This ship may sink!

Gerard fished his pocket watch from his waistcoat pocket and looked at the time. Had he really been away from the cabin for that long? He glanced to his right, and saw the two men sat side by side on the floor, with their backs to the railing, and cigarettes in both their mouths. On occasion, Robert would allow him to smoke, but he wasn't permitted to carry his own. He could really do with one right now!.. Call it a last request?
Drawing as much courage as he could from the fact that he would likely never see them again, Gerard approached the men "Excuse me?.." He started, quietly. The one with the sailor's marks looked up, surprised perhaps that someone from first class was addressing him ".. I apologise for disturbing your conversation, but I was wondering if one of you may have a spare cigarette?.." He swallowed as neither man replied. Had he made a horrible lapse in judgement that would get him beaten? ".. I.. I could pay you for it?"
The marked man suddenly grinned up at him and climbed to his feet, pulling a cigarette from his pocket, along with a box of matches. He held them out to Gerard "Ya don't need to pay me"
Gerard gratefully took the offered items, slipping the cigarette between his lips and striking a match. He lit up, sucking the smoke into his lungs in relief, before handing the matches back "Thank you!" He smiled, self consciously.
"No problem!.. But I'm wonderin' why ya don't have ya own?"
Gerard blushed slightly, looking down at his feet "I forgot them in my cabin.." He lied, then gained a small amount of confidence, and looked back up ".. I like your..markings" He waved vaguely at the boy's tattoos.
The boy grinned "Ya do?.. Wow!.. Not many of your class would admit that!"
Gerard smiled softly "I'm an artist. Or at least.. I like to paint!.. Though I'm not very good, but I know what looks good when I see it"
"Ya paint?.. What do ya paint?" The boy seemed genuinely interested.
"Landscapes, mainly!.. But I came across a book recently that contained some very dark imagery, and I have been drawing some inspiration from that of late"
The boy suddenly stuck out his hand "I'm Frank, by the way"
Gerard hesitantly took Frank's hand. It was warm and soft, and the gentle feel of it, stirred something inside him "Oh, I am sorry, how rude of me!.. My name's Gerard.. It is nice to meet you"
Frank shook his hand for maybe a moment or two longer than necessary. He then seemed to realise that he was still clutching Gerard's cold hand, and let go, lifting his hand to absently rub the back of his neck. After a minute of silence "Oh, this is Patrick, by the way" he indicated his friend, who was still sat on the deck, watching their interaction with mild amusement.
"Hello.." Gerard held out his hand towards the boy ".. It is nice to meet you, too"
Patrick smiled and accepted the handshake "Same!"
Gerard nodded politely as their hands parted "Well.." He said, pulling out his pocket watch again ".. I am afraid that I must go"
"Course!.." Frank said ".. See ya around"
Gerard smiled sadly "Perhaps.. But if our paths do not cross again, I hope you enjoy the rest of your journey, and find whatever you are searching for in America"
Frank laughed slightly "Ya not intending to come up here again?"
"I may!.." Gerard murmured, taking a final pull on his cigarette, then throwing the end over the rail ".. I do not know yet.." He took a last glance out over the water, before meeting Frank's eyes again ".. Well, good day gentlemen"
"See ya!" Frank called after him as he turned and headed back toward his cabin to get dressed for dinner, though he would much prefer to stay and talk with Frank, but he knew he could not, and the likelihood of running into him again before Gerard ended it, was very small indeed.
Returning to the cabin, Gerard found Robert still sat in the same place, this time, smoking a fat cigar "Nice walk?.." He spat. Gerard swallowed and nodded slightly, dropping his eyes to the floor ".. Good.. Now get over here and do your job, whore!" Gerard whimpered quietly as he crossed the room and dropped to his knees in front of the older man, reaching out with shaky hands to unfasten Roberts trousers.
After tonight, Robert could never hurt him. After tonight.. no one could, ever again...

Notes

Hi there chipmunks.. GeesCLUELESSgirl here..

They met!.. Woohoo!!..

Anyway.. Please comment, stay safe, and peace out babies!
<3 Love ya!