Don't Talk! (Freddie Mercury / Queen)

7. You Can Lead A Horse To Water...

F.M

"Your... fiancé?"

Hayes looked as though he may suffocate, "Yes! That's the word I was looking for!"

"Congratulations."

"On what?" His eyes widened, "Oh yes! The engagement, you're congratulating me on the engagement, because I'm engaged."

He should mention the fact he's engaged.

"The second greatest piece of news I have heard this week!" A croaky voice boomed behind me.

An absolutely terrifying man appeared and clapped Hayes on the back. Picture your most terrifying headmaster, then breed that with a caricature of a sneering politician, and you would have what I was currently standing in front of.

Hayes who already looked like he was drowning in air, now appeared as though he was going to throw up. "That's right!"

The calm and collected Hayes I was accustomed to was nowhere to be found. He was floundering so far out of his comfort zone it looked like he may never find his way back. Strange considering he was with his 'fiancé' and who looked to be his father.

"Oi, you're the music fellow." His father surveyed me with distaste, "I heard you and my son were engaged in fisticuffs."

Hayes let out a small groan as he buried his face in his palms.

How the fuck do you talk to the Lord Chancellor? Do you bow? What do you call him!? I snuck a glance towards Hayes who was now chewing furiously on his bottom lip. He clearly wasn't about to step in and be helpful.

"That was a- it was a misunderstanding, sir?"

He looked me up and down as if I was some sort of tart, "I see. Freddie isn't it?"

"That's right."

"I'm Alastair, Hayes' father."

"This can't be happening." I heard Hayes mutter to himself as Angela skipped off to converse with another lady who had snagged her for a chat.

"Very nice to meet you."

"I'm sure it is." Alastair hummed, "Glorious day isn't it?"

Like a normal person, I assumed he was talking about the weather and the races in general. "Mhm, nice day to enjoy the races."

Alastair's bushy grey brows knit together as if I had said something stupid. "What?"

"The Falklands." Hayes quickly whispered in my ear as his father looked away for a brief moment.

Somehow, I considered that the most sexual encounter I have had in over a month. Whatever that says about me, I don't know. Maybe I'm slightly attracted to Hayes, but we'll never know for certain. If I was, I'm sure it would be very obvious, which it isn't thus far. Yes, that all sounds about right.

"Oh yes! The Falklands."

Alastair smiled at that, "Beautiful day for Britain." His gaze turned towards Hayes, who's tie was now in his hands. "Are you alright?"

"Me? Why wouldn't I be? I'm engaged and Britain just won a war!" Hayes waved his hands about, causing his tie to fall down, directly into a shallow puddle. "I'm happy as can be!"

"Oh for gods sake," Alastair sighed impatiently, "Go compose yourself, the press are all around."

Hayes nodded obediently as he plucked his tie up, "Be back in a mo'." He cringed at himself before he quickly strode away.

Which left me alone with the bloody vice-prime minister of the United Kingdom.

"Sorry about him," Alastair murmured, "I'm sure he started whatever altercation happened between the both of you, but I have to play favourites for the media. I'm sure you'll understand."