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Dec. 15th, 2006 07:56 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
psykotropik.livejournal.com posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
wl_fanfictionTitle: Words are loaded pistols, use them at your peril.
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
cryforthemoon and psykotropik
Rating: PG (We reckon)
Main Character(s): Tony Slattery and Dan / John Sessions and Paul Merton
Summary: This is the second chapter in an ongoing story. This is held before and after the fifth episode of the first series, in 1988, after John and Tony's awkward time out.
These stories are an insight as to what went on behind the scenes, perhaps explaining some of the onstage behaviour, and off stage affairs that were adored and displayed by the press.
Chapter 1
. . . . .
It's been two days since the taping of the show and Tony's been mostly hanging around his flat, waiting for a promised phone call. He's also been trying not to think about John, the taste of beer and cigarettes still lingering in his mouth and the feeling of John's hand at his waist still present.
When the phone finally does ring, he jumps and for a moment thinks it's John before remembering that the man doesn't have his number.
Dan sounds slightly rushed, speaking quickly without pausing long enough to let Tony speak. "Tony! Hi, sorry I haven't called you before, only I've been having some problems - nothing for you to worry about, though.
Listen, we'd love to have you back for another show. It'll be taping in a few days, what do you think?"
Dan's rushed speech had Tony lost for words for a moment. He half fumbled his words as if trying to get a word in edge ways, failing miserably until Dan stopped yammering. "Want me back?" he said, a hint of disbelief in his tone. God, this couldn't get any better! Or worse, depending on the way you looked at it. "Um.... yes, yes of course" he paused again. "Sure, I'll do it" he added to his answer rubbing the back of his neck a little, phone held between his chin and shoulder, hand still on the receiver a little. "I'll take it that it'll be same time as last, right?" he asked, just making sure, picking up a pen from a nearby table and writing a note down on an envelope.
"Great! It'll be - oh for! Hang on a sec, Tony." Tony heard a sharp clunk and Dan's voice was fainter, sounding annoyed. "It's a bloody plunger, for Christ's sake! What do you think they'll- oh, /fine/." There was the sound of a door slamming and some clicking before Dan's voice returned to its normal volume.
"Sorry about that. Bloody budget, we have to be as inventive as you lot. As I was saying, it'll be same time as last - two o'clock arrive, two-thirty we start recording. John's going to be pleased, he's been badgering me to give you another show."
John had been asking for him to come back? Well that wasn't exactly what Tony had been expecting to hear... although, it was nice to hear. Did John really want to see Tony again? After what happened the last time, he didn't expect to see him again, let alone hear he was wanted... "R...right... two o' clock...." he said, scribbling it down on the envelope. "I'll be there..." he paused. " A couple of days away, right?"
"Yeah," Dan sounded like he was grinning. "We've been trying to get them made as quickly as possible since the show was green lighted. The first broadcast's in September, so we need to get on with it. We'll be wanting you on Thursday."
"Right.... I'll be there" he said, clearing his throat a little as he spoke. "Thank you ever so much..." he really was lost for words. Another opportunity to shine and improvise, make people smile. But it was also another opportunity to be around John. That is if he would be at the next recording. "Might I quickly ask who will be at that particular recording?" he asked as politely as he could.
There was a rustling that sounded like papers being shuffled through. "Let's see...episode five, episode eight, god I need to file things properly, seven! Clive, obviously, Jonathan Pryce and a guy called Rory McGrath - you might've heard of him, he was in the Footlights. Oh and Sessions, of course."
"Ah.... yes, yes. I know who you're talking about" he replied, nodding, even though the other man couldn't see him. "Well, thank you for that.... I'll make sure I'm there on time" he said, scratching his ear, just wanting to get off the phone. This was all too much...
"Brilliant, see you then. Oh, nearly forgot - you'll need to come with another author in mind, it's getting to be a regular game. Oh, god, I'm about to have a plunger waved at me again - I've got to go, Tony, see you on Thursday." Dan hang up and Tony was left with the buzz of the dialling tone in his ear.
Slowly, he placed the receiver down, blinking slowly. So they wanted him back... and John was the one asking about him returning? Surprising in a way... but then again, Tony didn't exactly know him well. So many questions buzzing around in his head.... he placed the pen down on the table and found a seat again.
