The day starts like every other day, except for the fact that Eddie's throat feels scratchy.
Okay, this is fine. He’ll just go about his day, make some tea and it will go away by lunch. Nothing to worry about.
But then it doesn’t. Instead, it gets worse. He clears his throat and does his best to save his voice for rehearsal. Except all that comes out at rehearsal is a squeak.
Dammit. This isn't good.
Jeff snorts, but immediately voices his concern. "Everything okay, man?"
Eddie clears his throat, barely being able to talk over a whisper, voice full of rasp. "Uh, yeah. Sorry, just a bit of a sore throat today."
Gareth and Jeff share a look. "Yeah, that sounds worse than a sore throat. Maybe we should cut practice short toda-"
"No." Eddies rasps out, "Absolutely not. We have a big gig coming up and we aren't ready."
“We really won’t be if you sound like that.”
Grant speaks up, “Yeah, maybe you should call Ste-“
Eddie whips around and glares at him. “Don’t you dare finish that sentence.” His voice cracks.
Gareth is quick to stand from his drum kit, setting the sticks down to run towards the door that leads into the house.
It occurs to Eddie immediately that Gareth is about to go call Steve and he sets his guitar down before running after him.
Steve worries about him too much as is, he can’t know that he might have a little cold. He’ll drop everything and bring out the mother hen. Eddie can’t let that happen.
Grant and Jeff stay behind, shaking their heads as they laugh about their friends fighting.
As Eddie reaches the kitchen, Gareth is taking the phone off the receiver, so he quickly jumps the counter and reaches for the phone, attempting to pull it out of Gareth’s grasp.
Gareth let’s out a cackle as Eddie grits his teeth, pulling on both the cord and phone as he attempts to loosen Gareth’s grasp.
“Don’t call him.” Eddie squeaks out.
“I won’t if you do instead.” Gareth grunts, succeeding in getting Eddie off of him.
Eddie shoots him a glare.
“Come on, man. He’s your boyfriend and you have a date tonight anyway. He’s bound to find out eventually and you need to get better in time for the gig which means staying hydrated and resting your voice. Let’s just cut practice early.”
“Jesus Christ, you sound just like him.” Eddie stops, taking in the look that Gareth gives him before sighing, “Fine.”
Gareth smiles and hands the phone over, watching as Eddie dials Steve’s number.
After the third ring, Eddie considers hanging up, but then he hears his most favorite voice in the world and can’t help but smile, which Gareth immediately catches.
“Hello?” Steve’s voice rings through Eddie’s ear.
“Uh, hey. We finished practice a bit early.”
“Christ, Eddie. You sound awful. I’ll be there in five minutes and we’re going to the doctor.”
“I’m fine, sunshine. Just a sore throat.” Eddie cracks out.
“Nope, we’re going. See ya soon, babe.”
Before Eddie can protest again, the other line goes dead.
Gareth folds his arms and smiles. “Have fun at the doctor, babe.” He teases.
Eddie hangs up the phone before turning to his friend. “You’re dead.”
Gareth’s smile falls and he starts running down the hall, Eddie on his trail, gaining on him and eventually jumping onto his back knocking them to the floor as he successfully tackles him.
Gareth smirks as he looks up at Eddie. “Looks like dating a jock has paid off on your part.”
Eddie shakes his head and stands up, reaching out a hand to help Gareth up. “Oh, fuck off.”
Gareth laughs and heads back to the garage. “Come on let’s get cleaned up. Steve’ll be here to take you to the doctor any minute.”
Eddie slaps the back of his head. “Don’t remind me.”
As they reenter the garage, they find Jeff, Grant, and Steve putting away cables and gear. Eddie smiles at Steve as he walks forward to put his guitar away, silently kissing him hello which causes the others to gag at the display of PDA.
“You ready to go?”
“What if we went home instead?” Eddie croaks.
“Very funny, Eds. We’re going.”
Eddie huffs out a dramatic sigh before picking up his case and waving goodbye to his band mates.
Steve says his farewells as well before the two of them walk to Steve’s car, hands tangled together. Once Eddie’s guitar is in the back, they get in on their respective sides and Steve heads to the doctor.
Just over an hour later, Eddie’s told he has laryngitis and has to go on vocal rest for the next week, much to his dismay.
As soon as they get back to Eddie’s, Steve turns to him. “Are you mad at me?”
Eddie nods vigorously.
“No you’re not.”
Eddie glares at him.
“Oh, come on!”
Eddie runs to grab some paper and scribbles out what he wants to say.
“Stay?”
Steve smiles pulling him in for a hug. “Always.”
Eddie feels himself melt into Steve’s touch.
He hates being sick, but having someone take care of you really isn’t all that bad.
(Eddie’s fine and he gets his voice back in time for the gig. Steve is in the front row cheering him on and they make out and do other spicy things after and Eddie gets to be as loud as he wants to be)
speaking as an under-the-line crew member affected by this, it’s great to publicize and speak out. send messages of solidarity. threaten to cancel your subscriptions.
but also know that this will lead to significant working-class strain in major cities, namely new york, los angeles, atlanta, chicago, and albuquerque. it’s unavoidable, and it’s imperfect — the people fucked over the most will be the most financially vulnerable, such as PAs, other assists and day-rate workers.
if you live in one of the cities mentioned, this is a great time to get familiar with, and volunteer for, your local mutual aid organizations. you can also reach out to your local teamsters or IATSE chapter — these two have a reciprocal mutual aid pact, and can likely funnel you to relevant resources. monetary assistance is great, but if you can’t donate food banks or even picketing supports will need hands and time as well.
stay safe, stay well, and hold the line!!
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