Keep Yourself Alive - Roger Taylor

20

"Freddie Mercury give me my camera back now" I growled, chasing Freddie around my hotel room as he clutched my Polaroid in his hands.

He was currently wearing my hat and prancing around the room taking pictures of himself in the baker hat, posing against anything he could find.

The other lads had gone out for drinks a bit earlier, but Freddie and I wanted some friend time and we took a lot longer to get ready anyway.

"Freddie you'll use all of my film" I whined, giving up and throwing my arms up.

"Darling we can buy film in every fucking town, this rare occurrence is too utterly fabulous to not record" he grinned, snapping more photos of himself.

I was chasing around after him, picking up the washed out film from the floor that I then had to shake to make sure they didn't go completely to waste.

"Fine Fine I'll stop" he said, flipping out onto my bed.

"Thank you" I huffed.

"One more, come here" he dragged me into him and hugged me before snapping a photo of us both laughing. It printed and fell onto my face, so I shook it and uncovered one of the best photos I had seen from the tour so far.

"Oh Freddie, look at it" I smiled, passing him the small picture.

"How fabulous" he smiled back, shaking me in the side hug and passed the Polaroid back to me, both picture and camera.

"Right, get your mini skirt and heels on baby, we're going out!" He said theatrically.

I rushed into the bathroom to slip on my black skirt and very high boot heels. I opted for a stripy vest like top and strutted out of the room doing my Freddie impression.

He laughed and clapped as I danced like a maniac towards him.

"I have to say.. that is a darn good impression dear" He said.

"I've been told that a few times now" I laughed, and grabbed his hand to pull him from the room and towards the cab, which was taking us to where the other lads were.

We arrived at a small bar on a strip of nightlife, with people crowding around each club like a swarm.

When we got to the one that the lads were at we jumped out, and immediately a few people recognised Freddie and started asking his to sign their dresses and even their breasts sometimes, which he obviously felt obliged to do. I watched on, leaning against the car. I am so proud of all these lads, they have really come far from their little band called smile, playing at local bars. They are literally in the charts as we speak, and have appeared on top of the pops and are in America right now.

When he was done we sauntered into the bar and noticed the three boys chilling in a VIP booth. I chuckled and shook my head in amazement, they have really out done themselves this time.

We strutted up the stairs and opened the little rope, before sitting with the band.

"You took your time" Roger raised his brow at us.

"Beauty takes time, my dear" Freddie said, kissing his teeth.

"Not for you" He said into my hair.

Even though we were technically partners now, each interaction sent shivers down my spine. It was a feeling that I longed for at all times, and each time that I was blessed with it, it felt like the first time.

"Shut up, it was me that was still faffing around" I giggled, and he turned my head with his hand to plant a kiss on my lips.

"So who wants a drink?" Brian asked, picking up the champagne.

"Me" we all chorused, and instantly Brian popped the cork of the bottle, sending a flurry of bubbles over the side of the spout.

We all pulled our flutes up to catch the waterfall of bubbly, and then he proceeded to pour the drink, which ended up spilling over our hands.

Roger and I leant back, his arm draped around my tiny frame as we sipped the drink.

"To Queen!" Freddie shouted, raising his glass as he stood on the table, with outstretched arms.

"Queen!" We all shouted back, clinking our glasses with Freddie's, as he swung his arm round.

The night continued in a very similar fashion, more drink were ordered; mostly spirits a little stronger than the champagne. Which ended with Freddie and Roger stumbling home, with us lot carrying them. I have laid off the alcohol tonight, as I need a break from these constant hangovers and headaches.

Deacy and I had Roger on one shoulder each, whilst Brian tried his best to carry a shit faced Mercury.

"This isn't how I'd planned tonight, how about you?" John leaned forward to ask me.

"I don't know, I think this was always on the table, Deacy" I laughed.

"That is quite true" He replied.

"How are you doing back there, Bri?" I turned my head and shouted back at Brian, who gave me a sarcastic smile and thumbs up.

"Just dandy, Rose" He said.

I laughed and turned back. Roger was starting to get really heavy on my shoulder, and it didn't help that I was a tiny girl with huge stiletto heels on.

"Rog, can you try and walk a bit" I groaned, begging him to lay off a bit.

"No... carry me Rose" He slurred, letting go of John and throwing himself at me.

I moved quickly, and he hit the floor with a thud. Luckily he fell on his shoulder and he didn't fall too hard but it was still a funny thing to witness.

"For gods sake, Taylor" I moaned, kicking him lightly with my toes.

"Come on, you get Freddie he's not too bad now" Brian said and I nodded, taking over his job and supporting Fred.

"Hello darling" He smiled enthusiastically.

"Hello Freddie" I smiled back at him.

"You look very beautiful tonight" He complimented.

"Thank you, Freddie. Did you call Mary tonight?" I asked curiously.

"No" He said.

"Did you call her last night? This morning?" I asked.

"No- yes... no I called her the night before yesterday night I think" he replied.

"For fucks sake Freddie, you need to ring her as soon as you wake up tomorrow" I ordered.

"Yes sir" He saluted, and I only had to link arms with him as we walked back to the hotels.

These lads are going to be the death of me.