One And Only~ Maylor [Wattys 2019]

Ch. 5: Knowing Me, Knowing You

Roger's P.O.V.

Today was my first rehearsal with my Smile, the band I was in now. I had just joined in yesterday, and seemed to make a good impression on them, especially Brian. His faced was just so mind blowed when I finished playing the bongos. It kind of made me flatter, seeing someone admire my skills in such a way. I never got so many admiration till now.

At last, I finally got someone to help me get my drums. It was Brian who decided to help. He has been very gentle and kind when I met him. I can't say that he really is because I barely know him. Like most people, I had toxic friendships, which had torn me to pieces, and led me to trust issues and behaviour issues. It had also led me to being prejudicial, so whenever I meet new people, I try to be as calm as I can. People's kindness can be fooling. I'm not saying that I don't like Brian as a person, all I'm saying is that it takes time for me to get adjusted to people and making new friends.

"Thank you for the help Brian," I said thankfully.

"No problem mate," he replied. We entered the same house were the auditions were, apparently, it was Brian's house. Both of us had our hands full with the pieces of the drums. Inside, Tim was warming up with his bass. He looked up at both of us.

"Hello guys," he greeted, "How 're you?"

"We're good thank you," I said. After we set my drum set, I began warming up. Brian was tuning his guitar. I've never seen a type of guitar like that. It was very fascinating and beautiful.

"Looks like someone got distracted by my Red Special," Brian smirked.

"Red Special?" I asked, confused. What was 'Red Special.'

"My guitar, I call it Red Special. My dad and I made it a while back." he replied, "It really means a lot to me."

"You made it?" I asked, shockingly. Wow, he got some skills.

"Yeah. It's beautiful isn't it?" he responded.

"Yes it is," I replied.

"So Roger, what else do you do?" asked Tim.

"Well, I'm in dental school right now," I responded.

"Oh interesting," said Tim, "I'm currently in college studying graphic design. Brian is studying astrophysics."

"Really?" I asked Brian.

"Yes, I am," he said, blushing, "But what else do you do? Like any hobbies?"

"Well, besides playing the drums, I play the guitar and I sing. But I'm not very good at both," I responded.

"Let us hear you then," said Tim, insisting. I cleared my throat and began singing "Let It Be" by Paul McCartney, one of my favourite songs. When I finished a part, the boys looked impressed.

***

Brian's P.O.V.

When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me

Speaking words of wisdom, let it be...

Roger was singing "Let it be" by The Beatles. His voice was very peculiar but it was beautiful as well. It was a sweet voice, blended with some raspiness, which made a perfect combination. Honestly, Roger has really caught my attention. His personality is great, and he is also very attractive. The long locks of golden hair are like gold. Those baby blue eyes, are seducing and they sparkle with the sunlight. Cute, strawberry lips. He is just perfec-

"Brian what do you think about Rog's voice??" asked Tim. I realised that I was daydreaming all the time Roger was singing. There was a huge blush in my face and I felt like I couldn't speak.

"T-That was beautiful Roger," I stammered.

"Do you really think that?" Roger inquired.

"I really do," I said back.

"Well thanks Brian," he said, "And do you sing Brian?"

"M-me? Well, a little, but I'm not as good as you are," I complimented him. Crap May, what on earth are you doing? Roger blushed a little bit after I said that.

"Ok boys, no time to waste, let's get going," Tim scoffed. He got his bass and I got my guitar. We were showing Roger our song "Doin' Alright" that Tim and I wrote. It was still in progress, but it sounded good until now. But since Roger it's with us already, it'll sound much better. We kept practicing for some hours until it was time to leave. I had school tomorrow and so did Roger and Tim.

"Well, it was nice seeing you guys," Tim said, "See you Thursday afternoon." We waved at Tim as he was heading back home. Only Roger and I were left.

"So what do you want to do?" he asked.

"I don't know really. Even though I have school tomorrow, we can do something, like going for a drink. Of course, not going drunk." Roger chuckled a bit and we agreed on going out. The wind was softly blowing and there were cars and people, as always. Unconsciously, I started to get nervous and anxious. And my heartbeat accelerated. Roger seemed to notice I had gotten anxious because he looked so calm and pleased.

"What's wrong Bri?" he asked, looking at me. My eyes tried looking at his, but of course, failed.

"O-Oh nothing," I murmured. No, there is something wrong, it's just unidentifiable.

"Ok.." he said, "Hey! I know this place! Let's go in here!" Roger pointed at a small bar that was isolated in a corner. I remember the place by the small poor. It was the exact place were I first "met" Roger, or rather noticed him. We walked inside and they place was full of people drinking and dancing to some music. We sat near the drink stand and I saw a girl with messy brown hair and emerald eyes, who was serving some drinks.

"Hey Roger, looks like you brought someone new," she said to Roger.

"Yeah, I did," he said, "Melissa, this is Brian, my friend, Brian, this is Melissa, a good friend of me."

"Nice to meet you," I said. She looked at me and seemed to be "enchanted" by my appearance.

"You too Brian," she smiled, "What would you like of tonight boys?"

"Guiness is fine," Roger said.

"I'll have water," I replied.

"Water?" Roger looked very amused by what I just said, me ordering water.

"Yeah, I know. My body doesn't manage alcohol very well. Not even the slightest amount. Ever since I got a bit drunk on my graduation night, I never drank alcohol again. The hangover I had that night really shitfaced me completely," I said.

"I understand," he said, "I got severely drunk on my graduation night. Even though I had a terrible hangover, I still managed alcohol. Don't worry, I'm not an alcoholic, and I don't do drugs either."

"That's good," I said, "How old are you?"

"I'm 19, but I'll be 20 on July 26," he said. How is this man 19 years old?

"Wow," I said, "You look a lot more mature than that."

"You think?" He asked, "How old are you?"

"I'm 21, but I'll be 22 on July 19," I replied. We kept on talking for a while, getting to know each other a lot better. I've learned so much from him in a matter of hours, but I want to know more. I want to build a friendship with him.

After a while, we headed out of the bar, making our ways home. Since Roger's dorm wasn't far away, he decided to walk, and I had to take the bus. When I got home, I saw my mother in the couch looking at a magazine.

"Brian dear, you're late!" she exclaimed, "Where have you been?"

"I was out with Roger, that's all" I replied. Sometimes my mother can be very over protective. She still thinks that I'm a 5 year-old or something.

"The drummer?" she asked. I've told her about Smile and Roger joining in. She really liked the idea of me forming a band and all, but she hates it when I go out for some odd reason.

"Yes mum, the drummer," I said. She just nodded and I headed to my room.