Relena's phone buzzed and a little thrill shot through her. She checked the phone anxiously, but it was just a text from Dorothy. Who was sitting on the lounge chair right next to her.

/ Have you heard from Duo yet? /

Relena looked over at her friend, exasperated. "Why, exactly, did you have to text me that?"

Dorothy smirked. "So I could see how excited you got when you thought Duo was texting."

"What? Why would I… What?"

On the other side of Dorothy, Catherine giggled. "You did look pretty excited for a moment there. Looking forward to some one on one time?"

Relena glared at them. "It only makes sense that I get to know him better, since I'm marrying him. I-" Relena looked down again at her buzzing phone.

/ Hey! The guys and I just finished up at Lucrezia's. Are you still up to hang out? /

"You're grinning like an idiot, you know," Dorothy observed. Relena glared at her again.

"So what if I am?" She decided to ignore the looks they were giving her in favor of replying to Duo's text.

/ Yes! Where do you want to meet? /

/ You up for a swim? /

/ Always. I'll meet you there in 20? /

/ Sounds good! See you soon. /

"So, swimming?"

Relena looked up to see Dorothy unabashedly looking over her shoulder. She gave her a look.

"Yes, swimming." She stood up, grabbing her things. "I've got to go get changed. You ladies enjoy your time in the sun."

"Be sure to wear your two-piece! You look hotter in that one!" Dorothy called after her. Relena rolled her eyes. No way. If she really wanted to show Duo what she could do, she'd be diving. She wasn't exactly keen on having her swim bottoms fall off in front of him and whoever else was enjoying the pool.


Duo was already there when Relena arrived at the pool, wearing board shorts and a long-sleeved swim shirt. Must not like putting on sunblock, Relena thought.

"Hey!" Duo called. "Glad you could make it! Everything go well this morning with the planning?"

"It did. Catherine was a huge help, by the way. You've got a great friend there."

"I can say the same about Quatre. And boy does he have connections! I had no idea he knew the Captain. But then, the Captain did mention knowing you as well. Guess it makes sense for the daughter of such a high profile politician to have friends in high places, too," Duo said, grinning.

Relena blushed. "Well, yes, when you put it like that…"

"Aww, hey, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. It's just pretty cool, okay? My kind of connections are, well, like Trowa and Catherine. They got me a cheap ticket for the cruise, which was awesome, just not quite as impressive, you know? Anyway, how about that swim? Quatre mentioned that you used to swim competitively. That's awesome!"

"Yes, I did. I still do a lot of swimming, but the training level required to continue competitively was more than I wanted to commit to. I swam throughout college, but haven't been in a race since then."

"So, what's your favorite stroke?"

Relena smiled. "Hard to choose. My best event was IM - where you swim two laps of each stroke. But if I really had to choose, I guess I'd say butterfly."

Duo whistled in appreciation. "That's pretty impressive. I never could get the hang of butterfly myself. Gave myself a charlie horse trying to properly sync my legs and arms, back when I did swim team."

"You did swim team?"

"Sure did! But not since middle school, so I'm way behind on skills compared to you. Even so… fancy a race?"

Relena grinned. "If you don't mind getting your ass kicked, sure. Which stroke?"

"Uhh… how about freestyle? That was always me best one."

"You're on!"

There were a couple lanes roped off for the purpose of lap swimming, and happily, they were unoccupied. Relena hopped into one of them, relishing the feel of the water on her skin.

"Don't you want to dive in?" Duo asked.

"I'm pretty sure diving isn't allowed."

"So? That's because most people don't know how to dive without hurting themselves. We do. What do you say, down to break the rules with me?" he asked, waggling his eyebrows at her.

Relena hesitated. Generally speaking, she didn't like breaking rules. But… she didn't want to come across as a spoilsport. Plus, she loved to dive. Quickly, she pulled herself out of the water.

"Very well. Two laps work for you?"

"Sure does," Duo replied. "On three. One, two, three!"

Relena dove into the water, then kicked dolphin style for as long as she could remain under the water. Breaking the surface, she began to stroke with her arms, taking as few breaths as possible. Soon she was at the other end of the pool, and expertly executed a flip.

She couldn't tell where Duo was, but she didn't care. Being in the water, pushing herself to her limit was always a thrill. Besides, she was confident she would win. And she liked the prospect of showing off for her husband to be.

She reached the wall and immediately turned to see where Duo was, breath panting. He was almost there, arm stretched out to touch the wall after a last, powerful stroke.

"Well," Duo said when he surfaced, also out of breath. "I can't say I'm surprised. You kicked my ass. It's nice to race again though. Haven't done that in ages." The smile on his face communicated utter delight, and Relena felt her stomach turn over as he continued looking at her with such happiness in his expression.

"So," Relena said, suddenly shy. "I suppose you're not interested in a rematch?"

Duo laughed. "What's the point? We both know who would win. We could head over to the other side of the pool though."

"And do what?"

"You'll see," Duo said, eyes glinting mischievously. "Catch me if you can!" He dove under the lane line, strong arms pulling him quickly away. Relena dove after him.

