RP LOG with tweedjocks | Shaken AND stirred
The whole half of Ethan's head was one big ache by the time he actually discovered what the whole 007 bullshit was. It seemed locating information on university professors in London was about on par with seeking the Holy Grail. In the end, Ethan gave it all over to his PA and she soon returned with a neat list of all the University of London professors, complete with their phone numbers and office locations. With the need to actually hide out in his office for most of the time considering he was sporting a large purple shiner on his cheek and eye, he had the time to trawl the list himself. A lot of his other client liaison was passed onto his 2IC. His black eye wasn't the talking point he really wanted his clients discussing, or his staff, for that matter. He had worn dark glasses up to the top floor that contained his office, and hadn't really left it since. His face and head hurt, but the thump Tom had given him had come with some force. It wasn't surprising at all.
It didn't take long for him to spot what he was looking for. When he found the name Joseph Bond of the History Faculty listed there, Ethan had just laughed. He couldn't help but not. It was so typical of Liam, he had this cheeky evasive streak to him. He was mostly open, but when he wanted to conceal something, he had all the right tools. No one would have normally thought more of the 007 comment, but Ethan had been determined to get the information he needed, and would probably have resorted to anything short of knocking on each University of London professor's doors and interrogating them. In fact, he was two steps from calling up Tom's new PI, Virginia, and employing her services to locate his brother-in-law's prospect. It didn't come to that, though, and Ethan, in his expensive black suit, silver tie, and Ray Ban sunglasses was now standing knocking on Professor Bond's office door, looking nothing short of either Mafia or a hit man. He got recognised by no less than twelve people walking through the Medical faculty. Inevitable, considering what his company was.
"Just a moment." Joe sighed as he looked at the sandwich still sitting in front of him. He'd been trying to have his lunch break for what seemed like half the day, with only two bites being taken out of the sandwich in between meetings with other professors, meetings with teaching aides, meetings with students, and now whatever the hell this was. He got up out of his chair and brushed his fingers over his beard just in case there were any crumbs. "Yes?" he asked after he'd pulled open the door and then just stopped and stared. "Hello..."
"Afternoon," Ethan returned, pulling the sunglasses off. He didn't particularly care what non-clients or non-staff thought about his face. "Got a minute?" he asked calmly, glancing over the guy's face. Holy fuck, he definitely wasn't in Liam's age group. In fact, Ethan suspected the guy was even older than him. Ethan had no grey hair yet, but this guy was on his way up that track.
Joseph cleared his throat as he stepped back, his eyes studying Ethan's face for a moment. Even with the bruise it was impossible not to know who it was. "Of course, come in, Mr Williamson. I'm sure there's a chair under those papers you could use. You'll have to forgive the mess. Unfortunately filing was never a strong suit. This really is quite a surprise. Sure you're in the right place?"
Ethan glanced around as he stepped into the office. "Perhaps you need something young and blond to assist you with your needs, Professor Bond?" he suggested lightly, his tone nothing but polite and approachable, learnt from enough schmoozing in the business world over the years. His blue eyes remained on Joe's face for any reactions and he managed to fight the urge to smirk, even if it was threatening at the corners of his lips. "I'm never inaccurate with my details, Professor. I have the best staff at my beck and call."
Joe fumbled as he tried to pick up the pile of essays he'd been working on to clear a spot for Ethan, his gaze immediately snapping to meet the other man's. He was sure he was supposed to know why Ethan would know about Liam other than the fact he apparently had staff to track him down - but his brain just didn't want to work, frozen with shock as he just went back to staring. "Erm... I... Sorry?"
Once the seat was clear, Ethan easily sat down, unbuttoning his jacket so it hung open loosely and he had the ability to lean forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He offered Joe a hint of a smile, his eyes still locked on his face. "Sit down, Professor Bond. Relax. I have a few things I need to talk to you about," he revealed and gave him a slightly larger smile that didn't reveal anything. If one thing Ethan could be accused of it, it was charm when he was determined to get what he wanted. "You might want to close your office door."
