nikossfwfics

[nikossfwfics]

Tis the MFing Season

Total word count: 3490

Background  

46 words 

 Set in  1994. Duff is 30 and Izzy is 32. I changed Duff’s family dynamic to where Duff has an older brother: Bruce, 43, and two older sisters: Tina,35, and Christine,40. his mom’s name is Alice and there is no father figure in the picture

Part 1  - Holidate 

789 words 

Duff couldn't believe he had stooped this low, but here he was sitting next to Izzy on the beat-up couch in their beat-up apartment. “Please Iz,” Duff pleaded, “I already told my mom I was bringing someone to Christmas this year, I can't go back on that now.” Izzy rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, “get Axl to do it,” Izzy shooed away the blonde.

Duff cringed at the thought, “You don't understand, man-” Izzy cut him off mid-sentence, “I do understand; you are desperate and begging me to accompany you to Seattle for your family’s Christmas party. Well, guess what? It's not happening”

Duff knew it was stooping low but if this were what it had come to he would just have to pull out the puppy dog eyes. “Don't look at me like that,” Izzy said plainly, “you look stupid.” despite his friend's words he continued to press, “Please. Please! PLEASE!”

Izzy stood up from the couch and sighed. “Fine,” he said, giving up, “I'll go with you, but I'm not going to enjoy it!” he accused. Duff jumped up in excitement, “Trust me, there's never a dull moment with my family.” he joked before walking away to pack his bags. 

Izzy felt a single moth flutter in his stomach. He cursed himself for letting his stupid feelings get in the way of his morals. He was 32 years old, damnit. He shouldn't let his childish crush get in the way of his rational decision-making. Izzy had no idea how this was going to go.

I mean, fake dating? Really? What was he, a middle schooler?  He retorted in his mind. He must be half out of his mind to have agreed to this. nonetheless, he did… and he had to go pack his bags as well. This will go swell! 

The plane ride to Seattle was less than terrible. First, he forgot his walkmen, secondly, he had to sit behind a guy who obviously did not care about his legroom, finally, Duff slept on his shoulder the entire time. ‘Why would that be such a problem,’ you ask. Well for one, Izzy sat completely still for a 3-hour flight, going absolutely insane. That wasn't even the least of it when they got to Seattle, it was 40 degrees outside. 

As they stepped off the plane into the piercing cold air, Duff sighed happily and Izzy groaned. “How are you so happy?” Izzy grumbled. “It's colder than a polar bear's toenail.”  

“Im home,” Duff replied with a warm grin that brought a tinge of heat to Izzy’s cheeks.

When they stepped off the airport grounds, they saw a group of people with signs saying their names. Duff chuckled at the signs and ran up to hug the older lady of the group, who Izzy assumed was Duff’s mother. 

After a couple of exchanges of “Welcome home,” and “I'm glad to be here,” they caught a glimpse of Izzy standing nervously a few feet away. They all shared a look of equally perplexed as they were excited. Duff got wind of their confusion and decided to properly introduce Izzy to his family.

“Guys, this is Izzy,” he said to his family members, “Izzy, this is Bruce, Tina, Christine, and my mother Alice.”

Izzy nodded in acknowledgment and extended his hand out to Alice, “It is very nice to meet you, Mrs. McKagan,” he smiled kindly and genuinely, “You’ve raised up a very lovely person.”

Alice accepted the compliment and shook Izzy's hand, “it's wonderful to meet you as well, Mr Stradlin”

“Please, ma'am, call me Izzy” Izzy requested. now it was Duff's turn to swoon over his best friend. He shifted his weight from side to side wondering if anyone noticed the slight blush that crept upon his face.

 Bruce looked at Izzy, then to Duff, then back at Izzy, completely addled “Hold up,” he interjected, “Izzy is a dude?” 

