The loser in the end- Roger Taylor

Prologue

(1970)

(Roger's POV) 

"Guys, there's something I need to talk to you about..." Tim began as people started leaving the pub we had finished our gig at, and we were about to go home when our lead singer and bassist asked us to wait because there was quote on quote "Something important" he had to let us know about.

"Yeah, what's going on?" Brian asked curiously, raising a brow.

Tim sighed heavily, biting his lip anxiously.

"Well, this is far from the easiest thing to say, but..." 

"Oh it can't be that bad, just go on and say it for bloody sakes!" I urged impatiently as I rolled my eyes, though my knees couldn't help but shake in anticipation for whatever Tim was about to tell us.

"I-I'm leaving the band." Said man blurted, his gaze dropping down to the ground as he awaited our reactions.

We froze at his confession, Brian's look being one of shock and sadness while mine was surprise and anger.

"W-Wait...Y-You're what?" Brian laughed shakily.

"Look, it's got nothing to do with either of you, it's just that-"

"Just what!?" I cut him off with a scowl.

How could he just leave like this!? We've been a band for two years, he can't give up now!

"Come on Roger, we're not going anywhere with this and all three of us know it, we barely have any fans or anyone supporting us and no record label has agreed to sign us." Tim pointed out, running a nervous hand through his hair.

"We're still in the planning stages mate, we can't just give up! And besides, Freddie always comes to all our shows and supports us!" I attempted to reason, crossing my arms.

"Yeah, but that's only one fan and even if we did have more people following us it's not just because of that...I was asked to join another band." Tim admitted quietly, and I could've sworn I heard crickets nearby.

"Oh, you've got to be shitting me! Who is this new, great band then?" I rolled my eyes.

"Humpy bong... they're really going places, they're way farther ahead than we are and I know they're gonna be really big." 

I barely stopped myself from groaning. 'Humpy Bong'. I had never before heard of such a rubbish name for a band, and I was still furious that Tim was going to just up and leave me and Brian!

"Humpy bong!? Are you joking?" I scoffed in disbelief, feeling ready to start pulling out hair.

Brian shook his head, looking at Tim pleadingly.

"Don't do it Tim, it can still work out..." He begged him in a small voice.

Tim exhaled softly, looking at us imploringly.

"I'm sorry guys, I really am...But I've got to give it a go, we had a good run though." He sighed, and with that he left.

Brian and I exchanged a look of fear, hopeless about the future.

"Fuck this fucking shit." I grumbled, slouching down as I lit a cigarette, smoking it in hopes of calming my nerves that were all over the place. 

What would we do now!? We've got no singer, no bassist, nothing! 

"Well he was right, there was room for improvement..." Brian said softly as he sat next to me.

"It was a load of bullocks just as he said, but who cares? I've got better things to do on my Saturday nights, I could give you their names." I said nonchalantly, trying to act like I wasn't dreading what could be the end of me and Brian's dream for fame and music.

Footsteps sounded from near us, and none other than Freddie Bulsara had waltzed over to us with a pursed lip smile on his face.

"That was a wonderful show guys, you were really good!" He chirped enthusiastically.

"Thanks Fred, we appreciate it." Brian said quietly, looking at the ground as if it were as fascinating to him as his studies on the universe.

"Is everything alright? You both look upset." Freddie raised an eyebrow.

"Well no shit!" I snapped, making Freddie stare at me in confusion.

"Tim just quit the band." Brian explained quietly, looking as hopeless as I felt.

"Wait, what!? Why would he do that?" Freddie exclaimed in disbelief.

"Because somehow he thought sodding off to humpy bong would make his future a whole lot brighter." I rolled my eyes bitterly. 

"It's not like he was wrong though, we weren't succeeding at all...there's not much we can do now with no singer or bassist." Brian pointed out, sighing in defeat.

"Now hold on darlings, you can't just break up the band like that! You guys were marvelous! You don't even need Tim anyway, you could just get a new bassist and I can sing for you!" Freddie smiled a bit.

Brian frowned, biting his lip.

"Freddie, it's nothing personal...but I don't think that would work." 

Freddie's face fell at the tall man's words, biting his lip.

"And why not?" He challenged.

"Well, we had everything we thought we needed about ten minutes ago, and now we really don't see a point in continuing." Brian said quietly.

Freddie was silent for a moment, before slowly starting to sing.

"I know what I'm doing...I got a feeling, I should be doing alright..."

I could see the amazement on Brian's face, and I could definitely speak for myself and say that I was stunned by Freddie's voice as well. 

"Doing alright..." Brian and I joined in experimentally, and I had to admit that the harmony created was unlike anything with Tim.

 Freddie wasn't the best singer I ever heard, he sounded a bit like a sheep if I had to be honest, but it was clear he had potential and we'd be idiots to not acknowledge that.

"I was born with four additional incisors. More space in my mouth means more range. I'll consider your offer." He smirked, strutting off.

Brian and I just exchanged a look before the curly haired man called out,

"Do you play bass?" 

"Nope!" Freddie called back and kept walking.

I took a swig of my drink and swallowed, letting what just happened sink in.

"Well this is new." I blinked, Brian nodding.

"Maybe we will be doing alright." He mumbled. 

End of prologue.