Constellations Strung With a Shooting Star | Sherliam

Chapter Five

The weekend blooms into motion almost perfectly; the weather is beautiful, the streets aren't as busy as usual, and the train station isn't overwhelmingly crowded. Overall, everything is tranquil and peaceful, opening up for what could be a wonderful time away in York with Albert.

Which is precisely why William constantly wracks his brain, coming up with alternative plans amongst alternative plans like endless tangled wires. Whatever "if" or "but" he so happens to encounter, he tries coming up with a solution to it that he can resort to.

Everything was too nice for it to go entirely swell.

Although, William at least tries to keep it all settled in the back of his mind, instead pressing more focus on his brother, who so kindly invited him out like this. Besides, Albert seemed thrilled to do this, and it became quite clear that he had something to tell him.

As they sit in one of the passenger cars of the train to York, William stares out the window. The scenery isn't anything particularly interesting, but it was at least something to keep his eyes on as he thinks over various possibilities. What they'd do if something went tremendously wrong on the train, if they arrived late, and other various outcomes varying in dramaticness.

"Will," Albert hums, grabbing the blond's attention. His red eyes peel away from the window, resting on the brunet in front of him instead.

William smiles softly, and his head tilts curiously. "Yes?"

"I believe it's important to tell you what I'm going to York for before we arrive," the elder of the two concludes, "I know you're not a fan of surprises, and since we're alone... I don't mind letting you know now."

The blond nods once, and a small laugh follows. "I assumed there was something more behind this visit. It's about Mycroft, is it not?"

His straightforwardness makes Albert's breath hitch in surprise, not quite expecting it. Even if it was from his younger brother, where such is supposed to be expected. After a moment, he swallows and shakes his head, laughing dismissively.

"Was that obvious? If Moran figured it out, I'd much appreciate never having to confront him again," he chuckles a bit weakly, shaking his head. He takes a breath, following up with a nod in confirmation. "Either way, you're correct. As usual. I should have known I couldn't keep anything hidden from you."

"I know not to take it to heart," William hums, his smile warm and comforting, "I understand why you wished to keep his name a secret. He has a very high position to keep in line, and although I haven't met him personally, I instantly understand the pressuring psychology that follows." Nothing else had to be said, as it was clear that his brother understands that just as well as he does.

"That makes this a lot easier. Well, no need to beat around the bush now," the brunet sighs with a gentle smile, a brief pause following. "The day I invited you, I had an opportunity to talk to him. I was already planning on discussing it with him, but he got to it before I could. We both have confirmed that we do in fact have marks for one another."

The other's smile grows and he nods a little in silent celebration for him, as the content itch in Albert's voice was undeniable. Although, there was also a certain level of guilt strung into his tone, in which the blond already knows the reason for. Deep down, he surely feels as though he's leaving William behind in all of this.

And to the professor, truthfully, it doesn't feel like that at all. Such a thing never once crosses his mind. More accurately, it's the exact opposite.

"... So he invited me to York, privately. Although it was announced as a professional meeting," Albert continues, a light laugh following, "it worked as a cover decently enough, surprisingly. Anything could be believed as long as it comes from him, I suppose."