Live Feedleash log: 9/7/07
Warning! Some heterosexual foreplay near the end of this.
Barley says:
*Nathan gives some final orders to Pingu - who may or may not be listening - and pats his pockets to make sure he's got everything*
Barley says:
*and leaves Trashbat Museum*
Claire says:
*feels rather put-out and frustrated at having to wait so long for Nathan to meet up with her, and so has gone directly to the museum to find him herself*
Claire says:
*arrives at the door just as Nathan opens it*
Barley says:
*almost collides with Claire* Oh!
Barley says:
*surprised at seeing her* All right?
Claire says:
*bursts out* What took you so long?
Barley says:
Uh.
Barley says:
The museum doesn't close before 6?
Claire says:
Well. *softens a bit* When you didn't pick up your phone I got worried.
Barley says:
I was on the phone. Chatting to the Fluokids guys. Well cool.
Claire says:
The who?
Barley says:
Fluokids, yeah?
Barley says:
French DJ collective.
Barley says:
Height of cool in France.
Barley says:
Massive.
Claire says:
*ponders this* Oh. Is their stuff on iTunes? Maybe I should download it. If you say it's good, I mean.
Barley says:
iTunes?
Barley says:
Nono. But it's on their blogspot.
Barley says:
It's mostly remixes and stuff like that.
Barley says:
Come to the party and check 'em out, yeah?
Claire says:
*brightens* Oh, okay! I will. Your last party was really good. *looks around, seeing as they're still lingering in front of trashbat* Where are we headed?
Barley:
*looks around too* Wherever you like.
Barley:
Dinner, maybe?
Claire says:
Oh really? Yeah, I could eat. *shifts a little closer to him* What're you peckish for?
Barley says:
Dunno.
Barley says:
Any suggestions?
Claire says:
Welllll... I'm a vegetarian, so. *holds her hands up as if admitting a flaw*
Barley says:
*laughs at this* I know you are.
Barley says:
Something with vegetables, then
Claire says:
*smiles* Yeah, that'd do.
Claire says:
Walk around til we see something promising?
Barley says:
*nods* Sounds good.
Barley says:
*sets off: someone has to make a decision*
Claire says:
*falls into step beside him* How many people came in today?
Barley says:
I have no idea. Pingu is supposed to keep count, yeah?, but he. Well. Isn't.
Barley says:
*to himself mostly* I need more staff.
Claire says:
*hears him* I could work for you! *all eager*
Barley says:
*turns to her* Uh...
Claire says:
*all a-light*
Barley says:
No offence, yeah?, but that would be kinda.. weird...
Claire says:
*frowns* I know how to count.
Barley says:
Yeah, but I don't want to have to order you around and that, yeah?
Claire says:
*they've slowed down enough for her to reach up and sort of touch his shoulder* But I wouldn't mind. I -like- helping you.
Barley says:
*ever so slightly confused: when has Claire *ever* helped him. Or if she has, has she liked it?* Thanks, but I think it's best if I get somone else, yeah?
Barley says:
And, you've got your other job to go to.
Barley says:
And your film to think about.
Claire says:
*blinks, because those things don't seem important at all* Well... okay, if that's what you want?
Barley says:
Yeah, I think so.
Barley says:
*worries he's made her sad now*
Claire says:
*manages a smile* Okay then. But if you do -need- help you know where to find me, yeah?
Barley says:
*smiles back* Always.
Barley says:
*sees a Chinese place up ahead and points* What about there, yeah?
Claire says:
*waits for him to lead the way again and crosses the street, where there's a good number of cafes and restaurants*
Claire says:
*points next to it* Well, why don't we get a couple of curries. And maybe... *voice drops a notch* get some champagne, or something? We could take it all to the park. *thinks that this is a doubly good idea as it means Nathan won't have any fans approaching him*
Barley says:
*smiles* Champagne? You celebrating something, love?
Barley says:
Curries in a park. Yeah, I like it.
Claire says:
We can toast to your success, of course. *pushes open the door to the curry shop*
Barley says:
Yeah, but champagne. That's a bit cheezy, isn't it?, in a park. And with curries.
Claire says:
I like champagne in parks *says this automatically, though she is pretty sure she doesn't ever drink champagne. In parks* *turns to look at him* *teasing* You too cool to do something dumb for fun now?
Barley says:
*tries to frown but ends up smiling anyway* What? I'm all about the fun!
Barley says:
*holds up his hands* If you want champagne, you'll get champagne
Claire says:
*turns back to the counter, flipping her hair over her shoulder* Better prove it. *fears she's being bitchy but figures he probably likes it when she teases him*
Barley says:
*thinks he could have tickled her now, to prove that he will do spontainous fun things, but doesn't*
Claire says:
*they order the curries, pick up the food, and grab champers from the off-license next door*
Claire says:
*points with one of the sacks of food* Park over thisaway.
Barley says:
I know, love.
Barley says:
*and they set off*
Barley says:
*they come to the park* Bench? You don't wanna sit on the grass, do you? Chilly?
Claire says:
*sits herself on the bench* Bench is good.
Barley says:
*sits down next to her* They are.
Barley says:
Uh. Glasses?
Claire says:
Watch this... *gets out the bottle of champage, and, with a bartenders flair, pops the cork with a single prod of her thumb*
Barley says:
*impressed, even though he's seen it several times before* Nice one.
Claire says:
And we'll drink it the classy way. *takes a drink directly from the bottle*
Barley says:
*sexy*
Claire says:
*passes it over, wiping her mouth*
Claire says:
Don't worry, I didn't steal any pills this time.
Barley says:
*takes the bottle and drinks* Are there any left to steal?
Claire says:
*shrugs* Didn't look. But i guess probably not.
Barley says:
Properly boring situation, that.
Barley says:
Arses, those Board people.
Claire says:
*opens up her curry, poking at it with the plastic fork* It is.
Claire says:
*glances sideways at him* You don't really have time to be bored these days, do you?
Barley says:
Me?
Barley says:
No.
