Collectormania: The night
lonelybrit's life became complete
May. 2nd, 2005 11:28 pmOh, he is so lovely. So very very lovely. *sigh*
So, in the last report, readers were treated to an insanely detailed account of shameless fangirls
eloise_bright and
lonelybrit finally tracking down their poor undeserving victim object of adoration.
Anyway, there we were. Two very very happy fangirls, running pretty much on adrenaline, sugar, and half a lemon muffin. We floated around the shopping centre for a few hours, clutching our folders, because you have to have a folders if you don't want your personalised autograph photo crumpled, to our heaving bosoms. Or something like that.
After a brief stop when we remembered that, normally, humans require feeding, we beetled off to our hotel, happily composing RPS which mainly comprised of attempted RPS being thwarted by taking place in a playroom where squeaking-when-squashed toys kept interrupting. We both agreed we were hellbound in a handbasket.
The event of the evening was The Party. Originally AD had been listed as a confirmed attending guest. However, when we checked online, the list had been taken down, and none of the organisers knew what was happening. Still, we saddled up, Eloise producing a gorgous outfit she'd picked carefully before leaving, me stuffing myself into my work trousers and the only clean party-ish top I had in my wardrobe when I did my record five minute pack earlier in the afternoon.
Our attempts to then leave and be on time were nearly scuppered by me forming an unexpected attachment to the plight of the last Dalek on that night's edition of Dr Who.
Dalek: I. am. alone.
LB: *sniffle*
Eloise: *snort*
Finally, Eloise managed to peel me off the TV screen, ruthlessly pointing out the harsh ways of life and the tough choices one must sometimes make...
Eloise: Look, would you rather watch a pre-recorded metallic robot on screen, or see a real live gorgous AD in the flesh.
LB: ...
Dalek: What have you done to me? I am-
TV: **switched off**
Once at the venue, we settled ourselves in a corner table, sipped drinks, and began refining our rendition of 'Oh, he's so LOVELEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!' Rehearsals were put on hold when two lovely ladies joined our table - there being a shortage of seating - and thus did we meet
caatje and Irma, a really delightful pair. They were Marsters fans, but admitted that their autograph with Alexis had been a wonderful experience.
Eloise: **in solumn vow** We'll make Wes fans of you yet.
LB: **nods**
We chatted about this and that, and I was just settling myself more comfortably, the evening being still very young, when out the corner of my eye, I caught a movement in the doorway. There was no squee-ing, no trumpets, no annoucing squeal from the mob. There was just Alexis Denisof, looking simply divine, standing quietly in the doorway as he took his bearings.
LB: *squeak-like whisper* Over there in the doorway.
Eloise: ?
LB: **grabbing Eloise hand** It's him. Wesley!
Eloise: **crushes every bone in LB hand**
By that point, a lady I assume was AD's agent for the con drew him towards the bar. Alexis smiled, exchanged a few words with the one other person who seemed to have noticed his arrival, before slipping out another side door.
You cannot imagine the complete and utter quiet bedlam that had been reigning over our little table during those couple of minutes. Me and Eloise were on our feet, trying to a) get a clear view, b) get our friends to show some interest, c) pluck up the courage to go over and say something, and d) generally get our brains to unfuse themselves. Alexis's speedy disappearance quickly forced us into action.
LB: But... We're not allowed through those doors! Only the staff's allowed through there.
Eloise: So?
So, we grabbed cameras and legged it. And thank heavens I was proved utterly wrong. Doors led to stairs led to dimly-lit long room complete with distant dance floor. Outlined by the disco lights was the gorgeous AD, just standing there in the shadows. Not mobbed. Not being flattened by the rampaging mob of hysterical fangirls. It was frankly unbelievable. We wavered, our nerve failing us at the last hurdle. Then I realised that AD had just been drawn into conversation with two girls, and when the cameras were produced and he happily had his photo taken with them, I knew that now was the time for the inner nerdlet to stand her ground and finally be counted.
LB: Come on!
Eloise: *squee*photo!*whimper*
LB: *remembering End of Days fiasco* *lip stiffens* Alright, I'll go ask him.
