The house was full of guests it seemed, even though it was only the five Lightollers. It seemed around every corner there was something happening, whether it was Trevor riding Rigel like a horse, or stumbling across Charles and Sylvie hiding in a curtain and wrapped around each other. In the case of the first, I had brought Trevor to Lewis so he could lead the boy around on a carriage horse. For the second, I had shooed the two of them away, reminding them that they had their own room to seduce each other in. Charles had grinned, swept Sylvie up into his arms, and carried her away like they were a pair of newlyweds.
Charles wasn't quite as sunny on New Year's Eve when I told him I had come across a perfect show for all of us to go see at the opera that night. He glanced up from his paper, "The opera? You're proposing taking those two to the opera?"
I took in the sight of Roger and Trevor, currently sprawled across the entire parlor and wrestling with Rigel. "I am, I think they would love it."
"Some Italian nonsense no doubt." Lights sniffed, turning the page of his paper. "All to get me dressed up in tails and a top hat."
"And to get Sylvie in a fine dress." I shrugged, "But if you don't want to go see Gilbert and Sullivan we can leave you here."
That caught his attention. "Gilbert and Sullivan?"
"Yes, but since you're not interested-"
"Oh be quiet, you know you've got me. Which one? Pinafore? Mikado?"
"Only the best, The Pirates of Penzace." I chuckled, seeing him smile. "And if you don't know every single word to the Major General song I shall be highly put out."
"How dare you? I've information vegetable, animal and mineral." Lights had sprung to his feet at that, his eyes alight.
I smirked, "Yes, but do you know the kings of England and quote the fights historical?" He laughed at that, then set out to wrangle his children into their newest finery. When I had rang Mother earlier with my idea, worried that I would be embarrassing the Lightollers by taking them somewhere where they would stand out like a sore thumb, she had dismissed me.
Her voice had been tinny over the telephone, "When we took them shopping I got them all new clothes, as my personal present." She chuckled, "I even got an emerald necklace for Sylvie and told her it was paste, just so she wouldn't feel bad about taking it. I do think this is a wonderful idea though, although I will request that you leave Rigel at home. I don't think he'd enjoy Gilbert and Sullivan."
So it was that Rigel was the only one in the house not getting ready for an exciting New Year's Eve. As much as Roger and Trevor had complained about getting scrubbed and wearing their new suits, they did look quite adorable in them. Will had left off his uniform, remarking as he came down in his dinner jacket that it wouldn't be fair to Charles, who hadn't brought his formal one and would be wearing his fine new suit. Sylvie, stunning in a hunter green gown of silk that set the emeralds around her neck to sparkling, even had a gold handled walking stick to carry with her tonight. She lifted it to show me, "Your mother insisted, she didn't even ask why I used one."
"You deserve it." I admired the engraving on it, "She'll be glad to see you with it."
Sylvie tapped the cane against the floor, "She's coming?"
"She adores Gilbert and Sullivan." I smiled, adjusting my sapphires around my neck. I had donned a gown of navy silk, layers of shimmering silver beads flowing down ruffles of chiffon. Although that was hidden as I drew my opera cape over my shoulders, Sylvie having been leant one of mine. I had already arranged that it would find its way into her trunk when they left, along with the emerald comb in her hair. I could see the boys were wide eyed at what was happening, riding in a carriage through a snowy city and ushered by fine dressed servants into an opera house.
Mother, glittering in amethysts and lavender silk, was already sat in the box but rose as we came in, "Oh my, don't you two look handsome." She was smiling widely at Roger and Trevor, both of them still a little stunned as Mother brought them up to the front of the box, settling them in the best seats.
Charles had found his way behind the bar, and looked over. "Who's for champagne?"
"I'll gladly have a glass." I said, echoed by Will and Mother.
Sylvie looked to Charles, and rolled her eyes. "Pour me one as well, Mavis can be content with cow's milk for tomorrow." Lights was all smiles as he popped the cork, pouring the cold, bubbly wine into crystal flutes. He even allowed Roger and Trevor to have one sip each, and bellowed with laughter at the way their noses crinkled up. But then the lights had come down, the curtain rose, and he was laughing all the harder. Mother matched him word for word when the actors sang the Major General's song, and for once at the opera, the glasses were mostly left in the box as we simply enjoyed the show.
I still put a pair to my eyes during an intermission, taking in the small crowd that had forsaken the parties to enjoy the night at the theater. As I was scanning the boxes, I paused. "Will, Sophie is in her box. Alone." She was all a-glitter with diamonds and in a dark gray silk that set them to glowing, her belly already rather large. "Should we invite her over?"
