Cough Medicine and Introductions (Brian May x Reader)
A/N- This is long overdue.
For once in the 5 years that Brian had known him, Roger Taylor was right. Brian did not wish that he was; Brian did not wish to be subjected to this torment and embarrassment, but the Universe was rarely that kind to him. However, what troubled him more than the accuracy of his friend’s prediction, was the person involved. They were Freddie’s close friend, an immigrant like him, the two of them experiencing this new world together. Now they experienced another new world together, Freddie’s band, and their growing fame.
Along with the fame and adoration of many college students, there came the expectation that (Y/N) would be introduced to the band. And so they were. On a Tuesday morning. During the one week Brian had a ghastly cold and had had an ungodly amount of cough medicine drained into his system. By Roger, not to mention.
So when he felt drowsy and dizzy and lethargic, Brian knew who to blame. But Freddie would have Brian’s head if he did not show up, especially because he knew that Freddie’s friend was coming to visit them at the studio. So with some assistance from Roger and his truly terrible driving skills, the two of them made it to the studio. Alive. Unharmed. Shaken to the core. Brian stumbled through the narrow hallways of the studio, trailing Roger and his bright green blazer. As they entered their designated recording booth, the sound of Freddie’s and a stranger’s harmonised singing dissolved into laughter, and as Brian turned round the corner, he could see someone clutching onto Freddie, shoulders heaving, head thrown back in amusement.
As Freddie caught sight of Brian and Roger, his eyes lit up again. He beckoned them in with a wide, flowing gesture of his arms, nearly smacking the new-comer in the face. They somehow knew Freddie’s next move though, and ducked just in time. This must be the friend, Brian thought. Brian knew, in that moment, that he should have stayed home. They were gorgeous, with the most beautiful, expressive eyes he’d ever seen, and when they began to introduce themself, Brian knew he was done for.
Before Brian could get a word in on how it was simply marvelous to meet them, and that he wanted to take them out on a date right then and there, Roger beat him to it, flirting with (Y/N) effortlessly, his bright blue eyes irresistible, and charming grin infectious. Freddie seemed pleased with the proceedings, and walked to the other end of the room, talking to John who had been watching the entire scene unfold in front of his amused eyes. It was obvious to him, that the giant nerd he called his bandmate, and possibly his friend, was instantly attracted to Freddie’s friend. But they could not get out of their conversation with Roger for long enough to even look at Brian for more than 2 seconds. So John decided to play the role of an angel for once, calling Roger over for a second opinion on a bassline.
It was like the gates to Heaven had opened up for Brian. The stars were in the right position, and there was nothing that could steal this moment from-
“Are you okay?” (Y/N) asked, staring up at Brian’s face with concern and confusion evident in the crease between their eyebrows. Brian’s expression mirrored theirs, as he muttered, “Why do you ask?” Realising he had no idea what prompted them to ask him, (Y/N) smiled a bit before looking down at his feet.
“You’re wearing two different shoes.”
Brian cursed under his breath, murmuring about how Roger got him to chug nearly an entire bottle of cough medicine, and how he wanted to do nothing more than go back home and sleep. (Y/N) chuckled a bit, catching Brian’s eye and his attention. He almost missed the hand they stuck out into the space between them, waiting for Brian to clasp it with his own sweaty ones. Brian did not let go of their hand when they shook, once, twice, thrice. He did not let go when their name rolled off their tongue, effortlessly, like Fate herself decided for them to have that name. Brian did not let go when his eyes rolled to back of his head and his body swayed unsteadily, finally pushed off the tipping point, towards a horrified (Y/N).
Although he was lean, Brian was tall, and (Y/N) was not prepared. The pair crashed to the ground, alerting the other three men in the room, who, on glancing towards the pair, rushed to help. Freddie was crying out, for both Brian and (Y/N), worried for their lives. Roger was bouncing on his heels, trying to pull Brian’s limp body off of (Y/N), apologising profusely for, what he imagined, poisoning his friend with cough medicine. John was the only one who was calm, gently helping (Y/N) up from under the giant’s lanky frame while telling Roger and Freddie to carry Brian onto the couch.
When Brian woke up, he was covered in 3 blankets, his head propped up on a pillow, and a cup of warm tea on the coffee table. Rubbing his eyes and pulling himself up on the couch, Brian’s first thought was (Y/N). They were nowhere to be seen in the studio, maybe they left? Maybe they got mad at him, and-
“Good morning, sleeping beauty.” Brian swiveled his head towards the door. Holding a sandwich in one hand and a thermos flask in the other, (Y/N). They chuckled at Brian’s petrified, yet relieved expression, making their way towards the couch. “Your band mates abandoned you,” they started, placing the sandwich on the table and unscrewing the top of the flask. “I’ve been left here to take care of you while they tour the world.” A hint of a smile and a sparkle in their eye made Brian smile slightly and shake his head, looking down at his hands that were shaking because of the cold.
“I wouldn’t be surprised,” he replied. “That Deacon never liked me too much.” (Y/N) threw their head back and laughed, quickly recovering and placing a palm flat against his forehead. “You fainted. Straight into my arms. You’ve been out for 4 hours. The others have gone to take a break and get some food.” Brian’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, muttering a small ‘sorry’ while playing with the hem of his shirt. (Y/N) bumped their shoulder against his, reassuring him that it was no problem, and that they didn’t mind watching over him for a few hours. “You talk in your sleep, you know.” Brian’s head shot up, eyes widening a the prospect of what he might have proclaimed in his delirium.
“I like you too.” (Y/N) got off the floor near the couch, placing a small piece of paper with a series of digits on it under the sandwich. They turned back, glancing at a glowing Brian one last time, before shaking their head and leaving the room. Brian smiled to himself, reaching out to grab the paper and carefully tucking it into his pocket. Just as he was about to lay back down, Roger burst into the room, eyes glowing, and a devilish grin on his face.
“So, when’s the wedding?”