Both Duff and Izzy were taken aback by this question, “Of course, Izzy’s a dude. Why wouldn't he be?” There was an uncomfortable pause and the air was thick for a second. Then it dawned on him. Duff chuckled and scratched the back of his neck, “I guess I didn't specify if Izzy was a girl or a boy. Sorry,”

“Duff I didn't know you were gay,” Tina spoke up. Duff laid his head in the palm of his hand. “Tina,” he sighed, “I came out when I was 16.”

this wasn't news to Izzy because, duh, Duff was gay. Why else would he ask Izzy of all people to be his “date”? But at the same time, why not slash? They're pretty buddy-buddy. Could it be, maybe, Duff actually likes Izzy? No, that would be absurd.

Part 2 - Sleepy Drive Home 

533 words 

The steady beat of last Christmas by wham! Flooded the ears of the passengers. The car ride to Duff's childhood home wasn't the worst, but Izzy was exhausted. So exhausted, in fact, he was falling asleep while sitting up.

“Iz,” Duff whispered, calling the attention of the crow-haired male; there was no reply, “Izzy! Wake up, we’re here,”

Izzy hummed and popped back to life “What?” His voice was groggy and filled with sleep. Duff couldn't help but chuckle at Izzy's sleepy nature; Needless to say, it was adorable. He was so sound and peaceful that Duff dreaded waking him up. 

“Let’s get you to bed, sweetheart,” Duff spoke softly as he propped Izzy up, slinging one of his arms around his shoulder. “God, you're heavy!” he exclaimed, knowing Izzy wasn’t in the mind to snap back. 

Once in the house, Duff struggled to help Izzy take his coat off and get him into bed. Duff turned around to his family who were all watching the scene unravel, “im gonna get this one to bed he’s had a long day.” they all mumbled quick okays as the two boys retreated to the guest room.

At this point Duff was also extremely tired; too tired to give a hoot about how there was only one bed for them to stay in for the next week. Duff threw Izzy down on the bed, soon following suit. 

The room was silent, the only noise being Izzy’s soft snores. But Duff couldn't seem to fall asleep there was so much on his mind. “Izzy?” Duff turned to the side to face him, “Izzy, are you awake?” 

Izzy also turned to his side so that they were face to face, “I am now,” he grumbled. Duff let out a sigh of relief, he wasn't alone. 

 “It's Christmas Eve tomorrow…” the blonde stated. Izzy nodded in acknowledgment, “I know…” 

“You don't seem excited. what's wrong?” Duff pressed.

“I dunno…” Izzy breathed, “I guess I just never really liked Christmas time.” 

duff looked taken aback, how could someone not like Christmas?! He said in his mind. He placed a reassuring hand on top of Izzy's. 

“You see, I didn't have the best childhood,” he went on to explain,  “when I was born I was a crack baby, but her own son coming out an addict didn't stop my mom from quitting. Not at all. When I was 13 she overdosed, leaving my dad to take care of me and my two younger brothers, Kevin and Joe.  My dad worked three jobs just to provide for me and my brothers. I remember scrounging up as much money as I could to buy them at least one gift on Christmas because as far as toys went that's all they had. So when I think of Christmas I think of absent parents and loneliness.”  When he spoke Izzy's voice was barely above a whisper, full of sadness and regrets. 

“Iz…” Duff felt apologetic for bringing up the subject, “Iz, that's terrible, I'm so sorry.”

“Don't be,” Izzy gave Duff's hand a squeeze, “it's not your fault. Now go to sleep.” And so they slept, hand in hand, Feelings bubbling about in their hearts. 

Part 3 - Christmas Eve morning 

548 words 

The next morning Duff woke up like, well, a kid on Christmas Eve. He was quick to notice his and Izzy’s sleeping arrangements; with Izzy spooning Duff in his sleep- You'd think with how tall Duff is he'd be the big spoon, but I guess not- A familiar heat spread to Duff’s ears as he rolled over to be face to face with the crow haired male. 

He shook Izzy awake, “Izzy!” he exclaimed softly, “Izzy, you've got to wake up. It's Christmas Eve!”

Izzy grabbed onto Duff's waist, unconsciously searching for warmth, “No, it’s not.” He grumbled. Duff couldn't help but chuckle, lovingly. Abruptly came Duff’s entire kinship, along with his mother holding the camcorder. 

Great, duff thought, this was somehow getting back to Axl, so that he could torment them for the rest of their lives.

