Mark could remember when they would wince at that phrase, himself inwardly but Roger making no move to hide his displeasure. He never said anything after that, and would merely hand the musician the pills and moved into his own bedroom. The only time he ever watched to make sure that the other really took the medication was in the days of withdrawal, but after that Mark couldn't bring himself to watch anymore.
After a while, both of them knew that it was said out of habit rather than need, like in the beginning. Roger was willing and able to take the pills on his own but Mark still couldn't help himself. It was one of those things that had just fit itself into their routine, had become a constant. Of course both boys hated the phrase but in an odd way it was reassuring. After all, Roger was still there to take the AZT in the first place.
However, Mark could also remember the one time they tried to change the routine. It hadn't resulted poorly but still, they never had done it again.
"Mark don't even say it, I know," Roger stated bluntly as he started pulling out the medicine bottle with his AZT. He'd seen Mark come out from his room from the corner of his eye and already knew what was coming.
"Rog-" Mark began but was stopped before he could get anything else out.
"I /know/ alright, I'm taking the fucking AZT. I take it /every/ day; I don't need the damn reminder." As he spoke he opened the bottle and pulled out a pill.
The filmmaker sighed. "I know, but...can I say one thing first?" An amused little grin had crossed his face while his blue eyes were watching the musician.
"...Okay?" Roger raised the pill to his lips.
"You know a spoonful of sugar helps the AZT go down." He laughed at the confused expression on his companion's face. "You're taking it dry," the filmmaker pointed out. "And it was the first thing I thought of."
Roger shook his head and popped the pill in his mouth. "Whatever, Mark, whatever."