#delectation

Cardinals

You and Brian walked down the street hand in hand, soaking up the beautiful sunshine that the day had to offer. You would blush every time he’d steal a glance at you, and every time you blushed, he’d let out a soft chuckle.

“We’re here!” He announced, walking up the steps to an unfamiliar building.

“This is the studio?” You asked, slightly unsure. He nodded, ducking under the doorframe, and leading you down a poorly lit hall. 

“Yes ma’am.” He chuckled. “S’all we can really afford right now.” He was bashful, and you immediately felt guilty. 

“It’s quant.” You suggested.

“You’re a poor liar.”

“You’re a bad kisser.”

“Am not.”

“Are too.”

“Oh really?”

“Would you two get a room, already?” A blonde hair boy called at you and Brian. Your face went white, and Bri let out a large laugh.

“Fuck off Rog.” He rolled his eyes, pulling you into the recording booth.

“Right, so. Y/N, this is Deaky.” The brown haired boy waved at you. “Freddie.” You got a wicked, toothy grin. “And Roger.” The blonde boy from the hallway winked at you. You blushed. “Rog, Deaky, Fred, this is Y/N.” The boys all greeted you with warm hello’s, shaking your hand, asking if you were indeed the ‘Train Girl.’ The statement causing Brian to blush.

“Lovely to meet you all. I’ve heard heaps and loads about Queen, it’s finally nice to see them in action.” You put on your sweetest smile, hoping it would cover up the nerves that were buried deep within the pit of your stomach. After a few moments, you settled into a chair next to the sound technician, and the boys began to play. You were able to nod along to a few chords, having been familiar with them from Brian. It had only been a month since you had arrived in London, but nearly every day was spent with him. When he wasn’t busy with school or the band. You had found part time work at a local bookstore, which was usually quiet, and you were usually thankful. 

“How are you liking it so far?” John asked you, stepping out of the recording booth for a moment, to fetch a drink.

“It’s amazing!” You beamed. “I especially liked your riff on that last one.” He gave you a genuine smile.

“Brian’s taught you a thing or two about guitar’s, yeah?” You nodded up at him, while he took a long drink.

“He hardly stops playing, but I love it.”

“Think he loves you more than that guitar of his.” John chuckled before returning into the booth. Your stomach formed a large knot, and you felt a little faint. Love? Brian had noticed the uneasy look on your face, but he knew if he’d stopped playing, Freddie would have a proper fit. You composed yourself, aware that his eyes were lingering on you, and returned to the state of moving your head to the music. Although, your mind was elsewhere, entirely. 

“So what did you think?” He asked, leaning down to kiss the top of your head. You smiled up at him.

“Wonderful.” You hummed. Brian flashed you a toothy grin, canines and all, before grabbing a towel to dab the beads of sweat away from his forehead. You followed him to the other side of the lounge area, where the boys had already claimed the couch. You gently took the cloth from his hand, and wiped his head for him. He smiled down at you.

“This is going to be amazing.” He sighed, wrapping his lengthy arms around you. You nodded, continuing to blot down his face and neck. “This is what I need. I feel it, Y/N. Queen is really going to go far. How can it not?” You paused for a moment, pleased to hear how proud Brian was.

“It really is, Bri.” You bit down on your lip, wrapping your own arms around his neck now.

“I hope you’ll be there, every step of the way.” He whispered. You smiled at him, your heart pounding a fierce rhythm. 

“‘Course I will be.” You leaned up and kissed his lips gently.

“Oy! You lot are going to ruin my appetite.” Roger snickered from across you. You giggled against Brian’s lips, before he pecked them again. “‘M serious, we’re going to grab food, you coming?” He called, as the rest of the band stood waiting at the door. Brian raised his brows at you, and you nodded.

The sun was warm, and you embraced it, even through squinted eyes as you left the small building. Brian, clasped his large hand around yours as you trailed behind the boys. You were making your way to a local deli, which John claimed made the best cheese sandwich. 

“You look very pretty today.” Brian said, stopping you on the path. You couldn’t fight back the blush that grew on your cheeks.

“Thank you, Bri.” He smiled at you, before walking towards a bush outside a shop, plucking a white flower from the pot.

“Here, for you, my love.” You playfully rolled your eyes, accepting the small gift.

“Thank you, sweetheart.” You cooed, leaning up to kiss him on the cheek. You continued to walk, again. One hand in Brian’s, the other holding the small flower at your side. 

“Y/N.” He spoke softly. You still walked, slowly behind the others, who were caught up laughing about some bar night.

“Yes?”

“I really do love you.” You looked up at him, and he was staring at you intently, as he walked, nearly bumping into a few pedestrians passing by. You chuckled, lightly, before letting out a deep sigh.

“I love you too.” You said quietly. His brows raised up, and a small grin pulled at his lips. 

“Well that’s a relief.” He let out a laugh, you squeezed his hand tightly as you walked along, before spotting a red cardinal sitting on the fence post outside the Deli Shop.

“Oh look, Bri!” You pointed towards the bird.

“Very lovely, indeed.” He pulled you into his chest, admire the bird himself.

“You know, they say it’s a sign from a loved one.” 

“Really?” He asked, kissing your hair.

“I hope it’s my mum.” You said barely a whisper. Brian’s grip tightened on you. It wasn’t a topic you liked to speak of, and he respected this. 

“I’m certain it is, darling.” He cooed into your ear. The bird took off, at the sound of Freddie’s and Roger’s laughter. You smiled. So did Brian.

“I miss her a lot, you know.”

“I know. You can always talk about her to me. You can talk to me about anything.” He said, sweetly.

“I know.”

“Y/N, you’ll always come first, okay?” He added. You felt in your heart his words meant well, but there was no way, they could be true. 

“Brian?” You spun around to face him. Admiring the way the sunlight hit his eyes.

“Mhm?”

“I’m so happy I’ve come to London.” You brushed your fingers along the stubble on his chin.

“As, am I. Now, let’s eat. We can talk about the Cardinals later.” He grinned, leading you into the small shop, leading you into a whirlwind of adventure.

And now, here you sat, on a train, across from no one in particular. You watched out the window, this time, not regretting your decision to climb on board. Your book lay open before you, and in your hands you clutched a small ticket. A ticket home. A ticket leading you away from the life you had with Brian.