"Right, yes... Okay." It was still a moment before Joe moved, and despite Ethan using his charms, there was unsettled feeling in the pit of his stomach that refused to go away. He was sure at any moment something awful was going to happen. He just had no idea what. It just felt like this was some joke he didn't know the punchline to. He shut the door quickly and moved to take his seat. "I'd offer you a drink, but there's only stone cold tea or a bottle of water that's been in my drawer for two weeks."
Ethan maintained the smile with a small wink. "I'm fine, sir," he assured him and then sat back, his head tilted a little as he analysed Joe for a few more moments. If he was going to fuck his younger brother-in-law, he was going to have to learn to take the heat. He brushed a finger across his lips in thought and then cleared his throat. "What are your intentions towards Liam Morgan?"
"Please don't call me sir. I'm not exactly that old. I just hit grey early. Don't let the tweed fool you." He rubbed his fingers against his chin and sucked in a breath as Ethan's real reason starting to come to the fore. He held Ethan's gaze as he sucked on his bottom lip in thought. "None. He doesn't want me having any intentions towards him. I wouldn't ever hurt him, not if I could help it. I also realise engaging in anything with a student is foolish. I do care about him... Probably to my detriment. Is he alright, by the way?"
Ethan was still working on reading the guy, slotting any details away. Being a good reader of people was a lot of what got him where he was in the world. He might not be a lawyer, but he could talk and negotiate his way out of any situation. It was just amusing that Sophie was the first person in his life to not respond to that, and he fell head over cock for her, and still loved her today as much as he had when he first wanted her. It hadn't even been a sex thing. So many chicks in his past, he just wanted them because he could have them. All he had wanted at first was Sophie to even carry out a conversation with him. She had him at hello. "Just so we're straight, Liam is important to me, and if your intentions towards him were anything less than pure, I would personally make sure you never walked another classroom in Britian," he stated with another smile. "Just so we're on the same page here, for want of a better teaching metaphor. And no, right now, he's not okay, or probably wouldn't even be here."
Joe really did feel like Ethan was a smiling assassin. He couldn't help but be gazing at the other man like he expected vampire fangs to suddenly appear, or for a gun to be whipped out. He tried to not feel guilty considering he hadn't actually done anything - but it was impossible. He cleared his throat and leaned forward in his own seat. "I have no doubt that's not an empty threat, but I really don't want to take advantage of Liam. I have nothing to gain from it. I will admit that, yes, he's hot. Yes, he's young. Yes, he's a fucking good lay. Attraction will always play a part in things like this. But right now it's not a thing, and I'm not pushing for one. He's made himself clear. I have enough sense in my head to listen when no means no. I just wanted to make sure he was alright. What's happened? Can I do anything?"
Ethan was weighing up now how much he should actually say. Obviously Liam wasn't being stupid about this, he had thought about it, and the consequences, and despite the scene with Lauren in the hospital and Lauren's urge to play cupid, Liam was keeping 007 at arm's length. It was an interesting situation, to say the least. One thing that Ethan couldn't deny, however, was that Joe seemed to care about Liam, and was concerned about his welfare. He also seemed to respect Liam's wishes, and that was impressive. "He passed out on a shift at the hospital the other night after a lot of stress. The test results told us he was anaemic, and lacking a few other things. He also hadn't eaten all day and was a little on the dehydrated side from vomiting. They thought he might have a minor virus that latched on because he was run down, too. He spent the night there on observation, but they discharged him when he ate something. We don't know how long he's been playing stupid idiots with taking care of himself. Too busy taking care of everyone else."
Joe stood up like he was about to try and do something, but when he realised he had no idea what to do he sat back down and avoided Ethan's gaze as he smiled sheepishly. It really was something to look like a twat in front of a protective brother-in-law. He rubbed his hand over his chin again, and closed his eyes briefly. "Jesus Christ... He was in a state when I saw him last. Here, at the library. I asked him if he needed some company - not in that way - but he didn't want lines crossed. He was just so shaken. I should've done something, but in a way he was right. I'd risked enough trying to hug the poor lad. He was breaking my heart... I felt so fucking useless. And now this?" Joe stared down at his desk before meeting Ethan's gaze again. "Why are you even telling me? I don't understand."
