Bitanic              a Titanic Parody Fic by Chester D.

 

 

WARNING: Profanity, 2x1, 3x4, lemon, cross dressing, OOC, adult situations, etc. Extreme silliness ahead. Yeah, I know, a couple people have already done Titanic/GW fics, but I’m determined to make mine...I dunno ....sillier. Here’s a key of characters:

 

Rose: Heero
Jack: Duo
Cal (Rose’s fiancee): Relena
Fabrizzio (Jack’s friend): Hilde
Rose’s mother: Lady Une
Molly Brown: Catherine
Captain Smith: Dr. J
Murdoch: Wufei
Two Dudes in the Crow’s Nest: Quatre and Trowa
Gentlemen: Treize and Zechs
Andrews: Instructor H
Brock Lovette and That Other Guy (scientists): Noin and Sally
Cal’s Henchman: Romefellar

 

Any other characters that appear are simply not the main characters, and besides, I’m running out of roles. Hope you enjoy this presentation! And as you’ve probably figured out by now, I own neither GW nor Titanic.

 

Final Note 07/2003: Fixed up a few things here and there. I consider this piece the bane n’ shame of my writing career... but if my readers enjoy it, well then, that’s all that really matters, right?

 

“Okay, bring ‘er up,” Noin commanded. A rusty, deteriorated metal box was dumped on deck. Sea water poured from the cracks, and it was covered with a growth of coral. Noin hastily bent over the box as her many assistants began to scuttle around excitedly. “This is it!” she exclaimed. “I’m finally gonna lay my hands on the Jewel of the Heart!”

 

To those of you unfamiliar with the Jewel of the Heart, it was an enormous stone, the biggest cut ruby on earth. It was shaped like a heart, and fitted on a silver ring, making it worth billions. Noin had been searching for years for this ring, and had gone so far as to salvage pieces of the Bitanic -the infamous ship which struck a giant iceberg and sank like a rock on her maiden voyage.

 

She pried the box open with a crowbar, and an array of shellfish and other slimy, nasty things poured out. “Jesus CHRIST!” she cried, and covered her nose. “This stuff is foul!”

 

She reached into the depths, rummaging around. Nothing. Just a bunch of whips and chains and handcuffs- “Hell, what was this guy doing in his private life?” she demanded. She reached further in and felt something. Was it the ring? No. Just a piece of paper. “GODDAMMIT!” she swore, storming to her feet and stomping around. “SIX INSTITUTIONAL GRANTS AND 500, 000 DOLLARS LATER, AND WHAT DO I HAVE TO SHOW FOR IT?! A FUCKING DRAWING OF SOME NAKED GUY WEARING THE JEWEL OF THE HEART!! WHY IN THE HELL DO I-”

 

Noin stopped short.

 

She looked down at the drawing in her hands. No mistake. He was wearing the Jewel of the Heart. But she wasn’t looking at that. She turned the drawing upside down, to the left, to the right...

 

“Oh my fucking God.”

 

* * *

 

Heero Yuy, at the ripe old age of nineteen, was rearranging a flower display on his kitchen table and only half paying attention to the small television set. His niece, Mariemeia, was reading a children’s book when the newscast caught his attention.

 

“...in other news, scientists have linked the Jewel of the Heart to a drawing of a young man-”

 

A sketch of the nude boy wearing the ring flashed on screen, and Heero dropped the vase with a shattering crash.

 

“What is it? What’s wrong, Uncle Heero?” Mariemeia cried.

 

Heero’s eyes and mouth opened as wide as they could go and a fiery blush sprang to his cheeks as he screamed, “OH MY FUCKIN’ GOD!!”

 

* * *

 

Noin ignored Sally’s protests and snapped, “Look. We just had a phone call from some guy who knows the boy in that drawing. He might have connections with the Jewel of the Heart. Hell, he might even know where it is!”

 

“But he can’t have possibly been on Bitanic! He’d have to be OLD! Like....two hundred or something! I think he’s lying!”

 

“Well, too bad,” Noin retorted. “He’s on his way.” A helicopter sounded in the distance. “In fact, he’s here now.”

 

Sally groaned and Noin walked over to the helicopter as it landed on her ship. A boy emerged from the chopper with a bag and nothing else. As soon as he was on board, the helicopter took off again.

 

“Ah, hello,” Noin greeted. “You must be Heero Maxwell-”

 

Heero dropped his bag and screamed, “WHAT IS THE MEANING OF SHOWING MY NAKED ASS TO THE WHOLE WORLD ON NATIONAL TELEVISION?!”

 

Sally and Noin and the rest of the crew drew back in shock.

 

“You mean-” Noin began. “That you are the boy in that picture?”

 

A blush lit Heero’s face and he snapped, “Of course I am! And you’d better expect a lawsuit on this, ...uh. What’s your name?”

 

“Noin. Lucrezia Noin,” she shook his hand.

 

“Much obliged,” Heero said politely, then went Zero again. “The nerve of you people! That was a private moment-”

 

“Sorry to interrupt,” Noin persisted. “But we have some important information to discuss with you.”

 

* * *

 

Below deck, Noin, Sally, Heero, and a few other crew members were gathered in a dark room, lit only by television screens. Sally was explaining what happened on that fateful night on April 14th, A.C. 012.

 

“Okay, so you’re chuggin’ along then woaaaaah! Iceberg, dead ahead, Cap’n! So the moron orders her hard to starboard and WHAM!!”

 

Everybody jumped.

 

“Ya hit the bitch like a solid crack in the nuts! ‘Kay, so the mother fucker starts takin’ on water by the metric ton, dragging the front end down first and leaving the ass stickin’ WAY up in the air. Then, the ship can’t take the suspension and SNAPS!-”

 

Everyone jumped again.

 

“-like a meatstick, right between her third and fourth funnels. Those bastards lucky enough to get a lifeboat stayed the hell away and watched the big bitch sink like a fuckin’ deadweight into the water, leaving 1400 people dead and drowned, and perhaps another honkin’ thousand to freeze to death in the goddamn water. The end. Case closed. Discussion over.”

 

Silence descended for several moments. Heero was the one to break it.

 

“A very colourful description, Ms. Po,” he said, wiping the tears from his cheeks. “But I remember it a little differently...”

 

They could feel a story coming on, so they all sat cross-legged in the floor and waited for Heero to begin his tale.

 

“I remember it perfectly,” he began. “I can still smell the fresh rubber tyres-”

 

“I thought you were on a boat,” Noin interrupted. A puzzled look crossed Heero’s face.

 

“Oh, are we still talking about Bitanic? My bad. Well then....I can still smell...the smell of...”

 

“Forget the fuckin’ smell!” Sally snapped impatiently. “On with the goddamn story, please!”

 

“Oh, alright. I boarded the ship under the name Heero Yuy, and I was part of a fabulously rich family...”

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 

“It certainly doesn’t seem wondrous,” Heero said peevishly, stepping out of the limo with his fiancée by his side.

 

“Nonsense, dear,” Relena Peacecraft admonished snootily. “There is just no pleasing some men. Hurry along now, sweet pea.”

 

With a growl suppressed low in his throat, Heero lowered the brim of his hat over his eyes and followed reluctantly.

 

 

~In a nearby tavern~

 

Duo Maxwell gulped, staring at the cards in his hand. He reached over the table and ground his cigarette into the ashtray. He gazed nervously at the two ruffians sitting across from him, and then at the jackpot which held his every worthy possession...and coincidentally, two tickets out of South Hamstown on the luxurious Bitanic, the ship of dreams.

 

Hilde, his traveling companion, muttered, “I fold.” And she laid down her cards. 

 

Duo glared at her. “Throw me to the wolves, why don’t you.” She shrugged sheepishly. Duo sighed.

 

“Well, Hil, I don’t think you’ll ever see your parents again-”

 

Hilde began to cry and scream at him in German.

 

“-because we’re going to AMERICA, BABY! GO FISH, BOYS!!”

 

He slammed his cards down on the table, and the two ruffians began to bicker with each other. Hilde glomped onto Duo, who peeled her off of him distastefully.

 

“Jeez, I’m gay. Remember?” he snapped.

 

“Oh yeah..sorry.”

 

“Never mind!” he exclaimed, jumping up and grabbing the tickets, as well as the rest of the jackpot. “Let’s cheese it, now! The boat’s gonna leave in...” He looked at his watch. “JESUS CHRIST! FIVE MINUTES!”

 

Hilde and Duo tore from the tavern and out to the docks, where the grand Bitanic awaited them.

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 

“I was on that ship,” Heero said in a shaky voice. “But it was not voluntarily. The Bitanic seemed like a slave galleon, taking me back to America where I would be forced into marriage with the awful Relena Peacecraft, I’m sure you’ve heard of her.”

 

They all nodded.

 

“She was the richest girl on earth,” Noin stated.

 

Heero nodded. “She loved her job more than me, and she treated me like poop-”

 

“Shit,” Sally reiterated. Heero frowned.

 

“Fine. She treated me like shit, okay? Can I continue now?”

 

“Please do,” Sally replied.

 

“Right then. We were first class passengers, but I was sick of being first class. All the boring, diplomatic dinners and the long speeches...I was on the brink of losing my mind. I felt like I was trapped in a crowded room, screaming at the top of my lungs and nobody looks up-”

 

“Uh oh. Direct quote there,” Noin whispered. “You might get into trouble.”

 

“Oh, fine then. I felt like...I was standing in a crowd, completely naked and everyone was ignoring me-”

 

“How could anyone ignore that bod?” Sally commented, gazing lustfully at the sketch of Heero.

 

“Give me that!” he snatched it away. “Now, back to my story...”

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 

 

~On board Bitanic~

 

Captain J stood at the helm, smiling as the Bitanic pulled out of port. He turned to his first mate and said, “Take her to sea, Mr. Chang.”

 

Wufei saluted enthusiastically and shouted to the crew, “Right, lads! Full speed ahead! Leave only the engines one through three running!”

 

“Aye, aye,” the crew members said hurriedly, and scuttled about their business.

 

Captain J closed his eyes and breathed in deep, savoring the scent of the ocean. “A fine day for sailing, eh, Chang?”

 

Wufei smiled. “Absolutely, sir.”

 

 

~Later that evening~

 

Heero Yuy was as dashing and handsome as young men come, but he no longer cared about that as night settled out on the mid-Atlantic. Life to him was an endless menagerie of dinner parties and political meetings. The moment found himself engaged at dinner with the other first class hypocrites. He had to get away from that horrid dinner party and its equally horrid guests, so he ran out to the poop deck-

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 

“Shit deck,” Sally interrupted.

 

“NO, DAMMIT!” Heero frothed. “It’s called the poop deck! I’m positive!”

