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Chapter Text

‘Alex darling, are you ready? Or we’re going to be late.’ 

Alexis looked up from her book and saw her mother standing in the doorway. She smiled softly at the woman and nodded, hiding the book in her bag. 

‘Yes mum, I’m ready to go.’ she said standing up. 

‘My God, girl, let me look at you.’ said Aurora taking a few steps into the room. ‘That dress looks amazing, Alex.’ she said, brushing invisible dirt from green fabric. ‘I told you years ago that you should start wearing more of these.’ she added, putting her hands on her hips, looking at her daughter critically. Alex rolled her eyes at her but she smiled, taking a handle of her suitcase and pulling it to the door. 

‘I guess I just finally grew up to them.’ 

‘You are beautiful.’ said Aurora, looking proudly at her oldest child and Alex smiled at that. ‘That bastard Liam is probably regretting leaving you.’ 

‘It was me that left him, mom.’ remaindered her Alex, throwing her long brown curls through her shoulder. ‘And I doubt he regrets. He’s probably too busy with his and Amelia’s newborn child.’ she said, sending her mother a wide smile. 

‘Well, it’s his loss anyway. He could be travelling with us right now.’ said Aurora, shrugging her shoulders and both women laughed at that. 

Alexis and Liam were together for nine long years and were engaged for almost six. They never rushed to tie their relationship in marriage though. It was only a year ago that they started planning for their wedding. It was supposed to be a grand event. Two days of celebrations with family and friends in the exclusive hotel, followed by two month’s long honeymoon, as gift from her parents. Alex agreed on that expensive holiday only under the condition that they will go together with them. It took some persuading on her part but they finally agreed. 

The trip was supposed to have four different stages. First were two weeks spend in Great Britain, the tour through Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. Then, two weeks cruise onboard of the world’s best liner through the Atlantic, to America. They were to spend two weeks in New York with another two week cruise back home. 

But five months before the wedding, when all the planning was finally coming to an end, Alex found out that Liam was cheating on her. He was seeing that chick all the time they were engaged. And that his missy is four months pregnant with his child. So she dumped him without a second thought. Their wedding was supposed to take place two weeks ago. 

Firstly Alex was devastated. She spend almost ten years of her life with him. And even though their relationship wasn’t perfect, they were arguing allot, she did love him. But her sister, her parents and friends managed to quickly put her back on her feet. Along with her parents, they decided against cancelling their trip. And here they were now. The three of them. Having the best time of their lives. 

First two weeks just passed. Now they were in Southampton, where they will soon board the most beautiful and exclusive ship in the world. Titanic. 

‘Aurora, Alexis, we have to go, our cab is downstairs!’ they heard a male voice from the living area of their apartment. 

‘We’re coming honey!’ said the older woman, turning to her husband and Alex followed them to the exit. 

The road to the port was short and soon they parked on the dock. Through the window Alex saw the true masterpiece of naval architecture and she couldn’t stop excited smile from her face. She got out of the cab and looked at the beautiful ship. She was enormous. Black coat was shining in the morning sun, her four funnels were already softly steaming and the crew members were greeting passengers onboard. 

‘Well she’s a beauty, indeed.’ said Curtis behind her. Alex turned to look at her father.  Both he and Aurora had an impressed looks on their faces. ‘Excited?’ he asked looking at her daughter, knowing how much the ships always fascinated her. 

‘You have no idea. Let’s go!’ she exclaimed as if she was a little girl. Her parents laughed at her and together they moved to the gangplank. Their luggage already taken by the Titanic’s stewards to their respective cabins. 

When Alex first took a step onboard she felt immediate feeling of freedom. It was refreshing, beautiful and powerful. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath of fresh breeze, and released it with a smile. She swirled around with rised hands and laughed quietly. Her curls swinging around her shoulders and her dress spinning at her feet. She opened her eyes, looking around with a smile. Her parents were a few meters away from her, talking with a steward that was probably giving them some instructions. Not far behind them, on the starboard side of the ship, she saw a man in black uniform with brass buttons down his chest, and a cap on his head. He was looking back at her, his hands clasped behind his back, and a smile on his face. She smiled back at him, slightly embarrassed that he saw her, a grown woman behaving like a kid. She turned her gaze away looking up to the highest deck where the bridge was, already bursting with activity. 

‘Good morning Miss.’ she heard deep voice with a distinctive Scottish accent behind her. She turned around to find herself face to face with a man who just saw her silliness. ‘Titanic’s First Officer William Murdoch, at your service.’ he introduced himself with a small bow of his head. 

Alex looked at the man in front of her and felt something gripping her heart. Never before she saw a man so beautiful. Not just handsome. Beautiful. He had a soft features and smooth skin. His lips were pulled in a pleasant, gentle smile and his eyes… Crystalline, sharp and incredibly blue. She never saw the eyes so blue. They were the true colour of the ocean on the warm sunny day. Strands of brown hair were peaking from under his cap. A bit longer at his nape. He was taller than her, his posture was strong and proud but slender. On his sleeves the insignia of his rank, gold belt and a loop, were stark contrast with smooth black of his crisp uniform. 

‘I believe you find the ship to be to your liking Miss.’

‘Alexis Lorain, sir.’ she said, smiling back at him. ‘And yes, she’s truly the most remarkable ship I’ve ever seen.’ he nodded his head, pleased. 

‘As an Officer I am obliged to provide any help for passengers so please remember that if you need anything.’ he said looking straight into her eyes. ‘I hope your voyage will be pleasant and enjoyable.’ he added. He took her palm in his gloved one and leaned down to plant a soft kiss on the back of her hand. 

Alex’s heart did a flip at this mostly forgotten by the society act of chivalry. She smiled when his sharp blue eyes met hers again. She felt as if they were looking straight into her soul. 

‘I’m sure it will be, Mr. Murdoch.’ she said softly, not minding that his hand was still holding hers. ‘Thank you.’ she added, and with the last bow he turned back to his duties. Alex was simply dazed by him as she was looking at his back when he was walking away. After Liam she told herself ’no man ever again’ and yet here she was, admiring a man. 

‘Who was that gentleman, Alex?’ asked Aurora when she and Curtis neared their daughter. 

‘He’s, um-‘ she started, and had to cough to clear her voice. ‘First Officer William Murdoch, mom.’ she said and looked at her. She saw a sly smile and a raised eyebrow on her mother’s face and she snorted. ‘Oh stop it mom. I told you. No men.’ she said and turned to entrance, in accompaniment of her parents chuckles. 

Their cabins were placed on the B-deck and on their way there they saw many marvels of the ship. The grand staircase, huge glass dome, salons, reading rooms, pool and a gym. Alex couldn’t help herself and peaked inside the last room, satisfied at seeing the best equipment. 

She turned to her parents just in time to see her mother rolling her eyes at her, she just smiled at that. Their cabins were numbered B-75 and B-77, two similar apartments with a living area, comfortable bedroom and adjoined bathroom. They said their ‘see you later’s’ and went to accommodate themselves. Alex looked around her spacious living room, already loving it. It was luxury in the purest form. Light wooden floors combined with navy blue walls with gold accents, lush white sofas and soft rugs. All furniture was made to fit perfectly in the spaces of the room, all of the modern inventions like tv, phone, radio or router were tastefully masked to not disturb all of the design. She chuckled, wondering who booked a cruise on the ship like that to watch television, knowing she would never turn it on. She shook her head, thinking that Liam probably would do that as a first thing. 

Smiling to herself she opened the door to the bathroom, pleased to see both the shower stall and a bathtub, with a row of different sized candles on the table next to it. Opening the last door she saw king size bed with silk golden bedding and two night stands on its sides. The left side of the room was build-in wardrobe. It was the only room with portholes from where she can see the docks. At the small table in the corner she saw an ice bucket with a bottle of champagne, two glasses and a tray filled with strawberries and chocolates. She rolled her eyes remembering it was in fact a honeymoon suite. 

Feeling rebellious and happy, probably for the first time since the breakup, she opened a bottle and poured herself a glass. She took her suitcase and started to unpack her clothes into the wardrobe. 

She just finished organising her stuff and was on her second glass of champagne when she heard knocking at the door. Opening them she let her parents inside. 

‘Oh my, yours is very nice too, Ax.’ said Curtis looking around, Aurora humming in agreement. 

‘It is. Isn’t it?’ she said, grabbing a glass for her mom and another filled with whiskey for her dad. ‘It’ll be hard to say good bye, after living for a month like that.’ 

‘A month and a half, Alex.’ corrected her Aurora. ‘We’re staying onboard Titanic when we reach New York.’ 

‘Really?’ asked Alex with a wide smile. 

‘Yes. Of course we will be in minority, and only first class passengers are allowed to stay.’ said Curtis. ‘We didn’t told you because we were not sure if it will be possible.’ 

‘But it turned out it is an additional gift for you, my girl.’ added her mother. 

‘Thank you so much! I really love it here.’ said Alex, excited about the idea of spending more time on Titanic. 

‘We should be departing in a couple of minutes.’ said Curtis, looking at his wristwatch. ‘Want to go outside?’ he asked, perfectly knowing the answer. 

‘Yes, let’s go.’ said Alex and after finishing their drinks they took off. 

They reached the promenade and went down to the Forward Well deck that was less crowded and where they still had a perfect view at everything. The stewards checking-in the last minute passengers, sailors running up and down through decks and officers shouting various orders. The clouds of smoke were rising from the funnels, indicating that the engines were ready. 

‘Lower the gangplank! We’re closing the gates!’ they heard a loud commands from nearby and Alex recognised it as First Officer’s voice. ‘To your stations!’ she looked to her right just to see him standing on the Forecastle above them. His voice was less gentle, more hoarse and rough when he was shouting orders. His Scottish accent more evident. ‘Get ready to haul the moorings! Make ‘em fast on capstans!‘ he yelled through his shoulder, making his way down the stairs. 

‘Moorings ready sir!’ 

He leaned overboard looking down at the dock. He took a deep breath and looked around, before he shouted to the other man. ‘Ready on the bow!’ 

After a moment Alex felt that light vibrations under her feet and she knew that this were the engines. One long blast of Titanic horn cut through the air and the ship started to move. 

‘Haul the moorings! Steady! And clear ‘em!’ the First Officer’s voice was still heard above anything as he was leaning over the side, looking down the dock. ‘Bow on the loose!’ he yelled. ‘Good job lads!’ he added to the sailors under his command. His smile was brighter than the sun. Alex once again felt that tingling in her chest when looking at him. The feeling intensifying when he looked up and their eyes met. He bowed his head in respect, his smile taking a softer look. 

The moment was broken when someone called him out and he looked up in direction of the bridge. ‘Clear those lines and to the Forecastle you lot!’ he barked walking away to the bridge. 

‘He’s such a charming man.’ sighed Aurora, and Alex looked at her with raised brow.  

‘Should I be jealous?’ asked Curtis, making them both laugh. 

‘Of course not, I’m just hoping to one day have a son in law like him.’ whispered back Aurora, loud enough for Alex to hear. 

‘Mom! You’re impossible.’ said Alex shaking her head, but with a little smile on her face. She turned to walk closer to the edge and leaned her hands on the railing. Wind whipped her hair back and she closed her eyes, with her face to the sun. Titanic was gliding effortlessly, surrounded by little tugboats and pilots. To her first ever voyage. 

Up on the bridge First Officer Murdoch was standing side by side with Captain Smith, looking forward with pride. They left English coast behind and were finally on the open waters. He looked down at the Forecastle and Forward Well deck and he spotted Miss Lorain leaning against the railing on the starboard side and he smiled to himself. There was something about her shy smile and blue eyes. When he first saw her and her carefree joy he felt as something switched in him. Something that he forgot he had. A living and beating heart. 

‘Take her to sea, Mr. Murdoch.’ it was Captain’s voice that brings him back to reality. ‘Let’s stretch her wings.’ he added and Will smiled knowingly. 

‘Yes sir!’ he said and moved to telegraphs to give orders to the engine room. 

Full ahead!

Chapter Text

Alex along with her parents spend a lovely time walking on the promenades, enjoying the warm weather of that afternoon when the sound from the speakers announced that dinner was ready to be served. 

‘I want to change quickly, you both should too.’ said Aurora and together they went to their cabins. Alex decided to wear the black, maxi long, loose slip dress which was exposing her arms, shoulders and back. She put on a gold necklace and matching earrings and tied her hair up in a messy bun, keeping a few strands on her temples loose. She put black sandals on her feet and looked at herself in the mirror. She smiled liking what she saw. She met with her parents in the hallway. Aurora wore beige dress, similar to her own but shorter, ending at her knees, and her father matching suit, without the tie. They looked like a prestigious modern family, that they were. 

When they reached the dining hall they looked around, before the waiter approached them. 

‘My ladies, sir. Would you like to share a bigger table with other guests, or should we accommodate you in a smaller one?’ he asked politely with a pleasant smile. They saw that the most of the small tables were already filled. 

‘We don’t mind at all.’ said Curtis, looking at his girls. 

‘Of course. It’ll be nice to make a new friends on this ship.’ added Aurora, and Alex only nodded her head, agreeing with them wholeheartedly. The waiter bowed his head and showed them to the table, already occupied by another family of three. Thankfully it turned out that they were decent people. Wealthy but not snooty like most. Alex and Aurora immediately took a liking to Molly Brown. She was a stocky woman with brilliant sense of humour and lots of distance to everything. Her husband, James, was more subdued but he seemed to find the common ground with Curtis. Their daughter, Caroline, was few years younger than Alex. She was a bit shy, but eventually started taking with them too. 

‘It’s so nice to meet such a wonderful people like you.’ said Aurora with a smile. Alex felt that her mother just found herself a new friend in Molly. ‘I hope the rest of our table will be as great.’ she added, looking at the four empty seats. 

‘True, Aurora.’ said the other woman, she looked around, almost every table was already full. The answer came faster than they anticipated as the double door opened and four men came in, all of them wearing black. First was the Captain himself, then two other men that Alex didn’t know, but judging by the cap and gold insignia on his sleeves, one of them was an Officer. Then finally closing the group, First Officer Murdoch. The waiter pointed at their table and they approached them. 

‘Good evening ladies. Gentlemen.’ greeted them the oldest man. ‘I’m your Captain on this fine vessel, Edward Smith. May I, and my three companions join you for the dinner?’ he asked politely. 

‘Of course Captain, it will be our pleasure.’ said Molly with a smile. She stood up and the rest of them followed. 

‘Please then, meet those fine men. This is Thomas Andrews, our Master Shipbuilder and the designer of Titanic.’ he said, pointing to the tall and slim, elegant man with a gentle smile and warm brown eyes. ‘And the two of my best men, First Officer William Murdoch, and Second Officer Charles Lightoller.’ Alex already knew the charming First Officer. His Second was a little higher than him. He had a slim face, sharp jawline and high cheekbones. He had a bright silvery-blue eyes and a tight but sincere smile. 

They all moved to shake hands and make introductions. The last one that approached Alex was First Officer Murdoch. Once again he leaned down to plant a kiss on the back of her hand, looking at her through his eyelashes. His blue eyes were a few shades darker in a dimly lit room and she felt her pulse quickening. 

‘Miss Lorain. It’s a pleasure to meet you again.’ he said, straightening. ‘I must say you look incredibly beautiful tonight.’ 

‘Why, thank you Officer.’ said Alex, sending him a bright smile. ‘You look quite dashing yourself.’ she added, looking at him. She never imagined that someone could look that good in a uniform. 

‘Oh yes, you are both gorgeous.’ said Molly. ‘Look at you two cuties, just met and already dressed in a matching outfit.’ she joked, but Alex realised that she was right. She felt herself blushing lightly. 

‘Actually I had pleasure to meet Miss Lorain earlier today.’ he said politely with a slight smile. When they all finally sat down, Alex found herself sitting between her mother and William Murdoch. The atmosphere was pleasant and the conversations were flowing freely. 

‘Mr. Andrews, I give you my highest compliments. She is truly a beautiful ship.’ said Alex looking at the man sitting opposite her. Thomas send her a humble smile and nodded his head. 

‘Thank you Alexis. But the idea wasn’t mine. I just provided the project.’ he said timidly. 

‘There’s no need to be so modest, Thomas.’ cut in the Captain. ‘Nothing here would be possible without you. And you spent enough time on physical labour working on her.’ he added and Thomas chuckled, nodding his head in confirmation. 

‘The idea was to build the ship so sturdy and strong, being at the same time luxurious and safe.’ said Andrews, his eyes glistening with pride. 

‘I believe it’s a success in every aspect.’ said Alex. ‘I can’t wait to see more of her in the coming days.’

‘You know gentlemen, Alex was studying at the Naval School. As a Logistician, but her sentiment for a floating vessels was always strong. She was writing her thesis on Maritime transport.’ said Aurora, patting her daughter’s hand. ‘She’s a sailor also, and owns a ship too.’ she added and all the men looked at her approvingly. Alex looked at them, her gaze stopping at the man sitting beside her. He had a little smile on his lips as he was looking at her with wonder. 

‘Ship is a big word. I have a sailing yacht, only 31 feet long.’ she explained. ‘It’s nothing compared to the ships you are sailing.’

‘If she has a hull, bow and stern, and something that keeps her going, she’s a ship anyway.’ he said, his softly hoarse voice sending shivers down her spine. She smiled at his words. 

‘I’ll never know why are you still keeping her, after everything.’ added Aurora quietly. 

‘I just love the feeling she’s giving me.’ said Alex looking at her mom and shrugged her shoulders. 

‘Freedom.’ added Murdoch for her. He knew that feeling very well. 

‘Yes.’ she said, meeting his blue eyes once again. This time longer, and Alex found herself falling. 

‘In that case Miss Lorain, I would assign my best Officer to show you all the wonders of Titanic.’ they heard Captain’s voice and they looked at the man. ‘After your main duties, Mr. Murdoch.’ 

‘Of course sir.’ he nodded his head in confirmation. 

The hours were passing at the various conversations and everyone at the table was having a good time. From time to time Alex felt the eyes of the man by her side following her, and often was catching herself looking at him too. She couldn’t quite believe how fast that man turned her steel resolve into something almost nonexistent. 

‘I apologise dear ladies and gentlemen, but I have to leave your fine company. I’m starting my watch in a few minutes and have to prepare.’ said Officer Murdoch, raising to his feet. 

‘Oh, then we are in good hands tonight.’ said Molly, smiling up at him. He only bowed to her with a smile of his own and put his  gloves and cap on. 

‘It was a pleasure to spend time with you.’ he said kindly, before he turned to Alex. ‘Miss Lorain, I am hoping to see you tomorrow on your first exclusive Titanic tour.’ he added, with a little smile. 

‘Of course, Mr. Murdoch. Have a quiet and safe night.’ she answered. He raised his hand to his hat in salute to the Captain and turned to leave. 

‘Lightoller, you’ll be needed too!’ he barked at the Second Officer, that still was small-talking to the Caroline. 

‘Oh! Right! Excuse me. Ladies, gentlemen.’ he exclaimed and rushed after Murdoch, accompanied by their laughter. 

‘That boys…’ said Molly, wiping tears from her eyes. 

‘They may seem a bit unruly, but I can assure you, they are the best men you can find on the ocean liners.’ said Captain Smith. 

‘Nonsense Captain, there’s nothing unruly about them.’ said Aurora and Molly followed her. 

‘That’s true, both of them are charming, perfect gentlemen.’ she added. ‘I must say that Mr. Murdoch is quite a catch. Is he available?’ she asked, making everyone laugh, especially when her husband looked at her scandalised. 

‘I believe he may be.’ said Captain between chuckles. 

‘Oh, but he seems to have eyes for our dear Alex.’ she said, faking her disappointment. 

‘Alex is right now firmly in her no-man-ever-again era, Molly. You still might have a chance.’ joked Curtis, looking apologetically at her daughter. 

‘Did someone hurt you Alexis?’ asked Thomas, looking softly at a girl. 

‘You may say so Mr. Andrews.’ she admitted, sending him a timid smile. ‘It’s a long story, but to make it short I’ll say that I’m enjoying my honeymoon right now. With no husband.’ she added, rising her hand with no ring on her finger. 

‘Then maybe that’s how it’s supposed to be. Maybe fate wanted you to be here alone. To give you something greater than you could imagine.’ he said gently. ‘It’s never good to close your heart, Alexis, believe me.‘ he added and there was some sadness in his voice and his soft smile. Alex thought that he was probably talking from his own experience, and wondered what happened to him in the past. Was he ever betrayed like her? Did he miss his chance? He was such a gentle soul, and she felt herself connected with him in some way. Not romantically. Not even close. But she felt she had a friend in him. 

‘Thank you Mr. Andrews.’ she said honestly. ‘I think you are right.’ she added, looking down at her hands.

‘Damn right Mr. Andrews, and I’ll drink to that.’ said Molly, rising her glass and instantly lighting the mood. 

It was past midnight when they finally called it a night, and left the hall. Alex’s parents were saying their goodbye’s with Browns when she neared the boardside, looking at the bright stars. She knew that the nights were the most beautiful on the sea. Only there you could see the night sky that clearly. 

‘Alexis.’ said Thomas standing beside her. ‘Remember what I told you. And have a good time tomorrow on your tour with Will.’ he added, sending her a sincere smile. Alex took a step closer and hugged him shortly. ‘Have a good night.’

‘Thank you again Mr. Andrews.’ she said standing back. ‘Have a good night too.’ 

Chapter Text

Another morning Alex woke up early. She looked out the window to see the colourful sky, promising beautiful sunrise and warm sunny day. She decided to not spoil the day lying in bed and got up. She took a quick shower and dressed herself in comfortable black joggers and a matching hoodie, put a pair of white sneakers and set off to the boat deck. On her way there she took a takeaway coffee from the Café Parisien that was already open. 

Opening the door to the outside she was greeted by cool breeze and she was grateful for the warmer clothes. It was still early, around 5 in the morning, and at that time the deck was completely deserted. She walked toward the bench and sat down, with her legs crossed on the seat, and looked at the brightening sky. She felt captivating sense of relief and peace. With a little sad smile she realised how her relationship with Liam was really affecting her. She never felt like this with him. She always was agitated and anxious. Her whole personality was suppressed, she was someone else with him. Someone that he wanted to see. 

She closed her eyes at the rising sun, and took a deep breath, letting the rays to warm her skin. It was peacefulness and freedom she wanted to feel every day. She thought about the words that Mr. Andrews said to her yesterday. After the brake up she was terribly wounded. Her parents jokes about hers ‘no-man-ever-again’ was something she really said and wanted to keep up with. All of this seemed to vanish with her first step onboard Titanic. 

In the quietness of the morning she heard the sound of someone’s footsteps on the hard deck, and soon through her closed eyelids she saw a shadow blocking the sun. She opened them and squinting at the bright glow she saw only a dark outline of the person standing in front of her. Board shoulders, long coat and a round hat on his head. When her eyes got used to the light she finally saw the smiling face of the First Officer Murdoch. 

‘Good morning, miss Lorain.’ he said briskly. 

‘Mr. Murdoch. I’m starting to believe that you are following me.’ she said jokingly, making him chuckle. 

‘I just stepped down from the bridge after my prolonged watch.’ he said looking down at her, clasping his gloved hands in front of him. ‘And I almost didn’t recognise you.’ he added and Alex looked at herself. 

‘Yes well. It’s not a very lady like outfit.’ she said but he shook his head. 

‘But looks very good on you, like everything else.’ he complimented and she smiled at him. 

‘You’re too kind, Mr. Murdoch.’ she answered and he bowed his head elegantly. ‘Please, sit down with me. If it won’t keep you from your duties, that is.’ 

‘No Miss, my duties are over for now.’ he said, sitting beside her. She saw as the gold buttons on his chest and the badges on his shoulders shined in the morning sun. High collar of his coat brushed softly against his handsome face. 

‘If I knew I’ll meet you here I would take a coffee for you too.’ she said, turning to him slightly when he did the same. ‘You look tired.’ 

‘First day on the cruise is always hectic and exhausting.’ he answered. ‘But it’s not something I didn’t experience before.’ 

‘Yes I’m sure of that. How long are you sailing?’ she asked, genuinely curious about him. 

‘I come from a family of sailors.’ he answered with a smile. ‘My father used to take me on the ships since I was 5. Now I’m 39. So I guess I’m sailing longer than you live, miss Lorain.’ he said and she laughed. 

‘Nothing farther from the truth, Mr. Murdoch. You sail exactly as long as I live. I’m 34.’  she said and he suddenly looked nervous. 

‘I apologise, I didn’t mean to be so tactless-‘ 

‘No, please, don’t worry.’ she said putting a soothing hand on his. ‘I’m not the kind to be offended by anything.’ she added with a comforting smile. He smiled too and for a moment they fall in comfortable silence. ‘How are you managing to reconcile sailing and family life. It must be hard.’ she asked. 

‘My parents are used to it by now.’ he said. ‘And I met my late wife on a ship like this one.’ he added and Alex wanted to hit her head on something really hard. How could you ask something like that, damn you! 

‘Oh god. Oh god, I’m so terribly sorry, I shouldn’t have ask-‘ she said quickly. He raised his hand and shook his head. 

‘It’s alright, Miss, I don’t mind.’ he said with a slight smile. This time it was his hand that grabbed hers in comforting manner. ‘I really don’t.’ 

‘I’m still sorry.’ she said biting on her lower lip. ‘It was a very personal question. It just me, being really tactless this time.’ she added and he chuckled. 

‘So we are even.’ he said sending her a smile and she snorted a laugh. Once again they both silently looked at the endless horizon. After a moment he spoke again. ‘She died four years ago. We were married for five.’ He was talking quietly. ‘I was away, in the middle of my six month contract, when I got the news of her passing. She had a cancer. And she never told me about it.’ he said, finally looking back at her. In his eyes Alex saw long accustomed sadness that will never go fully away. ‘I wanted to hate the sea at that time. But that love proved to be stronger than me.’ 

‘I’m really sorry, Mr. Murdoch. I didn’t mean to bring back painful memories.’ she said timidly lowering her eyes. ‘I feel awful.’ 

‘Please don’t.’ he said and his hand that was still holding her own tighten. ‘Those memories don’t hurt me anymore.’ he added and she looked back seeing his smile. ‘What hurts me right now is that I managed to put that beautiful smile off of your face.’ he said and that instantly lightened the mood and Alex smiled back at him. ‘Yes, that one.’ he said and raised his hand to softly brush her cheek. Their eyes met and they both felt the warmth that had nothing to do with the morning sun, spreading inside them. 

‘I apologise Miss, but I’m afraid I have to get some rest.’ he said and in familiar gesture he took her hand and gently kissed it, before looking back into her eyes. ‘I hope to see you later today. I have Titanic to show you.’ he added in deep, alluring voice. 

‘Of course, sir. I’m sure you’ll find me somewhere around here.’ she said brightly. He nodded his head and stood. ‘Have a good rest.’ she added softly and with a last lingering smile he turned to leave. She was watching him until he disappeared from her view. 

What was it about this man that made him almost irresistible?

She spend all morning with her parents enjoying all the sunshine and entertainments that Titanic provided. Around noon they went to the early lunch in the dining room, where they already found Browns with Mr. Andrews and other three they didn’t know. 

‘Oh my favourite people!’ exclaimed Molly, visibly relieved at seeing them. Just like Thomas, who was smiling uncomfortably to that moment. ‘Come on, we saved your seats!’ 

Lorains chucked and neared the table. They quickly learn that two out of three new people at their table were typical snotty millionaires, and they understood Molly’s relief at seeing them. Ruth DeWitt Bukater was a petite woman with cold expression and a fake smile. On her right side was her daughter, Rose. She was a beautiful young woman with a long ginger hair. Alex immediately noticed her pained eyes, despite her trying to mask it with indifference. Her feeling was proved true when she saw the look she got from the man beside her. Her finance - Caledon Hockley. He was as handsome as terrible. His fake smile when he was trying to small-talk to her father when he learned that they are rich, was making her sick. 

Something was probably seen on her face because her mother kicked her in the shin under the table and sitting next to her Mr. Andrews cleared his throat, before he engaged her in conversation. 

‘So Alexis, how was your first night on Titanic?’ he asked with a smile. 

‘As expected Mr. Andrews. I slept like a baby.’ she answered, sending him a thankful smile. 

‘Like a baby indeed. She woke up before the sunrise.’ laughed Aurora. ‘She was wandering around the decks and distracting Officers.’ she added and Thomas’s eyes brightened with joy. 

‘In joggers and hoodie, what a distraction.’ she said rolling her eyes. Thomas laughed at this. ‘And I didn’t distract anyone.’ said Alex in defence. She saw that Rose was listening them with a little smile. 

‘I guess then, that you’ve met with the First Officer.’ said Mr. Andrews. 

‘He could have stumble upon me on his way from the bridge, yes.’ she admitted, making them laugh. 

‘This is perfect, young romance onboard of the greatest ship in the world, and this is only second day of the cruise!’ exclaimed Molly. The reactions of her statement were various. Alex’s parents and Thomas chucked, Rose looked interested, Caroline maybe a little jealous? But Ruth and Cal were trying to keep straight faces from the disapproving look. They failed. 

‘We are closer to the middle age than young, Molly.’ said Alex deciding to leave the romance part. 

‘Nonsense, I am middle age, you are young, Alex. And you should take that bull by the horns! Or… by something else.’ she said and almost everyone at the table laughed loudly. Alex was still blushing when she heard familiar voice behind her back. 

‘Mr. Andrews?’ she turned around and her blush depended even more. ‘Captain requests to see you on the bridge after your lunch.’ said Officer Murdoch. 

‘Of course, I’ll be there shortly.’ confirmed Thomas. 

‘Miss Lorain, it’s wonderful to see you. Again.’ he said, bowing his head with a playful smile. 

‘You really are following me, sir.’ said Alex with a pleased grin. He chucked softly. 

‘Then to prevent any further following, can you meet me in an hour on the stern, Miss?’ he asked and Alex nodded her head. 

