Title: Mr. Monk Gets Drunk
Pairing: Monk/Stottlemeyer
Note: Still not mine; runs along with episode 5 from season 4, Mr. Monk Gets Drunk
"Captain, you've gotta see this. Monk is doing one of his summations, and he's wasted." And that's really all he needs to hear, and he's making his way into the inn, pushing past Randy and hurrying up the steps. He wants to stop Monk before he makes a spectacle of himself and the SFPD, but what he sees inside the sitting room makes him stop in the doorway.
Adrian's stumbling a bit, clumsy and awkward, and it strikes him speechless. This lack of inhibition shown by Monk is beautiful, and at the same time terrifying. He can't remember ever seeing Adrian like this. And then Monk catches sight of him, and he can see those dark eyes brighten, and his breath catches in his chest. A smile is curving Adrian's mouth, "Cappie! Captain! You caaaame," and he's stumbling across the rug, nearly tripping over people's feet.
And then he has an armful of Monk, and he's staring down into those dark eyes. Adrian is twisting lightly in his grip before an arm is coming around his shoulders, bringing them closer. Once again, he's struck by this lack of inhibitions. His body is crinkling Adrian's suit, but the man doesn't care. For once in his life, Adrian Monk doesn't look like he has a care in the world.
When he feels that warm, dry touch against his cheek, he questions everything. But more than anything, he wants to know how he can make Monk this happy again, with or without alcohol. That palm is touching his cheek, as if wanting to check his realness, then those deft fingers are tugging at his ear. And he can't help but smile down into Adrian's upturned, smiling face.
"I love you," the brunette tells him, gazing up at him with those dark eyes filled with adoration and trust, and it makes his breath catch and his heart skip a beat. He can feel everyone staring at them, the slight blush tainting his cheeks, and the smile curving under his mustache that he couldn't stop even if he wanted to. "I love you too," and then for a brief moment, he thinks Adrian is going to kiss him.
The other man is leaning in, his eyes squinting shut just a little, and he finds himself wanting to close the distance. But then those fingers are tugging at his mustache, and Adrian is clinging to him, mumbling "What is that…what is that?" And it snaps him back to reality. The truth is, yes he loves Adrian, and Adrian may love him…but the other man wouldn't be able to bring himself to that level, would feel like he was being asked to forget or stop loving Trudy. And he doesn't know if he would be able to play second fiddle to a dead woman.
Pulling himself together, he slowly lets go of his armful of Monk and wraps a coat around the detective, who is still absolutely smitten with his mustache. "C'mon, let's put you to bed." And he's leading Adrian off, his arm around the other man's shoulders, his hand painfully close to the Adrian's hand. And then Adrian is pulling away, logic streaming from his mouth, and the moment is broken.
And he's left with the painful realization that he loves a man who may love him, but may never be able to show it, express it, be with him.