Chapter Text
Brian walked with Jimi into the Westminster Room. They had booked out the entire Old Marylebone Town Hall Registry office for the day. Wanting to assure privacy for their ceremony. As he went to the front of the room to stand and wait for Roger, Brian smiled at the faces looking upon him. The selected group of family, close friends and associates who had been invited to witness the ceremony. There would be hundreds at the reception but not here. This was for a special few.
Brian gazed at the family seated in the front rows. Tiger Lily and her best friend Lulu, Rory, Louisa and her boyfriend, Emily and her fiance, Rufus and Lola and Roger's sister Clare and her daughter Sophie. Jimi's partner also had a seat up front and was perched next to Mia. Their longtime nanny and friend.
Behind them sat Anita, Dominique, Debbie, Jo and Kerry Ellis and her husband. Chrissie had declined the invitation made to her. Something Brian found disappointing. Something Roger was relieved by.
Also in attendance was Jim Beach and his wife Claudia. Ben Elton and his wife were there along with Adam Lambert, who brought his mother Leila, with him. Behind them were Spike Edney and his wife Kyle, Neil Fairclough and Tyler Warren. Elton John and David Furnish, Bob Geldof with his adopted daughter Tiger sat across from them all. The last row contained both their personal assistants. There to help and there to witness their bosses finally get to make their union a legal one.
Brian was heartened to see those that truly mattered assembled. He glanced over and saw the two empty seats and sighed. A place had been left for John and Veronica. They both hoped The Deacons might attend. No word had come from them in response to the invitation. And the seats were vacant. He decided not to let that affect his mood and focused on the small aisle. Waiting for his beloved to appear through the doorway.
Elton rose from his seat and walked over to the piano in the back corner of the room. He sat down and began playing 'In My Life' as an instrumental. Offering up the same song used at the original ceremony. Brian turned to see the officiant coming in from the side door. He smiled widely as Roderick McKenzie quietly walked over to stand by him and Jimi. It was perfect that the man who had originally married them in 1974 was still around and willing to repeat the event. When they approached him about doing it, he was humbled and honored.
"It's time..." Roderick advised Brian as he turned and saw Roger coming through the doorway with Felix a few steps ahead of him. Brian felt a rush of butterflies in his stomach as he saw how radiant his beloved looked. His bright smile and dazzling eyes still the same as they were 40 years ago. They had never changed and neither had Brian's feelings for him. He still found Roger to be the most beautiful person he had ever known.
Roger was excited to see everyone there and standing as he walked in. He beamed at how much affection he felt from this room of people. The family and friends who gathered to celebrate with them. He then focused on Brian. Finding him standing so tall and proud and smiling with clear adoration as their eyes locked and Roger finished walking the space between them. Soaking in that warm smile and those soft hazel eyes as he arrived at the front.
Felix stepped to his Papa's side to mirror Jimi's on Brian's other side. Roger and Brian faced each other and reached for the others hand. Holding them as they waited for Roderick to begin. Bursting with joy as they realized this was really going to happen.
"Dearest family and friends...you are here today to witness something that has been 40 years in the making..." Roderick began. Smiling warmly at the guests as he spoke. "I had the privilege on this day in 1974 to unite these two people in a marital union...one that was not legal in the eyes of the law...but one that was true in the eyes of god..." he advised. "And today...I am honored to be here to officiate again when these two are united under law and as they wish to renew their vows of love to each other..." he stated.
Roderick beamed with pride as he turned his attention to the couple. "We are gathered here today to join these two men legally and spiritually in the bond of matrimony. And to celebrate their renewed commitment to each other 40 years after taking their vows of marriage. Brian and Roger chose to marry in 1974 during a time when that commitment was not recognized by law or by institution and were forced to keep that sacred bond a secret for far too long. They lived as married couples do, sharing all the things we believe a marriage to be - working together and raising children together and both of them being part of the others family," Roderick stated. His face went solemn as he continued.
