therealpm

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

...Peter, are you quite alright?

From:

I....

...I'm fine.

~~Does your wife normally squeeze people's knees?~~

Just haven't quite woken up yet.

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*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?

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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?

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*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.*

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...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.*

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*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?

Edited Date: 2012-12-06 11:52 am (UTC)

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*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.

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*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!

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*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.

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*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...

Edited Date: 2012-12-06 12:19 pm (UTC)

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*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.*

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*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....

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*Alastair sighs when he sees who's calling. Not that he particularly dislikes John as a person; just that he's never, ever the bearer of good news.*

Hullo?

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Alastair - it's Osborne.

Well, no it's John but I'm calling about-

He's come crawling back. Peter's trying to rush off to meet with him but I've managed to stall him for a few minutes.

I need your help. Make Peter see sense on this, please. Osborne's only going to...

You remember what Peter was like when he...

Just- just call him, or something - anything to stop him running back to that-

*John just about manages to stop himself stringing together a list of expletives to describe the Chancellor, but only just.*

-to Osborne. Please.

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Oh?

Oh. That entitled little bollocks. He's really on a roll this week.

I don't know, John... Peter's a grown-up, sort of. It's down to him to decide how to mess up his life. Do you honestly think he'll listen?

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*John's stomach drops.*

What- what are you-

Alastair, do you remember what Peter was like when Osborne left? He wouldn't eat, he wouldn't talk, he wouldn't-

Make him listen, Campbell!

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Fine, fine! Christ, I didn't realise I'd signed a contract as his life coach.

I'm not questioning that it's a terrible idea, just wondering if you remember how receptive Peter was, all the times I told him to break up with the tit when they were still together. But hey, since you've come running to me, I'll do my best. Is he there?

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*John wants to yell at someone but he can't work out who - Campbell for stalling, Peter for even thinking of contemplating getting back together with Osborne or Osborne for... well, being Osborne. He feels vaguely sorry for whoever annoys him first in the Commons later.*

Yes, he is. I'll hand you over. Just a moment.

*John rushes into the living room. Peter is almost finished with the decorations and John thanks all the wizards he can name that Peter hasn't left yet.*

Would you mind just talking to them for a moment?

*John thrusts the phone into Peter's hand then dashes off again so Peter can't pass it back.*

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Talking to who?

...hello?

Oh, it's you.

What do you want?

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