Darien yawned as he opened his eyes the next morning. He glanced at the clock and saw that it was 10:00. 'Sheesh, I sure slept in a long time,' he thought. Then he got out of bed and grabbed some clothes and headed for the shower. 15 minutes later he was showered dressed and ready to go. He peeked into the bedroom where Serena was sleeping and saw her still curled up, fast asleep. He smiled down at her, reveling in her innocent beauty. Smiling her walked to the edge of the bed and sat down. He leaned over and gently kissed her forehead; gentle enough so she wouldn't wake up. The he pulled back and studied her face, so serene in her peaceful slumber. He stayed there for a long time before he finally pried himself off the bed to get some work done before his angel woke up.

Serena began to slowly wake up. She stretched out in bed like a cat and yawned, feeling peaceful and warm and comfy and…awake. 'Darn, she thought. 'It would have been nice to sleep some more.' Then she noticed the clock.

"Oh no!" she screamed, startling Darien. "It's already 12:30!" She bolted out of bed and into the bathroom, emerging scant minutes later with her hair up, face washed, teeth brushed etc. but still in her PJ's. Darien just shook his head in amusement and went back to the profiles her was just finishing. Finishing up with his conclusions he saved it and e-mailed it to his boss. 'Good, now that that's out of the way, I can enjoy the rest of the day,' he thought. Just then Serena appeared in a pair of white shorts that showed off her legs very well and a pink tank top.

"So what's next? Can we eat?" she grinned.

"Yeah we can then we can try out the local cuisine. We're docking right now at Nassau, in the Bahamas. We can go ashore for about 2 hours."

"Oh yeah! That is so cool. Let's go!" she enthused as she raced to grab her purse. Darien tucked his wallet into his pocket along with the key and he locked the door behind the enthusiastic blond who was already halfway down the hallway. She was so excited she didn't hear a small click from nearby and a door shut quickly.

***************************************

"Ooooh, Darien look at the cute little souvenirs! And all the fruit and the neat clothes!" Darien smiled to himself as he contentedly watched the blond bounce from one stall in the open-air market to another. He watched as she stopped to buy beaded bags in blue, green, red, pink, orange and purple.

"Let me guess, for your friends?" he asked coming up behind her.

"Yup, I'm taking the opportunity to by gifts for everyone when we dock and get to go to places. Ooooh look! That is perfect for Dad!" she squealed then her face fell as she thought of something, then lit up again when she looked at Darien with a sly smile on her face.

"Oh Darien! Could you do me an itsy bitsy little favor?" she sweet-talked him. "Could you go over to that booth selling the fancy Caribbean alcohol and buy a small bottle? My Dad likes having foreign alcohol around to sip after dinner sometimes and I want to get him some." Darien stared at the girl looking up at him pleadingly.

"You want WHAT!?" he asked shocked and bewildered.

"Alcohol for my Dad as a souvenir. Please Darien?" she begged stuffing some money into his hand and pushing him towards the booth. "I'd do it but they'd never sell it to me cause I'm too young." He let himself be shoved over to the booth and dimly remembered buying a bottle of rum. Then they went over to a jewelry stall and Serena oohed and ahhed over all the pretty designs and bought a bracelet for her Mom and one for Ms. Haruna. (AN: can we all say peace offering?^_~) A necklace caught Darien's eye and he knew it would be perfect for Serena. Silently he motioned to the stall keeper that he wanted to buy it for Serena with out her knowing. The whole deal was carried out while Serena had her back turned to look at some street performers. As soon as the necklace was safely in a box in his pocket he joined her to watch the performance and smiled as she took delight in the whole spectacle especially when the monkeys came around afterwards with little hats to take donations. She found them so cute she put the equivalent of $10 in the hat and the monkeys, showing great intelligence oohed at it and jumped up on Serena who had knelt down to pet them and played with her. She giggled all the way back to the ship, well until she found out that the monkeys had taken the contents of her pocket, where she had stuffed her change from the jewelry stall. Then she wasn't too enchanted with the monkeys anymore.

***************************************

After they got back to their room and Serena had stored her packages and Darien ha stuck his purchase under his pillow, they changed into swimsuits (and cover-ups) and went swimming in the gorgeous pool the ship featured. When they got there the first sight of the pool was breathtaking. (AN: believe me, I'm sitting here gawking at all the pictures in the brochure I'm working out of! Ye gods!) Then a small smile crept onto Darien's face as an idea formed in his mind. Serena slipped off her cover up as Darien mentally prepared himself for the view, but was still flabbergasted. Catching himself just in time he snuck up behind her, picked her up and before she could react tossed her into the pool. With a shriek she tumbled into the water and came up sputtering, looking a bit waterlogged but still sexy.