 

Sally shrugged. “Fine. You say toe-may-toe, I say ta-mat-toe.”

 

“And I say shut uppa your mouth!” he ranted in an Italian accent. Sally got quiet.

 

“Now then,” Heero cleared his throat. “Where was I?”

 

“The shit deck.”

 

“POOP DECK!”

 

“Whatever. Go on.”

 

Heero scowled, but continued anyway.

 

“Anyway, that’s when I decided to take my life...”

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 

Heero climbed over the railing and gazed into the icy waters below. He thought about what people would say when they discovered him missing. He wondered if his mother would ever cry for him...probably not. And he knew Relena would have killed him sooner or later...

 

Duo Maxwell was out strolling the stern of the ship and admiring the night sky, eating an apple as he walked. Suddenly, a tuxedo-ed figure caught his eye, and he halted dead in his tracks. When it became apparent that the other lad was about to jump ship, he tossed his apple overboard and approached cautiously. “Hey,” he said gently. “Whatcha doin’?”

 

Heero turned his head in surprise. “Killing myself! Go away!”

 

Duo leaned on the railing next to Heero and looked at his face. “Now why would a handsome guy like you wanna kill yourself?”

 

Heero remained tight lipped. Duo continued on, striking up conversation as if Life and Death were not hanging in the balance at the moment. “I bet that water’s cold,” he murmured. “Ever fallen in freezing water? It’s not instant death, nah. If you’re not dragged straight to the bottom or get chopped up by the propellers when you fall, the process could take hours. First, you lose the feeling in your toes, fingers and nose. Then your arms and legs go. Of course, if you swallow that freezing sea water, it cools your core temperature faster. That’s the last thing to go before you sink...to...the bottom.”

 

Heero bit his lip and gazed at Duo fretfully. “Really?”

 

Duo nodded. “Oh, absolutely. I fell into an icy pond once, and lemme tell ya, it hurts like a sonnova bitch. Like a million little pins jabbing into your bones...so tell me again....why do you want to kill yourself?”

 

Heero gulped as he felt the cold wind blow through his hair. “I...I’m engaged to Satan. She’s awful. I can’t stand her. And my mother is forcing me to marry her, for the money.” He closed his eyes tight. “Life is so unfair! That’s why I wanted to end mine now. To save me the suffering I’ll have to endure in the years to come...”

 

He opened his eyes and turned to Duo. Duo said nothing, but leaned down and began to untie his boots. “Well, since I’m involved now...” he removed his coat, boots and shivered. “If you chuck yourself, I chuck myself.”

 

“You’re insane!” Heero exclaimed, making Duo smile grimly.

 

“Yeah, but I’m not the one danglin’ off the ass-end of Bitanic, now am I?”

 

Heero frowned, his blue eyes darting back and forth rapidly. “Smart mouth you’ve got there...what’s your name?”

 

“Only if you tell me yours first.”

 

“Heero. Heero Yuy.”

 

“Hello, Heero. I’m Duo Maxwell.”

 

Heero nodded faintly, intrigued by the ruffian in front of him. He looked so wild, with his long braid of chestnut hair falling down his back, and those bluish, nearly lavender eyes...

 

“I-I’ve decided that I don’t want to kill myself,” he said suddenly. “Could you help me?”

 

Duo smiled. “Sure. Take my hand.”

 

Heero let go of the rail and clasped the warm hand in his own. He turned to face Duo, but he slipped on his shoes and went plummeting downward with a scream. Duo reached out and grabbed his other hand, his ribs crushed painfully against the rail. He looked down into Heero’s endless blue eyes. “Don’t let me fall,” he whispered. “Please. Don’t let me-!”

 

Duo grunted, and pulled for all he was worth. Heero was dragged over the rail and slammed into Duo, twirling about so as to find himself lying on the deck underneath Duo. Duo was panting for breath, and Heero suddenly felt butterflies in his stomach. Suddenly, a few members of the crew, accompanied by Heero’s mother and Relena, rushed onto the scene, brought by the sound of Heero’s scream.

 

“RAAA-AAAIIIID!” Quatre the crewman gasped when he saw the compromising position they were in. Trowa the crewman shook his head and whispered, “Rape, Quatre. Rape. Not the roach killer.”

 

“Oh. My bad. RAAA-AAPPPPE!”

 

“Doesn’t look like rape to me. Since when could a female rape a male?”

 

Duo sat up angrily. “I am not a female!”

 

Quatre and Trowa’s eyes got huge. “Egad!” they exclaimed. “This was worse than we thought!”

 

Relena dragged Heero to his feet and demanded, “What the blazes was going on here? Answer me!”

 

Heero stammered, “I-I was taking in the s-sights and I leaned over the rail and....I....slipped. And-and this gentlemen here was kind enough to come to my rescue.”

 

Duo blushed. “Aw, shucks. T’weren’t nothing.”

 

Heero’s mother said, “Well, then. That makes the lad a hero.”

 

“No, I’m not Heero. That’s Heero,” Duo said, pointing to the other lad.

 

“She meant you’re a hero,” Relena said icily. “What can I do to repay you?”

 

“Aw, you don’t have to do anythi-”

 

“I know. Why don’t we invite him to dinner, Relena?”

 

Relena ground her teeth together. “Yessssss,” she hissed.

 

Duo nodded enthusiastically, not catching on that they knew he would never be able to attend a first class dinner wearing his usual attire of ragged pants and an equally ragged long sleeve thermal shirt. Relena tugged on Heero’s arm. “We must be leaving. A goodnight to you, sir.”

 

Duo waved to Heero, who smiled oddly and waved back before being tugged out of sight. He turned to face the two crewmen.

 

“What?” he snapped.

 

They shook their heads and shrugged.

 

“I dunno. The young mister fell so suddenly, and yet you still had time to take off your boots and coat,” Quatre said innocently.

 

“Look, I wasn’t raping him. I may be gay, but that doesn’t mean I’d-”

 

“Quatre!” Trowa grabbed the blonde’s arm. “He said he was gay! Welcome aboard, mate! I’m Trowa Barton and this here is my friend-”

 

“And lover!” Quatre giggled.

 

“Quatre Raberba Winner!”

 

Duo shook their hands, not knowing whether to scream or rejoice. “Uhh...charmed, I’m sure.”

 

* * *

 

Heero allowed himself to be dragged back to the stateroom. Relena finally left him alone and he showered and got ready for bed. He was sitting before a large mirror when he saw Relena’s reflection approach from behind.

 

Funny. I thought vampires didn’t have reflections...

 

Relena sat down beside him and wrapped her arms over his shoulders. He shuddered internally, but allowed her to place a small, velvet black box in his hands.

 

“What’s this?” he asked.

 

“Open it and you’ll see,” she whispered, breathing into his ear. Heero ignored her ministrations and cracked it open gently. The huge ruby gleamed like the flames of the brightest fire, mounted on a solid silver ring. “Good gravy,” he commented. “Where did you get this?”

 

“I was saving it for a wedding present, but I couldn’t wait. What do you think? Try it on.”

 

Heero slipped it out of its bed of black velvet and onto his finger. “It’s....exquisite,” he breathed. Relena smiled.

 

“I thought you’d like it. It was worn by Ali Baba before he lost the finger he wore it on.”

 

“How lovely.”

 

“It’s the world’s largest cut ruby, commonly called-”

 

“The Jewel of the Heart,” Heero interrupted.

 

“Why yes! You’re such a clever lad-” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. Heero felt himself shrink away from the touch. Relena sensed it and pouted, “Heero...why won’t you open up to me?”

 

Because I hate you more than words can say, I want to kill you every day- “I guess we’re just going too fast,” he murmured, studying his reflection in the mirror. The ring gleamed as if filled with tiny sprites, all dancing about in bliss. Heero gently removed it and placed it back in the box.

 

“Thank you,” he said without emotion. “It was a very kind gesture.”

 

 

~The next day~

 

“Mr. Maxwell!” Heero called to the familiar figure he saw up on deck. Duo turned around with a surprised smile on his face.

 

“Heero! How are you?”

 

“Just fine, Mr. Maxwe-”

 

“Duo. Call me Duo.”

 

Heero tried his best to suppress a smile. “Okay...Duo.”

 

“That’s better.”

 

They walked around the ship, making idle chit chat, though most of it was on Duo’s part. Heero secretly wanted to see him again. He couldn’t help it. He found Duo extremely fascinating, and easy to talk to. He seemed more real to him, not over blown windbags like the rest of the first class passengers. He found himself gazing at Duo fondly more than once, and instantly corrected himself.

 

They ended up spending the entire day together, and they watched the sun set over the ocean in each other’s company. Duo forced himself to behave, on Heero’s part. He was first class, after all. What would a well brought-up lad like him want to do with a poor, third-class steerage bum like him, after all?

 

They sat down on the deck chairs, and the folder Duo had been carrying caught Heero’s eye. “What’s this?”

 

“My drawings. Go ahead, have a look.”

 

Heero flipped through the sheets of paper, most of which were charcoal sketches of nude males. Duo watched Heero’s eyebrows go up and a blush spring across his cheeks. “Oh...my. This is, ah....very good. Are you geh-” but Heero stopped himself in mid-sentence. 

 

Duo chuckled and nodded. “Yeah, you can say it. I’m homosexual. Ah, these are young male prostitutes in France. France has every kind of prostitute.”

 

This did nothing to improve the blush on Heero’s cheeks, but he continued to look at the drawings. “You’re very talented, Duo. You see people...and...MAN, do you see people. Lots of people. Lots of naked people...”

 

Duo laughed outright, and Heero found himself laughing along with him. Suddenly, a shadow fell over them and Heero looked up to see his mother, accompanied by Ms. Catherine and Ms. Iria standing in their midst. Heero hastily closed the sketchbook and handed it back to Duo. “Mother,” he said, surprised. He regained his composure and said, “Mother, this is Duo Maxwell, remember? The man who saved my life.”

 

“Ah. Yes,” she said icily, staring at Duo as if she were about to jump down his throat. “A pleasure, Mr. Maxwell. Come, Heero. We must get ready for dinner.”

 

Heero waved forlornly, and Duo smiled and waved back.

 

“Hey. Hey you!”

 

“Huh? What?” Duo asked, unaware that he had been staring. Catherine was standing before him, arms crossed. “Do you have any idea what you’re doing?”

 

Duo shook his head.

 

“Well, you’re about to be fed to the lions, I know from experience....what are you planning on wearing?”

 

Duo shrugged, looking down at his oversized pants, rigged up by suspenders and his worn coat. Catherine shook her head and smiled.

 

“Figures. C’mon,” she took him by the elbow. “I’ll fix ya up.”