He took the glasses for a moment, then looked to where Charles was attempting to get Roger's tongue around the fast paced rhymes of his favorite song. "Let's not ruin the night, you can send her a card later." The boys were tuckered out from laughing by the end of the show, and Mother sent them home in her car while she took the rest of us to dinner. More champagne was drunk, the clocks struck twelve, and Will and I shared a kiss for luck.
Charles and Sylvie shared a kiss for luck as well, and then a much more passionate one for their own desires.
But New Year's had come and gone, the trunks had been packed and taken to the ship, and the adult Lightollers, Will and I were spending one last night in the parlor. Lights held up his glass of whiskey, watching the firelight play across the glass. "Well, this will be my last drink for the night." He sipped it, and after sighing at the taste turned to Will. "Doesn't your lot have a song about a guest's last drink?"
Will, his arm around me, snorted. "You know we do."
"Then sing it." Lights chuckled, "Finish our trip off on a good note."
I felt Will's hand tighten around me. "Lights, I haven't sung that since Ada passed."
"And look at your life now!" Charles stood, throwing his arms out to take in everything around us. "You're in a fine house, with fine drink and a fine wife." At this he paused, then gave Sylvie a bow. "But not the best girl in the world, for I've already caught her."
Sylvie tittered, standing and giving a little curtsey. "Bertie, you don't have to flatter me all the time."
"Of course I do love," He kissed her cheek. "But really Will, I think you'll be alright to sing us a little song. We'll all be grateful for it."
I gave Will's arm a squeeze, "Please, Will?"
"Alright." He drew in a breath, pausing for a moment. "Of all the money that e'er I had, I spent it in good company, And all the harm I've ever done, Alas it was to none but me." His voice had deepened somehow, steady and strong as he sang. I heard Charles begin muttering the song under his breath, and Sylvie moved to the piano and began a soft accompaniment. I watched her fingers dance across the keys, and there was only one reason I could think that she knew the tune. Will must have sung this quite a bit, back when Ada was alive. I listened closely to the words, hoping that I would be able to join in somehow as he continued. "And all I've done for want of wit, To mem'ry now I can't recall, So fill to me the parting glass, Good night and joy be to you all."
Charles joined in fully at this point, belting out the chorus happily and vastly out of tune. "So fill to me the parting glass, And drink a health whate'er befall,, And gently rise and softly call, Good night and joy be to you all." He gave me a large wink at that, and I ran the words over and over again in my head as he came over and drew Will up to his feet. They were both smiling when Lights threw his arm around Will's shoulders as they both sang the next verse. "Of all the comrades that e'er I had, They're sorry for my going away."
Then he shoved Will towards me, and he staggered into my arms for the next bit. "And all the sweethearts that e'er I had, They'd wish me one more day to stay." I stood, and he was breathless as he swung me around a bit. I could see his eyes shine brighter as I joined in for the chorus. "But since it falls unto my lot, That I should rise and you should not, I gently rise and softly call, Good night and joy be to you all."
Charles had joined Sylvie by the piano, occasionally reaching over and tapping the wrong key as the song continued. Sylvie's voice was full of laughter as she joined in the song, and I couldn't help but smile at Will as he led all of us. "If I had money enough to spend, And leisure time to sit awhile, There is a fair maid in this town, That sorely has my heart beguiled." He brought his hand up to gently rub his thumb along my cheek. "Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips, I own she has my heart in thrall, Then fill to me the parting glass, Good night and joy be with you all."
Sylvie was clapping happily, and Will let go of me for a moment to offer a bow to all of us. He was grinning when he came back up, and turned to Charles. "Thank you Lights, I forgot how much I enjoy that song."
"I'm surprised that you never sang it for Anastasia there, you could have charmed her right quick if she'd come across you singing like that." He chuckled, earning him a roll of the eyes from Sylvie. "Although I certainly hope you won't be providing the entertainment for our trip over, I don't think Sylvie could manage the piano every night."
I sighed, coming to stand beside Will. "I'm afraid you will have to entertain yourselves, we don't have a lot in terms of activities on the Anastasia."
"Well, there are a few ways we can entertain ourselves." He caught Sylvie's eye, and I saw her blush. "Although we won't be inviting anyone to enjoy that."
"Lights," Will groaned, but he was smiling and shook his head. "You should head on up, we shove off early."
"As should you." Charles was grinning as he helped Sylvie to her feet, "I would rather you finish your business tonight that delay us in the morning." The way he looked to me made me blush for it was quite obvious what he was inferring. I kept my hand around Will's as we climbed the stairs, coming into a warm and cozy sitting room.
Will was pouring iced whiskey for the both of us when I clasped my around around him, craning my head over his shoulder. He chuckled, "Ana, let me set this down."
