Highway The Interwebs Story 2.2--Getting to Know you
Title: Highway The Interwebs story 2.2 - Getting to Know You
Fandom: RPS
Characters: Alan Davies and Robert Sean Leonard
Authors:
michelleann68 +
evila_elf =
evila_ann
Prompt: 05. Discussions
for coclaim100
Word Count: 3805
Rating: PG
Summary: After Las Vegas, Alan and Robert start to get to know each other.
Author's Notes: A special thanks to the book The World of Jonathan Creek for the biographical information.
This continues story 2 of the Highway series.
Previous part
Big table of prompts is here
Order of the story is here
Getting to Know you
E-mail From: gunner_fan_1@yahoo.co.UK
To: theaterbobby@hotmail.com
Date: July 25, 2006 20:05 GMT
Subject: Hello
Robert,
Thanks for your e-mail address. I was a little confused when I woke up and the note confirmed that what I had thought happened wasn’t a figment of my imagination.
I made it back to London safely and thought I would drop you a line to let you know that I made it home. The plane ride was crazy and packed, but it was not a bad flight.
Hope things are going well on the set. Drop me a line to let me know how you are.
Keep in touch,
Cheers,
Alan
E-mail From: theaterbobby@hotmail.com
To: gunner_fan_1@yahoo.co.UK
Date: July 26, 2006 08:05 GMT
Subject: RE: Hello
Dear Alan,
I was starting to doubt that you were going to e-mail me, it has been several days. Glad that you are home safe. Back to business as usual here.
About the other night...I had a good time with you, but I think we need to talk.
--Bob
E-mail From: gunner_fan_1@yahoo.co.UK
To: theaterbobby@hotmail.com
Date: July 28, 2006 19:08 GMT
Subject: RE: Hello
Robert,
I wanted to give you time to get back into your routine before starting this conversation.
I don't think I will ever be back to business as usual. Something happened and I am not sure if I can explain it, but I have changed.
I feel like a total twat about this, but I am speechless. I want you to know that I did not plan what happened and I don't regret it at all. But I really need to know where you stand.
I do know that I would like to get to know you better, find out more about your life.
- Alan
E-mail From: theaterbobby@hotmail.com
To: gunner_fan_1@yahoo.co.UK
Date: July 30, 2006 11:19 GMT
Subject: RE: Hello
Alan,
I don't blame you at all for what happened, for I was equally an eager participant. I feel like I know you better than most people I associate with, yet I know nothing of you except for what we did.
I would love to get to know you better as well. Other than that, I'm not quite sure where either of us stands. Or should stand.
--Bob
E-mail From: gunner_fan_1@yahoo.co.UK
To: theaterbobby@hotmail.com
Date: August 3, 2006 15:07 GMT
Subject: Alan 101
Robert,
I guess sometimes I am keen to look back and see how I ended up here. I never expected to be an actor, but from a very young age I sought the attention from people around me. Might be because I was the youngest, or maybe just because I was born to get attention.
My world was forever changed when I was six and my mum died from Leukemia. I really don't know whether the trauma of losing her and the subsequent emotional changes had any effect in relation to my career as a performer, but I don't think it has. I think about my mother every day, but I don't think about her face or the smell or a memory of her, I just think about her in the abstract. It is impossible to say how it affected me because I've only had one life.
I was in many ways a typical kid--I played football and I ran around with my friends, I was pretty happy go lucky. I attended a minor public school and I was miserable. They were strict on discipline and strong academically; the school did nothing to nurture my talents whatsoever. When I was ten and stuck in a very academic school, I thought I would go mad. They played Rugby, hockey, and cricket, whereas I loved football and I really didn’t fit in from the first day. I still have some mates from that school, but over all it was miserable.
They did a house play every year and I never thought of trying it out. Seemed like the naff thing to do, I was too busy trying to be cool and smoking to be concerned with those things. I have always looked young so it was pretty ludicrous of me to spend so much effort to look older.
My dad remarried when I was sixteen and I had my first job at a greengrocer. Joan, my stepmother arranged it all. Therefore, acting was not even a thought until I was sixteen. I was a bit of a tearaway and Joan saved me more then once. She managed the cops and kept them at bay as I made all the youthful mistakes.
Joan was put in charge of managing this hodgepodge family as she held onto a job and was a wife to my Dad. I will always have respect for all the work she did to keep our fragile family together.
