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"What'cha doin?" Duff asked, appearing behind Slash in the bathroom.
Duff unbuttoned his jeans and began pissing into the toilet. Slash rolled his eyes at the sink.
"Ever hear of privacy?" he asked, dragging a razor across his face.
"Might've heard it mentioned in passing," Duff grinned, zipping up his jeans, "So what'cha up to?"
'I'm jerking off," Slash answered washing off his face, "Seriously, man. What sort of a question is that?"
"Is it for a chick?" Duff asked, with a knowing smile.
"No," Slash answered quickly, blushing slightly through his curls.
"I knew it," Duff said triumphantly, "Who is she?"
"No-one," Slash lied.
"Does she have a name?"
"Nope,"
Slash pulled on his t-shirt and left the bathroom. Duff followed him, determined to get some information.
"When do I get to meet her?"
Slash turned, at the top of the stairs, and looked at Duff.
"Uh..." he paused for a second, "Never,"
"Dude, why?" Duff persisted.
"You fucked the last chick I brought back here," Slash pointed out.
"But that was Jackie," Duff told him, "We had that whole thing going on,"
"Once bitten, twice shy," Slash answered, flicking open a bottle of Jack Daniel's.
"What does that even mean?" Duff asked confusedly.
Shrugging, Slash lit a cigarette. There was no way that Duff was finding out about his latest girlfriend. She was different from the others. She was sweet, down to earth, thoughtful, funny and HOT. Really really hot. Duff wouldn't be able to resist.
"Do I know her?" Duff asked.
"Nope," Slash answered with a smile. If Duff knew her, he'd have fucked her.
Duff laid out a line of coke and began chopping it up.
"Has she been to our gigs?" he asked, not taking his eyes from the coke.
"Don't think so," Slash answered, "She's not really a rock chick,."
Raising an eyebrow, Duff snorted up the coke and grinned at Slash.
"What?" Slash asked warily, "Why are you smiling like that?"
Last time someone had smiled at him like that, it had ended up with Slash fucking Axl. He was NOT going there again with Duff. "She's imaginary isn't she?" Duff teased.
"No," Slash snapped indignantly.
"Sure she is," Duff laughed, "That's why she hasn't got a name. Axl thinks your a faggot. We all do actually, after that night. So you invented a girlfriend,"
"Dude, she's real," Slash insisted
"Then why won't you introduce me to her?" Duff asked, "Or tell me her name?"
"Fine," Slash snapped, slamming down his bottle of Jack, "Her name is Susan Holmes. She's a model. You can meet her tonight. If you make a move, I'll kill you,"
"Dude," Duff held up a hand, "I'd never do that to you. Jackie told me you were cool with an open relationship,"
"Jackie was," Slash muttered, "Just keep away from Susan,"
"Dude, I wouldn't ever go near a chick if I knew you weren't cool with it," Duff answered seriously, "I swear,"

Just then, they heard the front door slam and Izzy stumbled into the kitchen, scratching his head confusedly.
"Steve here?" he asked, "I need to uhh.....speak with him. You know, before the gig?"
"Were you with Axl again?" Duff asked
"Nah, he's with Erin today," Izzy rolled his eyes. He still couldn't understand why his lover had chosen Erin over him. But at least he had Steven.
"What the hell is going on with you and Axl?" Slash asked, turning to face Izzy.
"Nothing man," Izzy answered carefully, "I'm just looking after him, After the attack, he's...uh...been...scared, man."
"Scared? Axl?" Slash snorted, "You're a regular fuckin' Florence Nightingale aren't you?"
"Steven knows about your new found nursing career does he?" Duff asked dryly.
"Yeah," Izzy folded his arms, "What's your fucking problem?"
"Steven is my friend," Slash pointed out, "We practically grew up together,"
"Me and Axl grew up together," Izzy pointed out.
"That doesn't mean you have to fuck him,"
"I'm fucking not," Izzy shouted.
"You're not what?"
Steven appeared behind Izzy, wrapping an arm around him. Slash glared at Izzy and Izzy glared at Slash.
"Come on, Steve," Izzy said quietly, putting an arm around Steven's waist, but keeping his eyes on Slash, "Let's slip upstairs, shall we?"

