Author's Note: MERRY CHRISTMAS! (or early Christmas if you read this now!). I thought it would be a nice gesture to post something online as a present. I know this chapter wasn't very long but I hoped it brought a smile on your faces. Originally was I was going to combine this with the next one but I rather liked how it ended. Anyway, the song I listened to when I was writing is "First Day Of My Life" a cover by Anna Scouten. So give it a listen as you read this and hopefully you will see what I was trying to do to captivate for the couple.

Born In That Doorway

~Chapter Three~

Once Lucy got over the initial shock, she began to realize that before her was a giant cruise ship. People were being lead towards the ship's entrance as they are starting to dock. "This is..." Lucy couldn't fathom what Loke had planned for them. "Where are we going?" she managed to ask.

"That is for me to know and you to find out this month. We are going to have so much fun, so you ready Beautiful?" Loke held out his hand for her to take. Lucy smiled widely and gently placed her hand in his. It felt so warm and held the promise of an unforgettable adventure.

"Lead the way, you crazy lion." she laughed. He grinned as the smile on her face showed just how happy she was. He lead her to the boarding point where he presented their passports and tickets to allow them access. Once they had checked in; they were then lead by one of the bellhops of the ship that would carry their luggage and show them to their room. However, room was an understatement since it was the royal suite. Once the door was opened, Lucy felt her jaw drop at the beauty of the decor. The bellhop dropped their belongings off in the middle of the room as Loke took out jewels to tipped him. He looked over to see Lucy slowly exploring the room and absent-mindedly touching things here or there. He couldn't look away from her as her curiosity made his heart swell with pride. She had approved of his choice.

"Oh Loke..." Lucy finally spoke as she stopped by big windows that lead out to their private hot tub balcony. The sun was out and shining bright over the deep ocean. She could smell the sea salt waters and hear the seagulls.

"Figured you would like it. Welcome to your new home for the next month." he smiled as he picked up their things and brought it to the dressers as the bellhop took his leave.

"This is too much..." Lucy was dumbstruck as everything in the suite was romantic and luxurious. Loke shrugged nonchalant at her remark. This was nothing compared to his palace back in his own world.

"I disagree. This is our vacation remember? And you know how I always have to travel in style." he chuckled. Lucy rolled her eyes at his statement. Why was it always had to play cool and smooth?

"That doesn't surprise me that is your answer." she scoff. Loke's smile grew wider as he knew deep down she was impressed with just how well he had planned everything so far.

"I think I detect a hint of jealousy Beautiful. Are you just mad that I know how to make a statement and actually have abilities to plan things?" he move towards her in a slow way. His eyes were on hers with those bedroom eyes of his. Lucy felt the heat within her belly ache as her heart fluttered. There was something about how he was looking at her that made her feel a bit weak in the knees.

"Yeah-Yeah, you are so not full of yourself." Lucy gulped and flirted. "However um Loke..." she trailed as he stood before her. His eyes soften as he gave her his full attention. "There is only one bed you know..." she pointed out.

"Yeah I know. I was planning on sleeping on the pull out couch while you slept in the bed. This is what they had on short noticed. I spared no expense of course." Loke pushed up his sunglasses as pride radiated off of him.

"Uh huh..." Lucy eyed him skeptically. Loke crossed his arms as he could see her leering at him with that look.

"Just relax, you said no funny business and I plan to respect your wishes." he put her at ease. Lucy mimicked him as she crossed her own arms."There had better not be." Lucy then decided to drop the subject for now. She walked over to the luggage and started the task of unpacking and putting her things in the drawers. Loke followed her lead and all he simply had to do was snap his fingers as his clothes would automatically appeared in his hands. He used the closet to hang up his suits and his formal attire. He had caught Lucy looking over at him with almost a jealous look. "See something you like?" he teased looking over his shoulder at her kneeling on the floor and filling the bottom drawers.

"No!" she glowered. He chuckled "Jealous is not becoming of you Lucy." he went back to hanging his jackets. They packed in silence until the announcement for the welcoming ceremonies and the shipping docking on its voyage were to commence on the main deck. "Looks like we are needed up." Lucy stood up and stretched as Loke opened the door. "Shall we?" he asked.

