#deazzelloweek2020

 The streets of Manhattan were quite agitated that day, so he decided carry on his walk in Central Park. It was still a bit cold but the fresh air and the surrounding trees would only do good to him. And to his current mood. This was what he really loved about Big Apple. The fact one could find anything there. A little world inside the world as he liked to say. A melting pot, where you could find anything you needed, at any time, the City that never sleeps, with big spots like Time Square, but also a more peaceful side, with natural places such as Central Parc obviously. Joe also thought about Roosevelt Island, where he loved to seat in from of the skyline of Manhattan. He thought about getting back there really soon, this was also such a really nice place.

 He carried on walking a little and spotted a bench where he planned to sit and merely look around, enjoying the quietness of the moment. The lake facing him was peaceful and the ducks were happily putting their heads under the water and cleaning their feathers. Joe noticed a man was taking pictures. His camera seemed quite big, maybe he was a professional or something. It was not rare to see people immortalize such cute scenes.

 Joe was still staring at the man when he frowned a little. In fact, it was a little weird. The man seemed quite young, maybe around his own age. He had long wavy hair and was wearing a mere vest and blue jeans, but also platform boots. Joe was not someone to judge, anyone, especially in New York City, could put on the clothes they wished to wear. But the fact was the man seemed to be out of time.

 Joe was naturally very curious and could not help but stand up and come closer to the mysterious man, pretending he was carrying on his walk. The man looked at him and smiled as he got closer to him.

 “These ducks are cute.”, the long haired man suddenly said, still smiling.

 “They are yes.”, Joe replied as he stood next to the man, looking at the ducks as well.

 “I’m sorry. I’m usually quite shy, but I thought I might start the conversation....”, the man carried on, looking at his feet.

 “It’s okay, don’t worry. Egh.... Is everything okay?”, Joe awkwardly asked.

 “Not really.”, the man almost apologized. “I would like to ask you something but you’re going to make fun of me, I’m quite sure of it....”, the man affirmed.

 “Well, go ahead, and we will see.”, Joe tried to reassure him.

 “What year is it?”

 “What year?”, Joe repeated, quite puzzled.

 “Yes, I know this is weird, but I would like to be sure.”

 “Well, we are in 2008, as far as I know.”, Joe tried to joke a little.

 “2008!”, the man repeated, incredulous. This time he looked at Joe directly in the eyes and the latter could see the man was not faking, nor did he seem to be out of his mind. He merely looked puzzled, maybe a bit worried and anxious. Joe could see he was thinking, trying to figure something out.

 “Is everything okay, mate?”, Joe questioned him, because he had been silent for a good whole minute, lost in his thoughts.

 “Not really.”, the man said no with his face. “I have no idea what I’m doing here.”. The wind blew a little and the man shivered.

 “I’m Joe. Joe Mazzello. The kid from Jurassic Parc.”, Joe tried again to appease the atmosphere.

 “I have no idea what this means, but Joe it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m John Deacon, bassist for the band Queen.”

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 The electrical kettle stopped by itself with a little ‘ding’, letting Joe know the water was boiling. John was sited at the kitchen table, looking at all the electronic things surrounding him. As he had studied electrical engineering, all of this was fascinating to him. Joe served tea, and sat in front on him, trying to remain calm. He had no idea why but he had merely followed his instinct and had asked the man if he wanted to come to his apartment to talk a little more. It sounded crazy, as the stranger could be a very dangerous serial killer, but Joe could feel in his guts the man needed help. It was as if destiny had put him on his path that very day.

 “So. Tell me again what had happened. I’m not sure I understood.”, Joe asked. The man took a sip of tea and licked his lips.

 “Hum, this is good, thank you.”, he started to say, putting his cup on the table. “Yesterday, I was in Japan with my band, Queen. I’m bassist for the band. And we were visiting before giving our gig. I love Japan. Last time I’ve been there, I did not enjoy fully because my wife was expecting. Our first. I was nervous, but I tried to take as many pictures as I could for them to see.”, John carried on, showing his camera.

 “Yeah, yeah. Facts, please. You’re a member of Queen and you come from Japan.”

 “That’s right, I’m John Richard Deacon, and I was born on August 19th, 1951. I’m bassist from Queen. Yesterday, it was 1976 and I was in Japan. Today, it’s 2008, I’m in New York City it seems, and I have no clue what is going on.”, John tried to be clear.

 Joe looked at him and sighed as he passed his hands in his hair. How could this man in front of him pretend he had been travelling in time. And how could he be sure he was indeed the man he was saying he was? Joe looked around him, thinking as John was quietly sipping his tea.

 “Stay here, just one minute. I’m coming back in a moment.”, Joe warned him as he stood up to go in the living room and John nodded.

 His computer was on and the internet was working. This would be the easiest way to find out the truth. Joe quickly opened a random browser and searched ‘Queen’. Several picture of the group appeared but he tried to focus on the band members he actually did not know. Freddie Mercury was the one with the moustache, obviously. According to the legend of the picture, the curly haired man was Brian  May, the guitarist. The blond, and quite handsome, Joe had to admit, was the drummer. Last name. John Deacon, bassist for Queen. Yet, the picture’s date was from the mid 80’s it seemed. The long haired man in his kitchen looked nothing like the permed one on the picture he had opened. Joe remembered what John had told him. ‘Yesterday was 1976 in Japan.’ So he opened a new page and searched more precisely : ‘John Deacon, 1976.’ The images started to show and Joe understood he did not have to search more precisely with the word ‘Japan’. The picture in the browser were clear enough. The man in his kitchen was indeed John Richard Deacon, but from 1976. This was a total nonsense.

