SEA OF LOVE - Chapter 13
Title: Sea of Love - Chapter 13
Author: iantosdreamer46
Genre: AU
Pairings/Characters: Ianto/Jack, Tosh/Tommy, Owen, Martha Jones
Summary: Jack is the Foreman at a shipyard in Belfast. They are building what is rumoured to be the biggest and best cruise liner of all time - The Titanic. Ianto arrives at the shipyard having left Cardiff quickly to get away from his family and his ex-girlfriend, Lisa.
Rating: NC-17 Overall
Wordcount: 3,284
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters, they belong to the BBC and RTD, I just like to experiment with them from time to time.
A/N This AU is a subject close to my heart. Having researched the history of it for English lessons at school, I decided to give it the Jack and Ianto treatment. I hope I do it justice and that you all enjoy it.
A/N2 Apologies for any of you who are getting this multiple times, it's cross posted.
A/N3 I am sorry it's taken me so long to post this chapter, RL just seemed to run away from me I hope you're still with me on this I will try my hardest to not take so long next time. Thank you in advance for reading this and please forgive me.
Ianto and Jack headed back to their cabin thankful that they were finally on their way.
“It’s finally happening isn’t it Jack? This isn’t some dream that I’m going to wake up from?”
“No sweetheart, this is us from her on in. New country, new life, new jobs. Let’s just enjoy our journey. I know we’ll be working for some of it but…..”
Jack suddenly had to grab onto the bunk, he only just managed not to fall. Ianto wasn’t so lucky, he ended up sat on the floor.
“What the hell just happened Jack?”
“Not sure, but you luck so tempting down there, maybe I’ll join you and see….”
“Jack be serious, something’s just happened and we need to find out.”
Reluctantly Jack helped Ianto to his feet and as they opened their door they noticed others looking up and down the corridor, concerned looks on many of their faces.
“Hey Jack!” It was the guy they’d encountered earlier. “What’re you two doing in there? Do I have to report you?”
“Do what you want, Mr Ismay knows we’re here.”
“Yeah, right. I’ll be watching you both.”
Jack walked off, he didn’t want to get into anything just now. He wanted to know what was happening.
They made their way up to the deck, passing several people speculating on the incident. They found Ismay looking over the side and followed where his gaze was. They saw another ship, the New York, had broken her mooring ropes and her stern was swinging toward the Titanic. It was only the quick thinking of the crew that avoided a collision. All engines were stopped and Jack was told that it would be another hour before they finally got underway. The two men left Ismay to go in search of some lunch.
“Jack, that’s two things that have happened to us.”
“What do you mean sweetheart?”
“My nan always said bad things always come in threes. And the name of that ship “The New York”, do you think that’s an omen?”
“Yan, my gorgeous man, stop worrying, I keep telling you nothing is going to happen.” He reached across the table for Ianto’s hand, gave it a reassuring squeeze then smiled as he let go, in case anyone saw them.
The morning of the 11th April 1912 dawned and the atmosphere on board was electric. All the passengers were on board and Jack had heard rumours that there was an estimated 2,227 people on board, 900 of which were crew.
They had been sailing for three days when Ianto noticed the course of the ship change slightly. He’d been on deck waiting for Jack, who’d been fixing some lights in the first class lounge, when he noticed the brow of the ship alter course.
He saw a purser “Erm, excuse me. Am I right in thinking we’ve just changed course?”
“Yes, it’s just a precaution, we’ve been told that there could be some ice ahead.”
“Oh, right, thank you.”
“No need to worry it’s not too bad.”
Ianto smiled at him as he walked off. He shivered, he was being stupid. Come on Ianto you’re supposed to be enjoying this. He shook his head, maybe it was because it was the furthest he’d travelled, maybe it was because he didn’t know what to expect in America. Pull yourself together, you can’t let Jack see you like this. He felt someone come up behind him, then slide an arm around his waist.
“Mmm Jack, what if someone sees?”
“Hey, how did you know it was me?”
“Well who else would do that to me. I’m sure that waiter guy wouldn’t.”
“Are you saying you’ve got someone else?”
“Oh no Cariad, there’s no one else but you for me.” He turned around and quickly planted a chaste kiss on his Captain’s lips. He was about to say something about the course of the ship but Jack stopped him with another kiss.
“Come on sweetheart, let’s go in search of food, I’m hungry.”
