Chapter VIII: Fire In My Blood

A/N: Apologies about the lack of update last week. I was suffering from technical difficulties. This chapter should be a fun one. It was fun to write. Thanks go to The Cowgirl Bookworm for her help! Looking forward to seeing what you all think!

1015 April 16th

Even though he had no watch to stand, Will could not help but be up on deck. He had sent a telegram to Ada that he alive and in one piece. He had also gotten from a passenger a bag with schematics of the Titanic among other things from Mr. Andrews. Will could make little sense of it, as he was no naval architect. He had only shared it with Charles and Master at Arms Turner for the moment. The less who knew about it at the moment the better.

He was walking the deck when he saw another officer from the Florida handing supplies off to that blasted surgeon, Will was just outside of hearing range.

"When are you due to head back to the ship, Lieutenant," the surgeon asked.

"Not for five more hours sir," the younger man replied. He sounded as if he had not spent all of his life in the America, Will noticed.

"I have a suggestion Lieutenant. Though I am pretty sure you were going to do this anyway. Why don't you look in on your family? I'm sure they will be happy to see you after all they've been through," the surgeon suggested.

"Thank you sir," the younger officer saluted and went on his way.

When the lieutenant passed by Will, he stated, "You're not originally from America, are you?"

This seemed to get his attention, "Not many notice. Where are you from on that wet island?"

"Scotland. And where are you originally from on the wet island as you put," Will asked.

"The rainiest and the smallest. My family came from Wales. We left when I was ten. My sister and were happy to get to Colorado. A good bit drier. You cannot believe the amount of snow we get in the winter though," the younger man shivered.

"You can stay inside lieutenant. Though from what I have heard about winter in the Rocky Mountains, you can get stuck inside for quite some time," Will remarked.

"Well, I hope my sister and aunt are plenty warm inside. That water looks damn cold. I do know that they were in lifeboats the entire time," the young lieutenant had a smile of relief on his face.

"At least you have one of the few happy endings out of this mess," Will could not help but return the smile a little.

"Well, if you happen to know where the First Officer of the Titanic is, let him know to keep his guard up. The man he arrested is from a from a very well connected family. God knows, that pendejo's uncle will go after him, my sister, and the other two like nobody's business. Not just with money. Dragging them through the mud in the newspapers is a specialty of his," the lieutenant snarled.

"Your last name wouldn't happen to be Lethbridge would it," Will asked.

Taking a look at his insignia for the first time, Lieutenant Lethbridge gulped and said, "And with my luck, you are First Officer Murdoch."

"Would this menace of an uncle go after a man's family to persuade him to change his tune," Will inquired.

"Let me think. Hell yes," was the simple reply.

Will did not have time to answer as an ecstatic yell of "Roland!" cut through the air and an all too familiar head of dark brown hair zoomed pasts him and into the lieutenant's arms.

The two siblings were clearly affectionate with each other and promptly began jabbering in a rapid stream of Welsh.

Will would bet money that Cecily had picked Welsh for the fact that the fewest on board spoke it.

He could not help but smirk as he heard "Harry" mentioned by her. Will had a feeling that she would be leaving out quite a bit of what she had gotten up to with their old friend.

"Come on Roland. You need to see Aunt Mina. Good Morning Lieutenant," Cecily nodded a greeting before dragging her brother off.

1045 April 16th

Since Cecily clearly knew where she was going, Roland just let her lead the way.

Once she got to a door and knocked, he heard his aunt's voice call, "Come in Cecily."

"I have a rather large present for you Aunt Mina. He's in US Navy Dress Blues," Cecily called out.

"Bring him in here right now!" He could hear the smile in his aunt's voice.

When he got inside the stateroom Roland looked around to see what they had managed to get off the sinking ship. Unsurprisingly, Cecily had taken her violin that had once been their mother's. He also saw the Bowie knife he'd given her, along with her favorite picture of them together. Cecily was currently wearing the Navy greatcoat he'd given her. On the desk was a necklace of light blue sapphires surrounded by diamond leaves. Ever since she had gotten it for a Christmas present a few years ago it had become a favorite. It must have been a been in her stateroom.

As for their aunt he saw the picture of her with his cousins her four sons: Alistair, Brandon in his Royal Army uniform, Matthew, and Randall in his Dartmouth uniform. There was also the pistol his father had gotten her a few years back.

Both only had the clothes on their backs.

"You two are going to need to go on a major shopping trip once you get to New York," Roland tried to cut the tension in the room.