Barley says:
*props the champagne bottle against the back of the bench between them and opens his curry too*
Barley says:
Lots to be doing, me.
Claire says:
*sort of studying him, almost staring*
Claire says:
*she picks up on his thoughts, but they're mostly about work - getting new staff, printing posters, and so on*
Claire says:
*a bit disappointed that she's not in them at all, and sighs, poking at her curry again*
Barley says:
*starts eating* You, yeah? Busy days?
Claire says:
*slowly* In a way. *there's so many heads out there to listen to, after all*
Claire says:
And the flats are packed. Hard to sleep at night.
Barley says:
Got any further with that film of yours? Is it still working properly, the edit gear?
Barley says:
Yeah, I can imagine.
Claire says:
*flushes guiltily* I haven't really had time... but yeah, I ran some tests and it works fine.
Barley says:
Good.
Barley says:
Not been used in ages.
Claire says:
*licks the end of her fork* But its all servicable. *smiles* Thanks again for that.
Barley says:
No sweat, love. It took up too much space, it needed to go anyway. It's got a good home now.
Claire says:
*noses into his thoughts again - now he's worrying about spilling curry down his front, and she absently passes him a paper napkin*
Barley says:
*takes it. what is she, his mother?*
Claire says:
*makes a face* God, no!
Barley says:
What?
Claire says:
Uh.
Claire says:
*hurriedly starts eating again* Nothing.
Barley says:
...Okay.
Claire says:
*makes a note to be more careful*
Claire says:
*and to not mother him*
Barley says:
*a girl is jogging along the lane and slows as she gets closer, looking at Nathan*
Claire says:
*reaches for the bottle and takes a drink, only noticing the girl when she lowers it*
Barley says:
*the girl comes over, slightly out of breath* *girl:* Sorry, you're Nathan Barley, yeah?
Barley says:
Yeah.
Barley says:
*girl* Oh, god, I love your stuff! Your museum!
Barley says:
*ever so slightly uncomfortable* cheers.
Claire says:
*annoyance flares up within her* He's -eating-. Do you mind?
Barley says:
*the girl looks at Claire slightly nastily* Right.
Barley says:
*turns back to Nathan* I gotta go. I love your museum, it's genius.
Claire says:
*glares, but says nothing*
Barley says:
Cheers. Come to the party on Tuesday, yeah?
Barley says:
*girl* Oh, there's a party? That is so cool! See you, yeah?
Barley says:
Yeah.
Barley says:
*the girl runs off, waving*
Barley says:
*uncomfortable, knowing Claire probably doesn't like this* Yeah.
Barley says:
Um.
Barley says:
Sorry.
Claire says:
*feels disgruntled and jealous, even though as his best friend she knows she needs to be happy for Nathan's fame*
Claire says:
*shrugs* It happens, I guess.
Barley says:
Yeah, but still. *it's just easier when Claire's not there*
Barley says:
*and she was fit, that girl*
Claire says:
*hears the thought, and along with it sees what he sees - the girl's retreating backside*
Claire says:
Nathan, do you mind! *huffs*
Barley says:
What?
Barley says:
*almost insulted. Didn;t he just say 'sorry'?*
Claire says:
You're... you thought she was fit! *hurriedly* I can tell by the look on your face.
Barley says:
*put out by this*
Barley says:
Uh. Sorry?
Claire says:
Fitter than me? *knows she'll hear the truth in his head*
Barley says:
What? You want me to compare you to some hussy I speak to for two seconds? What kind of a person does that?
Barley says:
*yes, of course she was*
Claire says:
*both looks and feels stung*
Claire says:
*mutters* I don't know. Nevermind. *hunches back over her food, feeling ugly and, now that she's eaten so much, fat, too*
Barley says:
*not quite sure what he's done wrong, but that doesn't matter: he has to try and cheer her up again now* *reaches over and strokes her cheek* I think you're very pretty.
Claire says:
*can see that he means it, and feels both better and worse - because she's possessive and greedy and that's not like her at all, yet she can't seem to stop herself*
Claire says:
*stiffly* Thanks, Nathan.
Barley says:
*pulls his hand ever so slightly reluctantly to himself* All right, yeah?
Barley says:
*two guys on bikes pass and see him and shout* Barle-ey!
Barley says:
*nods at them without smiling* All right?
Claire says:
*stands up abruptly*
Claire says:
Piss off!
Barley says:
What??
Claire says:
You don't even -know- him! I know him, now bugger the fuck off!
Claire says:
*kicks a rock in their direction*
Barley says:
I can't not answer, can I?
Barley says:
Claire!
Claire says:
*turns to look at him* It's not -you- Nathan. They just... they ought to leave you alone! They only like you because you're in NME and on the phone with France.
Claire says:
*points to herself* I've -always- liked you. No matter what.
Barley says:
Oh. Right. *feels very silly for misunderstanding*
Barley says:
*thinks her last statement through* ...well.
Claire says:
Fanboys. *snorts*
Barley says:
*can't help smiling at this* fanboys.
Barley says:
What's next, you gonna say 'L O L' instead of laughing?
Claire says:
*sits back down, taking a hearty drink from the bottle*
Claire says:
No. *looks at him* Do you think I should?
Barley says:
What? No.
Claire says:
Okay. *smiles*
Claire says:
*puts the bottle down* Did I go to far back there? *frowns*
Barley says:
*tries to find the best way to say 'Yes, you fucking did'* A little bit, maybe? It's not like they're attacking me or anything.
Claire says:
*feels confused, even a bit shakey - if Nathan doesn't like it when she sticks up for him, then why does she feel like she has to do it?*
Claire says:
*bends over her knees, feeling rather faint* Nothing's been right since Dad died.
Barley says:
*and with the comforting, again* Of course it hasn't. He's your dad, of course the world won't be the same. *puts his hand on her shoulder gently*
Claire says:
*sits up, shrugging his hand away* No, it's fine. *turns to him and forces a smile - no, she doesn't need comfort, not at all*
Claire says:
Foods gone. What do you want to do tonight? *watches him carefully*
Barley says:
*PMT much? Moodswings all over the place. Jeez*
Claire says:
*smiles more, harder*
Barley says:
Tonight? No plans.