‘That will be perfect, Mr. Murdoch.’ she answered and with a nod he took his leave. 

‘You have a date?’ asked Rose and Alex turned to see her smile. 

‘Oh no, it’s not a date. Mr. Murdoch was kind enough and agreed to give me a tour.’ she said. 

‘Are you sure it’s not a date anyway, dear Alexis?’ asked her quietly Mr. Andrews. He had a little cunning smile on his lips.

‘I’m starting to think you want to see us together, Mr. Andrews.’ she said slyly. 

‘I would hope to get invited for a wedding.’ he answered sending her a wink and Alex laughed. Then she heard Caroline’s childish hinting that she would like to have a tour as well. She felt a sting of anger. 

‘Caroline, maybe you should ask Second Officer Lightoller.’ she said with a dangerously sweet smile. She saw how the younger girl was looking at William Murdoch, and felt boiling jealousy, what greatly surprised her. She saw Rose smiling at her secretly, and Alex thought that she liked her. ‘He was happy to talk to you yesterday during dinner.’ she heard Thomas chuckling quietly beside her. 

‘I’ll go now dear friends, I’m expected on the bridge. I hope to see you at the dinner.’ he said, preparing to leave.  

‘May I walk with you, sir? I have to go as well.’ she asked and he turned to her with a pleasant smile, gentlemanly offering her his arm. 

‘So territorial already, Alexis?’ he teased when they were walking out of the dining room. 

‘I don’t know what you are talking about, Mr. Andrews.’ she said eloquently but her smile was betraying her and he laughed. 

They parted ways on the deck when he, wishing her a good time kissed the back of her hand. Alex turned to the first class entrance and went to her cabin to change. She stood before the wardrobe and was trying to decide what to wear when someone knocked at her door. Opening then she saw was it was Rose. 

‘Need some help?’ she asked with a wide smile. 

They had a wonderful time together and Alex quickly found that Rose was in fact funny and cheerful girl. They picked a dress, similar to what Alex wore to dinner yesterday but in navy blue colour, with whole back, matched it with white sneakers to get comfortable, sport’ish look. She put her hair in a ponytail and was ready. 

‘You should hurry, Alex. You’ll be late for your date.’ said Rose. 

‘It’s not a date!’ she yelled from the bathroom and herd her laugh. When she came to the living room her gaze fall on the clock. ‘Shit!’ she had exactly two minutes left. 

‘I told you.’ said the other girl. ‘Run, what are you waiting for!’ she hurried her and Alex did exactly that. ‘Have fun!’ she yelled after her. 

‘Thanks!’ answered Alex and quickly run through the crowded corridors earning herself a few gazes but she couldn’t care less. Opening the door, with the last staircase down and turn she was already on the Aft Well deck, when she suddenly collided with something solid. Or rather someone. Her brain registered the scent of nice cologne, hard chest under her hands and strong arms that hold her, preventing them both from falling. The impact send him a few steps back but he managed to keep them up. 

She looked up straight to the crystal blue eyes of the First Officer Murdoch. 

Chapter Text

‘Why in such a hurry miss Lorain?’ he asked and his slightly husky voice so close made her almost shiver. He was smiling down at her, still holding her to his chest. 

‘Mr. Murdoch.’ she said surprised and when he finally took a step back her brain started working again. ‘I’m supposed to meet with someone here.’ she added coquetry. 

‘Really?’ he asked, clasping his hands behind his back, puffing his chest. ‘And who that lucky someone may be?’ 

‘He’s a very charming and attractive man.’ she said slyly seeing something spark in his gaze. ‘And looks very much like you, sir.’ 

‘May I persuade you to spend some time with me instead?’ he asked briskly, playing along. 

‘I may be persuaded.’ she said with a smile and took his offered arm. They walked together to the Poop deck and to the farthest aft end of the ship. They stood by the railings, looking at the keel-water path left by Titanic. 

‘Our destination today would be the bridge.’ he said and looked at her. ‘But there’s a briefing right now, so we’ll have to wait.’ he added and Alex nodded her head. 

‘I don’t mind, sir. I have a lot of time.’ she said with a smile. 

‘May I ask you something miss?’ he said timidly and Alex looked at him and nodded her head. 

‘You can ask me whatever you want. After my morning interrogation it’s only fair.’ she answered making him chuckle. 

‘Where are you from? Your English is perfect but your parents bear a slight foreign accent that I can’t place.’ 

‘We are from the Central Europe. From Poland to be precise.’ she said and he smiled. ‘Were you ever there sir?’ 

‘I was actually. I was on a cargo vessel sailing from Latvia. We encountered some propeller malfunction in the middle of the Baltic Sea, near the coast of Poland.’ he said. ‘We spent two weeks there. It’s a lovely country.’ 

‘It’s true. I was mostly happy there. Growing up on the countryside was fun, even as a middle class. But then came adulthood.’ 

‘Did something happened?’ he asked hesitantly, not sure he should. 

‘I told you sir, you can ask me anything.’ she assured him before replying. ‘I was fresh from university when I met my ex-fiancé.’ she said and fall silent for a moment, remembering everything from the past nine years. He didn’t interrupt her but she knew he was waiting. ‘We were together nine years. Engaged six. It was a bumpy ride. With lots of highs and even more lows. A year ago we started planning for our wedding and five months before the “big day” I found out he was cheating on me. Thought our whole engagement. I was ignoring all the red flags. You may call me stupid.’ she said, shaking her head. 

‘Noo… you’re nothing like that miss.’ he whispered, his arm tightening around hers. She smiled looking up at him. 

‘I left him on the spot. In retrospect I really don’t know why I didn’t sooner. I should know better.’ she said shrugging. ‘Two weeks ago his missy gave birth to his daughter. On the day of our supposed wedding. I hope the irony is not lost on you.’ she laughed bitterly. ‘This cruise was supposed to be my honeymoon.’ 

‘I’m really sorry.’ he said quietly. ‘If it means anything Miss, he never deserved you if he treated you that way.’ he added and Alex smiled. 

‘Thank you Mr. Murdoch. It means allot.’ she said, taking comfort from the touch of their entwined arms. ‘And don’t be sorry, because I’m not. I’m way better without him. He was a controlling, self-indulgent prick.’ she was talking and he smiled hearing her swear. ‘The only thing that I’m sorry about is that it took me nine years to understand that. That brake up was the best thing that could happen to me really. It left me broken that’s true, but I came back stronger.’ she added and turned to face him. Their arms never letting go, and now they were holding each other‘s elbow, still standing close. ‘And it’s a nice thought, that I’m here right now. Travelling the world on Titanic, in the company of a dashing Officer, getting to know new wonderful people when he’s changing diapers.’ she said with a wide grin and he laughed sincerely. 

‘You. Are remarkable. Miss Lorain.’ he said, his blue eyes shining with joy. ‘Shall we go?’ he asked and Alex nodded. 

‘Lead the way, sir.’ she said and he took her arm back gently, turning them to the bridge. 

‘Tell me about your ship.’ he asked looking at her from the side. 

‘Her name is Liberty. She’s 33 foot long, Bermuda rig sailboat. Made in the 80s.’ she smiled remembering her yacht. 

‘It’s a beautiful name for a sailboat. Your mother don’t like her?’ 

‘No, it’s not that. Sure she’s terrified that I’ll go and drown myself.’ she said rolling her eyes. ‘But I bought her when I was with Liam you see. And she’s afraid that I’m keeping her like a memorial or something.’ she said. ‘But the truth is that she always was mine. She was my dream, I got her with my own money and he has nothing to do with it.  He wanted me to sell her and buy another, but I refused. And even though I could afford a newer boat, I love that old lady.’ they reached the gate to the Boat deck and he let them through. ‘I’ve learn to sail her alone. And I really love that freedom she’s giving.’ she was standing on the stairs waiting for him when he was closing the gate. ‘When you set the sails and there’s nothing but the sea ahead of you... It’s like any problem doesn’t matter.’ she said gently and he looked up at her with respect. 

‘A beautiful woman, intelligent and brilliant. To top that, can sail a ship alone. How come you’re not married, Miss?’ he said half joking and took a few steps up to her. They were standing really close now. Alex could feel the heat from his body and the scent of his perfume.  

‘I was trapped for nine years by a bastard, sir.’ she said simply as a matter of fact. He took another step so they were on the same level. His gaze was intense and her heart flipped. 

‘Good thing you are free now.’ he said quietly. His one hand grabbed hers and the other showed her upstairs. ‘Ladies first.’ he said kindly, helping her up. 

When they reached the bridge he lead her to the wheelhouse. She saw all that beautiful equipment, brass telegraphs, row of deck telephones, modern navigations and sonars, maps, various control boards and many other instruments. And finally in the central place of the room, a huge wooden steering wheel. 

‘Welcome to the bridge Miss Lorain.’ he said in a deep voice right from behind her. ‘The brain of Titanic.’ 

She smiled to herself amazed at the possibility of seeing it all. She took a few careful steps to the wheel but not daring to get too close. 

‘You can touch it.’ he said softly and she looked at him surprised. ‘But don’t move. There’s a Quartermaster on the outside wheel.’ he said pointing at the man through the window. ‘He’s holding the helm right now. We can’t disturb him.’ he added moving to her closer. 

He stopped behind her and gently took her palm in his hand and raised them to the wheel. Alex’s hand touched the cool, smooth wood and she almost gasped. Under her palm she could feel light vibrations. Like a pleasant hum of water caressing the rudder. It was incredible feeling, that was only amplified by the warm touch of his hand still on top of hers. She briefly wondered how his bare skin would feel against her hand. Softer than the gloves? Or more rough? 

‘Do you feel it?’ he asked and she realised how close he was standing. His face was hovering over her shoulder and his chest was brushing lightly against her back. Their arms aligned and their hands joined on the wheel. She felt lightheaded. 

‘I do.’ she mumbled trying hard to focus on the wheel instead of his body and her reactions to it. It was hard, especially when she felt his deep breath caressing her neck. He was driving her crazy. 

‘It’s the water jet from the central propeller.’ he said. 

‘It’s amazing.’ she whispered. 

‘Starboard 15.’ they heard the command from the outside and he took her hand from the wheel the second before it moved. 

‘Aye sir, starboard 15.’ 

She chuckled and turned to face him. He had a smile on his face too. His eyes for a second landed on her lips and she wondered if he would kiss her. Would she let him? Stupid question. Of course I would. There was some serious chemistry between them, she was feeling that pull since the beginning. She couldn’t be the only one to feel that. 

His hand was still holding hers. Its warmth was causing pleasant tingling sensation spreading through her body. Her gaze fall to his lips. They were slightly parted, delightfully pink and shaped. His full lower lip was wet, like he just licked it a moment ago. She felt herself blush and she looked into his eyes once again. They were a shade darker. His breath deeper. He moved slightly closer. 

The moment was broken with the sound of steps nearing them and soon two other Officers came into the room. 

‘Oi Will. What are you doing here, you’re not on watch for another hour.’ asked the one that Alex met yesterday. Lightoller. 

‘I was showing Miss Lorain around the bridge.’ he answered. ‘My lady, you already met that rascal, Second Officer Lightoller.’ he said jokingly, earning himself a nudge to the arm.

‘Miss Lorain.’ he turned to her with a small bow of his head. 

‘And this is Sixth Officer James Moody.’ he added, pointing to the tall, younger Officer. He smiled gently and nodded his head. 

‘It’s nice to meet you gentlemen.’ she said with a smile. ‘I hope I’m not disturbing your work.’ 

‘Absolutely not Miss. I recall you are a sailor yourself, then you know the rules of the bridge.’ said Lightoller with a smile. ‘You are welcome to visit any time. Just watch out for this one.’ he said pointing at the man at her arm. ‘He’s a sly bastard.’ he added lightly and Alex laughed sincerely when he jumped off the way of Will’s hand. 

‘Thank you Mr. Lightoller, off you go.’ he said and both Officers disappeared onto the deck. He shook his head but was smiling. ‘I apologise for him, sometimes he’s forgetting all the manners.’ 

‘Oh, don’t worry about it.’ she said. ‘Is he your friend?’

‘Yes. We were serving together for many years on a few ships.’ he said, walking them outside where they had a perfect view ahead and on the Forward Well deck and Forecastle. The weather was perfect, not a cloud on the sky and the sun was slowly coming to the horizon. She should probably go back to her cabin, he had work soon. 

‘Thank you Mr. Murdoch.’ she said softly and looked at him. ‘I had a great time with you today. I’ll go now, you have to get ready for your watch.’ 

‘The pleasure was all mine. I hope I didn’t bore you.’ he said, sending her a timid smile. 

‘No. Not in the slightest.’ she answered, looking into his eyes that shined happily. 

‘Let me escort you to your cabin, Miss?’ he asked holding his hand to her. And she took it. He walked her all the way down to the B-deck to cabin 77. 

‘I won’t see you at the dinner tonight sadly as I was asked to switch my watch with Lightoller.’ his quiet voice was sending warm sparks down her spine. ‘But I hope to see you tomorrow. There’s still allot that I have to show you.’ he added and leaned to kiss her hand. This time his lips lingered on her skin longer, before he straightened, and their eyes met. 

‘You can count on that Mr. Murdoch.’ she said. With the last bow he turned and left. Alex opened the door to her cabin and threw herself on the couch with a silly smile. 

‘Alexis, back already?’ she heard a cheerful voice behind her when she was walking down the promenade hoping to maybe find her parents or any other friendly face. She turned around to see Thomas Andrews with a few rolls of architectural plans under his arm. 

‘Yes. Mr. Murdoch had to go back to his duties.’ she said with a smile and he nodded. ‘But I had a great time. He showed me to the bridge.’ she said and they proceed on walking slowly. 

‘Did he?’ he asked, sending her cheeky smile. ‘I hope he didn’t show you Officer’s quarters on the first date though.’ he added and making her laugh. 

‘Mr. Andrews you have to know that Officer Murdoch is a honourable gentleman.’ she said with a wide smile. ‘Are they on the on the bridge though?’ she asked and this time he laughed wholeheartedly. 

‘Yes Alexis. When you go through the wheelhouse to the port side there’s corridor with Officer’s cabins.’ he explained to her with a grin. ‘I see you stopped saying it wasn’t a date, Alex.’ he said after a moment, looking at her softly. She let out a long sigh and stopped, standing near the railing. 

‘Because it very much could be.’ she said looking at the calm ocean. ‘And I’m torn.’ she admitted. ‘I don’t want to get hurt again.’ 

‘That’s understandable. But you have to remember that not every man is like your former fiancé.’ he said softly, looking at her. 

‘But not every one is good either.’ she said sending him a side look. ‘I can’t imagine that he would ever do something like that. I live long enough to say that he’s not the type. He’s… too gentle and noble. He’s so kind and sweet, and… And it’s so rare! It almost seems impossible.’ 

‘Alexis you’re in love.’ he said with a soft smile as the realisation dawned on him. 

‘What?’ she asked astounded, looking at him. He put a hand on her shoulder and turned her to face him. 

‘Listen Alex, I know Will for a few years and I can tell you that he’s not the type to woo a girl only to take an advantage of her.’ 

‘How can you tell he’s trying to woo me?’ she asked in disbelieve and he send her amused look. ‘How do I know he’s not like that with any other woman on this ship? Charming and everything.’ 

‘Alex, do you know about Ada?’ he asked suddenly unsure. It wasn’t his story to tell after all.

‘Do you mean his late wife?’ she asked softly and he nodded. 

‘After her passing he was devastated for a long time. He threw himself into the work completely and never even did as much as look at any woman.’ he said. ‘Didn’t you notice? He only ever kisses your hand. He only looks into your eyes. He’s not entertaining any other women here, he barely even talks to them.’ he was talking. 

‘I could never compete with her Mr. Andrews.’ she said softly, biting her lips. 

‘And nor should you. But the fact he’s widowed does not mean he can’t love again, all the same way, Alex. He’s healed for a long time already.’ he said sending her a heartwarming smile. ‘The real question is, are you?’ he asked and Alex thought for a second. 

Was she? Was she ready to let go of her decision to be ‘forever single’? Was she ready to try once again and let herself be loved? The answer came with a memory of sharp blue eyes and a charming smile. With the sound of husky, deep voice, soft Scottish accent and the feeling of warm touch. She was ready. She was ready from the moment she stepped onboard and their eyes met. Thomas was right. She was in love. And despite the fact of how impossible that could be it was true all the way. She looked back at Mr. Andrews with a smile on her face. 

‘Thank you, you are an eye opener Mr. Andrews.’ she said and he chuckled. 

‘Alexis please stop with that Mr. Andrews nonsense already or I’ll start to call you Miss Lorain.’ 

‘Alright then Thomas.’ she answered with a laugh as they started walking.

On the bridge Will checked the radar but there were no other vessels or any other things that could prove any danger to them. Following Captain’s instructions he already lowered the speed to half ahead for the night. They took a long route to the States and still had a lot of time, there was no need to rush. It seemed it would be a quiet watch. 

He walked toward the wing on the starboard side and leaned against the railing looking forward at the V-shaped waves created by the bow and he smiled contentedly. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. His thoughts wandered to the past afternoon and to the girl which in just two days turned his world upside down. If it weren’t for Lights and Moody he would probably kiss her then. And he had a feeling that she would let him. He never was that daring before, especially that he knew her since yesterday. But something in her was making his brain short circuiting. He could barely hold himself back. 

‘Will.’ he heard his friend’s voice and soon Lightoller stood beside him. ‘What’s up with you old dog?’ 

‘Is something wrong with me?’ he asked looking at the younger man with a smile. 

‘I would say it’s the opposite.’ he grinned at him. ‘You look happy.’ 

‘Of course I am. I’m in charge of Titanic. The best ship in the world.’ he said with a chuckle. 

‘Yeah sure. And I’m sure that Miss Lorain has nothing to do with it, Will.’ said Lightoller sending him a sceptical look. ‘Come on man, I’m not blind.’ 

‘Well she’s…’ gorgeous, beautiful, intelligent, funny. Important. He didn’t say anything of it out loud. ‘She is. I don’t know what she is Lights.’ he said lamely. ‘I know her two days and-‘ he added and stopped, he couldn’t find the right words. Or more likely, he couldn’t believe them. 

‘You fell for her.’ he ended for him. Will looked at him seriously. He said nothing to either deny it or confirm his words, yet Lightoller knew he was right. He knew his friend. He saw how for the past four years he had no interest in women’s company whatsoever. But here he was now. He saw him yesterday and earlier today. The way he was looking at her. Kissing her hand, standing close or stealing supposedly accidental touches. He only ever saw him like that with Ada. He smiled to himself and looked forward at the setting sun. 

‘Will, you know she wanted you to be happy, don’t you.’ he said softly and he heard his friend’s long exhale. 

‘I know.’ he muttered, a soft smile lingering on his lips. Lightoller clasped his shoulder and squeezed it, before he turned to go. 

‘I gotta go on my rounds, see you Will.’ 

‘Thank you Charles.’ he said after him. Charles only smiled and raised his hand in farewell. 

Will looked back at the ocean ahead. He remembered her smile when she was looking at him. The way her eyes shined with excitement, when she was telling him about her yacht Liberty. How her body seemed to relax against him, when he hold her hand on the wheel, and how her breath shivered softly. He let out his own breath shakily when he remembered the feeling of holding her tightly to his chest, when she run into him on the stern. And her blush, when she realised who caught her. He remembered that rush of excitement when they stood in the wheelhouse, the air between them filled with almost palpable electricity. 

He closed his eyes and rubbed them with his hand. Lightoller was right. In two days only, he fell head over heels in love with Alexis Lorain. 

Chapter Text

Alex met with Rose another morning at breakfast and they both agreed to take a walk on decks. She had a feeling that the younger girl will be a really good friend of hers. When she was away from her mother and Cal, she was carefree and lovely soul and she remained her of herself sometimes. In good but also in a bad way. She saw that Rose was unhappy in her relationship, just like Alex was for way too many years. She hoped that Rose will realise that sooner rather than later. 

They were talking allot. About themselves, their lives and general stuff. They got to know each other quite well already. Alex told her about her experiences with Liam, Rose in turn told her about her own with Cal. 

‘But enough about that. Better tell how was your date yesterday?’ she asked her with a cocky smile. 

‘It wasn’t a date!’ answered Alex with a laugh, but she wasn’t quite so convinced about it anymore. ‘But I guess I made a proper first impression, when I rammed into him like a tank.’ she joked and Rose laughed loudly, sending her a questioning look. ‘You know. I was late and I run. Straight into him.’ she said with a wide smile. 

‘Sounds like fun!’ said Rose between chuckles. They stood at the broadside, leaning against the railing. 

‘Yeah it was.’ she laughed. ‘But really. It was great. We are supposed to meet today too.’ she added, looking around the boat deck as if hoping to see him. But it was still quite early, he probably was sleeping off his night watch. Rose smiled at her and nodded her head. 

‘He’s not bad to look at, you know.’ she said, watching closely for Alexis’s reaction and with a satisfaction she saw her blush. ‘Not my type actually. But he’s quite handsome. And so is Thomas Andrews.’ she added and Alex chuckled. 

‘Thomas, no no.’ she said, shaking her head. ‘I mean yeah, he’s handsome and everything, but our relationship is purely platonic. He’s a friend.’ she assured her with a smile. 

‘And it’s not platonic with First Officer Murdoch?’ she asked with a teasing smile. Alex blushed once again, remembering yesterday’s evening, right before they were disturbed by Officers Lightoller and Moody. She was pretty sure that he would kiss her. 

‘I guess it’s not.’ she said, biting her lip to stop the smirk from her face. But Rose laughed anyway. 

That moment as if on cue, both men that were mentioned a moment ago, appeared in their line of sight. They were walking along the boat deck, deep in conversation about the davits probably, because they stopped near, looking at said equipment. Alex felt some warmth spreading inside her chest when she heard his voice and saw his gentle smile. And as if feeling her gaze he turned his head, and their eyes met. And proverbial butterflies fluttered in her stomach. 

He nodded his head to her and send her a charming smile. He said something to Thomas who nodded his head, and together they made their way to meet them. 

‘Good morning ladies.’ they greeted them at the same time. Will leaned down kissing Alex’s hand when Thomas did the same thing with Rose. 

‘Mr. Murdoch. Thomas.’ answered Alex, looking at them both with joy. ‘Isn’t it too early for the equipment inspections?’ she asked and Thomas shook his head chuckling under his breath. 

‘It’s never too early when there’s still something to improve.’ he said. 

‘You’re too harsh on yourself Thomas.’ said Alex, shaking her head. 

‘My words exactly.’ muttered Mr. Murdoch from beside her. She looked at him, he was close enough that she could feel the warmth of his body. ‘You’ve made the grandest ship in the world and you are still looking for improvements.’ 

‘You have to chill Thomas.’ added Alex looking at her friend seriously. ‘Go, take a walk around and look how beautiful she is.’ she said and Thomas nodded his head with a laugh. 

‘Alright if it’s two of you against me, then what can I say.’ he said with a wide smile and turned to Rose. ‘Rose, would you like to take a walk with me to marvel at Titanic’s beauty?’ he asked, offering her his arm. 

‘Of course Mr. Andrews.’ answered Rose with a smile and she took his arm. She send Alexis a wink before they walked away, leaving them alone. 

Alex turned around to face Mr. Murdoch. He was looking back at her, a gentle smile was pulling on his lips. 

‘Would you like to take a walk with me as well, Miss Lorain?’ he asked. 

‘With pleasure, Mr. Murdoch.’ she said, taking his arm, and they walked in the other direction. ‘How was your night watch sir?’ she asked sending him a side look. 

‘Quiet thankfully. The initial fuss had settled down, although we are still getting used to her.’ he answered with a smile, his free hand waving in general area of the ship. 

‘Is it difficult?’ she asked curious. ‘I mean, I remember my own shock when I got my Liberty after allot smaller sailboat and set sail for the first time. But I’m not professional sailor.’ she said and heard him chuckle. 

‘I beg to differ. A woman who is able to sail alone is a very professional sailor in my opinion.’ he said looking at her. His eyes were shining with something that Alex couldn’t name. ‘We got to know the ship when we took her on sea trials.’ he said, answering her question. ‘But the actual voyage, with passengers and everything else going on around is somehow different. A lot of distractions.’ he added, sending her a cocky smile. 

‘Are you easily distracted sir?’ she asked flirtatiously and he pulled her slightly closer to his side, leaning down to her. 

‘I never was before.’ he said lowly, his voice hoarser, and Alex felt her pulse quickening. Their eyes met once again and the invisible sparks flew between them. He stopped them and tuned to face her. ‘You don’t have anything magnetic on you I suppose?’  he asked, sending her a grin and Alex laughed at this sudden change. 

‘No, why?’ she asked and he nodded his head, before he took her arm again and lead her to the raised platform. 

‘Come on then, Miss. I’ll show you Titanic’s compass tower.’ 

They walked around the boat deck the whole morning. He showed her the ship’s compass and described how it worked. He showed her around Officer’s promenade, pointed where their mess was, first class lounge, reading room and the gym. He gladly answered her every question. About the lifeboats and davits. About the engines and turbines powering the ship. They talked some more about their experiences on the seas. He told her about the places he visited and she was amazed.

‘It’s wonderful. You saw so much of this world.’ she said when they were leaning against the railing, watching the wavy ocean. ‘I wish I could see at least some of the places you’ve seen.’

‘It’s never too late to start exploring.’ he said lightly, looking at her from the side. ‘If I may say so Miss, you have spent too much time caring about everything, except yourself and your own dreams.’ he said softly. 

‘I know.’ she said with a sigh. ‘But I realised that a little too late. Sometimes I feel really old you know. Like the supposedly best part of my life had passed by me and I never knew that.’ she said with a sad smile and then shook her head looking down at her hands. ‘I’m sorry Mr. Murdoch, I’m rambling.’

‘No you’re not.’ he said smiling. He turned to her, leaning his elbow against the railing. ‘It’s not a rule that the best time of one’s life is happening in twenties. You have it ahead of you Miss. You’re still young.’ she faced him with a smile full of gratitude. 

‘So are you. We both are, Mr. Murdoch.’ she said gently. 

Their eyes met and they both felt that pull, like gravity, trying to bring them closer to each other. He saw something spark in her blue eyes and he almost reached out his hand to grab her neck, to pull her closer and kiss her breath away. He was thinking about it constantly since yesterday. And he didn’t know how much self control was left in him. 

‘Will, Lightoller is waiting for you to take over!’ he heard the voice of Chief Officer from somewhere nearby. Was it already that hour? He had completely lost track of time.  He turned to Wilde and he saw him smiling slyly. 

‘Yes sir, I’m on my way!’ he shouted and looked back at her with a chuckle. ‘I guess I got distracted.’ he muttered. ‘I apologise Miss. Duty calls.’ he added and she smiled brightly, nodding her head. 

‘Thank you Mr. Murdoch. I’ll see you around.’ she said and he nodded his head with a smile, before walking towards the bridge. But he turned back to her mid-step, with coy expression. 

‘Would you like to meet with me later, after my watch?’ he asked looking at her with a sheepish smile and she found his sudden shyness incredibly endearing. 

‘Of course Mr. Murdoch. I’m finding myself greatly enjoying your company.’ she said and felt herself blush when he send her that brilliant smile. 

‘Then I’ll see you after two.’ he said bowing his head and turn on his heel walking away. 

Alex turned to the horizon. The way that man was making her melt with a simple smile was incredible. 

‘Sorry Lights.’ he said to his friend when he got to the bridge. Lightoller waved his hand dismissively. He knew why Will was late, he saw them walking around the whole morning. He was glad that his friend had found something to distract him from work. ‘Anything important?’ 

‘Nah, it’s boring today.’ he grinned and Will chuckled. ‘But I guess it’s not something that you can complain about. How was your morning, dear friend of mine?’ he asked teasingly. 

‘Why Lights, it was very nice.’ said Will sending him a cheeky smile. 

‘I could tell. Did you two kiss goodbye?’ he asked making Will laugh and he shook his head. ‘Why not?’

‘Because we know each other three days! Are you mad?’ he exclaimed, looking at his friend. 

‘You’re calling me mad? You fall in love in two!’ snickered back Charles, but he was still smiling like a lunatic. 

‘Yeah I did.’ admitted Will, leaning heavily against the rail. ‘This is mad.’ he said. Lights chuckled under his breath and stood beside him. 

‘It is. But it’s great actually. You deserve it.’ he said, nudging him with his elbow. ‘If you don't kiss her by the end of the week then I’ll do it.’ he joked and Will laughed wholeheartedly. 

‘Sure. I bet Sylvia would be happy about that.’ he retorted with a grin. 

‘You think?’ asked Lightoller making him roll his eyes and laugh again. 

They did meet after his watch and wandered the ship until it was almost the time for his another watch. They were walking slowly through the mostly empty boat deck promenade. Everyone was at the dinner but they decided to skip it. Both silently agreed that they were feeling too good in each other’s company to part yet. 

It was getting dark, the sun was already below the horizon and only faint red glow was visible on the sky. They were not talking much. The silence between them was as comfortable as any conversation from before. Their occasional glances and smiles, and the closeness between them was filled with cosy, warm feeling. Neither said anything about it, but they both knew what it was. 

They reached the first class entrance and it was a moment they had to part. 

‘I hope I’ll see you again tomorrow Miss Lorain.’ he said quietly, standing in front of her and kissing the back of her hand. His lips lingered on her skin for a moment before he raised his eyes, meeting her gaze. 

‘I hope so too, Mr. Murdoch.’ she said with a gentle smile. 

They were interrupted once again and they almost laughed. Because this time it was by the Titanic herself. One long blare of her whistle filled the quietness of the night and Will actually chuckled under his breath shaking his head. He looked back at the dark ocean. 

‘Look there.’ he said pointing at something ahead and on their port side. The moment she spotted one red light and two white, they heard another blare coming from the other ship. 

