The RMS Titanic, the largest ship ever built during its time, floated with magnificence upon the gazes of the eyes of many spectators that have come to witness its first departure. Its length was purportedly 883 feet, and had an astonishing weight of 52,310 tons. Equipped with two four-cylinder steam engine and a low pressured Parsons turbine, fueled each day by six hundred tons of coal shoveled by the hands of 176 firemen on board, the Titanic's electrical output prowess was said to have been capable of producing more than the average city power plant.

Kirigaya Kazuto stepped onboard, his grey suit a snug fit with a tie neatly placed at his neck. The day promised a warm sunny welcome aboard the RMS Titanic, but to Kazuto, it was dark and gloomy as he walked on what he considers his slave ship dragging him to a land unknown to him. His mother, Kirigaya Midori, sported an elegant yellow dress that brushed the floor with its length. She leaned to his ear as she whispered.

"Remember, you must not fail to impress the daughter of Yuuki."

A slight frown formed on the face of the young dark-haired man, who had just turned twenty-two. "I know mother, I will do it without a flaw," he said.

The slight furrowing of Midori's eyebrows showed she wasn't convinced of his answer. "I cannot stress the utmost importance of this marriage. Your father has been fighting a losing front against his business competitors and it is only a matter of time before we are finished."

Kazuto nodded, and they sidestepped a group of seamen as they hurried in their tasks of manning the ship, cargo to be boarded, food and water to be checked. In an hour, whistles will be sounded, and the horn will be blown, and the Titanic will be off into the ocean. A stout man dressed in a dark suit greeted them with a bow. He had dark hair and a hard face.

"Welcome aboard the Titanic!" he spoke. "I'm the Master-at-Arms, Thomas Walter. You can entrust your personal safety and well-being onto my capable hands."

"Thank you, Mister Walter. We shall be very glad of your service." Midori replied with a delicate smile. The Master-at-Arms bow once again before walking off to greet the other arriving passengers. Kazuto and Midori traversed down the straight hall before going up the stairs to their right.

"Fix your hair," his mother ordered briskly.

"I combed it already," he said.

"Everything has to go perfect, do you understand?"

He did his best to hide the tinge of annoyance in his tone. "Yes, mother."

Yuuki Asuna, otherwise known as Heiress of the Yuuki Household, was to be his fiancé. The thought neither entertained him nor amused him. He had never met her before, today was to be the first of what seemed to be many arranged meetings, which perhaps includes a chapel if things go according to his mother's wishes. The pressure felt overbearing and he pulled a cigar out of its holder from his blazer pocket.

"No!" Midori's hand smacked his arm, causing the cigar to fumble clumsily in his hand. "They will be here any minute and you don't smoke in a first meeting."

Despite the fact that his father worked closely with Mr. Yuuki in the manufactured clothing industries, Kazuto had yet to seen any member of the Yuuki family. He reluctantly returned the cigar back to its holder. They were on the upper most deck of the ship, a place exclusively reserved for only first-class passengers. The horizon was touched by a large shade of the Atlantic blue, and from where Kazuto stood he could see the front deck filled with many passengers on the rail, waving at those on the harbor. One person stood out however. It was a woman, her hair was black and she wore half-framed glasses, and a red scarf wrapped around her neck. She sat alone on a bench, reading the book in her hand intently as if she was unaware of the commotion around her. Kazuto shook his head and sighed.

"What is it?" Midori questioned.

"Nothing."

"Stay focus. Here they come," she said, and then waltzed forward to greet the group of three that had just arrived.

Kazuto's first impression of them was that they were pricks. The man walked with a stick up his ass, while the elder lady carried a hard as stone expression on her face. Only the younger lady, who Kazuto presumed was Yuuki Asuna, seemed bearable. Her chestnut brown hair flowed silkily along her fair skin, giving a look of unfathomable innocence. But Kazuto knew what to expect.

"Ah, Mrs. Kirigaya," the elder man spoke, "glad to see you once again."

"As am I, Mr. Yuuki." Midori curtsy elegantly. "This is my son, Kazuto."

Kazuto gave a low bow. "A pleasure to meet you, sir."

"So this is Kazuto. You have a fine man of a son, Mrs. Kirigaya, he looks just like his father"

"I have been telling him that since he was born, but your compliment is certainly most gracious," Midori said with a smile.

The group laughed, and Kazuto forced a small chuckle.

"This is my wife, Kyouko, and my daughter, Asuna."

Kazuto nodded at them, to which they acknowledged. Asuna wore a blank expression, which in his experience, either meant she was unimpressed or simply uninterested. That wasn't good. He put on his best fake smile and spoke in his best fake tone.

"Sir, may I be bold, as to ask for your allowance to show your lovely daughter around the ship?"

