Author's note: Hi everyone! This is sort of a fluffy chapter, no flashbacks, all present time on the ship. Even in an Alterative Universe, never underestimate Josh's ability to be Josh and Donna to be Donna. For the record, the Josh's reaction to the towel rabbit is the same one I had on the cruise and Donna verse the thong is something I've been through, probably every woman has at one time or another.
Thank you for all the feedback. The more feedback, the faster I write and post.
Hope you enjoy.
Donna POV
We continued our trek around the ship, occasionally stopping to look out into the water, listening to the wave's crash against us. Outside is where we talk about more serious things, inside fun and charming things. It's when we are on the front of the boat, gazing at our inevitable path, our future. He talks about his past. Childhood nightmare of fire and his sister, survivor's remorse, so on. There are times he's so lost in his thoughts that when he breaks free of them, he looks at me like I'm a stranger. We've done so much walking and talking my legs are getting strained and my voice is starting to crack.
We make our way inside and sit down on one of the thousands of couches that seem to line the ship. His eyes are fading; fatigue is setting in. I'm sure I'm showing similar signs, but we keep talking, laughing, sharing, and not wanting this to end. This is the happy, exciting time. Everything is new and just a little scary. Doubts of "What if?" crosses both of our minds. Mine are mostly, "what if he finds out…" Whenever that hangnail of a thought enters my mind, he says or does something that makes me want to forget. It's got to be the dimples.
Honestly, it is nice to have a man look at me and not see victim or slut or career ending scandal tattooed on my head. It took Toby nearly a year to lose that look. Leo still gives it to me now and again. Josh is invigorating and fun.
He tries to hide his yawn by pursing his lips together, but it doesn't work. "Am I keeping you awake?" I nudge his shoulder. His sleepy smile is quickly becoming my favorite.
"A little, after all it is, "He looks at his watch with budging eyes, "three am! What time did we debark?"
I smile shyly, "three pm." Easily in the top ten best twelve hour blocks of my life.
"Twelve hours! Well that explains why my throat hurts." He scratches the back of his head. "I guess I should let you get to bed."
Should I ask him to walk me to my cabin, should I invite him in?
"Um I guess." We stand in reluctant unison and head towards the elevators to the cabin. Josh furrows his brow and starts searching his pocket to pull out his room key. He studies it and announces he's in room 6754.
"Josh there is no room 6754. We walked every inch of this ship four times. The room numbers don't go that high."
Horror washes over him, "What!" He hands me his card. "Well isn't my room 125?"
"Nope that's your table number in the restaurant."
"Then where the hell is my room? Why isn't it on the card?"
"How many hotel keys write the room number on the card?"
"That's not the point." He runs his fingers through his hair. "How the hell am I going to find out my cabin number? I can't call Sam… I don't know his. Do you think the captain of the ship is awake?"
I start to smile at the absurdity of the situation, "no."
'Then who's driving the ship?" Driving?
"I don't know, a computer maybe, and I don't think it knows your room number."
Josh looks back at the couches. "Do you think I should just sleep out here?"
I pinch the bridge of my nose and the words come out of my mouth before I can stop them, "Why don't you come back to my cabin?"
"You know you're cabin number?"
"Yes."
He shifts shyly, "But you're not that kind of girl." His dimples flash, "That's kinda what I like about you… no first date pressure."
I push the elevator button, "You've been a perfect gentleman all evening. Why should now be any different?"
He makes a noise somewhere between breathing and laughing, "You really don't know me that well."
We step into the elevator, "Oh, I know you better than you think. You've tried desperately to play the "suave European Traveler" angle, but every step of the way the real you pops in and breaks that illusion."
He chokes out, "The real me?"
"The snake fearing, room number forgetting, desperately trying to make a good first impression, you."
He frowns a little as the elevator doors opens. "Oh. Then what the hell are you still doing here?"
I smile ever so slightly, "Because Josh, you forgot you made your first impression nearly seven years ago."
He leans his head back against the wall, recalling our first encounter, "Damn, that was a good first impression."
I rest my head on his shoulders, letting a little yawn slip out. "Yeah. It was."
We make our way to the room. He seemed genuinely impressed that I know how to use the key card. The room is a pale orange color, not quite a peach, not quite orange, just gross. Everything in a cruise cabin is designed to save space, small but efficient. I nearly trip over my bags, which the stewards brought in earlier in the evening. Josh peers over my shoulder, and lets out a small gasp.
"What the hell is that?" I follow his fingers with my eyes. Sure enough, there is a pile of towels on my bed, shaped in some origami type fashion, of an animal.
"Towel Animal. A rabbit, I think." It's kinda cute with its floppy towel ears and paper nose.
Josh pushes pass me to examine it farther while I start to unpack. He pokes it with his finger and the head flops off. I hear a tiny, "Oh shit." I watch him out of my peripheral vision as he fumbles to put the head back on.
"I have an extra toothbrush." I'll ignore the temporary decapitation of Bugs for now. He turns with questions in his face.
"Why?"
"Toby used to forget them, until Andy started packing his bag. I bought one five years ago and just never took it out of the wrapper. You want it?" I offer him the toothbrush and toothpaste.
