Work Text:
George Harrison’s pleasant moment of slumber was rudely interrupted by the beating of the wailing metal, hurling him into disturbing consciousness. His brass alarm clock’s little hammer slammed into the two bells on each side, compelling one to exit sleep just to put an end to the ruckus. Sitting up quickly, as if he had a nightmare, the young man silenced the disruption, and rubbed his eyes. He desired to go to bed, and was tempted to lay back down and brush off all his commitments, but he and the lads were taking a train to London, so he had to get ready.
Reluctantly George arose, to prepare for the day. First he went to the bathroom, did all he needed at the moment in there, then returned to his room, just as tired as before. Glancing at the calendar, the musician saw today was the first day of spring, announced on the little box with the date! The lad was thrilled to see this long and dismal winter had ended!
Excited with the change in seasons, the young man eagerly went to his wardrobe and chose to pick a new spring outfit his mother recently bought him. Pushing aside garments made of wool, and other warmer fabrics, for the linen light dress clothing for the warmer months. George chose a little blue linen shirt, and navy slacks, for the journey, happy to wear something new. He and the band would be changing into their stage clothes at the club, already in the hands of their manager, Brian Epstein.
Eagerly, he dressed in light weight clothes, and passed his coat, hanging on a hook by the front door. Nearly leaping through the door, George waltzed outside, letting the pre-locked door closed behind him. In doing so, George realized immediately he had made a grave mistake. Even though it was the first day of spring, it was frigid cold outside, causing the lad to shiver. He immediately turned to go inside to change, but the door was locked, and that’s when the young musician realized he had left his keys in his winter jacket!
“Shit!” George uttered in frustration. How could he had been so foolish. Well it didn’t matter, he would be on a warm bus to the train station soon enough. So to keep warm, George ran all the way to the bus stop, which did work. He managed to raise his body temperature upon arriving to the first part of his destination, but now he had to be still, and the youth quickly felt the breeze upon him, finding the sweat which was leaking from his pores. He was even colder now than before, and prayed a silent prayer that bus would be early. No such luck! However, the public transportation was on time, and eagerly Harrison climbed in the large vehicle, grateful for the heat.
“Forgot your coat?” The bus driver snickered, along with a few warmly dressed passengers. The young man just ducted his head down in embarrassment, waiting patiently for the train station stop, where he would meet up with the lads. Although he was humiliated, the young man was more grateful to be warm. The bus ride was a thirty minute trip, and George was the last of the passengers to exit the vehicle upon arrival at the second part of his destination. Feeling the freezing air, Harrison immediately headed towards the station house for shelter.
Quickly, the musician scurried to the double wooden doors, but they were locked. This meant you had to buy your ticket on the train. Thankfully, Brian already made the arrangements and Paul had everyone’s ticket. Yet none of this comforted the cold man, as he tried to find anywhere to keep him warm. George wandered aimlessly, until he spotted two of his bandmates, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, waiting for the train, in the open cold air of the platform. Paul noticed the third member, before John, and waved at the lead guitarist as he approached.
“Christ man!” John snickered, upon seeing the sight of a nearly frozen Harrison in their company. Instantly the two other men huddled around their exposed friend, drawing in close, to keep the youngest amongst them warm.
“What happened to your coat?” McCartney asked, blown away how cold Harrison was to the touch.
“I got excited about it being the first day of spring,” George humbly began. “And locked me coat and key, inside the house.”
“How could you be so foolish?” Lennon scolded. “Early spring is just as cold as winter!” he further declared. “If you get sick we’ll have to cancel our tour!” John continued, angry. Harrison ducted his head down upon hearing Lennon’s words. He really might have ruined everything for all of them!
“Morning lads!” said an upbeat voice from behind the three. It was the drummer, Ringo Starr, with a tray of hot coffees in hand. “Here, I thought we could all use something warm, as we wait for the train.” He further explained, just now getting a good view of his friends. Immediately Ringo noticed, George was severely underdressed. “Where in bloody hell is your coat?” the eldest Beatle inquired.
“George got impulsive over being the first day of spring,” John instantly answered for the lead guitarist. “and decided to venture out in his summer clothes.”
“Oh well, then take mine.” The fourth man simply replied, unbuttoning his black overcoat.
“That’s awfully kind of you.” George replied, looking down. “But I can’t let you be without your coat, especially with your asthma.”
“Don’t worry about that!” Starr told the cold one, captivating the youth with those blue eyes. “Me mum makes me wear two coats, and long undergarments under me clothes. To tell you the truth, I’m sweating under here.” he assured, pulling his outer coat off, to give to Harrison. Seeing Starr did indeed have a second coat, George accepted the warm cover, and housed his frigid body within its warm soft walls. The youngest Beatle buttoned up, all the way to his neck, he was so cold.
“Thank you!” George replied, with a few tears in his eyes, as he gave his good friend a hug. “I love you man. He quietly whispered, so only Ringo could hear. The drummer answered with a smile, and the four men enjoyed their coffees, waiting for the train to arrive, which it inevitably did. John and Paul sat next to one another in the booth, as George and Ringo sat together across from their other group mates. This morning’s escapades were already a forgotten memory. The musicians were instantly focused on their work. No one needed to know, that Ringo rebelliously chose not to wear the long underwear his mother overly protectively makes him wear, had secretly suffered some discomfort on the platform. To Ringo Starr, helping his friend in need was the priority, and he gladly sacrificed his own comfort for the man by his side. Because, isn’t that what friends are for?