‘That’s a unique way to say ‘hello’.’ she laughed and he followed. 

‘I'll hazard a guess and say it’s SS Belgic. One of the cargo ships in White Star Line fleet.’ he said. ‘She’s close enough to hear our ‘hello’, but it’s also a warning signal.’ he explained and she nodded her head in understanding. 

‘She responded so she sees us.’ she said and he looked at her with a smile. 

‘Exactly.’ 

They silently watched as the Belgic passed safely, heading towards England. Then he turned around facing her. He really had to go now, no matter how much he wanted to stay. 

‘Have a good night Miss. I’ll see you tomorrow.’ he said, kissing her hand once again. 

‘Good night sir.’ she answered with a soft smile. ‘Till tomorrow.’ she added and watched him turn and walk away towards the bridge. 

Chapter Text

Alex walked slowly through the Boat deck’s wide promenade basking in the evening sun as her thoughts wandered. She couldn’t wait to see what this day would bring her. When would she be able to see him? Where would he take her to this time? She laughed under her breath thinking about how much her life has changed in just three days. From the woman who had a plan to never let the man into her life again, to the one that couldn’t wait to see him. It was scary and at the same time exciting. She didn’t catch a glimpse of him today yet. Right now he was probably on the bridge but she hoped that he got some rest in the morning. She was keeping him up all day yesterday. 

She leaned her elbows on the railing and looked down at the water splashed by the Titanic’s heavy body. Her gaze raised up to the horizon where she spotted small, far away vessel that was heading the other direction as them and she remembered last night.

‘It’s the RMS Olympic.’ said the voice from behind her and she smiled to herself as her heart jumped with joy. She didn’t have to look back to know who it was. He came closer and stood beside her, with his hands on the wooden rail. She looked at him, he had a gentle smile on his face when he was looking at the passing ship. She felt an overwhelming, sweet feeling of affection for that man. ‘She’s a Titanic’s older sister.’ he added and looked down at her. His eyes were full of some tenderness. 

‘Really?’ she asked turning back to the tiny ship. Looking closer she could see the same outline and four funnels sticking from the top deck. ‘Are they any diffident?’ 

‘At the first sight they are almost identical. They have the same layout of the decks. But Titanic was designed to be stronger and more luxurious.’ he said in a gentle tone. ‘She’s made of the thicker steel. And the interior is different. She’s more classy and modern at the same time.’ he added and she chuckled. ‘There’s also the third one, Britannic. But she’s not finished yet. I served on Olympic for a bit. Together with Lightoller. I have a quite the sentiment for her.’ 

‘What about Titanic?’ she asked, looking into his bright eyes. He put his elbows on the railing, mimicking her pose, so their faces were on the same level. 

‘I’m starting to believe that she is indeed the Ship of Dreams.’ he answered lowly. 

‘So am I.’ she muttered, never breaking eye contact. She unconsciously leaned to him closer. Or it was him? Both? But soon their shoulders were touching and their faces were so close that they could feel their mixed breathing against their lips. 

Someone’s loud laugh from nearby tore them out from their bubble and they reluctantly moved away. Alex looked back at the men causing the commotion when Will closed his eyes, cursing ugly in his head. He was so close to kissing her that he almost could feel her taste. He stood back up and turned, leaning his side against the barrier. Alex did the same and their eyes met again. The air between them still heated and the shy smiles on their faces. 

‘I deeply regret that, but I have to go, Miss. I have some errands to run before the end of my watch.’ he said quietly. ‘Can I meet you like yesterday, but at the top of the grand staircase? I suggest to take some warmer clothes. Your hoodie perhaps.’ he added sending her mysterious smile and she laughed. 

‘Alright, certainly sir. I can’t wait to see what you have in stock for me.’ she answered and he took her hand kissing it before he left. She looked back at the Olympic with a dreamy smile. It was so close. 

She wondered what he could have planned for them that he told her to take a hoodie. She set it with skinny tight black jeans that were perfectly showing her shape, and black ankle high converse sneakers. She put her hair up in a bun. When she was walking up the grand staircase she saw him immediately, he was standing near the clock, straight and proud like always, with his black greatcoat loosely thrown over his shoulders. 

‘My lady.’ he said with a charming smile, holding his arm for her. ‘Shall we go?’ 

‘Of course sir.’ she said taking his arm and he led them to the elevators. ‘Where are you taking me?’ she asked curious. 

‘You’ll see, Miss.’ he said with a mysterious smile. ‘E-deck, Mr. Blades.’ he added to the lift steward. 

‘Yes sir!’ said a young man and they moved down. E-deck was the lowest deck that the elevators could get. The passengers were allowed only to the G-deck, just above the Orlop and Tank. 

‘We’ll have to walk to the lower decks.’ he said and her curiosity spiked. She knew no other passenger would have the opportunity to see Titanic that well. 

‘I left that one of my rounds on purpose, so I can take you there.’ he said when they were walking narrow, white corridor on the G-deck. ‘We’re going to Orlop. I thought you may appreciate the chance.’ 

‘Of course sir, will we be able to see the construction parts?’ she asked and he looked at her with a smile. 

‘That’s the plan.’ he said and she grinned happily. He opened the gate to the staircase and they walked down. ‘We’re on the bow now. The other direction aft’ he said pointing behind them. ‘Are six boiler rooms, the engines and turbines. Unfortunately I can’t take you there while they’re working.’ he added sending her apologetic look. 

‘It’s a real shame. But I understand.’ she said, tightening her arm around his. 

They reached a heavy steel door and he opened them, letting them inside. Then she understood why he wanted her to dress warmer. It was cold in here. 

‘Welcome to the cargo hold Miss.’ he said and she looked around the dimly lit hall. There were lots of pallets, cargo bags, barrels, even cars, arranged in perfect order, creating an endless maze that you could easily get lost in. ‘These walls are the only thing that is separating us from the Atlantic now. We are well below the waterline.’ he said and Alex looked to the said wall. She saw the enormous plates of thick steel, welded together, creating a structure of Titanic’s hull. The rivets bigger than her hand were sticking out of frames. 

‘I guess that everything is big on the Titanic.’ she said and he chucked. She took a walk around marvelling about the brilliant piece of naval architecture that she was.  He was still close beside her. His presence warm in the cool room. ‘Thank you for that Mr. Murdoch. I’m really grateful that you are willing to spend your free time showing me your ship.’ she said timidly. He stopped beside her and they looked at each other. That tense anticipation from before was now stronger. Impossible to ignore. 

‘There’s nothing else I’d rather do with my free time, Miss.’ he said and his tone took a deeper, more hoarse note. ‘I’m enjoying this time with you perhaps a little too much.’  

‘Nonsense, Mr. Murdoch. There’s no such a thing as enjoying something too much.’ she said and he took a careful step closer. His hand raised slowly to her face and he cupped her cheek, caressing softly her skin when his eyes were scanning her every reaction. She realised that he was giving her the chance to stop him. She is not going to. Her eyes fluttered close and she nuzzled her face at his warm hand. Her own hand reached forward, finding her way under the flaps of his vast greatcoat, grabbing the fabric of his jacket on his waist. She heard his deep breath shudder slightly and she opened her eyes to see him take a final step forward and then leaning down. 

Slowly, as if still unsure, he kissed her. The soft brush of his lips mixed with the touch of his hand and the rich scent of his skin overwhelmed her senses and she shivered. Their eyes closed on its own accord and the breath left them when he pushed forward harder. His hand moved from her cheek to the back of her head keeping her steady when the other one came around her lower back pulling her closer, bringing their bodies flush together. 

A quiet moan escaped from her when she felt his hard body against her, warm even through all the fabric of his uniform. Her hand snaked from his waist finding support between his shoulder blades and she raised the other one to his neck, her fingers scratching through the short brown hair at his nape. 

Unfortunately, soon the need for oxygen was too great and they had to pull apart. They stood there, still embracing, not ready to let go yet. Their breaths rapid and so their heartbeats. Eyes glistening with shared passion. 

‘I might have forgot myself Miss Lorain.’ he said huskily with a little smile. 

‘Please, you can’t kiss me like that and still call me Miss Lorain.’ she whispered breathlessly. 

‘Alexis.’ he whispered back, closing the distance between them once again. 

‘Will…’ she pleaded before he kissed her again. This time more boldly. He tilted his head to the side and softly bit her lower lip, prying her lips open. When their tongues met they both moaned at the hot sensation that it caused, and Alex was grateful for his strong arms keeping her, otherwise she would collapse. She felt rather than heard a deep pur that came straight from his chest and her hands pulled him even closer. Through the haze she felt the effect that the kiss had on him but she was not far behind herself. It was passionate, hot and raw. She was amazed how that gentle and composed man now turned fierce and confident. He knew exactly what he was doing to her. And he was exceptional at this. 

‘Oh god, Will.’ she whimpered when his lips left hers, attacking her neck with the same fervent intensity. They almost jumped out of their skin when they heard a loud bang of steel doors on the other side of the cargo hold. 

‘Fuck.’ he cursed under his breath, looking in the direction of the noise and they heard two sets of steps and someone’s voices. ‘Do we have to be interrupted all the time?’ he asked quietly, looking down at her and she giggled. He took her hand and pulled her to the exit and when they reached corridor they both burst into laughter, leaning against the walls. 

‘Let’s go up.’ he muttered still smiling and offered her his hand. And if someone noticed that they were walking closer than appropriate then to hell with them. 

On the promenade they came across Thomas Andrew who smiled seeing them. 

‘Good afternoon my lovebirds.’ he teased as they approached him. He noticed that easy air between them and guessed that something had happened. ‘I really hate to interrupt your evening but it’s good I found you, Will.’ 

‘Did something happened Mr. Andrews?’ asked Will slightly alarmed.

‘There seems to be some problem with the ship’s radar, and I was told to let you know when I see you.’ he answered and Alex saw Will frowning, before he looked at her. ‘They’re most likely counting on your expertise. I’m sorry.’ he added sincerely and Will nodded his head. He turned to Alex and Thomas tactfully took a step back and turned, giving them some privacy. 

‘I better go there and see to the problem.’ he said softly, taking her hands in his. ‘I’ll see you at tonight’s dinner probably.’ he added and she smiled at him. 

‘Thank you Will.’ she whispered and he took her both hands kissing softly her knuckles, not daring the other kind of kiss in such public place. Too soon for that. He looked her in the eyes the last time, flames danced in his blues and he turned toward the bridge. 

Thomas walked to her, and stopped in front of her with a grin. 

‘Is there something you want to tell me Alexis?’ 

‘Oh hush you.’ she said taking his offered arm and they walked to the stern. ‘He’s a damn good kisser, alright?’ she added making him laugh. 

‘I can see that. You should probably fix your hair before you go to see your parents.’ he teased her with a smile and she blushed. Touching her disheveled bun, she took the hairpin off, letting her curls loose. 

Chapter Text

The evening was getting closer and so was the dinner, and Alex once again was standing in front of the open wardrobe, wondering what to wear. She wanted something extraordinary. After today’s meeting with Will she felt amazing. Even more than that. She felt beautiful and she wanted to look like that too. Especially that she would probably meet him. 

Finally she chose long, pale peach, flowing dress without the straps. She added gold jewellery and gold high heeled sandals. She decided to leave her hair loose and put on a very light makeup to give her skin a little more glow. She looked at herself in the mirror and barely recognised herself. The woman from six months ago was long gone. She was now in excellent condition, her long, dark curls were shining with life and her lightly tanned skin was soft and smooth. Her smile was sincere, more prominent.

There was a soft knock on her door and she opened them, revealing her parents. 

‘Oh shoot Alexis! Are you dressing up for someone?’ asked her mother, looking at her approvingly. Curtis laughed from behind her. 

‘I’m dressing for a dinner mom, just like you.’ she said with a grin, looking at her mother’s beautiful sea green dress with golden pattern running over the long sleeves. 

‘Yes, but I’m feeling underdressed next to you!’ 

‘Come on, don’t be silly. You look marvellous. You too dad.’ she said, looking at her father’s perfectly tailored gray suit. ‘Shall we go?’ 

‘Yes, yes.’ said Aurora, turning to the exit. ‘I really hope that Cal and Ruth will grant someone else with their presence though. I don’t mind Rose, she’s such a sweet girl, but those two…’ she shuddered visibly and Alex chuckled, agreeing with her completely. 

When they entered the grand hall allot of people were already there, standing in smaller groups, talking and laughing. 

‘I see Molly right there.’ said Curtis, pointing discreetly at the woman and they immediately went her way. 

Turned out it wasn’t only Molly with James, but also Thomas Andrews, Rose with some other man next to her, as well as Captain Smith with Officer Lightoller and, Alexis’s heart did a flip, Officer Murdoch. His eyes darkened when he saw her and she saw him swallow. They all had their greetings and he came to her side, kissing the back of her hand. 

‘You look wonderful, Alexis. That dinner will be a real trial for me.’ he whispered for only her to hear and his eyes sparked with fire. She felt herself blushing. 

‘For you and me also.’ she muttered under her breath and he send her a smile. 

‘Let’s have a seat, my friends.’ siad Captain and everyone followed him to the table. Once again Alex found herself sitting next to Will, with Thomas in front of her. He smiled brightly and send her a wink, as his eyes traveled from her to the man at her side. Rose with her mysterious partner, Jack Dawson, were sitting next to him. She briefly wondered where her mother and fiancé had gone off to, but she really couldn’t care less about them. That cheeky, funny and a little bit awkward man was a way better companion than them. He was entertaining them with stories of his travels around Europe with only ten bucks in his pocket. He was a free spirit and judging by the look on Rose’s face, she quite liked him. 

‘So how did you two met here?’ asked Aurora with a soft smile.

‘Oh. Jack actually saved my life.’ said Rose brightly. Too brightly for Alex. ‘I was walking on the stern and I slipped, almost falling into the ocean.’ she said. 

Strange. Thought Alex. That sounded like a a far-fetched lie. She may not know her for long, but she knew enough to tell that. Her assumption strengthening when she saw Thomas frowning in concern, and more importantly, the serious looks exchanged between Will and Lightoller. She felt Will’s hand softly brushing her leg and she looked at him. He shook his head discreetly which meant that this was indeed a lie. 

‘How did you managed to slip that bad, Rose?’ she asked her with a laugh, deciding to play along. 

‘I wanted to see the propellers and my dress came in the way.’ she answered jokingly and everyone laughed. 

The rest of the evening was really pleasant. Lightoller was amusing them with the stories of his own experiences on the sea, often together with Will. Alex was happy about the chance to learn something more about the charming man sitting beside her. Through the whole dinner they were both stealing the secret touches from each other, their smiles and looks were filled with electricity that never faded after their Orlop encounter. But soon enough, Will had to go back to the bridge. Soon he had 10-02 watch. 

‘May I have a word with you outside Miss Lorain?’ he asked officially as everyone was listening. Alex nodded with a smile and let herself be escorted to the promenade. When the door behind them closed and he assured himself that they were alone, he looked at her and let out a long sigh. 

‘It’s about Rose.’ she said. It wasn’t a question but he nodded his head anyway. 

‘It wasn’t an accident Alex, she didn’t slip looking for the propellers.’ he said, his face serious. ‘Today morning we got a message from the sailor that had watch on the stern last night. About a woman who tried to jump from the ship.’ he said and Alex’s felt dread, she closed her eyes. ‘We didn’t know who that woman was, or who saved her. Until now that is.’ she felt his warm hands on her shoulders and she opened her eyes looking into his. 

‘That’s all Cal’s fault. He’s a bloody bastard, Will. Like, really.’ he pulled her slightly closer, and she embraced him, locking her arms around him, hiding her face in his chest. 

‘I hope that young Mr. Dawson will be able to save her again, this time from him.’ he muttered and she nodded her head. 

‘I’ll talk with her as well.’ she said and looked up at him, biting her lip. He smiled at that. He already knew she was doing it when she was upset or nervous about something. He raised his hand, releasing her lip from her teeth and leaned down, planting a soft kiss on them instead. Oh, how he wanted to deepen the kiss, and hold her closer. A shiver that went through her body told him that she would like that too. But it was not a place or time. 

‘I’ll see you tomorrow.’ he whispered with their lips still close. 

‘I’m sure you will.’ she answered with a smile. ‘Have a quiet watch.’ she added and with the last brush of lips he left and she went back inside. 

Damn it’s cold. Thought Will to himself as he was keeping his night watch on the bridge. He rubbed his hands to warm them a bit when suddenly the door on the Forward Well deck opened and a laughing couple run outside. He recognised them immediately, it was Rose DeVitt Bukater with that Dawson boy. And it seemed that that prick Caledon Hockley would really find himself without a fiancée after that cruise. He chuckled to himself at the thought and turned to the stern, giving them a bit of privacy. His thoughts wandered to Alex, and how he wished he could still be with her now. 

The night was calm. The water flat and the air still. At the start of his watch they received an iceberg warning and he decided to slow down the engines. It was not exactly what he was ordered by the Captain, as he wanted to run at the half speed minimum. But he wasn’t here when they revived a warning and Will decided that it wasn’t safe enough. Especially with still malfunctioning radar. 

‘Do you want some hot tea, Sir?’ he heard the question and turned to the young Officer standing at the door to the wheelhouse. 

‘No, thank you Mr. Moody.’ he said with a smile. The young man nodded and disappeared inside, and Will walked to the wing leaning against the fall. He turned the collar of his coat higher and looked at the starry sky. In his memory he was recollecting the Orlop tour with Alexis and their kiss. He instantly felt warmer when his insides fluttered with a memory of the passion they shared. 

He was brutally brought back to earth with the sound of the bell ringing on the crow’s nest. He looked ahead, squinting his eyes to see what alarmed them, when at the same time the telephone rang in the wheelhouse. 

And then he saw. And his blood run cold. 

Iceberg. Huge as the Titanic herself was floating right in front of them. 

He turned to run to the helm. He was almost at the door when Officer Moody opened them, yelling ‘Iceberg, right ahead!’ 

‘Hard’a starboard!’ he yelled on the top of his lungs to the standing at the helm Hitchens and run off to telegraphs. On his way he almost knocked down Moody, who spilled his tea. He grabbed the first handle and throw it all the way back to full astern. Then he run as fast as he could to the next one. Full astern. 

He hurried back outside hearing Moody’s report that the helm was hard over. He crashed into the railing with so much force that his ribs hurt but he barely realised that. He looked ahead. And he prayed. He prayed to all the deities in the world, that it was not too late. Telegraphs ringed and he felt the engines slow down, then run full power astern. But they were still right on the path to disaster. He cursed under his breath. 

‘Is it hard over!’ he yelled to the helm. 

‘It is Sir! Hard over!’ 

He looked forward at the growing mountain in front of them, thinking about all the people onboard. 2200 souls that he was responsible for. And the one of them, the most important one. The one that stepping onboard of Titanic brought him back to life after years of just existing. 

‘Come on girl…’ he pleaded under his breath, his hands gripping on the wooden rail. ‘Come on. Come on. Turn…’ and then, as if she was listening to his voice, Titanic started to turn. ‘Yes… like that…’ he whispered. They were really close now, the bow started to move right next to the iceberg, passing it by the few inches only. 

‘She’s going to hit!’ yelled the sailor from the bow before he jumped over the anchor and run to the port side.

Then the whole ship shook and the ice fall down on the decks. Will felt pure dread and the cold sweat broke out on his face. Please, let it be only a scratch on the upper deck.  

‘Hard to port!’ he screamed to the helm. They needed to round it, otherwise they would crash the stern even harder. He looked to his right terrified when they were passing the iceberg. The lines supporting mast tore off more of the smaller pieces of the ice that fall down on them. Looking back he saw that at least they managed to clear the stern. He ordered himself to get a grip and run back inside the wheelhouse, right to watertight doors panel, closing them all, hoping it’s only unnecessary precaution. When all the lights went on he closed his eyes and let out a long breath. There’s nothing more he could do now. He realised he was shaking as the adrenaline was pumping through his veins. 

‘Note the time and enter it to the log.’ he said to the other Officer, trying hard to sound composed, knowing that he looked completely opposite. The next second the door swung open and the Captain came in. He looked around at his shaken men and  then he turned to him. 

‘What was that Mr. Murdoch.’ he asked him, his tone hard. Will took a steadying breath before he answered. 

‘An iceberg Sir.’ he said. His tone calm, despite the storm inside him. ‘I put her hard to starboard and run the engines full astern but it was too close.’ he explained, almost choking on his words. ‘I tried to port around it, but she hit. And-‘

‘Close the watertight doors.’ said Captain, already rushing to the starboard side. 

‘The doors are closed Sir.’ he said going after him. 

‘Full stop!’ he added and Moody run back to the telegraphs. Will stood beside as the Captain was checking the hull. He looked back at the iceberg still floating behind them and cursed under his breath, then walked back to the railing on the wing. They looked down at the bow, Forecastle and Forward Well deck were covered with the scattered bricks of ice. ‘Find the carpenters. Get them to sound the ship.’ 

‘Yes Sir!’ he barked in reply and was already running to the men’s cabin, grateful for a distraction.

He was hurrying back to the bridge through the busy promenade on the boat deck. It was chaos. It was the middle of the cold night and yet people were wandering around, curious about what happened that the ship stopped. High pressured steam from the boilers was coming out of the funnels with a loud deafening hiss, drowning out the people’s questions. He was asked a hundred times but he didn’t bother to stop and answer to anyone. Until he heard her voice. 

‘Will!’ he turned around in time to see Alex running to him, her long, beige coat billowing around her legs. Under it she still had a dress she wore for a dinner that night. He took her hand, pulling her after him in the direction of the bridge. ‘Will what happened?’ she asked seeing his pale face. He didn’t say anything until he opened the nearest door and pulled her inside. As it turned out it was the gym and thankfully it was empty. He turned around and took her in his arms as if his life could depend on it. She hugged him back immediately, keeping him close with her arms around his middle. 

‘You’re shaking.’ she whispered at his chest. He leaned his chin on the top of her head with his eyes closed, feeling as some of the tension subsides. ‘Please tell me what happened.’ she pleaded and he pulled back slightly, looking down at her. 

‘We struck the iceberg.’ he said, his voice cracking and he raised his hands to her face, brushing her long hair back. ‘I don’t know yet how serious the situation is, but Alex. Promise me that if there’s evacuation, you’ll get to the first lifeboat you can reach, and get out of here.’ he said leaning down to kiss her forehead. ‘Find me. Or Lights. Or any other Officer. Promise me that.’ 

‘No Will I can’t leave you here!’ she said agitated, looking at him with wide eyes. 

‘You have to Alex. I’ll be fine. But I won’t be able to do my work knowing you’re not safe.’ he said strongly. ‘Please I have to know that you’ll be safe.’ he was almost begging but right now he couldn’t care less. If he were to lose her it would surely kill him this time. 

‘But Will…’ she started, shaking her head. 

‘Damn it Alex, look at me. I love you.’ he said strongly and saw her eyes widening. ‘I fell in love with you the moment I saw you first time. When you danced on the deck with raised hands and that carefree smile.’ he said gently and she smiled again, her eyes watering. ‘You moved my heart in a way that I wasn’t expecting anymore.’ he added hotly, closing his eyes and leaning their heads together. Their noses brushing against each other. ‘I can’t lose you.’ he whispered desperately, his voice breaking. He kissed her on the lips shortly but intensely. 

‘I love you too, Will.’ she whispered between the kisses and despite the hopeless situation he felt incredible happiness. 

‘Promise me Alex.’ he pleaded, hiding his face in the crock of her neck, pulling her closer. 

‘I promise.’ she whispered. ‘But you have to promise me that you will be fine too.’ 

‘I promise.’ he said and pulled back, looking into her eyes. Then he leaned down for the last, longer kiss, before he let her go. ‘I have to go now. Go to your cabin and dress something warm. Get your lifebelt ready just in case. Tell your parents to do the same, but please don’t talk to anyone else about it, I don’t want to spread the panic.’ he let out a shaky breath. ‘God I hope it’s not serious.’ he added and then it hit her. He was in command. She walked to him and took his face between her hands. In his beautiful eyes she saw guilt. 

‘Will. Even if it is, we’ll be fine. Everyone will be fine. It wasn’t your fault.’ she said strongly, and he closed his eyes. ‘Please be careful.’ she added in whisper and let him go. 

‘You too.’ he said softly. ‘I’ll see you later Alex.’ he added and rushed outside. 

Chapter Text

The bridge was terribly silent. It was unusual. Unnatural. Especially that all the Officers and many other sailors were already present. Will came into the Chartroom and his gaze met with Thomas Andrews’s which was leaning over the blueprints, his expression full of worry. He straightened his back and said a few quiet words to the Captain that was restlessly walking up and down when they all were waiting for any news. 

‘Are you alright Will?’ asked Thomas standing close beside him. He only nodded. He couldn’t trust his voice. ‘Did you saw it?’ he asked and Will snorted bitterly. 

‘It is my watch, sir.’ he remained him quietly. ‘I crashed your ship on the iceberg Mr. Andrews.’ he whispered, closing his eyes. He felt the hand grabbing his shoulder and he looked at him. Thomas’s expression was serious but his eyes gentle. 

‘It wasn’t your fault Will.’ he whispered. That moment they heard a few sets of steps from the outside, and a few more people came into already crowded room. All of them were talking at once and in the result nothing could be heard. 

‘Quiet!’ yelled the Captain in his baritone and everyone fall silent. ‘Mr. Osman, report.’ 

‘Yes sir. We lowered the rafts to the waterline. There’s no damage to the bow, nor the hull on the starboard side. Only a few smaller scratches on the paint from the falling ice I suppose.’ said the short, bulky man. Will felt the tension grow even more now. It didn’t mean anything. The real damage could have been done under the water. 

‘Thank you. Mr. Hutchinson, report.’ 

‘We went to the Orlop sir. Forepeak, cargo, mail, all the boiler rooms and any other compartments from bow to the stern…’ he paused to take a breath and Will had to fight the urge to violently shake the man. ‘They’re dry. So is the engine room, turbine and Tank deck. Not even a dent in the hull.’ he added and Will thought he would collapse from the powerful wave of relief. He made it. It wasn’t too late. He took a shaky step back, finding support against the doorframe. 

‘We scratched antifouling probably, but that’s it. I suppose it was what caused the vibration on the hull but it was not breached.’

‘Oh God.’ he whispered under his breath and earned himself a warm look from Mr. Andrews. 

‘Thank you gentlemen. Mr. Hutchinson, have your man checking the Orlop regularly tonight. You may go.’ said the Captain, visibly calmer. When all the dismissed men were out of the room he turned his gaze to the slumped form of his First Officer. ‘Mr. Murdoch.’ 

‘Sir.’ he answered, pushing himself off the wall and standing straight. 

‘Tonight you disregarded my direct orders to maintain speed and you lowered it without my consent.’ he said, his tone hard and face unreadable. It was true. He acted against Captain’s command and that has its consequences. But he didn’t feel sorry. He would not try to excuse himself and he would not apologise either. He stood his ground with pride, waiting for any punishment the Captain would think of. 

‘Captain, with all due respect-‘ said Thomas but he was stopped by Captain’s raised hand. 

‘I can’t thank you enough for that, Mr. Murdoch.’ he said, still looking at him seriously. ‘If it’s not for your fast thinking and decision making we would now be facing a very serious crisis. You handled this situation perfectly.’ he added coming closer to the First Officer. ‘Well done Mr. Murdoch.’ 

‘Thank you sir.’ he said, bowing his head. 

‘I thank you. I believe that you saved many lives tonight.’ said Captain holding out his hand and Will took it. ‘You may go and retire now. And calm the nerves. Mr. Lightoller will take the rest of your watch.’ 

‘Yes sir.’ said Will and Charles at the same time. 

‘Start the engines slow ahead and heading 200 degrees. We have to get out of these waters. Keep a close eye. And clear that ice from the decks. I’ll be in my cabin.’ said Captain and turned to leave. Lightoller was already shouting orders and running out to the Wheelhouse with other crew members, leaving only Will and Thomas in the Chartroom. 

‘That was a close call.’ rasped Murdoch rubbing his face with his hand. 

‘You did absolutely great, Will.’ said Andrews clapping him on the shoulder. ‘You should go and rest, you look exhausted.’ he added. It was true. Now that the tension mostly faded he felt drained, but he can’t go to sleep yet. 

‘No. I have to find Alexis.’ he said looking at the man. ‘I came across her earlier and told her to get ready in case of evacuation.’ Thomas nodded his head in understanding. Soft smile lingering on his lips. 

‘Go.’ he said pushing him lightly toward the door. ‘And Will?’ he added after a second. Officer stopped and looked back at him. ‘Thank you for saving her.’ Will smiled looking around the Chartroom.

‘You’re welcome Mr. Andrews.’ he said and turned on his heel, rushing down to the B-deck. 

He was walking quickly with the simple purpose to get to the cabin B-77 as fast as he could. Fewer passengers that were still wandering around the corridors were slowly ushered back to their cabins by the stewards, that in calming voices were explaining that everything was fine and the ship would soon proceed on her way. 

He reached the right door, knocked and waited. They opened only a seconds later revealing Curtis Lorain. The man was pale and looked nervous. 

‘Mr. Murdoch.’ he said in greeting and took a step back, letting him inside. From behind his back Will heard Alexis’s voice calling his name and soon he had his arms full of the girl. He wrapped his arms around her, not minding her parents, and leaned down, hiding his face in the crock of her neck. He was breathing in her scent with his eyes closed, instantly feeling the rest of the tension fading away. 

‘It’s alright. Were are safe.’ he muttered calming words, kissing softly the top of her head. 

‘Are we going to be evacuated, Mr. Murdoch?’ asked Aurora timidly and he looked at her over Alex’s head. 

‘No. We are proceeding on our way shortly, ma’am.’ 

‘What happened? Alex told us about the iceberg.’ asked Curtis. ‘We felt it. How are we not going to be evacuated?’ 

