*We begin at the radio station. Jack has his producer headset on. He's shaking his head. Lauren reads a local ad while Micky rubs at one temple. He’s tired, and his eyes are bloodshot.*

Lauren: Moving on to hour two, we've got some great hits coming up, including "These Eyes," "Good Vibrations," and "That'll Be The Day." Also, in a few minutes, we'll have real treat. We're going to have a bit of a promotion going on. I'll let them explain when they get here. *signals to Jack to start the record*

Jack: Ok, guys... (He puts on the records, puts down his headset, and joins Lauren and Micky) Mick, are you sure you're up to this? I know how much you and Nyles drank at the party last night.

Micky: I'm tryin', man...

Lauren: *rubs Micky's neck* I would've told them you were sick, which wouldn't have been far from the truth.

Jack: At least you made it in. Nyles called out.

Micky: Nyles drank more.

Lauren: Maybe I can give you some ads to read.

*Micky makes a face, leaning back.*

Lauren: I think I'll take that as a no. *sighs* Well, the others should be here soon.

(The door bangs open, and the other three Monkees file in.)

Mike: How's it goin', Mick?

Peter: Micky, are you ok? You look pale.

Micky: I think I'm about *puts his index finger and thumb about an inch apart* this close to hurling. What do you think?

Davy: Then you're fine.

Micky: Ha ha. Funny, Dave.

Peter: Um, should I get him a bed pan?

Mike: (Slaps Micky on the back) Nahh, he'll be fine. He survived worse benders when he lived with us!

Micky: *falls forward onto the table* I'll be fine, as long as no one does THAT again!

Jack: (Leans out of the recording booth he's re-entered) Thirty seconds, guys. Better get ready. Micky, if you have to hurl, leave the room or at least do it out of range of the microphones.

Mike: Has anyone ever tossed cookies on-mike before?

Peter: Yuck! Michael!

Davy: I thought it was hurl a sandwich?

Micky: GUYS!

Jack: And you're on! (He points to Micky and Lauren as everyone takes a seat and turns to the mikes)

Lauren: And we're back with some guests! Say hello, fellas.

Davy: 'Ello, fellas.

Mike: Hi there, folks!

Peter: Hello.

Lauren: That's right, folks, it's the rst of the members of your favorite local band, The Monkees! Okay, fellas, other than bothering your bandmate and me, what are you guys up to?

Mike: Well, we're just comin' off of our very own movie...

Peter: (Under his breath) That two of you in the audience saw...

Mike: (Elbows Peter) And it's soundtrack. And now, we're gettin' ready to appear in a play at the Royale Theater, right here in LA.

Davy: That's right. This play 'as something for everyone!

Mike: I ought to know more than anyone. (Grins) I know the writer personally. Emma Redmer, a up-and-coming author and local reporter, wrote her first major musical play, entitled "Shadow of the White Knight."

*Micky coughs "suck up."*

Davy: You should get that cough checked out, Mick.

*Micky sticks his tongue out at Davy.*

Lauren: What's the play about?

Micky: *quietly; chuckling* A thousand pages.

Peter: (Laughs) Sure feels like it, doesn't it?

Mike: It's a fantasy tale of romance and intrigue, kind of like "Robin Hood."

Lauren: Sounds like fun! And it sounds Like Micky has returned to the land of the living.

*Micky makes a face and shakes his head.*

Davy: Or maybe not.

Mike: Micky had a long night. (He elbows Micky) Hey there kid, up for playin' a couple of cuts off our newest album?

Micky: *nods a bit* Think I can manage.

*Micky gets up and grabs the LP, then returns, handing it to Jack.*

Mike: Let's start with a good one from our own Micky. (Turns to the recordin' booth) Jack, let's go with "Mommy and Daddy."

Micky: *frowns a bit* Good, but should've been better.

*Lauren elbows Micky.*

Peter: Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad.

Mike: And with this song, it's ALL good.

Micky: But I liked my original version.

Lauren: Yeah, I do, too, Mick, but *shakes her head* it pushed too many envelopes.

Davy: And you of all people should undahstand that, mate.

*Micky makes a lacking attempt to reach across the table at Davy, who pushes back in his chair, whistling.*

Mike: Guys! (Grabs both of them) No murder on the air!

Jack: Um, I'd better get this started... (Turns on the record)

Peter: Guys, people were LISTENING!