"Why you! What on earth was that for? What did I ever do to you?" she asked in a huff. Darien smirked and peeled off his shirt. Serena's breath caught; it was the first time she had seen him with his shirt off. 'My god, he's good looking and so buff too!' she thought dazedly. She was broken out of her thoughts by a playful yank on her ponytail.

"Earth to Meatball head," he teased. (AN: Tee hee! Get it?" EARTH to meatball head…yes, ok I'm corny I admit it!) She whirled around and pouted at him.

"So WHY did you throw me in the pool again huh? And don't pull my hair!" He just grinned and ruffled her hair. She shot him a look of ice then playfully shoved him underwater. "Pool tag! You're it!" she shouted gleefully when he surfaced and swam away as fast as she could. He shook his hair out of his eyes then swam after her, joining her little game without any fuss.

***********************************

They were sitting on their private verandah, enjoying the sun and relaxing after their swim, well as much relaxing as could be done with a physics textbook on one's lap. Serena gritted her teeth and tried to do the problem again for the seventh time.

"Auuughhhh! I can't take it anymore! This is EVIL!!! I can't do anymore! Physics is the most evil thing in the world!" she screamed, tossing the evil textbook to the floor and jumping on it. (AN: Physics is EVIL I tell ya!! EVIL!! Ya hear that! It should be abolished, shunned, KILLED!) Darien looked up surprised at the sudden breaking of the silence to see his angel jumping up and down on a physics textbook.

"Why won't it die!" she wailed. "It's so not fair! I can't kill it no matter how hard I bang it!"

"Wow slow down Meatball Head. Get off the book. You can't kill it; it's an inanimate object; it can not live. Do you need some help?" he said calmly. She looked up at him.

"Would you really help me with this stuff? It's so confusing and evil and everything," she sniffled.

"Sure," he agreed, putting away his laptop. They spent the next hour and a half doing the physics questions her insane teacher had assigned. (AN: DON'T get me started on the lack of sanity in MY physics teacher! Maybe it's the fact that he grew up using stray cats for target practice?{I am so not kidding!} Don't think Luna would like him much?^_~)

***************************************

At dinner they sat with another couple, looking to be in their mid 20's, who introduced themselves as Corrine and Ryan. Serena was thrilled to hear that they were getting married right there on the ship the next day and was reduced to tears when she heard their story.

"Well Ryan and I live in New York and we met while jogging in Central Park and we just clicked. Unfortunately our parents didn't approve of our match for religious reasons cause he was raised in the Baptist church while I'm atheist, as are my parents who are evolutionary scientists. So we decided to come on the cruise and elope without our parents there to spoil our special day," Corrine explained.

"Oh my god that's so sad your parents are trying to come between you two. Don't you have anyone with you to share your day?" Serena asked, sniffling. The couple looked at each other smiling sadly.

"No," was the soft reply.

"I have an idea," Serena exclaimed. "Why don't Darien and I come and be like witnesses or something so you guys won't feel so alone, if ya want company that is."

"You guys would do that for us?" Ryan asked amazed.

"We can't say no to such a generous offer," Corrine said warmly. "Although I want to ask if you'll take it a step further and be like our maid of honor and best man?" she asked after exchanging a look with her husband-to-be.

"Oh wow that is so cool, of course! You two deserve to have the best after all you've been through," Serena answered with Darien nodding in agreement. They continued to make plans throughout dinner.

************************************

"What do you think of this one?" Serena asked stepping out of the dressing room later that night. It was the 5^th dress she had tried on that evening and none of them were right. This one was off too. She sighed and went back in the dressing room and peeled off the long navy dress and put it back on the hanger. 'One more dress to go' she thought slipping the peacock blue dress off it's hanger. She slipped it on and did up the zipper then looked in the mirror. She smiled, this one worked. She stepped out of the dressing room again.

"What about this one?" They all turned to look at her and smiled.

"That's perfect and it will go with my wedding dress perfectly," Corrine enthused from her spot underneath Ryan's arm. Darien stepped forward.

