The New Boy

by RogersBlueEyes

Summary:

Roger has gone to a yet another new school and meets up with 3 students who are in a band and want him to join. Sound boring? Nope. Amazing how much trouble they can get themselves into.

Notes:

I've made the four roughly the same age otherwise the age difference would have prevented them from ever really hanging out together that much.

Chapter 1

Roger hated being the new boy at school. This was the 4th school that he had gone to mid term. He was used to it in a way but that was only because he had learned to ignore the stares and whispers, till he made a couple of friends. That was easier in a mixed school but this one was all boys so a bit tougher.

He put on his headphones and turned his transistor radio up a bit so he could pretend he was sitting alone at the table in the school canteen. He bit into his sandwich and started tapping his foot and so no one could notice he tapped out the beat of the song on his knees. He'd had his eyes closed so he hadn't noticed three students sitting across from till one of them sneezed loudly enough for him to open his eyes. Three pairs of eyes were looking at him. He pulled his back, twitched his shoulders and looked back at them. They didn't look like they wanted to beat the shit out of him. It wasn't only inner city schools that had bullies. His parents sent him to good schools that cost a bomb for tuition and they had a good sprinkling of shit heads.

"Oh, hi." Roger frowned. Waiting. The three looked at one another and then back at him. Here it comes he thought to himself. He waited for the drink poured onto his sandwich or the feet kicking him under the table.

It was the taller one who spoke up first. 'You wouldn't happen to be a musician?" He asked and the other two leaned forward waiting for his answer.

"Yeah." He said slowly. Was this a trick question? Hated musicians so they could call him a fag and beat him up after school?

"Told you." The one with longer brown hair and a shy smile leaned back and nodded his head.

"Why? Hate musicians, right?" He sounded bored and reached for his headset.

"No, we're musicians, too." He shrugged. "I'm Brian, this is Fred and then John. We call him Deaky." He nodded at the longer haired boy.

"Roger." Roger pressed his lips together. He was still skeptical this was legit. "What do you play, then?" He crossed his arms and hitched his shoulders again.

"Deaky is bass, I'm guitar and Fred sings." The boy called Brian looked proud for some reason. "Drummer?" He nodded at Roger.

"Yeah, I guess." Roger turned off his transistor. "So, what's this about?" He wasn't letting his guard down.

"We're missing a drummer. For our band." It was the one called Fred who spoke up. "The last guy graduated. Gone forever." He said and giggled. The one called Deaky nudged him and frowned.

"Okay. You have a band. Any good?' If this was on the level he wasn't getting involved any kids band. 

"Yes, as a matter of fact." The taller one stood up, looking annoyed.

"Bri, sit down." Deaky looked up at him. "It's a fair question." He looked shyly at Roger who suddenly gulped and tried to look busy with his head set.

"We've got a couple of charity gigs booked in the town during break. Paid ones." Brian sat down again and stared at Roger's hands. 

"Paid?' Roger was interested. Paid meant they weren't that bad.

"Not much, but gives us credibility." The one called Deaky added. 

Roger felt weird again. Shit. "Lots of girls at these gigs?" He threw that in.

"Yeah, of course." Freddie grinned showing gleaming white teeth that seemed to be clamoring for space in his mouth.

Roger was starting to feel a bit more comfortable but now he noticed a small group of boys at another table showing interest in the conversation. He recognized them as the 'jock' type. All brawn and no brains. Every school had them and he wondered how half of them passed the entrance exam.

"Great." Roger nodded and looked at his watch. 'Gotta go." He gathered up his books and stood up. The next move was theirs.

"Oh, right." Brian stood up too and that's when Roger realized the guitarist towered above the three of them who were roughly the same height. He could see the other table of boys sniggering now and he wondered what their game was. Inwardly he groaned. He had a feeling this wasn't going to end well but as the four of them passed their table Brian did a sharp turn and by 'accident' knocked over a can of pop by one of them.

"Hey!" The aggrieved student stood up and then sat down again when Brian narrowed his eyes at him and raised an eyebrow as if goading him to something.

"Impressive." Roger chortled when they were safely in the main hall.

"Have to beat them at their own game." The tall boy said nonchalantly. "Audition at 4 in the music room?" He added.

"Oh, right. I guess." Roger wasn't sure how to act. He was feeling a wee bit intimidated and that was unusual for him.