"Brian and Roger were blessed in having parents who supported them in their marriage. Harold and Ruth May and Winifred and Trevor Hitchens. These strong and accepting people were there for them in the best of times and in the worst. Offering love and counsel and acceptance. At a time when many gay men did not receive that from their families. It is with a mark of sadness that none of them lived to witness today's ceremony. To finally see their son's joined openly and freely in the bond of marriage once and for all." Roderick conveyed.
"And along with the absence of their parents...there is also the absence of one of their dearest friends...their brother...Freddie.." Roderick added. "He, along with other friends, are greatly missed..." he remarked. "At this time, let's take a moment to think of those absent today and what they would wish for this couple were they here..." he requested. The people present all bowed their heads and so did Roger and Brian. Squeezing hands as they thought of the precious people missing from this day. Their hearts heavy at the loss.
Roderick waited and then resumed speaking. "I ask you all to bear witness today as Brian and Roger exchanges words of renewal of their vows and celebrate their continued love and devotion to each other..." he turned to Brian.
"Brian Harold May...do you vow to continue to love, honor and cherish this man? Do you promise to keep him in sickness and in health and for richer or poorer? Do you promise to continue to support him and remain faithful to him as long as you shall live?"
Brian smiled warmly at Roger. "I promise..."
Roderick then turned to Roger. "Roger Meddows Taylor...do you vow to continue to love, honor and cherish this man? Do you promise to keep him in sickness and in health and for richer or poorer? Do you promise to continue to support him and remain faithful to him as long as you shall live?"
Roger radiated pure joy at Brian. "I promise.."
Roderick turned to Brian and nodded. Prompting him to say his personal vows. Brian looked at Roger with the same affection he carried at their first marriage ceremony.
"My dearest Roger...I have spent my life trying to be a good person...trying to achieve everything I dreamed possible...trying to reach the pinnacle of music and art and science...to be remembered as someone who contributed something of value to this world....but the thing I am most proud of is us...of how we stood stalwart through the years and despite many obstacles thrown in our path...persevered...as friends and lovers and parents.." Brian told him. "How our love and commitment got us through the worst of times and how it also enriched every good moment..." he stated. "It is my wish that we have many more together and I hope they are all golden...I love you Rog...and I am still humbled and honored to be your husband..."
Roger felt his stomach somersault hearing Brian's words. Suddenly finding his own insufficient. Not nearly as eloquent. But he knew it didn't matter. He knew Brian was always the better wordsmith and only wanted his love and affection and presence. Roger smiled as he began to speak his personal vows.
"Brian May...you have been there for so many of the best and worst moments in my life...and sometimes you were the reason for both! (Roger grins) But I would not change any of it...because it has made me who I am today...and it has brought me a lifetime of amazing memories and amazing love..." Roger looks at him with deep affection. "You often talk about your brief time as a teacher and how much you enjoyed it...but you fail to see that you have taught me so many things over the years..." Roger stated. "You taught me how to be a better musician and how to be a better friend and you also taught me to be a parent when I didn't want to be one...and that lesson in particular is one I will forever be grateful for..." Roger told him.
Brian's eyes filled with tears as he listened. Surprised at what Roger was telling him.
"You are still the teacher my love...teaching the world how to be open minded and loving of their fellow man...how to care for our planet and all its inhabitants...and you teach tolerance and decency when we need it most...and now in our later years...you are teaching me to accept our getting older and doing it with grace...you continue to teach and show me so many amazing things...and I vow today to teach you to remember your worth and value in this world when you are in doubt of it...and to do whatever I can to help you through the darkness...and to help you see the light..." Roger vowed. "I know we often say you are the moon and I am the sun...but you are truly the brightest light in my life and it is my privilege in this life to watch you shine...to savor the warmth and beauty that comes from your glow..." Roger said as he felt a tear slide down his face.
