April 12th, 1912. (7:15 PM)

In Nicholas's cabin, the atmosphere was charged with infectious excitement as he rummaged through his wardrobe, searching for the perfect suit for Connor. The small room was filled with the chatter of anticipation, and each garment was assessed not just for fit but for the statement it would make at the gala. It was true that Nicholas had only met Connor a few hours ago, and to help him out this way may have seemed odd to some. Still, Nicholas had always wanted to help others, and here on Titanic, nature was seminally getting him more friends than ever. Truthfully, though, the thought of attending the gala alone had always made him uneasy. Now, with Connor by his side, he would have a friend to lean on, which in turn would help calm his nerves, especially if Sebastian was there as he expected he would be. He wondered just how many stewards would be in attendance. 

"So, have you ever worn anything like this before?" Nicholas asked, pulling out a deep navy suit with a subtle pinstripe, the fabric smooth under his fingers. Standing awkwardly in the centre of the room, Connor chuckled as he took off his hat and placed it on the bed. "My usual attire doesn't go beyond rough work clothes and the occasional clean shirt for Sundays. Nothing like that," he nodded towards the suit, his eyes wide. Nicholas nodded. The world of third class was vastly different from the one he knew. Yet, in a way, Nicholas understood him. Despite being able to afford suits and second class, his family was very much working class. They knew hard labour; his father woke at 6 am every morning. So, despite the class difference, Nicholas knew exactly what he was talking about. 

"This will change that," Nicholas said with a grin, handing the suit to Connor. "Go on, try it on. Let's see if we can turn some heads tonight." As he stood there looking at Connor, he pondered for a second about whether he felt anything for him the way he did Sebastian. If he did, it may have been easier as he was not bound to Titanic, but as he searched deep inside himself. He realised this was indeed just a bond of friendship.  With no privacy in the room to get changed in, Conner had to do it in the middle of the room. Nicholas returned to the wardrobe to find a suit to make Conner feel more comfortable about getting changed. He had a few options, though he expected fewer than those in first class. Selecting a crisp white shirt and a charcoal grey suit. He dressed quickly, adjusting his tie in the mirror, his thoughts drifting to how the evening would unfold, the music, the dancing, and most importantly, how Sebastian might react to seeing him there.

He turned to see Conner standing; they were in his suit. The suit fit surprisingly well, only slightly loose in the shoulders but otherwise perfect. Connor’s posture changed; newfound confidence replaced his usual bumbling demeanour as he admired his reflection in the small mirror. Nicholas was shocked at how well the suit fit, though Conner soon reassured him his humorous self was there. “Can’t forget this”, he said as he picked up the cap and put it back on his head with a smile that caused Nicholas to laugh. “You look like you were born to wear that,” Nicholas remarked, genuinely impressed. The suit had brought out a sophistication in Connor that went unnoticed under his usual attire. “Thank you, Nicholas. I—I don’t know what to say,” Connor stammered, a flush of gratitude colouring his cheeks. “There’s no need to say anything. Just enjoy the night,” Nicholas replied, clapping Connor on the shoulder. He checked his watch; it was nearly time for the Gala. Folks would soon gather for the event. Nicholas wondered what would happen as he headed for the cabin door with Connor by his side. “Let’s show the gala what you’ve got,” Conner said, once again attempting a posh voice.

Nicholas and Connor entered the second-class library, which had been transformed magnificently for the gala. The shelves of books remained, but some tables in the centre of the room had been moved to create a space for dancing, an activity some were already partaking in. The room buzzed with laughter and conversation; the band played lively tunes in one corner. "Wow, this is impressive", Connor muttered; Nicholas nodded in agreement. The closest he had ever come to something like this was the harvest festivals held in the town meeting hall. And even those weren't that grand compared to this. Nicholas moved over to a man holding a tray and nodded. He took two glasses and returned to Conner, offering him one. Conner nodded his appreciation. "Well, Conner, let's mingle", Nicholas said, so they did. Conversation topics were light but exciting enough, and if anything seemed to become stale, Conner would do something silly, like tripping up, to lighten the mood. He couldn't tell if Conner was doing it intentionally or by accident, but it was amusing. 

As they mingled, Nicholas's eyes scanned the crowd for Sebastian, his heart ticking a beat faster in anticipation. He noticed a steward he had met before; his name was James Archer, a first-class steward who had been roped in to help this event; after a few years of service, this was to be his last vouge as soon he would be off to Maritime Academy, to become a naval officer. Nicholas smiled at him as he turned to see if he could find Sebastian. Before he could spot him, however, a striking figure caught his attention—a woman with a confident air and an elegant dress cascading in shimmering purple fabric. She spoke with a group of passengers near one of the bookcases. Her poise and the warmth of her laughter drew people to her, and Nicholas heard someone refer to her as Lady Adelaide Thibodeaux. A French name, maybe from the same place Sebastian was from?

"Connor, do you see that woman over there?" Nicholas nudged his friend, nodding toward her. Nicholas was about to suggest they introduce themselves as others had, but Conner was not a man to wait around. Not a man affected by nerves, Conner bounded over to the Lady as Nicholas stood back; for a second, his nerves took control and froze him to the spot. He locked eyes with Conner, who was giving him reassuring glances. Nicholas swallowed hard and decided to step out of his comfort zone again. He approached Lady Adelaide, his heart pacing with nervousness and excitement. "Lady Adelaide Thibodeaux, I presume?" he began, extending his hand in greeting. "I'm Nicholas Goodwin. It's a pleasure to meet someone so well-regarded by everyone aboard." Conner stood nearby with a massive cheesy smile plastered across his face. 