 “Oh, is this a computer?”, Joe heard him say behind him, making him startle. “I’ve studied electrical engineering, this looks interesting.”, he carried on as he came closer.

 Joe was obviously no Queen expert but he was aware lead singer Freddie Mercury had died in the early 1990’s. John should not know this information. Thus, Joe decided to close all the windows and turned to him, anxiously smiling.  

 “Yes this is a computer, but it would be too long to explain how it actually works. So.... I have no idea how this had happened, but you’re John Deacon. No doubt about it. And you look like you’re coming from the 70’s.”, Joe tried to summarize.

 “1976.”, John specified.

 “Yeah, 1976.”, Joe repeated, trying to remain calm. “This must be a dream.... Some kind of fantasy.”

 “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?”, John tried to appease the atmosphere, even if deep inside he was certainly as scared as his host.

 “What?”

 “These are from Bohemian Rhapsody. From our album a Night at the Opera.”, the bassist precised. “Seems our song did not became a hit after all....”, he sighed.

 “Well. I guess I can’t really tell you this kind of information, can I? It would modify some things about your future. About the future at all I guess.”, Joe shrugged.

 “You must be right. But I still can’t understand why I’m here. I mean, there must be some reason....”, John pointed out.

 Joe looked at him, not knowing what to say. Yes, he had agreed to help him, but he was not magician nor some psychic. How could he know why John had ended up here and there? He remained silent, completely lost in his thoughts.

 “Erh.... I don’t know, are we related or something?”, John asked.

 “What? No, of course not !!”, Joe hastily replied, but immediately regretted talking to the bassist this way. He was certainly as lost as he was at this very moment. “I mean, I don’t think so....”, he carried, almost apologizing. “Sorry, it’s just this situation is very unlikely and I’m a bit nervous.”

 “And I’m totally terrified.”, John very surprisingly very calmly said. “My wife and my kid are in England, I guess. I was already stressed to let them alone. Now, I’m in God knows what future, stuck with someone I don’t even know, with no idea on how to go back.”, he said,  his voice trembling a little this time.

 “You seem really young to have a kid.”, Joe tried to make him speak about his family, hoping it would calm him down a little. Well, he was hoping to think about something else as well.

 “I’m 25.”, John replied, sitting on the couch.

 Joe frowned. “I’m 25 too.”, he pointed out. “Maybe this is our first clue.”, he came to sit next to him. “Keep talking to me about you, John, about your family, about Queen, about Japan. Maybe I’ll think of something.”

 John raised his eyebrow but nodded. He explained his life to Joe, who tried to engrave the elements the bassist was giving him, hoping this messy puzzle would become a clear image in his mind. Yet, the musician was talking and talking, tenderly when it was about his wife and his son, passionately about Queen and his music, inspired about Japan. Joe was not particularly fond of rock and roll and the band’s music, even if he knew some of their biggest hits, but it was a real pleasure to listen to John. His nosy voice and his British accent, the way he was standing on the couch, shyly smiling while talking, Joe could not help but have a good feeling about him. And eventually, dream or not, he was glad this was happening to him, even if he still had no clue on how and why this had occurred.

 At the end of the afternoon, John stomach started to make strong noises and Joe realized he had not even offered him something to eat. He stood up and phoned the Japanese restaurant at the corner of the street to be delivered some specialties from the country of the rising sun. Very soon, a man rang at the door and the food was served on the coffee table in front of the couch.

 John was delighted. He really loved Japan and to have food delivered was some kind of a science fiction movie to him, but again, he tried not to think about it. Inside the boxes was a tiny origami bird. He handed it to John.

 “I know it does not come directly from Japan, but maybe Robert will love it.”, he shrugged.

 “This is very thoughtful, thank you.”, John replied as he took it and put in inside the note book he always had with him. “I’m sure he will love it, when he will be older.”

 “Yeah, sure.”, the actor carried on, awkwardly passing his hand in his hair. “I’m sorry, John, really.”

 “Sorry? Why?”, John asked.

 “Sorry about all of this. I mean, you’re here and I don’t even know what to do. Maybe we will find something tomorrow, after we’ve slept a little. The day has been quite long and full of emotions.”, Joe stated.

 “Sounds like a plan to me.”, John agreed.

 Joe stood up to tidy up the dishes and the bassist followed him to help. Back in the kitchen, John looked around him again. All of this was so weird, all those machines, he wondered how they worked. Joe was loading his dishwasher and John smiled. Around his neck, his camera was still hanging. He looked at it and noticed there was one slot left before the end of the roll. He tried to place himself properly, holding the camera before him, trying to have Joe in his shot.

 “Joe?”, he asked.

 “Yup”, the other replied and suddenly closed his eyes because of the flash. He heard the roll make a weird noise inside the camera.

 “It was the last one.”, John said, looking at his camera. “I hope it will be nice.”

 Again, Joe did not know what to reply. They headed back to the living room, where the actor gave the musician extra sheets for him to sleep, or at least try, on the couch.

 “I will be in my bedroom. Just call me if there is anything wrong or if you need anything.”, Joe told him, trying not to yawn.

 “I will. Thank you, Joe. I would certainly still be totally lost without you.”, John replied.

 “Ah, don’t you worry. We will think of something tomorrow, for sure.”, he said, as they both went to bed.

