A/N: This is the story I've been kind of hinting at through various blurblets. I've only the vaguest idea of where I'm going with this, but there will be optimism and fluff to counteract the doom and gloom I've been posting recently.
Tonight, both Squidward and Spongebob had finished their duties at the same time - which meant he would have to deal with the yellow, square distraction on the walk home.
Something inside him wanted to walk home with the young man, but he was so close to a breakdown at this point, he didn't know if it was wise.
Lost in his own thoughts, he was halfway to the door before he realized his coworker was speaking to him.
'Um, Squidward...?'
He turned.
The sponge was standing there, wringing his cap in his hands, looking...nervous? Why should he be nervous? And...was he blushing?
Suddenly, Squidward's mouth was dry; his heart pounded in his chest, and he could think of nothing but escape. He didn't want this, he didn't want to confront this...
'What is it?' he asked faintly. His tentacles were shaking, and he hid them behind his back, hoping the other man hadn't seen them.
'Squidward-would-you-like-to-go-out-with-me-Saturday?' the sponge blurted, definitely blushing now.
He could only stare at his coworker. 'I...I...'
And he broke.
Squidward managed to sit down at one of the tables before he burst into tears, burying his face in his arms. His harsh sobs echoed in the fortunately empty restaurant.
'Squidward? Squidward! Please don't cry! I'm sorry!'
He couldn't stop, even though Spongebob was begging him to; even though he wanted to.
'Mister Squidward? What's goin' on, boys?'
'I don't know, Mr. Krabs, I asked him something and he started crying.'
He felt his boss shaking him. 'Lad! Snap out of it!'
He still couldn't stop - on some level he knew he was hysterical, but knowing it and being able to do something about it were two completely different things...
Suddenly he heard a slap ringing in his ears and felt a sharp pain in his cheek. 'Sorry I had t'do that, lad.'
'Mr. Krabs, why did you hit him?'
Squidward, calmer now, answered for him. 'No, no, it's okay. I...I n-needed it.'
'Look lad, why don't ye take tomorrow off?' the old crab said kindly. 'Get yer head on straight and such.'
The octopus closed his eyes, drawing a shaky breath. 'Thank you.'
'Go on now, boys, time to lock up.'