Work Text:
Nicky woke when nature called around 7.15 AM. At first, he tried to ignore his bladder, but in the end, he gave in and stood up. After a visit to the bathroom, he decided he could make breakfast now that he was standing up. When he walked out into the kitchen, he got wet feet. After checking everything in the kitchen, he found out the fridge had stopped working sometime during the night. He let out a frustrated groan before he found a stack of towels. He had just returned to the kitchen when his phone vibrated. At first, he wanted to ignore the phone, but when he saw who it was, he took the call.
"Morning, Nicky," Joe said. "I know we agreed around 10 AM, but I missed you so much. Can I stop by now? I promise to bring breakfast."
"I would love to, but I kinda have an emergency right now," Nicky replied. "Call you later."
Nicky hated ending a conversation like this, but he had to try to salvage the wooden floor his Nonno had put into the kitchen the year Nicky was born. It knocked on the door. At first, Nicky wanted to ignore it, but in the end, he threw the wet towel in the bucket before opening the door.
"Joe?" Nicky asked. "What are you doing here?"
"Helping my boyfriend with his emergency," Joe replied. "It sounded serious on the phone, so I wanted to be sure you weren't hurt or worse."
"I appreciate the thought, and it's very nice of you to show up," Nicky replied as he made a sign to Joe to follow him into the kitchen. "Unless you as a Doctor know how to fix my broken fridge, you can't do anything."
"Sadly, I didn't learn that at medical school," Joe replied. He kissed Nicky. "Here's what we're going to do. You're going to take a nice long hot shower while I help you with the rest of the cleaning."
"Thanks, Joe," Nicky replied. "But you don't have to help me. It's my..."
Joe kissed Nicky to stop him from talking.
"I want to help you because you're my boyfriend," Joe said. "You would do the same thing for me, right?"
Before Nicky could say anything, Joe pushed as gently as he could Nicky out of the kitchen into another room.
"Shower, Sweet One," Joe said. "Unless you plan to go to lunch in pyjama pants."
Joe closed the door, but seconds later, Nicky knocked on the door.
"Yes, Dear?" Joe asked as he opened the door again. "Do you need a towel?"
"I can't shower in the broom closet," Nicky replied. "Unless you wanted to be sure I was out of the closet."
They both laughed.
"You're so funny," Joe said. "Ok, what door is the one to the bathroom?"
"That door," Nicky replied and pointed at the door to the left. "Even though the bathroom isn't much bigger than the broom closet."
Joe opened the bathroom door and looked inside.
"What are you doing, Sillyhead?" Nicky laughed
"Just checking if it was the bathroom," Joe replied with a goofy smile.
"And the verdict?" Nicky wanted to know.
"It's a bathroom," Joe replied. "Looks good. No killers or spiders, so you should be safe enough."
"Thanks for checking," Nicky replied. "So, can I go inside?"
"Yes, you can," Joe replied. "Remember to use a lot of your shampoo. Love the smell of bubble gum."
Joe kissed Nicky again before leaving Nicky alone to shower. When Nicky came into the kitchen again twenty minutes later, Joe was gone, but it didn't take long before he returned.
"Hi, you," Joe said with a big smile. "Let me kiss you and smell you but not in a creepy way. Like in a cute boyfriend way."
Joe kissed Nicky and smelled the hair before lifting Nicky up on the kitchen counter. It made Nicky giggle.
"The last one who did that was my Nonno, and I was ten," Nicky said. "You could have hurt your back."
"I stretched before I did it," Joe replied and gave Nicky a wink. "Now, eat this."
Joe handed Nicky a bun and kissed him again.
"Joe," Nicky said. "Where did you go before?"
"Out with the spoiled food," Joe replied. "As a Doctor, I wanted to prevent you from getting food poisoning."
"Very thoughtful of you," Nicky replied. "It was the next thing on my plan..."
Nicky looked at the bun with a thoughtful mime before he looked at a picture of his grandparents and mother.
"Nicky?" Joe asked as he placed a hand on Nicky's hand. "What's it?"
"I..I..I.." Nicky whipped away a tear from his eye before he looked at Joe. "I think I just realized something, thanks to the broken fridge. I bought this flat from my Nonna because of all the memories there are here inside these walls. Memories I thought I would lose if I changed anything to the flat. But the memories will never be gone, they will always be here."
Nicky kissed Joe.
"So, tomorrow, I'll start to make this flat into my own place, just like Nonna and Nonno did a long time ago," Nicky said with a smile. "And make new memories to add to the old memories."
"I'm behind you," Joe said. "And I'm going to keep an eye on you while you do that. Just in case you need a Doctor."
"Just in case I faint from the paint fumes," Nicky smirked as he swirled his finger around Joe's shirt. "I think we should check right now if you know how to perform CPR on me."
"Well," Joe smirked back. "They do say practice makes perfect."
They laughed as Nicky pulled Joe in for another kiss. They kissed until it knocked on the door.
