Title: An Evening to Forget
Author: Fallenbelle
Rating: Teen for adult themes.
Summary: William has a crisis at his bachelor party.
Spoilers: 803-Glory Days
Notes: So, I wanted William to have a bit of an out-of-William moment and do something foolish in chapter 1. However, his friends have his back. You can thank/blame Fralinger for this.
Just as her lips were to touch his, she flitted away as quickly and unexpectedly as she had arrived, twirling away in gossamer silk and some unknown fragrance. Like some sort of siren butterfly.
He blinked. He still hated the damn things even if he wasn't afraid of them anymore.
At that moment the Inspector thumped him on the back with great gusto, rousing him from his trance. "Come on, me old mucker, let's get you some air, shall we?"
As he was led outside the tavern, and breathed in the fresh air untainted with cigar smoke, he began to regain control, and his breathing slowed-though his pulse still solidly pounded in his ears. William leaned against the wall, and took a moment to compose himself, his face an odd mixture of relief and pain.
"It's all right, Murdoch. You didn't betray her-just got a bit tempted is all."
William nodded, exhaling deeply, his thought processes returning to normal even if he was feeling lightheaded. No doubt the rum had played its part in this debacle.
"You all right, buggaluggs?" Brackenreid asked, concerned.
"I will be, sir. I just need a moment."
"Don't be too long. I'll make sure this Anadia spends the rest of the evening entertaining the other men-perhaps even Higgins. That should be good for a laugh."
William merely nodded. He'd come too close to breaking his promise of fidelity to Julia, a woman he loved more than life itself before he'd even had a chance to make that vow before God, and all his friends. He was thankful the Inspector had been looking out for him.
"Come in and join me for a cigar and scotch-none of this screech bollocks that Crabtree is peddling-you need something fit for a man."
Brackenreid studied William carefully, "It'll be all right, Murdoch," he softly added. "It's something of a relief to see that you're just as human as the rest of us," the Inspector continued with a chuckle.
"Undoubtedly all too human, sir," William agreed, nodding and staring down at the ground.
The Inspector nodded and went back into the tavern, giving William some space to regroup in private.
He was within days of having everything he had ever wanted, and yet he'd almost thrown it away like a fool. He didn't think that he could have ever dreamed of being untrue to Julia, yet he had still come terrifyingly close back in the tavern.
This was why he usually avoided drink, brothels, and gaming houses. Not because he hated the taste of it per se, or the relaxed feeling free of concern it brought, but that they reminded him that he was more than capable of becoming his father-that he was very much his son. It was not a pleasant thought.
He passed a few more minutes outside, until George tentatively stepped outside, also concerned, "Are you allright, sir?"
"I am, George. Is my presence missed yet?"
"Of course, sir. Well, a few have noticed. Most have been quite taken with Anadia, and well…
"Well, best step back inside before everyone notices my absence," making a move back to the entrance. He paused.
"Thank you, George-for organizing tonight. I do appreciate it," said William, making sure he made eye contact with the young man.
"Yes, well..." George blushed. "The others tried to convince me you wouldn't want such an affair, but I couldn't let it go unmarked."
"And, I'm very glad you did, George. Shall we?" he motioned back towards the tavern with his head, yet sensing the younger man was not yet finished.
"Sir, I uh, well, Anadia wasn't my idea-I was as surprised as you were, sir. I…I know how much Dr. Ogden means to you, and I would never…" George trailed off.
"I know, George."
Both men walked back into the tavern, and true to his word, the Inspector had made sure that Anadia focused her attentions on Higgins, his discomfort a great source of amusement for the other men.
William almost felt sorry for the man. Almost.
Better him than me, William thought.
The Inspector motioned him over to the bar, where a cigar and scotch waited for him.
"Enjoy it, Murdoch. Tonight's my watch," the Inspector interjected before William could object.
William realized that it was best to pick his battles, and acquiesced, taking a slow sip and wondered if he could make the drink last the rest of the night. But he looked at the cigar with distaste, and took only a few pulls to be polite, mostly ignoring the expensive tobacco.
It wasn't long before Anadia finished her set, and took her leave, much to William's relief, and for the first time all night, he began to relax, and enjoy the moment.
Spending the rest of the evening in the tavern with the men, laughing, and even playing a few games of darts, William concluded the evening at the bar by himself, sipping a fine single malt scotch, lost in thought.
The Inspector had been right-the taste had grown on him (though he'd never admit it), and as William reflected on the events of the evening, he knew he had narrowly averted disaster. While Anadia was beautiful, it was Julia he desired, whom he had wanted more than any other woman, longer than any other woman. He'd abstained from others though he'd certainly had the opportunity, yet he'd foolishly almost given into a substitute when he was so close to having the real thing.
Briefly he wondered if he'd ever be able to convince Julia to dance for him like that, and threw his drink back in a single gulp.
Grabbing his hat, he stumbled out of the tavern, and into the beautiful night. He had to find Julia. At once.