Mr. Yuuki smiled graciously. "How initiative, just like his father. But unfortunately it is Asuna that you should be asking not me." He glanced at his daughter, and Kazuto knew the look on his face, it was one that demands her acceptance, and didn't really gave her a choice. Kazuto repeated his question to Asuna.

"Of course, I would love to," she replied with a smile that he knew was as forced as his request.

"Wonderful. I trust her safety is well within your hands?" Mr. Yuuki said.

He wanted to remark dryly but only a smart compliance came out. "Protecting the ladies is what men should do, sir."

"Yes, quite true. Now off you two go, the ship will be departing soon and my daughter just loves the farewell sight of the harbor. Isn't that true, Asuna?" The elder man gave his daughter the same look from earlier.

She gave a small smile. "Yes I do, father. It always brings tears to my eyes when I think of what I leave behind when traveling. So do please lead the way, Kazuto-kun."

Kazuto gestured to his right and out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Midori's approving smile. He offered his arm to which Asuna took, slipping in at the elbow. Her touch was soft, but yet felt rigid. He led her down the stairs onto the lower decks, attracting the gazes and stares of some, for on the exterior, one can only argue that they looked the perfect couple. However, unease and agitation raced within Kazuto's mind, and he guessed that Asuna felt just as uncomfortable as he did.

Portraits of men with large powdered wigs hung meticulously on both sides of the hall. Important figures of Great Britain's history as Kazuto recalled they were. They entered a large room with a great window that spilled the expansive view of the ocean. A servant came out to them, dressed in a black waistcoat and his hair neatly combed back.

"Sir, Madam. May I help you with anything?" he asked.

"There's no need," Asuna retorted and they continued their tour.

The Grand Staircase was said to be among the most luxurious appointments of the ship. Ornamental cherubs, detailed carving, exquisite paintings, all the works of master craftsmen brought from all over Europe.

"Beautiful isn't it, Asuna-san?" Kazuto marveled.

"Yes it is, but nevertheless still a staircase."

"That's true," Kazuto said, laughing nervously.

They walked towards the aft of the ship, the grand view of the port of Southampton chorusing with cheers. There were other ships and tugboats in the dock as well, but their sizes shrouds in mere insignificance when compared to the Titanic. Asuna released Kazuto's elbow to lean forward against the rail, the gentle wind stirring her hair in a display of exquisite beauty. She was like a fairy, Kazuto admitted, and he took his place beside her.

"Hopefully America will cheer for us as much as they do here," he said, indicating at the mass of bystanders waving and whistling at them.

"I can't say that I will be surprised if they do," Asuna responded, "with a ship this grand. They say it's unsinkable, do you believe that Kazuto-kun?"

"I believe so. Everything was designed to last and withstand. Nothing can sink this ship."

"But the Titanic is made of metal, isn't it?"

Kazuto paused at her words. He stared into the side of her face and caught glimpses of her hazel eyes. Sorrow was present in those light pupils.

"Well, Kazuto-kun?"

He blinked several times before he realized that he still hadn't answered her question. "Oh yes, metal it is made out of. But a simple combination of physics and careful designs can do wonders in this day and age."

"I guess so."

Silence settled between the two of them, although the cheers and howls of bewildered spectators raged on. The wind was low, not a favorable sign for a voyage, but the modern advent of steam engines more than made up for it. Asuna straightened herself.

"Well, I think I should return. My mother would no doubt be calling for me now," she said.

"Very well, allow me to escort you."

"If it is no trouble."

"Certainly not," he smiled, offering his arm once again.

She took it and they started back. The cries and shouts of the people soon became distant as they traversed further inside the ship. They had passed by the dining hall where the meals would be served to first-class passengers, when a series of whistles sounded, before being finally accompanied by a deep base horn.

The Titanic had begun to sail.

Kazuto adjusted his red bowtie in the mirror. It was slightly loose, with top button of his cotton shirt exposed, and he pulled it tight. Perfect. Dinner was approaching and his mother would soon knock on his door to check up on him. So might as well get ready now or face a fury of nags.

The Titanic had been on the seas for several days now, making good pace in its voyage to New York. A chat with the captain had informed him that they might even reach earlier than scheduled, although it wasn't something that Kazuto was sure to be glad of or not. But he hadn't been idle these past few days, for various outing with the Heiress of the Yuuki Household had occupied his time quite fairly. He couldn't say that he didn't enjoy her company, but at the same time it wasn't any delightful experience either. The rich up-to-do girl showed only a moderate level of enthusiasm, and one could only speculate what she thought of him.

Knock! Knock!

"Come in," he said, combing his hair to one side.

The door opened to reveal his mother, dressed in purple, gloves, necklace and all. She frowned.