“Mmm me too, but I’m hungry for something else.”
“Now there’s a thought. Let’s find food to appease my first appetite, then we’ll head back to our cabin and we can sort out that other hunger we both have.”
“I like the way you think Cariad.”
Ianto walked close to Jack, his fingers brushing his lovers’ as they walked. What he really wanted to do was thread his fingers through Jack’s to tell the world they belonged to each other. But he was afraid, afraid of being found out, afraid of losing Jack if he did.
They arrived at the third class eating area, both men acknowledging some of the passengers they knew. They found a table towards the back of the room, hoping they could have a conversation without any prying ears.
Ianto left Jack to get them some food and whilst he was standing in line a voice whispered “You on your own then? No Captain to defend you?”
Ianto shivered. “Jack’s sat waiting for his food, so no I’m not alone.”
“Oh, but he’s not right here is he? Want to skip food and tell me what he’s making you do to him.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Jack is my foreman from the shipyard, we’re here under instruction from Mr Ismay and Mr Andrews. We’re working our passage just the same as you and several other people. So you can stop your comments, there is nothing going on. Just two men who happen to be friends, working on board an ocean liner. Now….if you’ll excuse me, I’m rather hungry and it’s my turn to be served.”
Ianto turned to the cook who was serving the food, took two bowls of stew and went to sit back with Jack, hoping the guy hadn’t seen where they were sitting.
Jack smiled as his lover sat down, reaching to brush his fingers over Ianto’s as he placed the stew bowls on the table.
Ianto pulled his hand away as if he’d been touched by a hot poker.
“Yan? Sweetheart, what’s the matter?”
“That guy, the waiter, he was just standing behind me threatening me, wanting to know what you were making me do to you. I’m scared Jack.”
“Hey, come on, I can handle him, he’s not going to do anything, he’s got no proof. Besides who would believe him anyway?”
“We’re going to have to be more careful, I don’t want anything to destroy what we have.”
“Nothing is going to do that. We’re going to enjoy this journey and then we’ll be free.”
Ianto nodded and tried to smile. He shuddered and pulled his jacket closer around him.
“Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“Mmm….what….sorry Jack, I was just thinking.”
“Stop worrying about that guy, he’s not worth it.”
“It’s not just him. You know earlier when you found me on deck?”
“Yeah.”
“I’d just been talking to a purser, we’ve changed course. I noticed when I was waiting for you.”
“Yeah, and….?”
“He said we’d had to change to avoid some ice.”
“Well if he said it’s ok, then I’m sure the crew know what they’re doing. Stop worrying.”
“What if we can’t get through, what if we get stuck?”
“We’re not going to get stuck, she’s a powerful vessel and I’m sure a little bit of ice isn’t going to stop us.”
“Yeah you’re right. I’m sorry it’s just that….that guy’s got me nervous.”
“I’m not going to let anything happen to you, we’ll be ok. Now come on let’s eat up and get out of here. I want to satisfy my other hunger back in our cabin.”
“Mmm is that a promise Jack?”
“Most definitely sweetheart.” Jack smiled, looked around then quickly squeezed Ianto’s hand.
They finished their stew in silence then made their way back to their cabin.
Closing the door, Ianto pushed Jack up against it and proceeded to kiss him passionately. Jack’s arms snaked around his young lover, scrabbling at his clothes wanting to feel his warm flesh under his fingers.
Jacket’s, shirts and trousers were soon discarded as both men edged towards their bunk. Soft moans escaping each of their mouths as one after the other reached a hot frantic climax.
Several glorious minutes later, both men lay sated on their bunk.
“I love you Jack.”
“Mmm, love you too Ianto Jones.”
Arms wrapping around one another, they soon drifted off into a peaceful love filled sleep.
They didn’t know how long they had been asleep, but Ianto was jolted awake by a sudden movement of the ship.
“Jack….hey Cariad, what was that?”
“Mmm what was what sweetheart?” Jack murmured sleepily .
“Didn’t you feel it?”
“Yan, you are the only one I want to feel.”
“I’m serious Jack, something’s not right.”
Jack roused himself, “there’s nothing happening now. Go back to sleep my love.”
“No Jack, I’m going to go and see what is happening.”
“Ok, but I’m coming with you, don’t want you worrying.”
“Thank you Jack.” He kissed his lover passionately.
“After that, wouldn’t you rather stay down here for more?”