 

* * *

 

Duo examined himself with one eyebrow cocked and his mouth opened slightly. He had been bathed and perfumed and powdered and primped...and what a show for! His long, gorgeous chestnut locks were piled up in a messy bun with little curly, ringlets falling down the sides of his face. A fancy butterfly hairpiece adorned his hair. He wore mascara and lipstick, bringing out the shade of his eyes, and a slight blush on his cheeks. Somehow or another, he managed to squeeze into a corset and dark maroon dress, complete with black stockings, garter, and high heels. Long, white stain gloves went all the way up his arms, and he turned away from his reflection with awe. “I..I feel like Cinderella,” he said. 

 

Catherine grinned and nodded. “I knew you and I wore the same size. Thank goodness for that.”

 

Duo lifted the hem of his dress and gazed down at the high heels. “How in the hell do you walk in these things?”

 

“You don’t,” Catherine replied. “You glide.”

 

 

~At dinner~

 

Duo waited nervously for Heero, going over first class etiquette in his head. No slouching, no interrupting. Use your napkin. Don’t sit with your legs apart. You are a lady, after all. Don’t speak unless you are spoken to-

 

Suddenly, there was a tap on his shoulder, and he turned around to see Heero.

 

“Excuse me, miss,” Heero said. “But have you seen a gentleman with a long braid-”

 

“It’s me,” Duo whispered, and Heero’s face went blank.

 

“What.”

 

“It’s me! Catherine got a hold of me and dressed me in this getup. Consider yourself lucky you’re not a girl.”

 

Heero was shocked speechless. “You...you’re....beautiful,” he murmured. Blush sprang to Duo’s already blushed cheeks, and Heero picked his hand up in his own and kissed it. Duo stared, mesmerised by those enchanting cobalt eyes. The mood was shattered by the presence of Heero’s mother and one Relena Peacecraft.

 

“Good evening, my lovely,” she greeted Heero. “And who is this young woman, I presume?”

 

“Duo Maxwell,” the young woman answered, and curtsied slightly as she had been taught. Relena and Heero’s mother were aghast.

 

“My GOD,” Relena huffed. “He could almost pass for a gentlewoman!”

 

And Relena locked arms with Heero’s mother and escorted her to the table. Heero turned to Duo.

 

“I apologise in advance for tonight,” he whispered, and held out his arm. Duo smiled dreamily and received it, and the two walked to the table.

 

* * *

 

Dinner went surprisingly well, although the rockiest part had been when Heero had shown up with “Mister” Maxwell and the entire table went dead quiet. They adjusted in time, and Heero kept sneaking glances across the table at the exquisite creature before him.

 

Heero introduced Duo to Instructor H. Andrews, the ship’s designer and builder who was a rather pleasant man, even if his moustache did look capable of putting out an eye or two. Catherine whispered dining etiquette rules to Duo, who tried his best to make due with the vast array of implements of destruction around his plate. He did over-indulge himself in the expensive champagne though, but everyone found his eloquent toast, ‘ to make it last’, very appealing.

 

After dinner, the gentlemen went to take their brandy and cigars.

 

“Won’t you join us, Heero?” Count Zechs asked.

 

“Surely you don’t want to stay here with the women,” Treize added.

 

Heero shook his head. “No, thank you, gentlemen.”

 

As the men got up from the table, Relena whispered to her friend and bodyguard, “Romefellar, would be so kind as to keep an eye on my fiancée in case he decides to go “get a look” at the ocean again?”

 

Romefellar, with a dark and ominous face, nodded and stood. They walked off, and Duo stood up carefully. “I must be going,” he said. “Thank you for inviting me.”

 

He walked over to Heero.

 

“Are you sure?” Heero asked. “Don’t you want to stay a little bit longer?”

 

“I’d like to, but I must return before my masters beat me with a two-by-one.”

 

(hint, hint)

 

Heero laughed and took Duo’s hand, kissing it once more. Duo blushed yet again when he felt the warm flesh through his gloves, but didn’t let go until he was sure Heero had received the note concealed in his hand. He curtsied one last time and left the room quickly. Heero looked around suspiciously before opening the note under the table. It read,

 

Make it last. Meet me at the clock.

 

“Excuse me,” Heero said hastily, and left the table.

 

* * *

 

Duo had changed out of his dress and wore his usual attire by the time Heero caught up to him. He sighed in relief. “God, I thought my ribs were gonna crack, wearing that corset,” he moaned, rubbing his aching ribs.

 

“Goodness, are you alright?” Heero asked concernedly. 

 

Duo nodded. “Yeah, but that’s not why I called you here.” A devilish grin came to his face. “You wanna see some serious partying?”

 

 

~The next morning...~

 

Heero stumbled as he sat down at the breakfast table. His family members stared at his (pardon the slang) shit-faced state, Relena staring with a particularly dark stare. Coffee was quickly delivered to the table, a steaming cup placed in front of Heero’s face. He squinted, trying to unblur his vision as he reached for it; everyone watched in silence as his hand knocked into the cup gracelessly, spilling it a little. He grasped the handle in a death grip and took a sip.

 

“The Irish sure know how to brew an ale, eh, Heero?”

 

Heero spat his coffee out and gaped at Relena’s haughty expression. The rest of his family was astounded. “I just wanted to-”

 

“You were down in steerage last night, weren’t you?” Relena seethed. “I have an eye-witness-”

 

“A spy you mean?” Heero snapped, then regretted it as pain went through his head.

 

“-who claims to have seen you down there, frolicking with all those dirty, third-class savages, especially that mongrel you call Duo-”

 

“DON’T YOU CALL HIM A MONGREL!” Heero roared. Everyone at the table drew back in astonishment. Heero’s mother, the renown Lady Une, snapped icily, “You are not to go near that boy again, do you understand me, Heero?”

 

Heero said nothing, just clutched the side of his head and gazed down at his lap.

 

“Heero,” his mother’s voice took on a deadly tone. “I forbid you.”

 

“I’ll do what I please-” Heero threw the defiant statement.

 

“If I see you with that boy again, I shall lock you in your room for the remainder of this journey, is that clear?” Lady Une’s voice was like a razor. She stood from her chair and threw her napkin on the table. “Any boy that wears girl’s clothing has got to have serious problems, anyway. Ladies? If you’ll join me in the conservatory?”

 

Heero wanted to jump up and scream and shout and throw things and say to hell with them all, but his courage was too slight, and his head hurt too badly to shout. He watched as his mother and her host of purchased friends left the room, leaving himself and Relena alone at the table. He deliberately did not look at her. Silence descended.

 

“Mark my words,” Relena said in a slow, low voice. “Heero, I will have the obstacle eliminated if it interferes with our relationship anymore. After all-” Her voice fell to a sugary coo. “- who knows what disease you might catch hanging around with that steerage trash, eh?”

 

Heero glared up at Relena hatefully, who only smiled slyly as she sipped her tea. She absently glanced at her small silver watch and said, “Oh! Time for my manicure. Do excuse me, love.”

 

Heero shuddered at the last word and watched her retreating back. When he was sure she was gone, he raised his hand and put down all fingers but the one in the middle. “Fuck...you,” he breathed.

 

* * *

 

Captain J stood in the wheelhouse, staring out across the cold Atlantic ocean with a slight scowl on his face. Every now and then a few small chunks of ice would float past, and he grew weary. “Chang,” he addressed his main officer. “How goes the weather tonight?”

 

Chang looked down at the report in his hands. “Clear, bright and still, sir.”

 

“Hmm,” J muttered. “That would make the icebergs hard to see. No ripples at the base.”

 

Chang nodded. “Want me to assign extra watches out, sir?”

 

“That would do, Chang.”

 

“Aye, aye, sir.”

 

And Chang left to round up some lads for watch duty that evening. J sighed heavily. He had been under extreme pressure to reach New York ahead of schedule, even to the extent where he was forced to fire up the last few engines, something a seasoned sailor would never in his right mind consider under weather conditions like these. J sighed again. He shouldn’t be worried. Bitanic was the unsinkable ship of dreams. What could possibly go wrong? (cue jynx)

 

* * *

 

Duo sighed as the ocean breeze rolled over the deck, and squinted at the figure of a woman and her children sitting on a nearby bench. He looked down at the picture he was sketching and quickly finished it, signing his initials at the bottom.

 

He smiled to himself as he remembered the night before, and how much fun he and Heero had with the Irish on C deck. They had jokingly danced together and drunk Irish Red until they were both falling on the floor laughing. It was crowded and hot, and Duo felt a little shiver inside as he remembered seeing Heero’s face hot and sweaty with his neatly combed hair all in disarray and hanging in his gorgeous blue eyes...

 

Someone suddenly dropped into the deck chair next to him and he turned, hoping it was Heero. It was only Hilde, and she looked worried. “You’d better watch your ass around that first class boy,” she said.

 

“Heero would never come onto-”

 

“What I meant, gutter brain,” Hilde snapped, swatting him on the head. “Was that I noticed this guy staring at you-”

 

“I always have guys staring at me,” Duo joked, tossing his braid.

 

“Listen to me! You know what I mean! He was dressed all fancy, and I didn’t like the way he looked at you. I think he’s a spy from the Yuy family. I’d watch my back around that Heero, if I were you.” She cocked her head. “You don’t look well. Are you hung over still?”

 

Duo nodded and grinned. “Yup. Me and Heero both.”

 

Hilde shook her head. “And yet you can create such wonderful drawings,” she said, gazing at his sketch. “Well, take care. Be careful.”

 

And she got up and left. Duo stood and stretched, cracked his knuckles, and tucked the sketch into his folder. Suddenly, something caught his eye. Or someone, rather. It was Heero. He couldn’t miss Heero in a crowd of Heeros. Duo broke into a beaming smile and waved. Heero didn’t see him. Duo plowed haphazardly across the deck, bumping into people in his haste. Heero had his back to him as he called, “Hey! Heero!”

 

He didn’t turn around. Duo frowned, and grabbed his arm. “Hey, why aren’t you-”

 

Heero turned around with eyes red from crying. Duo’s sentence died, and he took Heero’s face in both hands. “Oi, Heero,” he murmured affectionately, and Heero blushed. “Did you drink too much last night? Or have you been crying?”

 

Heero pulled away from his touch and said, “We need to talk. Alone.”

 

* * *

 

On a nearby stretch of empty deck shadowed by the wheelhouse, Heero turned to Duo and said, “We can no longer see each other.”

 

Silence fell as Duo heard the words he knew he didn’t just hear. “Wh...what?”

 

Heero swallowed the sobs in his throat and choked, “It’s not right. You’re third class. I’m first class. And we’re both men. We shouldn’t even talk to each-”

 

Duo grabbed Heero shoulders and pushed him against the wall. “We’re both human, aren’t we?” he demanded, feeling a knot form in his throat. “I breathe and bleed and feel pain just like you. How does that make us so different?”