"My goodness, I told you to take this seriously!" she spat out with contempt.

"What?" He took a look at himself. He wore a dark tuxedo whose tail reached the back of his knees, as well as pants pulled high above his waist. It fitted his body well, a job well done by the tailor. And as a finishing touch, a red hanky folded brilliantly sat in his breast pocket.

"Your bowtie, it's loose." She thread across the room and pulled hard on the ends.

"You are choking me!" Kazuto gurgled.

"Bear with it. I don't think that I need to remind you what an important night tonight is."

Kazuto loosened the tie a little, but was afraid to go any further. "You don't, mother."

Her frown eased slightly. "Good. Now where is your grandmother's ring?"

Kazuto gestured at a little wooden box lying on the table at the center of the dressing room. It was the size of Midori's palm, and she opened the lid. The blue diamond sparkled brightly in the room's light. She smiled. What better way to consolidate an engagement than the gift of a precious family heirloom.

"Okay, now repeat to me what you are going to say."

Kazuto sighed as he took the box in his hands. He cleared his throat and took a deep breath. "Asuna-san, our marriage will not only be for us, but it is also a union between our two families." He took the ring out of its cushion. "This ring belonged to my grandmother, and now, I give it to you. May its diamond sparkle like your eyes."

Midori nodded approvingly. "Short and concise, I love it, it shows the man that you are, efficient. Perhaps don't say the last part though. Now let us go, it's not quite time yet, but better to be three hours too soon than a minute too late."

Without another word, Midori went out of the dressing room. A sigh found its way out of Kazuto's mouth once again. He placed the ring carefully in its place and closed the lid of the wooden box, and inserted it inside his inner pocket. He wanted a cigar badly, but he knew Midori would disapprove, so he held his urges in, and followed his mother.

Mozart symphony #40 played fragrantly through the air of the dining hall, to the delight and joy of many high class passengers whilst they dined. The musicians were mainly composed of violinists, playing with altitude grace on their string instrument. Waiters carried a variety of dishes from the kitchen that was being worked on by top chefs from England.

It wasn't a long wait for Kazuto and Midori, for it seemed that the Yuuki family was also a firm believer of Shakespeare's words. But the strong scent of tobacco mixed with the delicious smell of roast beef and smoked salmon, intensified his urge for a cigar. He sat next to his mother who was busy conversing with Mrs. Yuuki on the article of clothes, in front of him was Mr. Yuuki, and to his right, Asuna. The heiress wore a light blue dress with a modest neckline where a crystal necklace circled, and her hair braided into an intricate series of knots called fashion by women these days. He smiled uneasily at the people sat on the same table as him as they waited for their order.

"So Kazuto, have you ever been to New York?" Mr. Yuuki asked him.

"I'm afraid not, sir. This will be my first time," he replied.

"Horrible weather I tell you, your father and I have been there a couple of times for business, rains all the time."

"As I've heard."

Five minutes passed and their food arrived. First it was the appetizers; beluga caviar and mash. They were eaten deftly over a course of small talks about business, jewelry, and taste. Then the main course came. Lobsters, mackerel, shrimps, all courtesy of the ocean they were sailing across. It seemed that everyone had enjoyed their meal, before finally, the desserts; pudding cake.

"Will you pass the bottle of port, Kazuto?" Mr. Yuuki requested.

"Oh, allow me, sir." Kazuto instead poured the dark liquid into the Mr. Yuuki's glass before helping to himself.

"Why, thank you." Mr. Yuuki raised a cheer for Kazuto. "You will make a fine son-in-law."

Kazuto noticed Asuna shifted uncomfortably at those words, but it was only momentarily, a passing glimpse, that soon faded into serenity. Nevertheless, it worried him a little. Midori nudged him in the leg and he knew what she wanted. He stood up.

"May I have all of your attention?" he said, reaching in for the wooden box inside his pocket.

At that moment, Asuna stood up as well. There was perplexed look on her face, but when she spoke, her voice sounded normal albeit slightly rushed. "I don't think tonight's dinner quite agrees with me, I think I will go out for some fresh air," she said, then took off without any eye contact.

Kazuto stood there, hand still in pocket. He stared blankly at the Asuna's seat as confusion swept within him, simply dazed by the abruptness of what had just happened. He recovered soon though. What now? Midori tugged at him to sit down, so he sat.

"Sorry about that Kazuto, but what was it that you were going to say?" Mr. Yuuki spoke.

Midori cut in for him, and he was glad of it for he wasn't sure he would have said the right thing. "Oh, let us just wait for Miss Asuna to return, it would have been a shame if she missed out on this."

Mr. Yuuki chuckled. "Quite true, Mrs. Kirigaya. Very well then, Kyouko, why don't you check up on Asuna?"