"There will be a great deal more to do in New York besides that Roland," his aunt replied curtly.

"I am sorry Aunt Mina. I was trying to lighten the moment. When I first got the news, I actually broke a chair in the wardroom on the Florida," he replied sheepishly.

"Cecily actually woke me up. She noticed that the ship was not moving anymore," his aunt motioned to his sister.

"What little I know about ships I learned from you Roland. Ships don't stop dead in the water for no reason," Cecily explained.

"Has Father been contacted," Roland inquired.

"I have sent him a telegram, telling him everything. I am hoping he meets us in New York," Aunt Mina replied.

"I already know pretty much everything about Cecily's night. How was yours Aunt Mina? What lifeboat were you in?"

"In Lifeboat 14. A familiar face was in command. Remember Harold Lowe Roland?"

"Not as well as I should. Did you spend any time with him before the sinking Cecily? You used make such a pest of yourself with us" Roland asked his sister.

For some reason Cecily's ears turned pink and his aunt had an evil smirk on her face.

"I first ran into him early in the morning on the 11th while I was playing the violin. The next day, I ran into him while he was running an errand, I tripped on a rug he helped me up. The following day, he took me on a tour of the Titanic. I didn't really get to see him on Sunday. The senior officers kept him hopping," Cecily replied.

"You left something out when Harry helped you up after you tripped on the 12th, niece. Mrs. Harris thought you two were engaged!" their aunt cackled.

"AUNT MINA! He did not need to know that!" his little sister spluttered.

"Of course he did! Not letting your beloved brother know about your engagement?" Roland could tell that his aunt had been lying in wait to spring this.

Cecily was turning the color of the setting sun. Electing not to play their aunt's game he asked, "How did the passenger get the idea you two were engaged?"

"I don't know. You know how things are on those ships. Nothing better to do than jump to the wrong conclusion and gossip," Cecily replied.

"Were either of you doing anything to give off that impression?"

"No, all he did was help me up," Cecily insisted.

"So he was holding onto you," Roland stated.

"Only long enough to make sure I was steady on my feet," Cecily declared.

"Were either of you looking at each other in a particular manner," Roland flicked his eyes at their aunt who waggled her eyes.

"Definitely not!" Cecily's ears resembled sides of beef.

"Well then, if you were not looking at him in any particular way, the you definitely would not want to come along with me to say hello, would you," Roland barely suppressed a smirk of his own. Cecily couldn't say no here.

On their way out, he heard Aunt Mina not bother suppressing her own laughter.

1230 April 16th

Harry had caught word that another officer from the Florida besides the surgeon was on board the Carpathia. He was praying it was not Roland, as there were too many things he was not quite ready to explain.

Walking near the bridge, his prayers went unanswered, "So what was it like seeing my dear, sweet, baby sister after all these years?" Only one person that could be on board would ask him that question.

Don't tell Roland anything incriminating. Don't tell him about the kiss, the incident with the Irish Setter, or God forbid your reaction!

Aloud he replied, "I was pleased to see Cecily again. I was even more pleased to see her survive."

Roland was leaning against the outside wall of the bridge. Cecily was with him.

"You could have at least gotten my permission before you proposed," Roland said before chuckling. "It's good to see you again. Though I do wish it were under better circumstances."

Standing straight, he and Roland were of a similar height, but Roland was huskier, like when they were younger.

"Likewise. You seem to be doing well in the Navy," Harry replied.

"Bit different to be on a ship for a change. I sail a desk more often than not," Roland stated.

"Because you're shit at navigation, that's why," Cecily muttered," Despite 10 years of Erik's and Captain Torrey's best effort's"

Harry looked at Cecily in shock. He'd never heard her speak like that before.

"And my delightful sister once again displays her eloquence. The reason I was on board was for a war game. The Florida was diverted from it for several reasons," Roland continued as if Cecily hadn't said anything, as if he were used to it.

"Thank your Captain for his assistance. There was much need of it," Harry thanked.

"I will pass that along. I know that he was hoping to be wrong about need the brig," Roland murmured.

"Unfortunately not I know that Cecily had quite the night. Not many know exactly what happened by that collapsible. Murdoch looked ready to murder the killer himself when he came aboard," Harry inquired.

Roland looked a bit uncomfortable before Cecily rolled her eyes and began, "The short version is that Patrick Hearst shot his way through an Irish passenger to get on a lifeboat. First Officer Murdoch, Master at Arms Turner, Mr. Ferretti, and I saw him do it clear as day. After the ship sank, Hearst had the temerity to try and capsize the lifeboat likely to try and get rid of the four of us.