"That must be the Ninas," Joe said. "I'll explain in a moment. Eat your bun, and don't move."
Joe kissed Nicky on the nose before opening the door.
"Nicky, this is Nina with two n's," Joe said, pointing to his right at a woman with a bald head and tattoos before pointing to his left at a woman with long hair also with tattoos in a neat ponytail. "And this is Ninna with three n's. Did I get it right this time?"
"Not even close, Joe," Nina replied. "And you know very well we got each other's names tattoed on our arms."
Nina kissed Ninna on the cheek.
"I hope you have better luck telling them apart than me," Joe joked, making the women laugh. Nicky could tell it was an ongoing joke between them that Joe couldn't tell them apart." "Nina and Ninna, this is Nicky. My boyfriend."
"Finally, Joe," Ninna said. "He has been living like a monk since last year of medical school."
"Yes, the music taste Joe have can best be described as...," Nina said. "What did you call it, Love?"
"Someone who desperately needs a boyfriend," Ninna replied. "Just so you're warned, Nicky. Joe sings in the shower, very loudly and badly to Eternal Flame."
Joe facepalmed himself while shaking his head. He was a bit embarrassed at the moment.
"May I ask," Nicky said. "How do you know that?"
"Don't worry, Nicky," Ninna replied. "Joe is as gay as they come. He and the wife shared a room back at medical school."
"One day," Nicky said. "I want to hear more stories about Joe."
"I'll leave you my number," Nina replied. "You said you needed our help with something, as usual, Joe."
"Ah, yes," Joe replied. "The fridge over there stopped working. Could you maybe get rid of it or what it's you do. If it's ok with Nicky."
Joe looked at Nicky.
"The Ninas, they got a little moving company," Joe said. "They move anything as long it's legal."
"More than fine with me," Nicky replied. "What do I owe you for it?"
"If you give my wife one of your rings," Ninna replied. "We're even."
Joe pulled Nicky into the living room, saying letting the women do the job themselves was the best thing they could do. Joe leaned up against the sofa and pulled Nicky closer, so they could kiss again. A half-hour later, the fridge was gone, and they were on the way to the nursing home. When they arrived at the nursing home, Joe said he would wait at the car while Nicky got his Nonna.
"Nonna?" Nicky asked when he knocked on the door. "Ready to go?"
"In a moment, Nicky," Lina replied. "Your Nonna has gotten a new hat."
Nicky smiled. He remembered all of his Nonna's hats. Some were more ugly than others, but Nonna always said someone had to wear the ugly ones.
"I talked with the Doctor," Lina said. "He can see you on Thursday at 10 AM. Is that ok? I'll of course, prepare your Nonna for it as usual."
"More than fine, Lina. And thanks for helping us again," Nicky replied just as Nonna came out from the bathroom. "Lovely hat, Nonna."
It was a sun hat with a big shade and some flowers in the band.
"Thanks, Nicky," Nonna replied. "Look at my grandson, Lina. He is beaming, and there will soon be a wedding. I'm calling it."
"Nonna," Nicky said. "Let's go to lunch first. Then we can always see if there will be a wedding."
Nicky offered Nonna his arm before they left. When Joe saw them, he opened the front door for Nonna first and then Nicky.
"You're going to marry a good man with good manners, Nicky," Nonna said. Nicky looked at Joe in the rearview mirror and whispered a sorry. "Now, tell me about your date. Did my grandson wear his new clothes?"
"Yes, he did," Joe replied. "Once we get to the zoo, you can see the photografical proof of it."
They told Nonna about the dinner and promised to take her there one day. They also told Nonna that they agreed on dating but taking things slowly because getting to know each other first was important. Something that made Nonna happy. When they reached the zoo, Ernest was waiting for them.
"Glad to see you all," Ernest said. "May I help your Nonna, Nicky? I promise to walk slowly."
"Of course," Nicky replied. "If it's ok with Nonna."
Nonna took Ernest's arm while Joe took Nicky's hand in his. Since there was still some time before lunch, they decided to visit the penguins.
"A bit too cold for my taste," Joe said. "But the penguins seem happy here."
"Let me guess," Nicky said. "You would rather be a hippo in the river."
Joe poked Nicky in the side, which made Nicky giggle. Nonna saw it and gave Nicky a smile.
"Ever so funny," Joe said. "No, I like to see myself as a lion on the Savannah, lying on a rock, enjoying the sun."
"It's the curls that do that," Nicky teased. "Make you think you're a lion."
Joe poked Nicky in the side again, which made Nicky giggle again.
"Ok, Mr Funny," Joe said. "What animal do you see yourself as?"
"Hmm," Nicky replied. "A falcon. Most of all, because I want to fly away sometimes."
"Oh, I remember when you tried flying," Nonna said. "His Mama had taken him on vacation on a farm when he was eight. On the second day, he decided to see if he could fly by jumping down from the hen house. Result: a broken arm."