He found himself lost in his thoughts again, staring at a little spot on the floor. All he had to do was last long enough.... and try not to think too much...
. . . . .
Miles away, across railway lines and busy roads, concrete, metal and glass buildings all jostling for supremacy in the city streets, John Sessions clapped a hand on Paul Merton's shoulder and grinned at him.
"Afternoon. How'd your evening with Tracy go?"
"You're as bad as remembering names as I am" he said, looking over his shoulder to John, that look of mock disgust on his face as he spoke. Of course he didn't mean it. It was just his way of getting across a comical message. Deadpan... straight face delivery. "If you really want to know the details of my personal affairs, just ask if we shagged and be done with it" he shrugged cheekily.
John knitted his eyebrows together as he remembered the name of Paul's conquest. "Sorry, Trudy. Well -did you take her home and show her the delights of a night with Merton?" he asked, grinning and using deliberately flowery language to cover up the embarrassment at his own forgetfulness.
His mind hadn't been able to stray far away from the events of the evening after the taping of the last show, alcohol-hazed as the memories were.
"We went back to my place and made cream brule, played scrabble and watched Eastenders" he replied. "And then we shagged" he added with a mild shrug. "Why are you so interested all of a sudden anyway, John?" he asked, turning around to face the other man, hands in his suit jacket pockets, face as straight as ever, head cocked to the side a little.
John shrugged and grinned. "Oh, y'know, just taking an interest in the life of a fellow performer." He leaned against the wall and shoved his hands into the pockets of his light-coloured suit. "I see we've got Sam Lowry in our midst today," he nodded across the room to Jonathan. "Ever see 'Brazil'?"
"Now don't go changing the subject on me, Sessions" he said taking a hand out his pocket to lazily gesture to John, pointing a little as he did. "The day you start taking an interest in 'fellow performers lives' is the day Clive Anderson grows his hair back miraculously thanks to a gift from the 'air fairy"
John giggled slightly. "Now that's an image." He sighed and looked down at his shoes, guessing what Paul was talking about. "I'm assuming that you're referring to the last show. Look, I only asked Clive to pair Tony with me because Props can be bloody difficult."
Paul raised a quizzical eyebrow, and folded his arms under his chest. "Well, that's not what I was talking about John, but now you've perked my curiosity" he paused to cock his head to the other side, leaning back against the wall behind him. "So what exactly has Tony and the props game got to do with your weird questions? What exactly is on your mind?" he asked, eyeing the man strangely.
John bit his lip, still intently studying his shoes. "Nothing, I just - he just interests me." He glanced up quickly. "As a performer! I didn't want him to be put off at the first hurdle, so to speak." The lie came out smoothly; sometimes improvisation wasn't just a form of entertainment.
There was hesitation in Johns answer... but then again, he did speak like that at times. Paul wasn't going to pretend he understood John... he didn't really want to in all honesty. "He interests you?" Paul asked, not really asking the question as much as making a comment. "So, think you can mould him into another John Sessions, or were you just needing another newbie to show up when you paired up with 'im?" he asked this time.
John glared at him. "No! For fuck's sake, why the hell would I want to mould anyone into another me? And I don't 'show people up' - if they can't keep up that's their problem," he snapped. "I asked Clive to put him with me because you can be fucking ruthless at times and I could tell that Betty was going to be out of her depth anyway." He straightened up and pushed himself away from the wall.
"I think we're on in five minutes. See you out there." He walked away from Paul towards Josie, who was chatting animatedly to Jonathan.
"No need to get so bloody defensive" he said to John as he was walking away. He dipped his head with a slight shake, hands returning to his jacket pockets, a foot against the wall as he leaned back casually. "Bloody mellow dramatic..." his mumbling trailed off into nothing as he waited.
It was obvious that John was preoccupied throughout the taping. He sat, lost in thought, barely hearing Clive introduce him and the others one by one. When it came to the first game, Authors, he only got up when he saw the green of Paul's shirt out of the corner of his eye and realised that he was the only one still sitting.
Getting up late was one thing, but giving away his party quirk? That was just plain odd... he had to ask about it... Walking backstage, back into the little sitting room, Paul stopped John before they reached the door. "What on earth is up with you?" he asked, grabbing the other man by the arm and turning him around to look him in the eye.