"Liam's my brother-in-law, and his sister is the most important person in my life. She worries about her whole family, but Liam's her kid brother. She's struggling to see him like this. I still personally don't think this is a good idea, but you cropped up in conversation, and Liam looked slightly like he wanted to smack his other sister around a bit for bringing you up. The look alone told me a lot. I just figured whatever that meant, you should at least know he's poorly. He might be out of action for a couple of weeks. I assumed you would think something had happened if you realised he wasn't around." Ethan realised he wasn't actually giving Joe a straight answer. He was still about 90% wary and suspicious of the bloke, and still taking in every word and action. The first sign of any bad intentions towards Liam, Ethan wouldn't hesitate to go in for the kill, but he felt he had made his point on that for the moment. "A lot of shit has happened lately, there doesn't need to be more."
Joe nodded in understanding as he slumped back in his chair and rest his fingertips against his lips as he just looked at Ethan. His lips kicked up briefly as he heard the other man admit he didn't think Joe and Liam were a good idea, and Joe couldn't help but agree. It was part of what was so hard about it all. There was a huge part of him that just wanted to protect the lad, and be allowed to care for him freely. The rest of him was self-preserving and didn't want his career ruined over being careless with a student. "I suppose it's too much to ask if I can see him briefly? I wouldn't stay... wouldn't intrude." Joe held his hand up a moment later, already dimissing his own suggestion. He leaned over to pull a desk drawer open and plucked out a business card. On the back he scribbled his mobile and home number before sliding it across to Ethan. "Just if he ever wants to talk. Thank you for thinking of me. I appreciate you letting me know what happened. Truth is I've been wondering if he was alright. Just tell him to take care. He needs to look after himself."
Ethan distractedly twisted one of the cufflinks on his shirt, a gift from Sophie for their wedding. He wore them at least once a week, without fail. He thought back to Liam that morning, the doctor-to-be had still looked wrecked, and Sophie had been fussing over him, while he mostly just lay there and took it. "He doesn't know I'm here," he told Joe, but he took his fountain pen from the breast pocket of his jacket and scrawled his home address on the back of a notebook lying on Joe's desk. "He's not alright, but maybe he might wake up to himself if he realises the enormity of what not taking care of him will lead to. Unexpected visitors, maybe. What's the worst he could do? Tell you to fuck off? I've been on the receiving end of that, and while it's not pretty, his bark's worse than his bite."
"I quite like his bite," Joe murmured before he could stop himself. He cleared his throat as he shot Ethan an apologetic look. "Please blame the shock. I was always better with written words than verbal. I really do just want to thank you again for coming here even if Liam doesn't know. I promise I won't drop you in it. I'll try and come up with a believable scenario, or just work hard at avoidance. I'm sorry your family is going through so much right now, and please, if there really is anything I can do... I'm awfully good at making tea. I could probably also put people to sleep with lectures."
Ethan smirked, and then sniggered in amusement. "Oh boy, you have a lot to get to know with him, don't you? You know those little terrier dogs who get hold of a toy or a bone and shake it to bits to dominate it? Yeah, that's Liam, just in the body of a gay hairdressing wannabe surgeon. You'll be lucky to get anything past him. He's had twenty-two years of experience trying to niggle secrets out of seven brothers and sisters, watching and honing his skills. The wee bastard should've been a lawyer, ironically. Try avoidance all you like, he'll just latch on harder." He pocketed the card, figuring he would give it to Sophie to decide what to do with it. "Cheers, mate. Here's hoping the proverbial shit has finally stopped dripping from the rafters, though."
Joe chuckled briefly. "Yes, I do. And all I want is an opportunity to find out, however selfish that is. I want to know his terrier side, and the inner lawyer... All of it. I'm not about to try and explain to you the why, I know it's mental, and not just because he's a student of this university. I do promise to protect him as much as I can. Even if it means leaving him alone once and for all after this. I don't want to make anything harder on him. He's had enough pain lately. You all have by the sounds of it." Joe reached out to take the notebook, bringing it closer to him as he tried to work out if he had the courage to visit Liam. "One can only hope, you just might need to invest in umbrellas."