 The following morning, when Joe opened his eyes, he had almost forgotten the stranger was still in his living room. He quickly got dressed and headed to the corridor, ready to face this new day and ready to find a solution for John. Yet, when he entered the room, it was all quiet. The sheets were still on the couch, but the musician was nowhere to be found. Joe called him and search his apartment but the man had merely vanished. Joe came back to sit in front the coffee table where they had diner the previous night. The situation was getting even weirder. John would certainly not have gone without a word. Or maybe he had not been given the choice? Or maybe it had all happened in his mind?

 Joe noticed another origami on the table, slightly bigger than the one he had found in one of the food boxes. He took it and laughed a little. The animal looked like an dinosaure, or maybe some creature like Godzilla. At the bottom, in a tiny handwriting was noted ‘Something to remember me by’.

 Maybe it had not all happened in his mind after all.

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 London, 2018.

 Joe Mazzello was hanging around in the set of the movie Bohemian Rhapsody. He had been picked to portray the bassist from Queen in the biopic about lead singer Freddie Mercury. In fact, the actor had been really convincing during the auditions. His knowledge about Queen and more precisely about John Deacon had really impressed.

 Joe had never mentioned it, but it had not been necessary for him to look up for much information about the bassist on the Internet. John and him had had a very long afternoon chatting together. Yet, the actor, still fearing he had dreamed it all, had never tried to get in touch with the musician. And he knew he was now retired, only willing to have a peaceful life with his family.

 Yet, Joe could not help but ask Brian May and Roger Taylor, quite active on the set, if John was going to appear at some point. The answer was always the same though. And the end of the filming was getting closer and closer. But Joe understood it. He was aware losing his dad when a teen and losing his best friend because of Aids had certainly been very hard situations to handle.

 Eventually, this was it. This was the end of the filming. Joe perfectly knew this feeling. He had been acting since forever it seemed. But with Bohemian Rhapsody, it was different. He now had the feeling he could really understand what they meant when they say ‘we are a family’ in the movie. He felt this way with his now friends but also co-stars. Rami, Lucy, Gwilym and of course Ben. All of them had become really close. Joe knew actors usually parted at the end of a filming, the feeling of sadness fading after a while, people checking on each other less and less regularly after a few weeks, but he knew this time, it was different. Joe could not explain it, but he knew those people were now real friends.

 On the very last day, as they were all together having a nice time, merely snacking and randomly talking, Brian came closer to Joe and handed him an envelope. Joe frowned a little but a smile appeared on his lips when the guitarist whispered in his ear :

 “This is from Deaky.”

 Joe hastily opened the envelope and unfolded the letter to read it at once.

 ‘Dear Joe,

 I’ve been thinking about this letter for quite a while, I must admit. But what would I say? How could I start? How?

 We both were 25 when we first met. I, too, thought I was completely mad when I woke up in a hotel room bed in Japan, back in 1976. But a few days later, I understood it was not the case at all.

 First, when I opened my note book, I found a little origami bird. This was your present for my son, Robert. I think he still has it. It was a gift from you, a friend who lend me a hand when I was lost.

 Second, the last slot from my roll. What was my surprise when I looked at all the pictures I had taken. All wonderful memories from Japan, its superbe nature, its typical buildings, the people I had met, the traditions I had tried to immortalize, but also ducks in a park. And you. You and I. In your kitchen, back (or forwards? I’m not even sure myself) in 2008. 10 years ago for us now.

 I think I know now why something happened that day. You and I were meant to meet. Destiny had decided to take my best friend way too soon, but when Bri and Rog told me about the movie, I thought of you at once. The kid from Jurassic Park. Back then, when we were in Central Park, it had made no sense for me. But when the movie came out in theaters I recognized you of course. And when my band mates came to me to speak about the actors who could portray my person, this was the expression I used, because I wanted no one else but you, kid. And they perfectly knew why, as I told them our very story a long time ago.

 Today, I’ve found my balance with my family and my retirement. Bri and Rog perfectly understand it, and I hope you do too, this is why I won’t come on the set. But I’m sure you and your partners have made an excellent work and that Queen’s music still has many years of success ahead.

 I hope nothing but the best for you, kid. And maybe we will meet again, who knows?

 Friendly yours,

 JR Deacon

 PS : I’ve left something in the envelope, just in case you would need some evidence of our meeting.’

 Joe finished reading and laughed. He looked more carefully in the envelop and something fell on the floor. He took it back and tears came to his eyes. This was the very last picture John had taken with this very roll in 2008. Joe and him were in his New York City’s kitchen, right after he had finished loaded the dishwasher. The two young men were clearly visible on the picture.

 “Oh my gosh.”, he eventually said.

 “What it is, buddy?”, Ben asked, a little concerned by the several emotions Joe had been showing.

 “This is quite a long and strange story, to be honest.”, Joe started to say.

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Next to John's house, will have some new neighbors soon. They're a family from USA. The man and his wife were planning to open a dance studio in UK, after the success of their ones in USA. They thought that Europe would be a great new horizon to explore. With the couple came one of their offspring, the young Joseph. He was just 21 years old and he helped to their parents in the studio, also he was trying to have an acting career. He had straight red hair, green eyes and a wide smile in his face. He wasn't so tall, but he was thin.  He could be the funniest one but also the most serious man when it's necessary.

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Was a strangely sunny Saturday in the south of London when the move truck came near to his house. Just for mere curiosity, was to see through his porch. Meanwhile he was smoking a cigarette, with the another hand in his pocket and watching all, came mister Joseph to greet him.

