Thursday 4th October, lunch time. Prison cell.

[therealpm]

*Bored, he paces the cell.  The inedible remnents of Fiona's gift basket are stacked carefully out of the way in the fireplace, above which is tacked a hand drawn card from John's children. His legs and back ache, signalling that he's going to be changing form soon. He should, he supposes, get under the blankets and wait there, but John had been significantly less amenable to letting him out for at least short breaks than Peter had hoped: he's been kept alone in this room for days now and the confinement is making him restless.

A muscle in his flank spasms. He grits his teeth as others follow suit- it's starting. Hobbling, he makes his way over to the bed and burrows under a blanket, biting the edge to avoid crying out in pain as his form shifts.*

Comments

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

*John considers the merits and demerits of explaining to Peter just how many alterations he has made to the lower chamber to make it more accountable - the number of UQs, the reorganization of sitting times, the rationalization of weekly procedure, extended use of Standing Orders...*

*In the end, he decides that Peter probably already knows these things and is simply winding John up for fun. He moves onto a different topic instead.*

I suppose now that you're back in human form, we should arrange another excursion with Paddy soon.

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

Are you sure that is wise? There is undoubtedly a large pile of paperwork currently languishing in BIS, awaiting the news of my return.

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

Well, we'll certainly have to consult with Mr Cable on this matter, but I'm sure there will be time for an outing or two.

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

...mmm, perhaps we could incorporate it into your training program? Aren't you meant to be doing a sponsored swim or something like that? I'm sure a little cross country run would be excellent cross training.

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

Yes, as a matter of fact, I am. On the 13th of this month, to be exact. While, I of course am flattered and indeed honoured by your interest in this matter, I can confidently assure you that my regime is well on track to getting me prepared for my charity swim. Thank you, nevertheless, Peter.

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

Hubris comes before a fall, John.

*Peter sips his tea.*

Do try not to drown, the paperwork will be irritating.

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

Good to know that your perceived concern for me is purely self-centered laziness. I would hate for your character to alter in any fundamental way.

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

But of course, you didn't expect me to maintain any sort of investment in your well being beyond the purely practical, did you?

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

*That comment cuts a little too close to the bone for John's liking, but he quickly recovers*

I wouldn't expect anything else from The Prince of Darkness.

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

*Peter snorts. Some Prince of Darkness, locked in a cell and dependant upon the kindness of the Speaker's Office.*

'The Prince in the Tower', might perhaps be a more accurate name for now.

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

*John raises an eyebrow*

Oh don't be so melodramatic, Peter.

*He finishes the last of his tea.*

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

Must you spoil all my fun?

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

I'm not going to dignify that question with a response.

*John tidies up the tea things and gets ready to leave.

I do have quite a lot of work to be getting on with. Is there anything else you need at the moment?

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

Books... work... some semblence of freedom of movement...

That sort of thing.

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

*John sighs*

Which books, Peter? Just saying "books" is not particularly helpful and the last time you said something along those lines you ended up with Campbell's tomes, something I am sure you are keen to avoid.

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

*Peter rolls his eyes*

Books other than political biographies, then.

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

...

Very well.

*John summons down a few books from the the flat.*

Better?

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

John, both you and Bryant may find Erskine May to be fascinating reading, but the rest of the world cannot claim to share such refined tastes.

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

Careful, Peter, than was almost a compliment.

*John sends the book away again, then summons a few others from Sally's fiction collection.*

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

*Peter picks up the first one on the stack.*

'Twilight- New Moon'. You're not funny, John.

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

*John looks at the book.*

...I do apologise.

*John banishes those books back to the house and summons a few more.*

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

*Peter picks the next set up and grimaces.*

Well... I suppose they're better than Campbell's diaries.

*He waves dismissively*

Away with you, I was under the impression you had important work to be getting on with.

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

*John rolls his eyes and takes the used tea thing with him*

Yes, Peter, I do. I am so glad something was found to suit your tastes at last. So very glad indeed...

*John exits the cell, banished the tea things to the kitchen sink and settles down to do some work.*