"Yeah, ok," Nicky said. "Not my proudest moment in life."
They all laughed before making their way to the restaurant.
"What a lovely view," Nonna said. "I have never seen the city from this view before."
Nicky knew that Nonna had when Nonno still was alive. They went to this place every Sunday for years. Ernest saw the look on Nicky's face.
"So, Lilly," Ernest said. "I heard you gave your grandson a makeover yesterday. How did you do that?"
Lunch was nice, they talked about things happening in their life right now and about Joe and Nicky's relationship. A couple of hours later, after taking a round in the zoo, they decided to end the day. It was there Nicky chose to have a word with Ernest in private, so Nicky asked Joe if he would take Nonna into the gift shop.
"Ernest, I know you want to revive your friendship with my Nonna, and I have nothing against it. We all need friends," Nicky said. "But could I ask you to call Lina before you go to the nursing home?"
Nicky told Ernest about the whiteboard and why it was important that Nonna had a daily schedule.
"All I ask is that you call Lina or whoever is on duty the day before you want to visit Nonna so they can write it on the whiteboard. And then again in the morning because there are days where Nonna is really tired, and all she wants is to sleep," Nicky said. "Can you do that?"
"Yes, I can. It isn't a problem," Ernest replied. "Can I send your Nonna flowers? As an old friend."
"I don't have a problem with that," Nicky replied. "Thanks for understanding."
Nicky gave Ernest Lina's number and the number to the nursing home. Then they saw Joe and Nonna coming out of the gift shop with a giant stuffed penguin.
"Her idea, not mine," Joe said as he placed the penguin on the ground. "What was the name again, Nonna?"
"Private," Nonna replied. "After that cute penguin from that tv-show, we both love, Nicky."
After saying goodbye to Ernest, who promised to visit Nonna soon, Joe drove back to the nursing home. While Nicky helped Nonna inside, Joe once again carried the penguin.
"Be a dear, Joe," Nonna said. "And place Private on the sofa."
Joe did it with a smile.
"I'll be back in a moment," Nicky said. "Nonna, I think Joe needs some new socks."
Nicky quickly found Lina and told her about Ernest. Lina had no problem with it and was glad Nicky had told her. When Nicky returned to Nonna's room, he found Joe lying on the floor laughing while Nonna measured his foot.
"Lay still, Joe," Nonna said. "Or else it will take longer than needed."
They stayed until it was dinner time and said goodbye to Nonna. Before leaving, Nicky wrote on the whiteboard that he would call tomorrow at 2 AM and visit the day after. They bought two boxes with Chinese food before Joe drove the short distance to a parking lot with a view over the city. Joe opened the door to the trunk, and they sat down there to eat.
"Sorry about the socks," Nicky said. "I just needed a moment to talk with Lina."
"I don't mind," Joe replied. "I don't ever think I had knitted socks before."
They ate their dinner while talking about what Nicky would do to his flat. Nicky hadn't decided everything but knew he wanted to start with the hallway. Start small and work up to the rest.
"Since you don't have a fridge," Joe said. "I could stop by with breakfast around 8 AM tomorrow after my shift."
"You should get some sleep instead," Nicky replied. "There is always lunch."
"No way am I letting you starve," Joe replied. "And if I'm lucky, I can get a couple of hours of sleep at the hospital."
"If you're sure," Nicky replied. "But promise me, please aim for my sofa if you get tired."
Joe laughed as he pulled Nicky closer to him.
"Joe, I got you something," Nicky said as he put his hand in his pocket. "As thanks for the help you gave me when you showed your friends my rings. I promise to explain more next week. I just need to talk with someone first."
Nicky handed Joe a small black pouch. When Joe opened the pouch, he saw the ring with the green gems he wanted to buy.
"Nicky..." Joe said. "I don't know what to say. Why are you giving me the ring?"
"Look inside the ring," Nicky replied. "And as I said before, I promise to explain next week."
Joe turned the ring and saw the inscription.
"I hope I spelt the words correctly," Nicky said. "Arabic isn't my strong suit."
"You didn't misspell anything," Joe replied. It made Nicky smile. "Friend. Beloved. Is that what you see in me?"
"Yes. We were friends before you became my beloved. Hope it's ok," Nicky replied. "That it isn't too soon."
"No, no, not at all," Joe replied. "I'll cherish this ring for the rest of my life."
Joe ran a finger over the words again before handing Nicky the ring.
"You put the ring on my finger," Joe said. "Because you're also my Friend. Beloved."
Nicky took Joe's hand and put the ring on Joe's second finger. Then Joe pulled Nicky into a kiss.
"I need to know," Joe said. "How did you know the ring would fit?"
"I leave that to you to figure out," Nicky replied. "It's good to have something to think about."
They decide to go for a walk before Joe had to go to work. They talked a bit about breakfast, date nights next week, and taking Nonna out for dinner together with Ernest. They both agreed that next year they both would see if they could make it and attend the Pride Parade as a way to celebrate their love.