"It looks gorgeous on you Serena. It brings out your eyes beautifully." She blushed and headed back into the dressing room to change. Darien insisted on buying this dress too. The rest of the evening was spent preparing for the wedding in Serena and Darien's suite, so they would be ready for the next evening.

*************************************

The next morning Darien woke up at 7:30 and quickly woke Serena. She yawned and grumbled about the early hour but quickly dressed also, ready to greet the new day. They walked down to breakfast and were greeted by Corrine and Ryan again. They had breakfast together and made plans for the day.

"Well seeing as everything is arranged lets have some fun today!" Corrine enthused. "Let's sign up for parasailing!"

"That's a great idea," Darien agreed. 'This will be great, parasailing with Serena.' His mind filled with images of him holding Serena tight as they floated over the ocean; taking in the breathtaking scenery as well as each other's eyes…but he was interrupted by Serena.

"Sounds like a fun thing to do, but what is parasailing?" She was shown the brochure and it looked exciting to her. "Ok, this looks wicked cool!" They guys went off to go sign up while Corrine pulled Serena down at a table in the lido for a girl chat.

"So how long have you been seeing Darien? And what is your age difference anyway if you don't mind me asking?" she asked. Serena grew visibly uncomfortable.

"We aren't dating and he's seven years older than me. He won a date with me at a charity auction for the hospital I volunteer at and then we won the cruise, which was the main prize at the auction."

"So the first time you met him was at the auction!?" Corrine gasped, shocked.

"Oh no! We knew each other from before; in fact we were everyday enemies. We would regularly crash into each other on the street and he would tease me everyday at the arcade by my house."

"But you get along fine now from what I've seen," she said, confused.

"Well we've sort of come to a bit of a truce and it's easier to get along with him when he doesn't constantly tease me," Serena clarified.

"Well sheesh I was sure you two were a couple, but why did he bid for you if you guys didn't like each other?" Serena blushed furiously.

"Well it was anonymous. I was a 'mystery date' as were all my friends. A little blurb on each person was read and based on that the people bid for a date."

"So how much did you go for?" Serena turned redder.

"$1500," she whispered.

"Wow those are huge stakes. Who got the highest bid?"

"Umm…me."

"Wow! That is so cool. Sounds to me that Darien likes your personality. So who was the next person after you and how much?" Corrine leaned forward, interested.

"Umm…my teacher Miss Haruna…umm she got $500." Serena whispered and trailed off as Corrine's eyes widened. 'Oh my,' she thought. 'I believe there's more here than meets the eye. I'll have to talk to Ryan about this one.'

Darien and Ryan walked over to the table and sat down. Ryan wrapped his arm around Corrine's shoulders.

"All signed up love," he said flashing her a charming smile and a quick kiss. Serena smiled, she could almost see the romantic waves radiating from the two. Darien looked over at Serena and noticed her glazed over eyes and dreamy expression. He suppressed a chuckle as he moved slightly closer to her. The other couple broke apart and they made plans to meet at the place where they would meet the instructor in half an hour. Then they went back to the rooms to change.

***********************************

"So what exactly do we wear for this?" Serena asked.

"A swimsuit with some shorts over top should be good," Darien called from the bathroom then opened the door to reveal him in his swim trunks and a tight T-shirt. Serena walked into the bathroom and felt her navy swimsuit she had been wearing in the pool the other day. It was still wet.

"Oh no! My navy suit is still wet!"

"Then wear the other one we bought," Darien called. "That's why we bought it." Serena grabbed the bikini and donned it as well as some shorts looking skeptically at her reflection. 'Why did I ever agree to get this suit?' she thought.

"Come on Serena, We're gonna be late if we don't leave now. Serena slipped a coat over her suit and stepped out.

"Lets go."

*************************************

"Ready to go?" Corrine asked the couple as they jogged up to the meeting place. There were 3 other couples there and everyone looked very excited.

"You bet," Serena enthused. The staff in charge of the activity walked up just then and started going over the basics of parasailing.

Half an hour later they were getting ready to go out on the boats. Serena climbed into the boat and donned a life jacket, Darien behind her. The boat pulled away from the ship and a few minutes later the driver, identified as Carlos, stopped the boat. He pulled two bags out of a hatch and took the parasail out of one of the bags. Unfurling it, he motioned for Darien to step into the harness. Quickly he did up all the safety harnesses, then turned to Serena who was expecting a parasail of her own.