Brian nodded and walked away and Roger was left with Deaky and Freddie. For a moment there was silence then Freddie started talking about the band and when they had first gotten together. They walked and talked and Roger felt Deaky walking next to him as if they were going in the same direction but eventually they all broke off in the main hall and went to their separate classes. But just as Roger opened the door to the chemistry lab he looked over his shoulder and caught Deaky turning his head quickly as if he had done the same thing.

 

 

"How was your first day?' Roger's mother, Winnie looked up from her desk. She had gotten herself involved immediately in the towns Red Cross and was helping plan a fund raiser.

"Not bad. Met some nice chaps." He sat on the low window sill and watched her for a few moments. "Joining a rock band, looks like." He added.

"Oh, that's quick." His mother took her reading glasses off and smiled. 

"Yeah, I think you know Brian's mom? Mrs. May?" He hoped she did as this would make it easier. His mother was very watchful of what sort of friends he made.

"Yes, she's helping me with the fundraiser." Winnie nodded. "Nice family." 

"Oh, good." Roger slid off the ledge. 'Gonna get something to eat." Sometimes his mother had made him a sandwich but apparently not this time. 

 

Roger opened the fridge and stared into it for a few moments before grabbing the tin of biscuits and taking them up to his room. He dropped his book bag on the floor and threw himself on the bed after turning on his radio as loud as he could but not enough for anyone to tell him to turn it down. He could hear his little sister in her room with one of her friends. They were giggling and he rolled his eyes and opened the tin.

Munching on a chocolate biscuit he went over the day in his mind. The drum kit in the music room wasn't as good as his own but it was okay for the audition which he passed. Of course, he said to himself. He'd even managed to get in a few drumstick twirls in just to show he had some flair.  He wasn't so sure Brian was impressed but Freddie and Deaky were, he could tell. He had a feeling nothing much impressed the guitarist.

"You're good." John had walked part way home with him after the audition. Somehow, Roger was more pleased what John felt about his drumming but he just said 'thanks' and 'see you tomorrow' when they parted at Roger's street. The four of them within a few minutes of one another and apparently Freddie's family let him use a disused garage for them to rehearse. So, he'd made three friends and joined a band on his first day. 

Roger picked up his head set and grabbed a book he had to read a couple of chapters of for the next day having no idea what the next day might bring.

 

 

Brian always stopped first at Freddie's house on the way home. Brian's parents both worked so the house would be empty for another hour and he never liked being alone in the big, rambling Victorian house. So, he would sit at the Bulsara's kitchen table and watch Freddie's mom prepare them a hot snack. Sometimes, it was a grilled cheese sandwich or beans on toast but though simple it was just what they needed.

"So, what do you think?" Brian looked at Freddie as he cut into a fried egg on toast and dipped it in a spot of ketchup.

"Roger? He seems talented." Freddie spoke through a mouthful of food and his mother shook his head as she poured them both a cup of tea. 

"Fred, we have to get serious about this." Brian nodded his thanks to Freddie's mom. "We're all graduating and moving to London for Uni and we need to think about the band." 

"Ok, but isn't it school first, band second" Freddie looked at his mom whose back was turned. He nudged Brian.

"Yeah, of course. But during any spare time." Brian played the game.

"Yeah, then Roger is a good fit." Freddie didn't add, no brainer, Roger was handsome and the girls would love him. Fuck, even he was attracted to him. How did eyes get that colour of blue?

"New boy at your school?" Freddie's mom interjected. "I hope you're being kind."

Both boys nodded quickly.

 

John had finished his dinner and gone up to his room, explaining he had a history exam the next day. But, really it was only a quiz and he wasn't worried. He turned on the radio to a popular show and lying with his arm behind his head he rewound the afternoon. He had seen the new boy, Roger before the others. They had been in the same Literature class but John had been sitting at the back. He'd tried not to stare at the new pupil but it was hard. Just the shape of his head and the way he turned to look at the teacher. It did something to him inside that he couldn't explain. And when they had seen him in the canteen, tapping the beat on his legs that had been the opening. John groaned and covered his eyes with his arm.

 

"Hanging out with the fag musicians?" Roger heard the voices and didn't even bother turning around. He had taken boxing lessons last year. He could defend himself but it was just another annoyance that he didn't need. 

"Looks like it, yes." He dropped his book bad on the ground. He's already balled his fists.

"Fuck off, you twats." The voice was menacing. Roger turned quickly to see Brian towering over him and the small gang of bullies. He smiled as they scattered.

"Thanks, but I could have dealt with them myself." Roger held his hand to shield his eyes from the sun which seemed to emanate from Brian himself.