“I’d love to, but I still want to see what’s going on.”
“Ok, but afterwards, we’ll head back down here and see what comes up in our conversation.”
“Yes please Jack, but let’s find out what’s happening…..please?”
“Come on then my love.”
They quickly dressed and made their way up to deck. They got to the metal doors at the end of the corridor to find them closed, with a purser standing on the other side guarding the doors.
“What’s going on?” Jack questioned.
“Nothing to worry about, now go back to your cabin.”
“Why have you closed the gates?”
“Just a precaution. Look I told you, go back to your cabin.”
By this time several other people had turned up. “Why aren’t we allowed through the gates?” A woman shouted from behind Jack.
“I keep telling you, go back to your cabins, nothing is going on for you to worry about.”
Jack felt Ianto grab his hand. He squeezed it back. “We’ll go back the other way, there’s another way up onto deck.” He whispered. “Ok, have it your way, but I’m going to speak to Mr Ismay and Mr Andrews about this. We are here under their request.”
“Do what you want, I’m just doing my job.”
Jack kept hold of Ianto’s hand as they made their way back. Jack saw some of the others following and some decided to stay, hoping the gates would open.
On their journey to the other staircase Jack noticed some of the passengers return to their cabins. By the time they arrived at the stairs there were only six of them. This time the stairs were free, but a gentle ripple of water was appearing at the top and making its way down like a picturesque waterfall.
“Jack….Jack, I’m scared. Where is that water coming from?”
Jack held tighter to his young man’s hand. “Not sure sweetheart, but we’re going to find out.”
They made their way up onto the deck, not passing anyone. The water was continuing to seep down the corridors and the stairs. Jack keeping a tight hold of Ianto’s hand, felt the ship stutter and start. He felt Ianto tighten his grip. He wanted to tell him not to hold on so tight but Jack was now beginning to worry. He turned to look at his gorgeous lover to see fright in the young man’s eyes.
“Jack please tell me we’re dreaming. I know something bad is happening.”
“Let’s not jump to conclusions sweetheart.” Jack’s heart was beating faster in his chest. “It may not be as bad as we’re making it. Remember the purser saying it was nothing to worry about?”
They arrived at the stairs leading to the second class deck, and as they ascended they could hear screaming and shouting.
“Jack….Jack, what’s going on?”
“Don’t know, but come on let’s see if we can help.”
Once on deck they saw people rushing around trying to put their life jackets on.
“Jack, we haven’t got our life jackets, what are we going to do?”
“Let’s not cause any more panic, let’s just see if we can help first.”
They were making their way forward when the funnels blew off a huge noisy cloud of steam and the bow slowly began to sink.
“Jack, please tell me we’re going to be alright. What’s happening?”
“We will be fine, come on there’s Mr Lightoller he’s got to know what’s happening.”
The bow was beginning to sink at a steeper incline and both Jack and Ianto had to hold on to the railing to stop themselves from sliding.
“Mr Lightoller, Sir?” Jack shouted.
“What? Oh Mr Harkness, we need your help.”
“What’s happening sir?”
“We’ve hit an iceberg and we need to get the passengers and crew on deck.”
“But she’s not going to sink, isn’t she supposed to be unsinkable?” Jack felt Ianto tense. His hand still tightly gripping Jack’s.
“She’s supposed to be….but there is water pouring into holds 1, 2 and 3 and into boiler room 6. We have estimated that she can only stay afloat for maybe one to two and a half hours. We have to get enough people to the lifeboats, first class passengers first then second then if there’s enough room third. But that’s looking doubtful.”
“He means Jack, that there aren’t enough lifeboats. Isn’t that right?” Lightoller looked at both men appearing dazed. Ianto shouted at him then “isn’t it right Mr Lightoller, we haven’t got enough lifeboats have we?”
Slowly Lightoller nodded.
“We have to get everyone up on deck. You do realize there are passengers and workers being held on the third class deck. They need to be brought up.”
“And they will be, once the first and second class passengers have left the ship.”
Jack drew his hand back ready to punch Lightoller, but Ianto stopped him. “He’s not worth it. Come on, let’s go help.”
They left Lightoller and made their way to the lifeboats. They heard the band start playing ragtime tunes in the first class lounge at the same time they heard the order to start loading the lifeboats with women and children first.
The first lifeboat to be safely lowered was the Starboard No.7 but Ianto noticed it wasn’t full.