 

“Ever heard of a thing called caste?” Heero said quietly.

 

“I know what caste is, and it’s just a buncha bullshit, Heero. Your family is making you say this. Relena. Your mother-”

 

Heero refused to look into Duo’s eyes. He kept his head turned the other way, but he heard everything Duo said...and he knew he was right.

 

“-they’re manipulating you. Society is- Heero. Look at me.”

 

Heero reluctantly turned his head and gazed into those gorgeous lavender eyes that showed everything at once, mercy, compassion, care, love...

 

“If you get off in New York with Relena, if you marry her, Heero, you might as well kill yourself now and save the time. That’s what you were doing when we first met, remember? I don’t know if she cares about you the way I do or not, but Heero...” Duo’s voice became choked with tears. “You’ll die. Maybe not right away because you’re tough, but sooner or later you will. That star- that shining star that gleamed so bright when I first laid eyes on you- that star, Heero, that I love about you...it’s gonna burn out.”

 

Tears ran down Heero’s face as Duo’s heartfelt confession fell upon his ears.

 

“Please, Heero, please,” Duo reached up and brushed the tears from Heero’s face, leaning down close to him. “I don’t want that star to die. You’re the only thing I see when I look up into the darkness my life has become, shining on me, guiding me. I want you to be happy. I want to know the decision you make will bring you happiness. That’s all I want, Heero. I want to know you’ll be happy.’’

 

Heero looked away. “I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me.” He stepped sideways out of Duo’s grip and turned his back. “I think you should be leaving now, Duo.”

 

If Duo’s heart were made of glass, it shattered into a million pieces right then. He trembled and shook as his devastated nerves lost control of his numbing body. “If...” he whispered. “If it makes you happy.”

 

And he turned around and left. After a few moments, Heero took a step and stopped. The realisation of what he had just done seized his heart and made him fall against the wall. In a quivering, small voice he asked himself, “What...have I done...?”

 

 

~Later that evening~

 

Duo was standing at the very bow of the ship, watching the brilliant sunset as it turned the sky red and orange and pink. He didn’t see it. He didn’t seem to see anything anymore. He wondered if he would ever be able to draw again. All he saw was Heero’s face everywhere he went. The blue ocean was Heero’s eyes, the satin clouds were his hair, the cool breeze was the touch of his skin and his very breath. And the stars...

 

Duo looked up at the faintly shimmering stars coming into view and felt his heart break all over again, the shards it already was, ground into a fine dust by the heel of ugly, cruel reality. He crossed his arms on the rail and sighed heavily as the breeze ran though his hair.

 

Soft footsteps sounded on the deck behind him, but he didn’t hear them. Several minutes passed before there finally came a voice, “Duo?”

 

He turned around slowly, and beheld Heero standing alone on the deck, bathed in the orange light of the setting sun. “Heero,” he said in awe. “What...? Why...?”

 

Heero smiled that captivating smile that somehow made Duo’s knees shake and said gently, “I changed my mind.”

 

Duo couldn’t believe it. He felt as if his broken heart was suddenly and magically repaired and that nothing in the world could surpass the emotions rushing through it now. He smiled in relief.

 

Heero stared as Duo extended his hand toward him. “C’mon,” he coaxed softly. “I want to show you something.”

 

Heero took Duo’s hand.

 

“Close your eyes.”

 

Heero did so, and stepped unsteadily up onto the first rung of the rail.

 

“Okay, now. Spread your arms...like this...”

 

Duo guided Heero’s arms open and said, “Do you believe in me? That I would never hurt you?”

 

Heero nodded, eyes still closed. “I believe in you.”

 

Duo gently let go of Heero’s hands and rested them on his slender hips. He could feel him trembling nervously as he leaned close to Heero’s ear and whispered, “Open your eyes, Heero.”

 

The lashes lifted over deep blue irises and Heero caught his breath. “I- I’m flying, Duo!” he exclaimed, seeing the ocean sail past him with no ship marring his view. He smiled and flapped his arms. “I’m flying!”

 

Duo chuckled, then Heero slipped and Duo was forced to wrap his arms fully around his waist to steady him. Heero lowered his arms and placed them on Duo’s warm hands, turning his head slightly. They both paused expectantly, wondering what would happen next. And then, it happened.

 

Their lips met gently, pressing together in a timid embrace. It was a shy kiss, hesitant and uncertain. Then it quickly turned urgent as certainty filled their hearts. Tongues touched and caressed, and Heero found his hand traveling up to Duo’s face, pulling him closer, his heart all the while fluttering in his chest like rose petals in the wind.

 

Heero turned around and wrapped his arms over Duo’s shoulders, pulling their bodies closely together. It was a timeless kiss, one where the world stopped just for them, and the sand in that hourglass we call Life ceased to fall. It wasn’t a matter of gender. It wasn’t a matter of social standing. It wasn’t a matter of anything but love, pure and true and hateless.

 

Their lips parted slowly and Duo leaned into Heero, who was startled by a very rock-like, hard protrusion jabbing into his pelvis. He looked up at Duo with a blanched, fearful face. Duo, sensing Heero’s discomfort, pulled away and put some distance between their bodies. He smiled and laughed in an embarrassed way. “Forgive me,” he muttered. “Um...that was very rude of me-”

 

“You couldn’t help it,” Heero insisted. “It’s just a normal, bodily reaction.”

 

“True, true. But it’s still not the sort of thing you flaunt in front of a gentleman.” Duo winked and stepped down off the rail, taking Heero’s hand and helping him down. They walked together on the deck for a while, keeping a watchful eye out for “spies”.

 

“So, have you done anymore drawings, Duo?” Heero inquired, making idle conversation.

 

“Yes, actually. Quite a few.”

 

“Oh! I want to see them!” he said excitedly, and Duo looked fearful.

 

“Not here,” he whispered. “Someplace private, maybe...”

 

Heero took Duo’s hand and said, “Come on. We’ll go to my stateroom.”

 

Duo set his heels into the deck and refused to budge. “You might as well lead me to the gallows-!”

 

“No one will be there. My mother and Relena are engaged in the after-dinner socialization of upper class pigs, and the men will stay in the study until the brandy and cigars run out. We’ve plenty of time.”

 

Duo sighed. “If you say so...”

 

* * *

 

Heero’s stateroom was large and furnished lavishly with expensive furniture and accessories. Duo walked around and admired as Heero locked the door to ensure their privacy. Duo stopped at the mantle and ran his fingers across the polished cherry finish, whistling admirably. “Whew! You people sure know how to live it up in here.”

 

Heero rolled his eyes. “Please,” he huffed, and took a seat on the small velveteen sofa.

 

“Here, let me see your folder.”

 

Duo handed the folder to Heero, who said, “There’s some red wine on the bureau in the corner. Feel free to help yourself.”

So Heero poured over Duo’s many sketches as his significant other poured himself a conservative amount of wine. The last thing he needed was another hangover like the one the night before.

 

“You are so talented, Duo,” Heero said, and looked up at him with a smile. “They’re all beautiful.”

 

“You can have one if you want.”

 

“Oh no! I couldn’t!”

 

Duo flopped down on the sofa next to Heero and said, “Well, I can draw a picture of you. How does that sound?”

 

Heero turned to him with sparkling eyes and gaped, “Really? You’d draw a picture of me? For me?”

 

Duo chuckled. “Hey, I’ve drawn disfigured prostitutes. I’m sure I could draw a handsome guy like you, no problem.”

 

“Hang on! Let me get something!”

 

Heero got up and rushed to the small safe, turning the dial quickly. It opened and he withdrew a small velvet box. He stood behind Duo and placed it in his hands. Duo, always curious, opened it. The Jewel of the Heart gleamed brightly up at him.

 

“Holy Moses!” he cried. “Is that a ruby or a Ring Pop!?”

 

“It’s a ruby. It’s called the Jewel of the Heart. It’s a wedding present from...ugh...Relena.” As Duo gaped, Heero placed his hands on Duo’s shoulders and slid them up and down his chest. He leaned down and said softly in his ear, “I want you to draw me like one of your French boys, wearing this,” Heero tapped the velvet case. Duo nodded, not quite catching on.

 

“Sure. I can do that.”

 

Heero leaned closer and whispered, “Wearing...nothing but this.”

 

Duo turned around, eyes wide. Heero had a crafty smile playing across his lips as he took the ring from Duo.

 

“I’ll let you set the scene,” he said. “I’m going to get ready.”

 

And Heero walked into one of the small bedrooms and shut the door behind him. Duo stared forever at the back of the door, his yap hanging wide open.

 

“Uh...I’ll just...okay!” he called.

 

* * *

 

When Heero emerged a short while later wearing a black satin robe, he found Duo dragging the furniture all over the place, pausing to check the lighting, and then moving it some more. When he was satisfied with the effect, he stood straight and nodded briskly to himself. Heero caught his attention, and he turned to see him leaning seductively against the doorframe, wearing the robe, his smile, the ring, and nothing else.

 

Duo coughed nervously and took his seat, sharpening his charcoal pencils carefully. When he finished, he motioned for Heero. “Okay. All’s in readiness.”

 

Heero sauntered slowly over to Duo, looking first at the small sofa and then Duo’s face. His grin never died. He extended his hand, fist closed around something. Duo held out his hand curiously. “As a paying customer-” Heero dropped a quarter into his hand. “-I expect the most for my money.”

 

He smiled craftily and stepped backward. His face went serious as his hands fell to the sash of his robe. He untied it slowly, and Duo gulped. The front opened, and the black satin fell down Heero’s pale, smooth shoulders, down his arms...before falling in a crumpled heap onto the floor.

 

Duo’s mouth went totally dry as his eyes ran up and down Heero’s nubile body, wondering how he was ever going to hold the charcoal in his hands and draw. Nothing he could draw could capture Heero’s beauty and grace. But he would try.

 

Heero gazed at him with a nervous, worried expression on his face. Duo cleared his throat and motioned to the small sofa he had prepared. Heero obediently lay down on it, making sure that the ring was in view. He commanded himself to not become aroused. It would humiliate him, and his fear of this kept the member down for the time being.

 

“Um...put your arm...no...yeah. Like that. Okay,” Duo instructed, ignoring the sudden tightness of his trousers. “Drape that arm behind you. Keep your fingers straight just a little...rest that arm back on the pillow-perfect. Perfect. Hold that.”

 

Heero smiled as he watched Duo squint at him, a hard, concentrating expression on his face. And he began to draw.

 

For an hour, Heero listened to the scritch scratch of Duo’s pencil across the rough paper and tried to still his pounding heart. It was the most erotic moment he thought he would ever experience in his life. He gazed steadily at Duo’s face, drifting into lurid daydreams as he stared. It was then that he reached the conclusion, undeniable truth, the sum of it all; he was truly in love with Duo Maxwell.