"No probs." Brian grinned. "They're such cowards. Fuck them." He added before walking away. "Oh, don't forget rehearsal on Sat morning at Freddie's. In your in the band if you still want it?"

"Yeah, cool. Thanks." Roger picked up his bag. He doubted the thugs would bother him again, somehow. 

 

"Can I help?' John sat looked at the array of drums and cymbals and wondered if he could actually help. This was more complicated than a guitar.

"No, it's okay. I have it down pretty much." Roger's mother had dropped him off with the drum kit and even had a quick chat with Freddie's mom. He chuckled how they all seemed to know one another.

"Yeah, my Mom knows everyone, too." John shook his head. "Bri should be hear soon." He looked down the street. He usually helps his dad on Saturdays but he's never too late.

"Okay." Roger was getting nervous. He had a feeling this was an important part of his life that was about to start. These blokes were serious and they hadn't even started yet. 

"Maybe, afterwards, would you like to come over to my place? I've got the new Jimi Hendrix LP." John crouched down at Roger's level and their eyes locked.

"Yeah, sure. Love Hendrix." Roger frowned and tried to pay attention to his task. "Yeah, count me in." 

Roger felt himself blush.

 

Chapter 2

Summary:

The boys are getting to know one another and making plans for their futures in London when they graduate.

Roger felt for once in his life he really, really wanted to stay in one place. He's just made three friends who weren't idiots and he wasn't embarrassed to hang around with. The other plus with his new mates mother's all knew one another so no need for parental approval before hanging out. Big bonus, that.

So, now as he sat cross legged on the floor across from his new friend Deaky and listening to the new Hendrix LP he hoped this feeling of belonging would last a bit longer than normal. But that all depended on his father's job. His mother had been more optimistic about this assignment as she was as fed up as he was moving every year or so.

"Got a girlfriend?" John asked casually.

"No." Roger had had girlfriends but no one current. "You?" He asked politely, hoping the answer was no which surprised him.

"Double no." John looked up from carefully sliding the LP back in its cover. He smiled. "You'll have to watch out for my sister, though. You are definitely her type.

"Yeah?" Roger sighed and frowned and picked up a another LP and studied the cover. He really liked hanging out with Deaky. Freddie and Brian were dropping over later and then they were heading down to the youth club to play snooker and listen to a local band. 

Just then John frowned as he heard the voices of a few girls approaching and he rolled his eyes as his bedroom door flew open and three, quite pretty girls, stood there.

"It's polite to knock." He glared at them. "Could have been naked."

"But you're not." The taller girl chuckled and stared at Roger. He thought this must be the sister.

"I'm Susie." The girl kept staring and then looked at her brother.

"Susie, Roger. Roger, Susie." John begrudgingly made the introductions. "Now go." He said firmly, lifting his eyebrows. Roger was impressed with that.

"Are you the new drummer?" She took a step into the room.

"Out!" John scrambled to his feet and pushed her out the door. "She's a pest." He said but Roger could tell John wasn't really that angry.

"If you don't put a stop to it then you never get rid of them." He went back to his record collection. He really wanted to be alone with his new friend. He had this strange aching feeling in his stomach that seemed to be caused by just sitting close to Roger. He didn't dare think what that could mean. it made his face go red just thinking about it.

"Yeah, I guess." Roger's sister hadn't really bothered him that much but she was three years younger. Just regular annoying sister things.

 

 

Brian and Freddie had finished their homework at the Library and after stowing their books away they headed over to John's house. It was just a usual Saturday, really. Except, they had a new mate to hang out with and now they could really start talking about getting a couple of gigs for the band. Roger had said there was an upcoming event his mother was helping with and well all their mother's were and maybe she could get them in for an hour gig. 

"Nice if it happens." Brian and Freddie were discussing the possibilities as they turned into the driveway at John's. "Rog is a good drummer, by the way."

"Okay, like I hadn't noticed, Mr. I play guitar, May.." Freddie sighed and nudged his friend to show he was teasing him. "Hope he sticks around. Sounds like they move a lot." 

"Yeah, I think his father is in the diplomatic service or something?" Brian wasn't sure. "My dad said he's read about him in the newspaper." Brian shrugged. Really, of no interest. 

"Yeah, my parents said the same thing." Freddie stopped before they reached the front door of the Deacon's. "It's weird how it worked out. If those thugs hadn't picked on him a few weeks ago we would probably never have known he could play drums."

"Mm. Funny that." Brian chuckled. "Ring the bell, yeah?" 