I started my ‘A’ levels soon after the greengrocer’s job at Loughton Further Education College. It was unlike any school I had known before. It was a school with a diverse population and I dove into communication studies and then could not choose between Sociology or Theatre. I was given the opportunity to try them both out and it really changed my path. I think you were already in a movie by then. I spent my time mucking about playing theatre games and loving every minute of it. I loved it, getting up, showing off, improvising and being a character. It suddenly felt that I was expressing something I had never found before, something that had been dormant. I then was in my first play - The Dumb Waiter by Harold Pinter a month later. The die was cast at that point. I had found my calling.
Two years later I passed my ‘A’ levels and headed to the University of Kent for drama. I enjoyed the plays and such, but I really preferred the comedy, I decided to focus on that.
I had my stand up debut March 1988 at a charity event at Whitstable Labour Club in support of some friends who were in a band. I was the MC, and was even on the posters. I left Kent later that year and decided to make a living as a stand-up comedian. I sent off letters to every club I could think of and received one reply back. It was a venue in Stoke Newington and I had an open mike spot. For the next six months I did open spots at various clubs and tried to find a way to make ends meet.
In March 1989 I came in second in the City Limits New act of the year, with that success I was then asked to appear in ‘First Exposure.’ Since the name Alan Davies was already on the books I had to register with a different name, so I settled on Algernon Davies.
By the end of 1989, I was able to support myself with my comedy. I worked steadily during this time and was considered successful. Jonathan Creek changed the public’s perception of me and in many peoples eyes I had finally achieved success.
I settled in Islington, and worked when I could, making sure to never miss an Arsenal game. I have worked steadily, trying to focus on comedy, but find I am selected for more dramedy roles. Unfortunately some people still see me as Jonathan Creek and I have a hard time breaking out of that mold and stretching my acting wings. I don’t have Jonathan’s pathological shyness, but off stage when I am home I am quietly spoken, very private and quite happy with my own company. I love performing, but when not on stage. I like my privacy.
I have been with men and women, I have never found the need to discriminate based on sex, but I know this industry is very hard on people who come out, so I have constantly worked very hard to keep what happens in my private life private. I have not been in a serious relationship for a few years. I had my heart smashed before and the pieces are just now back in place.
Well, I am sure that is more then you every needed to know, but that is the best I can do to sum up my life and my experiences. You know most of the details, if you have any questions, please ask- I would be very happy to answer you honestly.
Cheers,
Alan
E-mail From: theaterbobby@hotmail.com
To: gunner_fan_1@yahoo.co.UK
Date: August 5, 2006 12:12 GMT
Subject: Robert 101
Dear Alan,
Wow. What a lovely introduction to Alan 101. You sound like a fascinating individual!
My own life hardly seems as interesting, but I guess you will be the judge, juror, and executioner in that decision.
I was born February 28th, 1969 in Westwood New Jersey.
I had an ordinary childhood, but I found myself slowly drawn towards the stage lights. When I was 10, my parents were finally resigned to that fact, and I made my stage debut when I was 12.
I don’t really know what drew me to the stage in the first place. It definitely wasn’t for attention. I guess I just liked the idea of role-playing. Something all children do at some point in their childhood with other children. I guess I just took it a step farther than most. Straight from the playground to the spotlight.
I had tried to get my brother, Sean, to join me on the stage, but he lacked my enthusiasm. I tried everything I could think of to get him to join me, but he just smiled and laughed. I looked up to him a lot, and not just because of the height difference. I was able to get him to help me practice my scripts, and of that I was grateful. As a surprise to him, I decided to use his first name to replace my middle name-then Lawrence, a name I secretly hated-and showed him the playbill. He told me that it would be the closest he would get to being on stage with me, and I finally accepted that fact. Changed my middle name officially a few years later, and have been Robert Sean Leonard ever since.
I was picked up to do a small movie role in The Manhattan Project and shortly after I was set up to star in My Best Friend is a Vampire. Was all fine and dandy (nice money pay, too), but I felt more at home on the stage than in front of cameras, and yearned to return.
After the little film I auditioned for, Dead Poets Society, became a not-so-little-film, I finally realized what it was like to be recognized everywhere and hounded by the press. Was not a good feeling. The whole cast had to go through that, and it made the next several years hell. The best thing that came out of it all was my good friend Ethan Hawke.