To this day I have no idea how I managed to do it. But up I strode, briefly caught AD's eye so he knew I was there, then waited in the wings until he'd concluded his chat with two very happy looking girls. The chat ended. Girls moved away. I moved forward. Alexis turned my way and looked at me direct...
AD: Hello, there.
LB: **dies**
AD: **holds out hand** Nice to meet you.
LB: **still brain-dead but running on automatic pilot** Hi, great to meet you too.
Oh, the hand. That hand. So lovely and warm and dry with a perfectly firm handshake. AD could have been talking Newt for all I took in and can remember. We must have been saying something because it was a second or two before I finally felt the comforting presence of Eloise by my side and I left the conversation in her capable hands. I think I'd asked how he was, was he enjoying it so far, that it'd been a busy day... i.e. the purely automatic polite responses that in no way require brain participation.
AD *to Eloise, again holding out hand*: Hi, nice to meet you.
Eloise: Oh yes, I met you earlier today actually.
AD *lying through his teeth, but doing so very convincingly*: Ah yes, I remember!
LB (silent): Bullshit. But we love you for saying that anyway.
AD: So, have you been dancing yet? *indicates relatively busy dancefloor*
LB: No, we didn't actually realise this place was up here. We thought it was just the bar area downstairs.
Eloise: We saw you and followed you up.
AD: **possibly now noticing how we'd been steadily getting nearer throughout conversation** *light laugh* Oh right. What about the bouncy castle, have you been on that yet?
Eloise: Oh no, I'm too old for bouncy castles!
LB: I don't know. Not yet, but it does look fun. Maybe. Do you think you'll have a go later?
(Ed. Not sure about the exact wording, but I did ask him that. Can't believe I did.)
AD: *answering both replies* Oh no! Well, I love bouncy castles!
**any returning brain functions are lost as imagination offers possibility of being on a bouncy castle with AD**
LB: I hope you don't mind, but would it be alright if we could get a picture with you? Well, if I can find someone to take one, I'm really sorry-
AD: Sure!
I nabbed some poor nearby steward, and he very graciously agreed to take the shot. While I showed him the basics of how to work the thing, I caught snippets of the continuing conversation between AD and
eloise_bright. Check out her LJ for full details.
AD: ... in London, doing very important shopping. *grin*
LB: *toddles back into earshot*
Eloise: So, are we going to see any more of Alexis soon?
AD: Well I've been reading a lot of plays, I'm hoping to get back into theatre and do more of that.
Eloise: Would that be in America or over here?
AD: In America, I'm afraid.
LB and Eloise: *sniffle* Oh well.
AD: Well, for the moment, but maybe later...
Eloise: What about Bond? You said you'd like to play him.
AD: Oh, Pierce is doing the next one, didn't you know?
Eloise: Oh, is he?
AD: Yes.
LB: *sniffle* Yeah, I heard that.
Eloise: Oh no!
LB: It's going to be his last one.
Eloise: What about the one after? Would you do that?
AD: *smile* fingers crossed.
LB and Eloise: Oh yes! Fingers and toes!
AD: So, you'd be rooting for me?
LB and Eloise: Oh god yes! We'd love to see you play Bond! Lots of people'll be rooting for you!
AD: **the most brain-melting smile**
Poor-nabbed-steward: *brandishes camera*
AD: Oh, here we go...
Upon which we all turned towards the camera, and I think I may have smiled, but I really can't remember because at that juncture AD put his arm around me and conscious thoughts abruptly short-circuited. Instinct made me put my arm around him in turn, and thus did I discover that that lovely grey leather jacket was warm, soft and just lovely. The flash went, and then I collected my camera, thanking poor steward profusely.
Eloise and LB: Oh, thank you so much! It's very kind of you.
AD: You're welcome! *shaking our hands again* Thank you, it was lovely meeting you.
We grinned, and let loose the first 'SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!' as we passed through the doors to the stairwell, startling some more security men who were coming up. We apologised, then bounced onwards, richoceting off walls and passing bemused partyers.
Once downstairs we rejoined our friends and filled them in on our meeting with AD. They nodded and looked tempted, until Caatje finally announced she'd like to get her picture with AD.
LB: Oh, you must!
Eloise: It's terrible. There was no-one up there!
Caatje: Oh, I can't.
