Don't Talk! (Freddie Mercury / Queen)

40. But Still the World Keeps Turning

H.G
Knightsbridge, London
September, 6th

"Here you go uncle Griff."

"Thank you Edward." My hands shook as my nephew handed me a glass of water.

Ed watched me carefully as I desperately took a few sips of the glorious, refreshing, beverage. I could only imagine that I looked as awful as I felt. My stomach was churning, my head thumped and every one of my senses was unbearably overstimulated. As far as hangovers went, this one scored top marks on any sort of scale. It was well deserved so I couldn't wallow in self pity either.

"I don't think I'm ever gonna drink Hayes." Ed declared as he took in his sorry sight of an uncle.

"I don't suggest you do." I chuckled and lifted an arm over my head to block out the stupid sun. Why does it insist on being bloody everywhere?

"Did you sleep on the couch?"

"Mhm," My neck twinged at the reminder, "I think your mother would have killed me if I woke up your little brother. So I didn't chance storming up the stairs."

Ed snickered at that, "Yeah, she would've."

I felt him cuddle up against my side to lay his head on my shoulder. I peeped an eye open in surprise. I sometimes forget that George and Annie didn't fuck their children up so that they were comfortable with affection and all that lot. I simply let my head rest on top of his. I hoped the conversation would ease off and that I could kip for another few minutes.

"I'm really excited for the concert tomorrow!" Ed then randomly chirped, "Did you tell Freddie I said happy birthday?"

My body froze and I was sure my entire face went crimson. "Sorry, I forgot. I didn't see much of him." No I just saw fucking all of him.

No. Nope. Silly me. That actually didn't happen.

I quickly gulped down the full pint of water, hoping that would be that. "How come you never invite him over any more? He's funny — and he hasn't even met Charlie yet!"

Why am I being bloody interrogated all of a sudden!? I'm not Freddie's keeper!

"I told you before, he's just very busy. You'll see him tomorrow at the concert won't you?"

"Yeah, I suppose." Edward hummed clearly not satisfied with my answer, "But still, he hasn't met Charlie."

"I'm sure Charlie isn't too upset about it considering he's one." I grumbled.

My nephew decided to become a Queen super fan after Freddie and I broke up, which was as fun for me as you would imagine. If it had been due to one of Queen's earlier records I would have understood his sudden interest, but The Works? I should publicly disown the boy.

"You're much more fun with him too." Edward muttered beneath his breath.

In my day, children were seen and not heard. I suggest we bring that attitude back into fashion.

"Fun!" I thundered, and prodded at Edward's stomach, "What have I told you about using that filthy word around me!?"

"I'm sorry—" he laughed, "please don't— Hayes!" Edward half screeched as I dig my fingers into his ribs. My sensitive head exploded at the sound of the high note only a prepubescent boy (and Roger Taylor) could hit.