"What did Lights mean?" I whispered, feeling him shiver slightly as I did. "About attending to business?"
The whiskey bottled thumped back onto the bar surface, and I could see him think about what to say for a moment. "Lights is of the opinion that before a man leaves on a crossing, he should do one certain thing." At that he turned, the glasses of whiskey forgotten as he caught me around my waist and bore me back to the fire. His hands had already moved to my skirt when he spoke again, his voice rumbling against me. "He should ravage his wife as if he will never see her again."
I smiled, picking at the his shirt buttons. "Well, you will see me again but I will never say no to a ravaging." He chuckled at that, quickly discarding my skirt and petticoat. His clothing was dispatched much more quickly, although it was not for lack of trying. The buttons on the shirtwaist I was wearing were rather small, and I eventually had to help. Will caught me up in a kiss as he pulled me down to the rug in front of the fire, the plush wool soft against my skin.
Will was smiling as he joined me, running his hands along my sides. "Ah, Ana, this is how to spend a winter night." He leaned down to kiss me again, and I pressed myself into his hands, desperate for his touch. And touch he did, dragging his fingers along my sides, making me twitch slightly as he tickled me. What was delightful though was the way he brought his hand to my breast, teasing and lightly twisting my nipples before taking one into his mouth. I gave a delighted hum at that, leaning my head back on the carpet and sighing.
I could feel the muscles across his back as I clutched him to me, although he shortly came back up to capture my lips. We both seemed content to spend plenty of time caressing and kissing, and I enjoyed the way he would groan into my shoulder when I would brush my fingers up and down his length. He returned the favor, fingers quickly finding what they desired and slowly bringing me up to panting. I redoubled my efforts on him at that, confident that he would regret teasing me so. Will gasped as I let my fingers gently squeeze his shaft, "Christ Ana."
"Lay down." I mumbled, twisting around him to straddle him across his hips. He dug his fingers into my rear, already encouraging me into a rhythm even when he was simply pressed to my thighs. I chuckled as he did, shifting up and gently holding him place as I sheathed him in my body. I couldn't help the delighted sigh that slipped from lips at the feeling of him, and I heard Will give something similar as I settled onto him. I glanced down, "Good?"
"Oh God, yes." His eyes were barely open, "Move, Ana, please." He gave my rear a slap, making me start and begin moving. It didn't hurt, but it was a shock and I slowed down after a moment. There was no point in rushing towards the end, for it was far more enjoyable to draw the pleasure out. Will was apparently not of the same opinion, for he gave me another slap.
I paused at that, "Will, I'm not some horse you can whip up to speed."
"Yes, you are." He groaned, thrusting his hips to try and find some relief. "My fine little filly, although I didn't think I would need to use my crop."
"If you actually use a crop on me I'm never doing this again," I started moving, slowly. "But isn't it more pleasant this way? It lasts so much longer."
"I suppose." His eyes opened for a moment, a hand rising to grasp at my breast. "But Christ, I want you."
"You have me."
"I want you to come with us. I want you in my bunk. By God Ana, the things I want to do to you."
I leaned down, capturing his lips in a kiss. "We have plenty of time for all that."
"I want it tonight." He caught me around the waist, turning us around and reversing our positions. He quickly set a firm pace, and I was shortly gasping as he struck home each time. Will caught my hands, pinning me to the floor as he thundered away. "I want to make you scream."
My voice was hardly steady, "Then do it."
"I plan to." He fairly growled, one hand coming down to tease me, stroke me and set me to begging as I felt the heat of desire rise in me. I was writhing so much that I managed to slip his grip and dig my fingers into his back. That only seemed to goad him, and he thrust himself harder and faster into me. I felt my legs begin to seize, and I wrapped my legs around his waist and lost myself. I don't know exactly what I said, all I knew was the pleasure that was rushing through me and making my muscles grow lax. Will slowed himself for a second, and I could feel him twitch as I clenched around him. "Christ."
"Mmmm," I hummed, wrapping my arms around his shoulder. "Keep going." He resumed his pace, although it wasn't as hard as he had been going. Which, considering that my body was relaxed and supine, was welcome. I still held him close when he finished, and rolled into his arms when he pulled away. I pressed a kiss to his chest, "Now, that was a ravaging."
"Indeed." He mumbled, "Wait a moment?" At my nod, he rose and tossed down a few pillows from the settee, brought over our whiskey, and retrieved a cloth for me to clean myself with. I pressed a pillow to my chest after tossing the cloth away, curling around it as I sipped at my whiskey. Will was almost a mirror of me, smiling. "I am going to miss you, you know."
"I do, but I'll be right here." I let my eyes close for a moment, happy in the warmth of the fire and his presence. "And I will make a crossing with you soon."