“Jack, they can fit more people into that lifeboat, it can hold up to 65 but I’ve just had a quick count and there are less than 30 in there. We need to stop it, let more people on board.”
“Hey!” Jack shouted, “stop, you can take more with you.”
The crewmen rowing looked up and Jack saw one of them shake his head and the other shouted “no more first class passengers here so we’re going.”
“But there’s others still making their way up.”
“Sorry” he shouted back to Jack and continued their descent. Jack and Ianto stared in shock as the lifeboat rowed away.
It happened several more times. Lifeboats left with only half of their seats taken.
“Jack, Cariad, what now?”
“We'll go around the other side of the ship, we’ll get more people in those.”
“I told you there wasn’t going to be enough room for everyone.”
“We’ll make it sweetheart, come on.”
Over the next hour and a half they watched as people clambered aboard the lifeboats. Most of them leaving without full capacity.
By 1.30am on April 15th panic had begun to appear amongst the passengers and several lifeboats left with too many people on board. Jack and Ianto spotted fifth officer Lowe waving his pistol as a group of passengers appeared ready to jump into an already full boat. He fired a shot into the air to warn them. Then things seemed to happen in slow motion. The people who were about to jump stopped and turned towards Lowe. They then turned back and jumped anyway, missing the lifeboat and landing in the icy water.
“Jack they’re not going to survive, not in that water.”
“Sweetheart there’s nothing we can do about it. Let’s just help as many as we can.”
They were helping passengers onto starboard boat 13 when people started pushing and shoving. So much that it soon became overcrowded and was forced to leave before anyone got hurt. But Ianto suddenly saw starboard boat 15 being lowered with around 70 people on board.
“Jack, for Christ’s sake look!” Ianto screamed as he saw boat 15 narrowly miss boat 13 as it was lowered on the top.
The two men held their breaths as they saw boat 13 manage to pull away in the nick of time, avoiding an ever increasing disaster.
“Come on Yan, we need to get ourselves to a lifeboat.”
The bow was beginning to sink and Ianto was still clinging tightly to Jack’s hand as he had to grab hold of a barrier. “Jack, we’re going to die aren’t we?”
“No sweetheart, we’re going to get to the nearest lifeboat and get on. We’ve come too far to let anything destroy us.”
Jack pulled Ianto to him. “Look there’s a lifeboat, some of the crew are getting on board.”
They made their way to portside lifeboat number 4 where they saw Lightoller helping his wife on board.
“Come on Yan, we can get on that one.” Jack started to pull Ianto towards the lifeboat when he felt someone pushing from behind.
“I knew you were up to something, I’ll make sure you’re punished the right way this time.”
“For God’s sake, is that all you can think about? We’re trying to get off a sinking ship and all you’re worried about is who I am with.” Jack went to turn to Ianto at the same time the waiter pushed him. Jack, trying to stay on his feet but let go of Ianto’s hand to grab hold of the barrier.
“Jack! Jack, please don’t….” Ianto got swept up in a tidal wave of bodies heading to the lifeboat. He lost sight of Jack and couldn’t stop himself moving.
“Jack!” he yelled. “Please….come on!” He couldn’t make Jack hear. He lost sight of his lover as he was pushed towards the lifeboat then found himself being helped on board.
“No, please I’ve got to wait for Jack, he’s right….”
“Sorry, we’ve got to leave now, we can’t wait any longer.”
“NO!, then let me off.”
“Sorry, can’t do that either.”
The boat was lowered, Ianto shouting Jack’s name as it descended.
Jack looked around, “Ianto!” He noticed a boat being lowered and tried to get over to it.
“Trying to get to your lover are you? Oh dear, he seems to have left without you. Maybe he realized what a freak you are.”
Jack had had enough of the guys comments, turning to face him he drew his fist back and punched him. The guy held his nose as he sat down, shocked.
“I’m sick of your bigoted views. We love each other. There, that what you wanted to hear? If we make it off this ship, I don’t care what you try to do to us. We know what we have is right.” He turned and left, the guy staring after him.
All Jack wanted to do was get to his beautiful Ianto. He got to the side just as the lifeboat hit the water. He looked down into the beautiful blue eyes of his lover. He felt the bow sliding further under. There was only one thing for him to do. He didn’t want to be without Ianto. If he did it quickly they’d see him and pick him up.