Barley says:
Sounds like you have something up your sleeve.
Claire says:
Me? No. *slightly exasperated, though she hides it well* I was waiting to see what -you- wanted to do.
Barley says:
*shugs* Thought I'd just take a quiet evening. Had a busy week. And party tomorrow, y'know. Thought I'd maybe watch a film?
Barley says:
*lightly* You wanna drop by?
Claire says:
*relaxes slightly - not a tall order at all* Yeah, okay. You know I like films.
Barley says:
*laughs* Yeah. Hadn't planned on watching anything heavy and arty, yeah?
Barley says:
Some old horror or something.
Claire says:
*laughs, bit sheepish* That's alright, I don't always watching heavy and arty. And I prefer watching those by myself. Old horror sounds good.
Barley says:
Have you seen 'Plan 9 from Outer Space'? Hilarious.
Claire says:
*shakes her head* Heard of, though. Ed Wood, right?
Barley says:
Yeah, think so, yeah.
Barley says:
Then we'll see that, then.
Claire says:
*stands up, dropping their takeaway boxes into a rubbish bin*
Claire says:
We can leave the rest of the champers, if you want. *smiles slightly* It just seemed like a funny thing to do - I don't know why.
Barley says:
*gets up* Donate it to a tramp, yeah?
Barley says:
It was a good thing, yeah. Different.
Claire says:
*nods agreeably, then, after a moment's hesitation, thrusts out her hand and takes hold of his* Sorry if I'm acting weird. *means it*
Barley says:
*isn't quite sure how to react, so decides to follow her lead* Weird is cool.
Claire says:
*laughs* Not all the time.
Barley says:
*smiles* Maybe not. So, where now, yeah?
Barley says:
*shrugs* *lightly* Could just go back to mine now?
Claire says:
*nods* Yeah. Let's do.
Barley says:
*is the bed-linnen clean? did he remember to tidy away the laundry from the bathroom? There may be sex* Nice.
Claire says:
*smiles at his thoughts, unsuccessful at keeping the smile to herself as they walk in the direction of his flat* Do you have popcorn? It's essential for cult horror films.
Barley says:
I think so.
Barley says:
We should pick up a drink or two on the way?
Claire says:
*comes up to a halt*
Claire says:
What for?
Claire says:
*leans closer to him* You don't have to get me drunk.
Barley says:
Uh.
Barley says:
If we get thirsty from the popcorn?
Claire says:
*sighs* Yes, of course.
Barley says:
Why would I want to get you drunk?
Claire says:
*mildly* No idea. *they stop in front of the off-license again* Go on in, I'm going to have a smoke.
Barley says:
I'll get a bottle of Coke or something if you don't want alcohol.
Claire says:
*smiles, getting out her cigarettes* I'll have whatever you're having.
Barley says:
Yeah, all right. *goes in, not sure what to get, considering that he now has to pick something she likes*
Barley says:
*looks about a bit, then picks a six-pack of beer, some cheep red wine and a bottle of Fanta. There's vodka and a couple of other half-empty bottles back at the flat. Pays*
Barley says:
*and comes back out with the bag in his hand*
Claire says:
*exhales smoke upwards* Ready? *sets off*
Barley says:
Yup. *follows*
Claire says:
*is just casually surfing his thoughts, seeing quite clearly what he's hoping for, and wondering if it's what she ought to do - she does want him to be happy, after all*
Barley says:
*no hand-holding? Well, what can be expected; it's Claire.*
Claire says:
*she takes a last puff, then flicks her cig to the kerb* *side-steps a pile of dog-shit and takes hold of his hand, natural as you please*
Barley says:
*smiles to himself. Right on!*
Claire says:
*encouraged, touches her free hand to his arm, budging up closer*
Barley says:
*they arrive at Nathan's flat and Nathan unlocks the door and they go up the stairs to his flat*
Barley says:
*and he opens the door to his flat for her, letting her go in first*
Claire says:
*walks in and takes off her jacket - beneath it she's wearing the infamous red top that Dan hates*
Barley says:
*takes her coat* I like your top.
Claire says:
I know. *smiles* I mean, you've said before.
Barley says:
*thinks back* Have I?
Claire says:
*nods* Think so. *walks toward the couch, eying the copies of NME and The Guardian on the coffee table*
Barley says:
Yeah, just sit down wherever, yeah? I'll just tidy this away. *holds up the bag with the drinks*
Claire says:
*sits down, pushing her shoes off and tucking her feet beneath her* *reaches up and pulls out her hair band, too*
Claire says:
The place looks nice. Who'd think Vince could clean?
Barley says:
*goes to the kitchen, puts the bottles away and checks his hair in his reflection in the window before going back*
Barley says:
Yeah, bit of a surprise, yeah? Does a good job too.
Claire says:
*almost tells him his hair looks good, but thinks better of it*
Claire says:
Mmm. He has an eye for details when he can focus on them long enough.
Barley says:
Yeah. Did you want a drink, by the way? I put them all away...
Barley says:
*hovers halfway between the sofa and the kitchen*
Claire says:
No, I'm good. *pats the cushions next to her*
Barley says:
Sure? It's no problem?
Barley says:
*strangely nervous. Shape up, Barley, stay cool*
Claire says:
*gives him what she hopes is a reassuring smile* Yeah, I'm sure.
Barley says:
Okay. *takes a few steps towards the sofa* Film, then?