"Oh hello sir. I'm Joseph and we came with our family to live for a while in London" he greeted him, extending his left hand through the railings.

"I'm John. Nice to meet you sir" replied him shaking hands.

After a couple of minutes where the men were talking, the young Joseph came there and he exclaimed so happy "HI MISTER IM JOE!"

His happiness was contagious for John, he smiled, even laughed a little. Joseph was upset.

"Hi Joe, I'm John", he responded with a wide smile.

After that, recognized who were him. That eye crackling was special. That soothing voice too.

"DAD YOU KNOW WHO IS HE?!?! HE'S A ROCK STAR!"

John laughed, half being nice and half uncomfortable.

His father saw to his son pretty upset.

"Joseph, I know who is him! Now, go and help to the movers. Surely will have opportunity to you to chat with him… of course if he wants" ended watching to the bassist.

"Of course, one day you and your family can come for tea time!" he said kindly.

Ronnie was watching the scene and decided to approach to it.

She exclaimed "oh, you're the new neighbors. I'm Veronica, but you can call me Ronnie".

Joseph shaked hand with the mistress just smiling politely. When was Joe's turn, he said "nice to meet you Ronnie. I'm Joe! Oh, lemme tell ya, you're pretty!"

Ronnie blushed a little for the unexpected compliment.

Ending the hand shake, she added "you're so sweet Joe!" Watching to John, she said "we should invite to this men and the rest of their family one day!". Her husband nodded and she, watching to the another men, told "tomorrow at 5 o'clock suits fine to you?"

The American men nodded, Joe pretty excitedly. He loved to meet new people, and more if it's one of his music idols. 

When the Mazzello men came back to the move, Joe exclaimed "Dad why you didn't told me that we would be deaky's neighbors?!"

Joseph watched to his son very serious.

"Joe, really you ask that? You acted like a fan! That man it's also a person, he deserves more respect!"

Joe stayed in silence.

His father continued talking.

"Tomorrow, behave please. Act like an adult."

"If act like an adult it's always being boring, I prefer to be a teen forever!" said Joe pissed.

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After a long day, Joe could rest in his room. He puts his old Queen posters and one of John closer to his bed. He wanted to be in that tea thing, but more for the man that will be the host. That 40-ish old man, with white-ish hair and simple clothes still make things to him. Perhaps more than when he discovered that pics with the white jumpsuit. That pics with the I want to break free video and song were his sexual awake. He recognized that he wasn't a straight boy. 

"I really want to hug him at least… feel that arms around me would make me happy" he thought , watching to the roof. A deep sigh escaped of him. A wide smile in his face.

Imagining romantic scenarios with that man made him sleep deeply, despite the remaining jet lag. 

John was trying to sleep and that redhead boy came to his mind. "Deaks, not that again… you love your family. Indeed you have a son that's near to the age of that guy. Don't be impulsive. What would happen if that guy it's straight or he just was nice? Try to sleep please" he was thinking. He was having an internal debate and that was noticeable to the outside. Ronnie noticed that.

"John, are you okay?"

He couldn't be fully sincere, so he lied partially.

"I think that was pretty impulsive to let to that people come to our house… Isn't my style"

She watched to him "relax John, was so nice from you. Plus they look like a kind people".

John, trying to be funny, said "oh that's why the guy told a compliment to you, when you looks like a living disaster…" and smiled.

Ronnie didn't liked that joke and when she was about to respond, Cameron started to cry in the next room.

"Cam saved you this time John".

And he was alone with his own thoughts. 

"Better of that way…" he thought meanwhile his wife was to lull to their baby.

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Sunday Afternoon came and no one was lazing. Ronnie and John, meanwhile preparing the things for the tea time and care of their youngest children. Elder ones, were pissed for the visit. Except Laura. "A boy in the house that aren't my brothers, I hope that he looks cute" thought smiling the girl, meanwhile she was doing her outfit.

Her mom saw her and told to the girl "Laura, the guy haves like 20 years and you're only 14…"

"Don't care mum. Perhaps in some years we can be together…"

"Laura, you didn't saw him and you're already planning that kind of things… real life isn't like the movies"

"I SAID DON'T CARE MUM! LET ME BE HAPPY. YOU BETTER GO AND TAKE CARE OF LUKE AND CAM!" screamed the girl, really pissed.

"Behave Laura. You can't talk to me like that! One more of that and you will not have your new walkman to your next birthday!" and the woman was downstairs.

The little girl didn't suspected that also her father was interested in that guy. That chance never passed for her mind. Like her mom said, real life isn't like the movies shows. And was about to witness that, without knowing.

The Mazzellos were preparing their outfits. Joe one was a beautiful black shirt, denim jeans, white sneakers and wearing his favorite parfum. His mother saw him and told "Joey, why that parfum? That one it's for special occasions" 

"Mom, we will have tea time with him, that isn't enough reason?"

His mom smiled.

"Haha, I forgot how much you love that band and that man… as a musician of course. I hope you don't misunderstood me!" and leave to her son alone.

Meanwhile, he was putting in practice his acting lessons to rehearsal how to say his feelings to that man. His mirror was the witness. And he forgot the door slightly open...

His dad caught him saying "I really love you since a lot of time…" to the mirror and he hawked to make notorious his presence.

"Joe, practice your script for the audition in the night, now it's time for the tea with the neighbors".

"Yeah, script… was the script of my own life that I was practicing" thought the boy.

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The moment came. The tea time was there. 

