A/N: Hello there! This is my Hetanic fanfiction! I wanted to honor the 100 year anniversary of the sinking by writing a little fiction about it, and this is part one!

Basically England is watching the 1997 film version of the Titanic today, but while he is watching he starts to relive his own experience there.

I gave Arthur a name of a passenger, Mr. Richard William Smith. He also did not have an age, but for this story I made him about 24.
Also the boy who will be mentioned as you read is also a real person from the ship. Mr. William John Mallors. He is about 19.

Alright, that's all I wanted to say. I hope that you enjoy!

Pulling up to Alfred's home in that rather repulsive yellow taxi cab held a certain foreboding that quite honestly I had never felt before. It was almost like my stomach was full of lead, but empty at the same time. Exiting the vehicle I looked up to the rather large home before me. I did my best at hiding the feeling that was practically screaming inside of me. I did not want to go in there. Of course it wasn't because of the younger nation who waited for me just beyond a rather large mahogany door, nor was it for any messes I knew I would discover inside. No. The reason I dared not take one more step was because of the events that would follow if I did. The moment I set foot through that door, I was going to have to face a past I had not visited since the day it happened; exactly one hundred years ago today.

It's rather comical really, this feeling I had… After all I was only going in to watch a film with America. Not even a horror, which he is always trying to get me to watch with him, but rather a romantic tragedy. I found this rather odd, when he invited me. He never really wants to watch any other genre I would think. However this time, when I inquired as to what the title was I was rendered absolutely silent. I could do nothing except accept the invitation. It was only really now at this moment that I absolutely dreaded it. Good lord, what had I gotten myself into? Today I was going to watch a motion picture with America out of some morbid curiosity I would suppose. The film in question, one might ask? Nothing too out of the ordinary just… Titanic.

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"You sure you don't want anything to drink, dude? I even went through all the trouble of heating up the tea pot for ya…" The young blond American spoke over his shoulder as he messed around with the 'home theater' as he called it. Rubbish. It was just giant waste of time, that's what it was. He stopped his messing around to completely turn and offer his full attention to myself. How thoughtful. "Or I could get you some water I guess? Just no liquor, okay? You've gotta be sober for this movie."

Oh god. The grin on his face simply had to go away. Normally I wouldn't mind such a bright feature, seeing as how it was just… so much of whom he was. But at this very moment it was blinding me and I wanted nothing more but for the damn thing to vanish. Moving on from that; at this point I was sitting rather sulkily on his couch. Actually I was fairly certain that I sank into it. Honestly, this could not be good for body structure! No wonder America was always hunched over; it was like this couch of his was conditioning his bones to do just that!

"Uh, England? You gonna answer me or what? Dude you can't just leave me hangin'!" The American was walking over to me now, shoving his hands into the pockets of his trousers. What on Earth was he talking about? Oh, right. He asked about drinks earlier.

"If you went through the trouble of boiling water, then I would appreciate a cup of tea. I trust that you know how to make it?" He better remember how! There was absolutely no way I was going to accept anything less than a perfect cup of tea; especially if I was to sit and endure this movie for the remainder of the afternoon. Actually it was well into the evening by now. I had put off this particular event for as long as I could.

Rolling his eyes, America sighed and started to move out of the living room. What sort of reaction was that? "Of course I remember… Calm your tits. I'll go make it for ya."

"Calm my what?" By this time I had pushed myself to the edge of the couch, ready to stand up and go after that sodding wank if he dared to insult me right now. What a rude dialect he was acquiring. Absolutely repulsive. But of course, my actions went unnoticed.

Giving a heavy sigh myself I situated myself back onto that sorry excuse for a cushioned seat and waited. On the rather large screen directly across the room from the couch was a picture of the bow of the Titanic. On it were, who I guessed to be, the protagonists of the film. Lovely. Quickly I looked away from the screen and took a deep breath. I could do this. I was going to make it through this film.

"Hey, I also grabbed some chips for us to munch on while the movie plays!" There was that happy-go-lucky voice. That was a little too much to handle right now. A mug was passed my way and I frowned a bit. 'Honestly America? You drink your tea from a mug? Of course.' I took the mug as it was offered then looked away from the brightness that was America's smile. Good god man, put it away!