Claire says:
*senses that he'd feel more at ease with the film on* Yeah, good. Can't wait to see it. *leans forward eagerly*
Barley says:
They say it's the worst film ever made. *finds the film and puts it in the DVD player*
Barley says:
*picks with him the remote and goes and sits down next to Claire*
Barley says:
Hilarious stuff. *turns the TV on*
Claire says:
Sounds promising. *immediately sort of leans against him - just familiar-like, not too pushy*
Barley says:
*the film starts and he puts his hand up on the back of the sofa, not properly round her shoulder but almost, like a teenager would do*
Claire says:
*rolls her eyes to herself, good-naturedly* *pushes her hair away so that it re-falls down her back, some of it settling on his arm*
Barley says:
*has to lift up his arm to shake Claire's hair off. What's the worst that can happen, really? So he decides to put his arm properly around Claire's shoulders this time*
Claire says:
*doesn't react for a moment, then relaxes against him*
Claire says:
*glances up - the film's reflected in his eyes, but he's not really watching - then away again*
Barley says:
*smiles, not really paying attention to the film*
Claire says:
*picks up that he thinks they'll be watching the whole film, and puts her eyes back to the television*
Claire says:
*rolls her head into the crook between his arm and shoulder, getting just a bit cosier*
Barley says:
*shifts a little closer so he can rest his cheek on her head and watches the film*
Claire says:
*she drifts off after a bit, unable to concentrate on the silly film*
Barley says:
*the film ends and Nathan notices Claire's asleep. Damn. He can't really wake her, can she: she looks so peaceful*
Claire says:
*a thought of strong, nearby disappointment wakes her up*
Claire says:
Oh, sorry. Did I fall asleep?
Barley says:
No worries. Naps are cool.
Claire says:
Oh but.. *sits up slightly* We never got to... popcorn.
Barley says:
*smiles* We could watch another film and have popcorn with that? Or we could just, I dunno, something else?
Claire says:
*her eyes skip to his, then away again* Something else like what?
Barley says:
*has no answer to that question* Trivial Pursuit?
Claire says:
*gives him a highly doubtful look* If you could do anything right now, it'd be Trivial Pursuit?
Barley says:
Uh.
Barley says:
*can't help grinning* Probably not.
Claire says:
*rolls eyes* Thought so.
Claire says:
Now, really. Besides Trivial Pursuit?
Barley says:
Besides Trivial Pursuit, yeah?
Claire says:
*smiles* Yeah. Besides that.
Barley says:
Promise you won't get mad?
Claire says:
*thinks on it a moment, and decides she can safely promise* Yes. Promise.
Barley says:
*smiles, takes her face in his hands and kisses her*
Claire says:
*knew he was going to do that, of course, and kisses back, climbing into his lap*
Barley says:
*grins as his kisses her still, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer*
Claire says:
*laughs slightly against his mouth* I don't call -that- trivial pursuit.
Barley says:
Pursuit, yeah. Trivial, no.
Barley says:
*slips his hands up her back, inside her top*
Claire says:
*has her legs tucked around his waist, kissing the side of his face and neck* *quietly* This is good, right? *feels like she needs to check, because a part of her feels odd, like she shouldn't be doing this*
Barley says:
*ever so slightly put out by this. Is she still hung up about that girl they saw earlier?* Yeah, of course.
Claire says:
*...and the part that's desperate to please him wins out over the part that feels odd* Good. *kisses him harder* Take me to bed.
Barley says:
*grins* Anything you want, love.
Barley says:
*looks up at her* If we're gonna go somewhere else, you're sorta sitting on top of me?
Claire says:
You don't like it? *moves her hips in an insinuating way and grins*
Barley says:
I like it. You're the one who said let's go to bed. *tries not to think about how he had sex with Naboo on the sofa a couple of weeks ago*
Claire says:
*hops off him at once, trying not to groan outloud*
Claire says:
*what-are-you-doing-what-are-you-doing! goes the little quiet voice somewhere down deep*
Claire says:
*weakly* Maybe I'd better...
Barley says:
*gets up too, wraps his arms around her waist and kisses her neck*
Barley says:
Better what, love?
Claire says:
*swivvels around in his arms and kisses him back* Nothing. Don't listen to it. . me, I mean. *starts unbuttoning his shirt while they sort of smooch-and-shuffle towards the bedroom*
Barley says:
*follows her willingly, kissing her back and tugging at her top, careful with the flimsy material*
Claire says:
*raises her arms over her head so he can take it off*
Barley says:
*pulls it off and drops it carelessly, quickly wrapping his arms around her again, pulling her close*
Barley says:
*he somehow manages to open the door to the bedroom while still holding her close*
Claire says:
*has his shirt unbuttoned and her hands on his chest, and once they're into the bedroom she pushes him back, onto the bed*
Barley says:
*lets himself be pushed, and grins up at her, liking it when she takes control like that*
Claire says:
*picks up loud and clear that he likes it, and crawls on top of him, straddling his hips and pushing his shoulders down firmly, into the mattress*
Barley says:
*it's as if he has no strength left in his body, and is ready to let her do whatever she wants*
Barley says:
*watches her up there, grinning*
Claire says:
*actually doesn't -know- what she wants, because what she wants is all about what he wants, so she begins to improvise, kissing and biting his chest, keeping his wrists pinned down as if she's stronger than him*
Barley says:
*squirms against her, his back running cold from her kisses*
Claire says:
*unfastens his trousers, pushing them off, then straddles him again, taking hold of his hands and putting one to her chest and the other to the zip on her jeans*
Barley says:
*ever so slightly lost: he can't unfasten her bra with one hand, nor can he unzip her trousers with only the other*
Claire says:
*sighs, mens thoughts are so utilitarian, hmph*
Claire says:
*takes her bra off herself, tossing it over the bedpost*
Barley says:
*nice. Reaches up and touches her breasts, gently, as if he can't quite believe it*
Claire says:
*closes her eyes for a moment, then rolls off him long enough to wriggle out of her jeans* *puts a hand around his head and whispers in his ear* You like it when I'm on top?
Barley says:
*half-way turns towards her, hand on her waist* It's all good.
Claire says:
*smiles and stretches out alongside him, kissing him and threading one of her legs through his*
Barley says:
*puts a little more pressure on her ribs and gets her on her back* I like this too.
