Okay, I've been tapping away at this for some time and I think I have a few story twists in mind that will keep me interested. This is a Darien/Serena fic all the way. Throw in a few other love interests for jealousy and drama and I have a winer. Let me know! REVIEW!

Fresh out of college Serena and the girls decide that a singles cruise is just the way to start out their new lives. Considering a job in London Serena's looking for a reason to stay in her home town and hopes that maybe, she'll meet someone on the cruise worthy of her time. Little does she know she's about to find him. D/S

The Happenstance Vacation

1

Bon Voyage

Sitting in our favorite booth at the arcade I smile at my friends who are pouring over the details of our group vacation. One week; one week and we'll be on a giant cruise-liner going to Europe and the Mediterranean. It's so very exciting I can hardly contain myself. The best part? It's a singles cruise! Oh yeah, look out gorgeous hunks of the world Serena Tsukino is on her way!

I can't wait, I'm young, blonde, fresh out of college, and going on a singles cruise to meet eligible bachelors. Surely someone's going to take an interest in me. I've heard from far too many lusty men that I'm a knock out. Are you ready for the description? Okay, I'm a towering, lofty, impressive five foot three… so, okay, I'm not so tall. All of my friends seem to be taller than me which sucks, but that's okay because good things come in small packages. As I mentioned before I'm blonde, it's a golden blonde which accents my sparkling cerulean blue eyes. I wear my hair in an odd fashion I guess, two buns and pigtails which won me the nickname meatball head. I have a heart-shaped face and a rocking body. That's right! You heard it here first! Serena Tsukino is happy with her body. I have a flat, toned tummy, a nice and round bubble butt, you know the one all the girls want? Attached to that are my shapely legs that look longer than they are, and finally, my C cupped chest. I have no idea how I managed to pull those two nice assets out of the gene bag but I did. What can I say?

"What are you doing Meatball head? Earth to Serena!" My friend snapped at me, her lavender eyes fixing on mine. "Can you pause the inner dialogue for just one moment so we can finalize our room plans?" She pushed a few locks of her raven hair out of her face. Though I'm happy with myself I've always been a little jealous of Raye. She's model material for sure. She's five seven and is just a knock out woman.

"I have to agree Serena. I think it's important that we figure this out there's five of us and three rooms. Who's rooming with whom and who's getting their own room?" Amy, ah, sweet little Amy. The woman's an absolute genius! She already has her MD, and at twenty two it's pretty impressive. I only know of one other person who managed that feat. Anywho, Amy has blue hair, a little bizarre but it grows on you, besides, it matches her dark blue eyes. She came from England a few years back and has a soft voice with the English accent. Out of all of us Amy is by far the most timid.

"Are you kidding me? Ames, Mina's getting her own room. Pure and simple!" Lita cried, her green eyes begging for agreement. "I don't want to be subjected to her beauty sleep rituals." We all groan in unison as Mina sits a little taller in her seat. Lita is a tall Amazonian looking woman. Her long brown hair is always pulled up and more than a few men have accused her of being a lesbian because of her rough nature.

Mina on the other hand looks a lot like me, she's taller and looks a little ore lanky than I do but she's beautiful nonetheless. She wears her hair half up and half down. She ties the up part with a big red bow. "Sounds good to me! Besides, I don't want you all to interrupt any visits I may have from male friends." She winked and leaned back in her seat. "I wonder how many will want me?"

"Before your make-up or after?" Raye smirked as Mina turned a brilliant red as she scrunched up her face. "Anyways, I want to room with you Lita. Meatball head snores and I don't want to disturb Amy."

"That was easy then. See you didn't need me." I smiled and returned my attention to the milkshake that had magically appeared during the conversation. Looking over at Andrew I smiled as he waved. A sigh escaped my lips as he went back to cleaning up the counter. Andrew, oh, how I love him. He's so damn cute, and sensitive, and… taken. I remind myself as his girlfriend walks in. "I hope I'll find some hot guys like Andrew." I say out loud and hear a chorus of coos.

"Yeah, he's so dreamy." Lita mused and rested her chin in her hands as she watched him wipe down the counter. "If I could just get my hands on him once I'd…"

"Lita, not here." Amy warned and quickly buried her nose in a book to avoid any potentially riské conversations. "You can have your hands on all sorts of men once you're on the cruise ship until then I suggest you keep your thoughts on productive things."

