Behind That Locked Door

She Said, She Said

The clock ticks loudly, making George's temple pound uncomfortably. John sits beside him, sunglasses on even though they're indoors.

"You four are in no position to be sneaking off to gallivant around New York City, of all places!" Brian exclaims, pacing the floor in front of the band.

"What you were thinking, I have no idea." He spins around to point a finger at Paul. "And you."

Paul's mouth drops open a little.

"I expected a bit better from you, Paul. You knew the importance of last nights event."

Paul looks cowed, and George feels sorry for his mate.

"C'mon Eppy, we all went out." John pipes up, pushing his shades up with one finger. "It's not Paul's responsibility to keep us in line, and it's not our fault the party was so bloody boring."

Brain looks sternly at John.

"These events may be boring, John, but they are important."

He sighs, shaking his head.

"What if you had been photographed? Caught in a risqué club with two members of your tour mates?" Brian asks. "How do you think that would reflect on you? On the girls?"

George finally finds his voice.

"But we weren't caught, Brian. We weren't doing anything nasty, anyway." He explains. "Just needed some air, and the girls offered to take us out."

George doesn't really see what the big deal is- no one had really missed them at the event, plenty of photographs had been taken, and they had gotten to know the girls well.

Very well, I'd say, George thinks to himself, a hint of a smile on his lips.

Part of him had wanted the night to go on forever, but soon enough, John was acting a fool, and a few of the patrons had begun to recognize the boys, and it was time to go.

George remembers the way Y/N had kissed him on the cheek before she was ushered into Andre's car, her lips warm and soft.

Paul had teased him about the mark her lipstick had left on George's cheek, but he couldn't find it in himself to care, let alone wipe it away.

There's still a bit of pink gloss on his face, he's sure, as they listen to the rest of Brian's lecture.

"Promise me you won't do that again." Brian says, looking defeated but earnest. "I worry, you know."

Ringo gives Brian a smile, reassuring and bright.

"We'll behave ourselves, Brian. Don't worry so much."

A hint of a smile graces Brian's face, and he nods.

"Alright, I suppose I'll leave you to your breakfast then. You've got the day to yourselves, so please don't cause any more trouble."

He looks pointedly at John, who waves daintily at him as their manager leaves the room.

As soon as he's gone, John makes a bee-line for the telephone.

Paul sips a cup of coffee, leaning forward to set it down.

"Who're you ringing?"

John winks at him.

"Guess."

Paul rolls his eyes.

"If you're asking the girls over, tell them to bring Jackie and Jennifer."

George looks over at the bassist, lifting an eyebrow.

"Jackie, eh?"

Paul shrugs, looking smug.