I'm with you

c h a p t e r 1

- I saw you standing there, sandy blonde hair, the way it came tumbling down, just like a waterfall -

Brian rushed himself through the studio door, tugging it closed behind him against the strong winds outside, and adjusted the scarf he had wound around his neck. He had expected to be the first one there, as it was still quite early in the morning and the band wasn't required to be there for a few more hours, however he had discovered that the door was already unlocked when he arrived and could hear soft humming coming from down the hallway.

The guitarist moved to walk down the corridor, but his breath hitched as he looked up and caught sight of his bandmate and best friend Roger standing there at the other end, his long sandy blonde hair tumbling down to rest on his shoulders, reminding Brian of a waterfall. And speaking of waterfalls, Rogers eyes were such a vibrant and brilliant blue that no waterfall could ever compete, Brian often wondered whether it would be easier to drown in those eyes than in the actual sea.
"oh, Brian! you're here early, did Freddie not tell you we were meeting at 10?"
"no, no he did. I- I just figured it might be nice to come and do a bit of a warm up, practice before we get busy you know?"
"well that's why I'm here too, to be honest I've been a bit worried about my drumming in a few of the new songs and I didn't want Freddie, or you and John but Fred in particular, to get fed up if I mess it up too many times. You know how he gets sometimes"

The two had made it back into the recording room, Brian stripping off his coat and casting it onto a spare couch before he started to set up his guitar, Roger resuming his spot behind the drum kit with his head slightly hung. Brian could see that this was more than just a little worry for Roger, but he didn't want to pry too much in case he upset the man more.
"I'm actually quite surprised to see you here early, you usually like to sleep in and if anything I'd expect you to be late. But don't worry yourself too much about your playing, we all make mistakes all the time so you can't expect to be perfect, and if Fred gives you a hard time about it I'll give him something else to yell about." Brian chuckled, meeting Roger's eyes with a smile. He could now see the bags resting underneath Roger's eyes and the slight pale, tired sheen painted over his face that only came from a restless night and lack of sleep. "Besides," Brian added, "I really don't think your playing can be too bad for these few songs, I mean it's brilliant, you're brilliant in all our other songs. You're an amazing drummer Rog, I'm sure you'll have them down pat in no time".

Brian realised that he'd been ranting at the drummer, and duly felt a blush creep across his cheeks for admitting how good of a musician he thought Roger was. Not that he thought Roger shouldn't know, no of course he shouldn't doubt his talent and really deserved to be praised for it every day, but Brian thought he was amazing as more than just a musician, and the thought that he could have spilled more of his feelings is what made him feel slightly embarrassed.
"Thanks Bri" Roger murmured, sounding quiet but more reassured than before. Brian was surprised when he snuck a glance over at his bandmate to see that Roger too seemed to be sporting slightly flushed cheeks and a small smirk as he ghosted his drumsticks over the drums and twirled one in his fingers, not looking back over at the other man.

Brian was constantly being taken aback by how beautiful Roger looked, whether he was all dressed up and posing for a photoshoot, shirtless sweaty and wild looking during one of their shows or just as he was now, messing around in the studio wearing his most comfortable clothes and looking sleep deprived and a bit emotional. He couldn't remember when his feelings for Roger had developed into more than just friendship, but he knew it had been a long time and the feelings would probably remain unrequited forever. Of course it hurt a bit, having someone so perfect in your eyes be so close to being yours, like being two planets that are so close but are stuck in their parallel orbits, never given the chance to collide. But whether it was as his friend or something more, Brian was just glad to have Roger in his life.
"uh Bri" Roger piped up, pulling Brian from his thoughts and back into the present. "can we start with Brighton Rock? If you don't mind practicing with me, of course"
"Sure Rog, shall we take it from the top?"