Nis Gerpm

Chapter 7

Seeing John and Paul at breakfast wasn't the only thing George was beginning to take with caution; food was a whole new experience. The Beatle couldn't believe how detailed each meal smelled, tasted, and felt afterwards. In the past week he had learned that scrambled eggs were a delight, while pancakes almost certainly didn't sit well in his gut. Now just the sight of the fluffy, thick things made him queasy. Ringo, knowing this, ordered some pancakes just the other day and pretended to complain about how stupid they were in front of John and Paul. His plan seemed to have worked, because none of the Beatles had ordered a pancake since. Nonetheless, George still had to be pushed onto the elevator every morning from his reluctance to see John and Paul- or that is, for them to see him.

George's face grew hot as the elevator lowered him and Ringo to the hotel's breakfast on the main floor. He could feel his belly skimming the fabric of his beige turtleneck, which made him self conscious.

"Oh now don't look all worried like that," Ringo nagged his wary lover. "Your bump isn't close to noticeable- especially in that mound of a sweater you're wearing!" George sighed.

"Maybe, but it feels like it." He knew that Ringo would rather see him show off his belly anyway, but the drummer's was right that his bump was much too slight to be noticed... His fears weren't well quenched; it was only a matter of time before he would start showing.

"There you are you sloths!" Paul exclaimed as Ringo and George sat down at the table. John was dragging his spoon in a circle on the table.

"We were about to order without you," he said with slight irritation. "And we will if you're all tarty like this tomorrow."

"Sorry Johnny, George just had to decide on an outfit before we came down." Paul raised an eyebrow.

"You suddenly into fashion Geo?" he asked. Ringo shrunk back, realizing that he hinted at George's change in wardrobe to conceal his belly. George did his best to act casually, wanting to wince but knowing with the right response he could dodge any suspicion.

"Just bought a few things in the last city between concerts." He didn't mention that the clothes he purchased happened to be a few sizes too large for him. "Wanted to try some of them on." Paul looked inquisitive, and thought for a moment.

"Y'know, you look better in nice tight-fitting suits and such," the bassist commented. "Show off your waist, y'know?"

"That's queer," John sneered before George had a chance to come up with a response, his face turning pale.

Paul laughed and shouldered Lennon playfully.

"Says the queer," he snickered. Ringo's eyes widened as he half expected John to lash out at Paul with some sort of rude response. Instead John seemed to play along, pulling Paul into a hug and giving him a dainty peck on the cheek.

"My sweet Paulie!" he squealed in a mocking feminine voice. Paul was bright red in surprise. George nearly spat out his drink in amusement. Why am I so scared of hanging out with these lads? They're good chaps, we're a band, we know each other like we're family. A waiter interrupted the scene.

"What can I get you four fine young men?" she asked with an almost flirtatious tone.

"Mm, I'll try a pancake love," Paul said. George grimaced and Ringo held back giggles, stroking his love's back supportively.