Work Text:
After fighting in yet another meaningless war, Yusuf and Nicoló decided to spend a year or two in Rome, if possible, in peace. They bought a small house with a garden in one of the neighbourhoods filled with artists of all sorts, and it did not take long before everyone around them believed that Yusuf was an artist and Nicoló was his muse.
This afternoon, Yusuf had left the house to buy more clay for a sculpture he was working on, leaving Nicoló back home. Because it was still so hot, Nicoló decided not to get dressed, and he knew if someone showed up, they would not comment on it because it wasn't unusual if an artist's muse ran around naked in the house or a studio. After finding one of his favourite books, Nicoló lay down on the daybed and enjoyed the warm sun on his naked ass.
The hours passed, and just when Nicoló were almost done reading his book, he heard the front door open before it was slammed shut, and seconds later, he heard Yusuf curse loudly.
Nicoló: "Something wrong?"
Yusuf: "This time, I might actually kill Michelangelo."
Nicoló: "What is it this time?"
Yusuf and Michelangelo were known throughout the neighbourhood for their heated art discussions.
Yusuf: "Oh, Michelangelo has gotten the great idea of stealing you from me so he can create a statue of David."
Nicoló raised an eyebrow.
Yusuf: "Okay, he might have used the word 'borrow' instead of 'stealing'."
Nicoló: "Just so you know it, I feel flattered that I can pass for a young man at the age of sixteen."
Yusuf resisted cursing again.
Nicoló: "Okay, you are not in the mood for my jokes."
Nicoló closed his book and sat up before crossing his legs under him.
Yusuf: "Maybe we should get out of here, and as far away from Michelangelo and his ideas."
Nicoló: "I am not leaving Rome yet, so if you want to leave, you can do it."
Yusuf: "Fine, we will stay, but could we at least move house?"
Nicoló: "No, we have finally found a house in good condition, we have food on the table so that we won't go hungry to bed every night, and we have friends who do not care that we are a couple. I am not about to give that up, just because you had another fight with Michelangelo. And I know you agree with me about that."
Nicoló stood up with his book in his hands.
Nicoló: "Now, you must excuse me. I need to get dressed so that I won't be late for the play tonight and for the party."
Nicoló left the room without looking at Yusuf. After taking a very deep breath, Yusuf went to the bedroom where he found Nicoló getting dressed.
Yusuf: "Can you forgive me, My Moon? Your happiness is one of the most important things to me, and I forgot it when I got angry."
Nicoló pulled a green tunic over his head, which matched the grey pants.
Yusuf: "Nico, please speak to me."
Nicoló looked at Yusuf.
Nicoló: "If my happiness is so important to you, why do you want to leave?"
Yusuf: "It was the anger speaking. I promise you, I am not giving up on this life we have here, unless I am forced to do it."
Nicoló looked at Yusuf to determine if he was speaking the truth.
Nicoló: "I believe you, but I need you to give me a promise."
Yusuf: "Anything."
Nicoló: "If Michelangelo shows up at the party and speaks with me, I need you not to start another fight with Michelangelo."
Yusuf groaned inside himself before he swore to stay away from Michelangelo tonight.
Nicoló: "And just so you know it. If you break the promise to me, I will consider working for Michelangelo instead of you."
It was the last thing Yusuf wanted to happen, so he promised to keep his promise.
Nicoló: "Good. Now get washed and dressed, or else we will be late for everything tonight."
While Yusuf got ready, Nicoló found a pair of earrings.
Yusuf: "How do I look?"
Nicoló: "Better than Michelangelo or any other man will ever do."
Yusuf smiled before he kissed Nicoló.
Yusuf: "And you, My Love, trumps every man in the world when it comes to beauty."
Nicoló: "Thank you. Shall we get going?"
After locking up their house, they walked down the streets hand in hand, talking about tonight's events. And during the party, Yusuf was really happy that Michelangelo didn't show up.