Ethan slipped his pen away again, shaking his head with a small snort. "Look, I figure if he was cutting your hair, he was still going to decide to stick his tongue down your throat if he wanted it. Let's just say I've had a lot of experience with people like Liam, and I know how they are. If he wants something, he'll have it if it's there for the taking. He's got the whole package, and he's probably never been turned down before. Nothing me or Sophie or anyone else in his family trying to save him says or does will stop it. That side of him has just taken a knock right now, and I think it was just a bit more stress than he could handle. I don't think it's gonna hurt having anyone tell him they're thinking about him right now, and care about it. Just... I'm turning a blind eye to anything else. I'll plead insanity if anyone questions me about it, too."
Joe smirked lightly. "I like you already, Mr Williamson. Even if I still realise you'll no doubt slaughter me if it all goes pear shaped. Liam's very lucky to have you as a brother-in-law. I can't say I'm the same as him. I've been turned down plenty, and I've not always been the agressor. In fact, Liam's almost the opposite to what I would normally go for, but sometimes opposites really do attract. I can't explain it, and analysing it would just do my head in, so if it's alright with you I'll plead insanity, too."
"Yes, well, bear in mind, I can't speak for my wife. She still might want to tear your balls off, shred them, and feed the little pieces to you with a blunt fork," Ethan warned when his mobile started trilling in his pocket to signal a message. He took it out, never one to just ignore anything that could be vital to his company. It was Liam, asking if he knew when Sophie would be coming home. "Speak of the devil. The kid's psychic too. No, not really. Still not the best though, considering he's looking for his sister. If you hurt him, whatever I do to you will look like foreplay in comparison to what she does. Then after her would come six other angry brothers and sisters." He reached over and patted Joe's arm with a bright, devious smile. "But I wouldn't worry too much, mate."
A much stronger man than Joe still probably would have paled after the images Ethan fed him. He really did have to tip his brother to the man. He knew how to put the fear of God into someone without seeming to. Although in this case it was a fear of Morgans. He just nodded uselessly and rubbed a hand over his cropped hair. "She sounds like quite the woman."
"I still have the scars from the first night I asked her out," Ethan offered with a smirk and then stood. "I should go before anyone starts getting suspicious. While my company might actually supply training aids to the Medical Faculty, I'm not sure I could feign a personal interest in history, unless I profess to be directly descended from Henry VII." He snapped his fingers and then shrugged. "Oh yeah, I really am that. Still, boring, huh?" he teased with a laugh, buttoning his coat up again.
"An absolute snooze fest," Joe replied with a weak smile. He was trying not to assess himself for a potential heart attack, hoping that he was still young enough for it not to be an issue. He moved to the door and held it open for Ethan. "You could always say you're trying to create some sort of Jurassic Park scenario but with historical figures instead, needed the opinion of an expert. Alternatively you could just be a closet fangirl who's read all my books and wanted me to sign a body part."
Ethan quirked an amused brow at Liam's flavour of the month. "I have enough money to own my own island and my father is a Lord Justice in the Court of Appeal. No offense, mate, but if I'm fangirling something, it's at least got to have tits and still have a pulse," he joked. "As fascinating as history is, I don't want to be accused of being a necrophiliac in next week's London Times. Let's just stick with the notion that I was here on business, got lost, and you were kind enough to set me on the right track... after we got talking about the latest Liverpool game, and how much they've gone to shit since their starring act went out of action." He held his hand out. "Pleasure, 007."
Joe reached out to shake his hand, frowning slightly at the 007 reference. Then it sunk in and Joe had to find not to roll his eyes at his latent stupidity gene that had suddenly rared its ugly head at the worst possible moment. "Pleasure's all mine, M. Or is it Q? I can't help you with the tits, so it's probably best to go home and fangirl your wife. Give her my best. Or not, if you still wish to be secret agent about this meet and greet. Take care, Mr Williamson."