Claire says:
*sees the image of herself in his mind, paired with his sudden determination, and it makes her stomach go wobbly, like she's both wary and sick and hugely turned on at the same time*
Barley says:
*presses on top of her, kissing her neck, letting his hands move downwards towards her knickers*
<....and, fade to black as the shagging commences>
Barley says:
*Nathan gives some final orders to Pingu - who may or may not be listening - and pats his pockets to make sure he's got everything*
Barley says:
*and leaves Trashbat Museum*
Claire says:
*feels rather put-out and frustrated at having to wait so long for Nathan to meet up with her, and so has gone directly to the museum to find him herself*
Claire says:
*arrives at the door just as Nathan opens it*
Barley says:
*almost collides with Claire* Oh!
Barley says:
*surprised at seeing her* All right?
Claire says:
*bursts out* What took you so long?
Barley says:
Uh.
Barley says:
The museum doesn't close before 6?
Claire says:
Well. *softens a bit* When you didn't pick up your phone I got worried.
Barley says:
I was on the phone. Chatting to the Fluokids guys. Well cool.
Claire says:
The who?
Barley says:
Fluokids, yeah?
Barley says:
French DJ collective.
Barley says:
Height of cool in France.
Barley says:
Massive.
Claire says:
*ponders this* Oh. Is their stuff on iTunes? Maybe I should download it. If you say it's good, I mean.
Barley says:
iTunes?
Barley says:
Nono. But it's on their blogspot.
Barley says:
It's mostly remixes and stuff like that.
Barley says:
Come to the party and check 'em out, yeah?
Claire says:
*brightens* Oh, okay! I will. Your last party was really good. *looks around, seeing as they're still lingering in front of trashbat* Where are we headed?
Barley:
*looks around too* Wherever you like.
Barley:
Dinner, maybe?
Claire says:
Oh really? Yeah, I could eat. *shifts a little closer to him* What're you peckish for?
Barley says:
Dunno.
Barley says:
Any suggestions?
Claire says:
Welllll... I'm a vegetarian, so. *holds her hands up as if admitting a flaw*
Barley says:
*laughs at this* I know you are.
Barley says:
Something with vegetables, then
Claire says:
*smiles* Yeah, that'd do.
Claire says:
Walk around til we see something promising?
Barley says:
*nods* Sounds good.
Barley says:
*sets off: someone has to make a decision*
Claire says:
*falls into step beside him* How many people came in today?
Barley says:
I have no idea. Pingu is supposed to keep count, yeah?, but he. Well. Isn't.
Barley says:
*to himself mostly* I need more staff.
Claire says:
*hears him* I could work for you! *all eager*
Barley says:
*turns to her* Uh...
Claire says:
*all a-light*
Barley says:
No offence, yeah?, but that would be kinda.. weird...
Claire says:
*frowns* I know how to count.
Barley says:
Yeah, but I don't want to have to order you around and that, yeah?
Claire says:
*they've slowed down enough for her to reach up and sort of touch his shoulder* But I wouldn't mind. I -like- helping you.
Barley says:
*ever so slightly confused: when has Claire *ever* helped him. Or if she has, has she liked it?* Thanks, but I think it's best if I get somone else, yeah?
Barley says:
And, you've got your other job to go to.
Barley says:
And your film to think about.
Claire says:
*blinks, because those things don't seem important at all* Well... okay, if that's what you want?
Barley says:
Yeah, I think so.
Barley says:
*worries he's made her sad now*
Claire says:
*manages a smile* Okay then. But if you do -need- help you know where to find me, yeah?
Barley says:
*smiles back* Always.
Barley says:
*sees a Chinese place up ahead and points* What about there, yeah?
Claire says:
*waits for him to lead the way again and crosses the street, where there's a good number of cafes and restaurants*
Claire says:
*points next to it* Well, why don't we get a couple of curries. And maybe... *voice drops a notch* get some champagne, or something? We could take it all to the park. *thinks that this is a doubly good idea as it means Nathan won't have any fans approaching him*
Barley says:
*smiles* Champagne? You celebrating something, love?
Barley says:
Curries in a park. Yeah, I like it.
Claire says:
We can toast to your success, of course. *pushes open the door to the curry shop*
Barley says:
Yeah, but champagne. That's a bit cheezy, isn't it?, in a park. And with curries.
Claire says:
I like champagne in parks *says this automatically, though she is pretty sure she doesn't ever drink champagne. In parks* *turns to look at him* *teasing* You too cool to do something dumb for fun now?
Barley says:
*tries to frown but ends up smiling anyway* What? I'm all about the fun!
Barley says:
*holds up his hands* If you want champagne, you'll get champagne
Claire says:
*turns back to the counter, flipping her hair over her shoulder* Better prove it. *fears she's being bitchy but figures he probably likes it when she teases him*
Barley says:
*thinks he could have tickled her now, to prove that he will do spontainous fun things, but doesn't*
Claire says:
*they order the curries, pick up the food, and grab champers from the off-license next door*
Claire says:
*points with one of the sacks of food* Park over thisaway.
Barley says:
I know, love.
Barley says:
*and they set off*
Barley says:
*they come to the park* Bench? You don't wanna sit on the grass, do you? Chilly?
Claire says:
*sits herself on the bench* Bench is good.
Barley says:
*sits down next to her* They are.
Barley says:
Uh. Glasses?
Claire says:
Watch this... *gets out the bottle of champage, and, with a bartenders flair, pops the cork with a single prod of her thumb*
Barley says:
*impressed, even though he's seen it several times before* Nice one.
Claire says:
And we'll drink it the classy way. *takes a drink directly from the bottle*
Barley says:
*sexy*
Claire says:
*passes it over, wiping her mouth*
Claire says:
Don't worry, I didn't steal any pills this time.
Barley says:
*takes the bottle and drinks* Are there any left to steal?
Claire says:
*shrugs* Didn't look. But i guess probably not.
Barley says:
Properly boring situation, that.
Barley says:
Arses, those Board people.
Claire says:
*opens up her curry, poking at it with the plastic fork* It is.
Claire says:
*glances sideways at him* You don't really have time to be bored these days, do you?
Barley says:
Me?
Barley says:
No.
Barley says:
*props the champagne bottle against the back of the bench between them and opens his curry too*
Barley says:
Lots to be doing, me.