Both families around the table of the living room, starting to have a nice time. Robert, Michael and Joshua were pretty upset. Laura was happy. "That guy looks so beautiful. It's so cute!" she thought meanwhile she greeted him. Same thing was thinking her dad…

In some moment of the tea time, Joe asked for the bathroom. Ronnie pointed the guest bathroom. Moments later, John get up of the couch with the excuse to bring more muffins.

Meanwhile Joe was going to the living, saw John in the kitchen. "It's now or never Joey" thought.

The redhead was in John's direction. 

"Mister… can I ask you something?"

Leaving the tray with muffins, John said "go ahead man" and smiled. That sweet smile that Joe always loved.

Joe blushed a little.

"Can I hug you?"

John was surprised for that question. But also kinda happy.

"Of course" and he extended his arms.

Both hugged. Joe embraced to the old man tight.

And remembering his acting classes to cover his fear, he whispered something to the ear of the man. "I like you. But not like a musician. Thank you for I want to break free, because I knew what really I want… a man like you".

John had his answer. And responded, kinda nervous, in Joe's ear "you're a cute boy. I wanna know you more".

They left the embrace and watched to the another one smiling. When Joey was about to give a kiss in the cheek of John, Laura came to the kitchen.

"What the fuck?!"

"I was about to hug your dad! He's my idol, y'know" Joe replied, winking an eye to the girl.

"Oh sorry!" she exclaimed, blushing a little. And watching now to her dad, she continued "Mum sent to me because you were delaying a lot, dad!".

The men had another hug, but this one was less tighter.

The three were going to the living. Laura in front of them. John watched mischievously to Joe for a moment and made that smirk. 

The three already in the living again. The men pretending like nothing unusual happened. But both of them knew that their lives changed since that moment. And they were prepared to live something that they really wanted…

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Guys, I hope that you like this!!! Reblogs are highly appreciated!!!

John's fear that people might recognise him and ask for selfies and autographs was soon wiped away by Joe. He assured him no one would even notice he's here because New York is such a big city. It would just be the two of them having some fun on the other side of the ocean. Joe's answer to the question why he'd organised this trip was always the same: "We need to get out and enjoy ourselves once in a while!" Yet, he'd been acting a bit weird around him lately, but John figured maybe that was the nervousness because he was going to introduce his long term boyfriend to his family for the first time in person. And honestly, he couldn't blame him. He wasn't scared of meeting them, but most definitely nervous if he'd make a good impression.

The majority of the flight, they were sleeping because they'd had to get up pretty early to catch the plane in time, but when they were awake, Joe told him about all the things they could do once they arrived. Walking around the Central Park, seeing the Statue of Liberty, seeing a Broadway musical, having fun on Coney Island, visiting the American Museum of Natural History as well as the many other museums there - typical tourist things basically. And of course, they'd visit Joe's family on their second day in New York. But that was only the plan for the first half of their vacation, the other half he didn't want to tell John yet. He seemed to have some surprises planned.

When the couple checked into the hotel, they were stunned by their suite, but John even more so than Joe, who stayed a few steps behind his boyfriend, a satisfied smile on his face as he watched the older man's reaction. He loved this room, yet he felt a little guilty because he knew this trip wasn't cheap at all and it came quite unexpectedly, so he didn't get to get him a 'proper' present to make up for it. In fact, it was fucking expensive, but Joe couldn't care less about the price; they more than deserved to get away and relax - well, if you could even talk about relaxing in a city like this. But away from all the work and their rather monotonous everyday life.

"Do you like it?" Joe asked, knowing the answer was obvious.

"What a question…" John turned and walked over to him, pecking his lips. "Thank you so much! I love it!"

The younger man smiled and kissed him back. "Always."

After they'd parked their luggage in their suite, they decided to spend the rest of the day strolling around Brooklyn, eating at one of Joe's favorite restaurants and taking cliché 'couple on vacation' selfies at popular spots like Prospect Park or the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. It was hilarious how Joe, an actual New Yorker, was the one to insist on playing tourists and convinced John to roll along with it. At some point he even started talking with a primitive Italian accent, but that was a tad bit too much. While they'd thought the pictures would look terribly fake - which was the point -, most of them actually turned out pretty cute. They looked like those WeHeartIt couples, but aside from that, the photos were good enough to be printed out once they got home.

As their tourist mission for day one came to an end, they spent the evening in Brooklyn Bridge Park, eating ice cream at Ample Hills. Joe sneakily took photos of John looking outside to watch the sunset over Brooklyn Bridge. After a while he noticed and he knew Joe was going to make jokes about the melted ice cream dripping down his chin, but he didn't really care. At some point there would be sexual jokes anyway and apparently this moment was worth capturing, so he let him do his thing. Besides, Joe's photos rarely looked anything else than good, no matter the motive.

The next day the couple continued to play tourists, but this time in Manhattan. They tried to get pictures in front of as many famous sights as they could, but it was quite difficult because there isn't a 'tourist season' in New York, there are thousands of visitors every day of the year. Actually enjoying the visits never came too short, though. It had been quite a long time since the older man's last trip to America and he hadn't been aware of how much he'd loved being here on tour.

Even though John himself wasn't that much into musical theatre, he took Joe to a matinee performance of Wicked. Seeing something on Broadway was just something you must do when you go there and since Joe was into musicals, he'd thought about a week ago he should probably book tickets. John had known the songs and what the show was about, but he hadn't been sure if he'd enjoy three hours of it, but afterwards he had to admit to himself that it wasn't as bad as he'd thought it would be. Maybe having Joe listen to lots of showtunes in the car paid off. Still, he liked his boyfriend's rendition of Defying Gravity better.