"Oh, that's productive…" I smile as Amy blushed and held the book a little closer to her face. The sound of the electronic bell sounding refocused my attention on my milkshake. I didn't have to look to know who it was who had entered the arcade. Every day at the very same time, the same person entered, walked five long strides and sat at the very same bar stool he always sat at.

"No, that's productive." Raye smiled, lust immediately filling her eyes. "I'd like to get my hands on that." She bit her lip and Lita then nodded her agreement.

"Why?" I sneered as hatefully as I could manage. I could easily see Raye and him as an item, they looked rather similar. He was tall, six foot three I think, he had raven black hair that fell just above his midnight blue eyes in a way that looked effortless. He had a strong jawline and looked fairly buff; okay, really buff. The guy takes care of himself.

"Oh please! How can you look at that and not want to do something about it?" Mina asked the same question every day, at the same time. "Ah Darien… you know his name means…"

"The gift." Raye, Lita, and even Amy sighed in unison.

"Yeah… well anyway, that's one gift I'd love to unwrap." Mina giggled. I simply rolled my eyes as the rest of the girls erupted in fits of giggles befitting a group of middle schoolers.

"Am I the only one here with any sense?" I asked and crossed my arms. How could they like that pompous jerk? "Honestly, ladies, there's a whole crop of men out there!"

"Maybe so, but I doubt very many are green enough for you to pick Meatball head." A male voice interrupted me. Oh, I knew that voice far too well.

"Hah! I've had the opportunity to pick all sorts of produce Jerk Face… not that it's any of your business." I snapped up at him and growled as he pulled a chair over to the booth and sat on it backwards, his strong arms resting on the back as he laughed.

"Sure you have Meatball head." He chuckled and looked at the girls who were gawking at him embarrassingly. "What are you ladies up to? I heard the good news of your graduations. Congrats." He looked at each one of the girls then paused on Amy who had practically dropped her book to pay attention to the new comer. "Especially you Amy. I may have to watch my job."

"Oh, no, I'll never be as good a doctor as you I'm sure. You're far more dedicated." Amy smiled and fingered the edges of her book nervously. I couldn't help but glare at him. He was such an ass! These people are my friends not his!

He then looked at Lita. "Then there's you Lita, opening up your own restaurant. I'm sure I'll be one of your repeat customers. I've heard you're quite the cook. Let's just not tell Andrew. I don't want him thinking his coffee is threatened." He winked at Lita who nodded her head furiously.

"Mina, aren't you staring your own fashion line?" She blushed and nodded slightly. "Fantastic. I don't have the creativity, as you can tell I'm pretty stuck on my own fashion trends." He wasn't kidding either. He wore the same ugly green jacket day in day out.

He then looked at Raye who practically melted in her seat. "I hear you're taking over the temple. I look forward to seeing what wonderful things your business degree brings."

Then he looked at me. Here it came, finally, maybe I would hear him say something nice to me for a change. "What did you major in again Meatball head?" I couldn't help it. I felt my jaw clench so tight I think my teeth cracked.

"Uh… Serena majored in marketing with a psychology minor and an international relations minor as well." Raye jumped in to help me.

"Two minors? I didn't think you had it in you." He smiled. "Pray tell, what are you going to do with that education? I don't think it links very well with video games or comic books." As he grinned at me with that self-satisfied grin I felt something snap within me. I was done. Done with him!

"I'm getting as far away from you as possible you self-serving son of a bitch!" I shouted and got out of the booth as quickly as possible. "I'll see you ladies later. I have to go pack!" I shouted and smacked him with my purse once for good measure making sure it looked like an accident.

I was out of the arcade so fast I don't think anyone had time to process what had just happened, much less myself. There were no two ways about it. I hated Darien Lee Shields! Who was he to talk to me like that? As I reached the park I realized I had tears streaming down my face.

Why? Dear lord why did I let his words affect me so much? Why was his opinion so goddamned important? Feeling angry and sad at the same time I took a few deep breaths and sat on a park bench. I had to clear my head. This encounter had certainly solidified one thing for me. I had to get away from here. This place, him, everything. I had been debating whether or not I was going to take a position in London and now it seemed so appealing.