LB: Yes you can!
Eloise: You must!
The result was that we trooped back upstairs, this time with Caatje in tow. By that time, a crowd had formed around AD, and his agent was plainly beginning to get ready to move him back downstairs and away. For a while we tried to pluck up the courage to approach, until finally the agent finally put her arm around AD and moved him towards the exit. Thank heavens another fan firmly blocked the path, and the agent backed off leaving AD once more free to chat. And also leaving him a mere metre or so from our lurking spot. The other fan finished, moved off...
LB: **sidling up** Um, hello, sorry...
AD: *look of recognition and smile* Hello again.
LB: **shamelessly stealing GP's line** Hi, sorry, but I've a got a friend who's terribly shy but would love to say hello-
AD: **at once looking around** Of course.
At which point I drew aside to let Caatje take centre stage.
AD: Hello! *shakes hands* What's your name?
Caatje: Caatje. How are you?
AD: I'm good, I'm sorry, what was your name?
Caatje: Caatje.
AD: Hello, Caatje.
Oh, how much do I love that man. I didn't hear all of the following conversation, but again he chatted for a fair time, before once more posing for a photo. After which, he took his leave. Behind him, we bounced and squeed, and watched with fond pity as the dancefloor belatedly and hurriedly emptied as the other people in the room finally realised just who had been with them for the past half hour or so. Once the stampede had passed us by, we followed it downstairs to watch AD being ushered back into a waiting car. The fans were, at last, begining to mill and crowd the way all proper fans should. The agent was in the car, but AD stayed out on the pavement for a long while, talking to the final few fans brave enough to go up to him. Flashes were going off all over the place, and Irma finally caved and we prodded her to ask him for a photo before he left. Which she did. Hers was the last. He smiled, we melted yet again, and then he was gone.
Irma: **as we wandered back to table** It was very strange... but when I had my arm round him like that, I just got this urge to kiss him!
LB and Eloise: *grin*
Later that night, as I was happily sipping away at the rum and coke, the gentlemen who played Gimli in Lord of the Rings turned up. (Rhys-Davies?) He looked an absolute gentleman, dressed in proper black and white, glass of wine in one hand. He talked to everyone who wanted, he posed for photos, kissed the hand of one blushing fangirl, then finally sat down at a table of very happy chaps and proceeded to talk animatedly about stuff for a good fifteen or so minutes.
LB: Look! It's Sala! From Indiana Jones! Don't you want a picture?
Eloise: Oh, Sala! *makes dismissive gesture* No, it's nothing compared to that picture with Alexis.
That pretty much set the tone for the rest of the evening. The others guests I saw passing I didn't recognise, save for the lad who played Crabbe or Goyle in Harry Potter. But, from what I could see, they were all great guests; a great atmosphere. Eventually, the four of us floated out and back to our hotels. Alexis had been the first guest there, and I think quite a few people missed him because he turned up so early. Not that I can blame him. I mean, if you're staying the night at ASH's, I don't think you'd keep the man waiting....
**climbs back into handbasket bound for hell**
So, in the last report, readers were treated to an insanely detailed account of shameless fangirls
Anyway, there we were. Two very very happy fangirls, running pretty much on adrenaline, sugar, and half a lemon muffin. We floated around the shopping centre for a few hours, clutching our folders, because you have to have a folders if you don't want your personalised autograph photo crumpled, to our heaving bosoms. Or something like that.
After a brief stop when we remembered that, normally, humans require feeding, we beetled off to our hotel, happily composing RPS which mainly comprised of attempted RPS being thwarted by taking place in a playroom where squeaking-when-squashed toys kept interrupting. We both agreed we were hellbound in a handbasket.
The event of the evening was The Party. Originally AD had been listed as a confirmed attending guest. However, when we checked online, the list had been taken down, and none of the organisers knew what was happening. Still, we saddled up, Eloise producing a gorgous outfit she'd picked carefully before leaving, me stuffing myself into my work trousers and the only clean party-ish top I had in my wardrobe when I did my record five minute pack earlier in the afternoon.
Our attempts to then leave and be on time were nearly scuppered by me forming an unexpected attachment to the plight of the last Dalek on that night's edition of Dr Who.