"And you miss, could you stand in front of him so I can do up your harness?" Serena took on a shocked expression.

"But I thought there was only one person to a parasail. That's what it showed in the brochure," she said, confused.

"No Miss this is couples parasailing," Carlos said, confused at her reaction. She just sort of stared at Darien, the harness and Carlos in shock, before sighing resignedly, peeling off the coat, redoing up her life jacket and stepping to the appointed spot. Carlos smiled and started doing up her buckles, but couldn't do up many because Serena was standing six inches away from Darien.

"Miss you need to move back so I can get the harnesses done up. It's designed for you two to be closer together," Carlos said, masking his impatience. 'What is with this girl?' he thought. 'Here she is on a romantic cruise, doing couple's parasailing and she's standing so far away from a guy that probably every lady on the ship would swoon over!' (AN: heh heh *drool*:L) Serena flushed bright red and moved back so that she felt Darien's flat muscular stomach, albeit through his shirt, against her back. She gulped as she was tied securely in place in that position. Carlos took the rope out of the other bag and securely clamped it onto the harness in two places. The he attached the other end to the pole on the ship.

Before Serena could react they were lifting up into the air.* Then it hit her. They were going up into the air with only a rope to keep them safe being pulled at high speeds with Darien right behind her, her back touching his chest. She freaked. 'Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god! We're high up, being pulled at high speeds and I'm wearing a FRIKKEN STRAPLESS BIKINI!! What if it falls off!?' Just then Darien put his arms around her and whispered in her ear.

"Don't worry Serena, just relax and enjoy the view. We'll hit the top of the slack in the cord in a few seconds. Then the wind will not be so powerful and we can see the view." As he finished they reached the top, as predicted and Serena managed to relax…a bit. Nothing could stop the fact that while they were up there she was for all purposes tied to Darien and wearing a bikini top. Needless to say she was feeling quite uncomfortable as images of back in Tokyo on their date flooded into her mind, which still frightened and confused her. She shivered.

"Are you cold?" a concerned voice asked in her ear as arms tightened around her stomach. She shook her head, actually she was very warm now, and it confused the heck out of her. 'What is going on?' she wondered as she tried to ignore the odd feeling she had. She looked down at the sea below to ward of the mysterious feelings.

"Look Darien!" she said pointing down towards the ocean. "You can see all the corral through the water! Isn't it pretty?" Darien was otherwise occupied with the beauty in his arms however and was quite willing to state it.

"You're more beautiful than that hunk of corral will ever be," he whispered and her head came around in shock to see the odd look in his eyes again. As if by magic, destiny, or whatever you want to call it, willed it, their lips started to move together. They were just about touching when a gust of wind came up, blowing the sail around, causing them to knock heads instead. The moment broken, the looked down and blushed then occupied themselves with looking at the view the rest of the time, although glancing at each other while the other wasn't looking and wondering what would have happened had the wind not come up just then.

When they were brought down, Serena hurriedly got out of the harness, but for some reason she couldn't understand was regretting it. Darien on the other hand was prepared to make another opportunity for them and soon. He needed his beautiful meatball head to know how he felt before they got back to Tokyo, because something told him that his chances would end when they got home.

***********************************

Serena finished lacing the flowers around her buns before she stepped out of the bathroom. Darien was fussing with his tie and she stepped forward and deftly tied it for him.

"Thanks," he said. "Where'd you learn to do that?" Serena looked confused for a moment.

"I don't know. I've never done that before, nor learned how. Maybe it's women's intuition, cause it's always the wives that tie their husbands ties." Darien looked down surprised and Serena started to blush when she realized what she had just said.

"Umm…we'd better get going," she said hurriedly to hide her embarrassment. "We don't want to be late to the chapel. He nodded and they left the room, and hurried to the wedding.

*************************************

Darien walked up to Ryan, who was standing at the bar of the little lounge next to the chapel.

"So you ready?"

"Yeah," Ryan said with a blissful smile on his face. "I've waited for this day for a long time. Where's Serena?"

"She's gone to your room to see if Corrine needs any help with anything. I've heard that wedding dresses can be difficult to get into. How long ago did you leave her to get dressed?"

"About an hour ago and she already had her hair up cause she went to the spa after we finished parasailing."

