Bandom One-shots book 3

Showstoppers (Freddie Mercury x Axl Rose)

Setting: A star-studded charity event, 1987

(Axl's POV)

The room was full of rock royalty, but none of them held a candle to him. Freddie Mercury. The man practically floated through the room, commanding attention with just a tilt of his head and a flash of that cheeky smile.

I tried not to stare, but it was impossible. His sequined blazer glittered under the chandeliers, and his laugh—deep, warm, and unapologetically bold—carried over the clinking of champagne glasses. He was magnetic, the kind of person who drew people in just by existing. And I was no exception.

"You're staring," Duff muttered, nudging me with his elbow as we stood near the bar. "Subtlety isn't your strong suit, huh?"

"Shut up," I hissed, my cheeks burning. "I'm not staring."

Duff raised an eyebrow. "Right. Sure. Good luck with that." He smirked and walked off, leaving me alone to fumble with my drink.

I told myself I wasn't going to approach him. Freddie Mercury wasn't just out of my league—he was on a completely different planet. But then, as if the universe decided to test me, Freddie turned his head and caught my gaze. His smile grew wider, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes, and before I could think better of it, I was moving toward him.

"Freddie," I said, my voice a little too loud, a little too shaky. "I just—uh—I just wanted to say, you're incredible."

He turned to face me fully, glass of wine in hand, and tilted his head as if sizing me up. "Axl Rose," he said smoothly, his accent dripping with charm. "The infamous wild child of rock and roll. I've heard about you."

I swallowed hard. "All good things, I hope."

"Oh, darling," he said, taking a step closer. "Not even remotely. But that's what makes you interesting." His grin was teasing, his tone laced with playful challenge.

I laughed nervously, scratching the back of my neck. "Well, I guess I'm living up to my reputation, huh?"

Freddie leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You know, I've been watching you, too. You've got that fire, that... thing that makes people pay attention. But you've got to learn how to control it, love. Otherwise, it'll burn you."

I froze, caught between wanting to bask in his praise and feeling like I'd just been called out. "Control's never been my strong suit," I admitted, trying to play it cool.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "No, I don't imagine it is. But don't worry—I'm very good at handling wild things."

The way he said it sent a shiver down my spine. My heart was racing, and I suddenly felt like the rookie in the room, completely out of my depth. Freddie Mercury was running circles around me without even trying.

"I bet you are," I said, attempting to muster some of my usual bravado. "But I'm not so easy to handle."

Freddie raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by my posturing. "Oh, darling, I think we both know that's not true."

Before I could stammer out a reply, he placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch light but commanding. "Now, why don't you stop trying so hard to impress me? You're much more charming when you're just... yourself."

I stared at him, dumbfounded. No one talked to me like this—certainly not with such ease, such confidence. Freddie Mercury wasn't just a legend; he was untouchable. And yet, here he was, looking at me like he already knew every single one of my secrets.

"I—uh, yeah. Okay," I muttered, feeling uncharacteristically awkward. He smiled again, and for a moment, I thought I saw something softer beneath the teasing exterior.

"You'll learn, Axl," he said, his voice warm but firm. "You'll learn."

~Showstoppers~