April 14th, 1912. (6:45pm)
After his enlightening morning conversation with Wallace Hartley, Nicholas dedicated the rest of his day to the peaceful company of his cherished books. The second-class library was a perpetual sanctuary with polished wood and shelves filled with volumes. Settled in his usual cosy nook by the window, the gentle murmur of conversation surrounded Nicholas, the distant hum of the engines, and the occasional clink of tea cups, all creating a soothing backdrop for his afternoon of reading. A steward would occasionally refresh his drink; his glass always seemed full. He immersed himself in the science fiction novel; his newfound interest in the genre had kept him enthralled for the past few days, thanks to the ship’s extensive selection; the books seemed never-ending. He made a mental note that he had to sign up for a New York library immediately once they got there. The thought of him and Sebastian opening a bookshop in the future filled him with anticipation and excitement.
His peaceful reading was briefly interrupted when Connor burst into the library. The young man's energy starkly contrasted with the space's quietude. Connor scanned the room, his eyes alight with a specific purpose. No matter what the time of day was, no matter the situation. Connor always seemed to be powered by an engine that never ceased. He wondered where he got the energy to be energetic. Whatever the case was, it showed that the man always had a smile and a carefree attitude. If you were having a bad day, spending time near Connor would surely lift your spirits; his bumbling, easygoing nature was infectious. "Hey, Nicholas! Have you seen Adelaide by any chance?" he asked, his voice a little breathless as if he'd been searching for a while. "No, I haven't seen her today," Nicholas replied, bookmarking his page and looking up curiously. "Something urgent?" "Just trying to find her for a quick chat. Nothing urgent. She's probably caught up somewhere," Connor replied with a wave of his hand, already backing away. "I'll catch her later," he added, flashing a quick grin. Connor was gone as quickly as he had appeared, his departure leaving a small ripple in the otherwise calm atmosphere of the library. He was never one for sitting around.
Nicholas returned to his book with a soft chuckle, amused by Connor’s fleeting whirlwind presence. Sometime later, he decided it was time for a light supper. It was true that he could make his way down to the second-class dining saloon for a larger meal, but he was not that peckish after his hearty breakfast and only wanted something light to whet the appetite. So, he settled for a simple but filling sandwich with a cup of warm lemon tea from a passing steward. The simple meal was delightful, the sandwich freshly made with crisp lettuce and thick slices of tomato that complemented the Savory ham nestled between the bread. Even the sandwiches on Titanic were heavenly. He spent the rest of the day reading and sipping the tea the stewards made and brought to him. It was a most relaxing existence, and after the last few days, he hoped the next couple of days would be more soothing.
As the afternoon light waned, Nicholas was surprised to find a small note discreetly placed on his table. He immediately recognised Sebastian's precise handwriting and felt warmth as he read the message inviting him to watch the sunset together. Nicholas would have to explain what had happened with Chester, but beyond this, the invitation was warm and proof that Sebastian had not doubted them during the day. Outside the window, the golden glow of the setting sun felt more prominent than before. With not a cloud in the sky, the setting sun was allowed to illuminate every inch of Titanic in her golden glow. With anticipation lighting his steps, Nicholas gathered his belongings and approached the ship's stern. The corridors were quieter in the late afternoon, with many passengers preparing for dinner or relaxing in their cabins. Reaching the stern, Nicholas found Sebastian already there, leaning against the railing with a serene expression, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Nicholas noted it was the first time Sebastian was at their meeting spot before he was, a sign of the changing times. "Thought I'd find you here," Nicholas said, his voice carrying a note of affection.
As Nicholas joined him, Sebastian turned with a welcoming smile. "Good to see you," Sebastian greeted, his voice carrying a note of relief. Nicholas returned the smile, then quickly delved into his earlier conversation with Chester. "I spoke with Chester today," he began, his tone serious. "I told him about us... in a way. After he saw us together this morning, I could not lie." Nicholas paused, gauging Sebastian's reaction, a mix of concern and curiosity. "And?" Sebastian prompted, his brow furrowing slightly. "He won't tell anyone. He gave me a book about communism," Nicholas concluded. Relief washed over Sebastian's face, his body relaxing as he let out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding. "That's... that's great news, Nicholas. Great," he said, his voice warm with gratitude. They both turned back to the view, allowing the enormity of the moment to sink in. There was a chill in the air, colder than usual, more frigid than it had ever been on Titanic.
As the sun dipped lower, casting its final golden hues across the ocean, Nicholas and Sebastian stood close, their shoulders almost touching as they watched the horizon. The moment was serene, filled with the muted sounds of the sea and the whispers of the wind. During these quiet instances, the most significant conversations often took place. One thing Nicholas noted was the lack of anything in the night sky. There was no moon or stars, and the ocean was calmer than ever. It was an eerie but beautiful sight, even if it seemed to get ever colder. Sebastian reached over and gently placed his hand on Nicholas's, a comforting and familiar gesture that brought a sense of closeness between them. Nicholas turned to meet Sebastian's gaze, finding reassurance in his eyes. Being this close to one another was enough to keep the cold at bay, even if it felt like winter had descended upon the Titanic. Sebastian sighed. Something was on his mind, but Nicholas waited to see if he wanted to speak first.