"Well if it's just the dress and veil then they should be here soon. Let's head to the chapel." They walked into the chapel and nodded to the priest who smiled at them and inquired upon the bride's estimated arrival. Just then an employee came in and informed them that the ladies would be there in a few minutes, then went over to the piano, took out her music and sat down, twisting so she could see the doorway. A minute or so later Serena came toward the chapel, stopping just outside, with a slightly befuddled captain in tow. She began talking quietly and rapidly. Slowly understanding dawned on his face and he nodded and smiled. Then the bride walked up to them and after a quick exchange of words, she took the captain's offered arm with a smile.

Quickly spinning around to face the piano, the woman started the wedding march. Serena walked in slowly, carrying a bouquet of white and red roses. Darien's breath caught in his throat and he couldn't stop staring as she glided up the aisle. 'Oh my God, I thought she looked gorgeous in the room, now she's like a goddess from the cosmos!' He stared as she took her place on the other side of the altar. He was so taken in with staring at her that he nearly missed Corrine's entrance, but when he did look he was surprised. 'How'd the captain get roped into being "father of the bride"?' he wondered. Then he glanced over at Serena, who stood there impassively with a dreamy look on her face. He shrugged and tried to turn his attention back to the bride. Ryan stepped out of his place to take Corrine's arm, who smiled thanks at the captain who moved to take a seat, before she turned a dazzling smile on her bridegroom. Darien smiled at the couple before his gaze drifted back to the goddess in blue standing on the other side of the bride with a dreamy 'ooh I'm reveling in the romantic waves' expression on her lovely face. And Darien continued to stare. He nearly missed his cue for the rings as he was still looking at the girl who was unknowingly shutting down his brain. He fumbled in his jacket for the rings and gave them to Ryan with a shaky smile. 'I have GOT to pay attention to the ceremony and not to that bewitching Meatball head over there,' he thought, but it was already a lost cause. He just couldn't keep his eyes away from her, but he did manage to pay attention to the ceremony at the same time, much to his relief. Too soon the ceremony was concluded with the bridesmaid's favorite line, and action, of the ceremony.

"I know pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride." Ryan lifted the veil and gathered his wife in his arms and met her in a tender kiss, which made the bridesmaid sigh, overwhelmed with the romance of it all, as visions of her wedding danced through her head. Watching all her best friends go before her then walking up the aisle and looking up to see a tall dark handsome man in a tuxedo. She met her husband-to-be's gaze and drowned in the azure gaze of…DARIEN?!!?!?! She came back into the real world with a startled yelp to find Darien and the happy couple now signing the registrar looking at her, concerned. She blushed and mumbled "It's nothing." As she walked around to sign the paper also. Darien watched as she leaned over to sign the registrar, a blush still tinting her cheeks. Then he went over to sign next and purposely brushed up against her lightly, to get her attention. An electric shock spread between them and she jumped.

"Are you sure you're all right?" he asked. "You seem to be jumpy."

"I'm fine," she said and left him to sign. Just then the captain stood up.

"Best wishes to both of you," he said. "And please remember that the ball is tonight. You may want to use it as your reception so to speak. I hope to see you all there." Then he bowed and left.

Serena looked at the couple. "Why not?" she suggested. The newlyweds looked at each other and shrugged.

"Sure, might as well," they chorused. Serena smiled.

"Well lets go get ready!" and she dragged Darien up the aisle and back to their room.

**********************************

Serena waved to Corrine, who was changed into a different dress. They sat down at a table and poured themselves some wine, even Serena. The newlyweds got up to dance as soon as the string quartet began the first song. Darien looked over at Serena and offered his hand.

"May I have this dance princess?" he asked the blushing blond. She nodded shyly and accepted his hand as he swung her out onto the dance floor next to Corrine and Ryan. He placed his hand on her slender waist and grasped her hand with his free one and she nervously put her hand on his shoulder. 'Gods, why couldn't I have had time to do dancing at the embassy ball?' she thought frantically. 'I don't know how to dance!' By Darien was a good partner and guided her aptly as well as an odd feeling filled her and supported her as well as giving her a feeling of déjà vu. She shrugged internally and thanked the gods for whatever this thing was that was keeping her up and dancing. The song ended much quicker than Darien would have liked. The captain came up and took the microphone.