Steven pulled out of Izz and sat up on the bed watching him drift off to sleep He was beautiful, Steven thought. He hadn't shaved that day and he had a little stubble. It made him look even sexier. Steven reached out to feel the stubble but Izzy spoke, startling him.
"Steve, quit staring at me and go find something to do," he mumbled with his eyes closed.
"How do you do that?" Steven asked in amazement.
"Let me sleep for a few minutes," Izzy mumbled.
Steven sat quietly for a few minutes before popping some pills and turning back to Izzy.
"What do you think it'd be like to live in a fish tank?" he asked.
Izzy grunted something, turning his back to Steven.
"Not one of those small round ones," Steven continued, "But living in that big one down in the Whistle? That'd be fucking awesome."
Izzy didn't reply, so Steven poked him.
"What about a rabbit hutch Izzy?" he poked him again, "Izz?"
Izzy sat up straight.
"Okay, only Axl can call me Izz. When anyone else does it, it sounds weird."
"Ok, what about Zee?" Steven asked eagerly.
"Why don't you go and find Axl?" Izzy suggested, "Make sure he knows about the gig?"
"Kay,"
Steven hopped out of the bed and looked around for his clothes. He picked up Izzy's jacket, to look for his shoes and a cheque book fell out. Steven frowned and opened it. There was a receipt slip for $200 made out to someone called Andre. Steven turned to Izzy.
"Hey, Izzy? Where'd you get the cheque book?"
"Huh?" Izzy sat up blearily.
"Who's Andre? Where'd you get $200? And why'd you pay it to him?"
"What's with the questions?" Izzy asked irritably.
"Dude, you're broke remember?" Steven began, "You told me just last week you couldn't afford your rent and were on the verge of eviction. You can't afford food. And now you have $200?"
"It's...nothing for you to worry about," Izzy forced a smile.
"You seem to be saying that a lot," Steven complained, "Axl's got bruises, don't worry. You come home covered in blood and bruises. You won't tell me. You tell me not to worry,"
"Dude, I don't...."
Steven held up a hand.
"And then you're carrying around a cheque book and a slip for $200? I'm scared for you," he sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "Why won't you let me in? I'm your boyfriend. That's supposed to mean something."
Steven sighed and left the room. A few minutes later, Izzy heard the front door slam.
Izzy sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He'd forgotten about that damn cheque book. Stolen of course, from one of Axl's many groupies. Izzy couldn't bear to see his lover and best friend so scared, so he'd taken it upon himself to lift the pressure, so to speak.
During the drinking session at Izzy's flat after the show, Izzy'd "borrowed" one of the groupies' cheque books and written Andre a cheque for $200. Axl still didn't know. He'd made it perfectly clear that he didn't want Izzy rescuing him. He had this stupid desire to prove that he didn't need anyone. That he could survive on his own. But Izzy knew it was bullshit. There was no way he could raise $500 on his own. The only problem now was Steven. He hadn't wanted to involve Steven. But now Steven knew, he was pissed at him and he'd no doubt tell Axl. Izzy cursed under his breath and climbed out of the bed. He needed a drink badly.

Steven rapped sharply on Erin's door.
"Where's Axl?" he asked when she answered. Axl appeared behind her.
"Yo, man. What's up?"
"Ready for the gig?"
"Uh...give me one sec," Axl closed the door, "Gotta find some clothes,"
Steven leaned against the wall and sighed. He was annoyed. Not because Izzy was keeping a secret, but because he obviously didn't trust Steven enough to let him in. Steven told Izzy everything. He thought Izzy did the same, but obviously not. Steven was worried about why Izzy was paying some guy $200. Why? Where the hell did he even get $200? The other day he couldn't afford$2 for food.
"What's up?" Axl asked, appearing through the door, fully dressed.
"The gig," Steven snapped irritably.
"No, I mean with you," Axl explained, "You look pissed off,"
"It's nothing," Steven tried to shrug it off. It really wasn't any of Axl's business, "Just had a row with Izzy. That's all. Its dealt with,"
Axl raised an eyebrow, wondering had Steven any idea about him and Izzy.
"You wanna talk about it?"
"Nah," Steven forced a smile, "Don't worry dude, it's fine,"
"Alright," Axl sighed.
They walked in silence for a few minutes. Steven brooding about Izzy, and Axl about how he was going to raise $500 . Izzy was eager to help him. He kept bugging him constantly, but that was the last thing Axl wanted. He'd made a vow when he was 16 never to rely on anybody for anything ever again. He certainly wasn't going to break that vow for Izzy.
All of a sudden, Axl was pushed to the ground and two large hands pulled Steven away.
"Where the hell is Izzy?" Andre appeared, kicking Axl in the gut.
"Fuck, dude," Axl tried to get up, but was kicked back down again.
"Where the fuck is he?" Andre screamed.
"I...don't...uh..."
"Out of town," Steven offered, "Said his mom was sick. Left in a hurry,"
"Yeah, I'll bet he fuckin' did," Andre kicked Axl again and pulled him up by the hair.
"The game is over motherfucker," he said quietly, "You don't fuck with me and get away with it,"
"What the hell are..." Axl began
"The cheque man," Andre screamed, "Izzy's fuckin' cheque bounced."
Axl opened his mouth to speak, but Andre punched him, splitting his lip.
"I'm goin' to your gig, mother fucker. If you don't have the money after it, I'm gonna make you pay,"
He flung Axl to the ground, and left, with his friend. Steven hurried over and helped Axl up.
"Izzy..." Axl began.
"The cheque," Steven said, "That must be Andre. Axl what are you and Izzy involved in?"
Axl didn't speak. He wiped away blood from his mouth.
"I don't know," he said eventually as they walked along, "I got in over my head. I owe them $500. Izzy found out and wanted to help. I told him to stay out of it. Now I'm gonna kill him,"
"You can't," Steven said firmly, his eyes glittering with anger.
"Give me one fucking reason why not," Axl demanded.
"Because I wanna kill him."

