#c.phillip

[askbarnum]

*Its a warm summers morning around 10am when he strolls casually into the office, dropping a slightly greasy brown paper bag onto Phillip's desk before moving over to the coffee pot to pour them both a cup*

Brought you some pastries, those overpriced dainty ones you like. Got a busy day ahead so you'll be needing breakfast.

What time did you get in this morning? Or a better question, what time did you leave last night?

[arturodemarin]

@elliotmurdock ❃ closed

      When restlessness comes as a symptom of having nothing better to do, one tends to go looking for mischief. Arturo had been following the young man for a week. 

Stalking was never an act he kept in his repertoire, but circumstances and suspicion called for such. It was no overnight thing, figuring out the secret, but even though the maestro had lost all else he still had his ears, and oh how keen they were. 

You see, he was a fan of Phillip Delacroix’s. So much so that he risked his own humiliation just to seek the melodies kept only in clubs he used to haunt, himself. It was a small price to pay for comfort. What began as a spark of jealousy towards the young man, who’s reputation as the next great pianist and performer of Paris preceded him, had turned into a bitter admiration once the crooner opened his mouth. 

Such a shame he opened his mouth at that little bookstore the Maestro followed him to in the dead of night. One doesn’t come across many store clerks with such dulcet tones, no less the type that register to another musician’s ears. 

 The hour was late, the club was empty save for the few sorry souls who stuck around after the music stopped, himself included. Only that night he had a purpose for waiting until Phillip Delacroix stepped off the stage. 

 “You are very talented,” he called to the boy from the corner of the bar--one of the many he’d been darkening as of late.

[askbarnum]

*Sits in his office drinking a large mug of coffee to start the morning, sleepily flicking through the newspaper to find the latest review of the show from a few nights ago.*

*Spots the door creak open and BT the fat circus cat waddle in. Sighing he pulls his newspaper up to ignore the beast.*

You aren't allowed in my office. You know that. Go and find your hopelessly soft owner.

*Sinks back into his reading before suddenly hearing his coffee cup shatter and spill over the carpet. Dropping his newspaper to mourn over the morning caffine for a moment before setting eyes on the furry culprit. Scowling deeply and grabbing the broom propped up by the door.*

Enough is enough you furry pest. Out!! Before I throw you in the harbour and tell Phillip that you ran away.

*Chases BT across the room, whacking over a lamp and a box of paperwork while trying to hit the beast. Then skids to a halt as he hears the door suddenly slam shut.*

[askbarnum]

*A telegram arrives at the Circus first thing upon opening*

FAO Mr Phillip Carlyle

FHO Mr Phineas Taylor Barnum

Message

-

Phil,

Hope the morning is going well. Make sure you eat breakfast today, I think there's some biscuits in my desk.

No need to panic on the arrival of this letter but just to inform you I am currently being held in the city jail. You know how it is, you say one inappropriate thing to a nun these days...

There is an envelope of money taped behind my filing cabinet, unless Fedor has found it again. Do bring it along to bail me out when you have a spare moment. There is a rather unpleasant man sharing a cell with me, and I don't think stripes suit my image.

All the best, see you soon.

P.T.

[askbarnum]

*Strips off cold, soggy clothing from a morning of pelting and being pelted with snowballs. Kicking off his long johns and dumping the clothes in a heap before stepping into the bubbling water of the hot spring, relaxing down slowly until the water covers his nose. Only bobbing back up to glance back in the direction of the cabin*

Are you planning on joining me today? There’s no one out here but me and I have seen you without your your clothes on before.

*Leans against the rocky side of the little pool and closes his eyes, sighing softly as he sinks back down*

This is very pleasant. I’m not moving from here for the rest of the trip. Perhaps even after that. You’ll have to go home without me. This is my home now.

[askbarnum]

*Eagerly watches out of the window of the train as gradually more familiar buildings come into view. Wringing the rim of his hat in his hands almost a little breathlessly as the train starts to slow.*

*Scratches behind Ellie's floppy ears as she sleeps in his lap and then moves his hand over to entwine with Phillips. Turning his head slightly and breaking his view from the window to watch the man sleeping peacefully into his shoulder. Presses a kiss to his temple and watches him for a few more moments in a smitten daze before breaking the silence*

Phil. Hey. Time to wake up.

We're home.

[askbarnum]

"My dearest Charity,

I write to you to keep you up to date on our travels and to let you know that we are begining our return home to New York.

What has been an enjoyable and productive trip has also been a stressful and long one, I admit I am most excited for it to be over. I ache to see our girls again and may have wept over their last letter, despite being almost sure that at least some of their adoring words were purely used to soften me up into bringing them home some sweets.

Phillip has been doing well, I think the country air has done him some good. He's practically a changed man this week despite our lack of sleep, I've even witnessed him waking before noon a few times without prompt.

Thankfully a few days ago on his day of birth he continued to sleep in for an extra few hours, which gave me time to prepare the day..."

*Gently nudges the hotel door open with his foot and let's himself in with a tray containing a plate of warm lemon poppy seed muffins and a pot of coffee, as well as a decorative jar filled with wild flowers. Puts it down on the bed side table and rummages in his case until he pulls out a few gifts neatly wrapped in packaging paper. Leaves them on the pillow next to Phillips head before sitting down next to the sleeping man and pressing a kiss to his temple to wake him*

Hey, good morning. It's nearly ten, time to get up. Busy day today, I have plans!

[askbarnum]

*Nudges Phillip awake in the hotel bed, giving him a moment to sit up before handing him a letter, beaming proudly* Got a letter through from the girls first thing this morning. There was a letter in the envelope for you too. Here.

They also sent some chocolate. I am claiming all the ones with nuts in. You can have these two.