��Awe!” his mother cooed, as Duff stood up trying to find clothes. He'd have to talk to her about personal space later.  A mass of messy black hair shot up off the pristine pillows, “what the hell is going on?”  he queried. “Merry Christmas Eve, sleepy heads!” Christine honed in.

Now that Duff was fully dressed he strung the blind open, letting the sun stream through. Izzy groaned, sitting up in bed and glaring up at Duff.  The family members started getting bored of watching the two “lovers” scramble to get themselves together and started leaving one by one. 

“What time is it?” Izzy asked, rubbing the sleep out of his eye. “It's early enough for my whole family to catch us cuddling,” Duff teased, a small smirk playing on his lips. 

“We were not cuddling,” said Izzy, 

“You were literally spooning me!” Duff snapped back playfully. 

“Shut it, Mckagan!” Izzy stepped closer, all in good nature. 

“Make me, Stradlin.” Duff also took a step closer, their warm breath mingling. It was an unspoken challenge to see who would back away first. It was Izzy. He couldn't take the tension anymore, not when real feelings were behind it. 

“Ha!” Duff said, victoriously, “I gotchu!”

Izzy just smiled, rolled his eyes, and walked out into the living room, where the family sat in a circle on the couch. “What did we miss?” Duff raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, boys!” Alice spoke gleefully, “Perfect timing, I've got a job for you two.” 

Duff looked at her intrigued, while Izzy… not so much. “Of course! what is it, ma?”

“You two boys will be in charge of my last-minute Christmas shopping!” she said as if it were the greatest gift to be given this holiday season.

“I love Christmas shopping!” Duff squealed with delight

“I hate Christmas shopping,” Izzy muttered under his breath so that only Duff could hear. 

“It's settled then,” Alice clapped her hands together, handing Duff the list, “you boys go out to town and get all these things from the market,”

“Will do!” Duff gave a quick sweet smile to Izzy as they slipped on their heavy coats. He loved causing izzy agony, but this time that wasn't the case. This time he had a mission; a mission to make Izzy love Christmas- along with other things along the way. Hearing about why Izzy didn't like Christmas shattered Duff's heart to pieces and he was determined to change that fact.

Part 4 - Holiday Market 

234 words 

By the time they got to the market, it was already dark. if you ask Duff, it was the perfect time because they got to see the lights. If you asked Izzy he would probably say that it was loud and he wanted to go home. He could barely hear the soft piano playing over the hundreds of people talking, shouting, and yelling. 

Duff took notice of Izzy's nervous behavior and looked at him concerned, “Are you okay?” He spoke quietly and softly. Izzy shook his head ‘no’ and sighed. 

The blonde looked at Izzy with uncertainty, showing brief hesitation, before grabbing ahold of his hand. Izzy snapped his head up, “is this better?” Duff asked, looking concerned. Izzy nodded and smiled coyly. And just like that everything was fine, they could enjoy the holiday market together. 

About halfway through the list, Duff stopped in his tracks, “you good?” Izzy looked at him puzzled 

“Yeah…” Duff said shyly, “Listen, how about we split up for a bit, yeah?” 

Izzy gave him a knowing look, “no,” he said bluntly, “you're not getting me a gift, duff.”

“Whaaaaat?” Duff said, his tone giving away his lies, “I’m not- I just- uh- I-” 

Izzy snorted, “I guess I should get your gift too…” 

Duff's whole demeanor changed, “great! So we’ll meet back here in an hour?” 

“Yeah,” Izzy sighed and they went their separate ways. 

Part 5 - Gift Exchange 

   [im screaming at this part, it's so cute ^_^]

  373 words

They made it back to Duff’s mom’s house after going way over budget- it was all Duff’s fault, I swear. People chattered happily and announced it was time for a Christmas Eve tradition where you open 1 gift from someone else. Duff was ecstatic; he liked receiving gifts but he loved giving them. They all settled down in the living room, in a circle. went down the line opening gifts and Duff made sure he and Izzy were last.

It finally came to their turn and Duff smiled warmly handing Izzy a very neatly wrapped box, izzy smiled even wider and accepted the gift only to hand one back to Duff. It was extremely messy, so messy that im pretty sure it had more tape than wrapping paper. Duff’s eyes went wide and socked Izzy's shoulder.

