(no subject)

[therealpm]

*He's almost finished setting up the hex for tomorrow (Frances is persistent, a simple phone block will not be enough), when he remembers the still rather pitiable state of his wards.*

Hmmmm.

*He finishes the spell, then dashes off a quick text.*


Text from 07### ######

John,

change of plan. Coming over this evening. Prepare the spare bedroom.

-Peter


*He's pretty certain John still feels enough residual guilt to maintain the apartment's wards against an angry Frances.*

Comments

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

Marvelous!

*John finishes making breakfast and sets it all out on the table. They all dig in to eat.*

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

*Peter tugs the crown off John's head and peers at the lettering. He looks baffled.*

...whatever for?

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

*John snatches the crown back and carefully puts it back on his head before replying.*

The Political Studies Association awarded me their "Politician of the Year" prize. The children were rather proud and so made this delightful crown for me.

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

I see...

...well.

*Peter carefully opens a yoghurt.*

No accounting for taste.

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

*John throws the final corner of his toast at Peter.*

Oh do be quiet. As Oliver will tell you, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

*The incipient food fight is prevented by Sally's arrival at the breakfast table with an overlarge cup of coffee. Peter shoots an itching hex under the table instead.*

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

*Unprepared, John doesn't have time to block the hex. He begins trying to discretely scratch his leg as he asks Sally about her plans for the day.*

*When he thinks Peter is distracted, John sends a sneezing jinx at the other wizard.*

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

*He suppresses a snigger as the sneezing jinx bounces back- not satisfied with John's house wards, Peter's been maintaining a set of personal wards to guard against Frances's inevitable retribution since he got up this morning. He fires off a quick jittery leg jinx, then has another sip of tea, nodding politely as he listens to Sally.*

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

*John wards off the jittery leg jinx almost entirely but the sneezing distracts him. Instead of firing any more hexes at Peter, John opts to glare at the other man instead.*

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

*Peter's attempts to smile sweetly back are abruptly halted when Sally squeezes his knee and tells him firmly to stop messing about. He attempts to cover up his expression by taking a very very long sip of tea.*

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

*John, unable to see through tables, has no idea what causes Peter's sudden shift in expression and sends a quizzical look in Sally's direction. When she doesn't reply, he simply rolls his eyes and starts clearing away the breakfast things, leaving Sally and Peter to their conversation.*

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

*Fortunately for Peter's peace of mind, Sally decides to get the children ready for school, leaving Peter sitting at the table in a small puddle of confusion. He pours himself another cup of tea.*

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

*Dishwasher loaded and running (and with his crown still firmly in place) John turns back to Peter.*

...Peter, are you quite alright?

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

I....

...I'm fine.

Does your wife normally squeeze people's knees?

Just haven't quite woken up yet.

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

*John considers pushing the point - Peter's reply was hardly convincing - but the man clearly doesn't want to discuss what's bothering him, so John leaves it.*

Are we still on for this evening or do you have other plans now?

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

Hmm...


...yes, I'll need to head back during the day though...


*Peter's reply trails off as his phone rings and he fumbles for it. His eyes widen and his breath halts as he sees the caller ID and he nearly hangs up the call in his haste.*

George?

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

*John hears Peter's phone go off and decides to give the man some privacy. He starts to head out of the room but when he hears who it is (and the hitch in Peter's breath) John suddenly remembers there's something on the other side of the room that desperately needs his attention.*

*Suddenly, John appears to be rather fascinated with the contents of the cupboard under the sink.*

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

...I don't kn-


I'm saying that I'll think about it.


You are?


Right.


*He pinches the bridge of his nose.*


Well I suppoe I'll see you shortly then.


Bye.


*Peter carefully hangs up, drops the phone back in his pocket and scrubs his face with his hands, gazing into the middle distance.*

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

*John tries to think of something to break the awkward silence.*

Oh, would you look at that! We need more Mr Muscle Kitchen Cleaner. I'll pop that on the shopping list right away!

*John strides over to the slopping list on the fridge and puts the cleaner on there. He turns back to Peter.*

Is- is everything...

Can I....

Erm....

I suppose it's a little too early to open the wine, don't you agree?

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

*Peter narrows his eyes.*

Far too early. Besides, everything is fine.

*He stands up and drains the last of his tea.*

With regard to your earlier question, I may not be visiting tonight.

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

*John absolutely does not panic at the thought.*

But- but it's Oliver's birthday! He'll be most upset if you're not here to celebrate with him!

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

*Peter groans. What with everything that's been going on recently, he completely forgot. He rubs his forehead.*

Fine.

*He checks his watch and turns to leave.*

I'll be back later.

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

*John's mind goes into over-drive trying to think up a reason why Peter has to stay away from his house.*

Actually! Peter! Erm - the- the decorations. They haven't been done yet. There's a large box of them in the living room and it shouldn't take someone with your artistic eye more than a few minutes to sort them out and get them hung up. Would you mind seeing to them before you leave? I have to make a rather urgent phone call, or I'd do it myself...

[therealpm.livejournal.com]

*Peter gives John a slightly odd look and begins to say that yes, he does mind, but the man has already gone. Instead, he sighs, sends a text to George that he's going to be late (this is not how he wanted this meeting to go, with him already on the back foot) and wanders off to find the box.*

[bamfbercow.livejournal.com]

*John rushes to his study, picks up his phone and flicks through the contacts until he finds the number he's looking for. He presses the call button and anxiously taps his foot as he waits.*

Come on, come on.... pick up....