Soon it was time for them to meet Joe's family for dinner, but to calm John's nerves, they took a short walk in Central Park. "It's not going to be that bad, John," the younger man promised, intertwining his fingers with John's.

He sighed and lightly squeezed his hand. "I know, I'm just really nervous if they'll…" He cut himself off, deciding to stop before he'd say too much.

"Like you? You know they've all loved you from the beginning." Joe smiled at the memory of his mom getting all excited and asking tons of questions when he'd told her about his new boyfriend.

"Yeah. It's something else, I don't know." He knew exactly what it was, but he couldn't tell him.

Joe stopped in his tracks and wrapped his arms around John's torso, looking into his eyes. "It'll be fine, love. There's nothing to worry about, okay? They know you, they love you. You literally belong to the family already."

He pecked his lips before pulling away and taking his camera out, holding it up with a grin. "Romantic Central Park selfie!"

They sat on the nearest bench and John put his arm around his boyfriend, resting his hand on his shoulder as Joe pressed his cheek against John's and snapped a picture, huge smiles on their faces.

Joe was right. His family absolutely adored John. He almost forgot this was their first meeting because he got such a warm welcome and he felt so at ease when talking to the family members. Joe's nephews and nieces were really cute and they could barely hide their excitement when the couple stepped into the corridor. Without even knowing him properly, they ran towards the older man as if he was a beloved relative they hadn't seen for a long time. He felt surprisingly comfortable that evening and he found he hadn't had to think about what to say hours beforehand. He was able to just talk to them without feeling insecure about every single word.

There was one thing he was still nervous about, though. After dinner, he helped Joe's mother clear the table and wash the dishes, thanking her for getting to know them personally and being welcomed into the family before he brought up the subject he'd been thinking so much about all day. "You know I really, really love your son."

"I know." She smiled at him, drying off her hands.

"And I-" He lowered his voice a little, biting his bottom lip. "I hope to spend the rest of my life with him. I'm planning on proposing to him this week and I would be honoured to have your blessing."

Although the answer seemed self-evident, he got a bit anxious. What if she'd tell him to wait longer? If she only knew he had already waited longer...

"Of course, John!" she half-exclaimed, trying her best to keep her voice down. She pulled him into a tight hug. "I'm so happy Joe has found someone like you. He hasn't been lucky when it comes to love, actually…"

John gladly returned the embrace, visibly relieved that there really was no reason to be worried.

Back in their hotel late at night, the couple stood on the balcony, looking down at the city's lights in silence. "Why exactly did you want to go here with me?" Really, he was curious. Feeling like they had to unwind was one thing, but a wellness weekend or something like that would have done the job too, right? There had to be a deeper meaning behind it.

Joe smiled wordlessly before walking back into their room and returning barely a minute later with two glasses of champagne, handing one to his lover. "You're the best thing in my life," he said, clinking glasses with John. "Cheers."

As John took the first sip, he noticed something at the bottom of his flute. It was shiny and silver and round. Oh. "I don't know if it's too early, but…" Joe frowned a bit at him swallowing. "I can still return it, I kept the receipt."

"I-I wanted to…" John put the glass on the round glass table and rushed into the room, leaving his boyfriend anxiously waiting for him before he came back with a small red box, smiling awkwardly as he got down on his knees. "I was going to ask you too…"

He opened the box, revealing a broad silver ring, similar to the one in the champagne flute, except the one he'd bought for Joe had a rib at the center.

"Oh my God," the ginger laughed. "I thought you were going to say no when you just left!"

"Does this look like a damn no to you?" John grinned and Joe pulled him up, kissing him deeply.

 Dear Diary,

 Monday today. A brand new week. A brand new start. At last, I can escape and go away. One week of vacation. So short and so long at once. I can’t wait to feel the air in my hair, the sun on my cheeks, the sea spray on my skin. Escaping from the responsibilities, from the dramas, from the tears and from the routine. This is really just what I’m needing right now. One week. Starting now.

 JRD.

  Tuesday I saw him down on the beach I stood and watched a while And he looked and smiled at me

 Dear Diary,

 Day two of my holidays. As I’d planned it, I went to the beach. The sand was hot and the sea was fresh. So pleasant. Free at last. I noticed someone. Young, red headed, wonderful hazel eyes. Young. Too young? Should I care? He was so beautiful. Maybe it was just my imagination, but I think he glanced at me once or twice. Was it real life? Was it just fantasie? All I can think about now is this flawless skin, looking so soft under the sun, this juvenile smile, making me feel younger myself. I hope I can see him again. My heart feels alive. Again and it’s been so long.

 JRD.

  Wednesday I didn't see him

I hoped that he'd be back tomorrow

 Dear Diary,

 Sadness and loneliness today. The mysterious young man was not there today. I’ve walked all beach long it’d seemed. I’m sure I’d see him if he was there. His blazing and flamboyant hair is not to be missed. Nor is this wonderful smile. My heart already cries at the thought I might never know at least his name. At the thought I might just never see him again. At all.

 JRD.

And then on Thursday My luck had changed He stood there all alone I went and asked his name I never thought that this could happen to me In only seven days It would take a hundred or more For memories to fade

 Dear Diary,

 I’ve seen him again today !! And maybe it was because of the sun burning over my head, or because of the pineapple cocktail I’ve had just before. But I went to talk to him and ask his name. Joseph. But he said I could call him Joe. Joe. Joe. I only have his name on my lips. I’ve not felt so good for years. So free. So in love? Is it even love? Do I still even know what love is?