‘That’s true, we struck the iceberg. But we managed to pull her through with just a few scratches. The hull is intact.’ he explained and they relaxed visibly. Alex pulled back slightly, looking at him with a relieved smile. 

‘Good thing we had the best Titanic’s Officer on the bridge.’ she said making him chuckle. She stood close beside him, entwining their hands together. 

‘I apologise for the stress that I might have caused to you, Mr. and Mrs. Lorain.’ he said timidly and they laughed slightly, shaking their heads. ‘I just needed to be sure you’ll be safe if the worst case scenario happened.’ 

‘There’s no need to apologise. From what I understand, you’re the reason why we’re not sinking right now. William.’ said Curtis deliberately using his first name and he took a step closer to them. He looked at his daughter and his smile softened. Then his eyes met Will’s. ‘Take care of my girl, will you? She deserves the word. You have to remember that.’ 

‘I know.’ he answered, smiling softly. ‘I’m intending to give her that.’ he added, looking down at the woman on his side. Curtis patted him on the shoulder and turned to his wife. 

‘Come on honey. Let’s give the kids some privacy.’ 

‘Yes. But be ready for a talk with me tomorrow, about keeping secrets from old mother. Both of you.’ said Aurora pointing her finger at them. The wide smile on her face though lessened the sound of her words. Alex laughed and Will smiled. 

‘Yes ma’am.’ he said and bowed his head respectfully. 

‘Good night dears.’ she said from the door, and they were alone. 

Will turned to Alex and with a long sigh he took her in his arms again. She wrapped her arms around him under his coat that he still had on his shoulders, and nuzzled her face under his chin. 

‘I was so scared Will.’ she whispered. ‘I was so scared at the possibility of losing you, just when I found you.’ 

‘I would be fine.’ he muttered, leaning his cheek against her head, keeping her as close as he could. 

‘You don’t know it. In that kind of situations the chaos breaks out really fast. You would wait onboard until the last second, hoping to save someone else.’ she said quietly. Will though that she was probably right. He would never abandon the ship knowing he could still save someone. She knew him really well already. 

‘I was scared too.’ he whispered, closing his eyes. ‘Until I had orders to give or fulfil, the adrenaline kept me going. But waiting for the news from carpenters was a nightmare. I was responsible for 2200 people onboard. And I crashed the ship into an iceberg.’ 

‘You saved us.’ she said looking up into his eyes. 

‘I almost didn’t.’ he said sending her a weak smile. ‘If I would uphold orders we would be down by the head right now.’ he said and she looked at him with a silent question. ‘I plainly disregarded Captain’s order about maintaining speed at the beginning of my watch.’ he explained and saw her eyes widening. ‘That’s what saved us probably.’ 

‘Then you’re truly our hero.’ she said with a smile and he shook his head, slowly leaning down. 

‘Only yours.’ he muttered with his lips mere millimetres from hers. And then he kissed her. 

Slow and gentle. Making their hearts swell with love and affection for each other. It was nothing like their first kiss. This one was creating slower, sweeter flame, filled with emotion that danced through their veins. So unalike the hot, burning desire from earlier. ‘I love you Alex.’ he whispered on her lips, before he dived back into the kiss. She opened her mouth and brushed his tongue with her own, making him gasp. His hands that were resting on her back by now started to move, one found support on her hip, bringing her close to his body. The other raised to the side of her neck, his fingers brushing softly her cheek, ear, running through the soft strands of hair. 

He groaned softly as he felt her press her hips slightly closer, rubbing against his sensitive parts. He pulled back and looked down at the vixen in his arms. Both of them were breathing fast like they just run. Her eyes were glistening. 

‘What did you do to me, Alex.’ he whispered huskily, brushing her full lower lip with his thumb. He was awed how fast she made him fall for her. It was almost impossible and yet so very real. 

‘I could ask you the same.’ she answered. ‘I love you Will.’ she added and reached out her hands, pulling his head down to hers. He leaned down gladly, already knowing he was addicted to her kisses. He swiftly pushed his tongue between her lips, taking a lead and she shuddered in his arms. A little moan escaped from her and he suddenly felt a little too hot. 

As if reading his mind, Alex’s hands moved to his shoulders and she pushed his heavy greatcoat down his arms. He let it slide down to the ground in a messy heap, not bothering about it at the moment. A second later, without even breaking the kiss, he took off his cap and black gloves which landed down on the floor as well. 

He pulled her back to himself with a hand on the small of her back and broke the kiss, looking at her. 

‘Alex.’ he started breathlessly but his face was serious. ‘I need you to be sure of what you want from me.’ he said, closing briefly his eyes. ‘I won’t be able to stop myself in a moment.’ 

‘I don’t want you to stop.’ she said, and her eyes shined with certainty. She was sure. ‘I want you to stay with me.’ she whispered, kissing softly his jaw. ‘Take me to bed, Will.’ 

That was all encouragement he needed. He leaned back down kissing her intensely before his lips moved down, brushing her jaw, the column of her neck, and the sensitive spot behind her ear, that almost made her fall as her knees weakened. He was handling her with so much passion and sensuality. Her foggy brain could only get one thought straight. He’s gonna be an exceptional lover. 

His lips returned to hers with doubled force and his strong arms lined their bodies fully together, not leaving any space between them, and they both groaned in unison. She felt how much she was affecting him. 

‘Bed.’ she said firmly when they pulled out for breath and he only nodded. In their haste they almost stumbled over his greatcoat and he took it from the floor, draping it on the couch with a little bit more care, before she pulled him to the bedroom. He chuckled following her. 

They kicked their shoes off and kissed again, standing at the feet of the bed. Her hands started to unbutton his jacket and vest, and he shook it off his shoulders, pulling her hoodie over her head, leaving her in a white, tight tank top. She lead him backwards and when his legs hit the bed he fell onto the soft mattress and she climbed up straddling his hips with her legs. He saw her devilish smile and she pushed her hips down and rolled them slightly. He threw his head back with a moan at the feeling of intense pleasure that shoot through him and he had to grab her thighs to stop her. He pulled her to him and turned them around so he was on top of her, with her legs still wrapped around him. He looked down at her and with his hands he brushed her hair from her face. 

‘Alex stop teasing.’ he panted at her lips. ‘Or I… I haven’t done that in a long time.’ he muttered softly and kissed her slowly. 

‘Yeah, me too.’ she whispered. ‘I want you Will. Please.’ she begged quietly and there was nothing he could ever refuse her. He leaned down for another hot kiss and pressed his hips forward. Their most sensitive parts met and even though the layers of clothes the feeling was so powerful it took their breaths away. 

They undressed each other gradually. Kissing and touching newly exposed skin, almost bringing each other to madness. When he finally took her it was slow and so sensual, their lips joined and their moan drown between them. When he was fully inside he took a moment to compose himself, and with his eyes closed he leaned his forehead against her clavicle. She brushed her hands over his back, and she felt long shivers that were running his body. He raised his head and looked at her. His bright blue eyes were impossibly darker. And he started to move. 

It was slow and steady, but at the same time passionate and fierce. The air between them filled with the sound of their heavy breaths, quiet moans and soft spoken words. She came first, her back arched and her whole body spasming as she blindly seek his lips, her nails scratching at his back. And he followed her soon after, with the last hard thrust of his hips, and her name on his lips. 

They were lying like this for a few long minutes until the shivers of their bodies subsided. He raised himself from her and took her back in his arms. 

‘Are you alright?’ he asked, his voice slightly hoarse. She loved that tone. And she loved his soft voice as well. She smiled at him, wrapping her arm around his waist. 

‘I never was any better.’ she said quietly, snuggling to him closer. ‘It was amazing.’ she added. ‘You?’ 

‘Same.’ he whispered and kissed her forehead. ‘I love you Alexis.’ he was amazed how easily those words were coming out from him. 

‘I love you too, Will.’ she whispered back. He pulled the duvets over them and soon they slipped into a peaceful dreams. 

Chapter Text

‘Miss Lorain, how nice to see you on this beautiful morning.’ she heard familiar voice from beside her and looking up from her book she saw Second Officer, standing near. 

‘Mr. Lightoller. Good morning sir.’ she smiled at him brightly, closing the book and putting it aside. 

‘May I keep you company for a little while miss?’ he asked with a roguish smile and she nodded at the empty space beside her. 

‘Of course sir.’ she said and he took a seat. ‘I would like to ask you, that you would call me Alex.’ she said looking at him. 

‘Very well, Alex. I’m Charles. Friends also call me Lights.’ he said and hold his hand to her, which she took. ‘How was your night Alex, I hope our little pause didn’t cause any stress to you.’ he asked and was pleased to see his suspicions confirmed when Alex blushed bright red. 

‘A little bit at first. But after all it was a very pleasant night.’ she said sending him a smile. 

‘You know, our mutual friend Will used the same words when I saw him in the morning on the bridge.’ he said. 

‘Really. What a coincidence.’ she chuckled, knowing that he was teasing. He probably had an idea about her and Will. They were friends after all. 

‘I must say I never saw someone that was equally as tired as refreshed, as him today.’ he said lightly and Alex laughed out loud at that. 

‘You’re a tease, Charles. What do you want me to say?’ she asked with a wide smile. 

‘Nothing, I was just joking.’ he said smiling back at her. ‘Well partly because he really did looked like that.’ he concluded and she laughed again. She already liked him, she could understand why Will befriend him. ‘I’m happy for you guys.’ he said sincerely. 

‘Aren’t you going to say it’s too soon, too fast and all that pisch?’ she asked sending him a side glance. 

‘No.’ he said simply. ‘I haven’t seen him this happy in a long time. That’s all that matters to me.’ he said truthfully. 

‘Thank you Charles.’ she said smiling softly. He raised his hand and ruffled her hair playfully. ‘Where is he?’ she asked. 

‘Last time I checked he was snoring like a bear in his cabin.’ he grinned and she laughed. ‘He should be up soon, his watch starts in about half an hour though. Maybe I should wake him.’ he added looking up toward the bridge. But a moment later it turned out there was no need for that, because Will walked down onto the Forward Well deck from around the corner. His step fast and energetic, and a lively spark in his sharp blue eyes. ‘Just look at that swagger.’ Lightoller chucked, looking at his friend. Will spotted them and started walking to them with a smile on his face. Alex felt the wave of affection when she was looking at him. 

He approached them and sat down on the bench next to her. His arm wrapped around her waist and he planted a kiss on her temple. 

‘Good morning.’ he muttered to her and she send him a bright smile. He looked at his friend sitting on her other side. ‘Are you trying to seduce my girl Lights?’ he said jokingly and Charles chuckled. 

‘Dear friend, as far as I’m not afraid of you, I’m sure Sylvia would surely hang me up by my jewels.’ he said wincing visibly making them laugh. ‘We were just talking. I merely expressed my deepest gratitude for you two getting together.’ he said with a smile and stood up. ‘I’ll leave you now, I was supposed to check the cargo holds. Wilde will skin me.’ 

‘See you Lights.’ said Alex and Will at the same time and he left, disappearing under the deck of the Forecastle. 

Alex turned to Will and leaned to him for a soft kiss. He smiled at her and pulled her closer to his chest and she nuzzled her face in his neck, breathing in his manly scent. They received a few smiles and looks from the other passengers walking around. First class lady was cuddling with the ship’s First Officer? Wasn’t that some topic. But they didn’t care. 

‘Did you slept well?’ he asked quietly, his eyes glistening with joy. 

‘I did.’ she said with a smile. 

That morning they woke up around sunrise and once again fall in each other’s arms, making love, lazy, long and slow, maddening. Later they took a shower together and it was time for Will to get back to the bridge in case someone needed him. And she came back to bed. 

‘I hope you managed to catch a few more hours yourself.’ she said and he nodded his head. 

‘I did. I guess I have Lightoller to thank for that, he kept the bunch away from my cabin.’ he said chuckling under his breath. With his hand he pulled a strand of hair from her face. ‘I have to go. Meet with me after my watch.’ he said and Alex nodded her head with a smile. He leaned forward to capture her lips in another sweet, longer kiss, and then they heard the sound of loud cheers and catcalls from somewhere. They pulled apart and both looked up to the bridge where they saw all of the Officers and many other sailors shouting and clapping their hands. They both laughed and waved their hands. 

‘Bastards.’ muttered Will but he was smiling. He stood up and took her hand, kissing it. ‘I’ll see you after two. Meet me here. On the Forward Well deck.’ 

‘Of course. Enjoy your watch.’ she said. ‘Will.’ she stopped him, grabbing his hand and he turned back to her. She bit her lip and smiled nervously. ‘We’ll have to see my parents as well.’ she said and he smiled softly. 

‘We will, don’t worry about it. We’ll be fine.’ he said and brushed her cheek with his hand. She smiled at him before her eyes raised up to their audience and she laughed. 

‘Go, you’ll be late. And they all seem to be more invested in us than their work.’ she added and he looked back as well. 

‘Back to your stations, lads!’ he yelled at them in his commanding baritone and they all instantly dispersed with answered ‘Yes sir.’, not daring to stand against the First Officer. She laughed lightly and leaned on her toes for the last kiss, before she pushed him toward the bridge. 

‘See you after two.’ she said and he left her with a smile. 

She stepped down the stairs onto the C-deck level on Forward Well deck and saw Will standing on the other side near the stairs leading to the Forecastle. The moment he saw her he smiled and Alex couldn’t help but once again notice how impossibly dashing that man was. And seeing him in his uniform was making things to her. Those Royal Navy cuts should be illegal. 

‘Where are we going?’ she asked coming to him closer, standing on her tiptoes for a kiss. He leaned down with a smile, pecking at her lips softly when his hands grabbed hers. 

‘Have you been at the Forecastle?’ he asked and she shook her head. 

‘No. It’s closed for passengers.’ she answered and he chucked. 

‘Good thing you’re not ordinary passenger. Come.’ he said, leading her to the gate and up the stairs. 

She stepped up on the vast deck and smiled as the fresh oceanic breeze ruffled her hair. She looked around the Forecastle and saw all the familiar equipment. She had an opportunity to see it on other ships during her studies, but the sheer size of Titanic’s was making every other vessel look tiny in comparison. She saw huge cargo winches and bollards. Capstans in the size of tables. Windlasses with thick anchor chains, leading to the both sides of the ship. And on the forward end, the biggest anchor she ever saw. 

‘Oh wow.’ she whispered looking down at the huge piece of shiny black iron beneath her feet. ‘It’s big.’ she added under her breath and heard a chuckle from behind. He was close to her all the time. 

‘She’s a big girl. And she needs a big girl’s trinkets.’ he said and she send him a wide smile. They walked above the anchor to the very end of the ship. Where starboard and port sides met and the forestay shoot up to the forward mast. They both leaned on the forestay, looking at the ocean in front of them. It was freedom in the purest form. They both had experienced it before. Nothing but the wind on their faces and endless sea in front of them. 

‘I envy you that you can have it whenever you want it, Will.’ she said lightly with a soft smile on her face. ‘It’s beautiful.’ when he looked at her he knew she wasn’t talking only about the view. But about the feeling as well. He wrapped his arm around her waist lightly and looked ahead. 

‘You can have it too.’ he said softly, hoping that he wouldn’t scare her off. ‘I already promised your father to give you the world.’ he said, looking back at her, their eyes met. ‘Now I promise you that. If you’ll have me.’ he said timidly. He knew how all that looked like. He knew they know each other for a mere few days. But he also couldn’t imagine living without her. He was living in solitude almost his whole life. And now he didn’t know how to anymore. 

‘Oh Will.’ she whispered with tears glistening in her eyes, and he hoped those were the happy type. ‘I love you so much. How could I not want to have you?’ she said and threw herself in his arms. He hugged her tightly and smiled to himself, nuzzling his face in her hair. He felt relief and some lightness at her words. After a moment she pulled back slightly and he saw the tears on her cheeks as she was smiling. He raised his hands to brush them off and leaned down, kissing her. Slow, sweet and gentle. Loving. 

They pulled back and something down in the water attracted his attention, he leaned forward through the railing and smiled. Perfect. 

‘Come, look.’ he said, pulling her slightly to the edge, still keeping her in his arms as she leaned overboard. 

‘Oh my god!’ she exclaimed, laughing. 

There were dolphins, at least ten of them, swimming right in front of the sharp bow of the Titanic, racing her. Playing with her. 

‘Look he’s gonna jump!’ he pointed at the one from behind her back. And sure enough, one dolphin jumped high from the water, then another one following him. And then the third. 

‘They’re so pretty!’ she laughed, looking down at the playful creatures. He smiled to himself, loving her childlike joy. ‘I’ve never saw dolphins before. Not like that. Thank you Will.’ she said softly, holding his arms that were still around her. He kissed her head and hugged her tighter to his chest. He wished he could never let her go. 

They spend there a long time together. Talking about everything and anything. She told him everything about her and her sister Ellie’s time, when growing up in the village, helping her parents in a different companies that they were leading throughout the years, since she was a little girl. Going to the Naval School where she lived in a campus away from home, and all the fun she had there with her friends. She told him some more about Liam too. About how he used to treat her and how she thought that was how love was supposed to be like. 

He told her about his father and grandfather that both were Captains. And how they were taking him on the ships, practically since he could walk, to his mother’s displeasure. About his own studies. He told her about the ships he served on, the one that he met Lightoller on, for the first time, and how at first he needed to fight an urge to kill the man. Alex laughed at that, she could imagine that quite clearly. He told her about meeting Ada too. 

She was sitting on the capstan while Will was leaning against it, standing in front of her, with his back to her chest. She leaned her chin on his shoulder and snuggled closer to his warmth. Earlier he put his greatcoat on her shoulders and she pulled at the lapels to surround them both in it. She smiled, looking at the evening sun. 

He turned around in her arms, facing her. His hands found their way under his coat and traveled up and down her back as he closed the distance capturing her lips in a gentle kiss. 

‘We should go and find your parents.’ he said quietly. ‘We should tell them everything.’ he added and she send him a cunning smile. 

‘Everything?’ she asked and saw his cheeks turning slightly red. ‘Are you blushing, Sir?’ she teased with a chuckle. He grabbed her legs, wrapping them around his hips and raised her from the capstan. He was ridiculously strong, the fact was a huge turn on for Alex. He kissed her passionately, his tongue quickly finding his way into her lips and she moaned. Her hands grabbing the back of his head and her legs tightening their hold on his hips.

‘Are you blushing now, Miss?’ he asked with a cocky smile, when they pulled out for breath. 

‘You tease.’ she replied breathlessly and he laughed, putting her back on her feet. He fixed his coat on her shoulders, so it wasn’t sweeping the ground, and took her hand in the crock of his arm, walking them from the Forecastle. 

*AI generated

Chapter Text

‘Do you think they liked me?’ asked Will when they were walking slowly down the mostly deserted first class promenade in the direction of the bridge. They spend some time with Alex’s parents before they left for dinner with Browns. Alex and Will decided to grab something and ate together on the deck. 

‘They loved you, believe me.’ she said with a smile. ‘Probably, just like me, from the first moment they met you.’ she added looking at him from the side. ‘Come to me after your watch.’ she said and he looked back at her with a smile and stopped, turning to her. 

‘You know I shouldn’t.’ he said. That was probably true, he was the ship’s Officer after all, they had some guidelines to at least try to follow. Yet in this voyage he was crushing all of the rules one after another. He hoped that Captain Smith will take into consideration his impeccable reputation and will squint his eyes. Or close them at all. He didn’t say anything to him so far, so he sincerely doubted that he could be in any trouble. Lights was a way worse before he met Sylvia, and he rarely got in any trouble. 

‘But do you want to? Is there a way to tempt you?’ she asked raising cheeky eyebrow. He took a step closer and with his hands on her hips he pulled her to his body. She saw his eyes darkening and herself she felt a wave of desire. He leaned down to her ear, his breath on her skin was making her shiver. 

‘I don’t know if you are aware of what you are doing to me, Alex.’ he murmured, his hands moving subtly down her hips, then up to her waist, leaving goosebumps on her skin. ‘You have to remember, that I’m just a man. And you are one very tempting woman.’ he added huskily, nipping softly at her neck. Her head swirled and her breath quickened. ‘I’ll think about you all my watch.’ he breathed on her skin and one of his hands grabbed her chin, bringing their lips together in demanding kiss. She whimpered softly surrendering to his touch completely. 

‘I’ll see you after two.’ he rasped at her lips and with a last softer peck he took a step back. She looked at him, his expression telling her he was feeling exactly like she did. Impatient. 

‘Oi man. There you are.’ said Lightoller when he arrived on the bridge around ten minutes before his watch. ‘What happened to you?’ he laughed looking at his friend. He knew probably none other would see much difference in him, but they knew each other really well. He emanated with flushed excitement. Charles chuckled under his breath and clapped Murdoch’s shoulder. ‘Found yourself quite a vixen I see.’ he muttered with a grin. Will send him a critical look and rubbed his face with his hand. He had to get a grip, damn it. 

‘Anything of importance?’ he asked waving his hand more or less in the direction of wheelhouse. His voice still slightly hoarse. Lightoller, that bastard, had the nerve to chuckle. 

‘We’re at half speed, no ice warnings, radar shows nothing on our way so far.’ he reported. ‘We should pass by Carpathia somewhere along the way. Nothing but a nice quiet watch for you my friend. Temperature dropped, it’ll be chilly, but I’m sure your blood will warm you up just fine.’ he added with a wide smile. Will looked at him annoyed. 

‘Lights-‘ he started, wanting to scold him but eventually he shook his head and laughed. He turned to the bow and leaned against the railing, his friend following him. They both fall in comfortable silence. 

‘You know I’m really happy for you Will.’ said Charles after a moment. 

‘Thank you Lights.’ siad Will sincerely, sending him a side look. ‘I never felt like that, you know. Never.’ he added. ‘Not even with Ada.’ 

‘There’s nothing wrong with that.’ he said softly, knowing his friend needed reassurance. ‘You loved Ada. You grieved for her for a long time.’ he added and Will nodded his head. ‘And there’s nothing wrong with the fact that you love again, even when it’s different, more powerful. You can’t control it.’ 

‘You are a smart man, Lightoller.’ said Will after a long moment of silence. 

‘Did you ever doubted that? I’m wounded.’ he said playfully, and they both laughed. ‘Well even I have my moments.’ he admitted when the door to the wheelhouse opened. 

‘I’m making tea, Mr. Murdoch, do you want me to bring something to you?’ asked James Moody. 

‘He doesn’t need that, he’s already hot enough!’ laughed Lightoller, earning himself a hard nudge to the ribs. Moody looked at them confused. 

‘Yes, but coffee, if you’d be so kind, Mr. Moody.’ said Will to the Junior Officer who nodded his head and disappeared back inside. 

‘That hurt, man.’ said Charles, holding his stomach but still chuckling lightly. 

‘Serves you right for laughing at the older.’ grinned Will and Lightoller took a precautionary step back before his final retort. 

‘Older? I would say you’re not far from being teenager now.’ he said and before his friend could reach him he set off to the Officer’s quarters. ‘See you in the morning Will! Better don’t get lost on the B-deck! Or- do that, actually.’ he said laughing and almost knocking down Moody that was back with a coffee for Will and tea for himself.

‘Thank you James.’ said Will taking a cup of steaming black liquid from his hand. He placed it on the wooden rail and raised his collar up, when the younger Officer stood beside him looking ahead. 

‘What he’s so happy about?’ he asked sending him a side look with a little smile. Murdoch chuckled. 

‘Lightoller doesn’t need much to make him happy for the most part.’ he said with a grin and took a cup to his lips. ‘He’s a clown in the purest form.’ 

‘You look happy too, sir.’ he added and saw his smile grow softer, more tender. 

‘I am.’ he said simply. 

Moody nodded his head with a smile. Both Officers fall silent, drinking their own brew and looking forward at the calm ocean. Young Officer thought that it was probably the woman they all saw with Mr. Murdoch today morning. 

Since the first day he met the First Officer in Belfast, right before Titanic was about to start her sea trials, he had a huge respect for the man. He had an enormous knowledge of the ship and everything related. He was a great leader. Firm and demanding when he had to, but he wasn't flaunting with his rank in every situation. In private environment he was funny and gentle, but James could tell that despite him and Lightoller being close friends, he was lonely. He heard a story about his late wife. And now he was seeing that lively spark in his eyes that wasn’t there before. 

He sighed, smiling softly, hoping that one day he’ll meet his wife onboard of the ship as well. 

This time, his night watch run smoothly. No icebergs, no other problems, everything was calm and just fine when he reported back to the Chief Officer Wilde which was taking his post. 

‘See you later Will.’ said the man and chuckled under his breath when he saw Murdoch walking to the promenade, instead of Officer’s quarters. ‘The ship of dreams indeed.’ he muttered to himself with a smile, turning to the forward end. 

The ship’s decks were completely empty as Will quietly walked to the first class entrance and then down to the cabin B-77. He knocked at the door quietly and waited, wondering if Alex maybe fall asleep when waiting. But the door soon opened and he was pulled inside by the warm hands and pressed against its surface by Alexis body as she attacked his lips with her own. 

He gasped in surprise but his body instantly responded to the kiss as his blood boiled with hot desire. He raised his hands and grabbed the sides of her neck, leaning her head back and kissing her deeply with so much passion that her knees buckled and she had to hold onto his shoulders to keep upright. He purred in her lips as their tongues slid together in wet, fierce dance. He grabbed her hips and never breaking the kiss he raised her up, wrapping her legs around his middle and walked them to the nearest sofa. 

He sat down heavily with Alex straddling his lap and he groaned as she rubbed herself on his hardness. He pulled back with a smack, his head finding support against the cushion and he looked at her. She was a sight to behold. Her wet, red lips were gasping for air, her cheeks blushed and eyes glossed. Her hands were working swiftly with the buttons of his coat and she opened the flaps when he took off his hat and gloves. She leaned back to kiss him, opening a few buttons of his shirt and loosening his tie. Then her lips traveled lower, nipping and kissing his neck and he groaned, closing his eyes.

‘You are a little bit overdressed.’ she whispered hotly at his skin. He was still in his full uniform when all she was wearing were short pants and a tank top. He shook his head. 

‘I don’t care. Alex…’ he panted huskily and looked her straight into the eyes. ‘I need you. Now.’ he added, and pulled her hips to his, making sure she felt what she was doing to him. She moaned and closed her eyes as his hardness pressed against her center. He gasped when the next second her hands landed between them, she teased him through his trousers before she started to unbuckle his belt and zip. He helped her lower his pants a little, at the same time pulling her shorts down her legs and her top over her head. 

‘It’s not fair.’ she said with a grin and he chuckled before he pulled her back to him, kissing her, when his hands wandered over her body. One of his hands played with her nipples when the other found its way down, where she needed him the most. He moaned in her lips feeling how wet she was for him, and knowing that she was as eager for him like he was for her. 

‘Oh god Will…’ she panted when his fingers rubbed against her, before he pushed one inside. His impossibly blue eyes were drinking her every reaction like a starving man. After a moment she pushed his hand away. She took his hard cock in her hand and rising her hips a bit, she lowered herself at him. 

‘Fuck!’ he cursed through his teeth, his whole body bent forward when he felt her hot tightness surrounding him. He grabbed her hips keeping her still for a moment, breathing heavily, with his forehead pressed against her chest. He looked up at her and saw her eyes closed. He leaned up, kissing her passionately as he stared to move her up and down. They both moaned in each other lips as their word narrowed down to the feeling of their bodies. 

He was kissing her wherever he could reach when his hips were moving together with hers. He was hot and the beads of sweat were running on his temples. 

‘Will I’m close.’ she whispered. 

‘Yeah, me too.’ he purred, one of his hands moved to rub against her bud of nerves and he looked at her through his heavy eyelids. ‘Come for me, sweetheart.’ he muttered huskily, and she did. All of her muscles contracting at once and it took him two more thrusts to follow her. 

They were hugging and caressing each other softly as their breaths were slowly returning to normal. She rubbed her cheek on his shoulder when she felt something scratchy. She realised that it was his Officer’s insignia and she raised her head, her fingers followed the trail of the gold belt and loop. 

‘We’ve ruined your uniform.’ she said, looking at him and he chuckled. 

‘It was worth it.’ he said, pulling her down for a soft, sweet kiss. 

‘You know it was my favourite fantasy.’ she said, her hand following the line of gold buttons on his chest. ‘Having a wild sex with you wearing that uniform.’ she said with a smile and he laughed. 

‘Some dirty mind you have.’ he said looking at her with wonder. ‘We can repeat that one anytime.’ he muttered, his hands brushing the line of her spine. ‘Any other fantasies?’ he asked, looking at her with a rakish smile. 

‘A few, yes.’ she answered and raised herself from his lap, pulling him with her to the bathroom. ‘Let’s take a shower, and go to sleep. You’ll need it.’ 

He undressed himself and followed her, looking at her perfectly shaped body. His insides stirred with interest, even despite his weariness. He briefly thought that Lights was probably right about him being a teenager. He felt like one. 

‘We both will need it.’ he said, sending her playful smile.  

Chapter Text

‘So how are yours ’not-a-dates’ going?’ asked Rose sending her a wide smile. She and Alex were walking around the boat deck, killing the time after lunch. Will sent her a message through Officer Moody, that he had a meeting with Captain and Thomas Andrews, and will be able to see her a little bit later. 

Alex felt herself blushing as the memory of the last night came to the surface of her mind. Will in his uniform was just so damn sinful. 

‘Well… You may say those were the dates actually.’ she said with a grin and Rose laughed. 

‘I knew it!’ she exclaimed happily. ‘I saw how you two were looking at each other at the diner last time. Like you wanted to eat yourselves alive. So how is he? You know what I mean. I bet he’s fire.’ she was talking excited. 

‘Uh-uh! I don’t kiss and tell!’ laughed Alex and Rose made a disgruntled sound. ‘But yeah.. he’s fire.’ she admitted with a grin. ‘But it’s not only that, you know.’

‘What do you mean?’ asked Rose when they stopped by the railing, leaning against it. 

‘I love him, Rose.’ she said with a smile. 

