views on love-making.”

Fleur just sat there and gawked at me. And after a few seconds, she was howling with laughter to the point that I thought she might actually suffocate. The more she laughed the more awkward and embarrassed I began to feel. She ceased once she saw the mortified expression on my face and wiped away a few tears.

“I’m so very sorry! I keep forgetting that you are unfamiliar with some of our cultural terms. A virgin cocktail simply means that there is no alcohol contained within the drink.”

I felt my face heat up. “I forgive you. But please be more considerate in the future. I do not appreciate it when people jest about my cultural ignorance. It makes me feel like a fool.”

“You’re right, of course. That was quite rude of me. I promise that it won’t happen again. So what would you like to talk about?”

I rubbed my toes together. “I know that when we spoke before you told me to be patient with Macintosh. But I—I’m anxious to finally ask him to make me his wife. Is that too forward of me? Because I managed to create a wedding band for him.”

“Normally, I would say yes but I can tell how much the two of you love each other. Macintosh clearly wasn’t comfortable coming to a nudist resort but he did so anyway to make you happy. Although, you proposing to him might be a bit odd.”

“It is just so frustrating! All of these accursed cultural traditions make my head spin. Why can’t I just express my honest feelings? I beseech you Fleur, tell me what I should do! I am not certain my heart can take any more waiting…”

Fleur gently rubbed my shoulder. “If you love him that much, then I don’t think it will matter if you propose to him first.”

“Do you really think so?”

“I do. But allow me to tell you a story. More specifically, how Fancy and I met. I think it will help you to feel better about this whole situation.”

I rubbed my eyes. “O-ok.”

“When I was a young woman I lived not too far from here. It was in a town called Nesançon. A quaint little place which was nestled by the sea. At the time, I was working in a café to earn money so I could move away and see the world.

“Little did I know, but the world was about to see me instead. One day, a handsome looking stranger decided to come into the café. It was rather funny watching him try to order anything because he could barely read the menu. That is why I decided to help him.

“He was, of course, very charming and polite…but he barely knew how to speak or read Prench. I was fluent in Equestrian, so I helped him order his lunch. As it turned out, we struck up a conversation and I found that I quite enjoyed his company. By the time he finished his lunch, I asked him if he would like to join me for dinner the next day and to my surprise, he said yes.

“The next afternoon, once my shift was over, I decided to go for a swim. It was a hot day and I often went swimming to relax and wash off all the day’s sweat. You must understand that I never wear a bathing suit when I swim. Being nude is so much more comfortable!

“I journeyed to my favorite part of the cove and dove right into the refreshingly cool water. It was supposed to be a fairly secluded area of the beach, so I didn’t expect to see anyone else there. Much to my surprise, I ran into the man I had seen just the day before.

“It wasn’t as if he was trying to be voyeur or anything like that. He had simply gone fishing and happened to be where I was swimming. To be honest, I think he was more embarrassed at seeing me in the nude than I was. At that moment, I decided to be bold.

“I walked over to him with all the casualness I could muster and struck up a conversation. My word was he ever flustered! The charming man I met earlier was nowhere to be found. Since he didn’t seem intent on talking, I gave up and decided to kiss him instead.

“One thing led to another and we ended up making love in the grass above the cove. When we finally ate dinner that night, he offered to take me with him back to Equestria. I accepted and the rest is history. Only later did I find out that he was wealthy and famous.

“The point is: Fancy and I fell in love during some rather strange circumstances. Even if he had not been wealthy or famous I still would have stayed with him. And I will have you know that I too got fed up with waiting for him to propose to me. But he came through in the end.”

I smiled. “Your story sounds similar to how I fell for Macintosh. But I was not quite as bold as you were.”

“Give Macintosh some more time. If he doesn’t propose to you by midpoint of your vacation, then ask him yourself. I can’t imagine he’ll turn you down. You’re a kind and compassionate woman, Zecora. He’s a lucky man to have won your affection.”

I raised my drink. “You have given me much to reflect upon, my friend. I toast to your continued happiness with Fancy and my own with Macintosh.”

Author's Note

After much consideration, I decided to split this into three parts. It was originally going to be just one but I had too many ideas and character development going on so I transformed it into three.