Their family and friends sat quiet and deeply moved by the heartfelt words exchanged by these man. Seeing a side of them both not often revealed. Relishing the moment of true openness regarding their feeling towards each other.
"Lovely words..." Roderick advised them. "And to honor their recommitment to each other...each has offered a ring..." he advised. Brian smiled as Jimi leaned over and handed him a thin metal band. Roger took it and Brian lifted his left hand up as Roger slid the ring onto his finger. Brian looked down at it and felt a sense of tradition in seeing it there. A real sense of permanence. He then looked at Roger and they both chuckled as Roger held up his hand. Pointing to his finger and showing the people at the ceremony that he had received a new tattoo. It was of Brian's personal insignia. His star symbol. It now was forever immortalized on Roger's hand with a wedding band drawn around it. His ring. The attendees all smiled and found it in keeping with the drummer's irreverent style.
"With the reciting of vows and the giving of rings...Brian and Roger have rededicated themselves to each other...for as long as they both shall live..." Roderick stately proudly. "It is my personal honor to present to you....Brian Harold May and Roger Meddows Taylor...husbands in both love and under the auspices of law..." he declared as Brian and Roger both smiled widely and the guests began applauding. Brian took Roger by the shoulders and pulled him in for a solid kiss. One that got everyone cheering. One that got Roger happily on the tip of his toes.
The men both turned to look at their guests and were both taken aback by the presence of a long last face in the back of the room. Sitting in the last row and applauding with tears in his eyes was their old friend. Their band mate. Their hearts swelled at the sight of John Richard Deacon as he looked on happily and proudly at them. His wife next to him and wearing a joyful expression at witnessing this event.
Brian instantly took Roger's hand and began walking down the aisle. Heading straight for Deacy as others in the room discovered his presence.
"Thank you everyone..." Brian announced as he hurried towards their friend before he disappeared. "Please give us a few minutes..." he requested as he reached Deacy and took him by the hand. Gesturing with his eyes to step out of the room so they could have some privacy.
Roger's heart was pounding in his chest as they stepped out of the hall and he pulled Deacy into the tightest hug he could manage. Almost hearing the breath expel from him as he clung to his band mate.
"Deacy...I cannot tell you how marvelous it is to see you here today..." Roger told him as he held him close.
"Hi Rog..." Deacy replied as they felt Brian wrap his long arms around them both. The three stood still and silent and soaked in the presence of each other. A lifetime of memories and emotions flooding through them. Only the sounds of sniffled tears evident.
"I can't breathe..." Deacy finally gasped as the drummer released his stranglehold on him. Letting out a sound of reluctance as he let go. Brian removed his arms from them and smiled at the bassist. Thrilled to see him in person after so long.
"Thank you for coming...it really means the world to us..." Brian told him. Deacy nodded and found a small smile for them. His emotions at seeing them clear on his face.
"I'm one of the few people still alive who was there 40 years ago..." Deacy remarked poignantly. "It felt wrong not to come to represent those that couldn't be here..." he expressed.
"Thank you Deacy...I mean it..." Roger replied. His heart bursting right now. His eyes awash in tears at the sight of John.
"You finally got your happily ever after to come full circle..." Deacy remarked with a brighter smile. His eyes also wet and his cheeks a little pink. "I know that Freddie would be thrilled for you both...as thrilled as I honestly am..." he stated as Brian gave him a look of pure affection.
"You being here is the feather in our cap..." Roger told him. Wiping at his eyes and smiling through the tears.
"It truly is..." Brian agreed. He and Roger shared an understanding smile. So happy to get this moment.
"We're not coming to the reception..." Deacy advised. "I am not up to something like that and it would only distract from what should be your day..." he explained. His anxiety in attending such a large scale event clear in his demeanor. The door opened and Veronica stepped out.
"Hi Ronnie..." Roger told her sweetly as he pulled her into a hug. She gladly embraced him and then shared one with Brian.