 

The youth club was packed. The four boys wished they were old enough just to casually walk into the pub but it was a small town really and everyone knew them. No anonymity like in London. That's what they wanted to talk about tonight. After graduation they were all heading to different colleges but all in London and close together. They could make the music thing work. Anyway, it was fun to discuss their future and not just the ones that their families had planned for them. Their own. The burning desire all four had to be something musically.

It was easy to smuggle a few bottles of lager into the club and stow them away at the back. Most of the blokes did that and most of them smoked as well. 

The four new friends had found themselves a makeshift table and some garden chairs and were sitting out at the back of the club. They had their names down to play snooker later but right now they just wanted to hang out. The music from the club drifted out and they stretched their legs out and opened the bottles and sat for a few moments in silence.

"When we're in London, this'll be every day." Freddie grinned and put his head back. "Can't fucking wait." He was desperate to get to design school and have some real adventures. Go to the clubs. Hang out with famous musicians. Well, he knew that part was hazy but who knew?

Roger and John had moved their chairs closer together which was fine as John had a quiet speaking voice and Roger didn't want to keep asking him to repeat something. I anyway. He had a weird attraction for the bass player. Like they were soulmates or something.

"Do soulmates have to be the opposite sex?" Roger suddenly asked and he could almost feel John's eyes look surprised without seeing them.

"Good question." Brian looked at Freddie. They'd been friends for years and perfectly understood one another. Soulmates?

Fred leaned forward and putting his head to one side said. "No."  He didn't look at Brian but knew he had said the right thing. 

"Why do you ask?" Brian was curious. 

"Just a thought. Nothing really." Roger felt himself blush and didn't dare look at John. He really didn't know what he was getting at. 

"Probably better if its not." John said quietly and 3 pairs of eyes turned in his direction. The brunette blushed. "I mean...not sure what I meant." He shrugged his shoulders and they all laughed.

 

"Why did you ask that?" John was walking back home with Roger. They'd all had a few bottles of beer but not enough for their parents to notice. There was a fine art to it.

"What?" Roger had forgotten. 

"Doesn't matter." John shook his head. Roger always made him feel like a kid. He knew he had traveled more than they all had. He also had more sexual experience then they had. He's had none, really except kiss a girl once. he was pretty sure Roger had gone much further. He was the kind that girls liked. He was funny and good looking and there was something about him. He felt himself get nervous again. He shouldn't be thinking about one of his mates like this. It was all wrong.

"Oh, about soul mates?" Roger chuckled. Just came into my head. "My sister Claire said you and I were like soul mates. Funny, huh?" He nudged the other boy.

"Yeah, funny." John tried to laugh. "Well, we're here." Roger's house was a few doors down from his. "See you tomorrow?" He stood back as Roger opened the gate to the driveway. 

Roger stopped and took a step towards him. For a moment, John thought Roger was going to kiss him. It was wishful thinking. 

"I'm glad we're friends, Deaky." Roger said simply and then turned away. John hadn't replied but watched the other boy walk up the driveway. His heart was beating faster than normal as he walked the few minutes to his own home.

"Had a nice time, dear?" His mother called from the livingroom. His father and her were watching an evening play and really didn't expect a reply. He walked upstairs slowly. Something made him go to the window. He could see Roger's bedroom window from his own as the houses were at right angles to each other. Just then Roger had gone to his window. John had no idea if the other boy could see him but they seemed to be looking at one another. But someone must have called Roger because he quickly turned away and John felt strangely disappointed. 

 

Chapter 3

There had to come a day when the boys had to seriously sit down and think about what they were going to do once they graduated from Prep school.
The plan was they would get a flat together and pull their resources, hoping the four families went along with it all. John had already picked up some London papers and looked at the housing situation to see what was available and what they could afford.

"You're going to be in charge of the London stuff, Deaky." Brian chuckled when they were all having lunch together in the cafeteria. They had planned on meeting up outside but it was one of those cold and rainy April days and Roger especially hated the cold.

"Don't know about that." John mumbled but he blushed with the praise and looked over at Roger who was staring at him. Of course, Roger's eyesight wasn't that good and he could have been looking across the room for all John knew. Still.

"So, do we talk to the parents separately or get them in one place and slay them with flip charts and sense?" This was Brian who was doubtful this would all go without a hitch. Good thing was the parents all knew one another and so far no problems there. All four of them had decent marks so far that would get their places at Uni.

