"It hurts." George took Ringo's hand. "Hurts so much."
"I know it does, I know." He rubbed his head, about to cry. "It's going to be okay."
"Is it? I'm dying. If only I hadn't smoked so much."
"No, don't say that. You're fine."
"I'm not fine!" George pulled out a lock of his hair. "Look! I'm a fucking mess! I'm terrible."
"N - no!" he sobbed, grabbing his hand tighter. "You're beautiful!"
"Stop!" He yanked his hand away. "I want to be alone!"
"G -"
"Get out! Please!" George pointed at the door.
"Okay," Ringo sniffed, trudging out.
His husband watched him go, then put his face in his hands. "After all these years, I still manage to screw things up somehow."
---
"I'm sorry about the other day," George murmured.
"It's alright, love." Ringo pecked his lips. "You're going through a lot. I have to go in a little bit, Lee is having brain surgery again."
"Do you want me to come with you?"
"Don't be silly, stay here and rest up."
"Okay."
---
"Hello, George." Dr. Ledermen came in with two girls and a boy. "How are you doing?"
"Not well. Why are you here?" George tried to sit up as Ringo looked over curiously.
"We wanted to make sure you were alright." He pointed to the boy next to him. "This is my son Ariel."
"Hello," George smiled weakly.
"Hi," Ariel replied. "May I play you a song?" He held up a guitar.
"I don't think that's the best idea," Ringo began.
"It's okay, Richie. Let's hear it." The boy played a beautiful song, and he was clapping at the end. "I loved it."
"It was very good." Dr. Ledermen placed the guitar in his lap. "Could you sign it?"
"I don't even know if I know how to spell me name anymore," George replied with a grimace.
"Come on, you can do this." He guided his hand, which was holding the pen. "G-E-O-R-G-E H-A-R-R-I-"
"Please, just...stop."
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Ringo shouted. Everyone jumped in surprise. "GET OUT OF OUR HOUSE! NOW!" He pointed at the door.
"But -"
"I SAID GET THE HELL OUT AND LEAVE ME GEORGIE ALONE! GO!" He threw the door open, shoving them through it. "OUT, OUT, OUT!"
"Thanks," George whispered.
"I'm sorry, love." He kissed his forehead.
"Thanks for looking out for me."
---
"It's a nice day, isn't it?" Paul smiled at the two of them.
"Yes." John ran a hand through his graying hair. "Good to see you lads again."
"Good to see you, too." George coughed a bit.
"We've missed you." Ringo placed a hand on top of Paul's, earning him a glare from John.
"I'm not that hungry." George put his head down on the table.
"Sorry you aren't feeling well." They all patted his head, trying to make him feel as relaxed as possible.
---
"Georgie, I got your tea." Ringo walked over to his sofa where George was sitting. "I put some honey in it for you." No response. "Did you fall asleep?" He shook his shoulder gently. "Georgie?" He shook harder. "Georgie?"
The cup of tea shattered on the floor.