 

Duo blew on the paper one last time and signed it. “I’m done,” he said in a shaky voice. “Come see it.”

 

Heero sat up and pulled the robe back on and placed the ring back in its case. He stood behind Duo’s seat and gazed upon the picture. “It’s magnificent,” he breathed, and Duo handed it to him. As Heero leaned down to take it, he kissed Duo tenderly on the lips. It ended all too soon, and Heero looked at the drawing he held. “Thank you, Duo.”

 

He began to walk to his room and turned suddenly. “Oh, right. Could you take these and put them in the safe for me?”

 

He handed the drawing and the ring case to Duo, who took them and allowed Heero to go get dressed. As he returned the things to the safe, he sighed and closed the small door, wiping away the sweat that had beaded on his brow. “God,” he muttered. “Ain’t no French boy on Earth can hold a candle to him.”

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 

Noin, Sally, and the rest of the crew were staring with saucer eyes and open mouths as they sat cross-legged on the floor and listened to Heero, who sighed dreamily. “That had to be the biggest turn-on in my whole life...” He suddenly snapped back to reality and glanced at his enraptured audience. He coughed uncomfortably. “Anyway, you get the point.”

 

Noin turned to Sally and asked, “Will you draw me naked?”

 

Sally blinked. “Only if you wanna look like five twigs with a smiley face on top.”

 

“Oh,” Noin sighed disappointedly.

 

“Then what happened? Then what happened?” the rest of the crew asked eagerly.

 

“Did you fuck?” Sally asked plainly.

 

“NO, WE DIDN’T FUCK!” Heero cried. “Duo was very professional. And very gentlemanly-”

 

“I don’t know how those words can be put together. ‘Gentle’ and ‘man’. Isn’t that an oxymoron?”

 

Noin nudged Sally reprovingly and snapped, “You’re the oxymoron!”

 

“Your mama’s an oxymoron!”

 

“Settle down, children! Or I’ll get the Belt!” Heero roared.

 

Noin, Sally and the crew fell silent.

 

“Now then,” Heero continued. “‘Twas the night that Bitanic did sink in the sea, and not a person did know it, not even me-”

 

“He must be senile,” Noin whispered. Sally nodded.

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 

Heero got dressed and was helping Duo put the furniture back into place when there was a knock and a jostle at the door. They heard Romefellar’s gruff voice shout, “Open up! I know you’re in there!”

 

Duo and Heero both looked at each other in terror before they erupted into snickers, scrambling madly all over the place. “Shit! Shit! Shit!” Duo hissed, trying not to laugh.

 

“There’s another way out! Hurry!” Heero motioned to Duo, and they slipped behind a door just the first door was broken down.

 

“Lock it!”

 

Heero flipped the latch and turned to look at Duo. They both burst into insane giggles, like the naughty children being caught doing something they shouldn’t. The door suddenly pounded, rattling the frame and Duo whispered, “Ah hell. C’mon!”

 

He grabbed Heero’s hand and the two fled from the stateroom just as the door was burst down by an enraged Romefellar. The chase that ensued surpassed every chase in history. Heero and Duo were laughing so hard they could barely run, and Romefellar grew increasingly pissed when he could barely catch up to them. And they were laughing at him. That made it humiliating.

 

Heero and Duo burst in view on the landing of the Grand Staircase on deck A.

 

“C’mon, c’mon! Down this way!” Duo said quickly. Just then, Romefellar came into view, and Duo and Heero’s faces drained. He started towards them with a look that could kill. “Shit!” Duo cursed. He turned quickly and picked Heero up by the waist, setting him on the banister.

 

“Duo, what are you doing!” Heero cried.

 

“You’ll see,” he said, hopping on and giving a push. The two young men slid down the banister, leaving Romefellar standing at the top of the staircase, tearing at his hair in frustration. Duo smiled, made eye contact with him, and showed him the Finger. Romefellar performed a stomp of rage that would pride any Riverdance fan as Duo and Heero slipped off the banister and ran hand in hand out of sight.

 

Romefellar had no choice but to give chase, following them down into the bowels of the great ship. They ran from the Grand Staircase down to the reception room on B deck, down through the third class cabins, and hopped on an elevator down to the cargo hold. This is where they lost Romefellar, ducking behind a crate of imported wines while he searched about. He finally gave up, and they listened for his footsteps to fade before they burst out laughing, falling all over each other and rolling on the floor.

 

“Oh my God! Did you see that look on his face when we slid down the stair rail?” Duo gasped, and Heero closed his eyes and held his middle as he laughed.

 

“It was a stellar move, Duo! I’ve never done that before!”

 

“What, run from authority?”

 

“No, slid down the stairs!”

 

“AHA HA HA HAA!”

 

They laughed for five minutes straight. Whenever they would look at each other, it would start all over again. Finally, fatigued from laughing, Duo stood and took Heero’s hand, helping him to his feet. Breathless, they walked out into the large, open cargo bay, gazing around with curiosity.

 

“Where are we?” Duo asked.

 

“In cargo,” Heero replied. “These are the things destined for American shores.”

 

Duo nodded wisely. “Oh, I see.”

 

His eyes suddenly caught sight of something and he stood tall. “Hmm, what have we here?”

 

Heero walked alongside him toward the vehicle, shiny and new-looking. “It’s one of those new electric motorcars,” Heero said, and Duo nodded, impressed. They decided to play a farce. Duo opened the door for Heero and said in a snobby English accent, “Oftah you, seh!”

 

“Thank you,” Heero chuckled and stepped into the back of the car while Duo gladly hopped into the front seat. He beeped the horn pompously and declared, “No need ta worry, seh! This is octually the safest vehicle t’be in, in a rain storm!”

 

They both laughed. “Wheh to, seh?”

 

Heero leaned over the back of the front seat and whispered, “To heaven.”

 

And he grabbed Duo and pulled him into the back of the car as Duo laughed in nervous disbelief. They settled together in each other’s arms, face to face and heart to beating heart. Heero snuggled deeply against Duo’s chest and kissed his palm. Duo stared in wonder at the young man in his arms, and wondered how in the grand scheme of things he had come to be so blessed with his affection. Heero gazed up at him adoringly yet nervously, and he knew what Heero was thinking.

 

“You afraid?” Duo asked softly.

 

Heero shook his head. “Not when I’m with you.”

 

He shifted, slipping his leg over Duo’s and wrapping his arms around his neck. “Take me, Duo,” he whispered.

 

“N-now..?”

 

Heero’s face fell. “Oh. No. Tomorrow, Duo. Of course now.”

 

“....all righty, then.”

 

He pulled Heero onto his lap, hot mouth on his neck and lapping at the warm flesh. Heero breathed heavily, not even caring that he was handing his virginity over to some third-class vagabond he had met three days ago. He loved him, and he knew what he was doing.

 

Their arousals rubbed against each other and even through cloth the sensation made them both moan. Duo began fumbling with the buttons on his shirt. He finally yanked it off, revealing his well-toned arms and chest, and began to undo his pants. Something occurred to him suddenly and he stopped.

 

“Oh God.”

 

“What?” Heero panted.

 

“Have you got anything we could use as...a...lubricant of some sort?”

 

Heero shook his head. “No, and I don’t care. We can do without it.”

 

Duo stared. “You don’t realise what you just said. It’ll hurt really bad-”

 

“And I want you really bad,” Heero replied, pulling him closer. “As long as it’s you, I know you’ll never hurt me.” A small smile lit Heero’s features. “After all, I believe in you.”

 

Tears stung Duo’s eyes and he blinked rapidly, not wanting to cry in front of his love. Heero saw him do this, and smiled gently, kissing the corner of his mouth.

 

“It’s okay, you can cry. I won’t tell anybody.”

 

This caused only more tears to well up in Duo’s eyes, and when next he blinked, they ran down his face. “Dammit, Heero,” he whispered, holding him tightly in his arms. “Why do you gotta understand me so well?”

 

Heero fingered a chestnut tendril of Duo’s hair and replied with a grin, “It’s a girl thing. You wouldn’t understand.”

 

Duo smiled and laughed once, softly. Then he leaned down and kissed Heero’s lips, an embrace that lasted longer than any time before. Their clothes piled up messily on the floor of the car as they both sat in the backseat, creating love.

 

Duo ran his hands up the sides of Heero’s body and down again, caressing his hips and thighs and kneading his firm, fleshy rear. His hands took a full tour of Heero’s body, rubbing his lower stomach and chest tenderly. He paused to give a gentle tweak to Heero’s nipples, and Heero squirmed impatiently, craving more of the rush he felt flowing through him.

 

Duo broke the kiss and breathed, “You like that?”

 

Heero nodded, already beginning to sweat in the cramped space of the vehicle.

 

“Want me to do it again?”

 

Heero nodded again, then arched his back as Duo repeated his actions. Eyes barely hanging open, Heero panted, “Harder...harder, Duo.”

 

He did as Heero said, and Heero clenched his teeth and hissed pleasurably when he felt the slightly painful but mostly satisfying sharp pinches.

 

“Oh...God, Duo...” he gasped raggedly. Duo ceased his painful ministrations and leaned forward to lick the hard, fleshy nubs that had become so tender and sore. Hot saliva trickled down Heero’s chest, and he began to breathe more heavily. He leaned into Duo’s mouth, enjoying the massage of his tongue. Reaching behind his back, Heero sought out Duo’s braid and found it, sneakily undoing the small tie and allowing Duo’s hair to slowly unwind from its coils. Heero ran his hands through Duo’s hair before leaning back and gazing at his undone image.

 

He caught his breath. “Why didn’t you tell me you looked so beautiful with your hair down?”

 

Duo blushed and shrugged. “Now’s not the time I wanna think about me-” He wrapped his arms around Heero’s waist and pulled him close. Their erect members brushed together, and Heero moaned in agony. “I wanna think about you.”

 

Heero gazed into Duo’s eyes, more violet than ever he’d seen them before, and he leaned down, begging for a kiss. Duo gave it to him, and they resumed their passion play.

 

Sneakily, Duo slid his hands down between Heero’s legs, massaging the acutely sensitive flesh there. Heero whined and kissed Duo harder, squeezing his arms around his neck. Duo moved on, fingering gently around for what he desired. He found it, rubbing it gently so as to inform Heero of his intentions. There were no objections, and he pried gently into his body. Heero’s muscles tensed and he ceased kissing, gripping Duo’s shoulders tightly. They locked eyes.