This time he did not bother to try and keep a lid on his rage. Lightning was shimmering through his veins.

I may have actually found her in the water.

It left a foul taste in his mouth.

"Hey, I'm just as angry as you are. Captain Franklin has forbidden me to go anywhere near Hearst," Roland growled.

"I have no such orders, and I intend to get quite close to him," he hissed.

"Patrick Hearst is not worth either of you getting court martialed over! Come on, let's have some lunch and catch up," Cecily flashed a smile.

Harry could not say no to that. But he would have a word with her later about her time in the lifeboat.

1630 April 16th

Lunch had turned out to be a quick one as Roland had needed to get back to the Florida and Harry had been called off by Mr. Lightoller for one thing or another.

Cecily found herself wandering to the Carpathia's decently sized library. The weather was getting worse. And she found herself desiring the company that only a book could provide.

Initially she was looking for Treasure Island. However she kept finding herself in the romance section of the library.

Cecily really did not want to bring a romance novel back to the stateroom as she was not in the mood for any more of her aunt's jokes. Or unhelpful advice about yesterday's incident.

Lucy I wish you could be there in New York, but I know that's next to impossible.

She set about looking for a book that would give her a minimum level of grief from Aunt Mina. Upon seeing Pride and Prejudice, she decided to read it. Unfortunately, it was just beyond her reach. Cecily hated being short.

Before she could take any further drastic measures, "Allow me, enaid" Harry was in the library with her!

Using his superior height, he removed the book from the shelf and put it on a nearby table. The use of the endearment made her shiver, in a good way. It was a good thing Roland was back on the Florida.

The hairs on the back of her neck were standing on end and her body was thrumming in hyper awareness from Harry's closeness. Cecily had a feeling that he might kiss her.

The feeling turned out to be correct with a quick kiss on her lips. Despite it's speed, it still made her feet stick to the floor and blood hum.

"I've been wanting to do that since we got on board the Carpathia," he whispered.

Brushing her shaking hand against his face, she whispered back, "Me too. Too many people watching."

"Has your aunt been behaving herself? She was quite a handful in my boat."

"Aunt Mina has always been able to find ways to amuse herself. This trip it has been me. And by extension you," Cecily answered before continuing, "Don't worry. I've found a way to distract her. Aunt Mina knows Captain Rostron and won't share with me how."

He smiled a bit at that before down at her, his voice catching as he asked, "What was it like for you? Out there, in the boat?"

Cecily blinked. Of all the questions Harry could have asked her, this was about the dead last one.

"Frigid. Even with the greatcoat. Got interrogated by Lieutenant Murdoch about stargazing most of the night about stargazing, I might add," she muttered.

"That was not what I was asking about Cecily" Harry countered with narrowed eyes.

"Oh. That." Averting her eyes and fidgeting with her hands a bit before looking back at Harry continued hesitatingly, "While I was still on the ship, I got there just as Hearst fired the first of his shots, Everything happened so fast, but I saw him clearly. Fabrizio tackled Hearst and started strangling him. Murdoch and Turner had to separate them; Funnily enough Hearst wanted Fabrizio arrested for assaulting him. When I came up saying that he couldn't buy his way out that too many people saw him pull the trigger, he called me "Ice Bitch" and said that my father and Roland were not there to protect me. This earned him a punch in the jaw from Fabrizio. Turner and Murdoch bound and gagged him in ropes, tossed him in like baggage and started loading the lifeboat. Fabrizio and I were among the first in. Once it was fully loaded, Turner was about to get in himself, he suggested that the situation with Hearst needed an officer's touch, then another officer nearby ordered Murdoch into the boat," Cecily said all in one breath.

"What about once you were on the water," Harry asked.

"Things went as smoothly as they could. Listened to the band play as the ship went down. The last song was Autumn for your information. It wasn't too long after the Titanic went under that I heard Hearst choking. All Hell broke loose when he used Turner's momentum and his own to try and capsize the lifeboat. Once it was righted, Turner was the first to threaten him. Suggested that he'd make Hearst wish he'd never been born by doing things to him he had learned in Singapore. Fabrizio was next, mentioning cousins of his in something called the Black Hand. Murdoch implied he'd feed him to a shark…" she trailed off, averting her gaze.

