A New Fate
Got this one done after a rewrite. Didn't like the last one so I started over. Hope you guys enjoy.
Special thank you Josie Robbie again for your amazing support in your reviews. You're pretty much the reason why this story has gone on longer than I would have thought. Thank you so much!
Special thanks to everyone else who reviews. Although, I'm very confused by the one from you, 'trishathetrashyw' (not sure what that means), considering there is no poll to vote on because I can't find your name on the site.
Anyway, enjoy Chapter 4!
Chapter Four:
Luck vs Love
The noise drowned out and his surroundings vanished, leaving Taylor completely focused on the man who stood before him. If someone were to attack at that moment, he wouldn't even know it. Nor would he feel it. He was in pure shock.
His mind failed him as a part of him tried to regather himself to do anything. Everything felt a blur inside his mind like he was in a dream that refused for him to awake. He felt like he was underwater.
Prometheus stood before him.
The man he had been chasing for three years was just a couple of feet away. In plain sight, out in the open, in public. And he was staring directly into his eyes.
It felt so surreal to him to finally be face to face.
Prometheus smiled, though whether it was real or for show, he couldn't tell.
Jack was oblivious to his friend's state as he stepped toward the man, shaking his hand, "I would like for you to meet a friend of mine."
He turned around and motioned to Taylor.
"This is Taylor Huston. Taylor, this is Kyle Craig, the man I told you about."
Calming himself, Taylor blinked and stepped forward, offering his hand and a small smile, "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Craig."
Prometheus shook his hand and smiled, "And it's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Huston."
He felt a powerful chill rush through him, tingling down his spine as if he were being electrocuted. He saw the look in his eyes and the way he said his last name. He knew that his target was aware.
Even the tight squeeze of his hand confirmed it.
"Your friend is quite the hero."
Taylor slightly shook his head, "Yeah, he is. Lucky he was there to save her. And he was lucky that you just so happened to be passing by."
Jack frowned, confused.
Prometheus kept his smile, "Lucky indeed. Though, I'm sure Jack could have been able to save her without my help."
Taylor knew he couldn't make a move against him. Not with so many people around and with Jack so close. And to make matter worse, Jack wasn't even aware that the man who helped him was the person they had been searching for. It made him thankful for Jack's decision to board the Titanic.
He decided not to inform Jack just yet about who this was. There was no way to do so without provoking Prometheus. And the last thing he wanted was to make him more nervous than he was. The first-class was already a challenge for him. This was something he could deal with alone.
"But your help did make it easier," said Jack, stepping next to Taylor. "To be honest, I'm happy that the two of you are here. The last thing I wanted was to be alone with such high-class royalty."
Prometheus laughed, "Yes, they can be a little much. I much prefer real dinners with those who are not afraid to speak their mind without such pleasantries to satisfy another's pride. But, regardless, I am interested in seeing how this dinner will play out."
He turned to Taylor, "Wouldn't you agree, Mr. Huston?"
Taylor returned his smile, "I'll admit, I am a little curious. I was dragged to this by Mrs. Brown."
"Ah, yes, Mrs. Margaret Brown. One of the few people in the first-class I believe the three of us can agree is someone we want around."
"I thought I heard my name. And that's very kind of you, Mr. Craig. Maybe I should consider sitting next to you."
The three turned to the stairs, where Margaret Brown was standing at the bottom step, clapping her hands and smiling with delight in the dress she had chosen, "Well, you three gentlemen are a sight to behold."
She approached Prometheus, "I would introduce myself, but it would seem my reputation proceeds me. Just call me, Molly."
Prometheus smiled and took her hand, kissing it, "Pleasure to meet you, Molly."
She slightly blushed, "Well, aren't you a charmer. Why don't you boys walk with me to the dining room, our table should be ready soon."
"Oh, um, I'll stay to wait for Rose," said Jack. "Go on without me."
Molly raised an eyebrow at him, "Suit yourself. She should be down shortly."
Taking Prometheus and Taylor by their elbows, interlocking them with her arms, she led them to the dining room for the first-class.
"Not every day I meet New Money like myself, especially on a ship. What exactly do you gentlemen do to be so wealthy."
"Well, I just recently struck gold out West. I'm returning from a business trip, just trying to make my way back home."
