Chapter Text
The large white superstructure of the ship could be seen from miles away, but up close, it barely peeked above the railings of the ocean liner.
Standing directly in front of it, Shane couldn't help but be somewhat bored by the sheer size of the craft.
"I don't understand what the big deal is. it looks to be about the same size as the Mauretania, if not smaller." "How can you be so blas? This is the Titanic! over a hundred feet longer than that disgrace of ship, and far more lavish.
It has squash courts, a Parisian cafe, and even Turkish baths!" Spoke a voice from behind. The voice in question belonged to Shane's betrothed, Caledon Hockely. The 30 year old heir to his family's fortune. A proud and arrogant man who uses
his wealth and looks to lord over those around him.Before Shane could respond, Cal had already turned away, now helping Shane's mother out of the touring car they had arrived in. Ruth Madej, a prominent widowed woman in her early 40's who comes from one of the most affluent families in Philadelphia.
"Your son really is too hard to impress, Ruth. Mind your step." Cal says as he helps Ruth step around a puddle that had collected in a divot between cobblestones. Ruth takes a moment to gaze upon the monstrous ship before responding "So, they say that it is unsinkable."
"It is indeed, not even god himself could sink this vessel." Cal says with pride, as if feeling as though he built the ship entirely by himself. Shane rolls his eyes but decides not to say anything, not wanting make waves so early into the trip.As rich passengers begin to file on board, Shane wanders away from the group, not wanting to get pushed around by angry well off karens. As he walks, he catches sight of a young man staring up at the ship in wonder. If he didn't know any better, he could've sworn there were stars adorning his eyes.
To say the least, Shane was utterly enchanted. The strangers beautiful bronze skin seemed to glisten in the morning light, as his charcoal curls swayed in the sea breeze. Before he can look away, he and the stranger lock eyes. Shane's stomach feels like its twisting itself into knots as he feels his face heat up. And judging by the look on the other man's face, it would seem like the feeling is mutual.Before he can walk over an introduce himself, he's yanked back, now being forcefully lead back to the boarding area. He looks back to find that Cal is now holding his arm in a vice grip, a look of poorly masked fury upon his face. Shane watches as the stranger slowly gets farther away, still watching him with the same expression, but know being soured with a tint of forlornness. And as soon as he was there, he was gone, now hidden behind droves of people all clamoring to give their luggage to the porter.