"What did you threaten him with," Harry tipped her face back up to meet his eyes.

"I used my Bowie knife and implied a few things in Spanish. Turner knocked him out, then Murdoch asked for my knife in Spanish. That was embarrassing. Did not know he spoke the language," she drawled wishing for something to drink after finishing the story.

Her thoughts on the matter were interrupted when Harry let loose a vile string of Welsh profanity directed at Hearst, calling into question is heritage, personal hygiene, and that he committed unnatural acts with farm animals!

Once he ran out of invective, he punched a wall.

Cecily decided to approach Harry the way one approached a hurt dog: very carefully.

Taking the hand he'd hit the wall with, Harry looked ashamed at her wariness of him. While massaging it, she murmured, "He's not worth busting your hand over."

Unexpectedly, this led to a quick, brutal kiss. Cecily could feel the anger, fear, relief, and desire for her all rolled into his kiss.

Just as suddenly Harry pulled back. Looking like he was about to apologize, Cecily wrapped her fingers and pulled his tie so his lips were close to hers again. "I didn't ask you to stop," she whispered.

Not replying with words, he just got a hungry look in his eyes before pushing her against the wall and kissing her in the same manner as before.

Only time, she joined in on the fund. Cecily kissed him back, showing her own fear, relief that they were both alive, and her own growing desire. She couldn't think much, as Harry's hands and mouth had a way of melting her mind.

Soon both of them had to come up for air, her hands on his chest, his on her waist. Taking a deep breath and in a low voice Harry said, "We should probably head back out. If your aunt isn't looking for you, First Officer Murdoch is certainly on the hunt for me. It's getting close to the evening meal, would you like to meet up tomorrow?"

Regaining speech, she said, "Definitely." Cecily knew her smile was a big one.

Harry left first, after another toe tangling kiss, then she did with her book about ten minutes later.

1900 April 16th

The past day had been relatively quiet for Michael Turner. No one had approached him to try and persuade him to change his story about the murder as Mr. Murdoch had warned him.

Fabrizio had become his shadow. Not that he minded much. There were worse shadows. The Sicilian kid was acutely aware that of the murder witnesses he was the most vulnerable to being disposed of. And Fabrizio knew a little about handling a small boat. His father had been a fisherman before he passed.

The two of them were relaxing in the crew area when 5th Officer Lowe returned from wherever he had been. The First Officer had been looking for him. And wherever Mr. Lowe had been, he had sizeable smile on his face.

There was only one reason a junior officer that had a first officer on a warpath towards him had a smile like that on his face!

"Spending time with a lady friend sir?" he asked politely.

However before Lowe could answer, the second officer cut in, "I bet I can guess who the lady friend is: dark brown hair, green eyes, has an older brother on the US Navy battleship escorting us to New York?"

Narrowing his eyes. Lowe replied, "As a matter of fact, yes sir. We spent some time in the library together."

Glee appeared in the second officer's eyes as he began, "That's wonderful. Was it about your childhood in Wales or was it straight to stargazing for you two? Might be a bit difficult, being stuck inside and all, but I am sure you two managed to find a book on astronomy!"

"What is it about you all and stargazing," Fabrizio asked before continuing, "Am I missing something in English?"

"So he does have a lady friend, huh, sir?" Turner stated as he watched the fifth officer's ears turn bright red.

"He certainly does. Mr. Lowe used to be friends with her brother before their family moved to the US," Mr. Lightoller drawled continuing the chaffing.

"Well, it's not exactly aboveboard to start courtin' your friend's sister, but it's not like it hasn't been done before," Turner reasoned.

"Today I spoke to her brother for the first time in nearly 20 years. I don't think that rule, if there even is one, applies," Lowe grumbled.

"What rule doesn't apply," Murdoch had entered the room. Michael scrambled to his feet.

"The rule about courting a friend's sister," Lightoller replied.

"Does he know what you are doing," Murdoch asked Lowe who was looking everywhere but at the First Officer.

"Not at the moment. I'd wanted to speak to her father before informing her brother sir," Lowe answered tightly.

"The aunt mentioned that her nephew is quite protective of Cecily," Lightoller informed.

"So you have to get past her father and an overprotective brother," Turner could not help but laugh a bit.

"Her aunt also mention that her brother, Cecily's father, has a crack security team as well," Lightoller added.

Lowe can't catch a break can he, Turner thought with a snort.

A/N 2: Had a lot of fun writing this chapter, Looking forward to seeing what you all think! SSD