{Un}Comfortably Close
Season five has just aired, with the much anticipated JohnLock confirmation, complete with a full-on, no holds barred kiss. Sherlock Holmes is gay. The secret is out.
The calls for talk shows start coming in less than twelve hours later. When the call comes to do Andy Cohen’s show, Martin enthusiastically agrees. Ben is fine with it too- he’s not even sure who Andy is, except that he’s American. A quick google search on the way to the airport informs him that this Mr. Cohen is the first openly gay host of some American late-night talk show. Ah. Of course that’s why he’s so keen to have them on the show. Ben smiles as he slides his phone back into his leather messenger bag. He’s glad that he’s part of this movement toward regular representation for LGBTQ+ in the media, even if that’s not necessarily his identification.
The show starts off as anticipated; Martin and Ben are each given a drink and directed to sit in matching grey armchairs while Andy asks the usual questions they’ve been fielding for days- “Was it awkward filming the kiss scene?” (No, we’ve always had wonderful chemistry; We’re actors; It’s just a kiss) “Did you always know that this was the endgame for John and Sherlock?” (Yes of course. Since the pilot. Did you even watch the show?) and “Are you open to playing other gay characters in the future?” (Ben takes this one, in his typical, long-winded way: I enjoy challenging myself to play a wide varieties of roles, I try not to have a checklist, it’s not like I’m going to say, ok, I’ve played a gay man- check! No, I just take roles that speak to me, regardless of their sexual orientation, political stance or creed. This is just my work; I’m playacting, it doesn’t reflect me as a person).
They cut to a commercial break and Ben shifts in his chair, stretching forward to take a drink of his gin and tonic. He sneaks a glance over at Martin, who’s laughing at something Andy is saying, looking more relaxed and happy than he has in years. His hair is longer, swept to the side, and he’s tan; a nice, bronze glow that makes him look younger. He’s dressed in a light grey suit, a pink shirt and navy loafers. His shirt is open at his throat, exposing just a hint of coarse blond chest hair as it peeks out above the top button. Ben feels overdressed in his dark suit. He’s glad he decided to skip the tie at least.
“Alright, before I let you two go”, Andy begins after the commercial break, clapping his hands together, “I want to play a little game.” The audience cheers. “Ok, you two, turn and face each other in the chairs.”
Martin dramatically swings his legs around until he’s facing Ben, who does a little shuffle-step to meet him.
“Good, yeah, just like that, okay. Good!” Andy has a huge smile plastered on his face, his voice climbing with each enthusiastic word.
“You’re going to take turns rattling off questions. The other will answer the question, but every time you ask a question, you have to move even closer together until you are Uncomfortably Close to one another.” Andy enunciates the words so much that it’s obvious that’s the name of this game. Martin waggles his eyebrows at Ben, smiling playfully. The audience laughs, but only Martin can see the slightly pink tinge creeping onto Ben’s cheeks. Ben ducks his head, but he’s smiling, the corners of his eyes crinkling.
Inspired by this adorable video of Matt Bomer and Andrew Rannells. <3