"Serena!" I heard Amy calling for me and I turned to her. She was running towards me, her face looking panicked. "Serena, are you okay?" She sat beside me quickly. "Look, Darien's…"

"I don't want to talk about him. Not one bit. I've endured his abuse for too long. I don't want to deal with it any more, I'm done. I'm taking that job in London." I cried out and stood determinately. Looking back at Amy I saw a large frown on her face.

"That's a mistake Serena." She looked up at me and shook her head. "A big mistake."

"We'll see. For now I have the cruise. Suppose I can hold off on my decision until then." I sighed.

The ship was huge to say the least! I hadn't expected something nearly as big as the monstrosity in front of me but then again, what the hell did I know about sailing across the ocean? Wow, I felt myself smile as I imagined all the guys who would be on the ship. The girls looked just as excited as I felt, no doubt for the same reason. "This is going to be awesome!" I exclaimed and rushed towards our boarding gate.

Walking along the sturdy platform I felt myself getting giddy. This was going to be the best thing that had ever happened to me! Mina hurriedly rushed to my side and squeezed my arm in anticipation. "Oh my God Serena… I'm going to die." She smiled. "I mean, so much room for so many men."

"Calm down Mina. Seriously." I laughed as we stepped onto the deck where the crew was all lined up to greet us. Oh, these people knew what they were doing. All the employees, were dressed in sailor outfits, the women in short skirts and the men in those yummy little outfits. Every single one of those people were attractive too! "Okay, now you can get excited." I breathed as I noticed many of the men looking at us.

Mina soon abandoned my arm in exchange for finding an attractive man who offered to show her where her room was. She sure works fast. I rolled my eyes and turned to see Amy blushing as she hurried over to me.

"I'm not so sure I'm comfortable with this any longer." She whispered to me, her blue eyes troubled. "I hadn't thought about it before but the statistical probability of being harmed in some way on this ship is…"

"Amy, please, don't finish that sentence." I warned and grabbed her arm so that we could find our room together. I knew I only had to follow Mina and her new friend but I wasn't so sure that was a good idea Mina had a tendency to work far too fast for my liking.

Amy and I found the room easily enough and began to unpack. We had a balcony room, the private little area allowed us to look out over the sea. Needless to say, it was beautiful. We waited in our room until the ship was well enough out so sea that people would hopefully be trying to find their rooms, then emerged.

As if on cue Amy grasp my arm in a death grip and pulled me to her in an attempt to hold onto me in the sea of people swarming the hallway. So much for it being less crowded! The hallway was packed with all sorts of people scrambling to find their rooms. Amy and I had to dodge luggage, squeeze through people, and jump over roller bags before finally making it out to the deck where it was empty and peaceful. "Oh! Dear heavens!" Amy gasp and held onto her chest tightly. "It's so crowded! Agoraphobia has been the least of my worries until now!"

"Amy, shut up. You're not afraid of people." I rolled my eyes and calmly walked to the front of the ship. It was huge and I couldn't help but want to hold my arms out like I was flying. Silly childhood fantasy but if I found someone maybe, just maybe we would do that very thing.

"I don't see the girls anywhere Serena." Amy seemed to almost sigh in defeat then looked at me sadly. "I don't think I'll like this trip."

For a moment, I almost agreed with her. I wasn't so sure myself now. There were a lot of people on board and how many people were here to just hook up and ditch others? A singles cruise? What was I thinking? Men on a singles cruise were only thinking about one thing and I'm not that kind of girl… I don't think.

"Well, we've lost Mina for the night." Lita suddenly stated and appeared beside me. "We'll be lucky if we see her at all until noon tomorrow." Lita turned her eyes on me for a moment then looked at Raye who was almost skipping towards us. "Should we all go to the dining room? I hear it's lunch time. Then tonight there's a singles dance party to start the cruise off right." Lita's eyebrows rose and fell quickly as if to seduce us all. "I say we all get dressed up and flaunt it!"

"I think I'll stay in tonight." Amy stated and looked down at the deck. "I have a good book calling my name." We all sighed at her but accepted her decision. This wasn't Amy's thing anyway.