"I'll resist any shaken and stirred references," Ethan returned and then gave Joe a slight wave with his fingers. "If a guy in glasses answers the door looking like he belongs under your bed and growling at people, just tell him your Liam's teacher. Trust me, it'll just be an easier scenario, or you'll find yourself not only on the end of the Spanish Inquisition, but also on the not so nice side of London's best defence lawyer." He offered that not-so-innocent smile again and then turned, disappearing up the crowded corridor of the university.
Word Count | 3,783
It didn't take long for him to spot what he was looking for. When he found the name Joseph Bond of the History Faculty listed there, Ethan had just laughed. He couldn't help but not. It was so typical of Liam, he had this cheeky evasive streak to him. He was mostly open, but when he wanted to conceal something, he had all the right tools. No one would have normally thought more of the 007 comment, but Ethan had been determined to get the information he needed, and would probably have resorted to anything short of knocking on each University of London professor's doors and interrogating them. In fact, he was two steps from calling up Tom's new PI, Virginia, and employing her services to locate his brother-in-law's prospect. It didn't come to that, though, and Ethan, in his expensive black suit, silver tie, and Ray Ban sunglasses was now standing knocking on Professor Bond's office door, looking nothing short of either Mafia or a hit man. He got recognised by no less than twelve people walking through the Medical faculty. Inevitable, considering what his company was.
"Just a moment." Joe sighed as he looked at the sandwich still sitting in front of him. He'd been trying to have his lunch break for what seemed like half the day, with only two bites being taken out of the sandwich in between meetings with other professors, meetings with teaching aides, meetings with students, and now whatever the hell this was. He got up out of his chair and brushed his fingers over his beard just in case there were any crumbs. "Yes?" he asked after he'd pulled open the door and then just stopped and stared. "Hello..."
"Afternoon," Ethan returned, pulling the sunglasses off. He didn't particularly care what non-clients or non-staff thought about his face. "Got a minute?" he asked calmly, glancing over the guy's face. Holy fuck, he definitely wasn't in Liam's age group. In fact, Ethan suspected the guy was even older than him. Ethan had no grey hair yet, but this guy was on his way up that track.
Joseph cleared his throat as he stepped back, his eyes studying Ethan's face for a moment. Even with the bruise it was impossible not to know who it was. "Of course, come in, Mr Williamson. I'm sure there's a chair under those papers you could use. You'll have to forgive the mess. Unfortunately filing was never a strong suit. This really is quite a surprise. Sure you're in the right place?"
Ethan glanced around as he stepped into the office. "Perhaps you need something young and blond to assist you with your needs, Professor Bond?" he suggested lightly, his tone nothing but polite and approachable, learnt from enough schmoozing in the business world over the years. His blue eyes remained on Joe's face for any reactions and he managed to fight the urge to smirk, even if it was threatening at the corners of his lips. "I'm never inaccurate with my details, Professor. I have the best staff at my beck and call."
Joe fumbled as he tried to pick up the pile of essays he'd been working on to clear a spot for Ethan, his gaze immediately snapping to meet the other man's. He was sure he was supposed to know why Ethan would know about Liam other than the fact he apparently had staff to track him down - but his brain just didn't want to work, frozen with shock as he just went back to staring. "Erm... I... Sorry?"
Once the seat was clear, Ethan easily sat down, unbuttoning his jacket so it hung open loosely and he had the ability to lean forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He offered Joe a hint of a smile, his eyes still locked on his face. "Sit down, Professor Bond. Relax. I have a few things I need to talk to you about," he revealed and gave him a slightly larger smile that didn't reveal anything. If one thing Ethan could be accused of it, it was charm when he was determined to get what he wanted. "You might want to close your office door."
"Right, yes... Okay." It was still a moment before Joe moved, and despite Ethan using his charms, there was unsettled feeling in the pit of his stomach that refused to go away. He was sure at any moment something awful was going to happen. He just had no idea what. It just felt like this was some joke he didn't know the punchline to. He shut the door quickly and moved to take his seat. "I'd offer you a drink, but there's only stone cold tea or a bottle of water that's been in my drawer for two weeks."