 JRD.

  I wish Friday would last for ever I held him close to me I couldn't bear to leave him there

 Dear Diary,

 Joe. Joe and I. We’ve spend the whole day together. At the beach, just chatting, laughing, smiling, joking. Feeling good. Feeling happy.  Feeling love. Eventually holding hands. Exchanging a mere hug. And a kiss. Or two. What a wonderful time, what a wonderful day. Why can’t these days last forever?

 JRD.

 Saturday just twenty four hours

 Dear Diary,

 Joe. His name is Joe but for me he is love. I’ve been seeking for this feelings once more for so long. My mouth on his. Our bodies pressed one against the other. Love. Just love. No lust nor horniness nor craving. Love. Just love. And a little bit more of love. His lips, his skin, his hair, his neck, his eyes locking in mine. Breathless caresses and heated kisses. Soft moans and slight pants. Love.

 JRD.

   Oh no I'm going back home on Sunday

Ooh so sad alone

 Dear Diary,

 Sunday. I have to go back. Joe has to go back. Far away. Too far away. Far away from each other. Far away from him. Away from his embrace. Away from his love. Away from our happiness. Away from our love.

 Again sorrow. Again sadness. Again loneliness. Pain. Again.

 The production staff unplugged his bass as he headed towards the corridor, pressing his instrument against his body, making sure not to slam it on the wall as he would come back to his studio. Still on the filming set, Rami, Gwil and Ben exchanged worried glances. Joe was usually really professional, not easily unsettled when a scene would not be happening the way it was supposed to be. But this time, it was different. It was as if, for the first time of his life, he was not up to it.

 Joe slammed the door of his studio behind him and took a deep breath. God, he had been acting since forever, why was it suddenly so hard. He looked at the bass still pressed on his body, as the strap was still around his shoulder. He sat on the couch, sighing again. He put his hand on the string, closing his eyes, trying to focus. After all, he had already played a little bit of guitar before.

 ‘Another one bites the dust’.... Well it seemed today he would be the one biting the dust. He tried to play the riff one more time. On his own, it was supposed to be easier, as there would be no pressure from the other. Yet, he still felt ‘Under Pressure’.

 He stood up to put the bass back on its stand.  He headed towards the coffee table, took the remote and switched the television on. A hard drive was connected so he selected the video file he wanted to see. He started with Queen’s concert in Montreal. The image was really great, allowing him to see the way John Deacon was moving his fingers on his bass.

 “Come on, Deaky. Tell me your secrets. I’m just like Rami on this one. I can’t learn for the master himself. Unlike Ben and Gwil who have Rog and Bri by their sides, we are on our own. Come on, Deaky. Tell me what I’m doing wrong.”

 He looked at the bassist jumping around, all dressed in blue, licking his fingers from time to time. (Why was it so hot, by the way?) Joe really tried to focus on the bassist’s hands, not on his whole body. This was what he was missing right now. The correct finger’s placement. Not his moves. He had been able to do them properly so far. Maybe he was just tired. Or maybe his fingers were too numb that day. Yet, he had read so many things about John and about bass guitars in general. He also had watched many tutorials on the Internet and this very song was supposed to be quite easy to handle, for beginners.

 “Damn it, John.”, Joe cursed as he switched off the television. Maybe a little bit of silence would help. He headed to the small kitchen and quickly prepared food. He hurriedly ate it and went to bed, turning his mobile in flight mode, just to be sure he would not be disturbed.

 “So. You want to know my secrets, then.”, he heard a voice from far away in his sleep.

 “What? Lemme sleep.”, he mumbled.

 “Oh, no. You want to know my secrets, it is now or never.”

 Joe frowned, still his eyes closed. What was going on?

 “Wake up, sleeping beauty. Come on, don’t make me drop cold water over your face....”, he was threatened.

 Joe loudly groaned. He still wanted to sleep but the thought of having his face and the whole bed weted because he was too lazy to open his eyes convinced him.

 “Okay, okay, I’m awake.”, he leaned on the headboard, rubbing his eyes and loudly yawning. He slowly opened his eyes, stretching, looking around to see who had waked him up, since he had not recognized his voice. Staring at the man sitted on the edge of his bed, he had two thoughts. First of all, he should have recognized his voice straight away, since he had been studying it for hours to master it almost perfectly. Second of all, he understood he was still dreaming, since 1981’s John Deacon was smiling at him at this very moment.

 “Okay. I see what’s happening here....”, Joe nodded, still looking at the chimera.

 “And what is happening?”, the man quietly asked.

 “I know I should be more careful when it comes to food, since I’m lactose intolerant.”, Joe very casually replied. “But it seems something went wrong in my stomach since I’m having the weirdest dream of all.”, he nodded.

 “Oh, you think this is a dream?”, John still very gently and quietly asked.

 “Well, there is no other explanation.”, Joe seriously replied.

 “May I?”, John questioned.

 “Sure.”, Joe shrugged. Nothing bad could happen. He was dreaming.

 John’s smile widened a little and he suddenly, even quite violently punched the actor’s right arm.

 “Ouch. What the hell? Why did you do that?”, Joe rubbed his arm, angrily looking at John. (Why was it hurting though?)

 “I asked if I might and you agreed.”, the bassist reminded him.

 “It was not supposed to hurt !!! And I did not really expect you to actually punch me....”, the actor complained.