Walking to the dining hall we all admired the detail of the ship. It was truly a sight to behold! Beautiful wood paneling lined the halls of the upper levels and the dining hall had large chandeliers hanging from an ornately carved ceiling. "Wow." I gasp out loud and blushed as I noticed my miniature outburst had drawn hungry eyes.

Ducking my head down I attempted to hide my face as we tried to find an open table. Like a panther Lita roamed the room and finally found a table close to the back wall. It wasn't the best spot but it was good enough.

Sitting down at the round table I sighed and l folded my hands neatly atop the perfectly folded green linen napkin. "This is nice I guess." I smiled and quickly looked for the buffet table. Hey, I can't help it, everyone knows I have a bottomless pit for a stomach… and I'm not ashamed of it either!

"There you go sniffing out the food. So what is it Lassie? Chicken?" Raye laughed with an evil grin. I hate her when she does that. Of course there's chicken!

"Chicken will most likely be involved, so, yes." I nodded coolly, my aloof attitude winning a smile from my close friends. "So, spotted any potential hotties at all?" I winked at Lita who nodded her head vigorously. "Yeah?"

"Yeah, and after dinner I think I saw this thing that said there was a dance or something. I can hardly wait." She slapped her hands together and looked around eagerly making me roll my eyes. She had told us about the dance party before dinner. Obviously Lita was going to be miss forgetful for the duration of this trip.

As I moved about the dining hall I felt people staring at me, well, I felt men staring at me. Somehow I knew I would be a popular girl later on at the party. Then again, it would be a nice change from normality. Darien was always telling me how unattractive I was and oh, if he could see me now he would eat those words whole.

Dishing up my plate I quickly walked back to the table where the girls were already situated and waiting for me. Something in the way they looked at me with knowing smiles alarmed me. Sitting down I tried to ignore it. Whatever the game was, It was not my concern until they brought it up.

Dinner ended fairly unceremoniously. Disappointed, yet full I walked back to the room with Amy and began to search for my perfect clubbing outfit. I found it hiding in the bottom of my suitcase, the perfect little number to make all the boys' hearts pitter patter. Now giddy, I quickly changed and observed myself in the mirror, even without make up on I was hot. The mini dress I chose was white, and barely covered my ass. Of course I wore white booty shorts underneath but I was sure every guy was going to admire my shapely legs, especially because this particular dress clung to my ass so tightly. The top of the dress was looser and hung off one shoulder allowing the other to drop off exposing my bare skin, this let the boys imagine what I had on underneath. Nothing by the way, no bra needed.

"OH, is that what you're wearing Serena? Don't you think it's too… suggestive?" Amy asked with a whisper as if someone could hear her. I simply smiled at her and shrugged.

"I'm not suggesting anything Ames." I replied much to her disdain. She simply turned from me and grabbed her book. "I just want to dance tonight."

"If you go like that someone's going to drug you and rape you or something." Amy growled and snapped her book open to hide her face. The conversation was over. Sighing I applied some light make up and stepped into the hall to knock on Raye an Lita's door.

"Yeah… wow!" Raye gawked at me and did a slow once over. "Why, Serena, didn't think you had it in you. I bet there will be a few boys with broken hearts tonight." Raye winked as Lita came up and smirked.

"Yeah, and a few with broken noses. Are you sure you want to wear that? Don't you think you might catch some unwanted attention?" Lita pursued with a lift of her eyebrow. "I mean, you know?"

"I'm fine… are you two ready or what?" I'll admit, I was anxious, a little nervous, and all around giddy. The girls nodded and sulked into the hallway after me as I made my way to the dance hall. Even as we walked I felt eyes on me, this was beginning to be a real occurrence apparently.

"Oh, shit!" Andrew cried as he spotted a familiar blonde who happened to have her "fuck me" outfit on. "Shit shit shit shit shit!" He breathed and pushed through the crowd of people and to his friends. "Hey, Mal, we have a problem."

"Problem?" The tall silver haired man turned to Andrew and raised an eyebrow. "What type of problem?" His gray eyes scanned the room and fell on the group of women in question. "Oh." With that he smiled an evil smile and turned to the man to his left. "Hey Dare."

"Yeah Mal?" The dark haired Adonis smiled at his friend winning a few sighs from women who were close by.

