the drummer boy ❦ Roger Taylor

42

"Roger, I've never seen someone who can bang as hard as you." John shouted.

We had all come back to the boys' hotel, the seven of us cramming into the car that had been sent to pick up the band. A five-seater escort arrived shortly after we had our reunion, a bored looking driver with a stupid hat on calling out for 'Queen'. Freddie made a remark at this, comparing himself to Queen Elizabeth the Second, much to our amusements. We then noticed the seat situation, which was easily fixed when Roger pulled me onto his lap once he had got in the car, wrapping his arms tightly around my waist.

"I definitely cannot complain about being this close to you." He mumbled into my ear during the journey, leaving a peck on my cheek as he pulled away. I snuggled into his chest, my arms intertwined with his.

"I swear to God, John, that better be your wallet that's sticking into my arse." Deborah said. She was on Johns lap, right next to me.

"It might be." John winked, earning a playful swat in the arm from Deborah. They continued to whisper into each other's ears about God-knows what, and I was fine keeping it that way. I don't mind the fact that my sister was getting along so well with John, don't get me wrong. I just know what my sister is like. She strings along a man, gets in his bed, and leaves. It's the way it's always been. It's bizarre but part of me just felt bad for Deacy. He's a sweetheart, and is smitten with my sister for some reason. They could be very good together, if Debs can sort her promiscuity out.

Similarly, Mary was perched on Freddie in the front seat. She had been afraid of, in her words, squashing Freddie with her big bum. He simply laughed, pulled her on top of him so that she was straddling him, and gave her a passionate kiss.

"Your fat-bottom could never squash me, darling." He purred.

And here we are now, four drinks in, listening to music in a luxury hotel suite. Not only did it have a kitchen, it also had four bedrooms, one for each band member. Fortunately for me, i'd get some alone time with Roger, who had got me hot and bothered during the gig.

"Sorry, John, what are you actually talking about?" Brian chuckled, taking a large swig from the beer bottle in his grasp.

"Yeah, i'm not sure where that came from." Roger said. He was sat beside me, so I could feel his chest rise and fall as he laughed at the random comment from his friend.

"Well, I was thinking about you at the show earlier, you performing in general, actually. I just realised how good you are at drumming, you know, banging?" John concluded. We all shared bewildered looks, and collapsed in giggles simultaneously.

"You're honestly the strangest person i've ever met," Roger stood up, "and I love you for it." He tackled John, clearly not expecting it, and the two men lay in a pile on the floor.

"Seriously, boys, please try not to break anything." Freddie scolded, rolling his eyes. He sipped from a champagne flute, looking extremely sophisticated, which wasn't hard when you compare him to the three lads.

I stood up to change the record, ultimately deciding from the hotel rooms wide array of choice on Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. I had obviously made a good choice, as the gang began to sing along to the title song.

"Tell you what, Jules, you have a good taste in music." Brian said, stubbing out his cigarette.

"Fucking love this album." John added, playing imaginary instruments.

I relaxed back onto the plush, white sofa, lighting up my own cigarette. Roger returned to his previous position, this time practically sitting on me, so I had to adjust to rest my legs across his lap. He tilted my chin so I was looking up to him.

"You're beautiful." He whispered, pulling me in closer and filling the gap between our lips. It was a simple peck, but still caused butterflies to erupt in my stomach. I don't think the affect this man has on me will ever alter. We pulled away in unison, and I gave him a small peck again before pulling away fully.

"I feel like we haven't spoken enough about tonight. Lads, we smashed it." John exclaimed, toasting his beer to himself.

"What now, though? Have you heard about any more gigs coming up?" Deborah asked. We all looked to Brian, who clearly was the most mature individual in the room, and therefore trusted to do the talking on behalf of the band.

"We won't hear until our meeting with Norman. To be honest, even if this is it, what an achievement tonight was." He sighed.

"Hey, no, you have to think positive. You all were incredible, there's no doubting that. There's no way that this Norman bloke will let you all go, you're way too talented." I said. Roger reached out and squeezed my hand.

There was a brief silence as With a Little Help from My Friends came on. I looked up to the clock above the window, seeing it was nearly three. I was tired, that was for sure. It had been a long day, and I knew I would crash as soon as my head hit the pillow. It was as if my action caused a chain reaction in the group, as one by one, we all left to go to our rooms to sleep.

Mary and Freddie were first, the pair not being able to keep their hands off of each other in the end, our final view was them tumbling onto the bed atop of each other, before Freddie swiftly kicked the door shut. Brian was next, sulking to his own room because his on and off again girlfriend Christine wasn't here. I still hadn't met the woman, because they've been "off" for the last few months.

Roger and I were next, and although I was truly excited to be back in his arms, I just wanted to sleep.

"What a day, eh?" Roger said from behind me. His front was pressed into my back, his arms again enveloping me. I pressed my heels into his shins, turning slightly so that I could see his face.

"I couldn't be more prouder than I am right now, Rog. Seeing you up there, wow." I said quietly, not wanting to wake anyone up. I could hear him smiling.

"That means the world coming from you."

We lay again in silence, and I was hoping that I could finally get some shut eye. That was until I heard a too familiar voice.

"OH, JOHN, YOU'RE SO GOOD AT THAT."

"Was that-" Roger laughed.

"Don't. Say. A. Word."

I shoved a pillow over my face, hoping to block out any noise coming from my sister or her lover for the night.

-

I've gotten so many lovely comments and messages and it really does mean a lot to me.

I wouldn't say I have writers block but I am slightly unsure of where to go from here. I have a brief outline of a plot but, if there is anything you want to see happen, please let me know! The juicier the better!