Ethan maintained the smile with a small wink. "I'm fine, sir," he assured him and then sat back, his head tilted a little as he analysed Joe for a few more moments. If he was going to fuck his younger brother-in-law, he was going to have to learn to take the heat. He brushed a finger across his lips in thought and then cleared his throat. "What are your intentions towards Liam Morgan?"
"Please don't call me sir. I'm not exactly that old. I just hit grey early. Don't let the tweed fool you." He rubbed his fingers against his chin and sucked in a breath as Ethan's real reason starting to come to the fore. He held Ethan's gaze as he sucked on his bottom lip in thought. "None. He doesn't want me having any intentions towards him. I wouldn't ever hurt him, not if I could help it. I also realise engaging in anything with a student is foolish. I do care about him... Probably to my detriment. Is he alright, by the way?"
Ethan was still working on reading the guy, slotting any details away. Being a good reader of people was a lot of what got him where he was in the world. He might not be a lawyer, but he could talk and negotiate his way out of any situation. It was just amusing that Sophie was the first person in his life to not respond to that, and he fell head over cock for her, and still loved her today as much as he had when he first wanted her. It hadn't even been a sex thing. So many chicks in his past, he just wanted them because he could have them. All he had wanted at first was Sophie to even carry out a conversation with him. She had him at hello. "Just so we're straight, Liam is important to me, and if your intentions towards him were anything less than pure, I would personally make sure you never walked another classroom in Britian," he stated with another smile. "Just so we're on the same page here, for want of a better teaching metaphor. And no, right now, he's not okay, or probably wouldn't even be here."
Joe really did feel like Ethan was a smiling assassin. He couldn't help but be gazing at the other man like he expected vampire fangs to suddenly appear, or for a gun to be whipped out. He tried to not feel guilty considering he hadn't actually done anything - but it was impossible. He cleared his throat and leaned forward in his own seat. "I have no doubt that's not an empty threat, but I really don't want to take advantage of Liam. I have nothing to gain from it. I will admit that, yes, he's hot. Yes, he's young. Yes, he's a fucking good lay. Attraction will always play a part in things like this. But right now it's not a thing, and I'm not pushing for one. He's made himself clear. I have enough sense in my head to listen when no means no. I just wanted to make sure he was alright. What's happened? Can I do anything?"
Ethan was weighing up now how much he should actually say. Obviously Liam wasn't being stupid about this, he had thought about it, and the consequences, and despite the scene with Lauren in the hospital and Lauren's urge to play cupid, Liam was keeping 007 at arm's length. It was an interesting situation, to say the least. One thing that Ethan couldn't deny, however, was that Joe seemed to care about Liam, and was concerned about his welfare. He also seemed to respect Liam's wishes, and that was impressive. "He passed out on a shift at the hospital the other night after a lot of stress. The test results told us he was anaemic, and lacking a few other things. He also hadn't eaten all day and was a little on the dehydrated side from vomiting. They thought he might have a minor virus that latched on because he was run down, too. He spent the night there on observation, but they discharged him when he ate something. We don't know how long he's been playing stupid idiots with taking care of himself. Too busy taking care of everyone else."
Joe stood up like he was about to try and do something, but when he realised he had no idea what to do he sat back down and avoided Ethan's gaze as he smiled sheepishly. It really was something to look like a twat in front of a protective brother-in-law. He rubbed his hand over his chin again, and closed his eyes briefly. "Jesus Christ... He was in a state when I saw him last. Here, at the library. I asked him if he needed some company - not in that way - but he didn't want lines crossed. He was just so shaken. I should've done something, but in a way he was right. I'd risked enough trying to hug the poor lad. He was breaking my heart... I felt so fucking useless. And now this?" Joe stared down at his desk before meeting Ethan's gaze again. "Why are you even telling me? I don't understand."