He finally surfaced at the shallow end of the pool, just at the edge. Relena came up next to him. It was shallow enough that the water came up just below her chest.

"Now what?" she asked.

"Now…" Duo began, then hoisted himself out of the water and promptly did a cannonball very close to her, sending a wave of water splashing over her head. "Splash fight!" he yelled as he surfaced.

"Oh, it's on!" Relena said, then opened her arms wide and pushed forward toward him, sending two waves splashing into his face.

Duo just grinned, then went on to his back, and kicked his feet rapidly, sending up a geyser of water in her direction.

Relena dove under Duo, then pushed herself off of the bottom to create some momentum, reaching her arms up to push Duo bodily out of the water. When she surfaced, he was just turning back toward her.

"Is that how it is, then?" he asked, eyes glinting.

"That's how it is," Relena confirmed, smirking.

"Well then," Duo replied then promptly dove in her direction, grabbing her about the waste and throwing her into the air to splash unceremoniously on her back several feet away.

When she came up for air, Relena narrowed her eyes at Duo in mock anger. "Oh yeah?"

She thought for a second, wondering if her next idea would be going to far. Oh, what the heck?

She dove in his direction, then stood right in front of him, hesitating for just a moment. Then she attacked, tickling his ribs mercilessly.

Duo laughed involuntarily, protesting wildly. "Low blow - ah ha ha - oh gods, stop! Stop!" He tried backing away, but Relena followed right after.

"No mercy!" Relena cried with a grin, redoubling her efforts.

"Well in that case…" Duo started tickling her in turn, and Relena cried out in dismay, stopping her attack instantly in surprise. "Turnabout's fair play play, no?"

"No fair!"

"All's fair in love and war, my dear."

Relena was laughing hysterically. She was incredibly ticklish, and beginning to regret her decision to start a tickle war.

"Uncle!" she cried.

"No mercy, remember? Why should I show you any if you didn't to me?"

"No, no, seriously stop! I can barely breathe!" Relena said, meaning it. She was panting, struggling to get a breath in edgewise between the involuntary laughter.

Duo stopped instantly, face immediately showing concern. "I'm sorry! Was that too much? I just thought, since you started it… I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to go too far, I–"

"It's okay," Relena said, still trying to catch her breath. "You're right, I did start it. Should have figured you'd retaliate."

"Still, I should have let up when you said uncle."

"Really, it's okay." Relena was touched by his concern. "Don't worry about it." But the mood was broken, Relena thought, disappointed.

"Hey, how about some time on the lounge chairs?" Duo suggested. "Take a break from the pool?"

"Sounds good," Relena said, glad Duo still wanted to hang out. Spending time with him was even more fun than she'd expected. "We should check the time, though. I'll need time to shower and get ready before dinner with my parents tonight."

"Good point. And it'll take me ages to wash and dry my hair."

They went over to where they'd left their towels and phones. Lo and behold, it was five o'clock. They'd planned on meeting for dinner at six.

"Guess we should get going," Duo said. Was that regret Relena heard in his voice?

"Yeah. I had fun though. Thanks for this."

Duo smiled at her. "Thank you. I had a great time. See you in an hour?"

"Sure thing."


Relena was nervous as she stood in front of the restaurant with her parents, waiting for Duo to arrive. She sensed that her parents had some reservations, or at least that her father did. Her mother, after all, had been entirely enthusiastic about the whole affair when Duo had proposed. Her father had seemed more reserved. She hadn't had the chance to talk to them alone since the proposal (intentional on her part, she admitted to herself), and she could sense that at least her father wanted to talk to her, but she'd made sure to arrive just at the appointed meeting time so there wouldn't be time for a heart to heart.

Duo finally appeared, walking toward them with a big grin on his face. He gave Relena a kiss on her cheek and, taking her hand in his, turned to her parents.

"Good evening Mrs. Darlian, Mr. Darlian."

"Please call me Maggie! We're about to be family, after all."

"And call me Richard. No need to stand on ceremony." Relena didn't miss the slight hesitation before this declaration, and her anxiety began to grow.

Before Relena could think too much about that, a hostess approached holding menus.

"Party of four?" she asked, and Relena responded in the affirmative. The hostess showed them to a table near the back of the restaurant, and Duo pulled out a chair for Relena. She smiled, knowing this show of chivalry would make her parents happy.

"Does anyone object to a red?" her father asked, picking up the wine menu.

"Red works for me," Duo said cheerfully, perusing the menu. "I'm thinking of getting a steak, so that's perfect." Relena and her mother agreed as well, so her father waived down a waiter to make the order.

As they discussed whether any of the appetizers would be worth ordering, Relena began to relax. Perhaps this wasn't going to be the inquisition she had feared. Or so she thought.

"Relena, darling, I need to powder my nose. Won't you come with me?" her mother asked, all innocence.

"I don't…" Relena began, knowing this was some sort of ruse to separate her from Duo so her father could grill him.