It took a couple of moments for the boisterous American to settle into a seated position on the couch. For crying out loud, if he wanted to lie down I would have gladly gotten up and taken a seat elsewhere. But no. He insisted on sitting together. Ridiculous!

"Alright, we've got our drinks, some snacks, and a super awesome couch to sit in! I think we are ready for our feature presentation, Huston!" Huston? Good lord, was he talking to one of those aliens again? I didn't dare ask. "Let's do this!"

The remote control for the… Disc player thingy was sitting on the arm rest on the left of the obviously mental American. He held it out before him like a wand of some kind and pressed some button. Directly before us the large screen went to black and some different nonsense started to play… Adverts I suppose. Honestly I didn't pay attention until actual music started to play and then… I saw her; the RMS Titanic.

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Standing in the hustle and bustle of the major port of the United Kingdom was a very wealthy looking man. He was a clean and polished English gentleman, actually one of many here in Southampton, Hampshire, England today. This was the first step before reaching America. The main attraction for much of the hustle and bustle: the RMS Titanic. This was her maiden voyage, traveling 3000 nautical miles across the icy Atlantic Ocean only to arrive at New York, America. The RMS Titanic was the top of her class, the latest in on sea luxury, and designed to be unsinkable. This was a historic day and for a moment this particular Englishman was glad to be a part of it.

His name? Well people much like himself have a couple of names that they go by, first and foremost being the name of their country. This man was the personification of England, Arthur Kirkland. However, today he was not going by either of those names. No, the name associated with his ticket was a Mr. Richard William Smith, naturally. He had come up with it not too long ago while purchasing the ticket. He held a certain pride to him as he looked over this new vessel. He was quiet proud of what the United Kingdom had put together. He could not wait to board and really see what she could do.

At precisely twelve o'clock noon, the Titanic set off from Southamton. Arthur, or rather, Richard stood on A Deck, his respective area for a first class passenger, and looked over the port side of this marvelous ship. How long had it been since he had traveled over the sea? Far too long. For a moment, he closed his emerald green eyes and just inhaled the salty sea air. How he had missed it. Even though they still had some ports to visit before actually making their way to America, Richard had already felt quiet at home on the sea. It was marvelous.

"Quiet the view, isn't it?" An unfamiliar voice sounded from Richard's starbor- right side. His eyes opened immediately and he turned his head accordingly. Beside him stood a young man, probably no older than 20 at the most. This boy had messy sandy brown hair and what looked to be light blue eyes. For the most part he was well kept, certainly not a first class passenger, but definitely not third or crew either. He was a fine young man. He was looking out to sea, viewing the horizon. Then when he didn't get an answer he turned his attention to the man, Richard, he was speaking to.

"There really is nothing like the sea… Course I wouldn't know much about it anyway." A warm sort of chuckle purred from his throat, and Richard smiled. The boy had a London accent, similar to Richard's own. The boy continued, "I'm Mellors, just in case you were wondering. William John Mellors, a second class passenger here." He held out his hand for a polite greeting.

"Mr. Richard Smith, first class passenger." England replied amusedly, taking a hold of the boys hand for a gentleman's shake. "It's rather nice to have your acquaintance, Mr. Mellors." The boy's smile seemed to brighten as they shook hands, and he gave a low whistle.

"First class you say? I was hoping to see more of you, Mr. Smith as this voyage went underway, but it looks like I might not." The boy's tone was bright and cheerful like his smile. Richard found it to be rather endearing. "It would be nice to spend more time with a man such as yourself, as well as someone I knew." He winked then chuckled again.

Well, this boy certainly was pushing his boundaries just a tad. So forward in his actions, it was almost making Richard's head spin. However, it would make the trip a tad more enjoyable if he spent it with someone he knew. But he had just met this Mellors boy today! That was in no way knowing someone. Certainly not like one knows their family or a very dear friend. Yet…

Yet there was something about this boy that just drew Richard in. He wanted to spend time with him, and get to know the lad a bit more. He was… curious. This boy, a second class passenger, apparently boarded this vessel alone. Why? Certainly he was joined by someone? Plus this boy's attitude was rather charming. Well, how are friends made if not by spending time with new people?

"Well why not?" As Richard spoke out, he again turned his attention to the sea. The boy, on the other hand, was staring back at the man speaking. "After all, on land we could have spent time in each other's company if we wished to do so. Why would it be different on a ship?" The corner of Richard's mouth started to rise in a smirk. "I should like to get to know you, Mr. Mellors, so long as it is alright with you."

