The Loser in the End--The Sequel

Punctual Brian

Freddie still hadn't had that talk with Roger. Partly because he didn't quite know how to bring it up, and partly because Roger was so excited about a new song he was working on, and Freddie didn't want to upset him when he was on a roll.   Freddie didn't really like the kind of songs Roger wrote, but he knew he had to let Roger have at least one song on the album in order to keep him happy. Freddie had to do what he had to do just to keep the peace. It was just easier to give-in than to argue with the drummer.  And so, Freddie decided he would keep his feelings to himself--at least for now. And he would limit the contact he had with Roger as much as possible if he could.

When Roger got to the studio Monday afternoon, he found Freddie to be in a foul mood. In fact, he'd been moody since that night they'd spent together, but Roger just shrugged it off. Whatever was bothering Freddie, Roger was sure he'd get over it. He always did.

Freddie's heart fluttered as he watched Roger tuning his drum kit. Freddie had recognized what an amazing drummer he was even when Roger was still in Smile.  Freddie wanted a drummer like that for his own band.  That's why he stalked Smile and tried to go to all their gigs. Well, that wasn't the only reason, Freddie smiled to himself.  Little did Roger know...

Now all these years later, Freddie still had feelings for the blond. But he'd grown resentful of the way Roger had been treating him lately.  It was as though Roger expected nothing to change between them now that he was engaged.  You see, Roger was taking advantage of his love and his kindness, and it was wearing Freddie down.  The little brat wanted to have his cake and eat it, too.  He thought he'd been dealing with the fact Roger was getting married really well. But now visions from the other night of Roger's pale skin  on his satin sheets made him not so sure.  He couldn't keep being intimate with Roger without emotional involvement.  No, he cared too much for him to do that.  He had to somehow extricate himself from this situation before it turned him bitter.

"Freddie..." Roger's voice interrupted Freddie's thoughts.  "We've been at this for hours, and Brian's already rushed out, so let's call it a night and go get some dinner."

Before he knew it, Freddie agreed.  He was supposed to be limiting his time with Roger, and now he'd gone and said yes to having dinner with him.

"What's wrong with me?" Freddie asked himself.  "Why do I keep setting myself up for more pain?"

It was proving more difficult than he thought it would be to say no to Roger.  Ultimately, he really enjoyed his company.  He was still the closest person to him, and he longed for his companionship.  The sex was just a perk...

********************************************************************************************

After work that night, you went home to get ready for your date with Brian.  No, you told yourself, it's not a date, it's just dinner, nothing more.  You looked through your closet for something to wear, and chose a black halter dress.  You selected your highest heels, and unlike with Andy, you didn't have to worry  about being taller than your date.  You  hoped it wasn't too sexy, as you didn't want to send him the wrong message.  But you wanted to wear something nice, since Brian would be taking you to an expensive restaurant.

At exactly 7:30, your doorbell rang.  Of course, Brian was punctual.  You opened the door, and his eyes swept over you in approval.  Immediately, you regretted wearing a dress with such a low-cut neckline, as his eyes rested on your cleavage.

"You just keep getting more beautiful, don't you," he remarked, offering his arm as you went down to his waiting limo.

Despite yourself, you secretly enjoyed his compliments.  He really could be very charming when he wanted to be, you thought.  But you had to remind yourself that he could also be incredibly harsh and judgmental.  You would have to keep your guard up...