"And be waiting in my bunk?"
"I don't think Captain Fraser would appreciate that." I drew his hand over, kissing it. "Although the next time you come back, perhaps you should make a habit of visiting the ship every now and then." He chuckled at that, pulling me over and clasping his arms around me. I sighed, curling up against him and breathing in his scent. After some time in front of the fire, we made our way to the bed, falling asleep in a tangle of limbs. In the morning, I sent Reggie away and helped dress Will myself.
He caught my hands as I was struggling with his tie, "Ana, let me."
"You and your knots." I grumbled, but relinquished the silk snake to his fingers. "Will you teach me one day?"
"One day," He chuckled, expertly tightening it. "Now, it's time."
"I know, but surely we could put it off another day?"
"Lights has to get back to work, and the boys will have school." Will leaned down though, kissing my cheek. "It doesn't mean you can't come to Southampton with me on the next crossing to see them." I took his hand at that, trying to ignore the crick in my neck. And in my leg, laying on the rug had left me a little sore. Fortunately the early morning start seemed to have tempered Roger and Trevor, that or the promised puppy waiting for them. It did mean that they were much better behaved than Rigel when getting in the carriage, for Rigel was quite put out that no one was paying attention to him.
I had just brought a hand up to my shoulder after leaning down to pet him when Charles spoke, "That's the second time you've stretched, are you alright?"
"Oh yes, just sore." I gave him a little smile.
"Sleep on something hard?" His eyes were dancing. "Or in an uncomfortable position?"
I could feel the blush on my cheeks. "I do not know how Sylvie puts up with you."
"She puts up with me because she loves me as much as I love her. And we all love our Scot, although not as much as you." He batted his eyes, first at his wife and then at Will who simply snorted.
I was less amused. "Very funny Lights."
"I'd like to think so." He preened, but quickly fell to getting his children in order when we reached the docks. Sylvie even passed Mavis to him, and he clutched the little bundle close as he herded our way towards the Anastasia. He did stop to offer a brief salute to the red bearded man waiting at the gangway, "Captain Fraser, sir."
"Mr. Lightoller, and your family, I'd assume." He nodded back towards the group behind him. "Mr. Murdoch booked your passage himself, although he did tell me that I might struggle keeping off of the bridge."
Charles laughed, "I think he may be having you on sir, for this is a leisure trip. If I don't have to work my way across, I won't." Captain Fraser went back aboard his ship chuckling, and Lights turned back to us. "Alright boys, say goodbye to Aunt Anna for now."
Roger came forward, "Thank you for having us, Aunt Anna." I knelt down, looping Rigel's leash around my arm to receive his little embrace and a kiss to the cheek. Trevor mirrored his brother, kissing my other cheek. They both gave Rigel a pet, and retreated.
Sylvie smiled at her husband, "She's missed one."
"Indeed she has." He came over to Will and I, hoisting Mavis up in his arms. "Say goodbye to your niece, Aunt Anna." I bent down a pressed a kiss to her small forehead, and was rewarded with a small fist to my cheek as she laughed. Charles immediately apologized, but was smiling widely. "She's a feisty little thing."
I brought a hand up to my cheek, "It's alright, it doesn't hurt."
Sylvie slipped her arms around me, "Goodbye Anastasia, thank you for having us."
"Thank you for coming," I hugged her back tightly. "I loved having both of you here." She gave took her daughter so Charles could make his farewell. I hugged him to me, "I was so glad to see you again, Lights."
"As was I," He chuckled, pulling back to look me full in the face. "You look much better than last time, now we just have to keep you that way."
"I will endeavor to stay so." I smiled, feeling Rigel move near me. "But Lights, I really do mean it. You have been such a help these past few months."
"Yes," Will looked down to me, a smile on his face. "And I hope that you can come over again soon."
He shook Will's hand, "You buy my way again, and I'll be here."
I stopped him before he could join the others, stepping up whisper to him. "You may want to put Sylvie's new necklace with the purser."
"Oh, you didn't." Charles's eyes widened as he realized what I meant.
"I didn't, my mother did." I patted his shoulder and he turned with a grin, chivvying his family ahead of him. I watched them head up, one of the few stewards onboard directing them back to the small area that had been allotted as passenger quarters. We may not have had all the luxuries of a White Star ship, but they would get across in good time, with good food and a decent amount of sleep for Charles, for once.
I felt Will take my hand, "Ana, you'll be alright?"
"Oh," I turned to him, "I'll miss you, but I'll be fine."
"I'll wire from Southampton."
"Of course," I leaned up, kissing him. "Be safe, Will."
"I will be, Ana."