John almost scowled and opened his mouth to say something rude, before closing it and shaking his head, looking suddenly tired. "I'm fine, I'm just worn out, that's all." He rubbed a hand over his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose between finger and thumb. He looked at Paul, silently hoping that the man wouldn't bring up their earlier conversation. "Sorry I fucked up the last game - like I said, I'm an imbecile."
Paul licked the inside of his cheek, hands in his pockets and nodded. "Well, I wasn't going to be the one to say it, but seein' as you mentioned it..." he started. God, if only he knew how much of a cunt he sounded at times. "You did mess up a bit... but... shit happens... we get on with life, alright?" he said, looking at John seriously. "Now if you don't want to talk about what's really going on
that's fair enough... I'm just saying, that's all"
"I don't. Thanks, though." John nodded at Paul and ran a hand through his hair. "You going to be doing the next show?" he asked, willing Paul not to pursue the subject any further.
"No... not for a few episodes" he said with a light shrug, raising a hand to scratch behind his ear. "Did they book you for the next show?" he asked, only half interested, more making light conversation.
John smiled. "Yes; I think I'm on for the rest of the series. Apparently I was good enough on the radio to warrant a certain amount of permanency."
"Yeah.... yeah... that's great" he said in his most unenthusiastic voice, looking above John. He let the silence go on, before looking at John with a small smirk, walking past him and into the room. "By the way" he said, popping his head back around the corner. "If you feel like getting over your insecurities, I won't think any less of you...." he smirked, popping into the room and leaving it at that
John was left feeling slightly discombobulated at Paul's parting comment. He shook his head and started walking away from the door, not wanting to see anyone, not caring if there was anything important to know. He just wanted to go home and try for a solid night's sleep - one that wasn't filled with frequent awakenings and dreams that didn't leave him with images that he didn't want.
Author:
cryforthemoon and psykotropikRating: PG (We reckon)
Main Character(s): Tony Slattery and Dan / John Sessions and Paul Merton
Summary: This is the second chapter in an ongoing story. This is held before and after the fifth episode of the first series, in 1988, after John and Tony's awkward time out.
These stories are an insight as to what went on behind the scenes, perhaps explaining some of the onstage behaviour, and off stage affairs that were adored and displayed by the press.
Chapter 1
It's been two days since the taping of the show and Tony's been mostly hanging around his flat, waiting for a promised phone call. He's also been trying not to think about John, the taste of beer and cigarettes still lingering in his mouth and the feeling of John's hand at his waist still present.
When the phone finally does ring, he jumps and for a moment thinks it's John before remembering that the man doesn't have his number.
Dan sounds slightly rushed, speaking quickly without pausing long enough to let Tony speak. "Tony! Hi, sorry I haven't called you before, only I've been having some problems - nothing for you to worry about, though.
Listen, we'd love to have you back for another show. It'll be taping in a few days, what do you think?"
Dan's rushed speech had Tony lost for words for a moment. He half fumbled his words as if trying to get a word in edge ways, failing miserably until Dan stopped yammering. "Want me back?" he said, a hint of disbelief in his tone. God, this couldn't get any better! Or worse, depending on the way you looked at it. "Um.... yes, yes of course" he paused again. "Sure, I'll do it" he added to his answer rubbing the back of his neck a little, phone held between his chin and shoulder, hand still on the receiver a little. "I'll take it that it'll be same time as last, right?" he asked, just making sure, picking up a pen from a nearby table and writing a note down on an envelope.
"Great! It'll be - oh for! Hang on a sec, Tony." Tony heard a sharp clunk and Dan's voice was fainter, sounding annoyed. "It's a bloody plunger, for Christ's sake! What do you think they'll- oh, /fine/." There was the sound of a door slamming and some clicking before Dan's voice returned to its normal volume.
"Sorry about that. Bloody budget, we have to be as inventive as you lot. As I was saying, it'll be same time as last - two o'clock arrive, two-thirty we start recording. John's going to be pleased, he's been badgering me to give you another show."
