I know, it has been quite a long time since I have updated but I wasn't sure what I should put in between November and the Christmas Chapters (which I have already planned). Then I came up with this idea and I hope you enjoy it and Maybe find it slightly amusing.

By the way: I also updated my second BSG fanfiction, "Titanica", more recently.

Disclaimer: I don't own BSG

November 1803

Gossip

William Adama

His feet had led him to the little bookshop again, the one where he had met Laura. Firstly because he really liked it and they had a great range of books to choose from and secondly because it held an esquisitively sweet memory. So while he was walking around in between the isles, basking in the feeling of all the stories around him, he got very irritated when a sudden voice cut through the silence.

Weirdly enough, the voice was not even incredibly odd or incredibly horrendous, instead it was its pure existence in this moment that had Bill on edge. Also there was something self-absorbed and overly confident in the intonation, no, he really had no desire to get to know that man. The Commander was well aware that Laura did sound posh as well, put for some reason it never annoyed him. Maybe because he loved her voice so much. No, Bill scolded himself, he wouldn't go there! No swooning over that gorgeous, beautiful, charming, intelligent, remarkable woman. Focus!

Whoever this voice must belong to was definitely male and not too old, currently flirting with two young ladies, making them giggle stupidly. Sighing inwardly, Bill was preparing himself to leave, the peaceful calm of the shop seemed to be gone for the day. Just as he wanted to push past the man, he turned around to face him.

Brown, wavy hair framed a somehow quite feminine face with big eyes hidden slightly behind spectacles. He was of normal height and almost skinny, however his expensive green waistcoat seemed to fit perfectly. All in all did he did make a very pleasant and elegant appearance, Bill had to give him that. No wonder the two girls behind him were still staring.

"Commander Adama?" he asked to his utter surprise.

When Bill bowed slightly in confirmation, the other one went on.

"What a pleasure to finally meet you Sir, as I have already heard so much about your foster daughter. May I introduce myself, I am Gaius Baltar."

The first thought that came into the military man's mind was that Laura didn't like him. And then that he seemed to be the admirer of one of Kara's aquaintances. He had forgotten the girl's name again, only remembered that Six was the last name. And then that Saul had called Baltar a slimy bastard once. And then that he had heard talk that the man was a genius.

"The pleasure is all mine," he responded as politely as possible.

Under different circumstances, he might have found it interesting making in his own picture about this well-known man - but not when he had just disturbed his peaceful afternoon!

"I hope your family is in good health," the other one went on, not even waiting for an answer, "it was just yesterday that I met dear Lady Adar in Town and we talked about how easily people fall ill with the most different of pains nowadays."

Bill had a hard time keeping his tongue in check and not bluntly telling this over-convident youngster how much he did not care about Lady Adar's opinion.

"And, while we were talking, her ladyship told me how glad she is that finally the rumors have stopped. This is all very confidential though and I trust you as a man of honour to keep it to yourself," he went on with a conspiratorial glance.

Deliberately misinterpreting the Commander's frown, he wouldn't stop talking. Bill made a mental note to never tell him anything personal or of higher importance.

"Well, haven't you heard? All Kensington was talking about was her alleged affair with the family's bankier! Well and then her husband's alleged affair with Laura Roslin of course! Though I am sure this is just a rumour that somebody set into this world. They have never even been seen together as far as I know. Her ladyship and her lover however…"

Baltar hesitated, as if waiting for his words to take effect. And what effect they had! Bill was boiling under the surface of apparent nonchalance. How could he dare! Accusing Laura of such a thing of indescretion! The younger man must have seen the murderous look in the other one's eyes, as he started to look a bit panicked.

"Not that I believe in such things!" he tried to talk himself out of it, "especially not about soemone as formidable as Miss Roslin! I would never claim her to be anything but the exceptionally proper and agreeable woman that she is. As you two are aquainted, you surely will agree with me on that, won't you?"

The soldier decided that probably strangling another one in a public shop was not a good idea and therefore worked hard to keep his cool, wondering about how Baltar knew about his aquaintance with Laura.

"As you say, she is a very proper and agreeable woman indeed," he answered courtly.

Bill would have had far more flattering words to describe Laura, but he did not want to give somebody like Baltar the wrong impression.

Apparently, they had already become the talk of high society. But they were only friends. What would people say if they knew how informal those friends sometimes were with each other? Gossip spread quickly and rumors could kill a reputation, especially a woman's. He had always thought Laura Roslin was untoucheable, because of her money and her family, but apparently it wasn't so. And Bill swore to himself that he wouldn't be the reason for her reputation to be tainted.

Thank you for reading!