"And how about you, Mr. Huston?"
"Just Taylor, please. I'm afraid I barely qualify as first-class. I'm just a gentleman who sells things for a great price. My wealth is through whatever I make of it."
"Self-made men. Better to be born poor and make your wealth later than to be born into wealth.
"Well said," said Prometheus.
"Why thank you!" they stopped a couple of feet from the large table, where servants were going about setting it up. "Looks like it's going to be a little while longer. Oh, I'll be right back, I see Sir Cosmo and Lucile!"
They watched as she ran off to greet the couple, standing in silence for almost a minute.
"It's about time we met face to face, Taylor."
His change in tone made him feel so vulnerable but he refused to let it reduce him to something else, "I agree. You're a hard man to catch."
"Well, you did almost have me in Paris."
"And in Berlin."
Prometheus scoffed, "You call that nearly having me? I was just playing along that time."
Taylor felt irritated, "We are in agreement not to cause a scene here?"
"Of course! Wouldn't want to cause any trouble with so many important people around. Not to mention the fact that Romeo hasn't recognized me yet. He must be so nervous to be among such a high class. It would be a shame to add to that.
He nodded.
"Speaking of which, I was under the impression that Jack Dawson died five years ago, not long after the death of his parents. Funny how that mistake went unnoticed."
Taylor frowned, "I do not understand what he has to do with anything."
"Jack has everything to do with what is happening now. Especially with the Time Lock, we've been experiencing for the last three years."
"What do you mean?"
Prometheus turned to him, frowning, "You have no idea what I am talking about, do you?"
Taylor faced him, "The last three years have made no sense to me. Last time I checked, I prevented the Time Lock, until you showed up."
Prometheus's eyes slightly widened, "Prevented?"
He continued to stare into Taylor's eyes, deep in thought before chuckling, "Quite the misunderstanding we find ourselves in. You believe I'm the cause of the Time Lock, correct?"
"Without a doubt."
"You're incorrect, Taylor. I did not cause the Time Lock. I just responded to it."
Now Taylor was at a loss. He wanted to believe that he was lying but the look on his face told him everything. It was genuine.
"But… but the last report I got was that a rogue time-traveler caused all of this. You and I are the only ones stuck in this era."
Prometheus studied him, "And where did this report come from?"
"From one of the elders. Klein Reeves."
He betrayed no emotion.
"I call an extended truce beyond this dinner. Meet me at the forecastle of the ship once we are done dining. We have much to discuss."
He offered his hand, "Deal?"
Taylor stared at his hand, considering the possibilities that could happen. He wondered if this was a trap to dispose of him. But he also wondered if this was truly a conversation Prometheus wanted to have. Nothing about him suggested he had ulterior motives.
In fact, the more he thought about it, he had plenty of times to attack him and Jack at any given time. He could have killed Jack at the stern, during or after he had saved Rose. He could have snuck into his room and killed them all.
No, something was up, and he knew it.
Making his decision, Taylor shook his hand, nodding, "Deal."
Prometheus nodded, "I look forward to it."
As Jack waited for Rose, he watched the first-class citizens walk by to get to their tables. At one point, he tried to copy what an elderly man was doing while passing by with his wife, by standing straight and putting one arm behind his back.
He watched as Ruth Butaker and Cal Hockley come down the stairs and pass him by, refusing to acknowledge his presence.
While watching them, he couldn't help but wonder what had gotten into Taylor's mood earlier when introducing him to Kyle. He decided to ask him afterward.
Unknown to him as he watched the two walked toward the dining room, Rose was descending the stairs towards him.
It had taken nearly an hour for Rose to get ready for dinner. It was thanks to the help of Trudy that she made good timing. The whole time she was thinking about Jack, feeling butterflies in her stomach at the idea of spending an evening together with him. Even if it was at dinner with her mother, Cal, and the rest of the first-class royalty.
She couldn't wait to see him again. The entire afternoon she spent talking to him was perhaps the best time she ever had in years. It was so easy to lose herself in their conversations, to be so at ease in venting her frustrations while he listened to every word she said. But it was the moments of just talking that brought out the best in her.
His own life was almost the complete opposite to hers. Just hearing about his adventures made him so intriguing. His carefree nature, handsome face, confidence, and charming personality was captivating.