John had been asking for him to come back? Well that wasn't exactly what Tony had been expecting to hear... although, it was nice to hear. Did John really want to see Tony again? After what happened the last time, he didn't expect to see him again, let alone hear he was wanted... "R...right... two o' clock...." he said, scribbling it down on the envelope. "I'll be there..." he paused. " A couple of days away, right?"
"Yeah," Dan sounded like he was grinning. "We've been trying to get them made as quickly as possible since the show was green lighted. The first broadcast's in September, so we need to get on with it. We'll be wanting you on Thursday."
"Right.... I'll be there" he said, clearing his throat a little as he spoke. "Thank you ever so much..." he really was lost for words. Another opportunity to shine and improvise, make people smile. But it was also another opportunity to be around John. That is if he would be at the next recording. "Might I quickly ask who will be at that particular recording?" he asked as politely as he could.
There was a rustling that sounded like papers being shuffled through. "Let's see...episode five, episode eight, god I need to file things properly, seven! Clive, obviously, Jonathan Pryce and a guy called Rory McGrath - you might've heard of him, he was in the Footlights. Oh and Sessions, of course."
"Ah.... yes, yes. I know who you're talking about" he replied, nodding, even though the other man couldn't see him. "Well, thank you for that.... I'll make sure I'm there on time" he said, scratching his ear, just wanting to get off the phone. This was all too much...
"Brilliant, see you then. Oh, nearly forgot - you'll need to come with another author in mind, it's getting to be a regular game. Oh, god, I'm about to have a plunger waved at me again - I've got to go, Tony, see you on Thursday." Dan hang up and Tony was left with the buzz of the dialling tone in his ear.
Slowly, he placed the receiver down, blinking slowly. So they wanted him back... and John was the one asking about him returning? Surprising in a way... but then again, Tony didn't exactly know him well. So many questions buzzing around in his head.... he placed the pen down on the table and found a seat again.
He found himself lost in his thoughts again, staring at a little spot on the floor. All he had to do was last long enough.... and try not to think too much...
Miles away, across railway lines and busy roads, concrete, metal and glass buildings all jostling for supremacy in the city streets, John Sessions clapped a hand on Paul Merton's shoulder and grinned at him.
"Afternoon. How'd your evening with Tracy go?"
"You're as bad as remembering names as I am" he said, looking over his shoulder to John, that look of mock disgust on his face as he spoke. Of course he didn't mean it. It was just his way of getting across a comical message. Deadpan... straight face delivery. "If you really want to know the details of my personal affairs, just ask if we shagged and be done with it" he shrugged cheekily.
John knitted his eyebrows together as he remembered the name of Paul's conquest. "Sorry, Trudy. Well -did you take her home and show her the delights of a night with Merton?" he asked, grinning and using deliberately flowery language to cover up the embarrassment at his own forgetfulness.
His mind hadn't been able to stray far away from the events of the evening after the taping of the last show, alcohol-hazed as the memories were.
"We went back to my place and made cream brule, played scrabble and watched Eastenders" he replied. "And then we shagged" he added with a mild shrug. "Why are you so interested all of a sudden anyway, John?" he asked, turning around to face the other man, hands in his suit jacket pockets, face as straight as ever, head cocked to the side a little.
John shrugged and grinned. "Oh, y'know, just taking an interest in the life of a fellow performer." He leaned against the wall and shoved his hands into the pockets of his light-coloured suit. "I see we've got Sam Lowry in our midst today," he nodded across the room to Jonathan. "Ever see 'Brazil'?"
"Now don't go changing the subject on me, Sessions" he said taking a hand out his pocket to lazily gesture to John, pointing a little as he did. "The day you start taking an interest in 'fellow performers lives' is the day Clive Anderson grows his hair back miraculously thanks to a gift from the 'air fairy"
John giggled slightly. "Now that's an image." He sighed and looked down at his shoes, guessing what Paul was talking about. "I'm assuming that you're referring to the last show. Look, I only asked Clive to pair Tony with me because Props can be bloody difficult."
Paul raised a quizzical eyebrow, and folded his arms under his chest. "Well, that's not what I was talking about John, but now you've perked my curiosity" he paused to cock his head to the other side, leaning back against the wall behind him. "So what exactly has Tony and the props game got to do with your weird questions? What exactly is on your mind?" he asked, eyeing the man strangely.