Jack climbed onto the railings and jumped.
tbc
Author: iantosdreamer46
Genre: AU
Pairings/Characters: Ianto/Jack, Tosh/Tommy, Owen, Martha Jones
Summary: Jack is the Foreman at a shipyard in Belfast. They are building what is rumoured to be the biggest and best cruise liner of all time - The Titanic. Ianto arrives at the shipyard having left Cardiff quickly to get away from his family and his ex-girlfriend, Lisa.
Rating: NC-17 Overall
Wordcount: 3,284
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters, they belong to the BBC and RTD, I just like to experiment with them from time to time.
A/N This AU is a subject close to my heart. Having researched the history of it for English lessons at school, I decided to give it the Jack and Ianto treatment. I hope I do it justice and that you all enjoy it.
A/N2 Apologies for any of you who are getting this multiple times, it's cross posted.
A/N3 I am sorry it's taken me so long to post this chapter, RL just seemed to run away from me I hope you're still with me on this I will try my hardest to not take so long next time. Thank you in advance for reading this and please forgive me.
Ianto and Jack headed back to their cabin thankful that they were finally on their way.
“It’s finally happening isn’t it Jack? This isn’t some dream that I’m going to wake up from?”
“No sweetheart, this is us from her on in. New country, new life, new jobs. Let’s just enjoy our journey. I know we’ll be working for some of it but…..”
Jack suddenly had to grab onto the bunk, he only just managed not to fall. Ianto wasn’t so lucky, he ended up sat on the floor.
“What the hell just happened Jack?”
“Not sure, but you luck so tempting down there, maybe I’ll join you and see….”
“Jack be serious, something’s just happened and we need to find out.”
Reluctantly Jack helped Ianto to his feet and as they opened their door they noticed others looking up and down the corridor, concerned looks on many of their faces.
“Hey Jack!” It was the guy they’d encountered earlier. “What’re you two doing in there? Do I have to report you?”
“Do what you want, Mr Ismay knows we’re here.”
“Yeah, right. I’ll be watching you both.”
Jack walked off, he didn’t want to get into anything just now. He wanted to know what was happening.
They made their way up to the deck, passing several people speculating on the incident. They found Ismay looking over the side and followed where his gaze was. They saw another ship, the New York, had broken her mooring ropes and her stern was swinging toward the Titanic. It was only the quick thinking of the crew that avoided a collision. All engines were stopped and Jack was told that it would be another hour before they finally got underway. The two men left Ismay to go in search of some lunch.
“Jack, that’s two things that have happened to us.”
“What do you mean sweetheart?”
“My nan always said bad things always come in threes. And the name of that ship “The New York”, do you think that’s an omen?”
“Yan, my gorgeous man, stop worrying, I keep telling you nothing is going to happen.” He reached across the table for Ianto’s hand, gave it a reassuring squeeze then smiled as he let go, in case anyone saw them.
The morning of the 11th April 1912 dawned and the atmosphere on board was electric. All the passengers were on board and Jack had heard rumours that there was an estimated 2,227 people on board, 900 of which were crew.
They had been sailing for three days when Ianto noticed the course of the ship change slightly. He’d been on deck waiting for Jack, who’d been fixing some lights in the first class lounge, when he noticed the brow of the ship alter course.
He saw a purser “Erm, excuse me. Am I right in thinking we’ve just changed course?”
“Yes, it’s just a precaution, we’ve been told that there could be some ice ahead.”
“Oh, right, thank you.”
“No need to worry it’s not too bad.”
Ianto smiled at him as he walked off. He shivered, he was being stupid. Come on Ianto you’re supposed to be enjoying this. He shook his head, maybe it was because it was the furthest he’d travelled, maybe it was because he didn’t know what to expect in America. Pull yourself together, you can’t let Jack see you like this. He felt someone come up behind him, then slide an arm around his waist.
“Mmm Jack, what if someone sees?”
“Hey, how did you know it was me?”
“Well who else would do that to me. I’m sure that waiter guy wouldn’t.”
“Are you saying you’ve got someone else?”
“Oh no Cariad, there’s no one else but you for me.” He turned around and quickly planted a chaste kiss on his Captain’s lips. He was about to say something about the course of the ship but Jack stopped him with another kiss.
“Come on sweetheart, let’s go in search of food, I’m hungry.”
“Mmm me too, but I’m hungry for something else.”