'I like that." Freddie was flipping through a music magazine and eating a sandwich at the same time and really not paying much attention. He knew his father would be a hard nut to crack about this 'sharing' thing. He wanted Freddie to do more than hang about with 'musical types'. It had been difficult selling him on The London School of Design' and not the London School of Economics but Freddie and his mom had won that battle.

Brian had laid out sensible plans to his parents and his father, who helped him make his own guitar, was very supportive if his mother a little less so.
"Rog, your family on board with our plans?" Brian asked casually.

"I think so." Roger frowned and took a deep breath. 'Didn't really ask them yet."

"Rog!" Brian looked at the others and noticed John seemingly over interested in his lunch. 'Deaky?" The taller boy rolled his eyes. 'Right, we get them all together and Deaky can bring this London paper for backup, yeah?" Brian looked at the other three sternly and they all meekly nodded back.

 

Roger and John usually walked home together and hung out at one or the other's house till dinner time. Roger's sister usually didn't bother them the way John's did. Claire was much younger and her room on the other side of the house. She secretly thought John was 'cute' but never let on.

"My place?" Roger hoped his mother had left him a snack. She was usually out, doing stuff for the Red Cross so he could crank the stereo up a bit till she got home.

"Sure." John nodded, trying to sound casual. He felt anything but casual. He could barely admit even to himself what he felt. But just being around Roger was enough and he couldn't even imagine living in the same flat as him.

"Probably have to get a two bedroom and share." John had glanced again at the London paper as they sat with a bag of crisps and a tin of baking on roger's bedroom floor.

"That'd be okay." Roger selected a chocolate covered biscuit and bit into it. 'Mmm." He flicked crumbs from his shirt. "Try this one." He held the tin to his friend.

"Thanks." John  bit into the biscuit. "I guess you and I would be okay sharing." John asked casually.

"I think so. Yeah, absolutely." Roger didn't look directly at John. He recognized that he felt more about John than was normal in a school friendship.

Just then Claire called out that there were two girls at the front door wanting him.

Roger rolled his eyes. "Sweet, dear sister of mine." He nudged John. "Tell them I'm in the shower and I'll see them later."

"Alright." The younger girl replied. A few moments later John and Roger heard her distinctly call down to the girls from her window.

"Roger says he'll see you later. He's in the shower with John."

"Oh, fuck.!" Roger and John stared at one another and went to look out the window, half hiding behind the curtains. They saw the two girls walking away after shrugging their shoulder and looking at one another for a moment..

Both boys started laughing. "Did your sister say that on purpose?' John finally asked.

"Doubt it. She just comes out with stuff every so often." Roger shook his head. "Quite funny sometimes."

"Will the girls say anything?" John was getting worried. It was a small town, really.

"No, don't worry." Roger was digging around in the biscuit tin. "Stay for dinner?" He jumped up and changed the LP on the turn table.

"Sure. I'll just call Mom." The darker haired boy smiled. He was already thinking ahead to spending more time with Roger.

 

Exams were finished and college places had been given. The only thing now was to convince their parents to let them get a flat together. The answer was a flat no from all four families.

"It's like they got together before we asked." Freddie was fuming.

"It's not too bad. They said if we kept our marks up for the first year then they would talk again." Roger was trying to sound bright about this. He looked sideways at John was staring at his hands on his knees. He was sure John had tears in his eyes.

"It's gonna be okay Deaks." Roger said softly. He didn't care if Brian and Freddie thought he was being soft. His friend was upset. really, upset.

"Yeah, Deaky. Come one mate. We're all going to be in London together and you and Rog can probably share a dorm if you're lucky." Freddie spoke up. He knew John had a crush on Roger. Hell, they all did.

"Really?' John looked up and coughed to hide the fact he had tears in his eyes. He looked at Roger who shifted his shoulders and nodded.

"I guess we could." He wasn't sure but if it cheered John up. "Yeah, I'll get Mom to see if we can. She's good at persuasion." He added proudly. He meant she was good at bossing people around but he was always polite.

"Great. Brian and I are in two different colleges so can't share." Freddie turned to pick up something and Brian rolled his eyes as if sharing with Freddie was not on the cards anyway.

 

"Thanks for asking your mom." John and Roger were walking back from their band rehearsal. They were sounding better every time and Brian and Freddie were sure they could get gigs in London once they had settled in.

"I hope she can." Roger wished he hadn't said that and immediately said ."It would be nice having a friend at Uni." 

"Yeah." John nodded. He was so confused about what he felt about Roger. He could hardly talk to his parents about like he did about other things. 

