Titanic Bound by Destiny

Chapter 17: The Confrontation

 April 14th, 1912. (7:15 AM)

Nicholas knew he had to act fast, faster than he ever had before. There was no time for anxiety, worry or questions of what may be. He had to act to save Sebastian's livelihood and their safety. Nicholas rolled out of bed, his mind whirling with emotions and thoughts. He dressed slowly, each movement deliberate, as he mentally prepared to confront whatever consequences might arise from the previous night's events. As Nicholas buttoned his shirt, his hands trembled slightly—not from the cold, but from the adrenaline of knowing that today, he had to take decisive action. Sebastian's future, perhaps even his own, hung in the balance, dependent on the conversation he was about to have with his cabin mate, Chester. The gravity of the situation was palpable, making his heart race, yet the connection he had forged with Sebastian fortified him with a strength he hadn't known he possessed. Titanic had made him into a new man, one stronger than before. As he dressed, a newfound confidence surged through him, bolstered by the events of the past four days and the depth of connection he'd discovered with Sebastian. He knew he couldn't let fear dictate his actions any longer, especially with Sebastian's future—and perhaps his own—hanging in the balance. He reassured himself in the mirror as he splashed his face with cold water.

With his resolve strengthening, Nicholas left his cabin and went through the ship's corridors. The Titanic, a marvel of engineering and luxury, hummed around him, its grandeur a stark contrast to the fire that burned within his chest. His steps led him to the Second Class Enclosed Promenade, where passengers often gathered to enjoy the view of the endless ocean stretching out before them. Here, Nicholas found Chester standing alone and gazing out at the sea, lost in thought. As always, the morning sun cast a warm, eloquent glow over the entire area; its beams protruded into the second-class staircase. Yet it was notably colder today than in the last few days. Despite the cold, Nicholas had a confidence that burned in him like an inferno—all his moments of breaking free from the Mold his parents had set had led to this. Never before had Nicholas felt more ready to confront something to protect something he cared for so deeply.

Nicholas approached quietly, his heart pounding louder with each step. As he stood beside Chester, the quiet hum of the ship and the soft sound of waves against the hull filled the silence between them. They both knew the truth, but neither dared say it. They both knew what Chester had seen, and there was no way to explain it without lying, yet Nicholas was ready to do whatever it took to prevent things from worsening. After a moment that stretched forever with anticipation, Chester spoke without turning, his voice cutting through the quiet with unexpected directness. "Are you a homosexual?" The question, blunt and unembellished, hung in the air between them. The words rang through Nicholas's head as he realised that he had never truly accepted that he was, in fact, a homosexual, but it was true, and now he was confronted with it for the very first time by someone he barely knew.

Yet he knew now he had no choice but to answer; denial would be nothing but a lie he suspected Chester would not believe. With a slow, almost invisible nod, he confirmed his truth, his heart racing with the potential implications of his admission. Chester finally turned to face him, his expression difficult to read. The tension was palpable as Nicholas waited for what would come next. After a pause that seemed to last an eternity, Nicholas spoke again, his voice tinged with worry. "What are you going to do?" his voice barely above a whisper, fraught with anxiety over the uncertainty of Chester's response. Chester tilted slightly as he studied Nicholas, his face giving nothing away. Nicholas began to think of extreme ways to solve the situation, but he pushed those aside as insanity. Besides, pushing a man into the sea would be difficult, and he would likely get caught. However, he did consider doing it to protect Sebastián.

Instead of answering directly, Chester reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, well-worn book. He handed it to Nicholas with an almost reverent gesture. "Read this," he instructed gently. "Communism may be the path to your freedom." Nicholas took the book, turning it over in his hands. The cover was faded, and the spine creased from frequent use. "You're not going to tell anyone?" he asked, a flicker of hope igniting as he clutched the book like a lifeline. He was not that into politics, but he knew his father detested communism with a burning passion, and so to hold this book in his hand now would indeed cause him to have a heart attack if he ever found out. In the days before the Titanic, Nicholas would have never taken the book, but now it was just a book. His eyes had been indeed opened to a whole new world. This book would be a source of confidence he had found to protect Sebastian.

Chester shook his head, his eyes meeting Nicholas's with solemn sincerity. "No, I won't tell anyone. We all have our secrets, Nicholas. And who you love shouldn't be the cause of your downfall. I believe everyone deserves a chance at happiness, free from persecution." Chester turned and left Nicholas alone with his thoughts and the book. As he watched Chester disappear into the distance, relief washed over him, mingled with a profound gratitude for Chester's understanding and discretion. Chester was a man of the future, and that much was, for sure, an example of the changing times. If more men were like him, then who knows what they could get done in the name of progress. Not even in their cabin, Nicholas would never see Chester again after that meeting. Their paths never seemed to cross.

Nicholas looked down at the book, its title embossed in faded gold letters. He opened it to the first page, his eyes scanning the words that promised a vision of a different world—a world that might one day embrace him and Sebastian without condition. Clutching the book to his chest, he allowed himself a moment to absorb the enormity of what had just occurred. Instead of crumbling under the weight of potential scandal and exposure, he had faced his fears head-on. As he pocketed the book, Nicholas felt a renewed sense of purpose. The conversation with Chester had not only averted immediate danger but had also opened his eyes to broader societal issues and the potential for change. The path ahead was undoubtedly fraught with challenges, but Nicholas felt ready to face it, fortified by the knowledge that he was not alone in his fight for a life of truth and openness. Whatever the future, he was determined to advocate for his and Sebastian's right to love and a world where such love no longer needed to hide in the shadows. With the book in his pocket and a newfound resolve, Nicholas was prepared to begin this new journey, one brave step at a time. For now, however, Nicholas needed a drink. The last few hours, he had been a wild way to start the morning. Hopefully, the drama was over now.