Kazuto stood up again. "It's okay Mrs. Yuuki, I will check up on Asuna."

A large amiable smile spread across Mr. Yuuki's face. "Oh now I see. You two had planned to get away from us old geezers. Sneaky, but not sneaky enough. I will allow it for effort's sake though, go on ahead."

Kazuto laughed nervously at the joke before hastily escaping the room. He didn't know what had just happened, it was on the spur of the moment, and his body moved on its own and volunteered to look for Asuna. She wanted to be alone, he knew that, and the last person she would want to see was the person she was forced to married to, in other words: him. There was no love between them, mutual respect at most, but yet he felt the need to talk to her.

A few servants asked him if he was lost, and he merely brushed them aside. Navigating his way through the deck, he found himself at the aft of the ship, where he had first taken her. The sky was dark, only lighted by the shining stars that sailors of old had once used to sail in the seas. A quiet night it was, except for the gushing of water from the rudders, a strong contrast to the rowdiness inside the dining hall. And leaning against the rail, staring out into the ocean, there she was.

"Asuna," he began, but she didn't respond. He stepped closer. "Asuna," he tried louder. She turned her head partially. Was that tears? He took another step, then another and another, and he found himself standing next to her. The gleam of tear stained on her face was now obvious in the light of the moon. She gazed into his eyes before facing the ocean again. He pulled his cigar out of his pocket, stuck it in his mouth before extracting a lighter. "I can understand why you don't want to marry me," he said, lighting his smoke.

She didn't say anything and he continued.

"Even I don't like this whole arrangement, being forced against our will to marry someone that we've only met a few days ago. I'm only doing this for my parents."

"You're good man, Kazuto-kun," she spoke softly, still fixated on the reflection of the night's sky on water.

He frowned. That wasn't true, this marriage was only happening to take advantage of the wealth of Asuna's family, and he had a major role in it. He stared at the side of Asuna's face. Her makeup was slightly smudged, but it did not do anything to dampen her beauty. She looked confused, like an innocence lost in chaos. No, it wasn't fair to her for her free-will to be stripped away. A lump formed in his throat and he threw his cigar into the ocean as he said, "No, I'm not."

"I may not know you that well Kazuto-kun, but you have treated me more decently than any of my family ever did," she said, "so you are a good man in my eyes."

"You don't understand, my fam-"

"I actually have a confession to make, Kazuto-kun," Asuna cut him off. Kazuto blinked at her. Her eyes seemed to close for a moment as she breathed in the salty ocean air, a lanky moment, and the seconds passed by slowly. "I can't lie any longer, not to you, your family, or myself. I'm sorry, but my family is almost bankrupt."

Kazuto felt his breath stopped, he stared blindly at her, the impact of her words had yet to fully sink in, but he couldn't believe what he was hearing. It took half a minute before realization dawned. It was all an act from the beginning, and he founded irony. The chestnut haired girl was in the same position as him, and sadly, neither family was going to get what they wanted. Asuna started to sob, and Kazuto pulled her into an embrace, stroking her hair in delicate strokes.

"It's okay, Asuna-san. I also have a confession," he said calmly.

"What is it?" her muffled sounds came from his shoulder.

He stared into her eyes for long moment, then spoke without conviction. "My family is almost bankrupt as well. We thought that your family could bail us out from our debts." Surprisingly, he didn't hesitate in saying that line. He felt Asuna's hand clinched tighter at his shirt. "I'm sorry." With those words, he felt a heavy burden lift off him, and for the first time since he stepped on-board this ship, he smiled a genuine smile.

Then Mr. Yuuki's angry voice came from behind, "Your family is what!" They broke apart and turned to face Asuna's father. His face was a burning red.

Author Notes: Happy New Year! I had wrote this story about a month ago and never actually wanted to publish it because I thought it sucked shit. But I was staying up the whole night last night because I didn't felt like sleeping in the spirit of the new year, so with nothing to do I re-read this doc that was just lying in my laptop. Then, I realized that this story wasn't as bad as thought it was, so I made edits here and there, then went out for the whole day and only returned home now to post this. Hope you enjoyed it, be sure to review, favorite, follow, if you do.

KiriAsuna shipping, lol literally a ship. I already have the next chapter written from a month ago, but I want to at least wait till I finish writing this story before posting it. It won't be long though, I was three quarters through before I stopped. Also btw how do you like the cover pic? I made it myself with of course credit that goes to the respective owners of the pics I used. I've been learning how to make covers lately and I have some pretty nice ones made. Anyway, See Ya.

Edit: Changed a mistake in the names.

Edit 2: Changed the Master-At-Arms name from Eric Laennac to Thomas Walter. It's more historical accurate this way.