"Absolutely!" The answer was quick and spoken just a tad bit louder than it should have been. William cleared his throat, and then beamed up to his companion. "That is to say, I would like that very much… As well as I would like to get to know you, Mr. Smith."

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The movie continued to play on the screen before them. The scene unfolding now was, well in the character Rose's mind perhaps, her final hours on the Titanic. However the young bloke, Jack as he so 'charmingly' introduced himself to be, was trying to convince her otherwise. Honestly…. No one tried to jump off the Titanic, there was no reason to!

"What do you think so far? Jack's my favorite character." America was speaking, with a mouth full of crisps, I might add. Rather repulsive really. I sneered and exhaled a breath. In all honestly I was only half watching this movie… my memories were taking over and held far more precedence over what I could have been watching on screen.

"Shhhh. No talking during the film." A snide comment indeed but, I'd rather not be interrupted again by such a disgusting outburst. In my mind… I was once again on deck of the lovely Titanic, and I was spending precious time with a boy. Every moment with him was something I would treasure, course I didn't realize quiet at the time.

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April 10th and the 11th were spent with in company with Mr. Mellors. The ship was pulling in and out of ports most of those days, and it was rather boring to be on a ship that wasn't sailing, however with the help of Mr. Mellors, or William as he liked to be called (actually he preferred Will the most, but England never called him by the short name), this rather dull time turned out to be quite the opposite.

William spoke about his life in London, and the family he was leaving behind. He had high hopes of going to America and really spreading his wings, so to speak. At the moment he was a salesmen, doing nothing more than that. He had dreams though, dreams of 'making it big' as he so often put it. Perhaps he would become a writer, or maybe even an actor on the American stage on Broadway. Whatever his dream was, Richard was sure that he would achieve it. This boy had the drive to do anything his heart desired. Deep inside those blue eyes, were the passionate fires of a young man who knew what he wanted. Richard could even see, dare he say it but, the American dream living inside of that boy. It was people like William who formed America…. People who had that sort of childlike dreaming. It was wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.

"What about you, Dick?" the nickname given was not something England necessarily enjoyed, however since William had felt rather cleaver coming up with it, the name went uncorrected. "What are you going to do once you reach the shores of America?"

There was an uneasy quiet for a moment, and Richard looked away from his young companion. How long had it been since… since England had seen America? If the RMS Titanic wasn't set on course to that particular country, would England have even stopped there? Certainly not. The Atlantic coastline was a, bitter place for England to be, to say the least. As the silence grew, William shifted in the seat just adjacent to Richard picking up the tea cup before him to take a swig. The two were currently enjoying some after dinner tea in a restaurant on B deck.

"I have no plans yet…" Richard finally concluded slowly. He also reached for his cup of tea to take a long sip. After placing the cup down on the dish provided, he softly cleared his throat and continued. "Actually I only boarded this ship so that I could accompany her on the maiden voyage." His eyes softened as he spoke about the ship, a tone of fondness taking over.

Again silence took over the conversation and for a while neither man looked to the other. The hum of other passengers talking around them was all the spoken word shared between both men. William couldn't handle it for long, and he started to rise from his seat. Richard just watched.

"Well, it is getting rather late now. I'll just excuse myself and make my way back to my cabin. Again… it was a pleasure spending time with you, Dick." A fond smile quietly found its way to William's lips. "I look forward to speaking with you again tomorrow?"

Richard nodded once to give his response. William looked relieved at the answer, almost like he was expecting a no. Git. Why on Earth would he be expecting anything less than a yes?

"Until then…" William gave a short bow at the waist, out of politeness, and was again answered by a nod of the head. As the boy left, Richard watched him off before leaning back into his chair with a smile of his own. A series of short chuckles passed his lips as he raised his hand to cover them. Ah, this boy. It was nice to have different company to spend time with. Not the normal crowd of nations, or peacocking politicians that Richard, or rather, England found himself around normally. This… this was a pleasant treat indeed.

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Again I decided to come pull myself free of his memories. I had to watch some of this film after all. Oh lord, what was happening now? One of my legs had fallen asleep, that's what. With a sigh, I switched the position they were in, pulling my right leg now up to rest ankle to knee. My left went cold for a second before the pins and needles started. I wanted to walk around.