 “It was just me proving you this is not a dream. Come on, then. Get up, we will figure this out together.”, John said as he stood up to leave the room. (How could someone’s butt look so nice, Joe had no idea.)

 “What are we going to figure out?”, Joe asked as he stretched once more.

 John stopped at the door frame and turned to look at him. His glance was both sweet and powerful at the same time, Joe was a little puzzled.

 “Bass. And music.”, John replied, winking at him.

 Joe raised his eyebrows. Yet, still convinced this was a dream, he shrugged and got out of bed to follow the bassist in the living room.

 John was waiting for him and Joe took time to analyse him, since he was there. Certainly because he had watched Queen’s live in Montreal from 1981 right before going to bed, the bass player was dressed the same way : all in blue, with white sneakers. His hair were a little longer that Joe’s, a slightly waving and almost shining. He was thin and muscled at once. The actor stood there, half asleep, staring at him, as John was taking his bass to hand it to him.

 “Hey, once you’ve stopped undressing me with your eyes and stopped having silly dreams, maybe we could start?”, John told him.

 “Hum.... What?.... You wish....”, Joe replied, shaking his head to clear his thoughts.

 He took the bass and put the strap around his shoulder.

 “You’re holding it on the right side, this is a very good start.”, John tried to appease the atmosphere. “Are you right handed as well?”, he asked and the actor nodded. “Good. Let’s get plugged and here we go....”, he said as he took the cable from the amp to plug it on the bass as well. He asked Joe if he could pull the string one by one a little, while he would set the amp properly.

 “Okay. The sound is now perfect. I see your right fingers are pulling the string correctly.”

 “I’ve played a little bit of guitar, but the strings of a bass guitar are way bigger.”, Joe replied.

 “Oh yes they are. But”, he carried on showing his hands and the tip of his fingers, “after a while, he don’t feel anything anymore.”, he shrugged. “Okay, show me what you are trying to play.”, the bassist encouraged him.

 Joe felt he blushed a little. Why was he so nervous? After all, this was still what he considered to be a dream, even if it felt so real. He took a deep breath and tried to play the riff from ‘Another one bites the dust’. And of course, it was once again a total failure.

 “I’m sorry.”, Joe whispered as he was about to take the strap off his shoulder.

 “What are you doing? I’m not going anywhere as long as you don’t know this riff. Okay?”, John told him quite firmly. Joe was still looking at his feet, a little ashamed and gave silence as an answer. “Okay?”, the bass player repeated, coming closer to him.

 He took Joe’s chin to catch his glance, still sweetly smiling at him.

 “Okay.”, Joe eventually nodded and smiled back at him.

“Good, I’m going to place myself right behind you and show you the moves slowly at first and then we will speed up. You can do it.”

 He came closer to Joe and stood behind him, wrapping his arm around him. Joe loudly swallowed. Why this sensation was so weird and soothing at once?

 John showed him the notes first, on a very slow pace. Then he let Joe try. It was not so bad. Then again and again, until Joe was confident enough to speed up a little. The rhythm and the finger placement were eventually right. John then faced Joe and explained how to end the noise on the strings, to create the riff without interference.

 “Wow, I can’t believe I’ve done it.”, Joe explained after he had eventually succeeded in making the whole song all over again, helped with the music from the television. “You’re incredible, John. Really.”

 “Thank you for the compliment. But I’ve done nothing really. You’ve done it. You were way too stressed. But you’ve eventually allowed the music inside you.”, John casually replied.

 “The music inside me?”, Joe was quite confused.

 “Don’t you feel it? I think the problem was you tried to be me playing music, because this is your role, this is your job. But as a result, you’ve dealt with it the wrong way.”

 “Well, yes this is my job. I must be you.”, Joe frowned.

 “For your job, yes. But not regarding music. You wanted to learn this riff to play it for the scene. So far, placing your hands on the instrument was enough. But as for really playing music, it has to come from you. Music is ubiquitous. Yes music is theory and methodical learning. But it is inside everyone of us. Music is inside you.”

 “I think I understand what you mean.”

 Joe startled when he heard someone knock on his door. As he usually did, Ben came in without invitation.

 “Hey, buddy. Are you okay? I’ve tried to call you....”, the blonde said.

 “Yeah, I’m good. I was training with J....”, he started to say but John was no longer there. He looked around him, still careful holding his bass close to him. “What the hell?”, he asked out loud.

 “Are you sure you’re okay, mate?”, Ben came closer to him and pressed his arm.

 “Ouch....”, Joe complained.

 “Oh don’t be a sissy, I’ve just grazed you.”, the younger man said.

 Joe put his bass on its stand and took his top off. A bruise was starting to appear just at the very place John had pushed him.

 “What the hell?”, Joe asked once again.

 “Joey, I don’t know what’s happening, but the prod staff is waiting for us. Pull yourself together, take your bass and let’s go.”, Ben lead him outside, closing the door behind them.

 Joe was so confused he did not even pay attention to the make up artist working on his face and on his hair, nor did he really realized he had already changed to become John Deacon on the set.

 Yet, when everyone took place in the fake studio, Joe closed his eyes, just one minute and focused.

 ‘The music inside me. The music inside me.’, he repeated to himself to get ready and relax a little. He heard a clap and the scene began. He knew the script very well and got ready to play.

 And the riff came properly, as if his fingers were guided by some mysterious muse. He could feel the rhythm in his guts, he could feel the notes, the pleasurable sensation of his fingers on the strings. After a few takes, everyone was pleased.