 

Duo pushed harder against the clench of his opening, groping around till he found Heero’s pleasure spot. He brushed against it, and saw Heero’s eyes cloud over with a haze of sexual gratification. Heero wriggled on Duo’s lap, asking silently for more. Duo withdrew his finger, and Heero gave him a heartbroken look. That look changed to shock when he felt not one, but two fingers slide into him. Duo pushed further, going in to his knuckles. He felt Heero’s skin prick under his touch and he pulled out and pushed in for several minutes, allowing Heero to get accustomed to the sensation.

 

“Aaa...aah!” Heero cried in a high, helpless voice. He writhed in Duo’s lap and let out a short cry each time Duo penetrated him. When Duo felt that Heero was sufficiently prepped, he pulled out a last time and looked into his eyes. Heero didn’t even blink, his expression of pleasure never changing. Duo gently took his sex and guided it to the place his fingers had been. He pressed gently, knowing this would be a lot more painful than two slender fingers, before sliding slowly in.

 

Heero whimpered and squirmed, and Duo slid in deeper. Heero’s fingernails left marks in Duo’s flesh and he bit his lower lip to keep from crying out. It felt awful at first; it felt like he was being stretched out painfully and slowly being split in two. But then Duo rubbed against that place in Heero that made things seem suddenly not so bad after all.

 

Duo gently took Heero’s erection and stroked it, running his thumb over the tip and the small drops of moisture condensing there. Heero groaned in need and pushed his body down, forcing Duo deeper in. They continued this play before they grew restless, and the pace quickened as they both became giddy with excitement and things began to rush by in a blur in their foggy minds.

 

Heero moved his hips from side to side, easing the hard flesh in until Duo was fully within him. This lasted hardly long enough before the pleasure surged into both their bodies, gushing through their veins like tidal waves of electric passion. It ran its full course in a matter of moments, leaving them shaking and shuddering and gasping raggedly for breath. The stickiness and damp, cramped quarters were overlooked and they settled comfortably in the dark together.

 

Heero sighed contentedly and rest his head in the crook of Duo’s neck.

 

“You’re so hot,” he murmured, blowing cool breath gently onto Duo’s back.

 

“So are you. It’s hot as hell in here,” he replied, allowing himself to slip out of Heero’s body. He felt Heero shiver and hug him tightly, skin clammy and sticky.

 

“I feel empty without you in me,” Heero whispered. Duo smiled and kissed his shoulder.

 

“Don’t worry. We’ll do it again.”

 

“Soon?” Heero asked hopefully, and Duo laughed.

 

“Promise.”

 

Silence fell for a short while. Heero fell in and out of sleep, but Duo was thinking too much to do so. After a while, he said, “Heero, when we reach New York...I want you to get off with me.”

 

Heero awoke more fully and pulled back to study Duo’s face. It was serious.

 

“You’re serious,” Heero stated.

 

Duo nodded. “I haven’t got anything to offer you, Heero. I don’t even have a job. I’ve got ten bucks in my pocket and I have no idea where I’ll be a week from now but...” His voice broke and he held Heero’s hand. “...it would mean the world to me -more that the world- to have you by my side when I sleep at night, comforting me...holding me. If you would consent, I could make this dream come true. This dream of us...will you let me?”

 

Heero’s eyes filled with tears and he suddenly threw his arms around Duo. “Duo, you idiot,” he wept. “I’d stay with you if you were the poorest man alive. You make me laugh, and that’s something precious to me. After all, if happiness lay in money I’d be as poor as you had we not met that day. I will get off with you in New York. And I’ll live with you forever... is that enough for you, Duo?”

 

He nodded, a few tears slipping down his cheeks. “That’s enough.”

 

There was a pause as Duo looked around at the mess, bodily and otherwise, all in the back seat. “Man, I’ll sure feel sorry for the suckers who buy this car.”

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 

Heero paused, and looked at his audience. All were watching with goggle-eyes, sweating heavily and breathing with difficulty. A few guys even had their shirts off for the sudden heat in the small room. Heero sat up primly, noting that the first few buttons of his shirt were undone. “Um, how about we all take a short recess and then I’ll continue with my story, alright?”

 

“Capital idea!”

 

“Brilliant!”

 

“I’ll meet up with you later.”

 

The crowd jumped to their feet and ran for the cold showers. Except for Noin and Sally. They ran for the broom closet. No further comment.

 

A short while later, everybody returned to the small room, looking cooled off and refreshed looking. Except for Noin and Sally. They still looked like hell.

 

“Okay,” Heero cleared his throat. “Where was I?” Everybody in the room gave him The Look, and Heero felt a drop of sweat roll down the side of his face. “Okay, okay. You don’t have to look at me like that. Alright...” Ahem. After Duo and I had finished fogging up the car, we decided to go out on deck and take in the night air...”

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 

Duo and Heero stumbled clumsily out on deck, laughing in the frigid night air. Their breath condensed into thick mists, and Heero giggled as Duo impersonated a steam engine. They fell into each other’s arms and shared a passionate kiss.

 

From up in the crow’s nest high above deck, Quatre looked down and spotted the happy couple. He nudged Trowa in the ribs to get his attention. “Look,” Quatre said, shivering. “It’s that nice gay boy we met the other night.”

 

“Ah, yes. I remember.”

 

“Aww, look. He’s found himself a mate,” Quatre giggled, watching them schmooze on the deck below. Quatre shivered again and turned to look at Trowa. “I’ll bet they’re a lot warmer than us!” he joked.

 

Trowa grinned. “If that’s what it takes to get warm-!”

 

The two disappeared from view, but it was noticed that every now and then a puff of steam would float out in the air above them. Duo and Heero strode hand in hand to the bow of the ship. They were chatting pleasantly when suddenly Duo motioned for Heero to be silent. He was watching the ocean in front of the ship.

 

“What is it? What do you see?”

 

A massive shape loomed out of the darkness, and Duo felt his heart leap into his throat. “Iceberg,” he whispered, then panic seized him. “Iceberg! ICEBERG!”

 

He pulled Heero to the other side of the ship as Quatre and Trowa sprang upright. Their eyes widened in mortal fear as they both uttered, “Oh shit.”

 

They reached for the alarm bell at the same time, and the deafening ringing filled everyone’s ears. From in the wheelhouse, Chang glanced up to see the monstrous shape of the iceberg before the ship. “Hard to starboard!” he ordered, and the crew scrambled. “Engines full reverse! HARD TO STARBOARD, DAMN YOU!”

 

The crew tried to do as he said, turning the wheel as far to the right as it would go and slamming the engines into full reverse. The ship jerked and shuddered with a horrible groan. Duo and Heero nearly lost their footing on the unsteady deck. Below the waves, the giant propellers stopped. Then, they slowly began to spin in the opposite direction. But Bitanic didn’t slow down.

 

Chang watched the iceberg draw closer and closer. “Stop, lads,” he said to his younger crew mates. “We’ve done all we can do.”

 

So every eye was upon the iceberg. It came closer and closer. Bitanic showed no signs of steering.

 

“Turn,” Duo whispered urgently. “Why won’t it turn!”

 

Heero clung onto his arm and said nothing, eyes wide and disbelieving. Slowly, Bitanic began to make her turn. It’s too late now, Chang thought. It’s too late-

 

Bitanic struck the iceberg with a blow that rattled the entire ship. Duo and Heero were knocked off their feet and sent sliding across the deck. Large chunks of ice splintered off and landed heavily all around them. Duo threw himself over Heero and shielded him from the pelts of ice.

 

“Get the captain,” Chang said, turning to the rest of the crew. “And get Instructor Andrews up here with some blueprints. Tell him we’ve just struck an iceberg.”

 

The crew scattered in search of the captain and the instructor. Chang sighed and leaned heavily on the wheel. It was just an iceberg. How bad could the damage possibly be? (cue jynx again)

 

* * *

 

Duo and Heero picked themselves up off the deck and watched the jagged iceberg slip slowly into the night. Everything was strangely still; no sound of the engines running, none of the usual vibrations. It was unnerving, silent, and very, very still. “Do you think it hurt the ship?” Heero asked.

 

“I don’t know,” Duo replied, frowning and looking around. He spotted Captain J and Instructor Andrews walking towards the back room of the wheelhouse. Heero ran after him, pulling Duo along with him. “Instructor! Mr. Andrews! Wait!”

 

Instructor H. Andrews looked up and paused as Heero and Duo ran to his side.

 

“Mr. Andrews,” Heero panted. “What’s wrong? What’s happening?”

 

“I don’t know yet, lad. Follow me and we’ll soon find out.”

 

They followed Andrews into the back room. The door shut behind them, and they saw that the party consisted of only Chang, the captain, the instructor, and a few members of the crew. A set of blueprints were quickly laid out on the table and Andrews leaned over them. “Do we have any confirmed flooding?” he asked.

 

“Yessir,” said one of the crewmates. “The berg struck on the starboard side. The metal plates buckled and the steel rivets gave out. We’re taking on water like a broken dam.”

 

“Is there anything we can do?” Chang asked Andrews, whose face looked grim.

 

“We can pray,” he replied. All were silent. Heero and Duo stood against the wall, fearful eyes gazing upon every figure. Finally, Captain J spoke up.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“If we’ve struck at front,” Andrews said. “That means that one of the water tight compartments near the boiler room has flooded-”

 

“Compartment Two and Three confirmed flooded,” a crewman said. Andrews paled.

 

“Then it’s spilling over.” He put his hand on the diagram, indicated the motion of the water. “It’s going over the top between compartments. When those fill, it will spill over and over and over...” He looked up at the captain. “This ship will sink.”

 

“Boiler rooms evacuated,” the crewman informed.

 

“Impossible!” someone retorted. “Bitanic simply can’t sink-”

 

“She’s made of steel and iron. I assure you,” Andrews snapped. “She can. And she will.”

 

Silence fell again. Heero and Duo clung fearfully onto each other, but neither were comforted.

 

“How long will we have?” J asked softly.

 

“About an hour. Two at the most,” Andrews said.

 

Heero buried his face in Duo’s chest and clung onto his jacket front.

 

“Someone get on the wireless,” J ordered, and several crewmen scrambled for the door. “And don’t send a CQD. Send an SOS.” The captain turned back to Chang. “How many lifeboats do we have, lad?”

 

He gulped. “Sixteen. And four collapsibles, sir.”

 

J nodded. “And how many people on board?” Chang was silent. J persisted. “How many, lad?”

 

“Two thousand, two hundred, sir.”

 

J closed his eyes. A young man entered the room and said, “Sir, we’ve got the Parcathia on the wire. They’ll be able to reach us in four hours.”

 

“That’s not enough time,” Chang said, turning to the captain. “Sir, what shall be done?”

 

The seasoned captain opened his eyes. “Women and children first,” he said. “Chang, you take charge. See that people get in the lifeboats. Andrews, you and the rest of the crew inform the passengers that the ship is sinking. But do it calmly. I don’t want disorder on my ship.”