Lady Adelaide's response was a bright, welcoming smile. "Mr. Goodwin, the pleasure is mine. I've noticed you around the ship; you have a thoughtful presence. Do you dance?" Nicholas looked to Conner in horror as he chuckled, then carefully nodded. In truth, he had danced many times as one of the few young men in his town during the Harvest festival, so he was more accustomed to it than others may have expected. Still, he had never done it in a room like this, yet tonight was for trying new things. Conner had pushed himself out of what he was used to, so now it was Nicholas's turn. Taking the invitation in stride, Nicholas nodded, and they went to the dance floor. The music swelled into a lively waltz, and as he took her hand and they began to move to the rhythm, Nicholas found that any initial awkwardness melted away in the flow of the dance. Lady Adelaide was an excellent dancer, her movements both graceful and assured, guiding him when necessary. "Is this not delightful said Nicholas, nodding. Indeed, he had never felt freer than in this moment. 

As they danced, Nicholas could feel the eyes of the gala's attendees on them, including a particular pair that mattered more to him than he might admit. Glancing over Lady Adelaide's shoulder, he caught Sebastian watching them, an unreadable expression on his face. Nicholas hoped his decision to dance demonstrated a newfound confidence, not just in his social manoeuvres but also in embracing the unexpected opportunities life aboard the Titanic presented.  Sebastian had shown him a new way forward; now, he was taking that new way of life and running with it. The old Nicholas would have never dared to dance like this. He hoped the night had more exciting surprises in store. The dance ended amidst applause, and Lady Adelaide thanked Nicholas with a gracious nod. "Thank you, Mr. Goodwin, for such a delightful dance. You are quite the gentleman. “Flushing with pride and gratitude, Nicholas watched as she rejoined her group, Conner following. Nicholas watched Conner’s bumbling nature with amusement.

As the lively music continued and the dance floor swirled with elegantly dressed passengers, Nicholas stood slightly apart from the others, his fingers curled around a chilled glass, observing the room with a warm smile. The energy was infectious, but his thoughts were introspective, warmed by the interactions of the evening, especially his dance with Lady Adelaide Thibodeaux. Just then, Sebastian approached, his tray of drinks set aside for a brief respite. “Enjoying the view?” he asked, a teasing lilt in his voice as he stood beside Nicholas, following his gaze across the bustling room. Nicholas gripped his glass tighter. He had seen Sebastian earlier during his dance with the lady and could not tell how Sebastian felt about it, but now he was openly talking to him.  Sebastian was still hard to read; he seemed calm, which was expected for this man.

"Very much so," Nicholas replied, turning to face him with a smile. "But it could be better." Sebastian raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And what could improve it?". Nicholas gulped, feeling more confident than ever before, bolstered by the drink and his earlier dance with Lady Adelaide. It was now or never; tonight was the night. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Nicholas took the plunge. "A dance with you," he said, his voice hopeful. He watched closely for Sebastian's reaction, keen to gauge whether he had stepped over a line. Sebastian looked taken aback momentarily, his eyes widening slightly as he processed the request. Then, understanding the playful challenge, he smiled, a soft chuckle escaping him. "Is that so? And here I thought my duties were confined to serving drinks and ensuring a smooth voyage." Nichols let out a deep breath as relief washed over him. Sebastian showed no annoyance at his earlier dance and did not seem phased by Nicholas's current request. 

Nicholas grinned, playing along with the light-hearted banter. “Well, as a steward, it’s your job to look after passengers, right? Consider this part of ensuring passenger satisfaction.” Sebastian’s smile broadened at that, and he extended his hand, a gesture filled with warmth. “How could I refuse such a compelling part of my job description?” he quipped. Nicholas’s heart skipped a beat; he had never expected Sebastian to agree as he looked at the hand, but his response again took him aback. Nicholas closed his eyes and took Sebastian’s hand, taking a leap he could never return from. For the first time in forever, Nicholas wondered what others in the room would think. He no longer cared; he focused solely on Sebastian and what was happening between them.

Hand in hand, they made their way to the dance floor. As the band started a slow, melodious tune, perfect for a close dance, Nicholas and Sebastian found themselves in each other's arms, the crowd around them blurring into the background. Sebastian proved an excellent dancer, leading gently and assertively, allowing Nicholas to follow easily. With the proximity, the touch of Sebastian's hand at his back, and the other clasping his hand, Nicholas felt a rush of exhilaration. Neither of them had been prepared for this, yet they glided across the floor gracefully and elegantly. Around them, the room continued its lively swirl, but for Nicholas, the world had narrowed down to the man in his arms, the soft music, and the gentle sway of their bodies in rhythm. He caught Sebastian's eye, and in that look, there was a shared recognition of something deeper and more meaningful blossoming between them. It was a slight change; both were scared, but there was no turning back.

As the song ended and they stepped apart, there was a moment of reluctance to break the connection completely. Smiling, Sebastian said, "Thank you, Nicholas. That was more enjoyable than I anticipated." "Thank you, Sebastian, for indulging your passenger," Nicholas replied, holding onto Sebastian's hand for a moment longer before finally letting go. They returned to the edge of the dance floor, but the dance had changed something subtle yet significant in their interactions. There was a new layer of intimacy, an unspoken acknowledgement of their mutual interest and affection, setting a foundation for whatever might come next in their unfolding journey on the Titanic. Nicholas smiled. The Lawyer and the steward, who would have ever guessed that could happen. The Gala was another step in Nicholas's journey to newfound freedom.