They made their way up to the main deck where the welcome ceremonies were taking place and welcoming everyone with a giant party. There were music and everyone was cheering or dancing as drinks were being served by the staff. Loke pulled Lucy to him as they danced to the fast pace music as confetti and streamers were being sprayed everywhere. As the ship set on its into the sunset that turned to night; the first day was completed with fireworks. deafening cries of cheering echoed on the waters as everyone was looking up to the beautiful lights in the skies. At this point, Loke had left Lucy's side momentarily only to return with a drink. "Crazy party right?" he chuckled

"Reminds me of the guild." Lucy clinked his glass and gave him one of those that smiles that tempted her fate every time she flashed it towards the heated lion. "To our vacation." he toasted.

"To our vacation." Lucy and Loke sipped their glasses as they continued to not only enjoy the fireworks, but also the festivities.

~First Couple Days At Sea~

The ship was smooth sailing for the first couple days aboard it with its passengers. As for Lucy and Loke, she was left up to her own devices. Loke had let her have her own time to relax to which she took full advantage of. She shopped in the giant onboard shopping mall in the cruise line, suntan in one of the many lounge chairs, and even took a spa day all to herself where she had the full service. At night was a different story, Loke and Lucy would eat together and would watch the shows. Cocktail hour was one of her favorite times of the day so her and the celestial spirit would catch up with what they were doing. Loke had been keeping busy with catnapping, playing sports such as basketball, and occasionally hitting up the gambling tables. Lucy was shocked to find out that Loke was winning a small fortune whenever he would take a chance to play. "That is because you are my lucky charm, Beautiful." he would say winking at her. Lucy couldn't find herself to be too upset considering when he used that nickname it would find a way to melt her heated emotions.

By the fourth day, Lucy found herself looking out to the morning sun on the waters at one of the many decks of the ship. The wind in her hair and the warmth on her face felt so good but that wasn't why she was looking out. Already she spotted land in the far distance. So suddenly she felt a presence was beside her that she didn't find time to react. Startled she look over to Loke resting against the same railing she was. His back was to the bars so he could fully look at her face as she looked at him as if he was crazy. "I hate when you do that!"

"Sure you do." he chuckled and looked over his shoulder to see what she was looking at all by herself. "See something?" he asked.

"We are approaching that island" Lucy pointed out in the direction they were heading. Loke cracked a knowing grin.

"That island is known as Teldor." he spoke as Lucy looked at him in surprise.

"Teldor is such a far away island from Magnolia!" she exclaimed. Loke threw his head back with a hearty laugh.

"Oh you have no idea do you Lucy? This is just the first stop." he chuckled to her surprise.

"How long will we be stopping there?" she asked curiously as he pulled himself together.

"I believe for three days or so. I reserved us a hotel stay at one of their best renowned spots" Loke mentioned casually as he stretched comfortable.

"Isn't that a bit extravagant?" Lucy raised an eyebrow.

"Told you my lucky charm; my vacation, my rules." he smugly spoke.

"Uh huh, let me guess, it also has one bedroom as well? You know your back has to be killing you?" Lucy leaned forward and rested her chin on one of hands as she looked at him. Loke eyed her mischievously.

"Well if you would be so kind enough to let me sleep in that huge bed with you, then my back wouldn't be killing me now would it? You know that bed is huge enough that easily we could put a pillow divider between the both of us. But I am glad to hear that you are so concerned for my aching back." he complained teasingly.

"But that would defeat the purpose of 'no funny business' Loke, and you know I am no hypocrite." Lucy deflected with that smile once more. The way she smelled and the way she looked in that moment was too much. Suddenly, she was fully facing Loke as he trapped her against the railing with either hands on both sides of her. His gaze was smoldering as he was completely focused on her. They were certainly close and that aching heat started to blossom deep within Lucy again. Loke was being forceful and she hated to admit how it made her shudder at new anticipation.

"Enough games Lucy. Let's stop playing pretend for one moment. How about for once be completely honest with each other; if things get serious at least be open about it. I like you Lucy; I like you a lot." he evenly told her. Lucy was blushing to the ends of her toes to the tips of her ears. I wasn't a full love confession but it wasn't a 'benefit' one either. He was leveling the playing field. So seriously he gazed at her and she gave a small nod in acceptance.

"O-okay. So what exactly do you have in mind?" Lucy asked hesitantly. Loke leaned up and captured her lips with his own.