“Now there’s a thought. Let’s find food to appease my first appetite, then we’ll head back to our cabin and we can sort out that other hunger we both have.”
“I like the way you think Cariad.”
Ianto walked close to Jack, his fingers brushing his lovers’ as they walked. What he really wanted to do was thread his fingers through Jack’s to tell the world they belonged to each other. But he was afraid, afraid of being found out, afraid of losing Jack if he did.
They arrived at the third class eating area, both men acknowledging some of the passengers they knew. They found a table towards the back of the room, hoping they could have a conversation without any prying ears.
Ianto left Jack to get them some food and whilst he was standing in line a voice whispered “You on your own then? No Captain to defend you?”
Ianto shivered. “Jack’s sat waiting for his food, so no I’m not alone.”
“Oh, but he’s not right here is he? Want to skip food and tell me what he’s making you do to him.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Jack is my foreman from the shipyard, we’re here under instruction from Mr Ismay and Mr Andrews. We’re working our passage just the same as you and several other people. So you can stop your comments, there is nothing going on. Just two men who happen to be friends, working on board an ocean liner. Now….if you’ll excuse me, I’m rather hungry and it’s my turn to be served.”
Ianto turned to the cook who was serving the food, took two bowls of stew and went to sit back with Jack, hoping the guy hadn’t seen where they were sitting.
Jack smiled as his lover sat down, reaching to brush his fingers over Ianto’s as he placed the stew bowls on the table.
Ianto pulled his hand away as if he’d been touched by a hot poker.
“Yan? Sweetheart, what’s the matter?”
“That guy, the waiter, he was just standing behind me threatening me, wanting to know what you were making me do to you. I’m scared Jack.”
“Hey, come on, I can handle him, he’s not going to do anything, he’s got no proof. Besides who would believe him anyway?”
“We’re going to have to be more careful, I don’t want anything to destroy what we have.”
“Nothing is going to do that. We’re going to enjoy this journey and then we’ll be free.”
Ianto nodded and tried to smile. He shuddered and pulled his jacket closer around him.
“Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“Mmm….what….sorry Jack, I was just thinking.”
“Stop worrying about that guy, he’s not worth it.”
“It’s not just him. You know earlier when you found me on deck?”
“Yeah.”
“I’d just been talking to a purser, we’ve changed course. I noticed when I was waiting for you.”
“Yeah, and….?”
“He said we’d had to change to avoid some ice.”
“Well if he said it’s ok, then I’m sure the crew know what they’re doing. Stop worrying.”
“What if we can’t get through, what if we get stuck?”
“We’re not going to get stuck, she’s a powerful vessel and I’m sure a little bit of ice isn’t going to stop us.”
“Yeah you’re right. I’m sorry it’s just that….that guy’s got me nervous.”
“I’m not going to let anything happen to you, we’ll be ok. Now come on let’s eat up and get out of here. I want to satisfy my other hunger back in our cabin.”
“Mmm is that a promise Jack?”
“Most definitely sweetheart.” Jack smiled, looked around then quickly squeezed Ianto’s hand.
They finished their stew in silence then made their way back to their cabin.
Closing the door, Ianto pushed Jack up against it and proceeded to kiss him passionately. Jack’s arms snaked around his young lover, scrabbling at his clothes wanting to feel his warm flesh under his fingers.
Jacket’s, shirts and trousers were soon discarded as both men edged towards their bunk. Soft moans escaping each of their mouths as one after the other reached a hot frantic climax.
Several glorious minutes later, both men lay sated on their bunk.
“I love you Jack.”
“Mmm, love you too Ianto Jones.”
Arms wrapping around one another, they soon drifted off into a peaceful love filled sleep.
They didn’t know how long they had been asleep, but Ianto was jolted awake by a sudden movement of the ship.
“Jack….hey Cariad, what was that?”
“Mmm what was what sweetheart?” Jack murmured sleepily .
“Didn’t you feel it?”
“Yan, you are the only one I want to feel.”
“I’m serious Jack, something’s not right.”
Jack roused himself, “there’s nothing happening now. Go back to sleep my love.”
“No Jack, I’m going to go and see what is happening.”
“Ok, but I’m coming with you, don’t want you worrying.”
“Thank you Jack.” He kissed his lover passionately.
“After that, wouldn’t you rather stay down here for more?”
“I’d love to, but I still want to see what’s going on.”
