New story, the other one bored me to write; god knows what it must've been like to read! I can only apologise.
I thought doing a completely AU story would be more fun, so let's see!

Summary: Naomi is on a cruise with her boyfriend of two years, but when they have problems, who just happens to be around?

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Nothing of relevance here, anyway.

I really fucking wished I'd never watched Titanic. I didn't find it scary at the time, curled up on the sofa with a bag of tortilla chips, half frustrated at the lack of competence of the crew and half sneering at the unrealistic 'love-at-first-sight' relationship that was in full bloom after about half an hour. In fact, I'm not sure now why I even watched it all the way through. Like I said, I really fucking wished I hadn't.

Because now I was in a familiar position. Explosive argument with the other half, flee from the room in anger and despair, straight out onto the deck and looking out across the water. Just like Rose. Only not suicidal. And I was wearing a baggy top, dark skinny jeans and bare foot, as opposed to her elegant attire. Okay, so not just like Rose, but there were similarities in our situations. Like the fact that we were both completely and utterly pissed at our partners.

Which is why I was out in the cool, night air, elbows propped on the railings, hoping the images of the stupid film would disappear and cursing myself for not picking up my fags before I stormed out of the cabin. I sighed, closing my eyes and allowing the sound of the calm sea to wash over me. Why would someone with the ultimate hatred of feeling trapped opt to go on a cruise, where there really was nowhere to escape? For a month. With a boyfriend that really could be a prick…

"Naomi, are you seriously angry at me for this? Like, seriously? Because if so, what the fuck? And if not, bit of an inappropriate joke, don't you think?"

I stopped my pacing to spin around and face him, my expression incredulous.

"22. I am 22 years old, Freddie, as are you. What makes you think that I'd want to be tied down at 22? Is that why you booked this cruise? To spoil me a bit before you proposed. Jesus, Freddie. 22!"

I ignored the hurt look on his face, but was a little shocked when it turned into anger.

"Spoil you a bit? Have you any idea how much this cruise cost? Or the ring, or the engagement p-" He stopped himself immediately, his eyes not meeting mine, shuffling uncomfortably under my glare.

"Engagement party? Bit presumptuous, aren't we, Freds? I do have an idea of how much this cruise cost, yes, seeing as I fucking booked the thing whilst you were working. Not every day you get to book your own engagement surprise." I spat at him, surprised even at my own rage. I was overreacting, and I needed to get out before I said something I regretted. I started towards the door.

"Nai, come on. I know we're young, but we love each other." He grabbed me gently by the wrist. I remained facing the door. "We've been together two years now, it's the next step, surely? Where are you going?"

I sighed, brushing his hand from my arm and turning to face him.

"You should know me well enough after said two years to realise that I don't follow the steps", I smiled sarcastically before pushing him out the way and slamming the door behind me."

Okay, so it was all a bit bitchy. I was pissed at the proposal, but for him to have the audacity to assume my response would be yes? I almost laughed bitterly at the idea of him on the phone to someone now, telling them to cancel the order of balloons and 'happy engagement banners'.

I was drawn out of my ruthless imagination by the presence of someone else casually leaning next to me on the railing, their exhaled smoke drifting past my face in a taunting yet innocent manner. I threw a sideways glance towards them, preparing either to sweet talk a cigarette out of them before politely excusing myself to a more secluded area, or simply telling them to fuck off.

Any potential dialogue was caught at the back of my throat, along with the breath that refused to come out when I properly looked at them. Christ. Her cherry red hair fell just below her shoulders, a few disobedient strands blowing in her face – which we will return to – in the breeze. I clenched my fists to prevent myself from tucking them behind her ears. Her big, brown eyes were thoughtful and gentle as she stared out across the sea, as though she was deep in thought yet completely at ease. She brought the cigarette to her lips, an action I was eternally grateful for, as it gave me the excuse to observe them for longer than was generally accepted during first encounters. I swept my eyes down her body appreciatively, before catching myself and returning my gaze to her eyes. Which now met mine, an amused and vaguely pleased glint in them, before returning the favour and slowly sweeping over my body. I squirmed uncomfortably under her stare.

"Do I need to give you the speech?" she began, a lopsided grin on her face. I was so surprised by the soft, husky tone to her voice that I barely registered the lack of sense in her question.

"Wha-..sorry? What speech?" I stuttered before pulling myself together and avoiding any eye contact in an act of what I hoped was nonchalance.

"Oh, you know. Don't jump," she breathed out in a bored tone, handing me a newly lit fag that I hadn't seen her light. "The water's so cold it'll hit you like a thousand knives" she quoted in her attempt at an American accent.

I struggled to contain my smirk. Looked like I wasn't the only one with Titanic on my mind. I added the brief encounter with a stranger to my personal list of similarities to Rose before accepting the cigarette and taking a long toke.

"What makes you think I was going to jump? Maybe I wanted some fresh air. It's nice out here at" I briefly glanced at my watch "1am". I smiled sheepishly at her, my heart fluttering slightly when she returned it.

"Well, firstly you're not wearing any shoes. Which, from my extensive knowledge of Titanic, is a telltale sign. Also, you looked pissed off, conflicted even." She said thoughtfully, head tilting to one side. "Oh, and you look like you're about to freeze your tits off, which makes me think you're not just out here for some fresh air."

With that she shrugged off her jacket, revealing a large grey hoodie that seemed to swamp her, and wrapped it around my shoulders.

"You don't have to-"

"I know" she smiled sweetly at me, flicking her cigarette away and winking at me. "But it gives me an excuse to have to see you again after tonight. That's my favourite jacket."

And with that she turned away from me and walked off, only stopping when I called out.

"Wait!" I yelled, surprising both myself and, it appeared by her perfectly raised eyebrow, her. "What's your name?"

She started walking backwards away from me, a flirtatious smirk tweaking at her lips, her eyes shining.

"Emily," she called back, glancing behind her to ensure she wouldn't trip. "Could this whole night get a little bit more coincidental and your name be Rose?" she added cheekily.

"Sorry to disappoint" I flirted back just as much, despite the little voice at the back of my head profusely reminding my about my boyfriend anxiously awaiting my return. "But no. It's Naomi."

With a slight nod of her head and one final wave, she was gone, leaving me alone to figure out why my heart was beating so fast and why I suddenly felt more invigorated than I had done in years.

What do you reckon? Worth substituting for revision and failing exams? Do tell.