Work Text:
It was a snowy day in early December when the Beatles chose to take a little holiday in the mountains. Unfortunately Ringo was stuck in their rented apartment, because of a sore throat. The poor guy had his tonsils removed a while ago, but he still managed to inflame the very area where he had surgery. The other three bandmates went out skiing and he was by himself. All alone, there wasn’t much to do. So the oldest Beatle just covered himself with the knitted blanket his mother made, while sprawling out on the couch.
The television was on. Paul was nice enough to set a channel to a game show to entertain him before they all left. It ended a while ago and the news was playing, with a very dull news anchor talking in an even duller voice. Ringo couldn’t stand the depressing stories and boring banter, but was feeling too weak to get up to change the channel himself. Exhausted and feeling helpless, he rested back, drifting in and out of sleep.
The sweat from his fever, inflamed his back, soaking his body under his pajamas. Oh he ached all over and he struggled to remain comfortable. His mouth would fill up with liquid and swallowing felt like drinking tiny razor blades. Looking up at the ceiling he saw the light fixture and a black fly being lured to the glow of the bulb. Blackness engulfed the sick man, as he gave into his bodies need for rest.
Then in the mist of twilight slumber, a sweet smell permeated the air, not something the drummer was expecting. Opening his beautiful blue eyes up upon the couch, he saw George standing over him, holding two white mug’s in his hands. The youngest Beatle gave his friend a gentle smile.
“why are you here?” the blue eyed man asked in a hoarse voice. Ringo suddenly realized there was something cool on his head. Upon touching the object he realized it was a wet wash cloth.
“I wasn’t having fun without you.” George answered sweetly while he walked around the furniture. He sat beside Starr, who turned to his side to give the younger man room to sit. “Here.” The quiet Beatle said while handing a white mug to the sick man. “I made us coco.” Ringo smiled while accepting his cup. Inside little white marshmallows melted in the hot liquefied chocolate and milk. He had sat up, but kept his feet on the couch.
“you’re a sweetheart!” the smaller man responded, truly touched by the thoughtful care. “Thank you!” he was able to utter. It still hurt to talk. The warm arm of his companion wrapped around him, while removing the wet cloth from his head. Then the thin hand graced Ringo’s brow.
“You feel a lot cooler than before” The younger man remarked. “I found you sleeping all feverish, but you’re looking better now.” This surprised the drummer. He didn’t realize he had been so heavily asleep. Cuddling into the embrace, Ringo noticed the channel on the television had been changed. A new Christmas special from the states was playing. Little puppets with Santa Claus and his reindeer with one in particular had a glowing red nose, played on the colored television.
“What’s this?” inquired the sick man.
“Ah… some commercial made into a Christmas special.” George teased. “its called Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.”
“Its cute.” Ringo whispered, feeling the sharp pain down his throat.
“so are you.” Harrison responded then he kissed the drummer lightly on the lips. “you mustn’t speak, I can tell it’s painful.”
“you shouldn’t kiss me.” The sick man answered back with a strained voice. “I don’t want you to catch what I have.” His voice cracked as he struggled to say these words.
“I’m not worried.” George said with a smile. “I know you would take care of me.”
“of course I would.” Starr said as he rested his head on the chest of his companion. “Thank you. I love you!”
“I love you too!” Wrapping his arm around his friend. The two spent a lovely afternoon together, sipping coco and cuddling. It was like Christmas, with gift that was not visible but present.