Chapter Text
When Jim asked Freddie to marry him, it was not some romantic Hollywood scene where he got down on one knee. No, Jim blurted it out one morning when Freddie came to the breakfast table in his robe, his hair a mess, cradling one of their cats to his chest.
There was something about seeing Freddie’s face and his sleepy little yawn that made Jim’s heart leap into his throat.
“Marry me,” he blurted.
Freddie gasped, spooking the cat, who flew out of his arms.
“What ?” He put one hand up to his chest, his lips parted in surprise that quickly morphed into unbridled joy.
Jim wanted to save that expression in his heart forever: Freddie’s big brown eyes staring at him with utter love and affection.
“You heard me.” Jim found his voice, and moved closer. “You’re the love of my life, Freddie. I can’t stand it one more minute if I don’t know you’ll be mine.” With that, he closed the remaining distance between them and gently took Freddie’s face in his hands, silently imploring him for an answer. “Until we’re old and grey…”
“Until we bloody well die,” Freddie whispered, nodding. “Yes, Jim. Yes, I will marry you.”
In just five months, Jim learned that planning a wedding was serious business. And, it certainly was not his expertise. He had no idea about flower arrangements, tablecloths, or creating a suitable menu for hundreds of guests. He did not know which colours went well together or which fabrics were suitable for springtime. Jim only knew he wanted to be legally married to Freddie Mercury for the rest of his life.
In many ways, Freddie acted like a stereotypical bride. Not only was he adamantly against Jim seeing him in his clothing before the wedding, but he didn’t even want Jim to overhear the plans for his outfit. Freddie spoke in hushed tones when he talked about it, and shooed Jim away if he came into the room.
Jim, on the other hand, had proposed so spontaneously that he had not chosen a ring for Freddie. The singer was kind enough not to mention the fact, but Jim knew he deserved something special to put on his finger. Where Jim would wear a £100 band and be done with it, Freddie deserved some fabulous bauble from a high-end shop. Jim began to Google men’s wedding rings, but they were all too plain. None of them called out to him as especially suitable for Freddie. So, Jim texted Phoebe, asking him to begin his own deep dive into the local jewelers. Between the two of them, surely they’d find the perfect one.
“Jim, honey, come here,” Freddie called.
When Jim entered the solarium, he saw Freddie with his feet propped up, a thick catalogue on his lap. He looked straight out of a painting: sunlight streaming onto his golden skin and black hair. Freddie had begun to let his hair grow out, which brought out the lovely curls that drove Jim out of his mind. Coming up behind Freddie, he put his hand through the thick locks and growled huskily.
“Oh, Fredde, I must have you right this minute.”
Freddie waved his hand and shushed him. “No time for that, you horny beggar! I need your opinion.”
Jim, whose mind now only had one track, leaned over to nibble Freddie’s neck. The singer squirmed and giggled.
“I’m serious, Jim," he chided, looking over his shoulder.
Jim knew he was trying very hard to be serious, even though the twinkle in his eye told him Freddie absolutely adored the flirtation.
“All right, darling, what is it?” Jim finally said, coming around to sit with him on the chaise lounge.
Freddie sat up straight and pointed to an image in the magazine.
Jim was flattered that Freddie kept asking his opinion on things, but, really, he would have preferred the singer take care of all the planning.
“Now, you see, these flowers are beautiful, but do you think they would be very difficult to keep fresh? They wilt so quickly, you see…” He glanced up. “You’re not even looking at the picture, you fool.”
It was true. Jim could not keep his eyes from Freddie’s face. His sharp jawline, those long thick lashes, and the lips that Jim never got tired of kissing.
“No, I’m not. I just want to throw you over my shoulder and carry you upstairs…”
“ Jim… I know you don’t like this kind of thing. But it’s not fair that I have to do all the planning. Even though I love it, I would like some input.”
“Mmm hmm,” Jim said, nuzzling his face into Freddie’s neck again.
“You know, just... If you're… ahh…don’t think you can…”
But, the magazine fell to the floor and the question of the floral arrangements was left for another day.
That night, in bed, Freddie could barely focus, which was highly unlike him. Even as he sat on top of Jim, Freddie’s mind was clearly elsewhere.
“Do you want to stop?” Jim asked. It was their second round of the day, but Freddie had never let that slow him down.
“No, no, you can finish, dear,” Freddie said, making an effort to move his hips.
But, Jim was not interested if Freddie wasn’t. He lifted Freddie off of him and laid him on the bed.
“What’s on your mind?” he asked, kissing his fiancé’s forehead.
“Just wondering how we’re going to tell Mum and Dad…” Freddie whispered. “I’m quite nervous about that conversation.”
Jim nodded. No wonder the poor man had been distracted. Freddie’s parents had met Jim on a handful of occasions, and it was no secret that he was the boyfriend, but they never talked about it explicitly. Their tight-lipped attitude was not exactly disapproval, but it was not acceptance with open arms, either.
“They know we’re together,” Jim responded, caressing Freddie’s arm.
“Yes, darling, but dating a man is quite different than marrying one.”
Jim had to agree. It felt distinct somehow, even though it was only a piece of paper. A legal document really. Yet, it felt sacred, as though their union would be official, not only in front of all their friends and loved ones, but in the eyes of the law. The thought gave Jim excited shivers.
“I’ll be right there with you,” Jim assured, clutching Freddie tighter. “Don’t forget that. You won’t be alone.” He leaned down to kiss his mouth, before adding. “You’ll never be alone again.”
Freddie’s eyes softened, and he smiled.
After a few more cuddles, Freddie sat up. “I’m ready to make love now…” he said, climbing astride Jim once more.