She felt so alive with him. And she wanted to feel it again.
"You're in a cheery mood," said Trudy as she helped her get dressed. "Are you sure you're alright?"
Brought out of her thoughts of the young man, she nodded to her handmaiden, "Of course, just can't wait for tonight's dinner."
Trudy raised an eyebrow at her, "Would it have something to do with that boy who saved you?"
"Trudy! Be nice, he's three years older me and more mature than a boy, even if he has a teasing side to him."
"So defensive!" Trudy teased. "What on Earth could have brought this out of you?"
The question lingered in her mind as Trudy finished helping her with the final touches. Why was she acting and feeling this way?
She was so lost in her own mind that she didn't realize she had reached the clock by the stairs, only being brought out of her thoughts the moment she saw Jack at the bottom, trying to impersonate the style of a rich. No doubt having seen someone else do it in front of him.
She smiled, finding his attempts cute and funny. The clothing he wore showed off his fit physical body, the gel used for his hair only made him look sharper with the suit, and the handsome face that went with it only made him look so much more desirable.
As she started her way down to him, he turned around and met her eyes.
The moment Jack turned around, he struggled not to gasp or stare at Rose like an idiot. She was so beautiful in the dress she wore that hugged her body and showed off her curves. But it was her face that held the most beautiful thing to him.
He walked toward the front step; his eyes focused solely on her as she took each step towards him.
The next thing they both knew, they were right in front of each other, just a step away.
Oblivious to the music and the people around them, they continued to stare at each other, captivated.
Reaching forward, he took her hand and slowly kissed it.
Despite the long glove she wore, she could feel the contact of his lips that made her heart leap, just separated by the fabric that she wished wasn't there.
"I saw this in a nickelodeon and always wanted to do it," he said.
They both laughed.
Offering his arm, she smiled and intertwined it with her own.
As they began to walk towards the dining room area, he stuck up his nose and stood straight, making Rose slightly laugh at his mockery. The entire time she watched him, trusting him to lead the way.
As they entered the dining room, they came behind a group of people. The moment she turned to see who it was, her smile disappeared upon realizing her mother and Cal were there.
She reached for her fiancé's sleeve, "Darling, surely you remember Mr. Dawson."
Cal turned around, as did her mother, who's smile disappeared upon realizing who Rose was with, even scowling at the fact their arms were interlocked.
Cal was taken by surprise, "Ah, Dawson! You look amazing. You could almost pass as a gentleman."
Although feeling a little offended by his meaning, Jack forced a smile and slightly nodded, "Almost."
"Quite extraordinary," Cal offered his arm to Ruth, who accepted; the two walking away.
Rose watched Jack with a smile, impressed with his ability to be polite.
While following them the rest of the way, Rose began to name off some of the richest and most powerful people to Jack as they passed them, even giving quick details about them. Though Jack wasn't interested or impressed, and could barely keep up with her, he was purely drawn in by her voice and impressed with the fact that she could remember so much about so many people. To him, she was the only person he was interested in the entire room.
"Care to escort another lady to dinner?"
Molly appeared by his side, offering her arm.
Jack smiled back at her and intertwined hers with his, "Certainly."
"Sweet pea!" Cal called out. "Sweet pea! Our table is ready!"
Rose nodded to him as they followed to the large table, where so many of the guests were already getting seated. At the table, she recognized Kyle Craig and Taylor Huston, surprised that the latter was there.
"Ain't nothing to it, is there Jack?" said Molly. "Remember, they love money. Pretend like you own a gold mine and you're in the club."
Before Jack could reply, Molly was already crying out for a man named Astor, someone who Rose had pointed out earlier.
Taylor watched as Jack interacted with the first-class with both Rose and Molly at his side.
At least the kid is having fun.
He glanced at Prometheus, who was carefully searching his surroundings.
A few moments later, everyone was at the table, already either having taken their seats or just doing so. Molly sat between Taylor and Jack, while Rose sat between Cal and Thomas Andrew to the right, and Prometheus between Jack and the Countess on the left.
As the servants began to bring over the food and beverages, Col. Archibald Gracie took notice of Taylor.
"And who may this be?" he asked.