John bit his lip, still intently studying his shoes. "Nothing, I just - he just interests me." He glanced up quickly. "As a performer! I didn't want him to be put off at the first hurdle, so to speak." The lie came out smoothly; sometimes improvisation wasn't just a form of entertainment.
There was hesitation in Johns answer... but then again, he did speak like that at times. Paul wasn't going to pretend he understood John... he didn't really want to in all honesty. "He interests you?" Paul asked, not really asking the question as much as making a comment. "So, think you can mould him into another John Sessions, or were you just needing another newbie to show up when you paired up with 'im?" he asked this time.
John glared at him. "No! For fuck's sake, why the hell would I want to mould anyone into another me? And I don't 'show people up' - if they can't keep up that's their problem," he snapped. "I asked Clive to put him with me because you can be fucking ruthless at times and I could tell that Betty was going to be out of her depth anyway." He straightened up and pushed himself away from the wall.
"I think we're on in five minutes. See you out there." He walked away from Paul towards Josie, who was chatting animatedly to Jonathan.
"No need to get so bloody defensive" he said to John as he was walking away. He dipped his head with a slight shake, hands returning to his jacket pockets, a foot against the wall as he leaned back casually. "Bloody mellow dramatic..." his mumbling trailed off into nothing as he waited.
It was obvious that John was preoccupied throughout the taping. He sat, lost in thought, barely hearing Clive introduce him and the others one by one. When it came to the first game, Authors, he only got up when he saw the green of Paul's shirt out of the corner of his eye and realised that he was the only one still sitting.
Getting up late was one thing, but giving away his party quirk? That was just plain odd... he had to ask about it... Walking backstage, back into the little sitting room, Paul stopped John before they reached the door. "What on earth is up with you?" he asked, grabbing the other man by the arm and turning him around to look him in the eye.
John almost scowled and opened his mouth to say something rude, before closing it and shaking his head, looking suddenly tired. "I'm fine, I'm just worn out, that's all." He rubbed a hand over his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose between finger and thumb. He looked at Paul, silently hoping that the man wouldn't bring up their earlier conversation. "Sorry I fucked up the last game - like I said, I'm an imbecile."
Paul licked the inside of his cheek, hands in his pockets and nodded. "Well, I wasn't going to be the one to say it, but seein' as you mentioned it..." he started. God, if only he knew how much of a cunt he sounded at times. "You did mess up a bit... but... shit happens... we get on with life, alright?" he said, looking at John seriously. "Now if you don't want to talk about what's really going on
that's fair enough... I'm just saying, that's all"
"I don't. Thanks, though." John nodded at Paul and ran a hand through his hair. "You going to be doing the next show?" he asked, willing Paul not to pursue the subject any further.
"No... not for a few episodes" he said with a light shrug, raising a hand to scratch behind his ear. "Did they book you for the next show?" he asked, only half interested, more making light conversation.
John smiled. "Yes; I think I'm on for the rest of the series. Apparently I was good enough on the radio to warrant a certain amount of permanency."
"Yeah.... yeah... that's great" he said in his most unenthusiastic voice, looking above John. He let the silence go on, before looking at John with a small smirk, walking past him and into the room. "By the way" he said, popping his head back around the corner. "If you feel like getting over your insecurities, I won't think any less of you...." he smirked, popping into the room and leaving it at that
John was left feeling slightly discombobulated at Paul's parting comment. He shook his head and started walking away from the door, not wanting to see anyone, not caring if there was anything important to know. He just wanted to go home and try for a solid night's sleep - one that wasn't filled with frequent awakenings and dreams that didn't leave him with images that he didn't want.
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Date: 2006-12-17 04:24 pm (UTC)The "mellow dramatic" threw me a bit at first, I couldn't work out whether it was a mistake or intentional, but its just Paul-speak.
Like the addition of Paul Merton in this mix, he was always one of my favourites.
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Date: 2006-12-17 08:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-12-17 09:11 pm (UTC)I really like it. I love Tony and John (and Paul) and your story. More people should comment. ^^
I hope you'll update soon. =)
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Date: 2006-12-26 12:47 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-12-17 11:30 pm (UTC)Much love,
betise
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Date: 2006-12-26 12:49 am (UTC)