*Lauren slaps her forehead.*

Micky: *eyes widen* Jack! I thought you started it!

Davy: I guess not.

*Micky groans, holding his head in both hands.*

Mike: Enough you two, ok? Micky, I'm sorry we couldn't get your original lyrics on the album. Someday, we'll release your full version. It's too good to not be heard.

*Micky just mumbles something.*

Davy: *shrugs* I was just saying 'e's good at pushing envelopes.

Peter: (Smiles) We understand that, Davy, but you have to watch what you say. Words can be misinterpreted very easily.

Davy: If that's the case, then I can't seem to say anything around 'im.

Micky: *mutters* Bingo.

Davy: Mate, I'm just messing with you. You know that.

Micky: *sighs, but doesn't move* Yeah...

Peter: (Puts a hand on Micky's shoulder) Mick, are you really ok?

Micky: *gives his head a slight shake* No...sorry, guys...

Jack: (Leans out) You're on! (Leans back in as the light goes on and the boys take their seats)

Peter: Thanks, folks. We know Micky couldn't do everything he wanted to do with that song, but we think it's one of his best.

Micky: *gives Peter a weary smile* Thanks, Pete.

Mike: Hey, why don't we talk more about that new play the writer so wants us to promote to death?

Peter: You just want to talk about it because you're the lead.

Mike: (Grins) Well, one doesn't get to be the lead in a major play every day.

Lauren: Especially in a play written by one's own wife.

Mike: She knew who was best for the part.

Peter: We all have roles. I'm the King of Belgravia.

Mike: I'm the banished nobleman who becomes the champion for the displaced, the White Knight.

Davy: I'm Mike's apprentice.

Lauren: Micky and I play the evil Lord and Lady.

Davy: Jack ovah there behind the glass is the innkeepah.

Jack: (Brief glimpse in the box) Yeah.

Mike: Ms. Redmer is the head of the Queen's guard. Yes, she wrote herself into the script, too, along with a number of our friends, aquaintances, and anyone off the street she could grab at the time.

Davy: Plus some that don't even know they're in it yet!

Mike: (Puts a hand on Micky's shoulder) And our main man Micky is taking time off from his 500 other jobs to direct!

Micky: *half smile* Yeah.

Lauren: And he WILL be feeling better by then. Or else.

Mike: Or else my wife won't be happy. And when Mama Bear ain't happy, NO one's happy.

Peter: Um, er... (Looks at Jack) Maybe we'd better start another song.

Lauren: How about we go with Davy's "Looking For The Good Times?"

Mike: That's a favorite of mine. Just plain fun song.

Peter: Great to dance to, for those of you who are still awake and up for dancing.

Davy: Gee, mates...

Mike: Jack, hit it. (Jack turns on the record, and the others turn back to Micky)

Peter: Micky, are you sure you're feeling ok? Maybe we could go out and get some fresh air.

Micky: Could use it...but don't think I can get up...

Lauren: *shakes her head* Mick...

Mike: Lauren, is there any aspirin around?

Peter: Or maybe some Bromo Seltzer.

Lauren: There's Bromo in the break room.

Mike: We've gotta give you somethin', man. We don't need you upchucking on the air.

Peter: Or at all.

Micky: *mutters* Think I want to?

Peter: Davy, why don't you get the Bromo? We'll stay with Micky.

Davy: Sure! Be right back, mates. *gets up & heads out*

Peter: (Rubs Micky's shoulder) Don't worry, Mick. We'll make things better.

Mike: Yeah, ol' buddy. You're gonna be just fine.

Micky: *mutters* Stupid Nyles, I oughtta... *groans* ooohhh, maaan...

Lauren: Mick?

Mike: Ain't entirely Nyles' fault, man. You didn't have to go along with him.

Peter: (Rubs Micky's back) Are you ok?

Micky: *mutters* Shoulda stayed home... *groans again*

*Lauren grabs the waste basket and pulls it next to Micky.*

Jack: (Leans out of the booth) The song's almost done. Maybe we should take Mick to the lounge and let the guys finish their interview with Lauren alone.

Lauren: Well, that's wonderful timing.

Lauren: Can you make it out to the lounge, Mick?

Peter: I could help you. Michael can finish the interview.

*Micky doesn't respond.*

Lauren: Mick?

*Micky suddenly leans over the basket and makes good use of it.*

Lauren: *sighs* Well, thank God for the basket, atleast.