Scripts came pouring in, and I only did a bit role before retreating back to the stage. After a few years and a Tony nomination, I was still having a hard time earning a living on my own, so I started doing a few small movies here and there to earn enough to continue with the theater.
I eventually went to Columbia University and then Fordham University at my parents’ suggestion to try to further myself. I’d had several relationships while attending, one male, the rest females, until I met Gabriellea. We had quite a bit in common, at least as far as schooling went. One thing lead to another and we became engaged. Were going to marry when we graduated, but I got caught up in the theater, and her in more schooling. Both of us were so busy that we didn’t see each other for months at a time. Neither of us had time to date, so we kept the engagement, more out of an excuse to discourage others than a commitment to each other.
After earning a major in History, I returned to the stage, but ended up staring in more and more movies. Finally, in 2001, I earned a Tony playing A E Housman in Tom Stoppard's play The Invention of Love. The last play I did was in 2003-Violet Hour-before I became broke enough, or stupid enough, to try out for a few TV shows.
House won, so I packed up to move to LA. Gabby became fed up that we got to see even less of each other, so she broke up with me several months ago. I’m still not sure how I feel about it. I did love her a lot, but…things are no different now than then.
Love, Bob
E-mail From: gunner_fan_1@yahoo.co.UK
To: theaterbobby@hotmail.com
Date: August 8, 2006 23:05 GMT
Subject: RE: Robert 101
Robert,
I guess that was my own Robert 101 lesson, quite informative. I guess theatre is in your blood, think you will end up back in New York once House is over? I understand LA does not have much of a theatre scene.
Are you still close to your brother? Or has the distance eroded that relationship as well?
You seem to have had no real downtime to your career and I guess that is something to be happy about, or at least reassuring that you have been able to maintain a career all this time doing something that you love.
I have seen an upsurge lately and it feels good to be busy. Filmed a new show, fingers crossed, and of course we filmed QI this last spring. Talk of more Jonathan Creek will keep my hair long for a little while.
I think I am in a good place now, I am more confident in myself then I have been for a long time. I like the life that I have, I think part of the game is to stay far enough under the radar not to get picked up by the press, then you really are free to do whatever you want.
What do you think was the straw that broke the back of your relationship with Gabby? Was it only the distance? I am sure the exposure that House has brought to your life has had an impact.
I think I ask too many questions, feel free to answer what you are comfortable with.
Looking forward to your reply,
Alan
E-mail From: theaterbobby@hotmail.com
To: gunner_fan_1@yahoo.co.UK
Date: August 9, 2006 22:10 GMT
Subject: RE: Robert 101
Dear Alan,
I love New York and I miss it dearly. I head up there during filming breaks. None of the breaks are long enough to even make an attempt at picking up a part in a show yet. If I plan ahead, maybe I could do a short run between season filming.
I don't talk to my brother as much as I would like. We chat around the holidays and have the occasional family get-together.
Glad that you seem to be staying busy as well and that you seem to be enjoying it.
I'm not really sure where things started to go wrong with Gabby. We just got use to being apart, I guess. Maybe she found someone else. Or maybe she was ready to move on from the college crush, and I wasn't.
Relationships are complicated.
Bob
E-mail From: gunner_fan_1@yahoo.co.UK
To: theaterbobby@hotmail.com
Date: August 9, 2006 14:05 GMT
Subject: RE: Robert 101
Bob,
I think I feel the same way about London, it’s home to me, where I feel most like myself.
If I remember correctly you spent some time in London. Did you like the west end? There is something comforting about getting around London, just hop on the tube and go anywhere in a heartbeat.
Relationships are complicated and there never seems to one way to conduct them or one right answer, too many moving parts for a decent manual. They are wonderful when they work and destructive when they are disintegrating.
I think by now, at my age I am less concerned with having the one perfect relationship, the ideal that society tells me that I need to have, and I am more comfortable setting my own standards for what makes up a relationship, not that I could define it, but I hope after all the mistakes I have made that maybe now I know what I need to bring with me to help it to be successful.
Here I am droning on and I still am not sure where you stand. Do you think that you are still healing and recovering from Gabby? If you grew apart are you mourning the lost of the consistency more then the relationship?
I am sure soon enough when all the girls find out about this you will be besieged with female attention. I hope you are ready for the People Sexiest Man issue.
I hope you have the space to mourn the loss of Gabby, I am sure it is something you are strong enough to work through. If you ever need to chat about it, I am here for you.