‘Oh girl, it’s wonderful!’ she said hugging her shortly. ‘Did you tell him?’ she asked and Alex nodded. 

‘He was first. But yeah.’ she confessed. 

‘I’m so happy for you, Ax. You deserve all the best. He makes a really good impression.’

‘He’s wonderful Rose, truly.’ she said dreamily, but she was focused back on her in a second. ‘Speaking of deserving all the best. Rose.’ she said looking at her seriously. ‘Why are you with that motherfucker Hockley?’ she asked and Rose went a bit pale. ‘Rose… I know what you were trying to do that night you’ve met Jack. It’s because of him, am I right? Because of Cal.’ 

‘Yes.’ she said softly, looking straight at the ocean. ‘We had a fight. Again. And he hit me, not for the first time as well.’ she confessed. And Alex was speechless. ‘At that short moment I just had enough. I didn’t see any other way.’ she added. ‘But it’s over. After that night I cut all the ties with him. And with my mother. I’m on my own.’ she said, and there was some lightness in her tone and posture. 

‘You’re free.’ she said with a smile, knowing the feeling. After the disaster with her ex fiancé she only felt fully free the moment she stepped onboard of the Titanic. And oddly enough, she was still feeling free. Even more now, being with Will. He was her freedom. 

‘I can’t imagine what I’ll do when we dock, but yes, I’m free.’ she laughed. 

‘You can always go back with all of us. To Europe.’ said Alex. ‘We still have more than a week though. Who knows, maybe Jack Dawson will steal your heart, and you’ll run with him into the world.’ she said with a warm smile. 

‘You know, that thought did come to my mind.’ said Rose but then she shook her head. ‘But it’s not… that. He’s great and everything, but… he’s a bit immature. And absoluty crazy!’ she laughed and Alex followed. ‘We had a fun time one night, and shared one kiss, but… that’s it. He’s a good friend, I’ll be forever grateful to him for what he did.’ she added, looking down at her hands. ‘Right now I need some more stability.’ 

‘You’ll find someone that will give you that, Rose. Freedom, romance and stability. Believe me, I know what I’m talking about.’ said Alex, looking forward. ‘I did. Even though I wasn’t looking for it. It found me when I wasn’t expecting anything anymore.’ she was talking with a soft smile. Rose smiled too and she turned around facing the deck, leaning her back against the rail. 

‘You know what Alex?’ she said timidly, biting her lip as if she was trying to keep her face straight. ‘I might have met someone already.’ she added and Alex looked at her from the side surprised. Rose’s eyes were fixed on something and she turned around following her gaze. She saw two men walking their way. One of them was Will, the fact made her stomach flutter with excitement. The other one was Thomas Andrews. She looked at the girl beside her, Rose was looking back at her. Her eyes were glistening happily. And Alex realised who she was talking about a moment earlier.  

‘Thomas?’ she asked in a whisper. Rose nodded her head and a blush painted her pale cheeks. ‘Oh my god it’s great, Rose!’ she said quietly with a wide smile. ‘Did you-?’

‘No. It’s an early stage.’ she muttered and looked back at the men that were already close to them. ‘But, you know…’

‘Say no more. Good luck girl.’ she whispered sending her a warm smile. 

‘Good afternoon, ladies.’ greeted them Thomas with a brilliant smile, when they approached them. Will came straight to Alexis side, kissing her temple, with one arm around her waist. 

‘Mr. Andrews, Officer Murdoch.’ said Rose politely, but her eyes were still shining with happiness. Alex noticed how close Thomas was standing to her friend, his gaze softening when he was looking down at her. She smiled to herself and then looked at Will, sending him pointing look. He looked at her, then at the couple beside them and grinned in understanding. 

‘How is my beautiful lady feeling today?’ he asked softly. She wrapped her arm around him a looked into his brilliant eyes. 

‘Now I’m even better than before.’ she said, and he chuckled, kissing the side of her head, his eyes met with Tomas, the man was smiling at them. ‘How’s your meeting?’ she asked looking at the other man as well. 

‘Quite productive. We were discussing some minor changes of the bridge for the future.’ said Thomas, sending them a sly grin. ‘Some of the Officers hinted that their quarters were unfit for them travelling with theirs wives, if they would wish for it.’ 

‘Well it’s a reasonable issue.’ said Alex making them chuckle. 

‘Mr. Andrews, Miss Rose. If you’ll excuse us, we’ll take our leave.’ siad Will, bowing his head respectfully. 

‘Where are we going?’ asked Alex looking up at him. 

‘I’m taking you to the best party these decks can hold.’ he answered with a grin. ‘To the Officer’s Mess. It’s Lightoller’s birthday.’ 

‘Oh! That’s great.’ she said happily. 

‘Have fun.’ said Thomas with a smile. 

‘You two as well.’ answered Will cheerfully, sending him a pointed look. He offered Alex his arm and they both walked away. 

‘So, Thomas and Rose?’ asked Will when they were away from their hearing range. ‘Not Dawson after all.’ 

‘No, not Jack.’ she chuckled. ‘I hope they will make it. They look good together.’ 

‘Isn’t he too old for her? He’s my age, almost to the day.’ he said and Alex shrugged her shoulders. 

‘She’s four years younger than me. Makes nine between them, it’s not that much.’ she said, looking at him softly. ‘Not that it matters at all. As long as they’re happy.’ 

‘You’re right.’ he said, kissing her temple as his arm sneaked around her shoulders. They both decided that the topic was closed for now, as they arrived at the Officer’s Mess. It was bursting with laughs and talks already. All the Officers were present, minus Boxhall who wasn’t exactly a party animal, and offered to take the watch on the bridge, plus a few more men from the crew.

She hugged Lightoller giving him her birthday wishes before Will introduced her to the others. She met Chief Officer Wilde, Officers Lowe and Pittman, as well as the one she met before, Moody. Next were two Marconi boys, Phillips and Bride, Lookouts Fleet and Lee, Quartermaster Hitchens, Rowe and a few others. They were all nice and friendly people. In the crowd of men she saw three girls as well. These were also passengers invited by some of the guys. They were sending her curious looks from the moment she walked inside with the First Officer at her side. 

She had a really great time. Will was always somewhere close but at the same time she had a free roam to talk with whoever she wanted. For a second she thought about how different that was from her previous experience with Liam. He was always controlling her, with whom she talked, what she was talking about, where she was. God forbid she would dare to dance with anyone! He was jealous about every word she exchanged with other men, making a scenes about it. Now with Will she didn’t have to worry about any of that. 

She was currently talking with Moody and Lowe, all three of them were holding a glass of scotch, when her eyes met with Will’s across the room. He send her a wink and a beautiful smile, before his focus was back on Lightoller who was talking about something, gesticulating wildly. 

‘How did you do it?’ asked Lowe, when he saw their silent exchange. Alex looked at him, he had a grin on his face. ‘I never saw Murdoch so smitten by anyone.’ 

‘Must be my charm.’ she answered with a mysterious smile, rising glass to her lips. Both men chuckled and the second later the whole room started to clasp and whistle and they looked around to see what’s going on. James as the tallest of them saw a little commotion in the middle of the mess, and soon they all saw Fleet standing up on the chair. 

‘Alright, Fleet’s got enough of liquor, he’s going to sing.’ he laughed and sure enough, the words of familiar to her sea shanty were sang in his booming voice. 

There once was a ship that put to sea
The name of the ship was the Billy O' Tea
The winds blew up, her bow dipped down
Oh blow, my bully boys, blow 

The room exploded as all of the men present started with the chorus of the most known sea song in the world. Alex smiled widely at that, joining them as well. 

Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguing is done
We'll take our leave and go

Lightoller stepped up to the front to continue the song in his gravel tone. 

She'd not been two weeks from shore
When down on her a right whale bore
The captain called all hands and swore
He'd take that whale in tow, huh! 

Another chorus shook the air and Alex felt the goosebumps on her arms. She was so happy to be able to hear and experience this with all of these amazing people. She laughed and she sang together with them as they came closer to the ‘stage’, only to see Will being pushed inside the circle by smiling Wilde. He laughed but stood next to Lights and sang another verse with his smooth, Scotch leaded voice. 

Before the boat had hit the water
The whale's tail came up and caught her
All hands to the side, harpooned and fought her
When she dived down low

‘Oh boy he can sing.’ she thought to herself as she was looking at him with pure joy and love. She had a guess that her throat will be sore tomorrow from all that loud singing and laughing but she didn’t care, she was having too much fun. With the strike of bravery she stepped forward and encouraged by the crowd’s enthusiasm she sang another verse. 

No line was cut, no whale was freed
The captain's mind was not of greed
And he belonged to the Whaleman's creed
She took that ship in tow 

She turned to Will, to see him look back at her with wide smile and his eyes shining with adoration. She sneaked under his arm and wrapped her arm around his waist when they sang along with everyone the rest of the song. Once it was finished she laughed happily and he turned to her, kissing her lips in accompany of applause and whistles. He got a few pats on his back from his shipmates and laughing he looked back at them, giving them some high five’s. He turned back to her with the brightest of smiles. 

‘How’s that possible?’ he asked her over the voices around them, that started to sing another shanty. She send him a silent question with a smile. ‘That I love you more with every passing minute, Alex.’ he answered and she smiled even wider, pulling him down by his tie and kissing him with all the love she had for him. When they pulled out for breath he swept her off her feet as he raised her up into the air, holding her by her hips. She laughed sincerely, throwing her hands up and joined the crowd with the song. 

We'll rant and we'll roar like true British sailors
We'll rant and we'll roar along the salt seas
Until we strike soundings in the channel of Old England
From Ushant to Scilly, it's 35 leagues!

Will was stolen from her by some of his shipmates and she was enjoying her time talking with Lightoller. He was quickly becoming her friend as well, she loved his sense of humour and craziness. She was laughing at something he said when over his shoulder she saw a group of three girls hesitating wherever or not to approach them. She waved her hand to them and soon they came closer. 

‘Ladies.’ greeted them Charles with a bow of his head. 

‘Hi, I’m Alex.’ she said and they introduces themselves as Cora, Ida and Demi. They were first and second class passengers, and were invited here by the three sailors. They were nice, even though a little awkward in this environment. The fact was pointed out by one of them, Demi. 

‘How do you know them all so well are you a crew member?’ she asked. 

‘Oh no, I’m a passenger as well. I just sort of clicked in here.’ she said with a chuckle. 

‘But the songs, how do you know them all?’

‘I studied in Naval Academy and I’m a sailor. Sea shanty is something you have to know under those conditions.’ she laughed and Lights followed her. 

‘She’s not a crew but she’s definitely one of us.’ he said with a smile and ruffled her hair playfully. ‘She’s our Princess.’ he added and Alex laughed. 

‘What now Lights! Princess?’ she exclaimed and the girls giggled. 

‘Well of course.’ he said looking at her seriously. ‘You stole the heart of Prince William the First. That makes you a Princess of the Bridge.’ he said, his seriousness almost made her believe he wasn’t joking but she already knew him too well. 

‘You’re impossible Lights.’ she said rolling her eyes and laughing. He send her a grin and a wink. ‘That would make you Prince Charles the Second.’ she said and they all laughed again. Alex felt the arm wrapping around her waist and looked to her side straight into Will’s blue irises. He was smiling and his eyes were dancing with joy. 

‘Prince William.’ greeted him Lightoller with low bow. 

‘Lights were Royal Navy not Royalty.’ he chuckled rolling his eyes at his friend. 

‘Is it not the same?’ he asked with pretended surprise. 

‘You missed your call, you should be a comedian actor.’ said Will shaking his head. 

‘Why be an actor when I became Royalty.’ answered Lights, puffing his chest proudly and they all laughed. He really was impossible. ‘Oi, there’s Davis, I gotta go collect my bet win. If you’ll excuse me, Ladies.’ he bowed to the three girls standing beside, then he turned to them. ‘Prince William. Princess Alexis.’ he said officially, saluting to Will and kissing the back of her hand, and then he dashed away. 

Alex laughed sincerely looking at his back when Will was shaking his head, but he was smiling at his friend’s antics. He looked back at her and leaned down planting a sweet kiss on her forehead. He wrapped his arm around her waist and with a nod to the girls he steered her to the quieter side of the room. 

‘I’ll have to go release Boxhall soon.’ he said turning to her, she looked at the clock, it was almost midnight. She couldn’t believe how fast the time had passed. ‘I’ll be off my watch in two hours. You can hang around here if you want, I’ll find you when I’m free.’ he added, brushing his hand against her cheek. She nodded her head. 

‘I’ll stay a while, but- would you be opposed if I would sneak into your cabin and wait there?’ she asked with a sly smile and saw his eyes spark with fire. 

‘Another fantasy of yours?’ he murmured leaning down to her and she chuckled, pulling him closer. 
 
‘How do you know that?’ she asked mischievously and he kissed her. ‘But if you don’t-‘ she said but was silenced by his demanding lips, once again claiming hers in a passionate kiss. 

‘I’ll never get enough of you Alex. You’re the one in charge here.’ he whispered hotly and a shiver run down her spine. 

‘So we’re on the same page.’ she muttered back and he kissed her once again, taking her breath away. 

‘Oi get a room!’ someone yelled and they pulled out with a laugh, seeing Wilde, waving his hand at them. Will shook his fist playfully in his direction before he turned back to her. 

‘Come through the Officer’s promenade on the port side, there you’ll find the door to the Officer’s quarters, and the door with my name on it. It’ll be open.’ he said, brushing her hair back from her face. He leaned down for another kiss before he stepped back. ‘I’ll be there after two.’ 

‘I’ll wait.’ she said with a smile, and turned back inside the room when he disappeared outside. 

She hang around with the guys for about an hour more, before she said her good bye’s and got out. She did a quick run to her stateroom and took a shower, changing her clothes into something nice and comfy. She put on her coat and made her way back to the top. Without any problem she got to the Officer’s promenade and found the door to the corridor with their quarters. Which way now. She wondered but quickly decided that as a First Officer he probably had his cabin closer forward. Sure enough, a moment later she stopped in front of the right door. The gold plate on them saying First Officer William McMaster Murdoch. She pressed the handle and quietly got inside, closing the door behind her. 

It was a nice room. Not as spacious as hers but decent enough and comfortable. And tidy. There was a wardrobe, a soft couch with a small coffee table, desk with chair and a brass lamp on top of it, and a quite large bed. Black duvet on top of it had the same gold White Star emblem they wore on their caps. She saw a stack of books in the corner of the desk, all of them talking about ships in general. Engines, naval architecture, history, navigation, tides, meteorology. 

Spread out flat on the top, under the plastic cover was a nautical chart of the Atlantic Ocean and its coasts. Alex looked down at it, and was thankful that her skipper licence allowed her to understand the chart. He was tracking their route here. She saw the line and her gaze caught a small ‘x’ with a date 14.04/11:40pm., written in a neat handwriting. That’s where they hit the iceberg. She smiled softly when not far from the x she saw a tiny heart dated 14.04/ca.3:30pm. 

It was their first kiss. 

She felt the overwhelming and sweet feeling in that moment, it was so powerful that it almost made her cry. Her eyes followed the line back and she saw some more notes. Simple dots were changes of the heading, but there were others, like a little compass with 13.04/7:40am. Steering wheel with a date 12.04/ca.04:00pm. Something that looked like a bench 12.04/05:10am. The line started in Southampton and there she saw two notes. The first was dep.11.04/12:00pm, the time of their departure. But there was the other one, with a sketch of a firework 11.04/10:15am. It was the first time they met. She smiled at the accuracy of the drawing. Fireworks were there. 

She looked back to the end of the line. The last note that he put down was from yesterday. Little triangle, symbolising the Forecastle, with a date 15.04/02:15pm. Short before that, a tiny sun with 15.04/ca.05:00am. The morning they woke up together for the first time. The first time they made love had a drawing of a little flame. 15.04/ca.01:30am. She chuckled under her breath feeling as the tears were filling her eyes. She was looking at the map that was tangible record of their short, but so beautiful journey. She could imagine that map, once finished at the end of this voyage. Framed and hanging on the wall in their bedroom.

She could see clearly the both of them sitting on the patio of their home, somewhere  in England, or Scotland. The beautiful and peaceful countryside around them. Walking on the beach, enjoying the warm sun. Travelling together on Titanic, or any other ship he had a contract on. And her following him around the world. 

She knew she was ready to throw her whole life away and start something new with him at her side. The thought alone was making her giddy with excitement. But what about him? Does he want her in his life as well? After all it was him that hinted to Thomas, that his quarters were not fit for a couple. It was him that told her he would give her the world. 

She was so engrossed in her thoughts, looking at the map, that she didn’t hear the door opening quietly, or his steps behind her. But she felt his strong arms wrapping around her chest, embracing her. She felt familiar scent of his perfume, mixed with the salty fresh breeze and the unique scent of his skin. She leaned to him closer, wrapping her hands around his arms. 

‘It’s so beautiful Will.’ she whispered, touching the corner of the chart with her fingers. He didn’t say anything before he turned her around to face him. He had a little smile on his lips, but his expression turned alarmed when he saw her face. 

‘Were you crying?’ he asked, his quiet voice was full of concern. She laughed as another tears escaped her eyes. 

‘Yes.’ she said with a smile and her hands raised to his chest, caressing him reassuringly. ‘But don’t worry, those are happy tears. I just saw your map, and I thought… and I sorta lost it.’ she chuckled slightly embarrassed, hiding her face in the fabric of his coat. ‘I love you so much.’ she whispered and she felt his arms tightening around her, as he leaned kissing her head. 

‘I love you too Alex.’ he muttered, nuzzling his face in the crock of her neck. ‘Tell me what were you thinking.’ he asked quietly after a moment, rising his head to look at her. Their eyes met. 

‘I thought that it would look good on the wall of our bedroom.’ she said timidly and he send her one of his brilliant smiles. He leaned down joining their lips in a sweet, loving kiss. 

‘I would want nothing more than that, Alex.’ he admitted, their noses brushing against each other, breaths mixing between them. ‘To have you with me for the rest of my life… That’s all I’ll ever wish for.’ he added, his quiet voice filled with emotions so profound that he almost chocked on his breath. 

He took her face between his hands and kissed her. With a simple touch he was trying to tell her things that words failed to express. Of how much he loved her. How he craved for her, body and soul, in every possible way. And how he wanted to never let her go. 

She smiled at his lips as if understanding. Her arms wrapped around his waist and were keeping them as close as possible when their hearts were beating as one. 

‘If you’re a dream, I hope to never wake up.’ she said when they pulled out for breath. He smiled down at her and shook his head. 

‘It’s not a dream. Even though I still find it hard to believe.’ he muttered. ‘I was at the point where I thought that everything in my life had already happened.’ he added. 

‘Yeah, me too. We were both wrong.’ she said softly, rubbing her hands up his back. 

‘If this is the reward for being wrong, then I don’t mind it at all.’ he whispered catching her lips once again, this time with more intensity and fervour. 

She moaned in response and kissed back with equal passion. Her legs weakened and she felt him leaning her against the desk and pressing their bodies together. She felt he was already half hard and she gasped when her world swirled. His hunger for her was endless, but then so was hers. She took off his hat putting it on the desk beside her and her fingers run through his short hair, her nails scratching softly at his nape, making a long shiver travel down his spine. Deep groan erupted from his chest and he grabbed her, raising her up onto the desk. She wrapped her legs around his hips, bringing him to her hard. He pulled out from the kiss with a broken moan and leaned their foreheads. 

‘Thank god I put the cover on our map.’ he panted on her lips. ‘Otherwise it would be ruined.’ he added and gently took her lower lip between his teeth, rolling his hips at the same time, making her groan. Their tongues met again in a dirty and hot kiss as their hands wandered their bodies. He took off his greatcoat and jacket, throwing it blindly in the direction of the couch, when she untied his tie and started unbuttoning his vest and shirt. Her hands were caressing exposed smooth skin of his chest, fingers brushing through the dark path of hair on his abdomen. He gasped when she pulled him closer by the belt loops of this trousers and began kissing and licking his neck, collarbones and wherever she could reach. 

He pushed her coat down her shoulders and she raised her arms helping him with her shirt. No bra, you minx. He thought to himself and send her a sly grin. 

‘Easier.’ she muttered, shrugging her shoulders before he pulled her into another toe-curling kiss. His hands skilfully got rid of her jeans and the rest of her clothes, then with her help he took off his remaining clothes, leaving them bare. She pulled him to her with her legs and he chuckled, kissing her.

‘Easy love.’ he whispered, and she shook her head. 

‘I can’t, I want you too much.’ she mumbled as he lined himself at her opening and took her with one swift move. ‘Oh my god, Will.’ she groaned, throwing her head back, her hands supporting her on the desk behind her. 

‘Yes…’ he hissed through the clenched teeth. He looked down at their joined bodies as he started to move slowly, all the way out, then slowly back in. His moves steady. ‘It feels so good, Alex. So tight.’ me muttered, his breathing heavy. He put one hand on her abdomen, feeling her muscles spasming under his touch. ‘Does it feel good to you too?’ he asked seeing her eyes open. They were clouded with want. 

‘Yes Will you have no idea.’ she said weakly. He leaned forward capturing her panting lips when his hips were working in steady pace. She was driving him crazy. Waking up the primal parts of him that he didn’t even knew he had. He put his hands on her back, raising her to him, pressing their chests flush together. That movement changed the angle, allowing him to go even deeper now, and they both groaned in each other’s lips. 

‘The things you are doing to me Alex...’ he whispered hoarsely, and the long shiver run through his body. ‘You have no idea how you’re making me feel.’

‘Tell me.’ she said, biting lightly on his collarbone. 

‘I’m mad for you.’ he said, emphasising his words with a harder thrust of his hips. ‘I can’t think straight when I’m inside you.’ he added, snapping his hips once again, then slowly pulling out. His eyes drinking her every reaction. She let out a loud moan, her eyes closing. ‘I could fuck you on every surface of this entire ship. Over. And over. And I’ll never have enough.’ she gasped, her hands grabbing his back, her nails leaving red marks on his skin. She was greatly enjoying this rough and fierce side of him. It was so much different from what everyone else saw. 

He raised her from the desk and walked to the bed. He put her down on the duvets, and leaning on his hands he kissed her passionately picking up the rhythm of his hips. They were both breathing heavily and the beads of sweat were gracing their bodies. With every thrust he was bringing them closer to the completion. 

‘I love you, Alex.’ he whispered against her lips. ‘God help me, I love you.’ he added. 

‘Will…’ she whispered almost broken, her back arching, raising from the bed. 

‘That’s it Alex.’ he muttered, already close himself. ‘Come, my beautiful girl.’

He leaned down, muting their loud groan with a kiss, when they both reached climax at the same time. It was so powerful that for a moment he saw white, and he almost collapsed on top of her. They were both breathing rapidly, basking in the afterglow of their love for a few long moments. 

‘Who would have thought that you have such a dirty mouth.’ she said slightly hoarse, looking at him with a smile. Will chuckled, rising himself from her warmth. 

‘You are the one who provokes such things in me.’ he answered sending her a grin, before he leaned back, kissing her softly. 

‘I like it.’ she said, and saw him getting up to the little bathroom. He was back shortly with a wet towel in hand. They cleaned themself a bit before they got under the duvets together, wrapped in each other’s arms. 

‘What drawing will you add for today?’ she asked in sleepy voice after a long moment of silence. He puffed a little laugh and thought for a second. 

‘A map. On fire.’ he muttered with a smile. Alex laughed quietly, snuggling to him closer. 

Chapter Text

‘I’m glad that you two got together.’ said Thomas sincerely, sending Alex a side smile. They were walking arm in arm through the promenade, shortly before lunch. 

Alex and Will spend the whole morning together in his cabin, leaving his bed only to sneak into the bathroom to take a shower. It was fun and they almost got caught together by Lowe. But soon Will had to take his watch. She left the bridge and met Thomas that was wandering the boat deck. 

‘Yeah, me too.’ she answered sending him a bright smile. ‘I still have to pinch myself sometimes, to make sure I’m not dreaming, you know.’ she added, looking at him. Thomas chucked softly, nodding his head. 

‘We’re on the Ship of Dreams. Here they’re coming true Alexis.’ he said. 

‘What about your dreams Thomas?’ she asked softly and he looked at her. ‘I mean, the Ship of Dreams is yours. She had to make some of yours came true as well.’ she added when they stopped facing each other. 

‘I guess she’s working on it.’ he said with a gentle smile. He shook his head looking at the ocean. ‘I don’t know what I’m doing Alex.’ he confessed. ‘It’s… Rose.’ he added but Alex already knew that. She nodded her head. 

‘Thomas, you remember what you’ve told me before. On the first night of the voyage.’ she asked and he nodded his head. ‘It’s never good to close your heart.’ she quoted his own words, smiling lightly when his eyes met hers again. ‘I had that feeling that you’re taking from the experience.’ she added and he nodded again with a sigh. ‘I don’t want you to talk about it if you’re not comfortable with that. But. You should start to listen to your own advices Thomas.’ he chuckled, leaning his elbows on the railing as she stood beside him. 

‘My story is not much different from yours, Alex. But I actually was married.’ he said after a moment, breaking the silence. ‘I got a divorce after learning that she was a cheater. She got pregnant.’ he said, sending her a side glance. ‘I always wanted to be a father. I was ecstatic. At first. But something was not right, and I did my calculations.’ he said, spreading his hands. ‘Turned out it happened when I was away in Belfast for five months. When we just started the construction of the Titanic.’ 

‘I’m so sorry Thomas.’ she whispered, leaning close next to him, trying to give him some comfort. ‘You’re the gentlest soul I know. You didn’t deserved that.’ 

‘Thank you Alexis.’ he said, looking at her with a smile. 

‘You should give yourself a chance Thomas.’ she said gently. ‘You know I was scared too, damn it, I still am! But not because I’m afraid to try. I’m scared because I don’t want it to end. Ever.’ she said quietly. ‘But so is Will. And every other person in this world that loves someone. This fear is different. It’s good. Because it gives you strength to fight for it.’ 

They fall silent for a long moment. Thomas thought about what she told him. She was right of course. But was he brave enough? 

‘Just think about everything you said to me, Thomas.’ she said, breaking the silence. ‘I know that Rose is not Will. Their situations in life were completely different. She was forced into a relationship, and it almost ended in the most tragic way possible. And…’ she took a deep breath, not sure how she should continue. Thomas looked at her from the side. ‘I just want my both friends happy.’ she ended truthfully. ‘She likes you too, Thomas.’ 

‘What should I do Alex.’ he asked after a moment. 

‘It depends on what you want Thomas.’ said Alex shrugging her shoulders. ‘Do you want to try?’ she asked and he nodded his head, looking at her. His eyes were serious. ‘Go to her and kiss her senseless.’ she said not beating around the bush, making him laugh. 

‘Bold.’ he said with a grin that she returned back to him. 

‘I’m serious.’ she said with a chuckle. ‘Rose is romantic. She wants someone that will sweep her off her feet not someone who will be able to provide her with diamonds, fancy cars or ships and money.’ she explained and he nodded in understanding. ‘Although I know you can do that too. But start with winning her heart first.’ she added with a grin, nudging his shoulder playfully. He laughed softly, pulling her to his side. 

‘Thank you Alex.’ he said sincerely, looking at her and she shook her head. 

‘You’ll thank me later, now go!’ she answered, pushing him to the first class entrance. ‘She’s in B-64!’ she yelled after him, and smiled to herself as he disappeared inside.

‘Did you just played the matchmaker for Thomas Andrews?’ she heard the chuckle behind her and turning around she saw Lights and Lowe, with similar grins on their faces. She let out a little laugh. 

‘We’ll see to that guys.’ she answered. ‘What’s up with you two?’ she asked with a smile. Both of them came closer to her sides and took her under their arms. 

‘Come on princess. Have a lunch with us.’ said Charles pulling her to the Officers Mess. She laughed but let herself be escorted by two Officers. 

She spend a great time with them, eating lunch and then just hanging out. A few minutes after two Will and Moody joined them for their late lunch after their watch. They sat there together, laughing, talking about their adventures at the seas and everything. She thought that Lightoller was right yesterday. She wasn’t a crew. But she felt like one of them. She loved that atmosphere of the bridge. They all were like one big, weird and messy family, but she loved that. And she was happy that they were all so open at welcoming her among them. 

 ‘You should see his face when he learned that he’s been kicked out the crew, and by his worst enemy to top that!’ laughed Charles and the rest of the men following him. 

‘What do you mean?’ Alex asked chuckling lightly. 

‘There was some shuffling on the Officer’s positions shortly before the departure.’ explained to her Will. ‘In the first squad I was supposed to be Chief Officer. With Lights and Blair as First and Second.’ he said looking at his friend with a smile. ‘In Southampton Captain decided to include Wilde as well, and made him Chief. Juniors had to say and we had to step down. So he was basically kicked out.’ he added with a grin. 

‘So you two were degraded?’ she asked looking at him. 

‘Yeah, but I don’t mind that much. Wilde is a good man. And I have more free time to roam around than he does.’ he said sending her a cocky smile, pulling her closer to his side. ‘Lights was furious at first but he came along.’ he added laughing. 

‘Yeah, at least we’re here.’ added Lights. ‘But that bastard Blair took the keys from the lockers with him. And I had to brake into them.’ 

‘It’s good for your muscles.’ said Lowe with a grin, making them laugh.

She also learned that Will had one more heroic moment on the other ship a few years back. 

‘He was the Second Officer on Arabic, and I tell ya. He pulled the biggest stunt you can imagine.’ chuckled Lightoller, rising a cup with his coffee. 

‘I heard about it. It was good.’ said Moody, nodding his head in agreement. 

‘I need to hear that.’ added Lowe, looking at his fellow Officers and Alex nodded. She wanted to know that story as well. 

‘It was night, and we suddenly saw another ship bearing down on us. She was not responding.’ said Will. ‘It’s not as glorious as he’s making it.’ he added with a grin, looking at Alex. 