"Are you saying my breath stinks?"
I roll my eyes, "Do you want to use the bathroom first or not?" I'm desperately trying to buy my time here. He smirks and accepts my offer and stumbles into the bathroom, bellowing that there's no light switch, which I press from the outside. Who the hell designed these cabins anyway? While I'm trying to find my pajamas and the other item, he calls out "This is the smallest bathroom I've ever been in."
Where is it? I know she packed it. I check all the pockets, the front one and side ones, ah ha! Found it! Ainsley made me buy sexy underwear and pack it in my suitcase. I took it stating I was never going to have sex, like, ever. She called me prudish and ridiculous. Asking me probing questions like; "did I really want someone removing my granny panties?" Well of course I don't, but the likelihood of me finding someone who it might even be a consideration seemed impossible. So I pull out the black, lacy thong I bought at Target and the matching bra and stare at it for a few minutes. I don't remember it being this small. Stupid reality, I'm going to need to get waxed. The bathroom door opens up and I quickly jam the underwear back in my suitcase.
Josh smiles at me, "Be careful in there, seriously tiny."
I push my hair behind my ear and smile at him, "I'm sure I'll be fine." I hold my pajamas and toothbrush and walk into the bathroom. My God, this is small. I can stand in the center and touch both the mirror and the shower with my arms stretched. Wonder how CJ's holding up? I start to brush my teeth to a near compulsive level. Ok Donna, you can do this. There is a very good possibility you're going to have sex tonight. This is a good thing. It's been a long time since you had any. Too long. And you seem to have gotten over that whole wave of nausea that used to strike you when a man touched your arm. Your therapist said it was time to start looking again. Do the check list.
Have you found a man you feel comfortable around? Check.
Does he have more then one quality you find appealing? Check
Are you sober? Check
Can you trust him? Check- he's never given me a reason not to.
Do you find him attractive? Check, check. (One for his body the other for his dimples)
Did you shave your legs and armpits? Check, check.
Do you have sexy underwear? DAMN IT! Still in the suit case. Is there a way to go out, grab them, put them on, without looking like an idiot?
It will be fine; it doesn't have to happen tonight…even if you are kinda looking forward to it. Another good thing. Now spit out that enormous amount toothpaste building in your mouth before you start to…
Gag.
Cough.
Too late.
Ok, recover. He probably didn't hear that. You're still cool. You still look great…tired, with blood shot eyes, but good. Good's fine. Good's still doable. Who the hell am I kidding? I look like shit. He's not interested in me. Give up on your sad little fantasies Donna.
No don't give up. You can do this. Take a deep breath, put on your pajamas that say "Hot Chick" on them. See, that's a clever little hint there. I'm advertising that I'm hot and there's a cute picture of a baby chicken.
Baby chicken? WHY THE HELL DO I KEEP BUY MY CLOTHES AT TARGET!
He's going to think I'm an idiot.
God I'm tired!
Open the door, take a deep breath and face the impending laughter.
The lights are already off, I see a lump in the bed and his heavy breathing is filling the room. Not heavy breathing in a creepy way, but relaxed. No, that's snoring. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? HE'S ASLEEP! OH COME ON! I'M HOT AND WEARING PJ'S WITH A LITTLE CARTOON BABY CHICKEN- THAT'S ADORABLE!
Disappointment fills my mouth. Not sure how that's happening, but I pretty sure I can taste it. I push the cover away and crawl into bed, feeling under appreciated, and undesirable.
He stirs. Jerk. He rolls over and wraps his arm around me and with one swift motion he pulls me towards him. My back pressed firmly against his chest, his breath on my neck. His arm is tight around my waist. Well, this is nice. Very nice, indeed. He lets out a tiny moan that makes me grateful I am lying down, because if I was standing my knees might give out. He whispers, "Goodnight, Donnatella."
"Night, Joshua." I whisper back, feeling like the smile on my face has been etched there in alabaster.
I'm too excited to sleep, but there is something soothing about his breathing. Rhythmic, white noise and I find my breathing matching pace. My eyes close and images flutter into my head.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Where am I? Am I moving? This isn't my bed. I'm not alone. There's an arm. Not mine, but a man's arm. Josh? I remember Josh.
BANG!
Go away. I need to sleep.
I think I should tell them that.
I trudge over to the door and unlock it. "What the hell do you want?" I say leaning on the door for support.
"Morning, Sunshine. I thought we would workout and get breakfast before our massages?" CJ is WAY too chipper for the morning.
In a rather hoarse voice I ask, "What time is it?"
"6:30"
"In the morning?"
"Yes."
"Go away." I start to close the door, but now Josh has woken up and started to head towards the bathroom. I turn to watch him. He's got that sleepy mummy walk thing. Too cute. My face instinctively starts to smile despite the fact I hate CJ right down.
I rub my eyes to see CJ smirking at me. "Well, well, well."
Josh traipses by, "CJ." He nods his head and opens the bathroom door. "Donna, where's the light?"
I press the button again and he groans because of the light.
Again CJ smirks get bigger, if that's possible, "Donna, you were busy last night. I guess you already had your workout this morning."