Dalek: I. am. alone.
LB: *sniffle*
Eloise: *snort*
Finally, Eloise managed to peel me off the TV screen, ruthlessly pointing out the harsh ways of life and the tough choices one must sometimes make...
Eloise: Look, would you rather watch a pre-recorded metallic robot on screen, or see a real live gorgous AD in the flesh.
LB: ...
Dalek: What have you done to me? I am-
TV: **switched off**
Once at the venue, we settled ourselves in a corner table, sipped drinks, and began refining our rendition of 'Oh, he's so LOVELEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!' Rehearsals were put on hold when two lovely ladies joined our table - there being a shortage of seating - and thus did we meet
Eloise: **in solumn vow** We'll make Wes fans of you yet.
LB: **nods**
We chatted about this and that, and I was just settling myself more comfortably, the evening being still very young, when out the corner of my eye, I caught a movement in the doorway. There was no squee-ing, no trumpets, no annoucing squeal from the mob. There was just Alexis Denisof, looking simply divine, standing quietly in the doorway as he took his bearings.
LB: *squeak-like whisper* Over there in the doorway.
Eloise: ?
LB: **grabbing Eloise hand** It's him. Wesley!
Eloise: **crushes every bone in LB hand**
By that point, a lady I assume was AD's agent for the con drew him towards the bar. Alexis smiled, exchanged a few words with the one other person who seemed to have noticed his arrival, before slipping out another side door.
You cannot imagine the complete and utter quiet bedlam that had been reigning over our little table during those couple of minutes. Me and Eloise were on our feet, trying to a) get a clear view, b) get our friends to show some interest, c) pluck up the courage to go over and say something, and d) generally get our brains to unfuse themselves. Alexis's speedy disappearance quickly forced us into action.
LB: But... We're not allowed through those doors! Only the staff's allowed through there.
Eloise: So?
So, we grabbed cameras and legged it. And thank heavens I was proved utterly wrong. Doors led to stairs led to dimly-lit long room complete with distant dance floor. Outlined by the disco lights was the gorgeous AD, just standing there in the shadows. Not mobbed. Not being flattened by the rampaging mob of hysterical fangirls. It was frankly unbelievable. We wavered, our nerve failing us at the last hurdle. Then I realised that AD had just been drawn into conversation with two girls, and when the cameras were produced and he happily had his photo taken with them, I knew that now was the time for the inner nerdlet to stand her ground and finally be counted.
LB: Come on!
Eloise: *squee*photo!*whimper*
LB: *remembering End of Days fiasco* *lip stiffens* Alright, I'll go ask him.
To this day I have no idea how I managed to do it. But up I strode, briefly caught AD's eye so he knew I was there, then waited in the wings until he'd concluded his chat with two very happy looking girls. The chat ended. Girls moved away. I moved forward. Alexis turned my way and looked at me direct...
AD: Hello, there.
LB: **dies**
AD: **holds out hand** Nice to meet you.
LB: **still brain-dead but running on automatic pilot** Hi, great to meet you too.
Oh, the hand. That hand. So lovely and warm and dry with a perfectly firm handshake. AD could have been talking Newt for all I took in and can remember. We must have been saying something because it was a second or two before I finally felt the comforting presence of Eloise by my side and I left the conversation in her capable hands. I think I'd asked how he was, was he enjoying it so far, that it'd been a busy day... i.e. the purely automatic polite responses that in no way require brain participation.
AD *to Eloise, again holding out hand*: Hi, nice to meet you.
Eloise: Oh yes, I met you earlier today actually.
AD *lying through his teeth, but doing so very convincingly*: Ah yes, I remember!
LB (silent): Bullshit. But we love you for saying that anyway.
AD: So, have you been dancing yet? *indicates relatively busy dancefloor*
LB: No, we didn't actually realise this place was up here. We thought it was just the bar area downstairs.
Eloise: We saw you and followed you up.
AD: **possibly now noticing how we'd been steadily getting nearer throughout conversation** *light laugh* Oh right. What about the bouncy castle, have you been on that yet?
Eloise: Oh no, I'm too old for bouncy castles!
LB: I don't know. Not yet, but it does look fun. Maybe. Do you think you'll have a go later?