Jack: Um folks, we're on the air.

Mike: (Grabs the microphone) Well hi there, everyone! I'll bet you're ready to hear some more Monkees tunes! Here's another one from Davy Jones with "French Song." (He points at Jack, who quickly puts the cut on, then goes to Micky) You ok, Mick?

Peter: Obviously not, Michael.

*Micky moans, head still practically in the basket.*

Davy: *returns with the Bromo* Aw, don't tell me...

Lauren: *rubs Micky's back* Judging from his sounds of discomfort, he may not be done yet.

Mike: Get the Bromo to that boy pronto!

Peter: Don't worry, Mick. Everything will be all right.

Davy: I can't give it to 'im with 'im bent ovah like that.

*Micky lets rip again, moaning.*

Mike: Micky, you're gonna have to try to get up now. Davy's got the Bromo for you.

*Slowly, Micky rights himself, looking worse for wear. Davy pours some of the Bromo in a cup and hands the cup to Micky, who drinks it slowly.*

Mike: Mick, the song's almost over. I think Pete should take you to the bathroom to help you get the rest of this out of your system. We'll finish the interview.

*Micky nods slightly.*

Peter: (Puts his arms around Micky) Come on, Mick. Ready to go? We can even take the trash can. I'll wash it out in the bathroom.

*Micky nods again.*

(Cut to the bathroom. Peter washes the trash can in one of the sinks while we hear the sounds of more upchucking in the stalls.)

*There's a moment of silence as Peter shuts off the faucet.*

Micky: *wearily* Pete?

Peter: I'm here, Micky. Feeling better now?

Micky: *a little whiny* Little bit. Can you grab me a cup of water to rinse my mouth out?

Peter: (Sighs) Sure, Mick. (He grabs a paper cup from a dispenser and fills it with water, then hands it under the stall) Here you go, Mick.

Micky: *takes the cup* Thanks. *we hear him spit the water out* Pete?

Peter: Yes, Mick?

Micky: *still whiny* Why do I such stupid things to myself?

Peter: Because you have to do what everyone else does, Micky. You were always like that, at least as long as I've known you.

Micky: And how many times has that gotten me into a mess?

Peter: Maybe you've finally learned something.

Micky: Yeah. I hate staring into a toilet.

Peter: (Puts the now-clean waste basket down) It's not like this happens all the time, Mick.

Micky: *opens the stall door; he's sitting on the floor, back against the side of the stall* I knew we were doing this promotion for the play, Pete. Why did I have to overdo it?

Peter: You were having fun with Nyles and Jack and not thinking. (Shrugs) It happens. You should have seen me coming home from Laurel Canyon most nights. I don't know how Val put up with me.

Micky: Worse than I was when the flood hit?

Peter: Five times. I took a LOT more of that stuff than you did, Mick. I'm probably lucky to still be alive.

Micky: Hm... *pulls a leg under him to push himself up, stays against the wall and groans*

Micky: I think my butt fell asleep with the hard floor...

Peter: (Grins) Here. (Concentrates; makes a red pillow appear) This will help. (Puts it under Micky's rear)

Micky: *almost chuckles* Thanks, Pete.

Micky: *leans his head back* Pete, if you wanna go back to the studio, it's okay. I'm feeling a little better now.

Peter: Sure. (Picks up the pillow) We need to rescue your wife. You know what Michael and Davy are like when left alone.

Micky: I don't know how much HELP I'll be, but at least I don't feel like hurling anymore.

Peter: That's a help right there.

Micky: *drags himself out of the stall* I sure put on a show in there, didn't I?

Peter: Everyone probably thought it was just part of the interview.

Micky: I hope so.

(Cut back to the studio as the record finishes. Jack nods at the three who remain.)

Davy: And that was "Listen To The Band." Great song, there, Mike.

Mike: Thanks. Em always said that was some of my best work. (Grins) Speakin' of Em, I'm really lookin' forward to that play my darlin's cookin' up. We're all writin' songs for it, an' Micky's not only directin', but is doin' the special effects. (Under his breath, so the microphone can't hear) God help us.

*Davy grins.*

Lauren: It's really shaping up to be quite the production. Should be alot of fun for the folks listening to see!

Mike: Yeah. If nothin' else, you'll get to see Mick be evil, which is very scary.

Lauren: *mutters so the microphone can't hear* More than we care to admit.

