Disclaimer: I don't own Ryan and Stacy but I too once adopted an animal at the aquarium!

Ryan had borrowed Lucas' convertible for the drive to Santa Monica. Stacy loved the feeling of the breeze in her hair and the sun on her face. It was exactly what Stacy needed after the long days she had spent at work. She was also looking forward to spending the majority of the day with Ryan. Ever since she got to LA it had been work all day and then spending time with Ryan at night but now she could just be with him without time constraints.

And that's exactly what they did. They rode bikes, played in the arcade and rode the carousel. For lunch they stopped at Soda Jerks and had ice cream. Stacy felt she was on vacation now and if she wanted ice cream for lunch so be it! Ryan, loving how carefree Stacy seemed, was all too happy to oblige. After lunch they walked along the pier taking in the sights around them and just enjoying being together.

"Oh, Ryan they have an aquarium. Let's go in."

The couple headed towards the admission booth and started to explore the aquarium. Stacy was in awe. There was so much to see. Each tank seemed to hold a different world.

"Stace, look we can adopt one of the fish."

"How fun! Which one do you want to adopt?"

"Either the Swell Shark or the Seahorse….and I can tell by the look on your face you want to adopt the Seahorse."

"NO we can do the shark, if that's what you want."

"I want to see you smiling all the time so the seahorse it is."

They paid the adoption fee, took a picture with their "child" and were given an adoption certificate. Stacy was looking at the picture when she felt Ryan's arm wrap around her shoulder.

"We make a cute family, huh?"

"Yeah."

"You ok Stace?"

"I was just thinking this is our first picture together as a couple and I don't know when our next one will be with me leaving tomorrow."

"I thought we said we weren't going to think about tomorrow."

"I know. I can't help it. I really don't want to leave."

"I know I don't want you to either. But it's not like its forever or even that far away. I promise you we will make this work."

Ryan kissed her gently and then pulled her into a hug. As he looked out over her head he found something that caught his eye. He released her from his hug and grabbed her hand.

"Ryan, where are we going?"

"Follow me."

They were almost running and then suddenly they stopped. In front of them was a photo booth.

"Want to take some more pictures?"

Stacy just smiled up at him.

The machine took 3 pictures. The first one was just them smiling, holding each other. The second they decided to make funny faces and the final one was of them kissing. They waited patiently for the machines to print the 2 strips they had ordered and when they finally came out they were not disappointed.

"Ryan, I love them."

"I love you."

Stacy was positive she wanted to hear that for the rest of her life.

"Do you want to grab dinner here or head back to LA and grab something there?"

Stacy wrapped her arms around Ryan's waist and rested her head on his chest.

"I would like to stay here forever. But since that's impossible I'll take dinner here please."

"I heard Rusty's is good."

"Sounds good to me. Lead the way."

After dinner they walked back to car and headed back to LA.

"Can we go back to your house instead of the hotel?"

"Sure. Any particular reason?"

"I want us to make love for the first time in your bed, not some sterile hotel bed."

Ryan looked at her before returning his eyes to the road.

"Stace we don't have to do that tonight. I don't want you to feel like we have to do that before you leave."

"It's not that Ryan. I love you and I want to be with you fully. Plus, this doesn't seem fast to me. Yes we have only been together a few days but I have known you practically my whole life. What are we waiting for? Haven't we waited long enough?"

Ryan reached over and placed his hand on her knee.

"I would wait for you forever Stace."

"I know but you don't have to."

They held hands the rest of the way home. When they pulled up to Ryan's house he got out and ran around the car so he could open Stacy's door. Stacy grabbed her bag with one arm and Ryan's hand with the other and they walked towards the front door. Ryan unlocked his door and let Stacy go in ahead of him.

"Do you want…."

He was cut off by Stacy's lips. After an initial moment of shock he wrapped his arms around her. She in turn wrapped her legs around his waist. The change of stance made Ryan stumble back a little but he quickly regained his footing and began to lead them to the bedroom. Once inside he gently put Stacy down on the bed. He stood up and just took her in. She sat up and starting working on getting his pants off, while Ryan took his shirt off. Stacy was next and she stood up so Ryan could pull her dress over her head. Once it was off her started to kiss her shoulder and gently worked her bra strap down her arm. Soon enough her bra was off. Stacy lied back down on the bed and Ryan went to work on her panties. Once they were discarded he bent down and kissed the inside of her thigh and Stacy moaned. He looked up at her and couldn't resist the urge to kiss her.

"I have never loved anyone the way I love you Stace."

"I love you too Ryan."

"Are you sure about this?"

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

After they had finally made love Ryan pulled Stacy close, so her head could lie on his chest while they both caught their breath.

"You know that I don't want you to go, right?"

"I know Ryan. But I am glad you are so sure we will figure this out. It makes me believe it to."

"I know we will Stace. Actually Lucas and I were talking and he needs to be in New York next week for some promotional stuff. I was thinking about going with him. We would be able to continue working on the new album but I could also spend time with you."

"Next week? Really? That would be great Ryan. I'm sure Renee and Rashaan would love to see you. Maybe we can all go down to the P*lace together?"

"That's sounds fun. Lucas was serious when he said he wanted to see the new Kids Inc perform. I was also thinking we could take your parents to dinner. You know have them get to know me as your boyfriend."

"They would love that."

"See we already have plans. We just will have to get thru a few days before we can see each other again."

"I think that may easier than it sounds. I've gotten very used to waking up with you holding me."

"We have tonight Stacy and all next week. I know it won't be easy but I love you too much to not do everything in my power to make this work."

Stacy pushed up and kissed him. Oh God how she loved this man! She placed her head back down on his chest and he held her loose hand.

"I can hear your heartbeat. Next to you singing I think it's my favorite sound in the world."

"That's because it beats just for you."

Neither of them wanted to sleep. There time together like this was limited.

"Do you want anything? Water, wine?"

"Wine sounds good."

"Ok. Ill be right back. Keep the bed warm for me."

A few minutes later Ryan walked back in holding 2 glasses and a bottle. He went over to his night stand and started pouring.

"Here you go."

"Thanks."

They spent the night talking and laughing. Being quiet and cuddling. Exploring each others bodies and finding out what gave the other pleasure. When they did finally fall asleep Stacy's head was once again resting on Ryan's chest. The sound of his heart beat lulling her into sleep.