Taylor felt everyone staring at him, but he kept firm where he sat and pushed his emotions back.
Molly leaned forward, "He's my plus-one for the evening. And he so happens to be a friend and roommate of Jack Dawson, the man we have to thank for saving the life of dear Rose."
Already people whispering to each other as they studied the two men.
"And let's not forget about Mr. Kyle Craig," Gracie added. "He was there to help save Rose from death as well."
"A toast!" Molly raised her glass of champagne. "To heroes and new friends!"
Everyone raised their glass and repeated the same after her. Even Cal and Ruth, despite their reluctance.
"So, tell us about your heroic tale of saving Miss Bukater's life," said the Countess. "We've heard rumors, but we are all curious about how authentic they are to the truth."
Rose sighed, not happy with the story that would be told but still happy that the truth wouldn't be known.
Jack began his story by talking about how he was hanging his feet off the side of the ship without his shoes, wanting to feel the wind between his toes. He went on to explain that he heard a cry for help and ran to the stern to find Rose hanging for dear life, just managing to save her before it she lost her grip. He then motioned to Kyle, explaining that he had heard the cry for help too, and assisted him in pulling her back onto the ship.
Everyone clapped once he was done telling his story, smiling as if it was the greatest tale ever told.
Rose was thankful he left out the made-up reason for why she fell over and was even more thankful that no one seemed to pick up on that missing detail, though she feared they may have already known from the rumors and were just being polite about it.
"Tell us more about yourself, Mr. Dawson," said the Countess. "We've been left with questions about you."
Jack nodded as he took a sip of his champagne, "I was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, an only child to my parents. They passed away when I was fifteen…"
Some of the ladies held their hands over their hearts.
"…so I was on my own for a little while, until I met Taylor."
He motioned to his best friend.
"Since then, we've been traveling from city to city, living life as it passes us by."
"Such an exciting thing to hear!" said a woman.
"Mr. Dawson is from the third-class," said Cal. "We invited him for dinner, as well as Mr. Craig, for their assistance with my fiancé last night."
Molly frowned, "Actually, Jack and Taylor are staying in a room as part of the first-class."
Once again, the gossip resumed.
"Oh, so you come from a noble family?" Gracie asked. "Or perhaps, new money?"
Taylor took the initiative, "He stays with me. While I may not come from a rich family or own anything like the steel industry, I make my own fortune through my work."
"And what is that good sir?" Ismay asked.
"I invent and sell things that people want, for a good price," he hated lying but he knew it was enough to satisfy them. "Jack makes his money off the art he draws and sells. I keep telling him he should let me do the selling, but he has let to let me do so."
"Only because I wish to establish myself first," said Jack, winking at him.
Taylor smiled.
"You're an artist?" the Countess asked.
Jack nodded, "Yes, mam. I first learned how to draw when I was a child. It's a gift."
Rose blushed from the glance he sent her, "Mr. Dawson was kind enough to show me some of his work today. He's quite good."
Cal rolled his eyes, "Rose and I differ on our opinion of art. Not to impugn your work, sir."
Though Jack didn't know what impugn meant, he quickly deduced he meant to insult, so he waved him off, "No offense taken."
As more food was brought out, Rose and Molly gave him advice on how things worked at the dinner table, though Rose had to cough and mutter to him. Ismay and several others began to talk about the ship, congratulating Andrews on his magnificent work on building her.
As they ate the food brought out to them, Ruth Bukater turned her attention to Jack, making Rose moan internally.
"Where exactly do you and Mr. Huston live, Mr. Dawson?"
Jack swallowed, "Well, right now, our current address is the RMS Titanic. After that, we are on God's good humor."
Rose smirked behind the glass she drank from.
"So, despite that Mr. Huston funds everything, you seem to have trouble with success. Without him, I question how you would have the means to travel."
Anger rose inside of her, wishing to smack her mother.
Both Taylor and Prometheus frowned at her.
Jack kept his smile and replied, "Well, Taylor has been very good to me. He's like a brother to me. Ever since he found me wandering around the countryside, he took me in and provided for me. Yes, I may live off what he makes, but until the day he tells me to leave, I'll stay by his side."
