Never let go

13: Two Hours

Dan stared at Lucille as she looked to the ground in shock. She had seen it, hadn't she? He had been with her the entire time. He had fallen asleep on her chest. She would have heard the diamond hitting the floor of the car when he discarded the coat...right?

Dan turned and walked to her, standing in front of her with his hands in his pockets. She looked to him, pursing her lips slightly as she swallowed. The two were silent as he tried to figure out what to say.

Smack!

Lucille's head jerked to the side and she cupped her cheek in shock, looking to Dan as he glared at her. "What is it, little slut." He said and she lowered her eyes. He growled, grabbing her arms. "Look at me when I am talking to you!" He snapped, clutching her arms hard in his hands. A knock on the door caused him to look up.

"Not now!" He snapped.

"Sorry to intrude, Mr. Strait." A bell boy said, walking inside.

"I said not now! I am busy." Dan said, glaring to the boy.

"I have been told to inform you to put on your life belts and move to the deck."

"Not now." Dan said again and Lucille cupped her cheek, refusing to look up.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Strait, but it's Captains orders. Dress warmly." The boy said, staring at Dan before turning to retrieve the life belts. "It's quite cold out!" Dan looked to Lucille with an evil smirk as she looked to him in anger and hatred, gritting her teeth. "May I suggest top coats and hats?" The boy asked and Dan growled.

"This is ridiculous." He said, walking away from Lucille. She looked down and the boy placed the belts on the table beside her.

"Not to worry, miss. I'm sure it's just a precaution." He said and she looked to him, wanting to scream that she knew that the ship was sinking.

In third class, passengers were struggling to get lifebelts on. A waiter shoved three in Gray's arms and the boy threw one to Gajeel, placing on his own before assisting Juvia in getting hers on correctly.

"Gray, Juvia is scared." The bluenette said, swallowing. Gray smiled at her and cupped her face.

"We'll be okay. I promise." He said, hugging her to him and kissing her forehead. Gajeel watched the two and looked ahead, swallowing hard.

'I'm coming Levy'

***

"Just like the damn English-- everything by the book." Dan was saying, pushing through the crowd. Jude was cleaning his glasses, having taken his time to dress himself in a suit. Lucille wanted to scream at these people not taking the situation seriously, clinging to her life belt as Jude placed a hat on his head.

"There's no need for language, Mr. Strait." Jude said simply, running a hand over his hair. "Go back and turn the heaters on in our room. I want a cup of tea when I return." Jude told a maid as Levy sprinted after them, attempting to place a jacket on Lucille's shoulders. She watched as Gildarts walked past her, looking around in awe at the idiots around him, grabbing Levy's hand and pulling her towards the older man.

"Mr. Clive." Lucille said, grabbing his arm. "I saw the ice berg." She said and his eyes widened slightly. "And I see it in your eyes. Please tell me the truth." She kept her eyes on his as his lips parted and he swallowed slightly. He sighed and pulled her aside, Dan on her heels as Gildarts clung to her arms.