(Ed. Not sure about the exact wording, but I did ask him that. Can't believe I did.)
AD: *answering both replies* Oh no! Well, I love bouncy castles!
**any returning brain functions are lost as imagination offers possibility of being on a bouncy castle with AD**
LB: I hope you don't mind, but would it be alright if we could get a picture with you? Well, if I can find someone to take one, I'm really sorry-
AD: Sure!
I nabbed some poor nearby steward, and he very graciously agreed to take the shot. While I showed him the basics of how to work the thing, I caught snippets of the continuing conversation between AD and
AD: ... in London, doing very important shopping. *grin*
LB: *toddles back into earshot*
Eloise: So, are we going to see any more of Alexis soon?
AD: Well I've been reading a lot of plays, I'm hoping to get back into theatre and do more of that.
Eloise: Would that be in America or over here?
AD: In America, I'm afraid.
LB and Eloise: *sniffle* Oh well.
AD: Well, for the moment, but maybe later...
Eloise: What about Bond? You said you'd like to play him.
AD: Oh, Pierce is doing the next one, didn't you know?
Eloise: Oh, is he?
AD: Yes.
LB: *sniffle* Yeah, I heard that.
Eloise: Oh no!
LB: It's going to be his last one.
Eloise: What about the one after? Would you do that?
AD: *smile* fingers crossed.
LB and Eloise: Oh yes! Fingers and toes!
AD: So, you'd be rooting for me?
LB and Eloise: Oh god yes! We'd love to see you play Bond! Lots of people'll be rooting for you!
AD: **the most brain-melting smile**
Poor-nabbed-steward: *brandishes camera*
AD: Oh, here we go...
Upon which we all turned towards the camera, and I think I may have smiled, but I really can't remember because at that juncture AD put his arm around me and conscious thoughts abruptly short-circuited. Instinct made me put my arm around him in turn, and thus did I discover that that lovely grey leather jacket was warm, soft and just lovely. The flash went, and then I collected my camera, thanking poor steward profusely.
Eloise and LB: Oh, thank you so much! It's very kind of you.
AD: You're welcome! *shaking our hands again* Thank you, it was lovely meeting you.
We grinned, and let loose the first 'SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!' as we passed through the doors to the stairwell, startling some more security men who were coming up. We apologised, then bounced onwards, richoceting off walls and passing bemused partyers.
Once downstairs we rejoined our friends and filled them in on our meeting with AD. They nodded and looked tempted, until Caatje finally announced she'd like to get her picture with AD.
LB: Oh, you must!
Eloise: It's terrible. There was no-one up there!
Caatje: Oh, I can't.
LB: Yes you can!
Eloise: You must!
The result was that we trooped back upstairs, this time with Caatje in tow. By that time, a crowd had formed around AD, and his agent was plainly beginning to get ready to move him back downstairs and away. For a while we tried to pluck up the courage to approach, until finally the agent finally put her arm around AD and moved him towards the exit. Thank heavens another fan firmly blocked the path, and the agent backed off leaving AD once more free to chat. And also leaving him a mere metre or so from our lurking spot. The other fan finished, moved off...
LB: **sidling up** Um, hello, sorry...
AD: *look of recognition and smile* Hello again.
LB: **shamelessly stealing GP's line** Hi, sorry, but I've a got a friend who's terribly shy but would love to say hello-
AD: **at once looking around** Of course.
At which point I drew aside to let Caatje take centre stage.
AD: Hello! *shakes hands* What's your name?
Caatje: Caatje. How are you?
AD: I'm good, I'm sorry, what was your name?
Caatje: Caatje.
AD: Hello, Caatje.
Oh, how much do I love that man. I didn't hear all of the following conversation, but again he chatted for a fair time, before once more posing for a photo. After which, he took his leave. Behind him, we bounced and squeed, and watched with fond pity as the dancefloor belatedly and hurriedly emptied as the other people in the room finally realised just who had been with them for the past half hour or so. Once the stampede had passed us by, we followed it downstairs to watch AD being ushered back into a waiting car. The fans were, at last, begining to mill and crowd the way all proper fans should. The agent was in the car, but AD stayed out on the pavement for a long while, talking to the final few fans brave enough to go up to him. Flashes were going off all over the place, and Irma finally caved and we prodded her to ask him for a photo before he left. Which she did. Hers was the last. He smiled, we melted yet again, and then he was gone.