 

Everybody did as they were told, and soon the room was empty save for the captain, Duo and Heero. Duo and the captain met eyes and there was a silent exchange of words. Then, J turned around and left the room.

 

“C’mon, Heero,” Duo said firmly. “We’ve got to find your family and make sure they get to a lifeboat. C’mon now.”

 

And they left the room hurriedly in search for Heero’s family.

 

* * *

 

Relena surveyed her fiancée’s stateroom as Romefeller went about checking for any evidence as to where the star-crossed couple could have gone. Relena sat in a chair, seething, when Romefeller tapped her shoulder.

 

“I believe I found the reason why all the furniture was messed about,” he said, and handed the nude sketch of Heero to Relena. She stared at it, face blackened in rage. She looked at the initials in the bottom corner. “D.M.,” she read between clenched teeth. “Duo Maxwell.” She held the sketch as if she meant to tear it, but she stopped herself. “Romefellar?”

 

“Yes, madam?”

 

Relena turned with a wicked, sly smile creeping across her face. “Where’s the ring? I have an idea.”

 

* * *

 

Heero and Duo walked down the hall with determined faces, their hands locked together tightly. Romefellar smiled a saccharine sweet grin and met up with them, saying, “So nice of you two to join us now,” as he sneakily slipped the Jewel of the Heart into Duo’s coat pocket. Upon entering the stateroom, they joined Heero’s mother and Relena, including a few of Lady Une’s friends.

 

“Heero!” his mother cried. “Where have you been? I’ve been worried so much I’ve gotten a headache! I demand to know why you...” She looked down and saw Duo’s fingers twined around her son’s and she shut her mouth, face darkening to an unhealthy purple.

 

“Mother, go wait outside. I’ll explain later-”

 

The door closed with a slam as Lady Une left, leaving Heero and Duo alone with Relena and Romefellar. Relena cut in, thrusting the picture under Heero’s nose. “Explain this, if you would be so kind,” she snarled. Heero said nothing. “And as if it weren’t bad enough that my fiancée is an adulterous trollop, I’ve been robbed as well.” She narrowed her eyes at Duo. “Romefellar, search him.”

 

Duo was torn away from Heero as Romefellar roughly groped over his body, searching. Heero turned to Relena angrily. “What is the meaning of this? Duo would never take anything-”

 

“Found it,” Romefellar stated, pulling the glimmering ruby ring from Duo’s pocket. Duo looked almost as shocked as Heero as he watched Romefellar hand the ring to Relena. Heero met Duo’s eyes, puzzled and appalled.

 

“Heero, I didn’t do it! This is bullshit, Heero!” Duo cried.

 

“Arrest him,” Relena ordered, and Romefellar instantly was restraining a fighting, kicking Duo. She pocketed the ring and watched Duo struggle.

 

“They’re wrong! Don’t listen to them, Heero!”

 

Heero looked dazed. “But...Duo would never...I had my eyes on him the whole time...”

 

“Maybe he took it when you were putting your clothes back on, darling,” Relena whispered.

 

“Don’t believe it, Heero! They planted the ring on me-!”

 

“Shut up,” Relena growled, and jerked her head at Romefellar. “Take him away.”

 

Heero grabbed Relena’s arm. “You can’t! This ship is sinking! We’ve got to get to a lifeboat!”

 

“So I’ve heard. I’m sure they’ve got one for criminals, love,” Relena said.

 

“But you don’t understand! There’s not enough! Over half the people on this boat will die!”

 

“Oh, you’re breaking my heart. Let’s get up on deck and access the situation, shall we?”

 

Relena stuffed the sketch back into the safe and locked it securely before taking a firm hold of Heero and literally dragging him out of the room.

 

* * *

 

Duo was jumping and struggling as Romefellar fought to drag him down the narrow hall. “Let me go! Rrrgh! Get off me, bastard!” he screamed, and people in the halls stared with wide eyes. “This ship is sinking! We’ve gotta get off! Goddammit! Doesn’t anyone hear me?!” He turned to several people walking by and yelled, “Get to a lifeboat! We’re sinking! Save yourselves-unh!”

 

Romefellar delivered a swift clout to the side of Duo’s head and he spun dizzily for a few moments. “I know exactly where I’m going to put you,” he growled, emerging on deck with Duo and dragging him to the stern of the great ship. The great propellers were now still, and an eerie silence had fallen. Romefellar took out a pair of handcuffs and snapped one to Duo’s left wrist. He lifted Duo’s arm and hung it over the other side of the rail and snapped the other end to his right wrist.

 

Duo looked up groggily just as Romefellar reared back and punched him in the face. There was a crack and blood began to run from Duo’s nose, but he didn’t cry out. “Bastard...” he hissed as the blood ran down his lips. 

 

He gazed up at Romefellar, who was holding the key to the cuffs with a grin on his face. Duo looked down at his chained wrists and then back at Romefellar, who promptly tossed the key overboard and then turned away. “I’m sure you’ll be able to find it at the bottom of the ocean, lad.”

 

And with that, he walked away, leaving Duo chained helplessly to the back rail. Duo glanced over the side at the dark, freezing ocean and tried to wipe the blood off his face as best as he could. If he was going down, he thought, he at least wanted to look somewhat decent.

 

* * *

 

Crowds of people were already gathered up on deck, wearing their life vests and milling around in a confused mass. Relena rudely shoved past them still holding Heero by the arm. They met up with Heero’s mother and her usual crowd of cronies and stood by as they watched a lifeboat half full of people being lowered. “My word,” Lady Une said. “I do hope there’s enough.”

 

“Mother,” Heero said with bitter contempt. “Shut up!”

 

Lady Une’s eyes widened.

 

“Half the people on this ship will die tonight-”

 

“At least not the good half,” Relena muttered.

 

“Do you know how many that is, mother? Over eleven hundred. Eleven hundred people will lose their lives tonight and all you can say is ‘ I hope there’s enough’?” Heero was suddenly seized by a fit of shivers in the cold night air.

 

“Dear, you’re getting all worked up,” Relena said, removing her coat and placing it on Heero’s shoulders. “Do try to calm yourself-”

 

“Calm myself?” Heero shouted. “How could I possibly be calm at a time like this!? This ship is sinking and half of us will die and it will be hours before another ship reaches us!”

 

Romefellar appeared by Relena’s side. “Did you take care of him?” she asked nonchalantly as Heero gaped.

 

“Oh yes,” he replied. “I’m sure he’ll be comfortable where I left him.”

 

Heero seized Romefellar’s sleeve and demanded, “Where is he? What did you do with him?”

 

“Don’t worry about that,” Relena snapped. “A lifeboat’s waiting for us.”

 

Romefellar broke away and stepped into the lifeboat, sitting next to Lady Une. Relena stood on the deck in front of Heero. “Well?” she prodded. “Come on-”

 

She tried to grab Heero’s arm, but he slipped away and backed up. “No,” he said. “I’m going to find Duo, and I’d like to see you try to stop me.”

 

“You will not!” Relena screamed, grabbing his wrist in rage. “You will not be that gutter trash’s whore, do you understand me!”

Heero snarled, “I’d rather be his whore than your husband.” And with bitter hatred, he back slapped Relena in the face so hard she toppled down onto the deck, shocking his family to the extent where Lady Une passed out. Heero then leaned down and picked Relena up in his arms, placing her in the lifeboat as she came around. She looked up at Heero, questioning him.

 

“I had vowed to never hit a lady,” Heero said. “But you’re no lady. You’re a monster.” He backed up a few steps slowly before turning and running away, disappearing in the crowds. 

 

Relena, quivering in rage, screamed, “HEEROOOOOOOOO!”

 

* * *

 

The ship was now noticeably tipping, and Duo’s shoes kept sliding on the slick deck. He called out for help, but no one bothered to listen to him. It was every man for himself, so he gave up on trying to get free. The only person who cared about him just left on a lifeboat. He sighed, slumping down on the deck and leaning his head on the rail.

 

So this is how I’ll die. I never imagined...

 

Suddenly, he heard someone call his name and he turned. His heart leaped into his throat as he saw Heero emerge from a crowd of people. Upon seeing Duo, he broke into a run and came crashing down onto his knees before him, taking Duo in his arms and crying. “Aw, it’s okay, Heero,” Duo shushed. “I’ll be fine...why aren’t you on a lifeboat? You’ve got to get to one-”

 

“Not without you,” Heero whispered, clinging onto his chest. “You chuck yourself, I chuck myself, remember?”

 

Duo smiled. “Heero, you stupid ass. Why did you do that?”

 

He was surprised as Heero leaned forward and kissed him. “Because I love you,” he said, then noticed Duo’s bloody face. “Duo! What did they do to you?” He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and started to wipe off Duo’s face. He laughed.

“This ship is sinking out from under us and you’re cleaning my face? Figures.”

 

Heero put away his handkerchief and looked at Duo’s handcuffed wrists. “Oh my God,” he murmured. “Where’s the key?”

 

“At the bottom of the ocean by now. Look for something to break the chain. An ax, sledge hammer, anything! Just hurry! We haven’t got much time!”

 

Heero stood to his feet and slipped under the tilt of the ship. “O-okay,” he stammered. “I’ll go look for something. I’ll be back shortly. Stay here and don’t move.”

 

And he departed hastily. Duo gulped and shouted after him, “I really wanted to take one last tour of the ship!”

 

* * *

 

Captain J stood out on deck helplessly, watching as people everywhere began to slowly panic and all order was thrown to the winds. He turned to see First Officer Chang standing there with a desperate look on his face.

 

“Sir, shouldn’t you get to a lifeboat?” he asked. J rested a heavy hand on his shoulder and stared at the young man’s face for a long time. Chang closed his lips tightly and nodded. “I understand, sir.”

 

He broke away and walked past the captain. Someone fired a flare, and for a moment everyone’s attention was directed to the sky. It burst like a firework in a shower of orange and pink streaks. Duo looked up with a sinking feeling (no pun intended) and Heero did the same from his position on deck. His heart quickened and he glanced around desperately. Suddenly, someone caught his eye. It was that girl. Duo’s traveling companion.

 

“Hey! Hey you!” he shouted, pushing through the crowd toward her. God, what was her name? Heidi?

 

“Heidi!” he called, but she didn’t look up. Helga? Hanna? Hilde! “Hilde!”

 

She looked around, confused, before she saw Heero. She ran to his side. “Meister Yuy,” she stuttered. “Wh-what’s the matter?”

 

Heero was panting for breath. “Duo. It’s Duo. He’s in trouble. I need something, like an ax or a hammer or, God! A blowtorch, anything!”

 

Hilde dug through her pockets and came up with only a few coins and a metal file. She held up the file. “Will this do?”