"Welcome aboard the MS. Volendam. We hope you are enjoying your trip so far and will continue enjoying it. We encourage you to ask out staff if you have any problems or wish something and we will try our utmost to accommodate you. Also today I had the privilege in participating in a marriage ceremony in our shipboard chapel. May I extend congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Ryan and Corrine Sheffield." A light fell on the couple who looked faintly embarrassed as a smattering of applause ran through the ballroom and people came forward to express congratulations. Then the music started up again and Darien claimed Serena for another dance. Both had thoughts whirring though their heads; Darien's sort of a blurry 'Wow, beauty…my arms holding…petite…goddess from cosmos…so utterly beautiful…so innocent…wow,' while Serena was more coherent. 'My god, what's happening to me? I feel so strange and light inside, oh this man is so confusing! He's not supposed to be dancing with me. The truce thing doesn't cover dancing together! He's got no right to hold me close like this and make me feel so funny…WAIT!! BACK UP GIRL! DARIEN isn't doing this to you. Ha ha, no he's not this is delayed shock or whatever they call it from parasailing today. That's all this is…' And they continued dancing for 4 more songs as Darien went even more gaga and Serena tried to figure out her emotions. Finally, much to Serena's relief they sat down for a drink. Corrine and Ryan joined them and immediately conversation was struck up about a remark that they overheard and Darien got sucked into the conversation. Serena however couldn't understand what they were talking about. She stood up to go get a refill of water and was asked to dance by a guy who looked to be in his mid twenties. She decided, why not, and accepted. The man, who introduced himself as Colin Adair, was a good dancer.

"I'm from a modeling agency in Toronto called Kenrick International. Perhaps you've heard of us?"

"Do you mean THE Kenrick International who has models like Jeanne Marona and Yvette O'Keefe?"

"Yes. Anyway, it's my job to scout out future models. Although you do not meet normal height restrictions, you are uncommonly beautiful. I'd really like to see you on the runways. Can we talk business…" Serena stared in shock at the man who was telling her about the wonderful opportunities she would get from modeling with them.

***********************************

Darien looked up to see Serena dancing with a man about 25-27, who was talking animatedly to her. Jealousy flared up in him as he wondered what on earth they were talking about. He began to weave through the dancing couples to see them better…and hear what they were saying.

***********************************

"I must admit that I have already sent a picture of you back to Toronto, over the Internet and they have given enthusiastic comments on getting you to join our agency."

"How did you get a picture of me?" Serena asked. This was the first chance she had gotten to speak since she had verified her knowledge of the agency.

"Oh I took one when you were on your way to catch a boat going ashore at Nassau." Darien clenched his fist. 'Who is this guy and why has he been taking pictures of Serena? And what's this agency he's talking about? OH NO! He'd better not be some slimeball from the sex trade.'

"I'm sorry Mr. Adair. I'm going back to Tokyo when the cruise is over…"

"But you don't have to STAY in Tokyo. We could fly you out to Toronto one you had loose ends tied up in Tokyo…" Serena held up her hand.

"Please, let me finish. More importantly, I'm not nearly old enough. I'm only 14, besides I have important responsibilities in Tokyo that I can not leave. And that my family, friends and my life is in Tokyo. I could never move to Toronto, I'm sorry. I'm really flattered, but I couldn't possibly."

"Serena, what's going on here?" Darien asked, still confused, but walking up behind her and giving Mr. Adair the evil eye.

"I was offering Miss Serena here a career in modeling," Colin said.

"But she's only 14!" Darien said. "Besides, her Dad is so protective he wouldn't let her move across the street let alone on the other side of the world!" Colin sighed.

"Please reconsider, Miss Serena. Here's my card. Please give me a call. Please." He begged then walked out of the dining room to send the bad news back to Toronto. Darien took Serena in his arms and began to dance. They danced in silence for the next three dances, before Darien broke the silence.

"What exactly did he say to you Serena? I was so worried."

"Why were you worried? It's just modeling."

"Serena, you're such an innocent. There's lots of big bad men out there who live off pretty, young and innocent girls like you," he murmured and sighed. She looked up in confusion then slowly understanding dawned in her eyes.

"My God, do you think that's what he wanted me to do?" she asked, horrified. He pulled her closer, but she didn't seem to notice.

"I don't know, but I wouldn't put it past him. If you want to know we can check out the agency he's from. Let's do it now," he said comfortingly.

"Thank you. I'm not going to be able to sleep if this doesn't get cleared up." They walked out of the ballroom and back to the suite and logged onto the Internet. They looked up Kenrick International and were taken to the web page, got the number, and used Darien's cell phone, hoping to leave a message. The phone rang twice and to their surprise instead of a recording, someone picked up.