No, there would be none of that. America was finally quiet again, getting into the film as always. The few times that we had watched films always played out like this, he would babble for the first thirty minutes or so before becoming so engrossed in it that he even stopped eating. It was almost like he was trying to live in the moment or something. Git.

With a sigh, I started to pay attention to the large screen once more. Now the two lovers, or soon to be lovers I was sure of it, were standing in front of the clock on the grand stair case. Ah, it looked just as beautiful on the screen as it did in person… Not that England would ever admit that, heavens no! But it was quiet lovely.

As the scenes went on, I couldn't help but wonder if that was what the rest of the ship actually looked like. Originally I had planned to visit as much of the beautiful vessel as I could as it sailed, but obviously I didn't. So for a moment, I was just as enchanted by the film as America was.

This film seemed to romanticize every minute detail of the ship. It was almost breath taking. My eyes scanned over everything as it came up on the television set. Some things I recognized with a certain fondness, others I had never seen before and could only assume to be true. The characters started to form into real people in my mind and started to mix with my memory. For a second I could have sworn that I had bumped into either Jack or Rose as they made their way across the first class deck, or even the second. But of course, in the back of my head I knew these two never existed. They were never real.

As the film progressed America started to stir a bit, and came out of his trance like state. He smiled to me, and I couldn't for the life of me understand why. So, naturally, I responded with a frown. He motioned to the screen with a tilt of his head, seeing as how both of us had our eyes locked on each other rather than the movie before us.

"This… is the best part in the entire movie." He turned his attention back to the television and the music in the background started to increase. Rolling my eyes at his comment, however, I turned my attention back and started to watch.

Oh, I had seen this part before, or something like it. The two lovers were together once more, after a brief period of not seeing each other. They were at the bow, standing just at the nose of the Titanic and 'flying' as Rose so daintily put it. Although it was, perhaps, the perfect scene for a romance it was absolutely false! That part of the ship was locked off to passengers. There was no way for anyone beside the crew to even come close to the nose. So, in my own mind, I realized just how preposterous this film actually was.

The music softened into what I guessed to be the theme for this film. We were now reaching the middle as well as the climax for the two lovers. I pushed myself back into the couch cushion in an effort to move my stiff muscles. How long had we been sitting for? At least an hour I would guess. Perhaps more.

On screen, Rose started to disrobe herself and then proceeded to lie naked on the couch. Being the gentleman I was, I dared not watch! How could she even think of doing such a thing? She was on this ship with her fiancée for goodness sake. How dare she bring this man she had just met into her living quarters and then undress for him? What a little hussy! That's what she was!

Course shortly after I had to eat my words. Jack was a professional with his art and, in fact, only drew her on paper. There was no lust in his eyes for her body, just seriousness for his work. At least one of them had some dignity.

Good grief this movie… what was the point of half of this? So now the lovers were running away from that man who apparently worked for Rose's fiancée. As they ran through the ship, I had to hold back all my moans of anger. This was so false. No way in hell would they be allowed to go into half the places that they did. Certainly not the boilers! This was getting ridiculous. Then, to make matters worse, all of the professionalism that Jack may have had moments ago was gone as the two proceeded to snog and then have intercourse!

"She's getting married for fuck's sake!" I couldn't help but yell out at the screen, unable to hold it back a moment longer. I felt America jump beside me at the random outburst, obviously he was getting into the film again and I ruined it for him. I settled back down into the couch and proceeded to mumble to myself, "Professional my arse…"

"Dude, calm down, it's just a movie…" Ignoring America's words I started to watch the absurdity again. But not for long. As the film grew closer to that pivotal moment, I once again started to drift back in time, to the night of April 14th 1912.

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"So I said… So I said, to my friend… Ah ha, was it the rooster or, or the pineapple in the box?" Laughter sounded as William finished his third joke of the evening. The two normal suspects were sitting together at a table fit for eight. Of course all the chairs were full of laughing passengers who were invited to sit down after the two were given such a large table.

Richard had his hand over his mouth as his laughter started to subside. He knew William was quite the jokester to begin with, but he didn't think the boy to be this funny. Everyone at the table seemed to hang off his every word, even though he could have been, for some, several years their younger. However, a smashing personality was able to take people very far. William could shoot for the starts if he so wished to.

