Disclaimer: Still don't own characters or Titanic.
Wednesday, 10 April 1912
Murdoch woke up bright and early, today was the first day of Titanic's maiden voyage, so he got up, polished his shoes, straightened his tie and brushed off his jacket after all he wanted to look his best and nothing less for the grandest ship in the world, and with the he left his room and set off to the bridge.
As he entered the bridge, he stood to attention awaiting orders from the captain, until Lightoller approached him. "William, just the man I've been searching for" Lightoller smiled naughtily at his best friend. Murdoch rolled his eyes, already knowing that whatever he was about to hear, he wouldn't like it. "And why is that, Lights?" Murdoch asked, dreading the answer.
"The captain has ordered us to see that the first class passengers get on the ship alright" Murdoch closed his eyes and sighed heavily "Bloody hell" he swore under his breath, which caused Lightoller to burst out laughing, for he too hated doing this task as much as Murdoch but seeing his friend get frustrated over it actually made him feel slightly better. "Come on," Murdoch said hopelessly "The sooner we get this done, the more intact we'll be when we next enter this bridge" Murdoch suddenly came out of his mood and had a huge grin on his face "And this time don't insult the ladies by saying they look just like the animal in which their fur coat is made of"
Lightoller chuckled "You know me, Will, I'm all for the beauty of Mother Nature's creatures, but i prefer to see that beauty on the animal, not the lady" Lightoller made an innocent face at Murdoch. "Unfortunately I do know you Charles, and I mean it no insulting the ladies, no jokes and no asking for tips"Murdoch gave Lightoller a stern look before going off to attend to the first class passengers. "Spoil-sport" Lightoller said under his breath, before quickly walking away encase his superior officer had heard him.
Murdoch approached the first class passengers, welcoming them onboard, though to be honest he didn't know why he was bothering, not a single one acknowledge him, to them it was as if he wasn't even there. When the task was finally over, the doors were closed and he could finally return to the bridge, he silently thanked god for getting him through that nightmare as he made his way back. Whilst he was walking through second class he noticed the young stewardess, Annie. She seemed to be struggling with a heavy suitcase; he smiled brightly and walked over to her. "Here let me help you with that, Miss Desmond" she jumped, slightly startled by his voice "Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you" Murdoch apologised quickly.
"It's quite alright, sir, but surely you have important duties to attend to. I wouldn't want to get you into trouble" Annie blushed; she couldn't believe this officer wanted to help her, again. "Your right of course, I do have many important duties, like helping a young woman such as yourself when she's in distress" Murdoch bent down to lift the suitcase which he did so with ease. Annie secretly admired his strength and looked him in the eyes; she noticed for the first time that his eyes were blue and that they were filled with warmth, kindness and something else, perhaps sadness, Annie couldn't figure out what it was that could make this kind man seem sad.
"So...were you going anywhere with these bags?" Murdoch asked curiously, which snapped Annie out of her thoughts, making her realise she was staring at him, immediately causing her to blush before nodding "This way, sir" she quickly said, leading him to the passengers room. "William" Murdoch stated plainly, Annie stopped and turned around to face him "Pardon, sir"
"William McMaster Murdoch, at your service" he bowed slightly, which caused Annie to giggle and curtsy back "It's nice to meet you Mr William McMaster Murdoch, my knight in shining armour" Annie immediately regretted saying those words, it seemed to her that she was deliberately trying to embarrass herself in front of this man. "This way" Annie said before Murdoch had the chance to say anything else.
When they finally reached the door, Annie knocked, a man no older than Murdoch answered "Where the hell have you been? I've been waiting for my luggage for far too long, miss" the man said in a loud, but just as Annie was about to explain, she heard a familiar Scottish voice. "I'm afraid that's my fault, sir. You see, Miss Desmond here was helping me settle the first class passengers" the man nodded and closed the door after Murdoch had given him the bags.
"Thank you" Annie said gratefully. Murdoch smiled and shrugged "Well, what are knights in shining armour for?" Annie smiled, she didn't know what was happening, she was developing feelings for this man, and she felt safe and protected in his company. Murdoch cleared his throat "Perhaps, Miss Desmond, you would like to accompany me onto the deck" Murdoch asked hoping she would agree.
"And why is that, Mr Murdoch?" she asked, wondering what he was up to. "To say a proper goodbye to England and so I may spend more time with you" Annie was completely surprise of that last part, she tried to hide the blush that was threatening to show itself but no matter how hard she tried she couldn't hide the huge smile that had formed on her lips. "On one condition you must call me Annie" she bargained, Murdoch looked as though he was trying to make up his mind, before smiling and offering her his arm "Deal" and with that she wrapped her arm around his and they both ventured their way up to the deck.
They arrived on the officer's promenade, Murdoch knew that Annie shouldn't really be there but figured everyone would be too busy to care. They stared out towards the millions of people waving, Annie noticed that their arms were still linked; anyone looking towards the ship might have thought they were a couple. Titanic's propellers started and the ship began to move.
Annie jumped as she heard something snap and her heart stopped when she saw what it was, "William" she said urgently as she shook his arm, he looked at Annie and noticed she was pointing to something across from the Titanic; it was another, much smaller ship. A ship that had snapped its mooring line and was on a collision course with Titanic.
You all know how it is, you're standing there on a ship with a guy you like, things are going well and the next thing you know, another ship is coming straight towards you, we've all been there. Please review, tell me what you think.