‘Yeah yeah. Say that to your superior at that time, that almost crashed Arabic ordering ‘hard’a port’. I’m not saying, it was reasonable, but would be painful to the both vessels.’ said Lights, shaking his head. ‘But our dear William here, realised that he can do that better. He literally rammed into the quartermaster, taking the helm and keeping the heading as it was.’ 

‘What happened?’ asked Alex, tightening her grip on Will’s hand. 

‘Nothing.’ he said simply. ‘We passed by.’ 

‘By inches!’ said Charles, rising his hand and showing the distance with two fingers. 

‘Are you serious?’ said Alex. 

‘Yeah! Hear me now, Alex what I tell you, because Will doesn’t believe me. And you two are witnesses too.’ said Lights, pointing at two other younger Officers. ‘He will be Captain one day.’ 

Will and Alex laughed at the same time, and both of them answered, at the same time. 

‘Of course he will.’ said Alex, sure of that.  

‘Like hell I will.’ snickered Will. 

‘You will. It is already written in Murdoch bloodline.’ she said leaning on him with a smile. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple with a chuckle. 

‘I could bet any money on that too.’ said Moody, looking at them with a smile and Lowe nodded his head in agreement. 

‘See? Told ya!’ grinned Lightoller looking at his friend. ‘Just get used to it already, Captain Murdoch!’ he added punching him on his arm, making them laugh. 

‘I’ve been wondering where the majority of my Officers had gone off to.’ they heard the voice from the door and they turned in that direction, seeing Captain Smith standing in the doorway. ‘And here they are, scheming to deprive me of my position.’ he added. The four Officers instantly stood up, rising their hands in salute.

‘Captain. It’s not-‘ started Charles, but was stopped mid sentence by Will. 

‘Captain, Lightoller was just joking around like usual.’ he said calmly, but Alex saw the tension in his muscles. She discretely took his hand and squeezed it lightly. 

‘I should hope so.’ said the man, walking into the room closer to them. His face was serious, but Alex saw his eyes sparkling with mirth. ‘Who’s taking the bet though? Because I’d like to join as well.’ he said and a smile broke out on his face. His gaze met Alex’s and he send her a wink, making her grin in response. Guys chuckled, visibly relieved. ‘Keep up with your work like that Mr. Murdoch, and one day you’ll make a great Captain.’ he said and leaned against a free chair with his hands. Will was truly taken aback. That was the highest praise anyone could ever receive. 

‘Thank you Captain.’ he said, bowing his head. Captain nodded his head still smiling. His eyes ventured between him and Alex, stopping at their joined hands. 

‘I see your Titanic tours with Mr. Murdoch are fruitful, Miss Lorain’ he bowed his head at her. Alex chuckled quietly, taking a step closer to Will who looked at her with a smile. 

‘Even more than I could imagine Captain.’ 

‘I’m glad to hear that.’ he said sincerely and turned around to leave. ‘Have a good time. Mr. Lightoller, Mr. Lowe, your watch starts in an hour.’ he remained them from the exit. 

‘Yes sir.’ they both answered and Captain disappeared outside. 

‘Are you two aware that you were actually matched by the Captain?’ asked Lightoller with a grin. Alex and Will laughed at that. 

‘Nah. We were already matched when he came up with the idea.’ answered Will and she nodded her head.

‘Is everyone here playing with matchmaking people? Even Captain?’ muttered Lowe and they all laughed. 

Chapter Text

‘This is probably the first time I see you in something other than uniform.’ she wondered, looking at Will with a smile. 

‘You saw me naked on a few occasions.’ he muttered cheerfully, sitting beside her on the bench and Alex laughed. ‘Lightoller’s prank backfired on me and it turned out I run out of the clean shirts. Laundry is taking care of it.’ he grinned. 

‘You look good.’ she said biting her lips. He was wearing black washed jeans and a pair of black converse, as well as black hoodie, provided by company. On the left side of his chest in delicate gold font was embroidery of his rank: First Officer W.M. Murdoch. On the back was big ‘White Star Line’ writing with ‘Titanic’ below and his insignia. ‘It’s nice.’ she said, tracing her fingers on his name. 

‘Company decided that we should wear something that would be recognisable when we’re ashore.’ he said with a grin. ‘So everyone would know which ship’s crew is currently brawling in pubs.’ he added making her laugh. 

‘Is it that bad?’ she asked with a wide smile that he returned. 

‘You should know Lightoller before he met Sylvia.’ he chuckled rising from the bench and pulling her with him. ‘We had a few interesting moments to say the least. He was lucky he wasn’t arrested a few times, I always made it on time to save the situation.’ he added when they were waking down the boat deck. 

‘And that sounds like the perfect summary of your friendship.’ she laughed sincerely and he followed. ‘Where are we going?’ 

‘Do you know today’s a one week anniversary of our first meeting?’ he asked and she nodded with a gentle smile. ‘I’m taking you on a date.’ he said with a mischievous smile. 

He led them to the boat deck then to the platform where the ship’s compass was. From there they walked to the ladder leading up to the roof. When they passed the second funnel she saw huge crate covering the glass dome. 

‘Is this the grand staircase down there?’ she asked. 

‘Yeah. You have a unique chance to see the dome from the other side.’ he said with a smile. 

They walked further to the forward end, passing the first funnel, collapsible A and vents and soon stood in the middle of the open space, with nothing but the ocean before them. 

‘We’re on the bridge.’ she noticed. ‘Like literally.’ she added and he chuckled. 

‘Yes, the Wheelhouse is right beneath us.’ he said taking her hand. ‘We’ll have a picnic here. Wait here a second.’ he added. 

He was back in a moment with a few mattress and pillows from the deckchairs in one hand and a basket in the other. He put all of that on the deck and they sat down. 

‘When someone would see us he’ll think we’re crazy.’ she laughed happily, taking a bite of the strawberry. 

‘Let them.’ he said, popping a bottle of alcohol-free champagne with a smile. ‘It's rare for anyone to come here anyway.’ he added handing her a glass. 

‘It’s amazing how much life can change in just one week.’ she said looking at him when he was pouring the glass for himself. His gaze met hers, his blue eyes were shining with love. 

‘Mine changed in a second.’ he said with a gentle smile, rising his glass. ‘For life changing moments that bring us here.’ he said. 

‘For us.’ she added, clinking their glasses. 

They leaned simultaneously to each other for a kiss, the taste of the champagne mixing on their tongues. Will put their glasses aside, his hand sneaking into her hair, deepening the kiss. He purred into her lips when he felt her hand slipping around his waist and pulling him closer. He loved kissing her. Even like right now, sweet and gentle, not focused on the desire and want. But on the feeling. Her closeness was making him warm inside. Alive. 

‘You are addicting.’ he whispered, pulling her hair over her shoulder, his hand brushing against her cheek. 

She was smiling. She lied down on the mattress, pulling him down with her. They were facing each other propping their heads on their hands. It was peaceful and relaxing. The evening sun was shining on them and the salty breeze was stroking their skin. They were taking softly, sharing their dreams and ideas. The way they were almost always the same assured them of one thing. They could never let go of one another.

She was snuggled under his arm when he was lying on his back with closed eyes and a content smile pulling at his lips. Her hand was mindlessly rubbing patterns on his chest and she was looking at the setting sun. Soon they’ll have to move, he will start his watch at 10. Soon they will. But now they had a few more moments of peace. 

‘Will you come to me after your watch?’ she asked quietly, propping herself on her elbow and looking down at him. He puffed a little laugh, pulling her closer to his chest as his eyes opened. 

‘You’re not tired of me yet?’ he asked jokingly. 

‘I never will.’ she said truthfully shaking her head. She leaned over, capturing his lips softly. He let out a long breath through his nose and turned their position, so she was lying on her back when he was leaning over her, keeping the most of his weight on his elbow. He wrapped his free hand around her waist, holding her tightly against his body as he depended the kiss. 

‘You’re kissing me like that and you’re asking if I’m tired of you?’ she asked breathlessly, making him chuckle hoarsely. ‘Impossible.’

‘Then I promise to always kiss you like that.’ he answered huskily, taking her full lower lip between his teeth, before he dived into her mouth. His tongue found hers and she moaned, a long shiver went through her body. Her hands reached blindly to grab anything and pull him closer. In result he lost his balance and half collapsed on top of her. They looked at each other and at the same time they burst into laughter. 

He raised himself up to the sitting position and pulled her with him. 

‘We should go. I have to run to the laundry and take a shower before watch.’ he said and she nodded her head. 

‘You go take a shower, I’ll take care of the laundry.’ she said, brushing her hands on his chest. 

‘Really?’ he asked and she nodded her head with a smile. ‘Thank you, Alex.’ he added kissing her softly, before he raised to his feet, pulling her with him. They grabbed the chair cushions to leave them on the promenade and the basket to the mess. ‘I have to tell you that I don’t really like visiting laundry.’ he admitted with a chuckle when they were walking through the Boat deck. 

‘Why is that?’ she asked with a smile. 

‘Well… There’s a woman working there that is making things… uncomfortable.’ he said with a grin. 

‘Is she hitting on you?’ asked Alex looking at him from the side. His timid gaze met hers. 

‘Yeah. Quite boldly I must say. And she’s not taking ‘no’ for an answer.’ he said shaking his head. ‘I’m not saying this to you to make you jealous, Alex.’ he said and he stopped walking. He took her face between his hands. ‘You have nothing to be worried about.’ 

 ‘I know Will.’ she said with a reassuring smile. She wasn’t jealous. She felt really secure in their relationship. He leaned down kissing her lips softly. ‘Go get ready, I’ll be back with your uniform soon.’ she said softly, caressing his handsome face with her hand. He nodded his head before he turned to the bridge. And she headed to the F-deck. On her way she took the ring she got from her mother from her right middle finger and slid it onto the ring finger of her left hand. A little smile pulled at her lips. Alright maybe she was a little jealous. And possessive. 

When she entered the laundry she saw three women busting around. Two of them were somewhere around her mother’s age, even older, but the third was younger. Her own age maybe. She was a tall, skinny blonde with bluish-gray eyes. Alex immediately knew that she was the one hitting on Will. She was the one to came to the counter as well. Alex straightened her back and put the best smile on her face, walking closer. 

‘Hi what can I help you with?’ she asked. The name on her chest said she was Lauren. 

‘Hi, I wanted to pick up the laundry.’ she said with confidence. ‘First Officer William Murdoch. His uniforms were supposed to be ready.’ she said and with a satisfaction she saw as Lauren’s smile disappear and she measured her with her eyes. 

‘They’re ready but… I’m sorry who are you? I can’t give them away to anyone.’ she said suspiciously. The other two women raised their heads, listening. 

‘Yeah, don’t worry it was him that asked me to come here collect them.’ she said sending her a sweet smile. ‘I’m Alexis, his fiancée.’ she lied swiftly, and as she suspected, Lauren’s eyes jumped to her left hand. Alex just stood there enjoying her confusion and jealous anger. 

‘I didn’t know that he was seeing someone.’ she said quietly like she was talking to herself. 

‘I don’t see why should you know that.’ answered Alex letting her smile slide a bit. ‘Anyway, where are those?’ she asked and saw one other woman carrying the bags to the counter. Her name was Bella. 

‘Here you are Miss. If you don’t mind me saying, our sweet boy Mr. Murdoch is one lucky man.’ she said with a gentle, sincere smile. ‘And he has a great taste in women too.’ she whispered to her, looking at Lauren. Alex couldn’t help a little laugh that escaped her. 

‘Thank you ma’am. We are both very lucky.’ she said sincerely. ‘And thank you for these.’ she added, taking the bags. 

‘Not a problem dear, drop by if you need anything.’ she said waving her hand. Alex took the last glance at the younger woman. She looked annoyed but Alex was sure she wouldn’t cause any more trouble to Will in the future. 

Will was not in his cabin when she got there but he walked in a moment later. He wore a black joggers and a white t-shirt. His cheeks were pink from the warm water and his hair deliciously ruffled and still slightly damp. 

‘Thank you love.’ he said kissing her cheek before he took his clothes from the bags. ‘How it went?’ 

‘It was good. Mrs. Bella seems to like you.’ she said with a smile and he chuckled. 

‘She’s very nice. She reminds me of my grandmother.’ he said buttoning his shirt. 

‘And I’m sure Lauren would not cause you any embarrassment anymore.’ she added and he saw her sly smile and dangerous glint in her eyes. 

‘How so?’ he asked, looking at her with a wide smile. 

‘I might have lied a bit that I’m your fiancée, I hope you’re not angry.’ she said biting her lower lip nervously. He laughed at that and shaking his head he took a step to her. He freed her lip with his thumb and kissed her softly. 

‘Of course I’m not.’ he muttered, caressing her cheek. She smiled at him. ‘It’s actually flattering.’ he added sending her a wink before he continued getting ready. With a few well learned moves he tied his tie and put on his jacket. He grabbed his greatcoat and  when he was fully dressed he turned to her. ‘How do I look?’ he asked, putting his cap on his head. She walked to him and straightened his tie, before she leaned up on her toes, kissing him on the lips. 

‘Hot.’ she whispered with her lips still close to his. He chuckled, a sound coming deep from his chest. He kissed her one more time, this time longer. ‘Come on, you have to go.’ she muttered and he nodded. 

They walked to the bridge and they met Lights, Lowe and Moody on the starboard side wing. 

‘Happy one week anniversary!’ exclaimed Charles seeing them and they both laughed. 

‘Have a quiet watch boys.’ she said waving her hand and left. She’ll see him in four hours. 

Chapter Text

As it often was, especially in April, the beautiful weather that was following them since the beginning of the voyage finally broke down. For the last two days strong winds along with heavy rains and wavy ocean were their constant companions, causing a large number of people to suffer from seasickness. 

In contrary to all of them, Alex didn’t seem to be bothered by the waves, she had her sea legs trained on her sailboat. Gentle rocking of the Titanic was nothing in comparison to the way Liberty was tossed around on the waves. But the wether took its tool on her and she was down with a cold. 

‘Thank you mom.’ she said weakly, taking a steaming mug with tea from her. 

‘How are you feeling?’ asked Aurora, fixing the duvets around Alexis’s legs. 

‘Better now as the medicine has kicked in. I can finally think.’ she said with a laugh and sniff. ‘Trust me to be sick on my honeymoon.’ she snickered a joke, making Aurora laugh. 

‘I guess you can still call it that.’ she said with a cocky grin. ‘You and William are getting on really well, don’t you?’ she added sitting on the bed next to her daughter. 

‘We do. He’s perfect mom.’ she muttered, smiling. ‘You know that I love him, right?’ she asked and Aurora laughed. 

‘Alex I could tell that on the first day here. The same thing about him.’ she assured her and Alex rolled her eyes, laughing softly. 

‘Speaking of, did you bring my message?’ she asked raising the cup to her lips. 

‘Yeah. I had Thomas Andrews to take it to Will.’ said Aurora, sending her critical look. ‘But you don’t really believe it’ll have any effect.’ 

‘I hope it does, I can’t let him catch that from me. He can’t get sick, we’re almost at the end of the cruise.’ she said and Aurora shook her head with a smile. That moment they heard two knocks at the door and someone got inside without waiting for the answer. 

‘I guess you’re about to learn that a mere cold is not going to stop him from seeing you.’ she laughed, raising from the bed the moment Will appeared in the bedroom door. ‘Good gracious, you’re all wet. Give me that coat honey, I’ll leave it to dry in the living room.’ she said mothering him. If Will was taken aback he didn’t let that show and he took off his heavy greatcoat and let her drape it on the armchair near the heater.

‘Thank you Mrs. Lorain.’ he said sincerely when she was heading out. 

‘No problem dear, I’ll be next door if you two need anything.’ she said with a smile, closing the door behind her. 

Will turned back to Alex and saw her smiling. He chuckled under his breath, sitting on the bed beside her. 

‘How are you feeling.’ he asked softly, brushing her hair from her face and checking her temperature with his hand. 

‘It’s not so bad, I’m a little weary and sniffy.’ she said, taking his hand in hers. ‘I told you not to come, I don’t want you to get sick too.’ she added looking into his concerned eyes. 

‘Alex you have to know that nothing is going to keep me from you. Even runny nose.’ he said with a smile, leaning down and kissing her lightly. ‘I won’t get sick, don’t worry. I’m immune to that.’ he added in whisper making her chuckle. ‘D’you need anything? Something to eat or drink…’

‘No. But since you’re here, can you lay down with me?’ she asked. ‘The meds are making me woozy, we could sleep some?’ she asked quietly and he was already taking  off his clothes. He left on his black boxers and a white t-shirt that he wore under his dress shirt and crawled under the duvets. He instantly took her in his arms and she let out a content sigh closing her eyes. 

‘I love you Will.’ she muttered softly nuzzling her face under his chin. She was warm and comfortable and was quickly slipping into slumber. 

‘I love you too sweetheart.’ he said quietly, kissing sweetly her forehead as he closed his eyes. He was off duty until his night watch. He could use some rest as well. The sound of her deep breathing and a gentle rocking of the ship made him follow her in dreams. 

Some time later Aurora knocked softly on Alexis’s door and when there was no response she pressed the handle, it was open. She and Alexis had a rule of closing the door when they were to be left undisturbed. So she knew she wouldn’t walk in on them doing… some things. 

The rooms were quiet when she came closer to the bedroom and looked inside from the door. She smiled softly at the sight. They were both asleep, embraced tightly in each other’s arms. Alex was breathing more freely and a healthy colour was back on her face. She backed off from her daughter’s cabin wondering about the twisted fate. 

When Alex met Liam, she was at her most vulnerable. Fresh from university, starting her new adult life. It was easy for that bastard to make her fall in love with him. Aurora had a bad feeling about him the entire time, but she knew her daughter loved him somehow so she didn’t say anything. This time the situation was completely different. She was the strongest now. Years of hardship with Liam, years of building up her empire and confidence, and months of rebuilding her life back after the break up. She was independent and aware of her own worth. She stood her ground firmly. So the fact that Will managed to break through her wall, and so quickly, was saying something. 

She had a really good feeling about them. And her feeling was never proved wrong. 

When Will woke up it was still fairly light outside. They were sleeping for about three hours and he was amazed about that. Soon he should wake her up, she needed to eat something and take her medicine. But as soon as he thought that, she started to stir and her eyes opened. A little smile graced her face. 

‘How are you feeling?’ he asked softly, his voice still slightly hoarse from sleep. 

‘Better actually.’ she said stretching her arms. ‘My muscles are a bit sore but otherwise almost perfect.’ she added. He leaned to her planting a kiss on her lips before he raised, sitting on the bed. 

‘Come on then, I’ll run you a bath.’ he said and she purred in happiness. 

‘You’re a blessing Will. How come you’re not married?’ she asked, using his own words from some time ago and he laughed. 

‘I was waiting for you.’ he grinned down at her. 

He filled the tub with warm water and added some salts and bubbles as she came to the bathroom. 

‘Will you join me?’ she asked biting her lower lip looking up at him with glistening eyes. He was not sure if it was from her sickness or something else, but when her warm hands traveled under his shirt to his chest he got an idea. He smirked at her. 

‘You shouldn’t strain yourself Alex.’ he muttered, caressing her cheek with one hand. 

‘I’ll be good, I promise.’ she said but her smile was telling him something different. He chuckled under his breath, leaning down to her. 

‘You’re a poor liar.’ he said and she laughed. 

The bathtub was big enough to fit the two of them with an enough space left. The warm water was amazing and they relaxed nicely. He helped her wash, his hands roaming over her back, her chest, legs, were easily waking up her body. She wanted him. He could tell that from her elevated breathing and a soft whimpers that were escaping her. 

‘You do feel better.’ he whispered with his lips nipping at her neck when she pressed her back to his chest. His hands holding her waist traveled through her slick body, one around her abdomen, holding her close to him, as the other dived down. Feeling her slick already and warmer than the water surrounding them. Her body arched with a moan when he slid a finger inside her, at the same time sucking on the spot behind her ear. He groaned himself when her ass pressed against his groin. 

‘Alex we shouldn’t…’ he whispered hotly in her ear. But despite his words his finger was moving slowly in and out of her. She shivered against him when he added another one. ‘You need rest.’ 

‘I need you. I’m fine Will, please.’ she pleaded pressing herself against him. She could feel him on the small of her back, hard and ready. He wanted her too. She leaned her head back on his shoulder and whimpered as he scissored his fingers. 

‘You’ll be the death of me one day Alex.’ he breathed on her neck. ‘But what a way to die this is.’ he added with a smile. He turned her around to face him and she straddled his hips as he pulled her down for a kiss. Caressing the line of her spine with his hands he felt her shiver. He leaned his head against the edge of the tub with a long moan when she impaled herself on him. ‘Oh god Alex.’ he whispered, his eyes closing on its own as her walls surrounded him. She wasn’t moving for a moment, delighting in the feeling of them being joined in the most intimate way. He looked at her through heavy eyelids. Her eyes were closed, her chest rising with every deep breath she took. Soft blush was colouring her face. 

‘You’re beautiful.’ he said softly, caressing her hips with his palms. She smiled, opening her eyes. She leaned down to him, joining their lips in fierce kiss and starting to move up and down on his hardness. They groaned in each other’s lips with the feeling of overwhelming pleasure. Her pace was slow but deep. She was raising herself almost completely then lowering fully back. Her hands were holding his shoulders, her eyes closed in contention and a quiet whimpers were escaping her lips. 

He was helping her with his hands on her buttocks, he really didn’t want her to strain  herself too much in her current state. But he simply couldn’t resist her. Not when she was practically begging for it. He leaned forward sucking and biting on her neck and she sobbed, throwing her head back. 

‘Harder Will… please.’ she whispered brokenly. He groaned at her skin and looked up at her with a nod. 

‘Alright, turn around.’ he said, his voice raspy. He helped her get on her knees and lean her hands against the edge of the tub. He gritted his teeth at the sight. Her toned, sun kissed body, slick and wet. He reached his hand, touching her perfect round ass and kissing the base of her spine, before he positioned himself and took her in one fast thrust. Low grunt escaped from him and he instantly stared to pump in and out of her in fast, hard thrusts. She threw her head back with a moan and started to move with him, bringing them both to the fast, intensive climax. 

They spend some more time lazying in the tub, but as the water was getting cold they decided to move. They ate in her room and Alex took her meds, then it was time for Will to leave. 

‘Will you be fine? I’ll come back to check on you when I’m free.’ he said, sitting on the bed beside her. 

‘I’ll be fine.’ she said with a soft smile. ‘I’ll leave the door open in case I fall asleep.’ she added and he saw her heavy eyelids almost closing already. The meds were working. ‘Will you stay? When you’re back?’ she asked quietly. 

‘Of course. Sleep now.’ he muttered, leaning down and kissing her forehead. She nodded her head and he left the bedroom. He grabbed his coat from the armchair, dry and warm and he smiled to himself, thanking Aurora in his head. 

When he stepped outside on the promenade he sighed with relief. At least it stopped raining. 

Chapter Text

The days were passing with his time spent either on the bridge where he was performing his duties, or wandering the decks (or one of their cabins) with Alex. They were growing closer and closer with each passing day, getting to know each other really well and he almost couldn’t believe they had met not even two weeks ago. The time of this voyage was getting close to the end, tomorrow evening they will reach New York. He was pleased at the prospect of having two weeks off duty, especially with Alexis staying onboard, but at the same time he was slightly anxious. He had a plan that he wanted to fulfil before the end of the cruise. 

‘What’s up with you, Will?’ asked Lightoller stepping up on the wing next to him. ‘Something’s eating you up.’ Will looked at his friend with a sigh. He knew him well, of course he would sense his nervousness. 

‘Lights I want to ask you a question. But please, it’s serious.’ he said, not really in the mood for his jokes right now. 

‘Alright. What is it Will?’ he replied looking back at his friend with a gentle smile. Will rubbed his face with his hand, looking at the water ahead, trying to put his thoughts into words. 

‘Do you think it’s too soon for me to propose to Alex?’ he asked, not beating around the bush. Lightoller’s smile widened. 

‘Is this what you want?’ he asked and Will nodded his head. ‘Then why are you worrying about it being too soon?’ he added and his friend let out a long breath, leaning his elbows on the railing. 

‘I don’t know Lights.’ he answered with a shrug. ‘According to social standards it is soon.’ 

‘Why are you bothering yourself with social standards, Will?!’ he exclaimed with a chuckle, he couldn’t help himself. He grabbed his shoulder, turning him to face him. ‘Hear me out now Will. You’re the happiest now that I ever saw you. I don’t know Alex for long, but I’m certain that you’re making her happy too. And to hell with all that social standards, they don’t matter as long as you both want it.’ 

‘Do you think she’ll say yes?’ he asked, expressing his other worry. 

‘Of course she will. Are you blind or something?’ he asked, looking at him critically. 

‘No, I’m nervous, Lights!’ he barked, but he shut up when Moody turned his head in their direction. ‘I’m almost forty and I feel like a kid that is about to ask a girl on the first date!’ he hissed. Charles smiled lightly and grabbed him by his shoulders with one arm. 

‘You have nothing to be nervous about.’ he said to him quietly. ‘She’s as much in love with you as you are. So atta boy! Go get that girl!’ he added, hitting his back. Will looked at him finally smiling lightly, before his gaze turned back to the horizon. ‘Do you have a plan? A ring?’ 

‘I do. I have the ring my mother gave me.’ he said, putting his hand in his pocket. When he pulled it out he showed him a band made of white gold, with a blue aquamarine in the centre, and a rows of smaller diamonds on its sides. His mother gave him that ring not long after Ada’s death. It was a wedding gift to her from her husband, Will’s father. She told him then, that he may think now that he’ll never need it. But she made him promise to always have it with him. As if she knew. 

‘Oh, she’ll love it.’ muttered Lights, looking closer at the ring. ‘The colour of the stone is the same as your eyes.’ he added sending him a wide grin. Will rolled his eyes at him and put the ring back into his pocket. 

‘We’re going to the final gala tonight.’ he said, looking at his friend. ‘I’ll take her on a walk, to the Forecastle perhaps. She likes it the most.’ he added. Perfect. Thought Lightoller, an idea forming in his head already. ‘And actually I have a huge favour to ask you Lights.’ 

‘Don’t worry I’ll cover your watch.’ he said waving his hand dismissively. We all will. He added in his head. ‘But I have one condition.’ he added and Will looked at him questioningly. ‘I’ll be your best man.’ he said with a grin and Will laughed. 

‘Of course you will.’ he answered, pulling him into a manly embrace. ‘Thank you Lights.’ he said as they stepped back. 

‘What are friends for, Will?’ he said to him. ‘Get the rest of your watch over with, and have fun tonight. And stop worrying, it’ll be all great.’ he said stepping down from the landing. ‘I gotta dash, I have a few errands to run.’ he had to introduce his idea to the rest of the bunch. 

‘Sure, see you later.’ waved him off Will and turned back to the bow. 

Will took a calming breath before he knocked at the door to the cabin B-75. They opened after a moment reviling Aurora. 

‘Will. Come in honey, did something happened?’ she asked, letting him inside. She was such a sweet woman, he knew from who Alex inherited that. He send her a calming smile. 

‘No ma’am. I wanted to ask you something though, the both of you.’ he answered, looking at Curtis that just came into the living room. ‘I just want it to be done properly.’ he added, feeling his nerves spiking. 

‘What is it, Will?’ he asked, standing beside his wife, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. Will took another steadying breath. 

‘I wanted to ask for your permission to ask Alexis to marry me.’ he said, his voice steady, despite his racing heart. He calmed a little seeing wide smile on Aurora’s face, and more subdued, but the smile nevertheless on Curtis’s. ‘I know it’s sudden, we don’t know each other long. But I can’t imagine myself without her anymore. I can promise you that I’ll do everything to make her the happiest woman in the world. If she’ll have me.’ 

‘Oh, Will my sweet boy, of course you have our permission!’ exclaimed Aurora, happy tears glistening in her eyes as she pulled him in a hug. ‘She’ll be so happy! Does she know?’ she asked, still holding his arms. 

‘No. I intend to ask her tonight.’ he said, smiling lightly at her. His eyes turned to Curtis, who hasn't spoken out yet. The man took a few steps forward, looking him in the eyes. He pulled out his hand. 

‘You are the best guy my girl could ever choose, Will.’ he said and Will took his hand. ‘I believe you’ll treat her like she deserves. And she deserves the best.’ he added, patting his shoulder. 

‘Thank you sir.’ he said bowing his head. ‘Thank you ma’am. It really means a lot to me, having your trust.’ 

‘Remember that we trust you with the most precious thing, Will. Our daughter. And when you lose this trust it’s irreversible.’ said Curtis, his voice gentle but serious. 

‘I won’t.’ he said without hesitation. Curtis nodded his head, pleased. ‘I’ll leave, we all have to prepare for tonight’s gala.’ he said with a smile, the tension slowly easing. ‘Can you please not tell Alex anything about this?’ 

‘Of course, honey.’ said Aurora, nodding her head. ‘We’ll see you tonight.’ 

He bowed his head and smiled, leaving the room. Outside in the corridor he took a deep breath with his eyes closed and a smile on his lips. 

‘Will? Did you get to the wrong door?’ he heard a familiar voice and opening his eyes he saw Thomas Andrews. He had a cheeky smile on his face. 

‘No I didn’t.’ he answered, putting on his gloves and he send the man a small smile. ‘Have a good day Thomas.’ he added, before he turned on his heel and walked away. 

Thomas chuckled under his breath seeing the swagger in his step. If he would like to bet, he would say that Will had some special plans for tonight. 

The door to her room opened, and his throat suddenly got dry. He was looking at the most beautiful woman he ever lied his eyes on. She was wearing long, gown dress. It was pitch black, but the fabric was dotted with tiny shining glitters, like stars on the night sky. The top of the dress was hugging her body nicely when the rest of it, from her waist down was flowing sensually with her every move. She pulled her hair back in a bun, keeping them in place with a gold hairpin. A few brown curls were framing her face. She put a little of make up, giving her eyes a smoky look. 