Backstage at the club they were due to play at, Izzy flicked some ashes from his cigarette angrily. Where the hell were Steven and Axl? He looked at Duff and Slash. Slash was making out with some blonde chick. Susan something or other. Izzy was too drunk to remember her name. If he'd even been introduced. He couldn't remember. Duff was alone. He was completely wasted and was sitting with a spaced out look in his eyes and a vague half smile on his face.
Izzy sighed deeply. The last thing he needed was a confrontation with Axl, which no doubt, he was going to get. Axl had a stupid bullshit notion about being independent and Izzy knew that not even his lover was allowed to interfere with this notion.
Suddenly the door burst open and Axl and Steven stormed in, both roaring at Izzy. Slash and Susan jumped up and Duff turned his head in Axl's direction, even though he still had the same spaced out look in his eyes.
"What the fuck do you mean interfering in my fucking business motherfucker?" Axl screamed, grabbing Izzy's shirt.
"Why the hell didn't you tell me?" Steven demanded, just as furiously, "Why didn't you tell me about Andre? And the threats? Why can't you just let me into your life?"
Izzy pushed Axl off him.
"Don't fucking start," he snapped, "I was trying to save your ass. Christ knows why,"
"You should have told me," Steven shouted, " We're supposed to be lovers,"
"You stay the fuck outta this," Axl shoved Steven away, "This is between me and him,"
Izzy bit his lip. When Axl was in a temper, he couldn't control himself. If he was pushed far enough by Steven, he might tell him about Izzy's unfaithfulness.
"Look," he said to Axl, "What's the big deal? I wanted to help you,"
"Yeah, he's your friend," Susan spoke up for the first time.
Slash bit his lip as Axl turned towards her dangerously.
"What?" he asked in a low dangerous voice.
"Susan," Slash began, putting a hand on her shoulder, but she shrugged him off.
"He's your friend. I don't know what the hell this is about but, I do know that if he went out of his way to help you, you should be more grateful,"
Axl stared at her silently for a moment before grabbing her, shaking her violently.
"The fucking cheque bounced," he screamed, as Izzy and Slash pulled him off.
"What?" Izzy went pale. "The...the cheque bounced?"
"Yeah. You happy? You stupid mother fucker!" Axl shouted punching him.
"Leave him alone," Steven shouted, punching Axl
"They want the money by the end of the gig," Axl said, more calmly.
"Shit," Izzy muttered.
Axl nodded.
"Yeah. Shit,"
He turned and stormed out of the room.
"Are you fuckers playing this gig or not?" he called behind him.

At the back of the hall, Andre stood, watching Guns n Roses playing. He smiled to himself. When the band left the stage, after the last song, Andre walked away, intending to find Axl and Izzy.

In the dressing room, Axl managed to change his clothes and un-tease his hair without even looking at Izzy or Steven. Izzy watched Axl with a worried look on his face. Steven sat glaring at Izzy. Finally, Axl stormed out of the room. He didn't know what was going to happen with Andre, but he didn't intend on staying around to find out. If Izzy wanted to stay, that was up to him. When Axl slammed the door, Izzy jumped up and followed him.
Axl left the club and headed across the road towards the petrol station, muttering obscenities about "interfering motherfuckers." He was so busy muttering that he didn't notice Andre slipping into a car and starting the engine. Izzy rushed up to Axl and grabbed him by the wrist.
"What the hell is your problem?" he demanded, "Why the hell can't you let me in? Why can't you accept my help? Me. Of all people,"
"Because anyone who helps me, does it for their own benefit," Axl answered, trying to pull away from Izzy's tight grip.
"I didn't do it for me," Izzy shouted, "I did it because I..."
"Because what?" Axl shouted, "We had sex a few times?"
"Because I love you," Izzy roared, not seeing Steven coming through the door behind them.
"I love you man," he said, "You're my best friend, I'm scared for you. I'm sorry the cheque bounced, but..."
They were cut off by the roar of an engine. A car came flying towards them with a crazed, drugged up looking Andre behind the wheel. Without thinking, Steven rushed forward and pushed Axl and Izzy out of the way. The car hit him. Flinging him up into the air and down onto the ground.
To Izzy, everything after that seemed to happen in slow motion. The car lost control and drove into the petrol station crashing and exploding, Steven lay motionless on the ground. Izzy sat frozen to the spot, he felt as if he'd left his body and was watching the action from afar. He saw himself sitting on the ground, he saw Steven, his lover, lying motionless, blood seeping from his head. He saw Axl rushing to Steven's side and he saw Susan, Duff and Slash run up to them. He could hear Slash and Duff roaring his name, but he was physically unable to answer or move. He just sat, staring at Steven. Wondering if he even was alive. He watched as Axl tried to find out. He watched as an ambulance arrived. He watched the paramedics try and resuscitate him. He allowed them to put a blanket around his shoulders and lead him into the ambulance with Steven, while Axl stood by, giving them the information they needed.
No, Izzy couldn't move or speak. He loved Axl, yes. But he loved Steven even more than Axl. Steven might be dead. If he died, he'd died, saving Izzy. Izzy knew that. That was all that was going through his head. Steven might die trying to prove how much he loved Izzy. And Izzy had treated him like shit.