Claire says:
*sort of studying him, almost staring*
Claire says:
*she picks up on his thoughts, but they're mostly about work - getting new staff, printing posters, and so on*
Claire says:
*a bit disappointed that she's not in them at all, and sighs, poking at her curry again*
Barley says:
*starts eating* You, yeah? Busy days?
Claire says:
*slowly* In a way. *there's so many heads out there to listen to, after all*
Claire says:
And the flats are packed. Hard to sleep at night.
Barley says:
Got any further with that film of yours? Is it still working properly, the edit gear?
Barley says:
Yeah, I can imagine.
Claire says:
*flushes guiltily* I haven't really had time... but yeah, I ran some tests and it works fine.
Barley says:
Good.
Barley says:
Not been used in ages.
Claire says:
*licks the end of her fork* But its all servicable. *smiles* Thanks again for that.
Barley says:
No sweat, love. It took up too much space, it needed to go anyway. It's got a good home now.
Claire says:
*noses into his thoughts again - now he's worrying about spilling curry down his front, and she absently passes him a paper napkin*
Barley says:
*takes it. what is she, his mother?*
Claire says:
*makes a face* God, no!
Barley says:
What?
Claire says:
Uh.
Claire says:
*hurriedly starts eating again* Nothing.
Barley says:
...Okay.
Claire says:
*makes a note to be more careful*
Claire says:
*and to not mother him*
Barley says:
*a girl is jogging along the lane and slows as she gets closer, looking at Nathan*
Claire says:
*reaches for the bottle and takes a drink, only noticing the girl when she lowers it*
Barley says:
*the girl comes over, slightly out of breath* *girl:* Sorry, you're Nathan Barley, yeah?
Barley says:
Yeah.
Barley says:
*girl* Oh, god, I love your stuff! Your museum!
Barley says:
*ever so slightly uncomfortable* cheers.
Claire says:
*annoyance flares up within her* He's -eating-. Do you mind?
Barley says:
*the girl looks at Claire slightly nastily* Right.
Barley says:
*turns back to Nathan* I gotta go. I love your museum, it's genius.
Claire says:
*glares, but says nothing*
Barley says:
Cheers. Come to the party on Tuesday, yeah?
Barley says:
*girl* Oh, there's a party? That is so cool! See you, yeah?
Barley says:
Yeah.
Barley says:
*the girl runs off, waving*
Barley says:
*uncomfortable, knowing Claire probably doesn't like this* Yeah.
Barley says:
Um.
Barley says:
Sorry.
Claire says:
*feels disgruntled and jealous, even though as his best friend she knows she needs to be happy for Nathan's fame*
Claire says:
*shrugs* It happens, I guess.
Barley says:
Yeah, but still. *it's just easier when Claire's not there*
Barley says:
*and she was fit, that girl*
Claire says:
*hears the thought, and along with it sees what he sees - the girl's retreating backside*
Claire says:
Nathan, do you mind! *huffs*
Barley says:
What?
Barley says:
*almost insulted. Didn;t he just say 'sorry'?*
Claire says:
You're... you thought she was fit! *hurriedly* I can tell by the look on your face.
Barley says:
*put out by this*
Barley says:
Uh. Sorry?
Claire says:
Fitter than me? *knows she'll hear the truth in his head*
Barley says:
What? You want me to compare you to some hussy I speak to for two seconds? What kind of a person does that?
Barley says:
*yes, of course she was*
Claire says:
*both looks and feels stung*
Claire says:
*mutters* I don't know. Nevermind. *hunches back over her food, feeling ugly and, now that she's eaten so much, fat, too*
Barley says:
*not quite sure what he's done wrong, but that doesn't matter: he has to try and cheer her up again now* *reaches over and strokes her cheek* I think you're very pretty.
Claire says:
*can see that he means it, and feels both better and worse - because she's possessive and greedy and that's not like her at all, yet she can't seem to stop herself*
Claire says:
*stiffly* Thanks, Nathan.
Barley says:
*pulls his hand ever so slightly reluctantly to himself* All right, yeah?
Barley says:
*two guys on bikes pass and see him and shout* Barle-ey!
Barley says:
*nods at them without smiling* All right?
Claire says:
*stands up abruptly*
Claire says:
Piss off!
Barley says:
What??
Claire says:
You don't even -know- him! I know him, now bugger the fuck off!
Claire says:
*kicks a rock in their direction*
Barley says:
I can't not answer, can I?
Barley says:
Claire!
Claire says:
*turns to look at him* It's not -you- Nathan. They just... they ought to leave you alone! They only like you because you're in NME and on the phone with France.
Claire says:
*points to herself* I've -always- liked you. No matter what.
Barley says:
Oh. Right. *feels very silly for misunderstanding*
Barley says:
*thinks her last statement through* ...well.
Claire says:
Fanboys. *snorts*
Barley says:
*can't help smiling at this* fanboys.
Barley says:
What's next, you gonna say 'L O L' instead of laughing?
Claire says:
*sits back down, taking a hearty drink from the bottle*
Claire says:
No. *looks at him* Do you think I should?
Barley says:
What? No.
Claire says:
Okay. *smiles*
Claire says:
*puts the bottle down* Did I go to far back there? *frowns*
Barley says:
*tries to find the best way to say 'Yes, you fucking did'* A little bit, maybe? It's not like they're attacking me or anything.
Claire says:
*feels confused, even a bit shakey - if Nathan doesn't like it when she sticks up for him, then why does she feel like she has to do it?*
Claire says:
*bends over her knees, feeling rather faint* Nothing's been right since Dad died.
Barley says:
*and with the comforting, again* Of course it hasn't. He's your dad, of course the world won't be the same. *puts his hand on her shoulder gently*
Claire says:
*sits up, shrugging his hand away* No, it's fine. *turns to him and forces a smile - no, she doesn't need comfort, not at all*
Claire says:
Foods gone. What do you want to do tonight? *watches him carefully*
Barley says:
*PMT much? Moodswings all over the place. Jeez*
Claire says:
*smiles more, harder*
Barley says:
Tonight? No plans.
