Real Life or Fantasy? - 'Bohemian Rhapsody', Roger Taylor

Too Much Love Will Kill You

Still basking in the success of A Night at the Opera and its tour, the band was staying together in a rather lavish country house - chosen by Freddie, of course. This was to discuss the next album and start brainstorming songs.

Mal was pleased to hear that Chrissie, Veronica, and Mary were all on board with her and Roger dating. Freddie even told her that Kash was in full support of it as well. Thanks ladies!  Maybe she could talk to Chrissie about convincing her husband of it as well...

"Honestly, Darling, I think you're over-thinking this."

"But Freddie, what if something happens? Like, they break up, say? What will that do to the band?"

Paul's voice. Mal could hear him and Freddie talking in the kitchen while she was on her way up to her and Roger's room.  She felt a flare of anger build up within her. Freddie she didn't mind talking about her and her relationships, but Paul doing so was a definite no. 

"Don't you worry yourself over it," Freddie said, putting an end to the conversation, for now at least.

Mal sighed with relief.  Thank you, Freddie.  She knew she could always count on him. 

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Brian, Freddie, and John had gone out to run some errands, leaving Mal and Rog at home, figuring the couple would appreciate some alone time. However, when the three returned, they were greeted by a loud smashing from within the house, followed by the sound of Mal yelling. They couldn't hear what she was saying, but could tell she was upset.

Exchanging a glance, the three wasted no time in rushing into the house and into the kitchen, where they walked in on an upsetting sight.

The source of the smash was clear - a vase that had been sitting by the window now lay in shards on the floor, in a pile of water and ruined flowers. Rog was pressed against the wall, wide-eyed and jaw agape next to the vase, and Mal was standing across the room, looking ready to kill. Her eyes were teary and puffy, and her mascara and eye shadow were smudged all down her cheeks, making it look like she was crying black and blue tears.

Brian bravely stepped in. "Mal, Rog, what happened? What's wrong?"

"Ask Roger," Mal spat. "Tell them, Rog. Tell them what happened, or I will!"

"Mal, it wasn't what you think-"

"Oh bullshit!"

"Hey, hey-" Brian moved to step between the two. "What's going on?"

"It meant nothing," Roger tried.

"Then why'd you do it!"

"Oh, no..." Brian sighed.

"Oh yes, just couldn't help yourself, could you, Rog? Not when there's a pretty face around. Will make you forget you already have a girlfriend!" She looked ready to attack, hence why Brian stepped in. "HOW COULD YOU?!?!"

"Mal, please-" Rog looked on the verge of tears himself.

"Have you seen her before?"

"Mal-"

"Answer me! Have you seen her before?"

A pause before he nodded, briefly but that confirmed it. Brian caught her as she made to dive forward at Roger, now kicking and screaming and thrashing against her brother's hold. "WHAT AM I TO YOU?!?!"

"Mal, calm down, please-"

"No, Brian!" Now she turned on him, wrenching herself from his grasp, still fuming, more tears pouring down her cheeks. "I have every right to be upset, so don't you dare tell me to calm down!"