Cheers,
Alan
E-mail From: theaterbobby@hotmail.com
To: gunner_fan_1@yahoo.co.UK
Date: August 11, 2006 20:08 GMT
Subject: RE: Robert 101
Alan,
I didn't get to explore London as much as I would have liked at the time. What I saw of her, I enjoyed.
Sometimes it is easier to just not be in a relationship, don't you think? I have experienced heartbreak in the past, and it is not something that I want to have any part in. I am well over Gabby. Our engagement became one of convince long ago.
Sexiest Man, I am not. I will gladly dress my worst if it means I get a few moments' peace out on the streets.
You being there for be is a great comfort, and I am not sure how to explain it. I have a hard time talking about certain things, but it seems easier with you. Maybe because we shared something so intimate, or maybe there are hidden reasons not yet stumbled across. I don't know.
I am enjoying these e-mails, even if they make me talk about stuff that is hard for me. The only way to move forward is to take a few steps back and evaluate things.
Bob
E-mail From: gunner_fan_1@yahoo.co.UK
To: theaterbobby@hotmail.com
Date: August 12, 2006 08:05 GMT
Subject: RE: Robert 101
Robert,
Next time you make it to this side of the pond, I would happily be your tour guide. I can show you all best parts of London. London is such a beautiful city that I think I fall in love with her each time I return from some project. She has always taken care of me.
Relationships are hard and I think it takes a lot of work to negotiate one that works, most people are not willing to do that work, I honestly could not tell you if I am ready to do the work.
I am glad that you have the trust in me to open up, I will always keep whatever we share a secret. If you ever need to work through something I will be here to listen, and I find when I am fretting about something that is all I need, a sympathetic ear.
I feel a connection that I am at a loss to understand at this point and really I am just trying to accept your friendship, and appreciate that we can be friends. I am happy we are on the same track with that.
So, I think we need to lighten up these e-mails a little…How is the House set? Is Hugh driving everyone crazy? I have started to watch it, still on Season 1 and I must say you are underused, but I guess you like that. What do you do with all that down time?
I am getting ready for a busy fall promoting the 2 projects.
Hope the California sun is treating you well,
Alan
E-mail From: theaterbobby@hotmail.com
To: gunner_fan_1@yahoo.co.UK
Date: August 11, 2006 20:08 GMT
Subject: RE: Robert 101
Dear Alan;
*laughs* Yeah, we were getting a little serious. Maybe a case of the attacking nerves? Just so new to me. Engaged to Gabby for over 10 years and no relationships in between. Until now. If we can both be man enough to admit this is a relationship. I like the way things are going so far, so whether a friendship or relationship, I don't want to lose it.
You can talk to me about whatever ails you: I will always listen to what you need to get off your chest.
Filming is filming. Hugh drives us all crazy, but in a charming way. He has asked about you...to which I imagine I turned a shade of pink, feigned ignorance, and scurried away. Counting down the time until he moves to ask me again.
Quite a bit of downtime is spent at my LA apartment in case I need to be called in for pickups. The rest, when I dare venture outside, I go to several art galleries and antique places, or a bookshop to look for any classic collections of poetry.
Are you in between projects now? What fills your days?
Bob
E-mail From: gunner_fan_1@yahoo.co.UK
To: theaterbobby@hotmail.com
Date: August 12, 2006 08:05 GMT
Subject: RE: Robert 101
Robert,
Thanks for the offer and I will be sure to take you up on it at sometime. Right now things are going well. No complaints in the height of the summer.
I try to keep busy and of course do my best to keep up on Arsenal. Keeping up with them takes up a lot of my free time. I generally try to enjoy London and what it has to offer.
I do enjoy quiet time at home, reading or watching DVD’s. Underneath it all I am pretty much of a homebody. When I am not working, I like to come home and relax. Sometimes I get a wild hair and will go out to a premiere or something.
Not doing much now, finished QI and The Good Housekeeping Guide. Still talk of bringing back Jonathan Creek which is always a laugh. It would be great to do more. I keep hoping that Caroline Quentin (Maddie) will sign back on. The last actress to play the co-star is now an ex and I really don’t want to deal with her again.
Fall in London is a great time, have you ever been out here in the fall? The city really starts to prepare for winter and there is an electricity in the air as it starts to cool down. If you have not been here in the fall, then I would extend an invitation, it would be brilliant.
Hope things are going well for you in LA.
Alan
Next Part