Titanic Bound by Destiny

Chapter 8: The Gala

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.