"I think Serena and her friends are on this cruise." Malachite thought he saw a flash of anger cross his friends eyes and then was gone. "I know how much you two hate one another soo… this being a singles cruise and all, wanna make a bet?"

"Like what?" Jadeite suddenly butt into the conversation, his green eyes glittering with mischief. "What are we betting on… oh my God… I want…" Jed's eyes suddenly focused on someone off in the distance. "I am sooo going to… mmm…" He bit his lip as his eyes raked over his target.

"Let's see how long it takes you to get her in bed." Malachite smiled at Darien who had been staring at Jed in his delusional trance. "And, get to her before someone else does." Darien's face snapped beck to Malachite's, his attention fully gained.

"What is that supposed to mean? What makes you think I want to get her into bed?" Darien growled with frustration, the innocent blonde's image popping into his mind. "I don't think she'd be on this cruise, besides, I have no interest is sleeping with her; and especially no interest in making a bet on it." He glanced at Jed again who was now drooling a little. "What the hell are you looking at?" Darien's eyes followed Jed's gaze, the midnight blue orbs landing on the person in question.

For a moment Darien felt the wind leave his lungs. Never, in a million years had he imagined Serena being on a cruise like this, of course he'd never imagined seeing her in the outfit she was currently wearing. As she weaved through the masses followed by her close friends she laughed happily, her body bouncing from gaiety.

"Wow! I mean wow!" Jed gasp. "Isn't that Serena? The chick you always fight with Dare?" He licked his lips. "Damn, I mean, I've had dreams about her before but now…" Jed smiled. "I have to do something about that now." He began to stand only to have Darien violently pull him back down to the booth.

"What do you say Dare? Too chicken to try?" Malachite pried as Nephrite returned to the booth with drinks. "Or is it that you know you don't have a chance with her. I mean, I looks like Jed has an interest."

"Serena's not that type of girl. There's no way anyone's getting her into bed by the close of this cruise. No way." Darien emphasized and stared at her as she began to dance with her friends. The way her hips swiveled and moved made a tingle travel the length of his spine. I've never noticed how fluid her movements are until now… He smiled to himself.

"Whatever! Are you blind? A girl only wears a dress like that for one reason and one reason only. She's in heat." Jed grinned wildly and grabbed his rum and coke. "I mean hot damn, all I can think about is grabbing a hold of her ass, bending her over the bar and…"

"Enough Jed." Darien snapped angrily then looked at Malachite. "What are the terms of your little bet?" Malachite seemed to smile at Darien's curiosity.

"Good of you to ask… well, I think it's safe to say that Serena is fair game to anyone who wants to go after her and obviously Jed has an interest. So, I bet that you can't get Serena into bed before he does. If you don't beat him then… you have to pay for our expenses on this cruise. I mean everything. If, and it's a big if. If you win, and you do get her into bed first, then you get your trip paid for and one favor from each of us." Malachite grinned as Darien thought about it.

"How will this bet be measured?" Nephrite asked nonchalantly. "Either of them could make claims. Serena's not one to kiss and tell." The four men thought carefully about the answer before Andrew cleared his throat.

"I don't like any of this. Serena's not something to bet on, much less her virtue." Andrew crossed his arms. "I mean, that's Serena!"

"You mean she's a virgin?" Jed's eyes practically popped out of his head. "Dare, you are so going down! I'm going to pop that cherry before you even have a chance to talk to her!" Jed then quieted as Darien's eyes erupted with rage. "She's asking for it." He murmured as Andrew stared at him with disgust. "Hey, here we go. How about this? When we get her into bed, we have to bring back the panties she was wearing AND a picture of her sleeping topless in bed the next morning? Eh?"

"What?" Darien growled. This bet had crossed a line and was far into the realm of unforgivable sins. "Jed, that's sick."

"He has a point though, she would never willingly give her panties away or let you take a picture of her like that so… It's a good measure." Malachite nodded in approval. "So it's set then?" Jed nodded his head feverishly as Darien watched Serena on the dance floor. "Darien?"

"It's a deal." He breathed and nodded. He was certain he was going to hell but he'd be damned if Serena was going to end up another mounted trophy on someone's mantle.

"Sweet! See ya!" Jed got up hurriedly and rushed onto the dance floor to make his way to the beautiful blonde.