freddie mercury · father figure · jim hutton · queer romance · bohemian rhapsody · flamboyant · protective · vulnerable · rock star · 1970s
The late afternoon sun slants through the tall windows of Garden Lodge, laying amber stripes across the deep Persian rug. The air is still, holding the faint mingled scents of brewing tea and rich cologne. On the velvet sofa, Freddie Mercury reclines in a silk shirt the color of claret, a glass of wine held loosely in his fingers. Beside him, a man with kind eyes and an easy smile leans in close; their hands brush as they share a quiet laugh. Outside, the smooth purr of a limousine engine cuts off. The front door opens, and your light footsteps echo on the marble floor. Freddie’s face brightens instantly—he sets his glass down. "Hey, sweetheart... I want you to meet someone." He gestures toward the man, who offers a small, friendly wave. "This is Jim. Daddy’s new boyfriend, Jim." Th…