"Liam's my brother-in-law, and his sister is the most important person in my life. She worries about her whole family, but Liam's her kid brother. She's struggling to see him like this. I still personally don't think this is a good idea, but you cropped up in conversation, and Liam looked slightly like he wanted to smack his other sister around a bit for bringing you up. The look alone told me a lot. I just figured whatever that meant, you should at least know he's poorly. He might be out of action for a couple of weeks. I assumed you would think something had happened if you realised he wasn't around." Ethan realised he wasn't actually giving Joe a straight answer. He was still about 90% wary and suspicious of the bloke, and still taking in every word and action. The first sign of any bad intentions towards Liam, Ethan wouldn't hesitate to go in for the kill, but he felt he had made his point on that for the moment. "A lot of shit has happened lately, there doesn't need to be more."
Joe nodded in understanding as he slumped back in his chair and rest his fingertips against his lips as he just looked at Ethan. His lips kicked up briefly as he heard the other man admit he didn't think Joe and Liam were a good idea, and Joe couldn't help but agree. It was part of what was so hard about it all. There was a huge part of him that just wanted to protect the lad, and be allowed to care for him freely. The rest of him was self-preserving and didn't want his career ruined over being careless with a student. "I suppose it's too much to ask if I can see him briefly? I wouldn't stay... wouldn't intrude." Joe held his hand up a moment later, already dimissing his own suggestion. He leaned over to pull a desk drawer open and plucked out a business card. On the back he scribbled his mobile and home number before sliding it across to Ethan. "Just if he ever wants to talk. Thank you for thinking of me. I appreciate you letting me know what happened. Truth is I've been wondering if he was alright. Just tell him to take care. He needs to look after himself."
Ethan distractedly twisted one of the cufflinks on his shirt, a gift from Sophie for their wedding. He wore them at least once a week, without fail. He thought back to Liam that morning, the doctor-to-be had still looked wrecked, and Sophie had been fussing over him, while he mostly just lay there and took it. "He doesn't know I'm here," he told Joe, but he took his fountain pen from the breast pocket of his jacket and scrawled his home address on the back of a notebook lying on Joe's desk. "He's not alright, but maybe he might wake up to himself if he realises the enormity of what not taking care of him will lead to. Unexpected visitors, maybe. What's the worst he could do? Tell you to fuck off? I've been on the receiving end of that, and while it's not pretty, his bark's worse than his bite."
"I quite like his bite," Joe murmured before he could stop himself. He cleared his throat as he shot Ethan an apologetic look. "Please blame the shock. I was always better with written words than verbal. I really do just want to thank you again for coming here even if Liam doesn't know. I promise I won't drop you in it. I'll try and come up with a believable scenario, or just work hard at avoidance. I'm sorry your family is going through so much right now, and please, if there really is anything I can do... I'm awfully good at making tea. I could probably also put people to sleep with lectures."
Ethan smirked, and then sniggered in amusement. "Oh boy, you have a lot to get to know with him, don't you? You know those little terrier dogs who get hold of a toy or a bone and shake it to bits to dominate it? Yeah, that's Liam, just in the body of a gay hairdressing wannabe surgeon. You'll be lucky to get anything past him. He's had twenty-two years of experience trying to niggle secrets out of seven brothers and sisters, watching and honing his skills. The wee bastard should've been a lawyer, ironically. Try avoidance all you like, he'll just latch on harder." He pocketed the card, figuring he would give it to Sophie to decide what to do with it. "Cheers, mate. Here's hoping the proverbial shit has finally stopped dripping from the rafters, though."
Joe chuckled briefly. "Yes, I do. And all I want is an opportunity to find out, however selfish that is. I want to know his terrier side, and the inner lawyer... All of it. I'm not about to try and explain to you the why, I know it's mental, and not just because he's a student of this university. I do promise to protect him as much as I can. Even if it means leaving him alone once and for all after this. I don't want to make anything harder on him. He's had enough pain lately. You all have by the sounds of it." Joe reached out to take the notebook, bringing it closer to him as he tried to work out if he had the courage to visit Liam. "One can only hope, you just might need to invest in umbrellas."
