I'm wondering how to go about the ending, I've got two scenarios planned out, and I want to know which you guys would like to see, or if you'd like to see both. If I end up doing both, the one that doesn't follow along with the original storyline of Titanic will be posted as a separate fic. Also, whos POV to do the lemon in? Please, give me your suggestions and input. Thanks :)
If you'd like a rough draft of either ending, or have any suggestions, email me at blaisebirthday (at) yahoo (dot) com, you know what to do with the shit in parenthesis.
…
Men's suits, jackets, and formal wear are strewn all over the place. Misa is having a fine time, dressing me up like a penguin. We're almost completely done with the whole uncomfortable situation, except for the jacket. Misa is tying my bow tie, laughing at the knot I'd managed to put it in.
"Don't feel bad about it. My father still can't tie one of these damn things after twenty years." I nod and she pats my chest, "There you go."
She picks the jacket up and hands it to me, standing back to see the finished work.
"My… You shine up like a new penny." she tells me, "well, go on."
…
I walk to the first class entrance, admiring the purple sky, shot with bits of orange in the west. As I come to the opulent doors, a steward bows and welcomes me.
I play the role smoothly, nodding with just the right degree of disdain.
I step inside and my breath is taken away by the splendor.
Overhead is an enormous glass dome, with a crystal chandelier at its center, and sweeping down what looks like six stories is the First Class Grand Staircase, the epitome of opulent naval architecture.
And the people… the women in their floor-length dresses, elaborate hairstyles and abundant jewelry, the gentlemen in evening dress, one hand at the small of the back, talking quietly.
I descend the stairs, several men nodding in a perfunctory greeting. I nod back, keeping it simple. I almost feel like a spy…
I notice Aiber descending the stairs with L's mother on his arm, covered in jewelry. They both walk right past me, neither seeming to recognize me. Aiber even nods, but I barely have time to be amused, because just behind Aiber and Eve on the stairs is L, a vision in red and black.
I'm hypnotized by his beauty.
I imitate the gentleman's stance, hand behind my back as he extends a gloved hand as if for a handshake, instead I raise it to my mouth, kissing the back of his fingers. He flushes, beaming at me.
"I saw that in a nickelodeon once, and I always wanted to do it." I explain, grinning and releasing his hand as we stroll toward Aiber and his mother.
"Aiber, surely you remember Mr. Yagami?" L asks.
He does a double take, caught off guard by my appearance, "Yagami? I didn't recognize you!" he smiles, fake and unconvincing, "Amazing! You could almost pass for a gentleman…"
"Almost." I say, smirking.
…
"Care to escort a lady to dinner?" I hear from behind us and turn to see Misa. Light accepts her arm and we all walk towards the dining room.
"Ain't nothing to it, is there Light?" she asks in a hushed tone.
"Yeah, just dress like a pallbearer and keep your nose up…" I hear him mutter.
"Remember, the only thing they care about is money, so just act like you own a gold mine and you're in the club." she whispers before leaving to chat with someone else.
As we enter the swirling throng, I lean close to him, pointing out several notables.
"There's the Countess Rothes. And there's John Jacob Astor… the richest man on the ship. His little wifey there, Madeline, is my age and in delicate condition. See how she's trying to hide it?" I whisper, indicating her slightly swollen abdomen, "Quite the scandal."
I nod toward another couple, "Over there, that's Sir Cosmo and Lucile, Lady Duff-Gordon. She designs naughty lingerie, amoung her many talents. Very popular with the Royals... and that's Benjamin Guggenheim and his mistress, Madame Aubert. Mrs. Guggenheim is at home with the children, of course."
We walk around a bit more, chatting occasionally. He plays his part well, for the most part.
"J.J., Madeline, I'd like you to meet Light Yagami." I introduce, as fake-polite as anyone else here.
"Good to meet you, Light." Astor shakes his hand, "Tell me, are you of the Boston Yagamis?"
"No, the Niagara Falls Yagamis actually." he corrects smoothly.
I can tell he's nervous, but he hasn't faltered. They assume he's one of them, heir to a railroad fortune, perhaps. New money, obviously, but still a member of the club. My Mother though… well, she could always be counted on.
"Tell us of the accommodations in steerage, Mr. Yagami," she says as we take our seats, "I hear they're quite good on this ship."
"The best I've seen, ma'am." he counters, "Hardly any rats."
I motion quickly for him to remove his napkin from his plate.
"Mr. Yagami is joining us from the third class. He was of some assistance to my partner last night." Aiber explains, then turns to Light and speaks as if to a child, "This is foie gras. It's goose liver."
I notice whispers being exchanged, and Light becomes the subject of furtive glances.
A waiter approaches Light, wanting his order, "How do you take your caviar sir?" he asks.
"Just a soupcon of lemon." Aiber says dismissively, and smiles at Light, "It improves the flavor with champagne."
"No caviar for me, thanks." Light answers, never taking his eyes off Aiber's smug expression, "Never did like it much."
He turns to me, pokerfaced, and I smile.
"Where exactly do you live, Mr. Yagami?" Mother asks as salad is served.
"Well, right now my address is the RMS Titanic. After that, I'm on god's good humour.
He reaches for the fish fork, and I give him a look and pick up the salad fork, prompting him with my eyes until he switches.
"And you find that sort of rootless existence appealing, do you?" Mother scowls.
"Well… yes ma'am, I do." he says, "You can't wait around, because you never know what hand you're gonna get dealt next. See, my folks died when I was young, and I've been on the road ever since. Something like that teaches you to take life as it comes at you. To make each day count."
"I propose a toast," I raise my glass at this, "To making it count." I say, gazing into his eyes as he stares back, everyone repeats the sentiment and takes a sip of champagne.
"And how is it that you have means to travel?" Mother continues her interrogation, ignoring the surprised glances.
"I work my way from place to place." He says easily, "Tramp steamers and such. I won my ticket on Titanic here in a lucky hand at poker." a flicker of his eyes towards me, "a very lucky hand."
I smile and nod, seeing him from a whole new perspective.
"Next it'll be brandies in the Smoking Room." I whisper to him a little later.
"Well… Join me for a brandy gentlemen?" Mr. Ruvie rises to ask, proving me right.
"Now they retreat into a cloud of smoke and congratulate each other on being Masters of the Universe." I joke.
"Joining us, boys?" Ruvie asks us, "You don't want to stay out here with the women do you?"
"No thanks, I'm heading back." Light sighs.
"Probably best." Aiber nods, "it'll be all business and politics, that sort of thing. Wouldn't interest you." he says as they depart.
"Light… Must you go?" I mope, staring pitifully into his eyes.
"Time for me to go row with the other slaves…" he mutters before taking my hand as he had before. I feel a piece of folded paper touch my now bare palm as he raises my fingers to his lips.
I stare after him as he walks away, quietly unfolding the small piece of paper, reading his message.
'Make it count. Meet me at the clock.'
...
AN: I didn't feel too good about this one. I guess it just felt kinda hurried. Anyways, feedback is appreciated, and let me know if you want me to reply to your review.
-B