Why would I forget ? | Roger Taylor

26- Deaky

19th August 1972

"Hello ?" I slid on my other heel and padded over to the phone before answering it and questioning who was the opposite end of the receiver.

"Hiya Peps." I heard the familiar voice of Roger and let out a very small and faint sigh of relief.

"Hey. What's up ?"

"I was wondering if you needed a lift to the restaurant." He asked. We were all going out to a nice restaurant Deaky had picked out for his birthday. He didn't want a huge party- it wasn't his style. Mary had suggested that the seven of us should go out for dinner instead, which was much more enjoyable for Deaks.

"I can drive you know. And I do actually own a car." I laughed a little. It seemed that I never actually drove anywhere myself anymore.

"I know... just thought I'd save you the petrol."

"Ok ok. Yeah a lift wouldn't go missed... if you're sure you don't mind."

"I wouldn't of offered I'd I minded Peps, you muppet."

"Ok ok." I laughed a little. "Thank you."

"I'll see you in five."

I hung up the phone and returned to my place in front of the mirror to put in a small pair of hoop earrings. I was wearing the green dress Freddie had bought me for my birthday with a small pair of heels, as well as that necklace with the rose pendant.

I brushed my hand through my dark hair and slipped my bag on my shoulder, making sure I had both my lighter and matches in there just in case. I grabbed the small box I'd wrapped, the one that had a small tag that had Deaky's name on, and slid it into my bag.

Before long, I heard the familiar beep of Roger's car and left the apartment complex, obviously making sure to lock my door like I usually did. I got into the passengers seat and let out a little sigh of relief as Roger let his eyes fall up and down my frame.

"What ? Do I look like shit ?" I tried to look in the same place that his eyes were, brushing my hands over my dress trying to figure out why Roger quite literally wouldn't look away.

"God you're insecure sometimes." He laughed a little. "There's nothing wrong Peps, you look good. Really fucking good actually."

"Oh... thanks. You don't look horrific either." I blushed a little and smiled as Roger shook his head and drove towards the restaurant the bassist had chosen.

We pulled up to the restaurant, both of us unfamiliar of the place, and got out of the car. We were a little late, only by a couple of minutes, but I don't think either me or Roger has ever been on time for anything.

He looked me up and down again, this time being able to notice a few more little details. He noticed a familiar piece of silver round by neck and smirked.

"Your wearing that necklace I got you." Roger was far too pleased with himself to notice me blush as we both stepped into the restaurant.

"Yeah." I lifted up the little rose pendant and smiled. "It's a nice necklace."

"My God ! Trust you two to he late. Cmon." Freddie immediately found me and the drummer and dragged us over to the table. I sat down beside Mary and Roger sat down opposite me, to the right of Brian.

"Happy birthday Deaks." I smiled at the bassist and passed him a small gift box from across the table. He was already surrounded by several over gifts that nearly smothered poor Ronnie sat beside him. Roger passed a little heavy sounding bag down to him and we both sat waiting for the bassist to open his new presents.

"How's twenty one feeling John ?" The drummer asked.

"Not overly different from twenty. But I can legally drink in America now- that's about it." We all laughed and watched as he peeled the thin layer of wrapping paper off the box I'd given him and opened it.

It was a brightly coloured tie with a funky pattern. He smiled at me, his eyes slightly wrinkled and cheeks a little red.

"Make sure Brian doesn't steel that one." I added. Brian scratched the back of his head and pretended to be clueless as to what I was talking about at John revealed the gift Roger had given him.

"Beer ? Really Roger." Brian said, rolling his eyes playfully as John shook his head laughing.

"Well there had to be the Roger Taylorish gift didn't there." Mary laughed.

"Roger Taylorish ?" Roger's brows furrowed with confusion as he leant back into his chair and waited for an answer. I held my hands up sarcastically in surrender and subtly pointed to Freddie as the drummers eyes caught mine.

"Well... you either buy us alcohol or something really daft. With the exception of the time Tee got lucky enough to get a necklace." Freddie replied, soon laughing loudly along with everyone else.

-

The night full of fun, laughter, and enjoying some slightly expensive but good tasting meals soon came to an end early enough to mean none of us would be tired tomorrow.

The seven of us were stood outside the restaurant, me, Freddie and Roger all smoking cigarettes that we'd been craving the entire meal, exchanging our final hugs and goodbyes.

"Night Deaks. I hope you had a good day." I gave the bassist a small hug, and one to Veronica stood beside him- making sure I didn't knock any of the gifts they were carrying out of their hands. The two of them waved us goodbye and both got into John's car wearing bright smiles of enjoyment.

"On that note I suppose we best get going Peps." Roger added, putting out his cigarette and waiting for my response.

"Yeah. I'll see you three later." I gave a small wave to Brian, Mary and Freddie as they walked off to Brian's car and me and Roger towards his.

"Well... I'm still not sure how I feel about the fact it's eight o'clock on my best mates birthday and not a single person is drunk. I don't think birthday meals are the way forward- I already miss the booze." Roger moaned as we got into the car. I laughed and shook my head, though part of me agreed.

"Deaky isn't the big party kind of person. Don't worry... Freddie's birthday is coming up soon. That will be a party." I laughed, flooded with images of the parties Freddie had hosted over previous years. They'd definitely been... fun.

"God it's just birthday after birthday." Roger sighed. I shrugged and nodded.

"Unfortunately no one can help what day there born in Taylor."

"You're funny sometimes." He briefly took his eyes off the road and smiled at me, causing a little rogue butterfly to flutter. Even though we'd most definitely moved on from the tense encounters and kisses when we were tipsy, Roger sometimes caused the odd flutter in my stomach.

An- again... my apologies this was boring but the next chapter is kinda cute :)

You might be getting bored of this now but- thank you so much for reading !