"Yes, CJ. I often have sex with men and put my clothes back on."
She frowns, "What time did you get in?"
"Three."
"Why isn't he in his cabin?"
"Long story."
"I've got time."
"No you don't, I'm going back to sleep. I'll see you at 9 for the massage; we'll talk later."
"You wouldn't withhold things from the sisterhood would you?"
I smile at her, "Never."
The toilet flushes, water runs and the door opens. "Return to your man "mi amore."
"See ya CJ." I close the door and Josh is standing in the center of the room. He scratches his head and looks around.
"Should I leave?"
"Do you want to?" Please say no.
"No." YES!
"Then come back to bed."
"'kay" He takes my hand and leads the way. The bed is warm against our own air chilled skin. He wraps his arm around my waist. I place my head on his chest, wrapping my leg across his. We fit well together.
:"Nice PJ's Hot Chick."
I smile. "Thanks."
Josh POV
It's an annoying ringing noise that wakes me for the second time from my slumber. Her weight leaves me and I reluctantly let her go. She rubs her cheek as she answers the phone, "Yeah CJ. Ten minutes got it. On my way. No, I just slept. Shut up. Fine. Fine. I'll tell him. Bye."
My eyes still don't want to adjust to the light, so I painfully, slowly open them. She's standing over me, her blond hair raining down, almost touching me. In the sweetest, sleepiest voice, she whispers, "Hi."
I cover my eyes with my hand, light still too bright. "Hi." I feel the bed dip as she sits on it.
"I have to get up, CJ and I have an appointment today."
"Cancel it. Come back to bed, sleep is very good. Do you remember the sleep? Good times." I peek though my fingers to gage her reaction. A sad, sweet smile crosses her face. Damn! She's going to leave.
"It's a very nice offer, but the ship will charge my credit card if I don't go." I almost offer to pay it, but that might be pushing it. Her fingers slowly run up and down my arm as my eyes adjust to the light. "You can stay here and sleep if you want. Toby and Sam are getting breakfast in the Lido Deck in ten minutes if you want to join them." Her fingers move away from my arm and push my hair around.
"I'll think about it." She withdraws her fingers and for a second I kind of feel like I'm losing something. She gets off of the bed and fishes through her suitcase and heads to the bathroom.
The bed is getting cold. It isn't nearly as comforting as it was when she was with me. What's up with that? Normally I can't sleep when someone's touching me. Amy's hands were like ice daggers and I don't think I ever slept with Mandy. It was just sex. Hmm, interesting. Let's look at the facts: Best night of sleep I've had in a long time. I like being touched when I sleep. I like touching her when she sleeps. I don't like the bed when she's not in it.
Why the hell is that towel rabbit doing looking at me? Are you judging me for not making my move last night? Is this because I knocked your head off? Look, the timing wasn't right. I was too tired anyway. She thinks I'm a spaz. King Spaz as a matter of fact. Have you seen her, Towel Bunny? She's HOT. Light years beyond my league. She probably wasn't interested anyway.
I sit up in bed, there's no reason to stay in here. Clearly I'm awake. I roll over and pull my pants off the floor. What the hell am I doing? Get out. Run. I'm no good for her anyway.
I pull my pants on and stand up, walk around the bed, with my shirt in my hand. The bathroom door opens. Now her hair is in a ponytail; she's wearing a light blue flowery short skirt and a sleeveless button down shirt. Why is it each time I see her, she looks better?
"You're getting up?" She blinks at me.
"Um, yeah I figured I'd eat breakfast with Sam."
She shifts her weight, "good." She opens her mouth to say something else but stops.
"Where are you going?'
"I've got a morning of beauty at the salon." She points to the door.
"Why do you need that? You're already beautiful." God, that was cheesy. King Spaz strikes again. The Towel Bunny is laughing at me, calling me a 7th grade loser. God, I'm stupid.
"Really?" she asks disbelieving, biting her lip though a smile. I don't know what's more unbelievable, that she doesn't think I'm a loser or that she doesn't think she's beautiful.
I nod and reach out to touch her hand. "Yeah." She blushes a little and our eyes lock; there's a connection that holds up together. My thumb rubs her fingers and she closes her eyes, breaking the connection. "I had fun last night."
She opens her eyes and stares at our now interlocking fingers, smiling shyly. "Me, too."
"Can I see you again?" Did that come off as desperate? What if she says no?
She bites her lower lips again and gazes back into my eyes, connection re-formed. She doesn't speak but nods.
"How am I going to find you? It's a big ship." Come on, give me a time and place. Come on…
She leans in and gently brushes her lips against mine; her lips still wet from brushing her teeth. Just as I think she's going to apply slightly more pressure on my lips she moves closer to my ear. "Don't worry, I'll find you." Her lips finally rest on my cheek. My eyes flutter from the sensation.
I swallow, "OK, I'll try to limit my movements to make it easier on you."
She draws away and heads towards the door. Her hand is on the handle, like she's planning her next move. Slowly she turns and her doe eyes blaze through me, a small, coy and seductive smile emerges on her face. "See you soon."
She closes the door, before I can say anything or move. HA! In your face Towel Bunny, she's totally into me.