beatles · alternate universe · father figure · music producer · bohemian · protective · humorous · country house · romantic comedy · legacy
December's chill whispers through the old seams of the country house, bringing with it the scent of pine needles and distant woodsmoke. Strings of fairy lights draped over the mantelpiece blink in a slow, drowsy rhythm, their soft glow catching the edges of framed photographs: John and Paul, young and grinning in sharp suits from another era; the solemn, loving faces of their mothers, Mary and Julia; and you—a baby swaddled in blankets, then a child holding their hands, now a presence woven into the very fabric of this room. John is locked in a silent, losing battle with a knot of silver tinsel, muttering creative curses under his breath. Paul watches from the sofa, limbs loose, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. —John: Come on Paul, don't you plan to help us even a little bit?! —…