 “Ow!” Izzy interjected.

 “I told you not to get me anything!”

“Well I did,” Izzy said, turning up his nose, “so open it. “

“Not until you open yours!”

“No, you first!”

they went back and forth until Bruce rolled his eyes “God, you are children! Open them at the same time.” He suggested. The two boys looked at each other and just like that an agreement was made. Once they tore into the gifts they both paused in shock. They had just essentially bought each other the same thing.

“How much did you pay for this?!” Izzy inquired, looking down at the shiny ring.

“How much did you pay for this?” Duff replied, a small smirk playing on his lips. 

Cristine peered over to the boxes and shouted out, “OH. MY. GOD. DUFF IS PROPOSING!” The entire room gasped in unison and Izzy's face suddenly felt hot. He looked at Duff with an ‘Are you serious right now?!’ look. 

“No, no, no, no!” Duff tried to explain, but his mom had already pulled out the Polaroid camera, “it is not a proposal! See, he doesn't even have it on his right finger!” Duff lifted Izzy’s hand to show his family. He did have it on the wedding ring finger. Whoops!

“Why would you put it on that finger, iz?”

“I dunno which finger it's supposed to go on, I've never been proposed to before!”

^ These are the rings ^

Part 6 - Missile Toad

“This eggnog is great,” Duff slurred his words, “Iz, you should try it.” he held up the glass to Izzy’s lips.

“Thanks, but no thanks,” Izzy said, denying the glass  “I’d like to keep my sobriety around your family.”

“Awe,” Tina cooed, “The lovebirds are under the missile toad!”  

“Pardon?” Izzy gave her a puzzled look as if she were speaking another language, “the what now?”

Duff gasped dramatically and looked above their heads, “The missile toad!” 

“Don't you mean the mistletoe?” Izzy questioned, starting to think they all drank the spiked eggnog. 

“No, silly,” Christine piped up, “it's our family tradition, when two people stand under the missile toad they’re gonna fall in love… look like that's already happened,” she chuckled, gesturing to Duff who was bent over clinging to Izzy's arm. 

“Yeah…” Izzy looked at Duff wistfully, placing a soft kiss on his forehead, “he sure is something, isn't he?”

Duff looked surprised by Izzy action, “you missed,” Duff whispered. Izzy looked at the blonde, slightly confused but when he puffed out his lips and stared down at Izzy’s, he got the idea. 

Izzy scanned the room to see if anyone was watching, and when he saw they weren't he leaned over placing a sweet kiss on Duff's forehead. After a couple of seconds, Izzy pulled back, “Duff, you're not in the right mind.” 

Duff gave him a small pout “Yes I am!” he attested.

“No, love,” Izzy sighed, “let's get you to bed it's late.”

“But-” Duff tried to object, but Izzy interrupted him with an offer he couldn't turn down, “I'll let you watch Die Hard,” said Izzy. 

 Duff’s smile widened, “okay!”

As they retreated into the guest room alice, Duff’s mom, followed after them, “Hey, izzy?”

Izzy turned around at the sound of his name “Yes ma’am?” 

The older lady sighed and smiled, “please be careful with his heart,” she requested with sorrow painting her voice, “it's just… he’s had it rough.”

Izzy smiled completely understanding what she was talking about, “Of course, I could never do anything to hurt him,” he said knowing every word was the truth, “ever.” 

And with that note izzy and Duff went to their room to watch the world's most action-packed Christmas movie.

Part 7- Big Brother 

The moment Duff’s head hit the pillow he was out, but for some odd reason, izzy couldn't seem to settle the thoughts in his head. He walked out of the guest room and into the kitchen where he found druce, sipping on a hot cup of tea. 

“You couldn't sleep either?” izzy asked trying to create small talk. 

“Yeah…” Bruce’s mouth opened and his brow furrowed slightly as if he were going to say something important, “listen,” Izzy looked up, preparing himself for the ‘big brother’ talk.

