Darkest Hour Before Dawn (THIRDS 9)

Hudson returned Cael's mobile before studying Dex. "Do you really have a goat phobia?"

"It's not a phobia," Cael informed him. "He just doesn't like them."

"No, not dislike." Dex narrowed his eyes, his voice coming out low and gravelly. "Loathe. I loathe them."

Cael shook his head. "You're such a drama queen."

Ash appeared at Cael's side. He held his hand out to Dex. "Congratulations, man."

"Are you... are you getting misty-eyed?" Dex peered at Ash, and Hudson tried his best not to laugh. Ash did look a little flushed, and his eyes were glassy.

"Screw you, Justice." Ash turned away only to have Dex tug on his sleeve.

"Aw, come on, big guy. Bring it here." Dex held his arms open wide, receiving a glare in response. "Dude, I'm entitled to two hugs from you in my lifetime. Now, and my wedding day, so suck it up like a big boy and bring it here."

Ash hung his head in defeat. He shuffled over to Dex, who wrapped his arms tight around him and closed his eyes.

"Mm, yeah, just like that. So good."

Ash pushed Dex away from him, ignoring his laughter. "You had to make it weird."

"I think we all need to cut loose." Dex clapped his hands together before declaring, "Shots all around!"

Everyone cheered, and Bradley began lining up shots at the bar. Dex grabbed Hudson's arm. "That includes you, Doc."

Hudson's eyes went wide. "Oh, no. Dexter, no." Unlike most of his brethren, Hudson could not hold his liquor. It was sad, really. Ash was always teasing him that he was a disappointment to Brits everywhere.

"Dexter, yes." A wicked gleam came into Dex's pale blue eyes, and he led Hudson over to the bar. Down the length of it was a row of colorful shots. "We're celebrating my engagement, and we are going to get shitfaced."

Ash gave Dex a hearty pat on the back that knocked him into Hudson. "Hurry up and pick your one shot that'll get you shitfaced, and leave the rest for us grown-ups. That goes for you too, Doc. You're as bad as he is."

"Piss off," Hudson muttered, his eyes narrowed at Ash.

"Ooh, look at that. The Doc can get snippy. Who'da thought? So you boys gonna drink something or just look at the pretty colors all night?"

Hudson and Dex exchanged glances before they picked up a shot glass in each hand. Hudson held his up.

"Cheers."

A mischievous smile came onto Dex's face as the blue of his eyes melted into amber. Absolutely fascinating. Equally interesting was the fact Dex was now on his fourth shot and didn't appear the least bit fazed. Realization seemed to hit Ash, and with a low growl, he turned and punched Sloane in the arm.

"Hey, what the hell, man?" Sloane rubbed his arm with a frown. "This is my party. Why are you hitting me?"

Ash thrust a finger in Dex's direction, and Hudson chuckled as Dex waggled his eyebrows and threw back another shot.

"That's his sixth one, and he's not shitfaced." Ash poked Sloane in the shoulder. "That's your doing."

"Oh." Sloane pursed his lips, looking thoughtful. "Did I forget to mention he can drink you under the table now?" Sloane laughed at Ash's horrified expression before punching him in the arm. "That's for hitting me."

"Dick," Ash grumbled.

Dex grabbed Hudson's arm, turning him to give him another shot. He really shouldn't, but it was a special occasion.

"Why not." Hudson took the shot glass and tapped it against Dex's before they threw back the burning liquid. Hudson was feeling wonderfully tipsy. He needed this. It was good to let go for a while. A pink shot glass materialized in his hand, and Hudson didn't hesitate. He tossed it back as well. "Oh, goodness." That tasted phenomenal! Like pink lemonade. Frankie Valli's "Grease" burst from the speakers, and Dex grabbed Hudson's arm.

"Come on. Time to boogie."

"Dex, I appreciate the gesture, but it's not necessary. I--" He caught Seb's eyes on him then. Bloody hell, Seb was handsome. Hudson smiled, but Seb looked away, his attention seized first by Dom joining him at the table, then by a very pretty young man. Hudson recognized the agent.