Illegal Love - McLennon and Starrison

Love Me Do

1963

"We did it, our first album! I can't believe it!" Paul jumped up and down and hugged John.

"I will celebrate by making a sandwich." George wandered off on his own.

"Hey Paulie, can I tell you something? It's really important, and secret," John whispered.

"Um, okay. We can go in the closet if you want privacy." Paul got dragged in there and heard the door shut. Silence. "John? You there?"

"Yeah. Listen, I've had a lot on me mind lately. Like the band, the record, and you."

"Me?" he asked.

"Yes. I came to realize a long time ago that I - I love you."

Paul gasped, then widened his eyes as John somehow found his lips in the darkness. Chapped collided with smooth, eyes fluttered shut. Paul let out a soft sound when his (boy?)friend deepened the kiss until he nearly had him pressed up against the wall. It was pure bliss and full of such a rush, even dangerous, but it felt right. Was it really so bad to have enjoyed it?

"John?" Paul pulled away, albeit reluctantly. "You - you're married though, and Cyn's pregnant with your child. It would break her heart. I want to, it's just not right to hurt her, and being queer is illegal."

"Is it technically being queer if you're only attracted to one bloke?"

"Uh, I guess not. Would you really break the law for me?"

John put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Of course I would."

"Are you going to break it off with Cynthia?" Paul searched for his eyes in the darkness.

"I guess I have to, I feel really bad about it. Don't get me wrong, I still love her, just...I love her in a different way than I do you."

"I'm going to say that's probably good, right?"

"Right. Let's get out before someone wonders where we are." They stepped out, luckily not seeing anyone in the room. John picked up the telephone and dialed quickly.

"It's my fault you're splitting up," Paul muttered bitterly.

"Shush. Hello, Cyn? Yeah, it's out, it's great! But we need to talk. I don't think this is working out. I'm sorry, I think we should get a divorce." He held the phone away from his ear, wincing.

"What's going on there?" he asked.

"She's calling me every name in the book."

"Ouch."

"Look, I'm sorry. I just don't love you anymore, it wasn't anything you did. No, there's no one else! Goodbye." John grimaced after he hung up. "That sure was easier said than done."

"Hey, you still need to make the separation official."

"Right, but it doesn't mean I can't do this." Forgetting they could be seen, he kissed the younger man softly.

Ringo walked in at that exact moment. He promptly dropped his drumsticks on the ground, making a clattering noise. The couple jumped apart. "Oh, hey lads. I'm gonna, uh, go help George with a song." He slowly backed out.

"Well shit," John muttered.