Bruce shifted his weight from side to side “You know I know you and Micheal… I mean duff arent really together, right?” 

“No…” izzy said wide-eyed, “I thought we were doing pretty good at keeping up the act”

“No, yeah, You are. I can just see past it all,” izzy nodded, “but i can tell how much you care about him and how much he cares about you.”

Izzy wasn't quite following, “What are you trying to get at?”

“I just want to say thank you.” izzy looked at him confused 

thank you? His thoughts buzzed, why is he thanking me?

“You see,” Bruce continued, “Mikey is my younger brother; my only brother. And, well, he hasn't had the easiest life. When he is with you I can see all the love and excitement in his eyes that I haven't seen in a long time.” Brue patted Izzy's shoulder, “Keep it up… and uh… he’ll keep  you around.”  

Izzy nodded in agreement “You want some coffee?” Bruce offered.

“Yeah, thanks,” Izzy said.

Part 8 - Santa Baby (I ran out of names) 

Duff woke up on Christmas morning with his head pounding, but the worst thing was that he was alone and cold. duff stumbled into the living room where he saw izzy sitting by the fireplace wearing the single most ugly Santa sweater he had ever seen. Izzy didn't seem to mind though. The usual scowl on his face was replaced by a genuine smile and, boy, was it contagious. Izzy noticed Duff standing by the doorway and made his way over to the blonde. 

“G’morning, sleepyhead!” izzy said softly, placing a small kiss on Duff’s cheek.

“Morning.” Duff groaned.

“You ready for Christmas, dear?” izzy asked.

Duff grumbled a tiny “my head hurts…” and izzy was already handing him a pain pill and a glass of water. 

“You're an angel,” Duff chuckled as he glanced down at Izzy’s lips. Izzy raised a brow, smirked, and then held a missile toad above Duff’s head. A small heat crept on Duff's face as izzy leaned in. Duff leaned in slightly, his eyes flickering from Izzy's lips to his eyes. 

“Is this okay?” izzy asked in a whisper.

They were so close to each other that their breaths mingled. duff nodded as izzy closed the gap between them, placing a comforting hand on Duff’s cheek. Duff felt his eyes flutter shut as he melted into the surprisingly passionate kiss. izzy smiled against Duff’s lips as the room roared with cheers.

[nikossfwfics]

its the other way around for me xD

[nikossfwfics]

Three Simple Words [Slaxl]

BCDXUGFCGCHG I FORGOT I WROTE THIS AND I'M CRYING

*************************

"Slash?" Axl whisper- yelled "slash, are you awake?"

No response.

They had been dating for almost 7 months now, and yet no one had managed to let go those three simple words. The words lingered on thier tounges like a sweet taste, begging to be let go, but they both thought it would be too early and didnt want to scare the other off. Meanwhile on this cold night axl had gathered all his courage to say it, even if slash wasnt awake to hear.

He sighed. "I love you...." he said under his breath, taking time to admire the younger males facial features. With those words spilling out of his mouth he felt freed.

The next day slash woke up first, but decided to stay by his lovers side. Axl arose with a loud yawn, streching his arms up high.

"Goodmorning." He smiled rubbing his eye tierdly

Slash just greeted him with a sudden passtionate kiss, placing his hands on either side of his face.

"Wha- what was that for?" Axl laughed lazily.

"i love you too." Slash breathed

"Oh... you heard that..." axl said embarrassed, as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Yeah..." slash went to answer but was interupted with a pair of soft plump lips on his.

[nikossfwfics]

Sick as a Dog [Stuff]

Duff slipped on his shoes, getting ready to go to work. Before heading out he poked his head into his and steven's shared bedroom.

"Im heading out, stevie." He hollered, earning a quite congested cough from his small lover. He went, sat down next to steven, and placed his palm on his forehead. "Honey, youre burning up!"

"am not!" Steven responded, nasally.

"Baby, youre sick." Duff stated plainly, "im staying home to take care of you."

Steven let out a resistant groan, but secretly he was exited to spend the day with his boyfriend.

"Im gonna make you some chicken noodle soup and i'll call into work." Duff said as he kissed his sicly boyfriends forehead.