"A day that will never come," said Taylor, binging the attention back to him. "Yes, it is true, Jack has trouble with success, but big successes start off as small beginnings. I believe he will make his own mark and wealth when he gets his chance."
"Here! Here!" cried Gracie. "Men of fortune and opportunity!"
Almost everyone smiled and nodded.
"I won my ticket on Titanic through a lucky hand at poker. A very lucky hand. I didn't have Taylor backing me up or relying on him to purchase my ticket, I won it myself."
Rose smiled.
"All life is a game of luck!" said Gracie.
"Hmm," Cal shook his head. "A real man makes his own luck. Right, Mr. Dawson?"
Jack nodded.
"But luck itself isn't enough," said Taylor.
Cal turned to him, frowning, "I'm sorry, care to repeat that?"
"Luck isn't enough. It's one thing to make your own luck and make your own wealth but it doesn't matter in the end if that is all you have. You can have the sound of a thousand voices calling your name and have the spotlight shine on you for all your life. But even castles and kingdoms eventually fall in the end. The only thing you leave behind is how much you loved."
"Loved?"
"Love is one of the most important things a man or woman should have in their life. Without it, what's the point in living if you can't love or be loved back? The freedom to love and the freedom to choose are the only things we need in this life. They help us form who we are and what our destiny will be. Luck is just a tool to be in service to those things, not to be the goal."
Cal was dumbfounded, while Rose, Jack, Andrews, Molly, Gracie, and a few others smiled and nodded.
"What about you, Mr. Huston?"
Taylor froze, turning to the direction of Prometheus, surprised that he had spoken.
"I'm afraid I don't understand what it is you're asking."
Prometheus nodded, "What is it that you love the most? Or I suppose the correct question is, who do you love the most?"
Taylor regarded him, wondering what his play is, "My family."
Everyone waited for him to elaborate.
"Do you visit them often?" the Countess asked.
Sadness fell upon, "Everyone I've ever loved has passed on. The only person I consider family is Jack."
Everyone looked upon him with sympathy.
"But you can't let that stop you from loving again. No matter the pain or hardship, you must live on and love again. Part of the journey is to keep going."
Some took his words to heart.
"But yet, you choose to live among the commoners when you can ascend to so much more, to travel when you could establish a family footing in society," said Ruth. "This is what the two of you believe is appealing?"
Molly, Taylor, and Prometheus frowned, while Jack and Rose kept their faces neutral.
"Yes, mam, we do," declared Jack. "We've got everything we'll ever need, right here with us. I have air in my lungs and fine clothing to get me through the day. I love waking up, not knowing what will happen, or who I will meet, where I will end up.
"A few days ago, my friends and I were sleeping under a bridge when we could have gotten a hotel room. Not because we couldn't afford it but because we wanted to lie beneath the stars. Now, we are on the grandest ship in the world, with you fine people."
He handed his cup to the servant next to him with the champagne, "I'll take more of that."
Taylor rolled his eyes, while Rose beamed at him.
"Life is a gift, I don't intend on wasting it," he smiled at Taylor, who smiled back. "You never know what hand you'll get dealt."
Cal held a cigarette in his hand but realized he had no lighter.
"You take life as it comes at you," Jack realized this as he reached for his lighter and tossed it to him. Here, Cal!"
Cal managed to catch it in time before it hit his face, startling him.
"You make each day count."
"As if they are your last," Taylor finished.
"Well said," said Molly.
"Hear, hear!" cried Gracie.
Rose raised her glass, "To making it count."
Everyone did the same, with only Ruth and Cal remaining silent, "To making it count."
As time passed by, stories and jokes were passed around the table, with Molly at the forefront. Jack and Rose kept stealing glances at each other from time to time, making the other blush.
Taylor sensed that the time was approaching for his talk with Prometheus, something he was anxious about but ready for.
Shortly after, Prometheus rose from his seat, "I apologize to leave you so soon, but I wish to get some air and then my rest for the night. It was a pleasure to dine with you all. And as such, I thank you for the lovely experience."
"Ah, but won't you stay for some brandy or bourdon in the smoke room?" asked Gracie. "We even have the best cigars at our services."
Prometheus smiled, "I've made it a habit not to drink or smoke anymore. Or, at the least, limit myself in my drinking. But even then, I do not do so before bedtime."