"We need to think about what comes next," Sebastian started, his voice low but clear over the sound of the waves. "I've been thinking about the practicalities, about how we could make a life together." Nicholas nodded, squeezing Sebastian's hand gently. "I've thought about it too," he admitted. "Maybe a sham marriage? It could give us the cover to live together without raising suspicions." Sebastian's eyes reflected hope, concern, and a deep determination. "It could work," he agreed. "And living together... I like the sound of that. We could find a small place in New York and start fresh." Nicholas's mind flashed to them waking up and watching New York together, drinking coffee. It was a dream Nicholas had never dared to think about till now; he had always rejected his feelings for other men, but now they had become unchained. But they still had to face reality.
"But your job on the Titanic," Nicholas pointed out, the reality of their situation creeping into the dream they were building. "Would you leave it?" Sebastian sighed, looking back out to the sea, contemplating. "I might have to," he confessed. "Or perhaps spend time apart. It's not ideal, but we could make it work if we carefully plan our visits and time together." The conversation was heavy with the weight of decision and the dreams of a future together. Then, Sebastian reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small, elegantly crafted pocket watch. He handed it to Nicholas, who opened it to find Sebastian's initials engraved inside. It was the most beautiful pocket watch he had ever seen in his entire life. "I want you to have this," Sebastian said, his voice tinged with emotion. "No matter where I am or what the future holds, I want you to remember this moment, us, here, planning a life together."
Nicholas looked between the pocket watch and Sebastian, his mouth open with shock. He had never been given a gift like this before, and he pondered rejecting it, for this pocket watch meant a lot to Sebastian, but the look on his lover's face and his grip on Nicholas's hand., assured him it was okay. Nicholas was touched, and the significance of the gift was not lost on him. He looked up at Sebastian, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, and then, moved by a surge of affection, he leaned in and kissed him. It was a kiss that sealed their promises, hopes, and plans—a commitment to each other against whatever challenges might come. They returned to watching the ocean as they pulled away from the kiss. Nicholas carefully pocketed the watch securely into his pocket. He noted that the line between sea and was blurred now that the sun had set. It was almost impossible to tell the difference between the two.
Nicholas looked between the pocket watch and Sebastian, his mouth open with shock. He had never been given a gift like this before, and he pondered rejecting it for this pocket watch meant a lot to Sebastian, but the look upon his lover's face and his grip on Nicholas's hand. He could tell it meant a lot to Sebastian and that he genuinely gave it to him. Nicholas was touched, and the significance of the gift was not lost on him. He looked up at Sebastian, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, and then, moved by a surge of affection, he leaned in and kissed him. It was a kiss that sealed their promises, hopes, and plans—a commitment to each other against whatever challenges might come. They returned to watching the ocean as they pulled away from the kiss. Nicholas carefully pocketed the watch securely into his pocket. He noted that the line between sea and was blurred now that the sun had set. It was almost impossible to tell the difference between the two.
Pulling his coat tighter around him, Nicholas felt the chill seep through his clothing, nudging him back to the reality of their situation. The descending temperatures mirrored the inevitable conclusion of their meeting unless they wanted to stay out here and freeze to death. Sebastian moved closer to Nicholas, their bodies nearly touching. He reached out, placing his arm around Nicholas's shoulders in a comforting embrace to share their warmth. "It's getting cold," Sebastian observed softly, his breath visible in the cool air. "We should probably head back soon." Nicholas nodded, reluctant to end their time together yet aware of the necessity. "Yes, we should," he agreed, leaning into the warmth of Sebastian's side. "This has been perfect despite the cold. It's given us a lot to think about and look forward to" Sebastian smiled, squeezing Nicholas's shoulder gently. "It has," he affirmed. "And whatever it takes, whatever we have to face, we'll do it together. We'll find a way to make our plans a reality."
Finally, with a mutual sigh, they stepped away from the railing. Sebastian carefully removed his arm around Nicholas as they adjusted their coats to brace against the cold. Hand in hand, they walked back toward the second-class entrance. They paused as they reached the door, exchanging one last glance back at the ocean, now a vast black expanse beneath the moonless night. "It's a promise, then," Nicholas said, his voice steady despite the chill. "A promise," Sebastian confirmed, nodding firmly. With that, they turned and walked through the door, leaving the stern and its chilly embrace behind, their spirits warmed by the plans they had made and the bond that had deepened between them under the fading light of the day. The cold air was left outside, and as the door closed behind them, it seemed to seal their commitment to each other, a private pact made in the presence of the vast Atlantic.
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