Mike: I'm lookin' forward to doin' my own stunts.

Davy: Me, too.

Lauren: There will be a medic on hand, right?

Mike: Come on, guys. You've seen me work with a sword. I ain't that bad.

Lauren: That wasn't what I meant, Mike.

Mike: Mick will be fine too, Lauren. Or else.

Lauren: We'll see.

(Peter comes back in with his arm around Micky, who still looks a little weary but better.)

Peter: Hi, everyone.

Micky: Hi.

Mike: Well, look who's returned to the land of the living.

Peter: (He puts the red pillow down on Micky's chair and sits him on it) He's feeling better now. We had a nice talk.

Lauren: That's good to hear. *puts an arm around Micky*

Micky: *still fairly quiet* Mostly better.

Davy: I guess we 'ave to stop talking about 'im now, right?

Mike: Nahhhh.

Peter: Michael!

Davy: Just kidding, mates!

Peter: Why doesn't Micky tell us about his many roles in the play?

Mike: Yeah, Mr. Director. Tell us what you do besides order people around.

Micky: *still soft spoken* But that's the best part. *clears his throat, a little louder* I also get to play the bad guy, believe it or not. Not some sissy bad guy, either. REALLY bad.

Peter: (Nods) He's the real power behind the throne. He holds my character, the King, in the palm of his hand.

Micky: *still soft, leans closer to the microphone* I might get to liking it, too.

Peter: My king is worried about his pregnant wife - my real wife, Valerie - and about his kingdom. He wants the best for his subjects, but doesn't know how to do it.

Mike: I'm the banished knight who goes behind the king's back and steals from the nobles in his court to give to others.

Lauren: I get to be evil with Micky.

Davy: And I'm the ward of the banished knight that Mike plays.

Micky: You play a wart, Dave?

Davy: WARD, with a D, Mick.

Micky: Sorry, Dave. Ears must be blocked.

Mike: We're supposed to be doin' riffs on not only Robin Hood, but a couple of Shakespearan plays as well. At least, that's what my wife says.

Peter: Why don't we end this interview with one last song?

Lauren: Sure!

Peter: (Rubs Micky's back) How about we end with a lullabye?

Mike: Yeah. "Pillow Time" is a good song.

Micky: *smiles* Thanks, guys.

Mike: You're welcome, Mick. Your mom did a nice job on that song. Talent runs in the family.

*Micky turns a few shades of red.*

Mike: So we'll finish out with sayin' that you should all come see "The Shadow of the White Knight" at the Royale Theater on Thanksgivin' Weekend. We can guarantee that it's gonna be one heck of a ride.

Lauren: And stay tuned in the next hour for Biondi, the Wild Italian in next. Have a great night everyone!

Jack: (Puts on the record; turns to the others) Clear. Not bad, gang. You really feeling better now, Mick?

Micky: Better, yeah, but I'll be glad to head out.

Lauren: Maybe we can all congregate at one of our houses and just hang out. This interview was fun. I think it did a great job in bringing you guys closer again.

Mike: I hope so.

Peter: I think this play will be fun!

Micky: I can't wait to be in charge.

Mike: And we need to talk about those "special effects."

Micky: Uh oh.

Peter: Why don't we do that at the Montgomery House? The kitchen is big enough to hold all of us, and Val and Jordan should be long asleep by now.

Davy: Good idea, Petah.

Peter: We have o'deurves, too. Valerie held a company party for some of her executives last night, and we should have some leftovers.

Micky: *makes a face* Think it's a little too soon for the leftovers. Got any chicken broth?

Peter: (Nods) Valerie must have ten cans. I think she's preparing for another flood. We have lots of tea, too.

Micky: *smiles* Oh good.

Mike: Let's get going, then. The other guy should be in soon.

(We fade out on the studio as everyone leaves and fade in on the familiar cheery yellow kitchen of the Montgomery House. Everyone sits at the island, the table, or stands around the room, sipping tea or coffee. Peter has a plate of appetizers on the table. Micky has his chicken broth.)

*Micky slurps his chicken broth.*

Lauren: All things considered, I think the radio show went well.

Mike: Yeah. (Sips his coffee quietly) At least we got the word out.

Peter: And we didn't kill each other doing it.

Davy: I rathah 'ad fun.

Peter: Me too. (Looks up at Micky) How are you feeling, Mick?