"Congratulations boys...you finally got your day!" she said as she gave them each a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for inviting us..." she stated as she took Deacy's hand and grasped it in hers. "I am sorry to miss the reception...but you know it is for the best..." she advised as Brian and Roger nodded understanding.
"This right here is what really counts and we are so grateful you came..." Brian conveyed to them. "Thank you for coming to our wedding...it made it so special..." he said as Veronica nodded and smiled.
"You're welcome..." she replied. Deacy looked at her and gave a small nod and then she let go of his hand as he pulled Brian in for one more hug.
"I love you..." Deacy told him. "Always remember that...even when there is silence...I do still love you..." he said as tears spilled down Brian's face.
"I love you too...so much..." Brian said as they parted and Roger pulled Deacy in for a last goodbye.
"You know I love you too Rog..." Deacy told him as Roger squeezed him tight.
"I love you John...no matter what..." Roger responded. They slowly separated and Deacy took Veronica's hand again. She blew them a kiss as they walked down the hallway. A security man standing and waiting for them as they headed to the back entrance of the building.
Brian pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Roger. He wiped his face and let out a deep sigh as Brian sniffled and took the handkerchief back from Roger and dapped at his eyes and cheeks.
"Christ was that a lovely surprise!" Roger declared. Brian smiled at him.
"Yes..it was..." Brian agreed. He took Roger's hand and they walked to the hall door. Opening it and finding their guests waiting for them. They both smiled and Brian held up their hands as they were greeted with more applause. Ready to accept their well wishes and to prepare to head for the reception.
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"How bad is it?" Roger asked as he checked his appearance in the mirror. His assistant Emma was collecting his things as Roger preened at the full length mirror. Making sure the evidence of his tears was under control.
"It's pretty bad..." Emma answered as the door to the room opened and Rufus and Felix stepped in.
"Yeah...it's pretty bad..." they both confirmed. Roger let out a sigh and then decided he had done all he could do to freshen up. Brian walked into the room smiling and had Emily and Louisa in tow.
"You ready?" Brian asked Roger.
"They said it's pretty bad out there..." Roger informed him. Brian shrugged.
"We knew it would be Rog..." he pointed out. "But I am going to walk down those steps holding your hand and smile bigger than I think I ever have in my entire life..." Brian stated as he looked at Roger with conviction. Roger smiled at his confidence.
"Then I guess my smile better match yours..." Roger responded. Brian held out his hand and Roger took it. "We are going now!" he advised as Emma waved to them. Seeing the children step out of the room ahead of their fathers.
"Good luck!" she said as Brian escorted his husband from the room and found their children waiting for them in the large foyer. The other guests had already left for the reception.
"How many do you reckon are out there? Roger inquired.
"There are easily a hundred photographers and reporters out there..." Jimi surmised.
"How many fans?" Brian then asked. Lola and Louisa were near the windows and turned to look at their fathers.
"Thousands maybe..." they both answered.
"Well fuck me!" Roger gasped in surprise. "That's pretty impressive for two old poofs getting married for a second time!" he quipped. Brian nudged him and gave him a scolding look.
"You always underestimate the fans Rog..." Brian told him.
"It's better to be surprised than disappointed..." Roger philosophized. He felt someone tap his shoulder. He turned and saw Mick Rock behind him.
"We need to get the group pictures and then we are good..." Mick reminded him. Brian and Roger smiled at the presence of their old friend and original wedding photographer. He had jumped at the chance to capture this day for them.
"Line up kids!" Brian requested as they got organized in the large foyer and Mick rearranged them for the best possible shots. After several variations, he handed his camera to his assistant.
"Good luck with the crowd out there!" Mick advised as he and his assistant stepped out the front entrance.
"We're off!" Jimi announced as he gathered the other children and they prepared to head out.
"Okay...be careful and we will see you there..." Roger told them. The girls blew kisses as they stepped out the front entrance. Several security guards surrounding them. Brian gestured at their assigned guards who stepped over the doors and waited for them.