Barley says:
Sounds like you have something up your sleeve.
Claire says:
Me? No. *slightly exasperated, though she hides it well* I was waiting to see what -you- wanted to do.
Barley says:
*shugs* Thought I'd just take a quiet evening. Had a busy week. And party tomorrow, y'know. Thought I'd maybe watch a film?
Barley says:
*lightly* You wanna drop by?
Claire says:
*relaxes slightly - not a tall order at all* Yeah, okay. You know I like films.
Barley says:
*laughs* Yeah. Hadn't planned on watching anything heavy and arty, yeah?
Barley says:
Some old horror or something.
Claire says:
*laughs, bit sheepish* That's alright, I don't always watching heavy and arty. And I prefer watching those by myself. Old horror sounds good.
Barley says:
Have you seen 'Plan 9 from Outer Space'? Hilarious.
Claire says:
*shakes her head* Heard of, though. Ed Wood, right?
Barley says:
Yeah, think so, yeah.
Barley says:
Then we'll see that, then.
Claire says:
*stands up, dropping their takeaway boxes into a rubbish bin*
Claire says:
We can leave the rest of the champers, if you want. *smiles slightly* It just seemed like a funny thing to do - I don't know why.
Barley says:
*gets up* Donate it to a tramp, yeah?
Barley says:
It was a good thing, yeah. Different.
Claire says:
*nods agreeably, then, after a moment's hesitation, thrusts out her hand and takes hold of his* Sorry if I'm acting weird. *means it*
Barley says:
*isn't quite sure how to react, so decides to follow her lead* Weird is cool.
Claire says:
*laughs* Not all the time.
Barley says:
*smiles* Maybe not. So, where now, yeah?
Barley says:
*shrugs* *lightly* Could just go back to mine now?
Claire says:
*nods* Yeah. Let's do.
Barley says:
*is the bed-linnen clean? did he remember to tidy away the laundry from the bathroom? There may be sex* Nice.
Claire says:
*smiles at his thoughts, unsuccessful at keeping the smile to herself as they walk in the direction of his flat* Do you have popcorn? It's essential for cult horror films.
Barley says:
I think so.
Barley says:
We should pick up a drink or two on the way?
Claire says:
*comes up to a halt*
Claire says:
What for?
Claire says:
*leans closer to him* You don't have to get me drunk.
Barley says:
Uh.
Barley says:
If we get thirsty from the popcorn?
Claire says:
*sighs* Yes, of course.
Barley says:
Why would I want to get you drunk?
Claire says:
*mildly* No idea. *they stop in front of the off-license again* Go on in, I'm going to have a smoke.
Barley says:
I'll get a bottle of Coke or something if you don't want alcohol.
Claire says:
*smiles, getting out her cigarettes* I'll have whatever you're having.
Barley says:
Yeah, all right. *goes in, not sure what to get, considering that he now has to pick something she likes*
Barley says:
*looks about a bit, then picks a six-pack of beer, some cheep red wine and a bottle of Fanta. There's vodka and a couple of other half-empty bottles back at the flat. Pays*
Barley says:
*and comes back out with the bag in his hand*
Claire says:
*exhales smoke upwards* Ready? *sets off*
Barley says:
Yup. *follows*
Claire says:
*is just casually surfing his thoughts, seeing quite clearly what he's hoping for, and wondering if it's what she ought to do - she does want him to be happy, after all*
Barley says:
*no hand-holding? Well, what can be expected; it's Claire.*
Claire says:
*she takes a last puff, then flicks her cig to the kerb* *side-steps a pile of dog-shit and takes hold of his hand, natural as you please*
Barley says:
*smiles to himself. Right on!*
Claire says:
*encouraged, touches her free hand to his arm, budging up closer*
Barley says:
*they arrive at Nathan's flat and Nathan unlocks the door and they go up the stairs to his flat*
Barley says:
*and he opens the door to his flat for her, letting her go in first*
Claire says:
*walks in and takes off her jacket - beneath it she's wearing the infamous red top that Dan hates*
Barley says:
*takes her coat* I like your top.
Claire says:
I know. *smiles* I mean, you've said before.
Barley says:
*thinks back* Have I?
Claire says:
*nods* Think so. *walks toward the couch, eying the copies of NME and The Guardian on the coffee table*
Barley says:
Yeah, just sit down wherever, yeah? I'll just tidy this away. *holds up the bag with the drinks*
Claire says:
*sits down, pushing her shoes off and tucking her feet beneath her* *reaches up and pulls out her hair band, too*
Claire says:
The place looks nice. Who'd think Vince could clean?
Barley says:
*goes to the kitchen, puts the bottles away and checks his hair in his reflection in the window before going back*
Barley says:
Yeah, bit of a surprise, yeah? Does a good job too.
Claire says:
*almost tells him his hair looks good, but thinks better of it*
Claire says:
Mmm. He has an eye for details when he can focus on them long enough.
Barley says:
Yeah. Did you want a drink, by the way? I put them all away...
Barley says:
*hovers halfway between the sofa and the kitchen*
Claire says:
No, I'm good. *pats the cushions next to her*
Barley says:
Sure? It's no problem?
Barley says:
*strangely nervous. Shape up, Barley, stay cool*
Claire says:
*gives him what she hopes is a reassuring smile* Yeah, I'm sure.
Barley says:
Okay. *takes a few steps towards the sofa* Film, then?
