Chapter 17: Brothers in Arms

Apologies for the long update. I have written quite a lot on my word doc but kept forgetting to update here. :)

*This is told from Willaim's point of view*

It was a rainy afternoon in London. I was in my study still going over what Louis and I had talked about days earlier. He was right. Just like Sherlock, I was far too emotionally attached to Raffles and catching him. So much for MI6 reaching out to me for help, but in retrospect they didn't know. Only Louis knew what happened between me and A.J. I thought I would never have to recount this story ever again, but I didn't realize that today I was going to have to tell this story again. While deep in my thoughts, I was staring out the window. Watching the raindrops fall in line and sometimes in a race with one another. My thoughts were broken when I heard a familiar voice clear their throat. I looked up and saw my older brother Albert at the door. He wore a look of concern mixed with curiosity. Into the study room he walked and then closed the door behind him without saying a word. I then heard a small click of the door being locked.

"I came to see if you were doing alright today," he said. "You seem to be more melancholy than usual."

"Albert I-"

"Let's not forget the last time you fell into this, you wanted to jump off a bridge and into the Thames River," he said with a smirk.

However, I did not find it so amusing. No doubt he had come here to learn more about my recent unchecked emotions. Albert took a seat across from me. His eyes full of warmth but also of something else…anger? As the oldest brother of the Moriarty household, he was the one who allowed me and Louis to stay here with him. Though he and I weren't blood related, I knew I could trust Albert with anything. We just had that sort of connection to one another. Deep down in my soul, I knew why he had come. Answers was the key word.

"I know why you are here Albert," I said, turning away from him. "You want to know what happened between Raffles and I."

Albert just nodded. "If you're wondering my reasons for locking the door, I thought we could have some privacy for a moment, but you should know that if you aren't up to telling me, you don't need to. These moments are painful…I can tell…"

My insides started to twist up inside me with nervous energy. I made a vow that day that what went on with that horrid man and I would never be spoken of again. My heart started racing and my mind started turning. All of a sudden I felt the sudden urge to release all of my emotions: anger, rage, frustration, shame, guilt…the list went on and on. My eyes started to burn and my throat started to close - this wasn't a familiar sensation. I was on the verge of crying? But I knew that perhaps telling Albert would help me release all of those emotions. Just telling someone what happened might be the best way to try and move on from what happened. I suddenly felt a hand on my hand. Albert was leaning over my desk, his hand on mine.

"No need to tell me today dear William," he said. "There's no need to tell me anything really. You've pretty much told me everything I need to know from your reactions."

I smirked. I forgot at times that I wasn't the only astute and intelligent Moriarty in this house. With a small smile, Albert got up from his chair and made his way over to the door. I cleared my throat causing him to stop, his hand on the knob.

"You…you need to know," I began. "Perhaps getting this off my chest would be most helpful."

"If you're sure," he said. "I don't want to force it out of you."

"You and Louis have been so kind to me. As brothers we are always supporting one another even in times of great distress. The first thing you must know is everything I am going to tell you is painfully difficult. I'm not even sure if I'll finish the entire story. But I warn you…what I am about to recount may anger or even infuriate you. You must give me your word that you won't allow your emotions to cloud your judgment."

"I promise," Albert said softly, making his way back to the chair.