"I guess it's time..." Brian advised. Roger cleared his throat and took a deep breath.
"Let's do this!" Roger said and accepted Brian's hand as the security guard opened the doors for them. One guard stepped out in front of them and two others flanked their sides as two others came up behind them. Prepared to fend off any overzealous fans or intrusive media people.
Brian squeezed Roger's hand as they stepped out and a massive cheer broke out from the swell of people blanketing the street and sidewalk in front of the building. The whir of cameras and the shouts of reporters filled the air as they were both overwhelmed with the noise and throng of people smiling, cheering and shouting at them. A line of policeman was present and monitoring the crowd as it pushed in to block the street.
'Brian....Roger...' they heard in between shouts of 'Congratulations' and 'We love you'.
Both of them smiled broadly at the signs many fans held up. Wishing them a happy wedding day and also a happy 40th anniversary. Reporters were shouting questions at them which they chose to ignore. Brian kept hold of Roger's hand as he waved to the well-wishers. Loving the turn out to show their support.
Roger found himself bowled over by the love being conveyed to them and waved as well. He saw a sign a fan was holding that had a picture of them on it with hearts plastered all around the edges. He almost laughed when he saw two fans dressed as him and Brian from the 'I Want To Break Free' video. They both had on veils and waved to them fervently. He pointed at them and then got Brian's attention. He saw them and laughed at how clever they looked.
"Love it!" Brian shouted to them. The two fans jumped up and down and then began shouting at them.
"Kiss him!" they both yelled. Other fans heard them and joined in. Shouting for them to have a kiss. Brian looked at Roger who shrugged and then smiled and nodded. Feeling giddy and happy and not caring.
"Why not?" Roger said as Brian turned to face him and Roger let him pull him close as they shared a tender kiss. The cameras went off like crazy and the fans screamed with delight.
Roger and Brian quickly parted and were laughing joyfully as Brian gestured at the bodyguard who walked down the steps and the door to their limo was opened.
"Thank you!" Brian shouted out and Roger also gave his thanks as they began descending the short flight of steps to the waiting car. They saw the security guards hold back a few ardent fans as Roger slid into the car and Brian got in after him. The door was closed as Roger laughed. Brian joining in the mirth as they heard the fans start singing to them.
'I was born to love you...with every single beat of my heart...'
"Oh my goodness!" Brian declared with appreciation as the singing continued and their limo began slowly moving. Trying to pull out on the street as some policeman cleared a path for them.
"That is lovely..." Roger remarked sincerely as he looked out the window to see the fans waving as they sang. He turned back and looked at his husband. His now legal husband. It felt so good to know it had finally happened. He took Brian's hand in his own and smiled at him.
"Hey husband..." Roger said to him in a sweet tone. Brian looked at him adoringly.
"Hey husband..." Brian replied.
"I know a great little place where we could get something to eat and do a little dancing..." Roger teased. Brian knew he was referring to the wedding reception and found his playfulness after all these years one of his most endearing qualities.
"Oh yeah?" Brian said back demurely. "Will you buy me some champagne?" Brian teased. Roger slid over and placed his legs over Brian's. It wasn't as easy as it used to be, but he managed. He gave him his best sultry smile.
"For you baby...I'll get you an entire bottle!" Roger teased back. Brian pulled Roger in for a kiss.
"Maybe you'll get lucky after we dance!" Brian implied with his eyebrows raised.
"Maybe you'll get lucky in this limo!" Roger quipped back. Brian laughed out loud at his saucy husband. His spark and naughtiness had never dimmed despite the passing of time.
"How about we keep our clothes on until after we at least get a bite to eat..." Brian proposed. Roger smiled at him. The same brilliant smile that still made Brian's heart flutter.
"I think I can manage that..." Roger replied. Brian pulled him close and enjoyed the feel of his lover. His best friend. His husband.
"Alright then...let's go have ourselves a party!"
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See you at the reception folks!