“Ok, but afterwards, we’ll head back down here and see what comes up in our conversation.”
“Yes please Jack, but let’s find out what’s happening…..please?”
“Come on then my love.”
They quickly dressed and made their way up to deck. They got to the metal doors at the end of the corridor to find them closed, with a purser standing on the other side guarding the doors.
“What’s going on?” Jack questioned.
“Nothing to worry about, now go back to your cabin.”
“Why have you closed the gates?”
“Just a precaution. Look I told you, go back to your cabin.”
By this time several other people had turned up. “Why aren’t we allowed through the gates?” A woman shouted from behind Jack.
“I keep telling you, go back to your cabins, nothing is going on for you to worry about.”
Jack felt Ianto grab his hand. He squeezed it back. “We’ll go back the other way, there’s another way up onto deck.” He whispered. “Ok, have it your way, but I’m going to speak to Mr Ismay and Mr Andrews about this. We are here under their request.”
“Do what you want, I’m just doing my job.”
Jack kept hold of Ianto’s hand as they made their way back. Jack saw some of the others following and some decided to stay, hoping the gates would open.
On their journey to the other staircase Jack noticed some of the passengers return to their cabins. By the time they arrived at the stairs there were only six of them. This time the stairs were free, but a gentle ripple of water was appearing at the top and making its way down like a picturesque waterfall.
“Jack….Jack, I’m scared. Where is that water coming from?”
Jack held tighter to his young man’s hand. “Not sure sweetheart, but we’re going to find out.”
They made their way up onto the deck, not passing anyone. The water was continuing to seep down the corridors and the stairs. Jack keeping a tight hold of Ianto’s hand, felt the ship stutter and start. He felt Ianto tighten his grip. He wanted to tell him not to hold on so tight but Jack was now beginning to worry. He turned to look at his gorgeous lover to see fright in the young man’s eyes.
“Jack please tell me we’re dreaming. I know something bad is happening.”
“Let’s not jump to conclusions sweetheart.” Jack’s heart was beating faster in his chest. “It may not be as bad as we’re making it. Remember the purser saying it was nothing to worry about?”
They arrived at the stairs leading to the second class deck, and as they ascended they could hear screaming and shouting.
“Jack….Jack, what’s going on?”
“Don’t know, but come on let’s see if we can help.”
Once on deck they saw people rushing around trying to put their life jackets on.
“Jack, we haven’t got our life jackets, what are we going to do?”
“Let’s not cause any more panic, let’s just see if we can help first.”
They were making their way forward when the funnels blew off a huge noisy cloud of steam and the bow slowly began to sink.
“Jack, please tell me we’re going to be alright. What’s happening?”
“We will be fine, come on there’s Mr Lightoller he’s got to know what’s happening.”
The bow was beginning to sink at a steeper incline and both Jack and Ianto had to hold on to the railing to stop themselves from sliding.
“Mr Lightoller, Sir?” Jack shouted.
“What? Oh Mr Harkness, we need your help.”
“What’s happening sir?”
“We’ve hit an iceberg and we need to get the passengers and crew on deck.”
“But she’s not going to sink, isn’t she supposed to be unsinkable?” Jack felt Ianto tense. His hand still tightly gripping Jack’s.
“She’s supposed to be….but there is water pouring into holds 1, 2 and 3 and into boiler room 6. We have estimated that she can only stay afloat for maybe one to two and a half hours. We have to get enough people to the lifeboats, first class passengers first then second then if there’s enough room third. But that’s looking doubtful.”
“He means Jack, that there aren’t enough lifeboats. Isn’t that right?” Lightoller looked at both men appearing dazed. Ianto shouted at him then “isn’t it right Mr Lightoller, we haven’t got enough lifeboats have we?”
Slowly Lightoller nodded.
“We have to get everyone up on deck. You do realize there are passengers and workers being held on the third class deck. They need to be brought up.”
“And they will be, once the first and second class passengers have left the ship.”
Jack drew his hand back ready to punch Lightoller, but Ianto stopped him. “He’s not worth it. Come on, let’s go help.”
They left Lightoller and made their way to the lifeboats. They heard the band start playing ragtime tunes in the first class lounge at the same time they heard the order to start loading the lifeboats with women and children first.
The first lifeboat to be safely lowered was the Starboard No.7 but Ianto noticed it wasn’t full.