"Hello, Kenrick International modeling agency. How can I help you?" came the feminine voice across the line.

"Yes, my name is Darien Shields. Today my girlfriend was offered a contract from a man named Colin Adair claming to be a scout from your agency. We are aboard the MS. Volendam, as is he. We would like to check out his authenticity."

"Oh yes Mr. Shields. Mr. Adair is indeed part of our staff and we are listed in the better business bureau if you want to look us up. Is your girlfriend the petite blond he sent a picture of?"

"Yes."

"Oh, wow. You are a very lucky man. I wish I looked half as pretty. I take it she is thinking of accepting our offer?"

"Maybe when she's older. She hasn't yet reached the age of majority. Thank you for your help."

"Yes sir, enjoy your holiday," the woman said sounding depressed.

"Goodbye," Darien said and hung up. "Well he was authentic and they are very sad about loosing you. I don't blame them one bit." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and watched her blush. "Why don't we get back to the ball? But this time maybe you should only dance with men you know," he teased.

"But that only leaves you, Ryan and the captain if he hasn't already left. AND if I can find him to dance with him," Serena pouted. Darien smirked a very private smirk. 'Yup that's the plan cause if the newlyweds haven't ducked out of the party to have their own private party by now, they will soon. And the captain's already left.' He smirked another very private smirk. They arrived back at the ballroom and Serena looked to their table, which was empty and started scanning the floor for their friends. She couldn't find any sign of them and so she ended up dancing with Darien again for the next 5 songs as they slowly covered the whole ballroom, to no avail. By this time it was nearly half past 10, and Serena, tired from the day, suggested they go back to the room to relax. Darien agreed, now at the point to do anything to fulfill any of Serena's whims. (AN: Looks like the government cheese is working perfectly, ne Orbitz-chan? Heh Heh. How are you liking your copy?) So they headed back to the suite again, Serena getting the shower first.

***************************************

She emerged from the bathroom, swathed in a towel.

"I'm done," she called. "The bathroom's all yours Darien." Then she disappeared behind the curtain and pulled on her boxers and tank top. Then she wandered out again to hear the shower starting. She wandered over to the bar and opened the little fridge and regarded all the little bottles. 'Hmmm…it's alcohol. I wonder what the big deal is anyway…' Grinning she pulled out a bunch of the bottles. She grabbed a glass and poured something called a liqueur into the glass and chugged it like one would water. She blinked. It was sweet. She smiled and poured the rest in and drank that. She picked up the next bottle, which was also liqueur and poured that into the glass. This one was also sweet. Serena was starting to feel lightheaded and happy. She giggled and picked up another bottle. She poured it into the glass and gulped it, expecting it to be sweet like the others. It wasn't. It burned all the way down her throat and she coughed. No more of that one, she decided. Her throat was still burning so she mindlessly grabbed the vodka and poured some in the glass to try and get rid of the brandy's aftertaste. Bad move, she thought hazily. She coughed and put the glass down on the counter and pushed off of it from her leaning position. She stumbled around the room and looked at the funny blurry place she was at, all the time giggling drunkenly. Just then Darien decided to step out of the bathroom. Needless to say, he was shocked at the sight of his angel wandering around the room, giggling quite drunkenly. He was also shocked at the bottles littering the counter. He quickly walked over to the drunken blond and guided her over to the counter. He picked up one of the glasses and took a sip. It was brandy. He quickly tested the other, finding it to be the vodka. He also noticed all the empty bottles.

"Serena, how much did you drink?" he demanded. She giggled and began to sing.

"Little bunny Foo-Foo running through the forest, picking up the field mice and bopping them on the head." She bopped her own head to demonstrate. She giggled and started a new song. "I'm a little teapot, short and stout. Here is my handle and here is my spout." She did the actions too, turning slowly in the middle of the room. "Help me, help me, the rabbit said," she sung, switching songs. "Before the hunter shoot me dead. Come little rabbit stay with me, happy we will be." She giggled and stumbled over to Darien. "Come swimming with me!" she begged.

"No Serena, you have to go to bed and wear off all that alcohol." She pouted.

"Fine, I'll just go myself!" she giggled and ran out the door singing again.

"No Serena!" he yelled but the only answer was her song coming from down the hallway.

