He can’t believe he has to spell it out like this for Pete. “I’m not good,” Izzy explodes. Pete blinks. He shrugs. “Okay,” he says. “What?” “I said okay, babe. I’m not, like, expecting you to be good?” “The fuck does that mean?” “I dunno, are good people even real? It doesn’t matter. You’re not out here killing puppies or something.” “You’re fuckin’ ridiculous.” “Hey.” Pete holds out his hand. He doesn’t try to touch Izzy. He just stands there, hand outstretched, waiting patiently. Izzy doesn’t know what the fuck Pete expects from him. His eyes burn. His throat’s got something sharp lodged in it. He doesn’t move. Slowly, Pete lets his hand drop. “I’m gonna go,” he says. “I’m not great at reading cues, but I’m pretty sure you’re wanting space. You’ve got my number though, right? Yeah, it’s in your phone, you’ll call.” He picks up his jacket from the back of the kitchen chair. “Okay, I’ll see you - ” Izzy grabs Pete’s elbow and holds on tight. When Pete says ow, Izzy lets go of his arm but keeps clinging to the fabric of Pete’s shirt sleeve. He doesn’t want to hurt Pete. He’s

never been in a relationship with someone who he doesn’t want to hurt at least a little bit. The realization terrifies him. Pete’s brow furrows. “What’s the matter, hon?” Izzy doesn’t want to cry in front of a man he’s barely started dating, but he’s never been good at stopping tears once they’ve started. He presses his free hand over his eyes. He can’t convince himself to let go of Pete’s sleeve. Pete takes Izzy’s forearm. He reels Izzy into him. “Baby, what hurts?” he asks when Izzy buries his face against Pete’s thick shoulder. Izzy’s breaths come in jerky, hiccuping gasps. “Who hurt you, babe?” Izzy’s mouth forms a silent snarl. He refuses to sob. “You can’t fucking ask that,” he chokes out. “I’m gonna hug you now,” Pete says. His strong arms come around Izzy and hold him firmly. He throws heat like a furnace. Izzy can’t help melting.

apparently I wrote this snippet of pizza (pete/izzy) modern AU over a year ago and then forgot about it??? anyway enjoy your pizza #peteizzy #blackpete #izzyhands