Gracie nodded, "A good man always takes care of himself as he gets older. But for me, I have not reached my limit yet. Let's leave the ladies to their gossip, gentlemen."
All the men, except for Jack and Taylor, began to rise from their seats.
Prometheus made his way out of the dining room.
"Next is brandy in the smoke room," Rose whispered to Jack. "Where they retreat to congratulate each other on being masters of the universe."
Jack smiled, making her chuckle a bit and catching the eye of her disapproving mother.
"Ladies, thank you for the company," said Ismay.
Cal leaned down to Rose, "May I escort you back to your cabin?"
Rose looked up at him and shook her head, "No, I'll stay here."
Jack and Taylor rose from their seats as well.
"Here, Molly," Jack gave her the pin she had allowed him to borrow back, which she accepted.
"Boys!" Gracie approached them. "You going to join us for a brandy, or do you want to stay with the women?" He laughed at his joke.
Taylor shook his head, "I think I'll do the same as Pr- Mr. Craig and go out for a breath of fresh air before bed. I'll see you later, Jack."
Jack frowned as he watched him leave, wondering what was up with him.
"And you, Mr. Dawson?"
He shook his head, "No, thanks. I need to head back."
Gracie nodded before walking off.
"Probably for the best," said Cal as he approached him. "It'll be all business and politics. None of it would interest you."
Walking past him, he stopped and turned, "But, Mr. Dawson, it was good of you to come."
Just as Jack turned back to him, he threw the lighter, which he caught with ease, while Lovejoy walked right past him.
He turned to Rose and walked up to her.
"Must you go?" she asked, hoping deep in her heart that he would say no.
Jack nodded, "Well, despite that I may have a first-class room, I believe the high society's patience for someone like me has run very thin by this point."
Rose laughed.
Jack held a folded piece of paper in his hand, he reached for Rose's hand and kissed it, making sure she felt the paper and tighten her grip, so it didn't fall, "Goodnight, Rose."
She watched him go, her heart yearning for him to return, but then she felt the paper and paused, waiting till Jack had left. Once he was gone, she looked down and slowly opened it, just outside of her mother's sight, despite feeling her eyes on the back of her head.
It read: Make it count. Meet me by the clock.
She looked up, excitement filling her heart.
Remembering her mother, she decided to wait a minute or two, hoping Jack wouldn't have left by that point. Once the two minutes were up, she rose and turned to her mother.
"I think I'll retire for the evening."
"But Cal already left after offering," she protested. "Why now?"
"I guess I'm just tired now. Goodnight, mother," she turned to leave before Ruth could protest again.
Reaching the floor with the clock, she found Jack at the top.
Exhaling to control her anxiety and excitement, she climbed the stairs to him, each step feeling like an eternity.
Sensing her presence, Jack turned and smiled, "How about we go to a real party."
Although a part of her knew it was a bad idea, her heart leaped with joy and her smile grew at the fact that her time with him was not yet over.
The walk to the forecastle of the ship felt like an eternity. Each step was met with the increase of anxiety inside of him. Each second was like the clicking of a time bomb, only getting louder the closer he got.
Soon, he found himself standing at the front of the ship, stopping just a good eight feet from the figure in front of him. The only light was from the headlights above or on the ground, casting their shadows across the floor.
Prometheus turned around, hands by his sides.
Taylor exhaled and stared into his eyes, "Alright, let's talk."
Okay, so I originally meant for the party down in the third-class living quarters to be part of this chapter and also the big conversation between Taylor and Prometheus as well (which is probably the one you readers really want to see the most), but the chapter got way too big for my liking. Or, should I say, more so for fanfiction's liking, because every time I cross 7,000 or 8,000 words on this site, my screen freezes (not the computer, I mean the website itself freezes). Thankfully, I write my stuff on Microsoft Word, so none of my work is erased, but it does make it hard to edit and publish. So I'm sticking with 5,000 words instead for now on.
The next chapter might be smaller than usual, or maybe it won't, it depends on how much writing will go into it. But I promise we are getting to the good stuff.
Special thank you to all of you who read and review. It means so much to me. If you have any questions, just feel free to review or Private Message me.
Thank you so much for reading and I'll see you in Chapter 5!