 

Heero took it and stared. “Should I even ask why you have a metal file in your pocket?”

 

Hilde shrugged. “You never know when it might come in handy.”

 

“Thank you,” Heero said, leaning forward and giving her a quick hug. Hilde puzzled.

 

“Now,” he said. “Get yourself to a lifeboat. Time is running out.”

 

“But what about you and Duo?” Hilde asked.

 

“Don’t worry about us. Save yourself. Good luck and godspeed to you.” And Heero turned and broke into a run. 

 

Hilde stood, watching his back as it disappeared through the crowd. “Same to the both of you,” she murmured.

 

* * *

 

The crowds were too thick on deck, so to save time, Heero decided to run through level A. By this time the front end of the ship was completely submerged in water, and Heero had to plow through the tables and chairs that were sliding all over the floor in first class dining. He heard the plates in the kitchen shatter as they fell from the shelves and the groan of the ship as it sank.

 

As Heero ran through the first class smoking room, a figure caught his eye. It was Instructor H. Andrews, standing before a mantle and staring at the clock. “Instructor Andrews!” Heero cried, skidding to a halt. Andrews slowly turned to the young lad with a sorrowful face and murmured quietly, “I’m sorry I didn’t build you a stronger ship, young Heero.”

 

Heero felt a knot form in his throat. “You should get to a lifeboat. They’re leaving without you.”

 

Andrews said nothing, but pointed to his life vest lying on a nearby table. Heero understood him, and walked to the table and picked up the vest.

 

“Goodbye, Instructor,” he whispered, and gave him a hug. Andrews nodded vaguely, and Heero ran from the room, pulling on the life vest at the same time. Why did he get the feeling he would never see anybody on this ship alive again? He put the thought out of his mind as he burst out on deck and into the panicked crowds. He pushed roughly past them, making his way to the stern. It seemed like forever until he saw Duo, who was occupied in trying to squeeze his hands through the cuffs. His wrists were raw and bloody, but he kept trying doggedly with tears of pain in his eyes.

 

“Don’t!” Heero cried as he approached. “You’ll hurt yourself.”

 

“Better hurt than dead,” he replied. “What did you find?”

 

Heero produced the file from his pocket, and had the situation been less critical, Duo would have laughed Heero right off Bitanic. “You can’t be serious!” he gaped, but Heero was already madly beginning to saw at the chain connecting the cuffs. “Pull your hands apart,” he commanded. “It will stress the metal and make it easier to break.”

 

Duo did so, and watched as flecks of metal shavings flew off every which way. He glanced down the whole of the ship. Water was almost up to the first funnel, and things began to roll down the deck and plunge into the water. People began to gather around them in an attempt to fend off death until the end, knowing that would be the last part of the ship to sink.

 

“I guess I’m lucky he didn’t chain me to the aft rail, huh?” Duo joked, and Heero shook his head.

 

“Don’t talk. Pull.”

 

“Okay. Sorry.”

 

The file scraped noisily on the metal chain, wearing a groove down in it that looked so small for all the work that was being done. Decades seemed to slip by and before they knew it, the second funnel was going under. Duo turned to Heero urgently. “Hurry, Heero. C’mon! You can do this!”

 

Heero filed at a faster pace, panic powering him. It was too much for him. The file snagged and flew out of Heero’s hand and into the air. Two hearts froze and two pair of eyes watched the file clatter onto the deck and slide toward the water.

 

“No!” Heero screamed, throwing himself after it.

 

“Heero, don’t!”

 

Heero slid after the file, spinning madly in circles on his stomach. It landed on a crook of a deck bench and balanced there precariously, but Heero still kept sliding. He looked up and saw a rapidly approaching rail and had enough time to cover his face with his arms just as he slammed into it. He struck it on his right side, and he felt all his air robbed from his body as the metal bars pounded mercilessly into his ribs. He wheezed and sucked in a gasp of air. He knew he had broken something, but he wasn’t sure of what.

 

He glanced up a few feet ahead to see the file still balanced on the leg of the bench. Heero crawled upright and stood uneasily on the rail. He looked over to see the rail bordering the ship a little over three yards away. He would have to jump. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, throwing himself across the pathway. He clattered into the metal clumsily, but held on. Pain reverberated through his aching limbs and he winced. Then slowly, he began to climb toward the bench, praying that the file would stay where it was.

 

When he reached a point directly across from the bench, he concluded that had to jump again. He did it without thinking this time, but landed much worse than before, knocking his lip into the metal and making it bleed. Not only that, but when he looked up, he saw the file teeter and fall.

 

As if in slow motion, he reached out and caught it. Heero heaved a sigh of relief and clawed his way slowly up the deck to Duo, climbing the rails and anything that was bolted to the deck. Crowds of people were collected at the extreme end of the ship, some crying, some praying, some just holding onto whatever they could with blank expressions on their faces. Heero glanced behind him. Water was lapping at the base of the third funnel and he turned back around, holding back his fear.

 

He finally reached Duo, who was using the flagstaff at the stern as a prop to keep him upright. When he saw Heero his first reaction was relief, then anger. “Why did you do such a fucking stupid thing?” he snapped. “I thought you had died or something down there!”

 

Heero apologised by kissing him quickly and saying, “I’m sorry, but I won’t leave without you.”

 

He set to work sawing at the chain again. Duo turned his head and watched the water rise steadily towards them, covering the deck and any soul unfortunate enough to slide down into the water. Lifeboats were dotted all around Bitanic, watching from afar as the unsinkable ship slowly slid into her death trap of water.

 

In one of the boats sat Relena, gazing at the entire scene numbly. Silence was complete, save for the distant voices of those still trapped on the ship. All of the sudden, Relena started to laugh hysterically. Romefellar turned to her and inquired, “Madam, what could possibly be amusing at this moment?”

 

“I put the ring...in my coat,” Relena grinned. There was a pause. Then she screamed, “AND I PUT THE COAT ON HEERO!”

 

* * *

 

The third funnel was going under, and it felt as if Heero and Duo were high in the sky. They were. The lower her front end sank, the higher the back end went.

 

The stubborn chain had yet to break, but Heero was working as fast as he could. The ship suddenly groaned and all commotion seemed to cease. Duo and Heero looked up. Everything was strangely calm.

 

There was the sound of wood creaking and metal stretching. Then, there was a snap as the wires holding the third funnel broke, and Heero and Duo looked up to see the massive structure fall slowly with a hair-raising groan and crash into the water.

 

“Oh my God,” Heero uttered as he felt the ship begin to shake and shudder. He stopped filing and held onto the rail.

 

A horrible noise filled the air, a noise that Heero would never forget. It was the sound of the Bitanic tearing, shredding herself to pieces between her third and fourth funnels. Sparks flew and people near the scene screamed as they plunged down through the abyss. Pieces of metal and splinters of wood whipped through the air, and the screeching din of metal filled everyone’s ears.

 

From in the lifeboat, Catherine watched with wide eyes. “God Almighty,” she choked.

 

Heero and Duo watched as the third funnel sank along with the front of the ship, leaving the stern to slowly crash down in the water. The two lovers held on, were jolted roughly as they hit the waves, and listened to the panicked crying of the passengers. Heero opened his eyes. Everything was horizontal again. He and Duo stood to their feet, wondering what would happen next. “Do you think we’ll stay like this?” Heero asked him, but all Duo said was, “I...I’m not sure.”

 

Suddenly, there was a sucking, gurgling sound as seawater rushed into the torn ship and the whole thing was suddenly lifted skyward again. Heero clutched onto the rail as he felt the ship tilt more and more and more. It was nearly vertical by the time Duo crawled over onto the other side of the rail and helped Heero up on it as well. Peoples’ screams filled the air as they slid down the deck to an icy death. Duo looked at Heero and said, “Make it count now, Heero. File. File like mad. I’ll pull, okay?”

 

Heero nodded and went back to work, filing so fast it made the metal burn to the touch. Duo pulled his wrists apart for all he was worth, the metal of the cuffs cutting into his already raw wrists and making them bleed again. He gritted his teeth and closed his eyes.

 

The stern of Bitanic from her fourth funnel on slowly began to sink straight down into the ocean. It was alarming at how fast the water swallowed up the ship. Heero filed as if his very life depended on it, not just the only person he loved.

 

“Alright, Heero,” said Duo. “When we lose the ship, we’ll be sucked down. It creates a suction. Take a deep breath and whatever you do, don’t let go of me, you understand?”

 

Heero nodded, on the verge of tears. The water was nearly to them.

 

“Grab onto my arm and hang on. Kick for the surface as hard as you can.” He paused. “You believe in me, right?”

 

Heero looked up into his eyes. “I believe in you, Duo.”

 

Duo smiled. “Okay, get back to filing! Hurry now!”

 

Heero filed. There was no way he was going to free Duo in time. He would be dragged to the bottom of the ocean, drowning slowly and horribly and striving desperately for air-

 

Tears filled Heero’s eyes and he let out a sob.

 

“Don’t you think about that,” Duo ordered. “Think about surviving. We will survive.”

 

Heero nodded. “We will survive. We will survive.”

 

The water roared as it neared them, just a few yards away now. And rising quickly.

 

“We will survive. We will survive! WE WILL SURVIVE!”

 

The water rushed up Heero’s legs just as the chain snapped. They both cried out in joy before they were sucked down into the freezing, icy darkness. Heero felt Duo slip from his grip, and he opened his eyes to see Duo reaching for him, being drawn into the darkness of the ocean depths.

 

Heero screamed a cloud of bubbles, then remembered to kick to the surface. His lungs burned, craving air, and he broke the surface with a gasp just when he thought he would pass out. He found himself in a crowd of thrashing, helpless people, screaming in panic and fear and cold. “Duo!” Heero yelled. “Duo! Duo! DUO!” He felt someone grab him from behind, and he turned to see Duo, face white from cold. “Duo!” he sobbed, and threw his arms around his neck.

 

“C-c’mon,” he shivered. “We g-gotta get you outta h-here.”

 

He pulled Heero from the screaming multitude to a patch of open ocean where it was quiet. He swam ahead and grabbed a hold of a large piece of wood, what looked to be a heavy oak door. He motioned for Heero to get on it, but Heero was too cold to move. It felt as if his body were on fire it was so cold.

 

He clumsily slipped and fell back into the water, but with Duo’s help he finally managed to end up on his stomach, shivering in the night air. Duo attempted to crawl on as well, but with his and Heero’s combined weight, the piece of wood began to sink. He didn’t try it again, but swam to the front of the wood, where Heero lay shuddering. He took hold of Heero’s hands in his own and they floated there, listening to the screams of dying people slowly growing quieter. Duo breathed on their hands to keep them warm