Wesley's eyes widened and he flopped back on the couch, staring at the ceiling, practically paralyzed by the confession.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything," Tadashi immediately began gushing apologies.
"I can't believe it," Wesley murmured.
"I didn't mean to upset you-"
"Upset me? You didn't, I didn't, I don't- I'm not upset, Tadashi. I'm stunned, but not upset. I could never be upset…"
Wesley took a deep breath, "Tadashi, I wasn't expecting that but it doesn't upset me because you're my best friend and because, well, I like you too."
Now it was Tadashi's turn to be stunned.
"No way."
Wes laughed awkwardly, "Yes way."
"This is real? I'm awake? I'm not dreaming?"
In a moment of pure bravery, Wes reached over and cupped Tadashi's cheek.
"It feels real to me."
Tadashi let out a giddy little laugh, completely mesmerized. He leaned forward, attempting to initiate a kiss, and then someone cleared their throat.
"Hiro! How long have you been watching?" Tadashi turned bright red.
"That's not important. Aunt Cass told me to tell you that you're late for work. Should I go tell her you're busy?" Hiro smirked at them.
"No. We'll be down in a minute."
Wesley was already dressed and showered, so Tadashi did a speedrun of his typical morning routine and then headed downstairs, more than a little distracted.
He was distracted all day, living in this bubbly liminal space, the comfort of knowing his beloved loved him back, the restriction of having to be professional during work hours. He stole twice as many glances than usual and half the time he caught Wesley glancing back. When they noticed each other they would burst into grins and then glance away. Tadashi was elated but also anxious for the end of the workday because as nice as this morning had been, he wanted to treat Wesley to something truly special. He just had to figure out what that would be…
When they were finally closed for the day, Tadashi tossed his apron aside and grabbed Wesley's hand, beginning to pull him outside.
"Let's go," Tadashi whispered with a grin.
"Where are we going?" Wesley asked, keeping his voice at a whisper as well though he wasn't sure why.
"We are going on our first date," Tadashi said, which caused Wasabi to get flustered.
"We are? What? Where? Why, how?"
"What do you mean why?" Tadashi laughed.
"I don't know my brain is moving faster than my mouth. I never thought this was going to happen so I need more details, to be able to understand everything that's going on and calm my nerves."
Tadashi squeezed his hand, "Of course, I'm sorry, I got caught up in it, I forgot that you're not as spontaneous as me."
"I could be spontaneous," Wesley murmured.
"Yeah, but you don't need to be. I like you just as you are. We can take things slow and go at your pace. Do you want to go on a date?"
Wesley paused and then broke into a grin.
"I do. But I want a say in what we do."
"Okay, but I've been dreaming about this for literal years, so I already have a few ideas. Just warning you."
Wesley burst out laughing, "Years, 'Dashi?"
Tadashi reddened, "I uh- I've liked you for a long time."
"Then you should have said something, dummy. We could've had this date a long time ago."
"Really? Dang… I guess we'll have to make up for the lost time." Tadashi leaned over and pressed a kiss to his cheek. Wesley looked shocked.
"That too fast for you, Wesley?"
"I think I can keep up," Wes said, wrapping his arms around Tadashi's shoulder and capturing his lips in a slow, soft kiss. Tadashi was over the moon and Wesley felt more confident than he ever had, not caring who was watching or what anyone thought of him at that moment. He truly believed everything would be this perfect forever.
One more chapter :)
One more trope :)