Micky: *nods* All right. The broth is good, but I'm not so sure I could hold down real food right now.

Mike: Mick, maybe you ought to stay over one of our houses until you feel better. If you end up at your house, the kids will climb all over you.

Micky: Okay. Who's?

Davy: Draw straws? ;)

Davy: Or maybe choose fingers?

Peter: (Looks at Micky and grabs Mike's empty fingers) Let's do this the easy way, before Mike chooses his own. Want to stay here, Mick? We have plenty of room, and Jordan won't climb on you.

Mike: I wouldn't have chosen my own fingers.

Davy: Sure, you wouldn't, Mike.

Micky: *grins* Thanks, Pete.

Peter: You're welcome. You can keep Jordan and me company. Valerie has work for most of tomorrow.

Lauren: Wow. I'll have our house all to myself. Mick's mom is watching the kids.

Micky: *finishes the soup* Mind if I go crash early? I think I've had enough of this hangover.

Peter: Go right ahead. Pick a guest room. They're all open.

Micky: *nods, then gets up* Night, everyone. *kisses Lauren's forehead*

Lauren: Night, Mick. Sleep well.

Davy: Don't snore too loud, mate.

Mike: And if you do, pick a room at the back of the house.

Peter: Guys, be nice! He's sick!

*Micky waves, grinning, and heads out.*

Lauren: He still doesn't look too good.

Peter: Jordan and I will keep an eye on him.

Lauren: Thank you, Peter.

Peter: You're welcome. I have a lot of making up to you guys to do. I might as well start now.

Davy: Oh, well, in THAT case...

Peter: Yes, Davy?

Lauren: He's just trying to abuse it.

Davy: 'Ow did you know, luv?

Lauren: *shrugs* Mick would've said it if he was here.

Mike: Maybe it's time we got a lot of things out of the way and off our chests, before somethin' else happens.

Lauren: I think that's a good idea.

Peter: My question is, what are we going to do about the band?

Mike: Make another album.

Davy: We could.

Peter: (Shakes his head) Michael, I love making albums and making music, but I know your last album and the soundtrack did NOT do well.

Lauren: And, that's not enough to get everyone back on par.

Peter: I am going to see a therapist. Valerie basically said "or else."

Mike: What do you need them for? Can't you talk to us?

Peter: (Under his breath) You guys are part of the problem.

Mike: You know, I kinda liked makin' that movie. Playin' with recordin' equipment's fun, too.

Peter: Michael, Columbia has more-or-less banned us from the lot.

Davy: And I doubt anyone else would really want us eithah.

Lauren: I really don't think filming would be the best thing for you guys right now, anyway. I think focusing on the Guardians as a whole should be number one priority.

Peter: What about me?

Mike: What about you?

Peter: I quit the group, remember?

Mike: You quit the Monkees. Did you ever say anythin' 'bout quittin' the Guardians?

Peter: (Shakes his head) No, but my music...

Mike: Is important to you, Pete. It is to me, too. (Sighs) But Lauren has a point. The music side of things is on very shaky ground here.

Davy: And we can always work on that. We just 'ave to get US back togethah first.

Mike: And as much as you and I want to get makin' music again, maybe it's time we disappeared for a while and focused on tryin' not to kill each other...and maybe preventin' more squabbles like the one that lead to you quittin' in the first place, Pete.

Peter: (Sighs) That's just the trouble. Every time we try to get everything together, we all just fight. We're so DIFFERENT, Michael.

Lauren: That's where the word "compromise" comes in.

Davy: Yeah, we've managed this long.

Peter: (Looks up at Mike) You need to learn a little bit more about that, Michael.

Davy: Per'aps we ALL need to.

Mike: We both do, Pete. One person can't have an arguement.

Peter: I just want to play music and provide for my new son.

Mike: That's all I want too, Pete. I guess we just have different ways of doin' it.

Peter: I'm really worried. We have a boy coming, and I've lost so much money...

Davy: We'll all 'elp each othah, Petah. That's wot friends are for.

Mike: Yeah, we can talk about THAT. Em and I ain't doin' all that great financially, either. That's one of the reasons Em wrote that play. The money the play makes is being sent to charity, but she did get some money for writin' it.

Peter: (Small smile) I am looking forward to the play. That's going to be so much fun!

Mike: Em and I have started workin' on our lines together.