"Come, dear, I really would prefer the company." Her mother stood up and looked at her imperiously, brooking no argument. Relena shot Duo an apologetic look, and to his credit, he didn't look like he was about to go before a firing squad. That's how she'd feel in his position, she thought. Standing up, she followed her mother to the restroom.

"Mother, is this really necessary?" Relena asked, not bothering to play along.

"Of course it's necessary. You're marrying the man and your father hasn't had a moment alone with him, which he feels is necessary. Probably to give some terribly intimidating speech that men seem to think makes any difference in these situations. Which of course it doesn't. You two clearly have your hearts set on this marriage. A surprise to me, to be sure, but a pleasant one. He does seem like quite a catch, I must say. Now, do tell me more about Duo. Richard will want some time to properly scare the boy."

Relena stopped herself from rolling her eyes and obliged. As she talked, she tried not to think too much about the knowing smile her mother was giving her as she told her about their time together that afternoon, and the things he'd told her about himself.

"Well, Relena, I must say I really am happy for you. Now I do believe your father has had more than enough time to terrify the poor boy. Shall we go and rescue him?"

"Please," Relena said, relieved. She exited the bathroom ahead of her mother, making her way back to the table as quickly as she could. As far as she could tell, Duo and her father were having a perfectly cordial conversation, but when Duo looked her way, his eyes gave away just how panicked he was about the situation. She smiled at him reassuringly, taking his hand and squeezing as she sat back down.

"We're back," her mother announced unnecessarily. "I hope you enjoyed your time for manly conversation. Now Richard, what do you think you're going to order? I'll have something different so we can both try each other's."

As her parents discussed dinner options, Relena leaned in toward Duo. "Everything okay?"

"Okay might be a strong term," Duo replied quietly, his voice strained. "Every word he said was proper and polite, but he managed to give the very distinct impression that I would be drawn and quartered, then killed and dumped in an unmarked grave if I ever do anything to hurt you."

"I'm so sorry Duo, I should have seen this coming. My father can be very protective and–" Duo leaned over and kissed her cheek, interrupting her apology.

"It's okay. I did see it coming, really, I just wasn't prepared for the, uh, intensity."

"Relena," her mother interjected, "I'm having the pasta primavera. What do you think you'll get?"

Relena had no idea, so she said the first thing that came to mind. "Chicken parmesan, I think."

The waiter arrived as if summoned, much to Relena's relief. Despite the tension Relena had sensed upon their return, once they'd ordered their food, conversation flowed smoothly. Duo deftly navigated the political discussion her father began, and Relena was frankly impressed. Not only was he knowledgeable on the subject, he was able to state some differing opinions from her father's in a way that was respectful and didn't cause the sort of argument such dissenting opinions usually began.

However smoothly the rest of the evening went, Relena was very relieved when it was time to leave. Her father had insisted on paying, thank goodness, given how expensive the meal had been. She didn't want Duo to have to pay for a lavish meal when he was already doing her such a big favor with this wedding. She and Duo took their leave of her parents, hand in hand, and that's when it struck her.

She was getting married tomorrow.

"So…" she began, not entirely sure what she wanted to say as she and Duo walked along the deck, hand in hand.

"So?" Duo responded, looking at her with a smile.

"Tomorrow's the big day."

"Sure is. Unless you want to call it off?"

"No! Definitely not. That is… unless you're having second thoughts?"

"Not at all," Duo replied, then brought her hand up to his mouth to kiss it, causing her stomach to flip flop in ways she didn't want to think about. "I just want you to be sure about this. Yeah, we're planning to get divorced after a little while, but this is still a pretty big deal. I'm totally down, don't get me wrong. That hasn't changed. I just don't want you to feel pressured into this."

"Pressure from my mother is the whole reason this is happening, pressure that will cease to exist as soon as we say, 'I do.' I couldn't be more sure about this if I wanted to be."

"Alright then. It's getting late, and if I remember correctly, it's bad luck for the couple to see each other before the wedding on the day of. Shall I walk you to your cabin?"

"Sure, Duo. I'd like that."

They'd meandered to the far end of the ship as they walked, so it took a good while before they arrived at her door. The closer they came, the more nervous she became, though she couldn't have said why.

They reached her cabin and stood facing each other, neither one quite able to speak. Duo was looking at her in a way she didn't quite understand. Unbidden, thoughts of the kiss they'd shared after his proposal had Relena blushing at the memory. Why would she think of that now?

"Well, good night," Duo said, and Relena felt her stomach drop in disappointment. Then he surprised her with a kiss. It was closed mouthed and chaste, a stark difference from the kiss she'd been thinking of, but it still set her heart to fluttering. There was no one here to convince, but he gave her a kiss anyway.

"Good night," Relena replied, suddenly shy.

"I'll see you tomorrow, beautiful," Duo said with a wink, then sauntered away. Relena was left blinking in his wake, inordinately pleased for reasons she didn't really want to examine. Before she began overthinking things, she ducked into her cabin and began getting ready for bed.