Chapter 7

"I think she was rather mean, that Paula King! Hmph!" Campbell sniggered on hearing Eddie grumble back at the station. "Really? I thought she was right on the money! Yer just grumblin cuz she put ya in yer place." he disagreed, just to annoy him.  "Fergus, did ya hear? Paula King put Eddie in his place for callin er a homophobe!" chatty Campbell ran his mouth, rather in a hurry to spread the embarrassing news throughout the asylum. He'd only just spilt the beans to the lunch lady earlier that day and it had spread like wildfire across the whole cafeteria.
"Ya called the Paula King a homophobe?! To er face?! Lad, ya never do that!" a shocked Rosalie scolded, nudging Campbell aside as she wiped down the mixing console before moving on to the windows.  "I'm sure Eddie didn't mean it. He's usually so nice towards the ladies." Francine mumbled, standing up for Eddie, (for whom she harbored an undying love, which had started out as a crush) making lovey-dovey eyes at him from a corner, although her loving gaze went unnoticed. "Forget that! I've got everythin set up for buskin, Campbell." Fergus interrupted, getting down to business. "A buskin? D'you lot have a permit?" law-abiding Eddie enquired. "Eddie, I'm Doctor Boogie. I don't need a permit." Campbell replied, boastfully and in a manner that made him seem like he was unafraid of the law. "Aye! Especially, not to boogie, anyway, eh?" Rosalie seconded, as if his infectious energy had somehow traveled to her and instantly turned her into a brave, ol soul. "That's the spirit, Rosalie! Let's get a move on!!" the blonde busker declared, leading the way while Eddie shook his head in disbelief.
Unfortunately, their street radio busk party didn't go as planned as they found the fuzz hot on their heels for busking without a permit. "I can't believe ya kissed that copper! That's essentially cheatin, ya know?" Campbell reprimanded, a tad hurt by his boyfriend's actions.  "Oi! I did that for ya! Just as a distraction till ya got away, ya know?" Fergus defended his actions, leaping over the strewn trash as he took a shortcut through the alley. He stretched out a hand to help Campbell over.  "Awww...ya frenched a copper for me? That's clever, an' kinda sweet...I admit." Campbell gushed, impressed by his sweet (albeit, weird) gesture and taking his hand as he leapt over the trash too. "Too bad it didn't work an' only left im flushed in the face an' really disgusted!" Fergus recounted, as they waited for Rosalie who lagged behind. "Rosalie, grab hold o' my hand!" Campbell reached out as she finally toddled along with the heavy bags containing the albums and all the other busking necessities. "I can't do that, lad. This is a fight we can win! " she declared, courageously.  "Not now, Rosalie! Well, not against em anyway. They're the police...an' not the good kind whom I idolize  and who sang Every Breath You Take!" Campbell retorted, impatiently. "What're ya on about? I'm talkin bout the fight against germs. That's why I can't an' won't take a hold o' her hand, lad!" she clarified, chin held up high while Campbell slapped a palm against his temple in exasperation. Fortunately, the trio got away in time before any arrests could be made...an' were just in time for cocoa too!

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