Lauren: Mick and I have been working on ours, too. Well, it's more like he's helping me just to remember my lines.

Peter: You'll be fine, Lauren. I can help you, too. I have a good memory. (Grins) Probably better than Mick's.

Lauren: It's possible. *shakes her head* It's amazing how Mick can be so scatter brained at times, but memorizing stuff like lines comes so easily to him.

Mike: A lot of things about Mick amaze me, Lauren. He's a mechanical genius. I don't know how he does half the stuff he does with our equipment. Like I tell him, I just tighten screws; he's the designer.

Peter: Mick's a lot smarter - and deeper - than he thinks he is.

Lauren: But he also beats himself up over the smallest things. *sighs*

Mike: So do Em and I. We're just as hard on ourselves.

Davy: You're all a bunch of perfectionists, you are.

Peter: Not everything will always go your way, Michael.

Mike: I like it better when it does.

Lauren: Everyone prefers things to go one's own way, but it just doesn't always happen like that. *shrugs* Shit happens.

Peter: That's something we need to work on with you, Emma, and Micky, Michael. You need to learn to let things go.

Lauren: *nods* Definitely.

Mike: Peter, we need to work on you makin' yourself heard. You need to be more forceful. There's a way to do that without goin' into devil territory.

Peter: I do want to be heard more. I want to be in a group again, as long as I can have some say, too.

Davy: Or you could 'ave enough say for a dozen people, like Mick does.

Micky: *enter the room again* I heard that, Dave.

Peter: Micky? Are you ok? More nightmares?

Micky: *shakes his head* No, no nightmares. *shrugs* I just can't sleep. *He sits next to Lauren again. They put their arms around each other. He grins faintly* What'd I miss?

Mike: We're talkin' 'bout the play and how to improve things around here.

Micky: Gotcha.

Peter: We were mostly trying to figure out how to keep from getting into fights again...and what to do about us.

Micky: We definitely have to really talk to each other more.

Mike: Yeah. More nights like this, just the four of us or the eight of us, with or without the kids.

Peter: More time at the new Cave.

Mike: Triple the sparrin' time, for men and women. Not only do we need to adjust to the new cave digs, but if there's one thing I figured out from the last disaster with the devils, it's we're all gettin' a little soft.

Peter: Speak for yourself.

Mike: Mick, you and I really need to work on the new and updated equipment, and get going on the bikes, too.

Micky: *nods* Gladly.

Mike: Lauren, Em says you're real good with numbers. I want you to look at our budget and see how much we can afford to replace now.

Lauren: Sure.

Mike: I don't know how much money we have for this. Two out of four of our families aren't doin' well financially right now.

Lauren: I'll see what I can do for all of us.

Mike: Pete, you and I can work on the musical side - the songwritin' and publishin'. (Grins) I may just set up that sheet music publishin' business I told Alexandra O'Malley I was usin' the Emergency Meetin' Room for. (Turns to Davy) And you're our promoter, kid. That face of yours could charm stone.

Davy: *grins* Would love to, mate!

Peter: I'd love to do anything with music, Michael. (Grins) Maybe I could start teaching music classes again. I gave them up after Mr. Bennett died, but I really do miss them. Just a few tutoring sessions. Not only would they make some money, but I like working with kids.

Mike: You could use the Emergency Meetin' Room, Pete. We won't be doin' the actual publishin' there - that'll be handled by someone downtown. It's just our office.

Peter: And it'll make it look like something's actually going on in there besides us having meetings for mysterious reasons. Thank you, Michael.

Mike: Anytime, Pete.

Peter: I like the idea of going into business together. We could do a small music company - publish sheet music, teach it, and promote it. Micky and Davy will do the promoting. Micky, you and your mother still know a lot of people in LA from your child star days, and you have almost as many friends in the Valley as I do.

Micky: *smiles* Sure.

Mike: Maybe we could do it in conjunction with Headquarters. I'll bet we could sell some sheet music for Val and make a nice little profit for all of us.

Peter: We'd have to talk to Valerie about that, but I bet she'd go for it.

Mike: We'd make a little extra money on the side while we try to figure out what to do about the band.

Peter: What about you guys? Davy? Micky? Lauren?

Mike: What are you guys doin' to make some extra money?

Davy: I'm still at the stables, and doing a little acting 'ere and there.

Micky: *eyebrows raise* You want me to do MORE? I hardly have a life at home as it is!