"Lets grab a couple of lagers from the fridge and sit out by the river." Roger thought it was dark enough that there wouldn't be anyone to see them.

'Yeah, that'd be cool." John brightened up. Roger always had a way of lightening things. 

 

"Got smokes?" Roger patted his jacket and smiled as he found a crumpled pack and a lighter. He offered the pack to John who was going to shake his head no, but he saw wanted to be like Roger he thought he would try. He coughed a few times but managed to smoke it.

"Lager's nice and cold." They leaned against a log on the riverside and looked out to the river. They could vaguely see Roger's house lights just behind them when they looked. "Claire is safely in her room." Roger added and chuckled.

"Really nice." John felt tongue tied. He stretched his legs out like Roger and wished he could think of something to say. Roger had travelled all over the world with his parents and always had a good story to fill in the silences.

"Deaks? Can I ask you something? It's kind of personal." Roger had turned and looked at his friend. They were shoulder to shoulder practically.

"I guess so." John frowned, having no idea what was coming.

"Have you had much experience with girls?" Roger asked and pressed his lips together. 

John shook his head. 'Not much. Why?' 

"Just wondered." Roger sighed. "I really like you Deaks." He said softly.

"I like you, too." John felt his heart beating faster as if he knew this conversation meant something. He felt Roger's hand touch his and the slim fingers wrap around his.

"Is this okay?" The blond boy whispered and John just nodded, looking ahead and not at his friend. 

A few moments passed and John turned to look directly into Roger's blue eyes. He half closed his as he felt the other boys hand slide along his chin and soft lips touch his. At first he was immobile and then something changed and let himself go. Kissing Roger wasn't like kissing a girl. He didn't have to be careful but he wanted to be and he entwined his fingers in his as they slid down in the sand and continued kissing. There lips seemed to never part and Roger slid his tongue into John's mouth and caused the other boy to moan.

"Rog!" It was Claire's voice from far away. "Mom says you have to come in." 

"Oh, fuck." Roger pressed his face into John's neck. "We better go in. Fuck." He sat up and John nodded. Both of them had obvious hard ons. 

"Rog?' John wanted to know what was happening.

"It's okay, Deaks." Roger knelt back on his heels beside him. "This was good. Just you and me." He said softly. "We better get in."

 

John felt as if his entire life had changed in a few minutes as he walked home. Roger had walked him to the street and squeezed his hand. It was a gesture to let him know they were friends and something more and not to worry. Now, he really was looking forward to London.

 

Roger had gotten undressed slowly and once in bed he put his hands behind his head and looked up at the ceiling. He was reliving his kiss with John and was relieved that the other boy was into it too. It was the first time he had done something like that and it felt right, somehow. He slid down and turned off the light and wondered what John was thinking. He hoped he hadn't lost a friend. 

 

 

Chapter 4

Brian had called Freddie first and Freddie said he would call John. They had to talk but without Roger because Roger had a problem that they had to talk about before they saw him.

"But why does he have to go with them?" John was trying to keep the panic from his voice. The other two didn't know his feelings about Roger and he didn't want them to even guess.

"They said they want to stay together as a family." Brian shrugged. He was feeling sad about the whole thing. Roger had called him earlier to say his father was being transferred to a new job in New York and that Roger could go to the local college there.

"But if they said it was okay about London...he's already got into Imperial." John had to steady his breathing. Freddie put brotherly arm around his shoulders.

"We'll figure it out, Deaks." He said encouragingly. 

John could only nod. He knew why Roger hadn't called him first. Roger knew how upset he would be. Brian and Freddie would come up with a solution. They had to.

 

 

John and Roger had met nearly every night after dark had fallen since that first night that they had kissed. It was easy to say they were meeting to study or play records. Both their parents were happy they had a friend who they approved of. They wouldn't have approved quite so much if they had known about their relationship but no one would ever know. They were teenagers. They knew how to be sneaky.

"What's this?' Roger had watched John come through the trees with the a flat object in his hand. He moved over against the old tree that they leaned against as John sat down.

"Just something I picked up for you." John smiled and looked over his shoulder into the darkness before leaning over and kissing Roger. They pressed their foreheads together and slid their hands together.

"Okay to open it?" Roger asked and John nodded.

"Oh, wow!" It was the new Jimi Hendrix LP that had only been released that day. Roger had planned on buying it on the weekend.

"I wanted to get it first. For you." John blushed in the dark and smiled as Roger lay his head on his shoulder and kissed his neck. It was spontaneous and sweet and John couldn't imagine anything he would want more.

