Of Heartbeats and Stardust

A Blip of Warmth

Sunday night, around 8 p.m., April 14th aboard the RMS Titanic

The door creaked open at the end of Harry's shift, shaking Winnie from her sleep. She gazed up at Harry as she laid sprawled out on the couch, her arms and legs going in every direction. She gave him a wide grin as she sat up.

"Hello!"

Harry's eyes crinkled as he sat down next to her. "You fell asleep without me," he chided, though he wasn't serious.

Winnie had been trying to keep on his shift schedule ever since Saturday and he could see how tired she had been getting.

"We can go back to sleep," Winnie suggested with a yawn. She took Harry's hand and snuggled into his chest. He laughed, tapping her nose playfully.

"Come now, Winnie. I have to take off these clothes."

He stood back up to shimmy off his pants and shirt to put on his night garments; plain wool pajamas.

Winnie didn't bother to look away, nor look either. She was so tired it felt like she could die that moment.

After Harry was done he ushered Winnie over to the bed. "You take the bed, Winnie." He smiled as he shuffled over to the couch, wrapping up in the spare quilt.

"Oh, but Harry," Winnie started.

Harry waved his hand in dismissal. "Hush, Winnie. Complain tomorrow." He cracked open one eye and grinned at her. Winnie rolled her eyes in exasperation, slumping into the bed and staring up at the ceiling.

Three minutes went by and she glanced over at the clock; 8:15.

She didn't hear him snoring, which he tended to do; albeit quietly.

"Harry," she whispered.

"Yes?" he answered back immediately.

Both stifled quiet giggles.

"Harry, it's very cold."

There was a momentary silence.

"Winnie-"
"Oh, Harry, I'm freezing. My toes are so cold I think they'll fall off!" Though he couldn't see, she threw a hand over her head dramatically.

"Winnie, we're not married yet," Harry protested. He pressed his lips together in frustration.

"Sure we are!" Winnie answered. "At least everybody thinks we are. All I need is a ring."

Harry squeezed his eyes shut to silence a laugh.

"Winnie," he struggled out. "We can't."

"Harry," she said in the same tone, "I'm dying of cold. It's so cold in the ocean, on this ship. Your blankets aren't warm. This night shirt is thin. I'll die of hypothermia and then you really can't marry me!"

She waited for his response with a smirk hidden in the dark.

Harry groaned, getting up from the couch and sitting down on the bed.

"This is wrong, you know."

He didn't sound convinced.

"Poppycock."

The only thing really visible in the dark was Winnie's teeth as she grinned like a cheshire. Harry sighed as he adjusted himself in bed, doing his best to not overstep any boundaries. Winnie, on the other hand, threw an arm around him, snuggling into the crook of his neck.

"Winnie."

"Hush now, Harry, it's warmer this way."