I've not written a fanfiction in a long while, but I really felt like doing it. Takes place post S3, with Liam heading to college with Annie. Tell me what you'd like to see in the next chapter! (:

They could almost smell freedom in the air. No more annoying teachers, no more disgusting schoolmates, and definitely no more homework - at least for a long while. It was just the usual clan, Adriana excluded undoubtedly, and the very much unknown futures ahead of them. The West Bev graduation ceremony was held yesterday, and their newfound liberation was certainly a reason to celebrate. Unlike the typical extravagant parties though, the group of friends chose to book a yacht to spend the next 3 days on the seas instead for a more intimate gathering. With Naomi's love for all things luxurious, Annie's new fortune and nearly everyone else's trust funds, it was effortless to plan the vacation. Unfortunately, Raj and Ivy could not join them for they were on their honeymoon but everyone else was present to join in the fun, even Max Miller.

Naturally, Liam Court was excited about yachting. Boats, friends and good times - it was the perfect equation for the guy. Oh and his girlfriend, of course, who could forget Annie. This was his idea of a fantastic break and he was going to enjoy every minute of it.

While the others were in the lounge having their own fun avoiding the sun - even though it had barely been two hours since they left the dock - Liam was out on the deck, trying to soak in everything that going on. He could not believe time had flown by so fast. It did not feel too long ago when he was forced to be enrolled in West Beverly but now he could call himself a graduate. His thoughts were interrupted though, when two petite arms were wrapped gently around his waist. Annie had approached him quietly from behind, and she subsequently rested her chin on his shoulder.

"You love this, don't you?" she whispered in his ear, careful not to ruin his moment.

"You being all koala bear on me? No, I'd love a lot more," he replied, a wide grin on his face.

Annie immediately pushed him away upon being called a koala bear. Her face held an upset expression as she said in mock annoyance, "I was talking about graduation, this whole vacation with everyone. But fine, if you don't like it, I'll go back inside and be a koala bear to Navid, or something."

Liam let out a hearty laugh as he pulled Annie closer to him once more. He wrapped his arms around her now, and she instantly held him just the same way. They were contented being in this silent embrace for a while. After all, it was not very often this fun-loving couple shared moments like these thus it was even more significant for the both of them than most couples. There was definitely a contrast with the situation back in the yacht's lounge - the serenity right there was very much appreciated by the sweethearts.

"For the first time in my life, Annie, things actually feel pretty good," Liam said quietly, as he reflected on the mishaps in the past. "My life was crap, I was in all kinds of trouble but everything's getting better. And it's thanks to you."

"No, it was all you," Annie said, her voice firm yet gentle, as she looked straight into his intoxicating blue eyes. She momentarily forgot that his eyes could set her heart on overdrive thus the girl had to fight to remain serious. "You wanted to turn your life around, and you did it because you could."

Liam held a small smile on his face. He tucked the strands of hair that was violently brushing against his girlfriend's face behind her ears, and shook his head.

"I couldn't have done it without you, beautiful," he justified.

Even with the roaring sea breeze, Annie heard that loud and clear. Before she could offer anymore rebuttals, Liam pressed his lips to hers in a deep kiss. If Annie did not understand how much she meant to Liam, then he would show her. On Annie's part, well, she needed no other cue to stop talking. This guy right in front of her takes her breath away almost literally and there was no complaining about that. Her hands slowly slid up from his waist to his neck to pull Liam closer.

Each time they kissed, Annie forgot that she would go dizzy. Her mind failed to comprehend anything else and her senses tingled as his touch became a million times more delicate on her skin.

The boat swayed, causing the two to lose their balance, and subsequently falling onto the deck seats. The kiss broke short, much to the dismay of the couple. Who knew how long they could continue on with their lips locked. Liam adjusted himself, so that Annie could settle on his lap comfortably. His left hand lingered casually on her thigh while he wrapped his other arm around her waist. A wide smile emerged on Annie's face as her fingers playfully traced Liam's muscular arm.

"When we finally go to college and get an apartment, we can play house," she teased. "Each and everyday, if you want to."

"Mm, suddenly college sounds so much fun," he whispered in her ear, smirking upon hearing his girlfriend's remark. "I need a good education."

It was cute how Annie was suddenly being audacious, quite unlike the typical polite front she normally wore. Liam left lingering kisses along her jaw, sending shudders down her spine. His lips moved slowly down her neck and along her collarbone. Every atom in Liam's body ached for her. He wanted to love her right there and then - who cares what Navid or Teddy or even Dixon would say if they happened to witness their act? All that Liam's mind could process at the moment was that Annie was driving him crazy.

Annie could sense his hunger. Her desire for him was building up just as strongly, if not stronger. However, she knew better than having sex right at the deck where their friends could easily walk in on them. Not that any of them were new to all this, but still.

"Word has it that you're a top student already. Maybe you should show me what you're good at, Liam," Annie said with a sheepish grin as she stood up.

Now, Liam is not one to resist temptations. He almost literally jumped at the opportunity Annie gave him. Oh, she was so goddamn perfect at reading him. As they slowly made their way to one of the few staterooms in the yacht, Liam couldn't help but think - with rather incoherent thoughts - that yes, he loved this, he loved it very much indeed.