‘Alex.’ he breathed out. ‘You look absolutely stunning.’ he added, kissing the back of her hand, before he raised to catch her lips. ‘I’m so lucky to have the most beautiful woman in the world at my side.’ he added offering her his arm and she took it with a blush. 

‘So am I.’ she said, sending him a cunning smile. He was so handsome, and then that uniform… ‘Do we have to attend this gala? Or can we skip this, and go back to my room? Or yours?’ she asked quietly as they were walking down the corridor, passing other passengers that were looking at them with awe. Even after two weeks, they still were some kind of novelty to some. 

‘We can’t unfortunately.’ he said, chuckling under his breath. I have a plans for us for tonight. He said in his head. ‘You promised Rose.’ he added aloud. 

Rose and Thomas had actually got together after Alex talked Thomas into ‘kissing her senseless’, the day after Lightoller’s birthday. They were keeping it private so far, and Alex and Will were the only two who knew what was going on between them. The couple decided that tonight they will come to the final gala together. And Alex promised to be there as a mental support in case of troubles with her mother or Cal. 

They reached the top of the Grand Staircase that led down to the Ballroom, and instantly took the gazes of all present, when they were walking down. The looks were various, from joy, awe, through simple interest, approval, to envy. 

‘I really feel like royalty now.’ she chuckled, remembering Lightoller’s jokes, and he laughed too. When they reached the bottom they were approached by the Captain who was smiling gently. Will raised his hand to his head in salute and he returned it. 

‘Miss Lorain, you look remarkable tonight.’ he said turning to her and kissing the back of her hand. 

‘Thank you Captain.’ she said with a brilliant smile. 

‘I hope that you and Mr. Murdoch are both ready?’ he said with a sly smile. 

‘Ready for what, sir?’ asked Will, not understanding. 

‘You are opening the final gala with a dance, Mr. Murdoch.’ he said and their eyes widened. 

‘What?’ gasped Alex looking at the man. Is he serious? 

‘I’m currently mourning my late wife. I can’t do it.’ he said with a soft smile. ‘After me, Mr. Murdoch is the highest ranked Officer present here, and this voyage hero. And you’re looking beautiful together.’ he added, putting a hand on Will’s shoulder. ‘It’s not an order. But I’ll be grateful if you’ll do it.’ he said gently. 

‘Yes sir.’ said Will. Captain nodded his head and turned, leaving them. They looked at each other with a smiles but before they had a chance to say anything a murmurs were heard from the audience and they looked up, seeing Rose and Thomas walking down the stairs. Their entwined arms and closeness between them leaving no room for speculation about the nature of their relationship. 

They were looking really good together. He was wearing nice, perfectly tailored tuxedo, his short curls were slicked back and the gentle smile was gracing his lips. He looked like member of important and prestigious British family. Rose wore a pretty, dark purple mullet dress, with a longer back. Her long red curls were put in a neat bun. She was glowing with happiness and pride. 

‘She’s beautiful.’ muttered Alex, looking at her friend with a soft smile. She felt Will’s arm sneaking around her waist, and he leaned over kissing her temple. 

‘Not as much as you, love.’ he said huskily with his lips on her skin. She felt her insides stir and she blushed lightly. 

In the meantime they reached the bottom and walked to them. They exchanged a few pleasantries and friendly kisses before they all went further inside the grand hall. 

‘Alex, that dress is so grand, you look like a queen.’ whispered Rose, leaning closer to her. Alex chuckled but before she could answer they heard a Captain’s voice as he started his welcoming speech. 

It was a beautiful speech. He was talking about the maiden voyage of Titanic with the terms of new friendships and love that blossomed onboard, in the span of that short two weeks. He joked about the possible weddings these decks will hold in the future. He hinted at the tragedy that almost happened one night in the beginning and officially thanked Will for his cool and fast thinking. He thanked Thomas for making it all possible. And finally, he thanked all of the crew members, and passengers for making this voyage memorable. 

‘I believe that we have one last thing to do. The final gala of Titanic’s maiden voyage, will be officially open, with a first dance of the ship’s Commander and his heart’s chosen. Ladies and gentlemen, have a wonderful night.’ he bowed his head and stepped down, accompanied by applause. The crowd dissipated to the sides leaving the space in the middle open. 

Alex and Will looked into each other’s eyes with a smiles on their faces. He bowed to her low, kissing the back of her hand. 

‘May I have this dance, Miss Lorain?’ he asked, his bright eyes shining with love. 

‘Certainly sir.’ she said, taking his hand and he led them to the centre of the room, followed by excited whispers. The orchestra played a beautiful, slow song and Alex felt the goosebumps on her arms as the first notes reached her ears. Her heart swelled with love as her eyes met with Will’s. He swirled her around before he pulled her close to him. They were dancing together like they were doing it the whole their lives. His every step, every turn and swing was perfect. Alexis knew his sensual side really well, no wonder he was an excellent dancer. He was leading her like a master, giving the other guests a beautiful, memorable performance. 

With a last swirl he bowed her to the ground, keeping her steadily in his arms. His blue eyes were glistening with happiness, and he leaned down kissing her softly, when the applause erupted around then. He smiled standing up and they both bowed to the guests, as the parquet started to fill with other couples. 

‘That was amazing, you looked so beautiful!’ they heard Rose’s voice as she and Thomas walked to them. ‘How long were you practising that dance? And why didn’t you tell me?’ 

‘We just found out ten minutes ago, Rose.’ laughed Alex and let herself be swept away by Will into another dance. 

They were having a great time together. Dancing, enjoying their time with friends and family, celebrating the best times of their lives. But the ring in Will’s pocket was getting heavier with each passing hour. 

‘Let’s get some fresh air.’ he muttered, kissing her cheek. ‘Will you take a walk with me?’ 

‘That’s a good idea, of course Will.’ she said with a bright smile. They grabbed their coats and walked arm in arm to the Forward Well deck, then up to the Forecastle. The night was calm and  the full moon was shining brightly, drowning the decks in the eerie glow. 

She leaned against the capstan when he stood in front of her, leaning down and kissing her fully on the lips, making her breath stutter. 

‘Alex…’ he muttered at her lips, before he pulled back slightly, holding her hands in his. ‘There’s something I want to ask you before the end of this cruise.’ he said looking at her. His serious expression made her slightly nervous.

‘What is it Will?’ she asked, brushing his face with her hand and he kissed the inside of her palm. 

‘Alex, you have to know that those past two weeks have been something that I have never expected in my life. Meeting you. Falling in love with you. It wasn’t something that I had planned for this voyage.’ he said softly and she smiled. ‘But it’s the best thing that could have ever happen to me. You are the best thing that could ever happen to me.’ he said, kissing her knuckles. ‘It may be early, some may say it’s too soon, but I never have been more sure of one thing. I can’t live without you anymore.’ he said and he put his hand into his pocket. Then he took a step back and got down on one knee. Alex looked at him surprised but as soon as she realised what’s happening she covered her mouth with a hand. Her eyes glistening with tears. 

‘Alexis Ivy Lorain, will you do me a honour of becoming my wife?’ he asked, looking at her with anticipation as he raised his hand holding the most beautiful ring she ever saw. She dropped her hand down smiling happily through the tears. 

‘Yes!’ she almost sobbed. ‘Of course I will marry you. I love you Will.’ she smiled and he got up, taking her into his arms, kissing her with all the love, all the passion and joy that he felt at hearing her yes. 

He pulled back slightly and took her left hand, putting his ring on her finger. It fit perfectly. 

‘You just make me the happiest man alive Alex.’ he muttered, kissing her palm and embracing her tightly. ‘I love you.’ he smiled kissing her forehead, her nose, the corner of her lips. That moment the night sky was lit by the rows of brilliant white fireworks and through its noise they heard the sound of clapping and cheering coming from the bridge. 

Looking up they saw all of the Titanic Officers, Captain and many other crewmen gathered on the bridge, with the fireworks launching from somewhere behind them. They both laughed at them. 

‘Lights?’ guested Alex with a wide smile. 

‘Who else?’ he chuckled and turned back to the guys on the bridge. He put his hands to his face, and yelled at the top of his lungs. ‘She said yes!’ Their happy cheers became even louder when Will turned to her with a wide smile and took her up by her waist, kissing her once again, spinning them in circles, with the fireworks above and inside them. 

After a few long moments they decided to get back to the gala. They reached the promenade and were almost at the door when they’ve met the small gathering outside. Rose with Thomas, Alexis parents, Browns and Captain Smith and a few others. Captain was smiling at them knowingly. 

‘Oh here you are! We’ve been looking for you everywhere, you have missed a beautiful display of fireworks.’ said Rose with a smile but her eyes widened as she looked at her friend’s hand that she was holding on Will’s arm. ‘Alex what is that! Did you two-‘ she couldn’t finish her sentence, and Alex chucked. She looked at her parents with shining eyes. 

Everyone was happy about the news and congratulated them, wishing them all the best. Alex was moved when she learned that Will actually asked her parents for their blessing, before he asked her. It was a very honourable thing to do. The next thing they knew was that Aurora and Rose were already making plans for the wedding. 

‘I’ll have to check the venues and make a list for you to look at.’ she was taking excitedly. ‘There’s so many possibilities, what country do you want? Poland, Scotland, England? Or maybe States…-’ Alex and Will looked at each other. An unspoken thoughts were passing between them. They were thinking the same thing. 

‘Mom.’ said Alex, interrupting her. ‘We don’t need a venue. We will get married on Titanic.’ she said smiling softly when Will pulled her to his side, kissing her temple. 

It was the only way for them. They’ve met on her. They got to know each other on her. They fall in love and got engaged on her decks. They had friends that were like family here. The seas were their home, their freedom. There was no other way. 

‘Of course honey. That’s excellent idea.’ said Aurora with a smile of understanding. 

‘Captain, I would like to ask you to be our officiant.’ said Will, looking at his commander. The man smiled looking at them. 

‘I will be honoured.’ 

Chapter Text

Alexis stood on the Forecastle, leaning on the forestay and looking ahead at the horizon. She almost could see the coast of England already and she smiled softly. Tomorrow they will reach Southampton, the final port of this voyage. She almost couldn’t believe how that six weeks drastically changed her life. For the better. 

From the heartbroken and resigned woman to the one that is happily in love and engaged, soon to be married, to the most wonderful man in the world. From anxious and suppressed to the free spirit. The amount of new friends she will have after that cruise was something equally special. Thomas, Rose, Lights, the rest of the Officers and a few more from the bunch. They were her people. Her new chosen family. 

She thought about that time she spend aboard Titanic, about how incredibly happy she made her. She thought about Will, her love for him was something unmeasurable. Endless. And with each passing day stronger. Happiness and joy spreading in her chest was almost making it burst. 

Strong, black cladded arms wrapped around her waist from behind. She felt someone’s chest against her back, and a chin leaning on her shoulder. 

‘There you are, I should know.’ he said softly. She smiled to herself, leaning closer to his warm body. She put her palms on his arms that were hugging her. The ring on her finger glistened in the setting sun. ‘Is everything alright?’ he asked gently and she turned to face him with a soft smile. 

‘Yes. I’m just going to miss her.’ she said looking at the marvellous ship behind him. The promenades were crowded with people enjoying the last sunset of the cruise. Will nodded his head before he leaned down, kissing her lips, slow and gentle. 

‘We’ll be back in a month.’ he muttered softly, his blue eyes looking straight into hers. ‘It’ll pass quickly, we’ll be busy.’ 

‘I know.’ she whispered, kissing his jaw. They have a month to wrap up a few things. They’ll all travel to Poland so Alex could prepare her business to be run from every place in the world. They will be visiting her family and friends as well. They have some wedding invitations to give. They’ll also visit Scotland and Will’s side of the family. They already heard the news and were impatiently awaiting to meet her. The last week before the voyage they’ll spend in Ireland. They promised Thomas and Rose to visit them in Belfast. Titanic will be harboured there as well, for her minor but necessary fixes after the close brush with the iceberg. 

Then the four of them will board Titanic again, along with the rest of the crew. To go into another journey. 

‘And after that cruise…’ he muttered lowly, nuzzling his face at the crock of her neck. ‘I will bring you back here once again.’ he added, kissing her neck, making her breath stutter in her chest. ‘And I will make you my wife.’ he whispered, biting lightly at her pulse point. Her legs almost gave up and she wrapped her arms around him tighter. 

They decided to get married on the first days of August. Titanic will repeat the track of her maiden voyage so it’ll be fitting. They’ll say ‘I do’ in the place marked with a tiny heart on Will’s map. With all their closest friends and family present. 

‘I can’t wait.’ she whispered, leaning her head slightly back, giving him a better access. His hands were travelling her body, waking up the desire that never was far from the surface when they were together. ‘Will…’ she whimpered softly feeling him smile, with his lips on her skin. He pulled back slightly, looking into her clouded eyes. His breaths were deeper as well, affected by her closeness. He loved how responsive she was to his touch. He hoped it’ll never change. She grabbed his hand pulling him after her when she walked from the Forecastle in direction of the B-deck. 

‘Something’s on your mind, Miss?’ he teased, letting her lead him to her cabin. 

‘Yes. And if you don’t want Lightoller to wait for you, you better hurry with me, Mr. Murdoch.’ she answered making him chuckle. 

When the door to her rooms closed behind them they were already out of their coats, clinging to each other with their lips joined in the passionate battle. 

‘Tell me what you want, Alex.’ he rasped, his voice heavy with lust as he looked at the flushed goddess in his arms. 

‘Take me Will. Please.’ she begged. Her hands were seeking support on his back as she was grabbing the fabric of his jacket, pulling him closer. 

Later, with the remaining strength he took her in his arms, falling on the couch next to her. He kissed her head and face, before he locked their lips in slow, gentle kiss. Their bodies cooling down, their breaths retuned to normal and they almost fell into slumber as Alex’s eyes fell onto the clock. 

‘Will, if you want to take a shower we should move.’ she whispered, caressing his back. He raised his head and saw the time, it was 9.45, he had fifteen minutes before his watch. 

‘Shit.’ he muttered, moving to the bathroom, followed by Alexis chuckles. 

He came back to B-77 after his watch and let himself in with a second key that they managed to pry out from the stewards. It was quiet, only a little desk lamp was lighted in the living area. He hanged his coat and hat, took off his gloves, shoes and jacket, before quietly walking to the bedroom. The door was slightly ajar and he pushed them open. There was another lamp on the bedside table and in its glow he saw that Alex was sleeping. She curled herself on the left side of the bed, golden duvets covering her only partly. He leaned against the doorframe with a gentle smile, looking at her. Her brown waves were scattered on the pillow, she was breathing quietly, hugging his pillow to her chest. Her beautiful face was relaxed and she had a soft smile on her lips. He looked at her long, toned legs and perfect bottom, hidden from view by her silk black pyjama shorts. 

He loved her so much that it was impossible to describe. She was his life. His rock, his heart and soul. His lover and the best friend. He never knew that he would ever get a second chance at happiness. And yet it hit him so fast and hard, turning his life around completely. 

He undressed himself to his boxers and sneaked into the bed quietly. He took the pillow from her arms gently and they instantly moved seeking his body. Draping the duvet over them he took her in his arms, holding her close. She let out a soft content sigh, wrapping her limbs around him like a vine. 

‘Will?’ she asked, still half asleep, nuzzling her face under his chin. 

‘Yeah. Sleep love.’ he whispered, kissing her head. She didn’t answer, already out. He smiled to himself and closed his eyes, following her soon. 

Chapter Text

After the month on land they boarded Titanic again in Belfast. They’ll spend two days here, getting the ship ready before they’ll departure to Southampton, then will travel for a month before returning back home. 

It was a busy month for Alex and Will. They met each other’s families and made arrangements for their coming wedding. It was time well spend. They both were glad that everybody was as happy about them as they were. Finally they ended in Ireland to spend some time with Thomas and Rose and get some well deserved rest from the constant chase. 

It turned out that the day of the boarding was the day of Alexis’s birthday as well. 

The four of them walked the gangway to the Forward Well deck and the moment Alex’s feet touched the deck, she felt the same sensation of freedom as the first time. She looked at Will with a smile. He was looking back at her with the same expression on his face. 

‘It’s good to be back home.’ she said, snuggling under his arm. He kissed her temple and they both looked up at the bridge. There was some movement already and they saw two figures waving down at them. One of them was Lowe and the other…

‘No way that Lights had beat me here first.’ said Will with a chuckle.

‘Let’s go accommodate ourselves.’ said Thomas from behind them. He was smiling softly, his hand holding Rose’s. They parted on the A-deck when the pair turned to Thomas’s previous quarters A-36, and Alex with Will went up to the bridge. 

‘Alex! Hello princess, I’ve missed ya!’ exclaimed Lightoller, taking her in a bear hug, rising her from the ground and she laughed happily. 

‘Well, hi to you too Lights, my dear friend.’ snickered Will but he was smiling. He greeted with Lowe before his friend put Alex back on the ground and came to him. 

‘It’s good to see you, old dog, you look great.’ he said when they hugged. 

‘Harold, have you been sunbathing?’ she asked the younger Officer when they pulled out of the hug. 

‘Yes, I took my girl on vacation to Greece, the weather was brilliant.’ he said with a smile. 

‘Is anyone else here already?’ asked Will, talking their bags as they started walking to the Officer’s quarters. 

‘Moody and Pitman. They’re somewhere in Orlop probably, checking the cargo holds. And a few others. Captain, Blair and Boxhall will be here tomorrow morning.’ said Lights holding the door open for them. ‘And Wilde said he’ll drop by to say hi, today evening. He’s back on Olympic.’ 

They walked the familiar corridor to the front end and stopped in front of the door with a plaque saying ‘Chief Officer William McMaster Murdoch’. Below the gold sign was a paper card, taped to the door. There, written in the neat handwriting was ‘Princess of the Bridge Alexis Ivy Lorain’. They both laughed at that, looking back at the Lightoller. 

‘That’s actually not me!’ he said, raising his hands. ‘It was Moody’s and Fleet’s idea.’  he added. ‘But I wholeheartedly approved.’ he admitted with a grin. Will rolled his eyes at him and opened the door. ‘Alright guys, get settled, we’ll see you at the dinner.’ 

‘Sure, see you.’ said Will, letting Alexis inside first. 

The room of the Chief Officer was a bit bigger than the one he had as a First. Thanks to Thomas they had two wardrobes, double bed and a shower cubicle in a bathroom. No more sneaking to the Officer’s showers. Hanging on the front of the wardrobe was a new set of Will’s uniform with two belts and a loop around the sleeves. 

‘What do you think?’ he asked, leaving their bags on the floor and holding her to his chest. ‘It’s not the first class stateroom.’ he added carefully. She turned around in his arms, looking into his eyes. 

‘It’s perfect.’ she whispered, kissing his jaw. He leaned forward giving her a proper, long kiss that stole her breath. ‘Absolutely perfect.’ she added, her eyes slightly clouded. 

‘How about we check the bed? You know. Before we have a chance to change some things here in Belfast.’ he muttered. His hands found their way under the hem of her shirt and were caressing her sides and back. He leaned down kissing and licking the point behind her ear, knowing that it will turn her legs into jelly. Sure enough, a second later she leaned against him with a quiet moan. 

‘You must be reading my mind.’ she muttered, bending her head to the side, giving his lips a better access. ‘Ooh Will…’ she whispered as he continued lavishing her neck with kisses. One of her hands raised to his head, her fingers brushing short hair at his nape, when the other reached for his hip, pulling him closer. 

He moaned at her skin and took a step forward, pinning her against the wall and attacked her lips with fervour. He grabbed her legs, wrapping them around his hips and keeping her up against the wall. He pressed himself against her core. She whimpered into his mouth feeling the hot sensation that was pooling in her belly. She loved the way he was handling her when they were like this. Skilful. Confident. Dominant. Taking full control over her. And she loved giving it to him.  

He pulled her shirt over her head, his hands massaging her breasts when his lips were still kissing her, drowning her noises between them. 

They never made it to bed this time. He took her against this wall. Making love to her, bringing her to the top a two times, until she was quivering mess in his hands. Before he let go himself. She was clinging to him as if he was her only life line, her muscles contracting and her breath rapid. She leaned her head on his shoulder and let out a weak giggle. 

‘Happy birthday to me.’ she muttered making him chuckle. 

‘Can you stand?’ he asked huskily and she nodded her head. 

‘I hope so.’ she said before he put her legs back on the ground. ‘I guess I need your assistance in the shower though. I feel a bit wobbly.’ she added and he leaned over for a kiss, with a proud smile. 

When it was the time for a dinner they left their cabin and went arm in arm to the mess. When the door opened and Will let her in first, she was startled by loud yell. 

‘Happy birthday Alex!’ 

She smiled wide at the gathering, still holding hand on her heart. It turned out that all her friends were here. Lights, Thomas and Rose, Moody, Lowe, Pitman and Wilde,  Bride and Phillips, Fleet and Lee and the few others. The room was decorated with balloons, there were various foods and drinks on the long table under the wall. And a birthday cake with a lighted candle. 

‘Did you know about it?’ she asked, turning to look at Will. He only nodded his head with a smile. 

‘Of course he did, it was his duty to keep you in your cabin until we’re ready.’ laughed Wilde. 

‘Well he did that job to perfection.’ she laughed, sneaking her arm around Will’s waist. 

‘Come on Alex. Make a wish and blow the candle.’ ushered her Rose with a wide smile on her face. 

Alex took a few steps forward and thought about her wish. She looked at all the people around her. She looked at Will, his brilliant blue eyes shining happily. 

Let this never end. She thought and blew the flame out. 

‘Happy birthday love.’ muttered Will into her ear, holding her to his chest. She smiled at him, leaning up for a kiss. The rest of the bunch gave her the best wishes one after another, leaving only one. 

‘Let me at her.’ said Lightoller, pushing his way through the crowd. In his hand he was holding a package, wrapped in black paper. He put it beside and took her into one of his big hugs, wishing her happy birthday and many other things that made her laugh and blush at the same time. Then he handed her a mysterious package. 

‘It’s a little gift from the Officer’s family and Captain as well.’ he said. ‘Open it.’ he added almost jumping with excitement. 

She chuckled at him and ripped the paper. Inside she saw some kind of soft black fabric. Her eyes fall on the golden embodiment, font familiar to her already. Princess A.I. Murdoch. Her smile widened. 

‘You didn’t.’ she said looking at Lights. 

‘Well I took it for granted that you two will get married soon.’ he answered with a grin. 

She took the hoodie out completely. It was the same thing that all the Officers had, with White Star Line lettering, and Titanic’s name on the back. There wasn’t any insignia on hers, but instead of it, there was an embodiment of a gold diadem. She laughed, shaking her head at Lights and his ideas. 

‘I love it, thank you Lights. And everyone, thank you.’ she said, moved by the gesture. ‘Can I actually wore it? I mean onboard and ashore?’ 

‘Of course.’ said Will. His fingers crossing the name written on the fabric. His name. Soon hers as well. ‘These are not a part of the official uniform. I guess you’ll find a few more things provided by company in your wardrobe.’ he added with a smile. 

‘You want to tell me that you didn’t open your wardrobe to unpack yet, Alex?’ teased Thomas with a smile on his face. ‘What were you doing there all that time.’ 

‘We were busy.’ laughed Will, pulling Alex to his side. 

‘Did you do that?’ asked Alex with a cocky smile. 

‘Nope.’ said Rose and they all laughed. 

The party was in full swing until early morning hours. They all were enjoying the last night off duty before the voyage. They were laughing, talking, singing and dancing for the whole night until the sky started to turn pink, announcing approaching sunrise. 

‘It was good to see you Henry.’ said Alex, hugging shortly the older Officer when they were saying their good bye’s on the deck. ‘Promise you’ll get back on the wedding though.’ 

‘I would never miss it.’ he assured her with a wide smile. ‘I’ll be back here as a Chief Officer then.’ he added and seeing her raised eyebrow he chuckled. ‘We can’t let the groom work on his own wedding voyage, can we.’ 

‘No I guess we can’t.’ she said with a smile when an arm wrapped around her middle. She turned her head to look at Will. 

‘When’s Olympic taking off?’ he asked. 

‘A week after you. We’re heading to Canada.’ he answered. 

‘Have a safe cruise.’ added Will, taking him into embrace. 

‘You too. And see you in August.’ he said as a farewell, ruffling Alexis’s hair playfully, and saluting to Will. He turned on his heel and disappeared to his own vessel. 

‘We should go to sleep too.’ said Alex, closing her arms around him and hiding her face in his chest. ‘Today’s gonna be busy.’ Will only nodded his head. He took her hand and leaned down kissing it. 

‘Let me escort you to our cabin Miss?’ he asked, offering his arm with a charming smile. 

‘Of course sir.’ she answered wrapping her arm around his. 

Chapter Text

In the morning they were woke up by Lightoller as he knocked on their door, yelling that the Captain was already down on the docks. Will sat on the bed with a groan and looked at the time. It was almost 10am. 

‘I’ll be there in a minute!’ he answered though the door when he felt warm hands on his bare back. He turned to look at the smiling Alex. ‘Back on track.’ he joked, leaning down to her and kissing her lips. She wrapped her hands around his neck, pulling him down on her. 

‘Shame you have to go.’ she muttered hotly, wrapping her legs around his. He gasped, feeling his morning interest spiking and he pulled away from her slightly. Otherwise he sure would be late. 

‘You sneaky creature.’ he muttered, looking at her with a sly smile. ‘Just wait ‘til I’m off duty.’ he said dangerously. ‘You won’t be able to get out of this cabin for a few long hours.’ he added, his eyes darkening. He grabbed her both hands and pinned them over her head, lowering himself to her and giving her hard, demanding kiss. 

‘Deal.’ she said with a grin when he released her and stood, turning to the bathroom. She sat on the bed, her gaze following him when he was getting ready for a day. She swallowed seeing him put on his crisp uniform once again. She missed that sight. Once he was ready he leaned to her, kissing her forehead. She smiled softly at that sweet gesture. How she loved that man. 

‘Get back to sleep.’ he whispered softly. ‘I’ll see you at lunch in Officer’s mess, alright? 

‘Nah I’m done sleeping. I’ll get some of my work done.’ she said. ‘And sure, I’ll be there. Love you.’ she said leaning for a kiss. 

‘I love you too.’ he said with a smile. He put his cap on and walked outside. 

Until noon she was done with her work and she went to the Officer’s mess for lunch. On her way she met Captain Smith, who greeted her with a cheerful smile, along with Thomas and Rose. In a mess she met Boxhall and the last remaining Officer, Blair, before together with her two friends she joined Will and Lights at their table. The day in fact was busy for the men but everything was going smoothly. 

After lunch they took onboard the first few parts of cargo and she was looking at loading the forepeak holds from the bridge. Will was directing the work of the crew, his hoarse ‘ordering voice’, like she used to call it, was heard above everything else. Soon Rose joined her and they took a walk on the decks. 

Alex looked around the promenade on the Boat deck and a smile pulled at her lips. 

‘You’ve missed her, don’t you.’ said Rose, looking at her friend with a wide smile. ‘You’re no different from all those men down there. You’re really a sailor at the heart, no wonder they took you in so easily.’ 

‘I did missed her.’ she admitted, her hand brushing against the white paint of the lifeboat that they just passed. ‘It’s like coming back home Rose. She gave me so much more than I ever wished for.’

‘Me as well.’ said Rose, stopping by the railing. Her smile softening. ‘I’m so grateful to her.’ she added, her palms smoothing the wooden rail. ‘You know I didn’t know that love could be so simple.’

‘Same.’ chuckled Alex agreeing with her completely. She stood beside her and looked at the horizon. 

Around 7pm all of them gathered up in mess for the dinner. It was loud and cheerful as everyone was talking about their time off the ship, about work and all. Alex looked around at her extended family with a smile. Will was yet to join them as he was finishing some business with Captain. But soon the door opened and both men came inside. Alex felt something fluttering in her chest. The feeling at seeing him every time was the same as the first time their eyes met. That never changed. The excitement, affection, love. He came straight to her, sitting beside her with his arm sneaking around her waist. He kissed her head with relieved smile. 

They ate in pleasant atmosphere discussing various topics, including their heading for the coming cruise. They’re going to the New York once again, but this time they’re supposed to be back in a month. Which meant that Alex and Will would have around two weeks before their wedding. 

Somewhere along the dinner Alex felt Will’s hand brushing her leg above the hem of her short summer dress. The touch at first seemed accidental, until it wasn’t so much anymore. His fingers were skimming her skin, from her knee, then up under the fabric, on the inside of her thigh. She hold her breath when he went even further, his finger brushing the lace of her underwear. She looked at him, his face was impassive when he was still talking to the sitting opposite Captain.

She took her glass of wine and took a sip, trying to focus on the conversation but her brain was struggling. Then he looked at her and every thought fled her mind. The moment his crystal eyes met hers she saw fire in them. He was enjoying it perhaps even more than she was. 

‘Are you alright love? You’re a little flushed.’ he asked quietly, leaning to her closer. His hand still brushing her leg. His audacity! His deep voice made the goosebumps appear on her skin. And he knew damn well what he was doing to her. She coughed gently, making sure her voice was steady enough. 

‘Yes I’m fine. Perhaps a little tired.’ she said sending him a smile. 

‘Yes, I think we all should go rest.’ said Captain hearing her words. ‘Tomorrow will have us on our toes for long.’ he added and raised from his chair, all the men following him with a salute. Will turned to her with a charming smile, offering her his hand. 

‘Shall we go?’ he asked and she nodded, taking his hand. 

The moment the door was closed behind them she was pressed against them by Will attacking her lips with wild and passionate kiss. She whimpered, her hands raised to his head, knocking off his cap in the process. He grabbed her by her waist, pressing their bodies together. His deep, low purr made her head spin and her knees weakened. 