Claire says:
*senses that he'd feel more at ease with the film on* Yeah, good. Can't wait to see it. *leans forward eagerly*
Barley says:
They say it's the worst film ever made. *finds the film and puts it in the DVD player*
Barley says:
*picks with him the remote and goes and sits down next to Claire*
Barley says:
Hilarious stuff. *turns the TV on*
Claire says:
Sounds promising. *immediately sort of leans against him - just familiar-like, not too pushy*
Barley says:
*the film starts and he puts his hand up on the back of the sofa, not properly round her shoulder but almost, like a teenager would do*
Claire says:
*rolls her eyes to herself, good-naturedly* *pushes her hair away so that it re-falls down her back, some of it settling on his arm*
Barley says:
*has to lift up his arm to shake Claire's hair off. What's the worst that can happen, really? So he decides to put his arm properly around Claire's shoulders this time*
Claire says:
*doesn't react for a moment, then relaxes against him*
Claire says:
*glances up - the film's reflected in his eyes, but he's not really watching - then away again*
Barley says:
*smiles, not really paying attention to the film*
Claire says:
*picks up that he thinks they'll be watching the whole film, and puts her eyes back to the television*
Claire says:
*rolls her head into the crook between his arm and shoulder, getting just a bit cosier*
Barley says:
*shifts a little closer so he can rest his cheek on her head and watches the film*
Claire says:
*she drifts off after a bit, unable to concentrate on the silly film*
Barley says:
*the film ends and Nathan notices Claire's asleep. Damn. He can't really wake her, can she: she looks so peaceful*
Claire says:
*a thought of strong, nearby disappointment wakes her up*
Claire says:
Oh, sorry. Did I fall asleep?
Barley says:
No worries. Naps are cool.
Claire says:
Oh but.. *sits up slightly* We never got to... popcorn.
Barley says:
*smiles* We could watch another film and have popcorn with that? Or we could just, I dunno, something else?
Claire says:
*her eyes skip to his, then away again* Something else like what?
Barley says:
*has no answer to that question* Trivial Pursuit?
Claire says:
*gives him a highly doubtful look* If you could do anything right now, it'd be Trivial Pursuit?
Barley says:
Uh.
Barley says:
*can't help grinning* Probably not.
Claire says:
*rolls eyes* Thought so.
Claire says:
Now, really. Besides Trivial Pursuit?
Barley says:
Besides Trivial Pursuit, yeah?
Claire says:
*smiles* Yeah. Besides that.
Barley says:
Promise you won't get mad?
Claire says:
*thinks on it a moment, and decides she can safely promise* Yes. Promise.
Barley says:
*smiles, takes her face in his hands and kisses her*
Claire says:
*knew he was going to do that, of course, and kisses back, climbing into his lap*
Barley says:
*grins as his kisses her still, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer*
Claire says:
*laughs slightly against his mouth* I don't call -that- trivial pursuit.
Barley says:
Pursuit, yeah. Trivial, no.
Barley says:
*slips his hands up her back, inside her top*
Claire says:
*has her legs tucked around his waist, kissing the side of his face and neck* *quietly* This is good, right? *feels like she needs to check, because a part of her feels odd, like she shouldn't be doing this*
Barley says:
*ever so slightly put out by this. Is she still hung up about that girl they saw earlier?* Yeah, of course.
Claire says:
*...and the part that's desperate to please him wins out over the part that feels odd* Good. *kisses him harder* Take me to bed.
Barley says:
*grins* Anything you want, love.
Barley says:
*looks up at her* If we're gonna go somewhere else, you're sorta sitting on top of me?
Claire says:
You don't like it? *moves her hips in an insinuating way and grins*
Barley says:
I like it. You're the one who said let's go to bed. *tries not to think about how he had sex with Naboo on the sofa a couple of weeks ago*
Claire says:
*hops off him at once, trying not to groan outloud*
Claire says:
*what-are-you-doing-what-are-you-doing! goes the little quiet voice somewhere down deep*
Claire says:
*weakly* Maybe I'd better...
Barley says:
*gets up too, wraps his arms around her waist and kisses her neck*
Barley says:
Better what, love?
Claire says:
*swivvels around in his arms and kisses him back* Nothing. Don't listen to it. . me, I mean. *starts unbuttoning his shirt while they sort of smooch-and-shuffle towards the bedroom*
Barley says:
*follows her willingly, kissing her back and tugging at her top, careful with the flimsy material*
Claire says:
*raises her arms over her head so he can take it off*
Barley says:
*pulls it off and drops it carelessly, quickly wrapping his arms around her again, pulling her close*
Barley says:
*he somehow manages to open the door to the bedroom while still holding her close*
Claire says:
*has his shirt unbuttoned and her hands on his chest, and once they're into the bedroom she pushes him back, onto the bed*
Barley says:
*lets himself be pushed, and grins up at her, liking it when she takes control like that*
Claire says:
*picks up loud and clear that he likes it, and crawls on top of him, straddling his hips and pushing his shoulders down firmly, into the mattress*
Barley says:
*it's as if he has no strength left in his body, and is ready to let her do whatever she wants*
Barley says:
*watches her up there, grinning*
Claire says:
*actually doesn't -know- what she wants, because what she wants is all about what he wants, so she begins to improvise, kissing and biting his chest, keeping his wrists pinned down as if she's stronger than him*
Barley says:
*squirms against her, his back running cold from her kisses*
Claire says:
*unfastens his trousers, pushing them off, then straddles him again, taking hold of his hands and putting one to her chest and the other to the zip on her jeans*
Barley says:
*ever so slightly lost: he can't unfasten her bra with one hand, nor can he unzip her trousers with only the other*
Claire says:
*sighs, mens thoughts are so utilitarian, hmph*
Claire says:
*takes her bra off herself, tossing it over the bedpost*
Barley says:
*nice. Reaches up and touches her breasts, gently, as if he can't quite believe it*
Claire says:
*closes her eyes for a moment, then rolls off him long enough to wriggle out of her jeans* *puts a hand around his head and whispers in his ear* You like it when I'm on top?
Barley says:
*half-way turns towards her, hand on her waist* It's all good.
Claire says:
*smiles and stretches out alongside him, kissing him and threading one of her legs through his*
Barley says:
*puts a little more pressure on her ribs and gets her on her back* I like this too.
Claire says:
*sees the image of herself in his mind, paired with his sudden determination, and it makes her stomach go wobbly, like she's both wary and sick and hugely turned on at the same time*
Barley says:
*presses on top of her, kissing her neck, letting his hands move downwards towards her knickers*
<....and, fade to black as the shagging commences>