He began to walk away until a raspy whine stopped him in his tracks "babyyyyyy!"

"Yes, sweetheart?" He sounded like a worried mother.

" you missed..." steven  mumbled into his pillow.

Duff let out a scoffing laugh " i dont think so, stevie. You're sick and the last thing i want is for both of us to be sick." And with that he was out the door and into the kitchen.

Duff stood by the stove, stirring soup for his boyfriend, when two arms snaked thier way around his waist. He knew by the soft sniffles who it was.

"Stevie you need to be in bed." He scolded.

" 'm not sick anymore..." duff laughed at that, "now i can get that kiss."

Duff turns around so he's facing his blonde boyfriend, he placed his hands on either side of stevens flushed face. "Hm..." he pretended to think about it "sure-"

Before duff could finnish what he was going to say steven was on his tippy toes, placing a soft kiss on the taller males lips. Duff let out a content hum and melted into the kiss. This was one of the boys' favorite things in the world; not even preforming could compare to the impecable kisses they share.

They were rudely interupted by the annoying beep of the oven. Duff was the first one to pull away (very reluctantly) "okay now, let get you back to bed, sweetheart." Steven just responded with his signature heat melting smile.

••••time skip••••

Duff's phlem filled cough echoed throughout their shared bedroom. Steven lifted up a spoon to his tall lovers mouth, shushing him.

Duff raspily uttered, "i told you you'd get me sick, you bastard." He playfully swatted at stevies chest.

"I said im sorry" stevie whined, scooping the medicine into duff's mouth

[nikossfwfics]

Please. Please! PLEASE! PLEASE!! send me requests for fan fictions.

I write mainly for Guns N Roses, but i can also write for Motley Crue, Metallica, Hanoi Rocks and Nirvana <3

I don't really write f/m or fem!reader stories mainly because I'm MLM and it makes me uncomfortable... so yeah!

i have another blog with just NSFW fics, so check that out if you want :)

Please, send in requests and I will reply to them as fast as possible. 😫

[nikossfwfics]

real.

[nikossfwfics]

Special Interest [duzzy]

My friend and I came up with a head cannon that Duff is autistic so i used that in my story. please do not hate, if i messed up while writing him please dm me and don't be mean about it. i hope you enjoy this story <3 

************

Duff sat on his laptop, crisscrossed on the couch swaying left to right, as he usually did when he was exited. Izzy came up behind him and laid a strong grip on his shoulder, “Whatcha got there?” Izzy asked genuinely intrigued at what had Duff so worked up.

Duff turned around, smiled from ear to ear, and started flapping his hands. “They're opening a new aquarium in LA!” he almost shouted, not knowing how to control his volume. 

“Wow! That’s great, my love,” Izzy spoke in a calm but happy tone, mentally noting to save up for it, “now what do you want for dinner?”

Duff shrugged “dunn0, what do you want?” he looked up at Izzy to see a reply. “I don't know either,” 

Duff thought hard for a moment “How about Chinese?” Izzy smiled and ruffled Duff’s already messy hair, “I’ll get right on it.”

It was only them, Axl, slash, Steven, and their fish in this tiny apartment and sometimes they were barely making ends meet with the mediocre jobs they had. Duff worked a from-home desk job, while Izzy helped at a bakery downstairs. That's when the lightbulb hit him; he was getting a raise on Thursday and then he could take Duff to the aquarium on Friday night. A small smile spread across Izzy's face just thinking of duffs wide and delighted eyes. 

Friday rolled around in no time and when Izzy got home he realized Duff was on the same website he was on only days before. Izzy slid his work shoes off and sat down on the couch next to his lover. 

He peered over at Duff’s screen, “do you wanna go?” he asked lightheartedly.

Duff nodded vigorously, his blonde hair turning into a blur of motion, “duh!” Then Izzy reached into his coat pocket and pulled out two tickets to the aquarium. Duff stared at Izzy at a loss for words, all he could do was pull him into a tight embrace. Izzy hugged him back, smiling cheerfully. 

They stood outside the aquarium, goggle-eyed. It was huge, to say the least. When Duff grabbed Izzy's hand and pulled him into the building, Izzy felt his heart flutter. 