Peter: How many jobs do you have now, Mick?

Lauren: *interrupts before Micky can respond* Not while he's still not quite well, Peter. It'll just make his head spin.

Peter: (Laughs; then) Micky, do you want anything while you're down here? Maybe some more tea?

Micky: Actually, that might be why I couldn't sleep. Too much caffeine.

Peter: How about some cookies from Millie's bakery?

Micky: Oooohhh, got any sugar cookies?

Peter: You're reading my mind, Micky! That's what they are! (He pulls down a white box, flips open the top, and puts them on the table) Here you go, Mick! And anyone else who wants some is welcome to them. We can always get more.

*Micky grabs one and starts munching.*

Peter: (He reaches for a cookie, too) Do you guys still put in time for Millie?

Lauren: *nods as Micky munches* We sure do.

Mike: We really need to invade her with the kids sometime. I haven't been over there in ages, not since she remodeled after the flood. I miss her cheesecake. (He reaches for a cookie)

Peter: I can't remember the last time I was at Millie's.

Mike: And we need to start talkin' Christmas, too. That's in a few months. Where are we gonna do Christmas this year?

Peter: I volunteer the Montgomery House. We have plenty of room, and the house looks great decorated.

Micky: I second it.

Mike: Yeah, it might be nice.

Peter: (Smiles at Mike) How about we do Christmas Eve at the Pad?

Mike: (Grins) Yeah. Em loves havin' lots of people to bake for.

Davy: *nods* Yeah, I like that.

Peter: And I loved that old tradition of opening one present of Christmas Eve.

Mike: That'll make the kids happy...and keep them from gettin' too crazy.

Peter: We'll bring the drinks and the sandwich trays.

Mike: I'm sure Em will want to bake a store-full of cookies, bread, and cakes.

Peter: (Looks at Micky and Lauren) Could you guys bring the Chex Mix and vegetable trays and make sure they actually get there without being eaten first?

Lauren: *turns a look at Micky; he shrugs* We'll try.

Mike: Davy can bring the fruit.

Davy: Sure.

Peter: (Yawns) I think it's time we all really did try to hit the sack. I know Michael and Davy have to drive home.

Mike: (Nods) We're down the street, but it would still help if I were awake to drive.

Davy: Same for me. 'Sides, I'm sure Daph is waiting.

Mike: I doubt Em is. She probably went right to bed after the broadcast. She ain't a night owl like some of us, poor girl.

Lauren: I think I'll stick around and keep Mick company.

Micky: *smiles sleepily* Thanks, babe.

Mike: Want Dave or me to look in on the kids for you?

Micky: Mom should be okay with them.

Lauren: I'll give her a call just to let her know. She's probably already figured she's got them for the night, anyway.

Mike: Sure.

Peter: I'll stay with you guys for a little while longer, too. Valerie will be fine upstairs. She's probably long asleep. She has work tomorrow. (Yawns again) But just a little while. (Looks at Lauren) Make sure Mick and I don't end up sleeping under the table together again. He doesn't make a very good teddy bear.

Micky: I think Lauren would disagree.

Lauren: Mick...

Mike: (Chuckles) Ok, guys, let's go. You have a great night!

Lauren: You, too, Mike.

Davy: Night, mates.

Micky: Night, guys.

Mike: Night. (He and Davy head out)

Peter: (Smiles) I'm going to work on some songs. You guys just tell me when you're ready to go to bed. We'll set up something for Lauren.

Lauren: *despite seeing Micky's hopeful look* Thank you, Peter, I'd appreciate that. I think Mick still needs to sleep this out of his system.

Peter: You're welcome. Have a great night! If you need me, I'll be in the music room. (He heads out)

Lauren: *turns to him* You really couldn’t sleep, Mick?

Micky: *shakes his head* No. I ended up staring at the clock, then finally gave up and came back.

Lauren: Want me to help you fall asleep?

Micky: Invitation?

Lauren: Mick...

Micky: *waves his hands* Okay, okay. No, I think I'll be all right.

Lauren: *nods* Okay. Then you don't mind if I go find a room?

Micky: No. I think I might sit up a little while longer.

Lauren: Alright. *kisses his cheek* Sweet dreams, Mick.

Micky: *smiles* Thanks, babe. You too.

*Lauren heads out of the room.*

*We fade out as Micky settles back in his chair, a slight smile on his face.*