“Jack, they can fit more people into that lifeboat, it can hold up to 65 but I’ve just had a quick count and there are less than 30 in there. We need to stop it, let more people on board.”
“Hey!” Jack shouted, “stop, you can take more with you.”
The crewmen rowing looked up and Jack saw one of them shake his head and the other shouted “no more first class passengers here so we’re going.”
“But there’s others still making their way up.”
“Sorry” he shouted back to Jack and continued their descent. Jack and Ianto stared in shock as the lifeboat rowed away.
It happened several more times. Lifeboats left with only half of their seats taken.
“Jack, Cariad, what now?”
“We'll go around the other side of the ship, we’ll get more people in those.”
“I told you there wasn’t going to be enough room for everyone.”
“We’ll make it sweetheart, come on.”
Over the next hour and a half they watched as people clambered aboard the lifeboats. Most of them leaving without full capacity.
By 1.30am on April 15th panic had begun to appear amongst the passengers and several lifeboats left with too many people on board. Jack and Ianto spotted fifth officer Lowe waving his pistol as a group of passengers appeared ready to jump into an already full boat. He fired a shot into the air to warn them. Then things seemed to happen in slow motion. The people who were about to jump stopped and turned towards Lowe. They then turned back and jumped anyway, missing the lifeboat and landing in the icy water.
“Jack they’re not going to survive, not in that water.”
“Sweetheart there’s nothing we can do about it. Let’s just help as many as we can.”
They were helping passengers onto starboard boat 13 when people started pushing and shoving. So much that it soon became overcrowded and was forced to leave before anyone got hurt. But Ianto suddenly saw starboard boat 15 being lowered with around 70 people on board.
“Jack, for Christ’s sake look!” Ianto screamed as he saw boat 15 narrowly miss boat 13 as it was lowered on the top.
The two men held their breaths as they saw boat 13 manage to pull away in the nick of time, avoiding an ever increasing disaster.
“Come on Yan, we need to get ourselves to a lifeboat.”
The bow was beginning to sink and Ianto was still clinging tightly to Jack’s hand as he had to grab hold of a barrier. “Jack, we’re going to die aren’t we?”
“No sweetheart, we’re going to get to the nearest lifeboat and get on. We’ve come too far to let anything destroy us.”
Jack pulled Ianto to him. “Look there’s a lifeboat, some of the crew are getting on board.”
They made their way to portside lifeboat number 4 where they saw Lightoller helping his wife on board.
“Come on Yan, we can get on that one.” Jack started to pull Ianto towards the lifeboat when he felt someone pushing from behind.
“I knew you were up to something, I’ll make sure you’re punished the right way this time.”
“For God’s sake, is that all you can think about? We’re trying to get off a sinking ship and all you’re worried about is who I am with.” Jack went to turn to Ianto at the same time the waiter pushed him. Jack, trying to stay on his feet but let go of Ianto’s hand to grab hold of the barrier.
“Jack! Jack, please don’t….” Ianto got swept up in a tidal wave of bodies heading to the lifeboat. He lost sight of Jack and couldn’t stop himself moving.
“Jack!” he yelled. “Please….come on!” He couldn’t make Jack hear. He lost sight of his lover as he was pushed towards the lifeboat then found himself being helped on board.
“No, please I’ve got to wait for Jack, he’s right….”
“Sorry, we’ve got to leave now, we can’t wait any longer.”
“NO!, then let me off.”
“Sorry, can’t do that either.”
The boat was lowered, Ianto shouting Jack’s name as it descended.
Jack looked around, “Ianto!” He noticed a boat being lowered and tried to get over to it.
“Trying to get to your lover are you? Oh dear, he seems to have left without you. Maybe he realized what a freak you are.”
Jack had had enough of the guys comments, turning to face him he drew his fist back and punched him. The guy held his nose as he sat down, shocked.
“I’m sick of your bigoted views. We love each other. There, that what you wanted to hear? If we make it off this ship, I don’t care what you try to do to us. We know what we have is right.” He turned and left, the guy staring after him.
All Jack wanted to do was get to his beautiful Ianto. He got to the side just as the lifeboat hit the water. He looked down into the beautiful blue eyes of his lover. He felt the bow sliding further under. There was only one thing for him to do. He didn’t want to be without Ianto. If he did it quickly they’d see him and pick him up.
Jack climbed onto the railings and jumped.
tbc