They spent most of their time in the shark exhibit. Duff named every shark and fish in the tank and Izzy responded with questions. “What's that one?” Izzy intrigued, but all he got in response was silence, “Duff?” 

Izzy looked over to see Duff bent over a little kid who had a rainbow infinity symbol patch on her jacket.  Izzy watched them with innocent delight, as they spewed out random shark facts. there was a pang in his stomach. Shit, he was in love.  His eyes grew wide at the realization. This was his best and notably straight friend, he surely wouldn't feel the same… surely. 

When Duff stood up and waved goodbye to the little girl he looked back and gave Izzy the sweetest smile. A warmth grew across Izzy’s face and it seemed to happen to Duff as well. They simultaneously took a single step closer to one another.

“Thank you,” Duff whispered. 

[to be continued… i think]

[nikossfwfics]

All Apologies [duzzy]

As he blinked into consciousness, Izzy wondered why he was on the couch. That was until memories of the previous night flooded his groggy brain.

“You never do anything around here!” Izzy had meant for this to be a simple scolding for Duff not sweeping that day, yet here they were. Duff let out a tiny sob. Izzy knew he hated it when they fought, which they rarely did. Izzy shifted in his place. In no way did he know how to comfort people.

“Im not mad…” Izzy sighed, “Just do better next time.”

Izzy sat on the couch regretting ever raising his voice at his lover. Great! he thought sarcastically, now im going to be in a piss poor mood and I still have to go to work.

As he sat up on his feet he felt the blood rush to his head, momentarily getting dizzy. He checked the time on the stove as it read 5:53 a.m. He groaned in annoyance, making his way to the shower. Surely that’ll wake him up. Once he stepped out of the warm shower a cool breeze hit him and he shivered. He crept into his and Duff’s shared bedroom, careful not to wake him. He wrapped his towel around his raven hair as he buttoned up his white shirt and black vest. He took one more look in the mirror before placing a kiss on Duff’s forehead and heading out the door.

Work sucked, just as any other day, but unlike the other days, Duff barely texted him. I've messed up big time. His thought itched in the back of his brain when he came up with an idea.

6:30 p.m. rolled around after what seemed like an eternity and Izzy was out the door as soon as possible. He showed up at the glittery pink store looking unsure. Boys like flowers. Right? He shrugged and walked in, the obnoxious bells signaling his entrance. 

He walked straight to the counter asking, “Listen, uhm,” he paused for a moment, “I got in a fight with my… roommate and I need to say im sorry. You got anything for that?”

The lady behind the counter smiled, “Of course, just one moment.” after only a few minutes she came back with a bouquet full of white and pink carnations, daisies, edelweiss, hydrangeas, peonies, and lilies of the valley. Izzy’s eyes widened as he saw the beautiful flowers. They were perfect for duff. 

“That’ll be 35 dollars. Sir,” she said as Izzy scrounged in his wallet for two 20-dollar bills.

He handed them to the lady and said, “Keep the change.” she gladly accepted the money and handed him the flowers in return. 

“Thank you,” he spoke in a kind voice.

“I hope he likes them.” she smiled knowingly and waved goodbye as a faint heat rose in Izzy's cheeks. And like that, he was on his way home. 

As he stepped through the door of their tiny shared apartment he noticed the scent of garlic and tomato paste. Confused, he walked further into the kitchen where Duff was still wearing his work clothes and an apron over them. Izzy made sure to be as quiet as possible when he crept behind Duff, wrapping his arms around him and resting his head on Duff's shoulder. Izzy was amazed by how good the food smelled; he could only imagine what it would taste like. 

“you made this?” Izzy questioned, “for me?”

“Mhm!” Duff hummed, looking proud of himself, “Maccheroni alle polpette!” 

Izzy looked at his feet, bashful about his gift. He pulled out the big bouquet from behind his back and presented them to Duff. “I got you these flowers…” Duff’s eyes grew wide and so did his smile. He engulfed his lover in a bear hug, almost squishing the flowers. a huge grin spread across Izzy’s face, knowing things were how they were supposed to be… 

[the end]