"Thank you." Roger whispered. They had hardly spoken after that. Just being comfortable together and holding hands and sometimes a little bit more but neither wanted to go too fast. They were waiting till they had moved to London. Away from parents. They would both be 18 by then and could do what they wanted.

"I'm really looking forward to London." Roger whispered as John wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

"Me too." John sighed and felt as if things were really going right now.

 

Two weeks later.

 

"He won't come to the phone." Roger's sister said and then almost whispering, she added. "I think he's crying." 

"I heard about the move." John said softly. "Just tell him I called." He was about to hang up but not knowing if Claire heard him or not he said. "Tell him I'll come by later."  Roger would know that would mean meet him at the beach. He stared at the phone receiver and then put it down slowly.

"Mom!" He called out and went to find the one person he could really tell his problems to.

 

Brian had tried to call Roger too but Claire had only said she'd give him a message so he had to be happy with that. But they had to do something. He was determined the four of them were going to London together. It was going to be amazing and he wasn't going to let anyone stop their plans.

Freddie came across as someone who was just into having a good time but he had hidden depths that even his long time friends were unaware of but first he had to talk to Roger and figure out what was going on. Maybe, it wasn't as bad as it seemed? Or maybe it was worse.

 

Roger was tired of crying and feeling depressed and after a couple of days of not eating, he was hungry. His mother had sat next to him on the bed earlier. Just stroking his hair and making soothing noises. When he was eight years old it would have worked, but not at nearly 18.

Roger dragged himself downstairs. Claire was home but his mother was at a Red Cross meeting and his father was in London.

"John called you." Claire looked up from her textbook. She was sitting at the kitchen table with a tin of biscuits and a glass of milk. "You look terrible." She said and went back to her book.

"Thanks." Roger sighed and took a biscuit.

"Better be at the beach tonight." She looked at him sideways.

"Why?" Roger opened the door of the fridge.

"John's coming down later." 

"Oh." Roger smiled, but with his back turned from his sister. There were still secrets he had to keep.

"He's cute." Claire added and Roger had to agree. Silently.

 

 

Roger could see John's flashlight through the trees as he sat at his window. Without fail, his heart would be faster as he pulled on a worn hoodie and his shoes and ran quietly down the back steps to the landing and then to the right by the beach. He's grabbed a couple of cans of lager and smiled when he saw John had done the same.

"Hi." They met behind the cover of some trees so that they could kiss quicky and then moved to the semi open so that if Roger's parents were looking that they would just see the two teenagers leaning against a log, sipping the lager and listening to music on the transistor radio.

"Are you okay?" John looked over his shoulder into the darkness. Only a couple of lights from Roger's home were on.

" Feel better seeing you." Roger lay his head on John's shoulder. He was trying not to think what life would be like without John. The thought of them all going to London without him, broke his heart.

"Claire said you were crying." John whispered and took Roger's hand. He felt the slim fingers wrap around his. This was the best part of them being together. 

"She did?" Roger rolled his eyes. "Can't keep a secret from sisters."

"Tell me about it." John chuckled. "I think she was worried about you." He added. 

"We're close." Roger shrugged. "She's cool when she's not annoying." He chuckled. 

"Do you want to talk about this? I mean your family moving to Washington?"

"Talked it to death in my head." Roger tapped his skull. "Dad wants us to stay together...as a family."

"Are they thinking of Claire, more than you?' John suggested.

"I don't know. " Roger was on the verge of tears and John pulled him closer. 

"You're nearly eighteen. They can't make you." John wondered what he would have done. Probably gone with the family. But that was before Roger. Everything seemed to be 'grey' before Roger.  It was bright blue like his eyes now. John knew that sounded corny and he would never had told anyone.

"Yeah, well." Roger sighed and leaning forward he wrapped his arms around his own chest. John recognized the movement and waited but there was silence and he wondered what he should say. Finally he just moved behind him and wrapped his arms around him and pressed his chin into his neck. It must have been the right thing because he felt Roger relax.

"Rog!" It was Claire's voice. "Brian and Freddie are coming over soon." They heard the door shut and Roger and John stared at one another.

"My receptionist." Roger chuckled. "We better move a bit." He nodded his head and John moved a couple of feet away from him. 

"I guess they want us to think of a plan to save you." John said only half jokingly. He really hoped they could. 

"Save me." Roger ran his finger tip down John's throat after he moved closer but took it away when they heard the kitchen door open and voices.