Speaking of the boy, he glanced to a watch he had in his pocket and sighed softly to himself. It was about 11:30, or so his watch read. He glanced to Richard and flashed a crooked smile that only came about after a laughter induced conversation. Both men rose from the table and started to excuse themselves from the jolly atmosphere of the table. They made their way from the restaurant, through the grand stair case, and into the crisp night air.

"Ah… Honestly that wasn't even one of my better jokes… but I'm glad they enjoyed it." Small talk started to rise as the two gentlemen strolled across A deck. They wore their blazers and hats, but it was obvious that they needed just a bit more than that. It was freezing tonight.

"I've told you before," Richard started, burying his hands deeper within the confines of his jacket, "it's the way you say them, not just the joke. You have a natural talent of making people happy, you realize."

William gave a halfhearted chuckle then proceeded to sigh.

"I suppose you are right. If that wasn't made obvious by tonight, then I have no idea on how to convince myself later."

"There's a good lad."

The two continued their stroll around the deck, rather leisurely until a crewman roughly ran into Richard side. Then, without an apology, he continued on his hurried way. Well. That certainly was rather rude.

"What do you suppose his hurry is?" William wondered aloud, frowning in the direction of the running crewman.

"I haven't the faintest. But hurry or not, he should at least have the common curtsy to-"

Richard cut himself off as he, and William jerked forward. The ship jumped and shuttered through the water like something… big hit it. Frowning, Richard caught himself and even started to curse softly under his breath.

There was more yelling, this time from members of the ship's crew, as more started to scurry. What in heaven's name was going on?

"Richard… Come on, let's get to the bow and see what happened." William, who hit the railing when the ship jerked, was now briskly making his way to the front of the ship. Well wasn't he the effervescent young man, always trying to get to the bottom of things.

As the two made their way to the front, they discovered ice on the deck, not only that but the looming iceberg that sat rather close to the ship's starboard side. Richard looked to the silent monster in the water, then the ice on deck and swallowed.

"Dear lord…" He muttered under his breath as the realization started to take over. Titanic, she hit. Swallowing rather thickly, Richard looked to William. The boy seemed to take this information rather well. He started to gently kick around the ice on deck like it was a football. Well… that was a different way of handling things. William looked up to his friend and then started to chuckle a bit.

"You look like you've seen a ghost, Dick!" The nickname was picked up once more, England noted. "What a scary face you have. Come on now, stiff upper lip! This ship was said to be unsinkable, was it not? I'm sure she can handle a little nudge from an iceberg!"

How Richard wished that he could share this boys enthusiasm. No ship was unsinkable, that was certain. However, William could be right. Titanic had so many elements to it that the ship might actually stay afloat. But that foolish thought didn't stay long as the captain along with his First and Second officers moved passed both William and Richard with a look of utter distress plastered on their faces. This, this was not good.

"Will," For once Richard spoke out the boy's preferred nickname. "I think that we should put on some life vests."

"Huh? Whatever for?" William didn't look up as the Captain walked by, nor did he look to his friend now. He continued to play around with the ice football he had 'made'.

"Precaution."

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I felt a chill run through my spine as I watched what I had witnessed firsthand, come to life on screen. I wasn't looking forward to this part of the film that was for sure. Swallowing very similarly to the way I had that very night, I watched the actors portray, again, what I had seen for myself. It was eerie how alike it was.

As the scenes progressed, some lines started to stick out to me more. The way the master builder and the captain spoke to each other. The way Mr. Ismay interacted with all of them. Though I hadn't seen this part first hand, I knew that this was probably the best adaptation of it.

I started to lean forward a bit as the captain's face grew graver. At this point he was just told how long the Titanic had before it was to be buried in a watery tomb. Then, the captain looked to one of the men standing there and spoke, "It looks like you will get your headlines after all, Mr. Ismay."

Then just as the scene was ending, the picture froze in place and the American beside me started to stand. I blinked repeatedly before looking over to the idiot as he made his way out of the room.

"Intermission! We'll finish the rest after a bathroom break, 'kay?" And before I could even get a word in, the blond disappeared into some hallway, and I was left alone.

A/N:

So this is it, part one in a two part Titanic anniversary fiction! The second and final chapter will be released tomorrow! I hope that you enjoyed it. Please feel free to review and tell me what you think! Have a nice day.