Tea Boy: A Deacury Fic

Chapter 50: P is for Pottery, Practice and Patience

-John's POV-

I can't believe I'm being thrown back into the pottery hobby again, I worry that I wouldn't remember anything about it. But still, I bought a book about it, and Freddie helped me carrying in the rest of the materials in the home. He got me set up in our bedroom, covering our bed sheets with a thin linen to protect in case things get messy. "Have fun.", he told me and went on his way.

Let's just hope maybe this could last just a little while.

-Freddie's POV-

I let John go on and do his thing while I was still finalizing the band logo. I had to finish drawing something to symbolize my Zodiac, Virgo. If only there was a better representation of a Virgo. I reminisced on that time Roger and I opened up our stall back in '69. There we these tiny fairy or fae trinkets that I managed to steal before we closed for the day. I used them as ornaments.

With that being said, I etched away, drawing two fairies one on each side of the crab who is laying in the Q, for Queen obviously. "Perfect.", I whispered to myself. I took a brief moment to admire the finished piece. I couldn't wait to show Roger and Brian. They said that they had their families over for the day, probably to congratulate them on being brave enough to come out to them. Come to thing of it, I don't know if we've ever come out to our families yet. That's giving me another idea. The phone suddenly rang and I went to answer, "Hello, Mercury speaking."

"Hey Fred, Roger here, I just wanted to let you know that I gave your residency line to a Julie Deacon. I assume that's John's sister yeah?", I heard Roger speak.

Terrific! This is astounding!

"Hi, yes! That's his sister! Will she be calling soon?"

"Likely her mum, I pretty much told her about John and his sobriety, but I didn't tell her about your relationship—"

"Worry about that later, I'll be waiting for that call from the mum. How are things with the families over?"

The line grew silenced for a bit. "Roger?"

"Sorry Fred, I spaced out. Honestly, I just didn't expect them to act so supportive.", he sounded a little teary eyed.

"I know it sounds a bit challenging to you right now, but you have both families on your side."

No response but I could hear him sniffling and stifling a sob. "I'm gonna go now!", he uttered and hung up.

Awkward but I'm still thrilled that the news about John's sobriety has spread to his sister and mum.

An hour has passed, and I find myself eagerly anticipating John's completion of his little project. I'm really looking forward to seeing what he has created! I can't help but wonder what's taking so long. Perhaps he’s just taking his time, or maybe he's feeling a bit hesitant about starting pottery again. Whatever the case, I hope he shares his masterpiece soon. I guess he really wants to surprise me. Another few minutes passed, no word from John, he must be really focused on it, but you know what they say, patience is key.

As the sun gracefully approached the horizon, I began to prepare for our delightful dinner. I carefully gathered only the necessary items—pots, pans, spoons, and other utensils—to create a lovely meal for two. It won’t be long before we enjoy this lovely evening together.  I was making something traditional yet simple, nothing much needed to it—a stew of course. As far as drinks, I'll make the daiquiris once I finish adding everything. It was a little timely because John stepped out of the bedroom, he must've smelled food.

"Looks like it's almost ready, yeah?", he asked. "Oh just about, need to add a couple more seasonings and spices here and there, then I'll get started on the beverages. How about you, what about your little something you made?", I responded. "Just finished it, waiting for the paint to dry. We can take a look at it after dinner, I think you'll like it.", he replied. "Of course I will baby.", I reassured him.

We enjoyed our stew shortly after, and it was lovely to see John savoring his daiquiri instead of passing it to me. He kindly offered to clean up and asked me to relax on the couch while he worked on getting his masterpiece together. After tidying up, he returned to the bedroom.

What he brought out a minute later really made my heart skip a beat, it was really beautiful.

He kindly unveiled a beautifully handcrafted teapot, exquisitely painted in a soft chiffon white, with elegant mulberry detailing and a delightful portrait of a fairy on the side, complemented by charming tiny lilies. It truly is a whimsical masterpiece. He carefully handed it in my lap. "I made this especially for you. What do you think of it?", he said. "It's incredible, darling. I love it so much, especially the little fairy on the side.", I responded. "I know how much you like mythical beings.", he blushed. "Of course I do. I love this so much. Thank you, deakling. I'll go set this gently on the mantle." I gently got up and placed it as far back to avoid it breaking.

"It looks great up there, and secure. But if you're going to have people over, let's put it in our bedroom.", John suggested. "Absolutely, babe.", I agreed and kissed his lips. "Do you want to help me clean up? It's getting a little late now.", Deaky hummed. "Sure, darling. After that, let's get ready for bed.", I advised.

We returned to the bedroom to tackle some cleaning. I gently asked him a couple of times if he truly enjoyed his pottery hobby and if he considered it a way to fill in that void. He didn’t respond, simply continuing with the tidying. As much as I wanted to discuss how his family had heard about his sobriety, I chose to hold that thought for now. We finished up and got ourselves ready for bed, even though the sun wasn't fully set, but we still laid in bed, cuddling and kissing and simply enjoying each other's company.

"Did you have a date set for the next gig?", John asked. "I do actually, it's on the 14th. We'll have rehearsal on the 9th and 10th. I booked it at an adult club.", I answered. "Lemme guess, you booked us at a strip club.", he teased. "No, not that kinda club, Deaky!", I replied gently smacking his head, he giggled at the feeling. "It's actually a night club next to a nearby university.", I explained. "Interesting, hope they enjoy!", John murmured and turned over.

I tapped his shoulder and inquired, "Could you please explain why you seemed to be avoiding my questions about your pottery hobby instead of talking about the A word we no longer mention in our home?" No response, he can't be asleep.

"John...", I said. Again no response.

"John Richard Deacon! Answer me please!", I growled lowly. He turned to me and said, "What, what is it?!"

"I asked you a question, and yet you didn't respond to me, mister! I was asking why you ignored me when I asked you about your hobby.", I reminded him. "Well sorry about that, I just still have doubts, okay?", he argues. "Oh, but lambkin, you seemed absolutely delighted when you showcased that lovely tea pot you created! I can only imagine how much time and effort you poured into perfecting every detail.", I complimented.

"You're right, I did take long on it. I only made it because I thought about you. But the reason I chose to make a tea pot is because it's how we first met. You saw me working as...a tea boy.", he explained. "It sure does have some significance to it, doll. I really love it. I want to keep it forever and ever, just like you.", I cooed. I sat him up and held both his hands lovingly.

"I understand that you may be feeling a bit uneasy and possibly guilty about embracing your sobriety. However, I've noticed that you seem less moody than you used to be, which is a positive change.", I stated. "Is it because you think I'm getting a little better?", he shyly asks. "Yes, darling. It seems like you're a little uncomfortable about it, but don't worry, I've got you. There's no need to hide it or deny it.", I reassured.

"Honestly, it'll take a longer time than expected to accept it.", John sighed. "Take as much time as you need, doll. No need to rush acceptance.", I advised him. He nodded and gently plopped himself back on the bed. "Alright, time for sleep.", he yawned. Minutes later he was fast asleep.

He's doing okay though.