 

"Are we going to get drunk?" Freddie brandished a couple of boxes of lager and plopped himself down on the sand. "Least you could have done is started a fire." He frowned at Roger who laughed.

"John's the fire starter." Roger laughed and then looked from one to the other. "I need help, guys." He shrugged. 

"We know. We're not going to London without you." Freddie answered and nudged Brian.

"We do have an idea. It's subtle but I think it will work."

"Subtle?" Roger leaned forward to listen.

 

"So what do you think?' Brian told them all his idea.

"It is subtle." John nodded. 'Rog?" He looked at his friend who was chewing a fingernail, as sign he was thinking something over.

"I guess it would but is it enough?" He looked sideways at John and then at Freddie who was nodding enthusiastically.

"Freddie and I have already run it passed our families and they said it would make a difference to them."

"Any other ideas?" Roger frowned. "Back up?'

"Have faith, babe." Freddie cracked open a can of lager and turned the transistor radio up louder. This meant the subject was done and it was time to have a good time.

Roger smiled. He loved his friends. They were four and had to stay together, no matter what.

 

It was nearly midnight when the small party broke up but John was going to spend the night at Roger's, not inside but on the small beach. Roger had already brought the sleeping bags from the storage cupboard, along with two pillows. Freddie and Brian had gone home already as the two boys lay out the bedding and settled down for the night. 

"That was fun." John needed to break the silence. They were both wearing cut off jeans and their warm, bare legs were stretched out against one another. John would remember that night for years. It was perfect. They were alone together, outside in the colling late spring air. For a few hours they could be alone and talk or kiss or whatever. 

Roger didn't answer but that was okay. He wrapped his fingers around John's looked up at the stars. They sat like that for a few minutes. It was something Roger would remember years later. 

"I think I love you John Deacon." Roger's voice was raspy and he turned to look into the other boy's eyes. 

"I know I love you." John touched Roger's face lightly with his fingertips before he kissed him.

 

 

"It's sold out, Bri!" Freddie's voice went into a falsetto and Brian put his hands over his ears.

"Freddie settle down, yeah?" Brian smiled. Their plan was halfway there. 

"No 'thanks Fred." the other boy grinned, showing all his teeth and put his arms wide.

"Yeah. Thank you. Really, thank you." Brian said sincerely. "I hope it works." Brian put down his guitar. They were waiting for Roger and John and then they could rehearse for the Red Cross Event at the end of the week. 

'They should be here soon." Brian looked towards the door. He had sensed something a couple of weeks before when he and Freddie had told Roger about their idea. But he couldn't put his finger on it and decided not to mention it to Freddie, who he usually confided in.

"Mah, says she's working on Roger's mom." Freddie ran his fingers over the keys of the old piano and cringed at the sound before turning around.

"Mine, too. But, Roger's mom isn't the problem, it's his dad."

"Yeah, but who is really the boss?" Freddie asked and Brian had to shrug and admit there was some truth in that. Certainly, in his own home.

 

'Fuck, we're good." Freddie put down the microphone and turned to look at his friends. They were all so talented he was sure when they hit London they would succeed but right now that wasn't the aim.

Roger twirled a drumstick and waited. He loved drumming but always felt as if he was out of any conversation unless he made himself obvious. He looked over at John who was tapping his foot to some music in his head. He willed the bassist to turn and look at him and sure enough if he did. Roger smiled and put his head back. He couldn't bare the thought of not seeing his boyfriend every day. This plan had to work. That his parents would see how close he was to his friends. That they had something going. That to leave them would totally mess up his life. 

"Okay?' John was suddenly beside him. He could see the look in his friend's eyes and he leaned over to talk to him. he couldn't touch him. Brian and Freddie would notice something. 

"Yeah. Just thinking." Roger smiled but the smile didn't reach his eyes. He was fighting depression and even though what they had planned could very well work there was something inside him that felt alone and helpless.

"See you tonight."  John said firmly and turned around as Freddie was starting a new number.

 

Roger had fallen asleep that night with a book and only woke up when he heard a noise at his window. He opened it to see John about to throw another small handful of pebbles at the window. He ran lightly down the stairs. Everyone was asleep and the house was dark when he reached the back door. John was waiting for him but rather than going down to the beach Roger pilled his boyfriend inside the house.

"Is this okay?" John felt a bit doubtful but Roger took him by the hand and led him up the dark stairs to his room. 

"Stay with me?" Roger locked the door and turning, felt John's arms wrap around him.

"Always." John whispered. "Always.'

 

Notes:

Please spur me on by leaving a comment if you like this.
xx