Irma: **as we wandered back to table** It was very strange... but when I had my arm round him like that, I just got this urge to kiss him!
LB and Eloise: *grin*
Later that night, as I was happily sipping away at the rum and coke, the gentlemen who played Gimli in Lord of the Rings turned up. (Rhys-Davies?) He looked an absolute gentleman, dressed in proper black and white, glass of wine in one hand. He talked to everyone who wanted, he posed for photos, kissed the hand of one blushing fangirl, then finally sat down at a table of very happy chaps and proceeded to talk animatedly about stuff for a good fifteen or so minutes.
LB: Look! It's Sala! From Indiana Jones! Don't you want a picture?
Eloise: Oh, Sala! *makes dismissive gesture* No, it's nothing compared to that picture with Alexis.
That pretty much set the tone for the rest of the evening. The others guests I saw passing I didn't recognise, save for the lad who played Crabbe or Goyle in Harry Potter. But, from what I could see, they were all great guests; a great atmosphere. Eventually, the four of us floated out and back to our hotels. Alexis had been the first guest there, and I think quite a few people missed him because he turned up so early. Not that I can blame him. I mean, if you're staying the night at ASH's, I don't think you'd keep the man waiting....
**climbs back into handbasket bound for hell**
no subject
Date: 2005-05-02 06:17 pm (UTC)::dies from the most pea-green envy ever::
Eeeeeeee!!!!
no subject
Date: 2005-05-02 07:09 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-02 07:52 pm (UTC)And you and Eloise are too funny - loving your posts so much. *grin*
no subject
Date: 2005-05-02 09:51 pm (UTC)He was only a boatride away!
no subject
Date: 2005-05-02 11:23 pm (UTC)But I'm glad I caved. You're so lucky! Honestly, I think I would've started to sob and make a fool of myself. Or start humping his leg. Hmm.
but SQUEE! Way to go! I'm glad you got the courage to talk to him!!!!
And Harry Potter chaps too! OOOOH!!
no subject
Date: 2005-05-03 08:44 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-03 02:13 pm (UTC)Alexis was cool! Such a sweety!! And damn goodlooking.... You have almost convirted me into being a Wesley fan. Well, not really a Wesley fan, but an Alexis fan.
Still adore James though! Went to see him a second time yesterday!! And I actually had a convirsation with him! Go Me!! No more shyness, I felt pretty comfortable actually...*grins* fun fun fun!!
no subject
Date: 2005-05-03 05:27 pm (UTC)It was so good to meet you! I'm so glad you got to have a proper conversation with James - you deserve it! We're still bouncing around like teenagers, three days later. Such fun to have met you!
no subject
Date: 2005-05-04 04:55 am (UTC)Such a cool story. AD is such a gentleman. And so nummy!
no subject
Date: 2005-05-05 11:26 am (UTC)I got caught up in the Dalex exploits too, or we'd have been there sooner. *g* Sorry we never caught up with you. :o( It would have been great to squeee together. It's been such fun reading your version of the weekend and I'm glad you had as much fun as
deliciousnaughty RPS you've been thinking up. I was right there with you!no subject
Date: 2005-05-06 05:42 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-06 05:45 am (UTC)He is staggeringly pretty in real life, something that took us a little by surprise as you always assume that TV/film stars will look different without the lights and makeup. Everyone I spoke to who met him had a good experience, sounds like he just charmed them all. And oh yes, I'm really hoping he gets a good part soon, he is a great actor and it's a shame not to see him more often.
no subject
Date: 2005-05-06 05:48 am (UTC)Yes, AD really does turn you to mush. I honestly can't remember most of what he said to me, because the moment I had his direct attention I just melted on the spot, LOL! He is just so loveleeeeeeeeee!!
no subject
Date: 2005-05-06 05:49 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-06 05:51 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-06 05:53 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-06 05:55 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-06 05:56 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-06 05:59 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-06 06:06 am (UTC)And yes, he is so LOVELEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! *joins you in swoon*