"…when it moved, and bop when it stopped, and whir when it stood still. I never knew just what it was and I guess I never will." He chased her down the hall all the way to the pool.

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"Serena?" Darien called as he wandered around the deserted pool's edge. She had disappeared around the corner that led onto the pool deck. Suddenly from behind one of the statues Serena jumped and smashed into Darien sending them both flying into the pool. A sputtering Darien came up for air to find himself being splashed, by and equally wet blond.

"Darien you decided to come swimming with me after all!" He groaned and tried to catch the elusive girl, to no avail. She kept splashing and giggling and singing.

"I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts…I love the monkey's uncle, and the monkey's uncle's ape for me…poor little bug on the wall…Grandma got run over by a Reindeer…I'd live in a jungle gym, in order to be with him, I love the monkey's uncle and I wanna be the monkey's aunt!" Finally he spotted her to his side and took a deep breath, dove under water, swam towards her and pulled her legs out from under her. He surfaced with a wet, sputtering and still drunkenly giggling girl. He tossed her over his shoulder and waded out of the pool, listening impassively to her cries to be put down and that she wanted to swim some more. (AN: Heh heh, anyone seen Armatage III) He carried her over his shoulder back to the room.

****************************************

She pouted at him after he put her down, closed and locked the door.

"You are going to bed young lady," he said sternly.

"You're not my Daddy," she said and stuck out her tongue. He fixed her with a glare and she sighed, defeated.

"Change into some dry PJs," he ordered and she compliantly began to lift her shirt. Darien lunged forward and shoved her hands down. "I didn't mean here in the room."

"But WHY? What's wrong with not wearing a shirt? You're not wearing one," she whined. He pulled her over to her dresser and grabbed a pair of PJs from the drawer, shoved them in her hands and pushed her into the bathroom and closed the door. Then he turned and walked over to his dresser. The bathroom door opened again and a few seconds later Serena's wet clothes thwacked against the back of his head and the PJs hit the wall. 'Wait, if these are here and there's no towels in the bathroom, what's Serena wearing?' Darien thought and came up with nothing. He covered his eyes quickly as he heard Serena start to whine.

"I don't want those PJs Darien! I want my teddy bear PJs!" He heard her march across the floor, open her dresser and then slam I again and march back to the bathroom, slamming the door. She emerged a few minutes later, in her PJs, although only 2 buttons were done up on the top. She had managed to get the essential button done up properly but the other was mismatched. She marched over to him.

"There's no bathroom in the towels," she complained. Darien sighed and began doing up her buttons when she made no move to do it on her own. When he had finished she giggled and began to sing again.

"Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree, merry, merry long of the bush is he…hey diddle diddle the cat and the fiddle, the cow jumped over the moooooo…" THUNK. Serena lay on the ground asleep, the alcohol finally taken its toll. Darien sighed again, picked up the sleeping blond and carried her to her bed and tucked her in. Leaning over, he kissed the tip of her nose.

"Goodnight angel. Sleep well cause you're gonna have one hell of a hangover tomorrow." Then he went to his own bed to get to sleep and think out what had happened since she had gotten drunk. 'It really wouldn't have made much of a difference if she had taken her shirt off or not,' he reflected. 'The moment it got wet I could see right through it.' Then he rolled over and went to sleep.

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I'm evil ain't I? Oooh, I had soooooo much fun writing that drunk scene…anyway, I'm so sorry this didn't make the update on the 27^th. My stupid Internet was down for the last week and a half. Sob. Well and I've already started writing the middle part of the next part too. I'm on a roll. Oh yeah, I starred the part about parasailing cause I really don't know a thing about it. I've already made some changes to it after consulting with a friend, but it's still off. I don't really care though cause it is my story. And to the author of the new millenium cruise (or something like that) story, could you please e-mail me ([email protected]) cause I want to talk to you about avoiding conflicting plotlines. (Heh heh, maybe you can write in the 'sexual content' someone asked me to write…Sorry Z, this 15 year old hopeless romantic is to firmly embedded in her reality to be able to write something like that.)

Anyway people, I must go write a history essay (Blarg) but e-mail me and go to my site cause it's always the first to be updated.

http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Spa/4523/

And next update you get a treat, cause I'll tell you all about Touch of Class at my school, this Thursday. But check out my site for a cute little mini story featuring me and my friend Trinity, describing our day at the mall. Umm, I'll warn you all now though, lots of underwear humor.