Ethan slipped his pen away again, shaking his head with a small snort. "Look, I figure if he was cutting your hair, he was still going to decide to stick his tongue down your throat if he wanted it. Let's just say I've had a lot of experience with people like Liam, and I know how they are. If he wants something, he'll have it if it's there for the taking. He's got the whole package, and he's probably never been turned down before. Nothing me or Sophie or anyone else in his family trying to save him says or does will stop it. That side of him has just taken a knock right now, and I think it was just a bit more stress than he could handle. I don't think it's gonna hurt having anyone tell him they're thinking about him right now, and care about it. Just... I'm turning a blind eye to anything else. I'll plead insanity if anyone questions me about it, too."
Joe smirked lightly. "I like you already, Mr Williamson. Even if I still realise you'll no doubt slaughter me if it all goes pear shaped. Liam's very lucky to have you as a brother-in-law. I can't say I'm the same as him. I've been turned down plenty, and I've not always been the agressor. In fact, Liam's almost the opposite to what I would normally go for, but sometimes opposites really do attract. I can't explain it, and analysing it would just do my head in, so if it's alright with you I'll plead insanity, too."
"Yes, well, bear in mind, I can't speak for my wife. She still might want to tear your balls off, shred them, and feed the little pieces to you with a blunt fork," Ethan warned when his mobile started trilling in his pocket to signal a message. He took it out, never one to just ignore anything that could be vital to his company. It was Liam, asking if he knew when Sophie would be coming home. "Speak of the devil. The kid's psychic too. No, not really. Still not the best though, considering he's looking for his sister. If you hurt him, whatever I do to you will look like foreplay in comparison to what she does. Then after her would come six other angry brothers and sisters." He reached over and patted Joe's arm with a bright, devious smile. "But I wouldn't worry too much, mate."
A much stronger man than Joe still probably would have paled after the images Ethan fed him. He really did have to tip his brother to the man. He knew how to put the fear of God into someone without seeming to. Although in this case it was a fear of Morgans. He just nodded uselessly and rubbed a hand over his cropped hair. "She sounds like quite the woman."
"I still have the scars from the first night I asked her out," Ethan offered with a smirk and then stood. "I should go before anyone starts getting suspicious. While my company might actually supply training aids to the Medical Faculty, I'm not sure I could feign a personal interest in history, unless I profess to be directly descended from Henry VII." He snapped his fingers and then shrugged. "Oh yeah, I really am that. Still, boring, huh?" he teased with a laugh, buttoning his coat up again.
"An absolute snooze fest," Joe replied with a weak smile. He was trying not to assess himself for a potential heart attack, hoping that he was still young enough for it not to be an issue. He moved to the door and held it open for Ethan. "You could always say you're trying to create some sort of Jurassic Park scenario but with historical figures instead, needed the opinion of an expert. Alternatively you could just be a closet fangirl who's read all my books and wanted me to sign a body part."
Ethan quirked an amused brow at Liam's flavour of the month. "I have enough money to own my own island and my father is a Lord Justice in the Court of Appeal. No offense, mate, but if I'm fangirling something, it's at least got to have tits and still have a pulse," he joked. "As fascinating as history is, I don't want to be accused of being a necrophiliac in next week's London Times. Let's just stick with the notion that I was here on business, got lost, and you were kind enough to set me on the right track... after we got talking about the latest Liverpool game, and how much they've gone to shit since their starring act went out of action." He held his hand out. "Pleasure, 007."
Joe reached out to shake his hand, frowning slightly at the 007 reference. Then it sunk in and Joe had to find not to roll his eyes at his latent stupidity gene that had suddenly rared its ugly head at the worst possible moment. "Pleasure's all mine, M. Or is it Q? I can't help you with the tits, so it's probably best to go home and fangirl your wife. Give her my best. Or not, if you still wish to be secret agent about this meet and greet. Take care, Mr Williamson."
"I'll resist any shaken and stirred references," Ethan returned and then gave Joe a slight wave with his fingers. "If a guy in glasses answers the door looking like he belongs under your bed and growling at people, just tell him your Liam's teacher. Trust me, it'll just be an easier scenario, or you'll find yourself not only on the end of the Spanish Inquisition, but also on the not so nice side of London's best defence lawyer." He offered that not-so-innocent smile again and then turned, disappearing up the crowded corridor of the university.
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