bradygirl_12 | Fic: Why George Likes Henry (1/1)

Title: Why George Likes Henry (1/1)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: George/Henry
Fandom: Murdoch Mysteries
Genres: Historical, Slice-Of-Life
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: George contemplates his relationship with Henry.
Date Of Completion: April 13, 2022
Date Of Posting:May 24,2022
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, Shaftesbury Films and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation do, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 517
Feedback welcome and appreciated.

Manly men,

Friendly friends,

In their company,

We seek

Companionship.

Sir Bertrand Ashleigh-Hunter

"In The Company Of Men"

1888 C.E.

George wasn't sure why he found himself liking Henry.

Henry Higgins was more than a co-worker; he was a friend. Some of the lads in the station house would not consider him bosom pals material, though he was popular enough, even so.

George sat at his desk, close to Henry's, which was directly opposite his own, pushed together like they often were. Higgins was out at the moment, giving George a chance to reflect.

On the one hand, Higgins could be a lazy chap. He liked to sneak in a few minutes late and skip out a couple of minutes early. That was not a black mark against him in the lads' eyes. Who could blame a man for wanting a little extra free time? They admired his nerve.

Henry loved to gripe. The boredom of some of their tasks could wear on a body. Truth be told, looking through those damnable fingermarks files could cross anyone's eyes. George was not particularly fond of that task, either.

Henry was selfish. He often thought of himself when something happened instead of looking at the big picture, but honestly, didn't most people?

Henry was greedy. He always dreamed of becoming rich and leaving the Toronto Constabulary behind.

Leaving me behind?

George leaned back in his chair. Henry was all those things, but he had a good side to him, too.

He and Henry were kindred spirits when it came to their love of vaudeville comedy. The two of them had been able to quote the famous comic Bert Grady's act, chapter and verse, and they had even worked up their own act. Performed it, even! George smiled at the memory.

And, goodness, he was a staunch friend. Despite his faults, Henry had proven loyal, which George appreciated. And despite Henry's dislike of certain police tasks, he could be counted on to pull his weight in a firefight. Griping, of course.

Henry could be a contrarian, skeptical of George's more fanciful notions, but he read his published works despite his teasing.

Henry was exasperating, funny, persnickety, surprising...

Oh!

George blinked. The revelation was surging through him like fine wine, or a pint of Newfoundland rum.

Henry entered the station house, complaining about the ingratitude of the general public. It was music to George's ears.

"They have nothing better to do than insult us " He spoke to the station house in general and the lads nodded in knowing agreement.

He took his helmet off and put a brown sack onto George's desk. "These are hot out of the oven at The Shakery," he said, referring to their favorite neighborhood bakery. "Sniffed 'em going by."

George opened the bag. "Oh, my! Hot cross buns."

"Yes, well, I know you like them."

"Very thoughtful of you, Henry."

Henry smiled. When George offered him a bun, he happily took it.

As George ate the warm bun, he thought a man could do worse in this world than like...love... Henry Higgins. A lot.

Cross posts: https://bradygirl-12.livejournal.com/1525125.html

This story can also be read on AO3.