‘I want you so bad Alex.’ he growled at her ear. His hands were moving down her hips until they reached the bottom of her dress, pulling it up. At the same time he sucked on the sensitive spot behind her ear. 

‘I could tell.’ she whispered making him chuckle. 

‘I just gave you the taste of your own medicine from today’s morning.’ he muttered and it was her turn to laugh. 

‘Revenge? Really?’ she asked with a grin that soon disappeared, when he grabbed her bottom with his hands and pressed his groin against hers. She moaned, leaning her head against the door. 

‘D’you know how it is, to walk the day with a constant hard-on?’ he asked huskily and she shook her head. 

‘I guess next time we have to wake up sooner.’ she whispered. 

His lips were back on hers. He sucked at her lips before his tongue slid into her mouth, teasing hers. He pressed his leg between hers and she rubbed herself against it shamelessly, making him groan into her lips. 

‘God, Alex…’ he whispered breathlessly. ‘You’re insatiable.’

‘So are you.’ she said and he purred in agreement as he started to kiss her neck. ‘And you like it.’

‘I love it.’ he muttered lowly. ‘If I could, I would never let you leave the bed.’ his hands were gripping her bottom, pulling her to him. She felt his desire pressing against her hip. ‘I would make love to you. Slow and steady, for a long hours, until you would be begging me to let you come.’ he was saying huskily and her head swirled with want. ‘Or I would make you come multiple times until you couldn’t think, or speak, or walk.’ he muttered darkly and she moaned, her hands grabbing the fabric of his jacket almost violently. 

She knew perfectly well that he was capable of the things he was talking about. He had an incredible stamina and skill which made him an amazing lover. There were times, when he would delight in her for long hours. Loving her gently and slowly. To the point where she would forget her name. Or the ones when the simple touch, or look would provoke such a strong and sudden wave of desire in them, that they would stumble into any private room, and he would have his way with her, on any surface, before the door were even closed behind them properly. He was feral and passionate. Wild. And she absolutely loved both sides of him. 

She felt his skilful hand getting rid of her underwear swiftly, and she almost collapsed when she felt his two fingers sliding inside her wet tunnel. His breath stopped in his chest and he kissed her, muting her whimpers as his hand was pumping in and out, his thumb circling around the bud of nerves that made her see stars. 

‘Look at me Alex.’ he muttered, his voice cracking with his own arousal. She opened her eyes meeting his gaze. ‘Come for me love.’ he said and she moaned, but shook her head. 

‘Will… you-‘ she managed to say. 

‘I’ll have you. Right away.’ he promised, kissing her shortly but intensely. ‘Come.’ 

His hand was moving restlessly, he curved his fingers looking for the right spot. When he found it she almost blacked out from the pleasure and she came, silencing her groan against his shoulder. She was shivering like a leaf, barely able to stand. He hold her until the shudders of her body subsided and he scooped her up in his arms and took her to the bed. He took off her shoes, and kissed his way up from her feet, calf and thigh. He paid the same attention to the other leg when his hands raised the hem of her dress up, getting it out completely over her head and leaving her bare. 

‘It’s not fair.’ she said weakly and he smiled with his lips on her stomach. He remembered similar situation she used that words, in the beginning of their relationship. There were a few more times when they didn’t have time to properly undress and he knew she didn’t mind that.

‘What about your favourite fantasy?’ he asked looking at her with a smile. ‘You and me, having a wild sex when I’m still in my uniform.’ he muttered, hovering over her, with his hands on the sides of her head. She looked up at him and grabbing his tie she pulled him down to her for a kiss. He let out a deep groan when she moved and rubbed herself against his hardness. He managed to open his pants with one hand, when balancing himself on the other and never breaking the kiss he opened her legs positioning himself. Then he pulled back and looked her straight into the eyes. ‘Are you ready?’ she asked huskily and she nodded. 

He entered her slowly. Relishing in the feeling of her warmth stretching around him. His eyes never leaving hers and he saw every emotion in them. Every sensation. When he reached the bottom her eyes closed and her body arched from the mattress as she let out a deep groan. 

‘Yes, Alex… I’ve been waiting for this whole day.’ he muttered, slowly pulling out then back in. ‘You’re feeling so good…’ he whispered biting lightly her neck. She was perfect for him. The way she was always responding to his touch, it was making their sex life absolutely incredible. He loved making love to her. And he delighted in the fact that she loved that too. ‘Yes my girl…’ he hissed, his hips moving in slow precise motion. Letting her feel every inch of his hard manhood. 

He raised himself, sitting on his heels and pulled her on his lap. He wrapped her long legs around his hips and pulled her closer, pressing her bare chest against his clothed one. His lips attacked hers in a wild and demanding kiss as he started to move once again in long, deep thrusts. She threw her head back reaching a sudden and intense climax. A hoarse whimper of his name sounded almost like a sob. 

‘Oh yes Alexis, like that.’ he whispered looking at the angel in his arms. With her walls quivering around him it didn’t took long for him to follow her. He came with a breathless groan, nuzzling his face in the crock of her neck and his hands wrapped around her back. 

They were embracing each other, gasping for air. He was caressing her back softly, whispering sweet words into her ear. Of how much he loved her. How he couldn’t wait for them to be married. How he loved seeing her initials with his name on her hoodie. He was saying her how much she was affecting him every time. How much he enjoyed making love with her. How she was making him insane with lust for her. 

‘Geez, you’ll be the death of me one day.’ she whispered on his chest, making him chuckle. 

‘I never heard anyone die from too much pleasure.’ he muttered huskily, kissing her forehead, reaching down to kiss her lips. Deep and slow. He felt a shiver that run through her body and he moaned into the kiss when her insides contracted around his already half hard cock. He grabbed her ass and pulled her to him closer and it was her time to moan. She rolled her hips lightly and his breath stopped in his chest. He pulled back with a smack, attacking her neck with equal intensity. 

‘Are you ready for another round?’ he muttered darkly biting gently her ear. 

‘I don’t know if I have another one in me.’ she whispered but moaned when he raised her up and lowered her back on him. 

‘I believe you do.’ he said breathing hotly against her skin. He lowered her back on the mattress and quickly got rid of his clothes. He gasped feeling her hands on his heated skin and leaned back to her giving her another toe curling kiss. Helping her on her side he lied down behind her back and raised her leg, plunging back into her heat. 

‘Oh my God Will.’ she cried softly in pure ecstasy when her whole body shook violently. He leaned his forehead against her shoulder blade with closed eyes as he started to move. Hard and fast and so deep. His free hand sneaked under her body and around her chest and he played with her nipples, making her come for the third time in the record time. 

‘That’s it love.’ he muttered at her neck. ‘Give me one more.’ he added hotly, biting lightly on her skin. 

‘I can’t…’ she whimpered weakly, totally spent. 

‘You can baby.’ he muttered, rising her leg a little higher giving him deeper access and with the other hand he circled the bud of nerves between her legs. She groaned, her body shaking from exhaustion and overstimulation. ‘Come on love, together.’ he breathed close to the finish himself. ‘Come with me.’ 

‘Will!’ she sobbed, her back arching against his chest when she reached blinding climax, at the same time pulling him with her. With the last powerful thrust he stilled completely, panting and shaking, whispering her name over and over. 

He lowered her leg and with remaining strength he turned her around to face him. He kissed her softly when they both were still looking for their breath. 

‘Are you alright?’ he rasped quietly, hugging her close. She nodded her head with a little smile pulling at her lips. ‘Did I hurt you?’ he asked, his hand brushing her waist and hip gently.

‘No. It was…’ she muttered, her voice cracking slightly. ‘I can’t find the word.’ 

‘Amazing?’ he suggested, making her chuckle. 

‘Way better than that.’ she said, looking into his bright blue eyes. ‘Lights will have a great opportunity to tease us tomorrow.’ she said jokingly and he laughed. 

‘I’m pretty sure Thomas made this room soundproof.’ he assured her remembering man’s teasing words about their nice and cosy and quiet cabin. 

‘God bless him.’ she muttered kissing his chest. ‘I can’t move. I need a shower.’ 

‘Me too. We’ll go in a moment.’ he muttered, enjoying that bliss. He wrapped his arms around her body and kissed her head. ‘I love you.’ he whispered. 

‘I love you too, Will.’ she answered softly. 

Chapter Text

Alex stepped up on the Poop deck brushing tears from her eyes. She wasn’t looking forward and it was no surprise that she walked straight into someone. 

‘I’m so sorry.’ she muttered and without even looking up she walked away. Or rather she tried to, because that someone’s hand grabbed her arm and stopped her. She turned around looking into concern brown eyes of Thomas Andrews. ‘Oh it’s you, I’m sorry Thomas.’ 

‘Alex what happened?’ he asked alarmed by the tears in her eyes. 

‘It’s nothing-‘

‘Did someone hurt you?’ he asked seriously. He took a hold of her shoulders. ‘Did Will-‘ 

‘No.’ she said quickly, shaking her head. ‘It’s not his fault, I did that to myself.’ she added, laughing bitterly as the tears escaped her eyes. He pulled her to the farthest end on the stern and looked at her. Worry clear on his face. 

‘I’m afraid you have to enlighten me more Alex. You understand what it looks like. I just met you crying and running as far away from the bridge as you can get.’ he said. 

‘It’s not like that Thomas I swear.’ she said, drying her cheeks with her hand. ‘We just had a little disagreement. Over the song for our first dance.’ she said, letting out a wet laugh. ‘I was stubborn and so was he. I don’t know why I did that, maybe I had a flashback from the time with Liam. But I lashed out at him and then I run away.’ she said and sobbed as more tears rolled down her face. ‘It was so stupid! He’ll hate me now.’ 

‘No no no, Alex. Stop that nonsense.’ he said with a little laugh. He was calmer now, knowing that nothing serious happened. ‘I’m sure Will truly loves you and nothing like that is going to make him hate you.‘ 

‘But we never fight…’ she said weakly, making him chuckle as he took her in his arms. 

‘You want to tell me that it was your first argument in almost three months?’ he asked and she nodded her head. He was impressed. He and Rose had a few behind them already. She had a temper adequate to her hair colour. It was nothing serious of course and they really enjoyed making up after that. 

‘Listen Alex, people are just born this way, we fight, and it’s perfectly normal. It’s impossible to always agree with someone, no matter how much you love them.’ he was talking softly, looking at her. ‘I understand that you have bad experiences, but now you are in a healthy and loving relationship. You have nothing to cry about. It’ll be fine.’ he promised and was relieved to see her little smile. 

‘Jesus I feel so stupid now.’ she whispered shaking her head. He chuckled softly. Over her shoulder he saw Will coming their way. His fast pace and determination on his face made the wandering passengers step out of his way immediately. Thomas nodded to him with a calming smile. 

‘You’re not stupid. Quite the contrary, Alex.’ he assured her ruffling her hair. ‘I’ll leave you two now.’ he said when Will got to them. 

He instantly took her in his arms and she wrapped hers around him as tightly. They just stood there like that for a few long moments. Embracing each other with their eyes closed, relishing in their closeness. 

‘I’m so sorry Will.’ she cried softly, hiding her face on his chest. ‘I didn’t mean to lash out like that.’ she added and he shook his head, kissing her forehead. 

‘Alex, don’t ever run away from me like that again.’ he pleaded, his voice cracking with emotions. ‘We could argue, we could yell, we’ll made up eventually. But don’t run. Please.’ he said, nuzzling his face on her neck. ‘I love you Alex.’ 

‘I love you too Will.’ she said, raising her head to look at him. His beautiful eyes were glistening. She kissed him softly. ‘I promise not to run. I’m sorry.’ 

‘I’m sorry too.’ he muttered softly, pulling her hair from her face. ‘I was unnecessarily stubborn. I want that day to be perfect for you sweetheart. You can choose whatever song you want.’ he said kissing her lips sweetly. ‘I’ll be happy to dance with you as my bride to anything.’ he whispered. 

‘No, you were right that it’s too sappy.’ she said quietly. ‘We’ll find the perfect song together.’ she added with a watery smile. 

He dried the wet paths on her cheeks with his hands and leaned down for a longer, sweet kiss. 

They climbed up to the Docking Bridge so they were not disturbed by the passengers walking around the stern, and spent there some time just looking at the ocean and talking quietly. All the bad emotions of their first argument were totally forgotten and they just enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the evening. 

‘We’ll reach New York in like three days.’ he said looking forward at the decks in front of them. ‘Is there something you’d like to see?’ 

‘I don’t know. I think I saw allot of New York last time, but I really liked the Manhattan.’ she smiled at him. ‘Otherwise I’m perfectly fine staying here. I’ll be short docking anyway.’ she added shrugging her shoulders. ‘I’m more excited about Bermudas.’ she said grinning and he laughed. On the way back to Southampton Titanic will stop on Ireland Island on Bermuda Archipelago and take a four days pause. 

‘It’s really beautiful there, you’ll see.’ he said nodding his head. ‘We can charter a yacht and have our own voyage around the islands if you want. We have two days free.’ 

‘That would be great! You think there’s still time to arrange a charter?’ she asked. ‘Ooh I would love to try scuba diving there.’ 

‘We’ll have to take Lightoller, he’s got licence for that.’ he said. ‘I don’t mind if you don’t.’ 

‘Of course not. We can have a bigger yacht and take the bigger party with us. It’ll be fun.’ she said and then her eyes glistened with mischief. ‘But we’ll have to have the separate cabin.’ she muttered coming to him closer, wrapping her arms around his waist. Will chuckled looking down at her. He brushed her lower lip with his thumb. 

‘That we will.’ he muttered, leaning down. ‘Although the fantasy of having you on the deck, under the sun is quite tempting.’ he whispered hotly on her lips. Alex closed her eyes and moaned quietly at the image. ‘It’s something we didn’t try before.’ he added. 

‘That’s a brilliant idea for our honeymoon.’ she said quietly, brushing her hands down his back. ‘But, perhaps I could tempt you with something else right now?’ she asked with innocent expression and took a step closer. 

‘You may have just tempt me.’ he muttered huskily with his lips lingering over hers. He took her lip between his and sucked lightly, before he pushed further, kissing her passionately. She raised her hands caressing his cheeks as he took a hold of her hips, bringing bodies flush together. When they pulled out for breath they were both smiling. 

He swept her up and tossed her over his shoulder, walking down from the Docking Bridge in accompaniment of Alexis’s laughter and amused looks from the passengers. 

She found a perfect sailboat that was free to charter. It was a beautiful catamaran that comfortably accommodated their group. Along with Alex and Will there were three Officers, Lights, Moody and Lowe, as well as Thomas and Rose. 

They spent amazing two days sailing around the islands. Diving in the crystal waters, lazying in the sun and partying to the early mornings. It was really fun time. 

Alex was lounging with Rose on the bow net, enjoying the sunshine and beautiful views around them when men were having drinks, hiding under the roof in the cockpit. The massive silhouette of the Titanic was visible even from afar from their anchorage. 

‘It was the best idea you ever had Alex.’ muttered Rose, stretching her arms over her head. Alex laughed quietly. 

‘It was Will, but yeah. Great idea. A change in scenery would do them good I suppose.’ she said, nodding her head in direction of the cockpit. The guys were laughing, probably playing some card games, and arguing about the choice of music playing from the speakers. ‘This last week has been somehow stressful on the bridge.’ 

‘Thomas said it’s like the maiden voyage once again.’ laughed Rose and Alex nodded her head. 

‘He’s right though.’ she chuckled. ‘Without Wilde they all had to get used to their new positions. Plus, I was probably driving Chief Officer crazy, with wedding planning and all that.’ she added with a grin.

‘How is it going?’ she asked. 

‘Almost done, we just have to choose a song for the first dance.’ said Alex with a sigh, leaning her head back and looking at the sky. ‘I didn’t know that it’ll be so hard to pick.’ 

Rose nodded her head with a smile and they once again fall silent, just relaxing. Alex smiled to herself as she heard familiar song from her uni-times. She didn’t listen to Aerosmith in years! Soft rock music and unmistakable vocal of the Steven Tyler. It was one of her favourites, I don’t want to miss a thing. She listened to the lyrics with a smile when it suddenly hit her. She jumped up to the sitting position and turned around only to see Will emerging from the cockpit. 

‘Alex!’ he yelled to her. ‘This!’ she laughed sincerely. 

‘Yeah, my thought exactly!’ she said and he send her a wide smile before he turned back inside, humming under his breath. 

‘What was that?’ asked Rose looking at her friend. Alex laughed quietly as she put her sunglasses on and settled back down comfortably. 

‘We just finished our wedding plans.’ she said satisfied. 

Chapter Text

‘So what’s your plans for this two weeks?’ asked Lightoller, catching up with them on the gangway. ‘Anything more to do before the ‘big day’?’ he added, throwing his arms around their necks with a wide smile. 

‘Actually no, we have everything planned to the end.’ said Will, sending his friend a side smile. ‘We’re flying Scotland tomorrow morning for a few days to get some rest. Then Poland for a week. We’ll collect Alexis parents and we’re back.’ 

‘What about your sister?’ he asked looking at Alex. 

‘Yep, Ellie, Lucas and Seth too. The rest will manage as well.’ 

‘We’re boarding two days before departure. You and your guests are allowed too, you know that?’ he asked. Will nodded his head and Alex laughed.

‘Lights we want to have stag night and bachelorette party onboard. Before we set sail.’ she grinned at him and his smile was mirroring hers. 

‘That way everyone could have fun off duty before the wedding.’ added Will, slapping his back. ‘Is Sylvia coming?’ 

‘Yeah! But she’s taking a plane from New York back. She said that two weeks on the sea at once is enough for her.’ he laughed. 

‘It’s never enough.’ said Alex and Will at the same time and they all laughed, stepping on land. 

‘You are really a skilled sailor.’ he said with a smile. They were walking down the pier in Alex’s hometown Marina where her beloved yacht was docking for the summer. ‘I expected nothing less.’ he added, wrapping his arm around her waist. 

‘It was fun. I missed her.’ she admitted with a little laugh. They just stepped on land from Liberty after a day spend on sailing. ‘Titanic lacks that ability to tilt on the wind.’ she said and he chuckled lightly. He opened the gate to the main shore and let her out first. When he closed it behind them she turned to him and leaned on her toes, pecking his lips lightly. He smiled at her and kissed her, holding his hands on her hips. 

‘Alex?’ they heard a man’s voice coming from nearby and they pulled out. The grimace of irritation on her face made Will chuckle. 

‘Shit.’ he heard her mutter. He looked over her shoulder and saw a man, somewhere in his middle forties, with a woman that was younger than Alex. She was pushing a baby carriage in front of her. And he immediately knew who they were even though he never met them. ‘I’m sorry love, you’re about to have a doubtful pleasure to meet my ex.’ she said looking up at him. He met her gaze and send her uplifting smile. 

‘Don’t worry sweetheart. I can manage him.’ he said softly, kissing her forehead. She nodded with a smile and turned, standing beside him with his arm around her waist. 

‘Liam. Amelia.’ she said, nodding her head shortly. ‘What a surprise.’ she said flatly.

‘Surprise? We’re living here and so are you.’ said Liam laughing ugly. ‘Who is this guy? Did she pay you to pretend to be her boyfriend or something?’ he asked turning to Will, immediately showing off his awful personality. Will made a move to step towards him but Alex stopped him. 

‘He’s provoking you. It’s not worth it.’ she whispered softly. He nodded his head keeping his cool. 

‘I guess you know from your own perspective how it works. But in the contrary to your girl, I don’t have to be paid. And I am not blind or stupid. I can recognise the real diamond when I see one.’ he retorted with a dangerous smile. Alex snorted a laugh and this time Amelia had to hold Liam down. 

‘Who the hell are you?!’ he asked, visibly pissed. 

‘Well Liam, meet Will, my fiancé. We’re getting married next week.’ said Alex calmly. 

‘Oh you’re fast and easy Alex. We’re not together eight months and you have fiancé already.’ he said sending her an ugly grin. She briefly wondered how she could ever be with him. ‘You’ve met him on that ship don’t you? Four months it took you?’ he asked and Alex and Will couldn’t help but laugh at his audacity. 

‘You are telling me I’m fast? As you said, we’re not together for eight months and you have a four months old daughter! You two have been buggering around for years.’ she said still laughing. ‘As for Will, yeah we’ve met on the cruise, he’s part of the crew.’ she said looking at the man at her side. Liam laughed at her, shaking his head. 

‘What are you deck hand or something? Steward?’ he asked turning to Will, and it was his turn to laugh. 

‘Well would I hate to correct your error.’ said Alex, sending Will a cheeky grin. 

‘William McMaster Murdoch, Chief Officer of the RMS Titanic.’ he introduced himself. ‘Unfortunately, saying it’s a pleasure to meet you would be a lie.’ 

That seemed to shut Liam up for a moment. Alex and Will turned around to leave and that moment he recovered a bit because he yelled after them. 

‘Well good luck with that sailor! He’ll cheat on you with every woman in every port!’ 

‘Don’t worry pal, not everyone is like you.’ said Will as a farewell. 

‘You’re a bitch, Alex. I always knew that!’ he added in final attempt to insult them, and that was it. Will turned around and headed to Liam before Alex even had a chance to stop him. 

He got to him in a few steps and taking a swing he punched him in the face with all his might. Liam stumbled and hit the ground with a groan, spitting out some blood and a few teeth. 

‘I’ll give you a piece of advice.’ said Will lowly, towering over him. ‘I hope we’ll never meet again, but if we do, better keep that big mouth of yours shut. Otherwise, a visit to the dentist will be the least of your worries.’

‘I’ll have you fired. Officer.’ he said in angry frustration and Will only smiled. 

‘I seriously doubt that, but you are welcome to try.’ he said and turned to Alex that stood beside him. 

‘Oh and for the record, I’m not living here anymore.’ she said with a smile. ‘My current address is RMS Titanic, wherever in the world she’ll be. But don’t send letters!’ she added and they walked away. 

Will was sitting in the garden, hiding under the tree from the bright sun with Lucas, Alexis’s brother in law. They were both holding a beer, watching their girls playing in the pool with Seth, Ellie’s and Lucas’s three years old. They were laughing, splashing around and launching toy ships into the water. 

‘Look it’s a Titanic!’ exclaimed a little boy, rising a blue toy from the water. 

‘It is. It looks exactly like the real one!’ answered him Alex happily. Her eyes turned to Will and she send him a wink. 

‘Nervous much?’ asked Lucas, sending him a side smile and Will chuckled quietly. 

‘More excited.’ he said with a grin. A week. Seven days. That’s how long they have to wait. Tomorrow they all will get a plane to Southampton where they’ll board Titanic. In two days they’ll departure for the voyage. 

‘I was nervous as hell before our wedding.’ laughed Lucas. ‘I couldn’t sleep a for month, and a week before had me almost walking on the walls with nerves. I was driving Ellie nuts. It all passed though when I saw her walking down the aisle.’ he added with a gentle smile as he was looking at his wife. ‘I’m glad it’s you.’ he said sincerely looking back at Will. ‘That prick Liam never deserved her.’ 

‘I’m not sure I do.’ he said quietly, looking at Alex with a gentle smile. 

‘Of course you do.’ chuckled Lucas. ‘I’ve never seen her so happy believe me.’ 

‘We have met him yesterday by accident. Liam.’ he said with a grin. ‘Can’t say I liked him. Mutually.’ he added, raising his scratched hand and Lucas laughed. 

‘I wish I could see that! I hope you knocked him down nicely.’ he said, putting his beer on the table because Seth run to him, hugging him with all toddler’s force. ‘Oi buddy! You got me all wet!’ he said with a laugh, tickling a little boy and making him giggle. 

‘All right young gentleman, it’s time for your nap.’ said Ellie taking Seth from his father’s arms. 

‘Noo I want uncle Will to tell me ship stories.’ wailed the boy and Will chuckled, ruffling his hair. 

‘Go with your mum and take your nap, and tomorrow I’ll take you on the real Titanic.’ he said with a wink and Seth’s eyes got round. 

‘Real Titanic?’ he asked awed and Will nodded his head seriously. ‘Alright. Let’s go mum.’ he said brightly making them laugh. 

‘Hello princess, it’s good to see you!’ yelled Lights hugging Alex tightly. ‘And you too Will.’ he added grabbing Will with one arm so he had them both. ‘Mrs. Lorain.’ he said with a gentle smile seeing Alex’s mother. 

‘Mr. Lightoller, it’s great to see you again.’ said Aurora, hugging younger Officer. 

They all had their greetings with everybody. Those that didn’t know each other quickly got to know each other. The best moment for Alex and Will was when their soon-to-be in-laws finally met and they seemed to instantly took a liking for each other. When a group of stewards came to help them to their cabins a happy bunch headed after them. 

Most of the people who were invited for the wedding were a crew members. They were so called ‘chosen family’ but there were around twenty more actual family members of Alex and Will and a few more friends and plus-ones of the Officers. They all were comfortably accommodated on the B-deck level. Alex and Will were given one of the ‘Deluxe’ Parlour Suites with a private promenade. 

‘These are really elite.’ muttered Alex looking around their spacious rooms. ‘White Star Line is spoiling us.’ she added and Will chuckled from behind her. He came to her closer and put his hands on her shoulders, nuzzling his face in the crock of her neck. His lips were brushing softly her skin. Her eyes fluttered closed and she let out a shivering breath. She turned to him and wrapping her hands around his neck she pulled him down for a passionate kiss that soon had them stumbling into the bedroom. 

‘Thomas you made it earlier!’ exclaimed Alex seeing the elegant, tall man coming into the dining room when they all gathered for dinner that night. 

‘Of course. We couldn’t refuse the bride.’ he chuckled, taking her in warm embrace and kissing her cheek. ‘Rose asked me to apologise for her absence tonight, she’s not feeling well at the moment.’ 

‘Is everything alright?’ asked worried Will hearing his words, when he was coming to them closer. 

‘Yes, everything is perfect. She’s just a little tired and was quite nauseous today.’ he said calmly, but his eyes were glistening with pure happiness. 

‘But- we’re not even off the shore…’ she started to say and then the understanding hit her. ‘No way Thomas!’ she exclaimed happily, and everyone’s heads turned to them. Will was smiling in understanding as well. Thomas nodded his head and a beautiful smile broke out on his face. 

‘Ten weeks. We just recently found out.’ he said and Alex squeaked happily almost jumping, and hugging him with all her strength. 

‘So it’s gonna be a Titanic baby?’ asked Will with a smile and patted his back. Thomas blushed slightly and nodded his head with a chuckle. ‘Congratulations to the both of you!’ 

‘I’m so happy for you Thomas. You’ll be a wonderful dad.’ she said knowing that he always wanted to have a child. And so did Rose. And now the two of them, her friends will become parents. 

‘Thank you Alexis.’ he said holding her shoulders. ‘It’s all thanks to you. I’ll be forever in debt to you.’ 

‘No Thomas. We’re even.’ she answered with a soft smile, wrapping her arm around Will’s waist. He leaned down kissing the top of her head.

Will was standing on the bow, leaning against the railing and looking at the calm waves crashing against Titanic’s hull when she was gliding effortlessly through the Atlantic. They were there days into the voyage and tomorrow he’ll marry the most beautiful and remarkable woman in the world. He was so lucky that the fate decided he was worthy enough and put Alexis on his path. Even more so that she was fully accepting him as he was. He never had any illusions, he knew that loving a sailor was hard. He knew that since he was a boy. First from his grandparents and parents, and then from his own experience. 

He knew that Ada loved him. But at the same time, she never fully accepted his way of life. His love for the sea. She never said a word about it, but he was seeing it in her eyes every time he was leaving for another voyage. 

Now with Alex everything was completely different. She was understating him better than anyone. She knew and loved every part of him. Even more than that. She wanted to share that life with him, wanted to be a part of it in every way. She loved the sailor’s life as much as he did, loved the seas the same way. Lightoller was right all those weeks ago. She was one of them. She was a sailor. 

He looked at the endless horizon where the sun was slowly coming to set. A little smile pulled on his lips. 

‘I love you Ade. I always will.’ he said softly. ‘But I’m moving on. I’m getting married tomorrow, I hope you’re not mad.’ he added and chucked under his breath. ‘I’m sure you would like her.’ he said and looked down at his clenched fist. He opened his palm holding a gold wedding ring. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. That moment warm breeze waved over him, like a loving embrace. He could hear a soft laugh and familiar voice, just as if she was standing beside him. 

Be happy Will, my sweet, sweet man. And make her the happiest girl in the world. 

He opened his eyes and smiled, looking at the orange sky. ‘Thank you.’ he whispered softly. He raised the gold band to his lips and kissed it, before he took a swing and threw it into the ocean. He felt calm and content. Completely at peace. And happy beyond any measure. He thought about Alex and he let love to fill him. Tomorrow will be the first day of their amazing life together, of that he was sure.

He leaned back on the railing and he looked ahead.

‘Will?’ he heard Alexis voice behind him and he turned to her with a smile. She came to him and he took her in his arms, kissing her softly. She smiled at him, her eyes glistening with happiness. ‘What are you doing here?’ she asked, her hand brushing against his back. ‘Are you having a second thoughts?’ she added with a grin and he laughed. 

‘No, never.’ he said shaking his head. He looked back at the colourful sky and sighed, his smile softening. ‘I was talking with Ada.’ he said and met her gaze once again. Her eyes were gentle and understanding. 

‘What did she say?’ she asked softly. 

‘She likes you.’ he said with a smile. He raised his hands to her face, brushing her hair over her shoulder. ‘And she’s happy for us.’ he added and Alex smiled, before he leaned down kissing her. 

Later they stood next to each other, leaning against the railing on the Forecastle, looking at the darkening sky. The silence between them filled with simple comfort of just being together. 

‘Thank you Ada.’ said Alex softly, breaking the silence. ‘I will look after him. I promise.’ she added. Will smiled to himself and pulled her gently to his side with arm around her waist. No more voices were heard from the sky. 

But a bright shooting star appeared above the horizon with its long tail sparking happily.