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"Hi, love," Willy greeted Theo as soon as he got home from grocery shopping. "I was wondering... maybe we could do something together later tonight?"
"How do you mean, 'do something'?"
"Like a date."
"Oh."
"You don't want to? That's totally fine as well. I mean, I know you don't really like going out and we could also just stay in. It's no problem to stay home, really. Don't worry about choosing staying in tonight. We could always go out another night, when you're feeling more up for it. It's both a good choice. It doe—"
"Hey, hey..." Theo said softly. "Don't stress so much. I was just... taken aback by your proposal. Stop worrying."
"Yeah, alright, good, fine," Willy nodded.
"Stop. Worrying," Theo laughed. "But I'm up for it." Willy frowned. "The date, I mean."
"Cool. Let's prepare ourselves a bit and then go."
"Fine with me."
After they'd finished preparing themselves, what actually meant they brushed their teeth, used the bathroom and put on a jacket, they stepped outside in the chilly air of the night, Willy still a little tense, but much calmer already due to Theo's grounding presence. He was really happy Theo chose him. He'd never thought Theo would actually do that, but here he was, taking Theo on a fricking date. The world was ever changing so fast.
"Hey, Will, you're alright, okay? No need to worry." Theo sensed Willy's slight distress, and wanted to calm him as much as he possibly could. He cared a lot about Willy — more than he was willing to admit to anyone but Willy. Not even himself. He just physcially couldn't. Yet he deeply valued Willy and his comforting aura. Not that he believed in that, aura was a made-up concept... Alright, that was a lie. He did believe in it.
"Yeah, yeah, I am, I swear I am. Why wouldn't I be? I mean—" Theo knew Willy long enough to know his rambling meant he felt stressed, so he gently cut Willy off by saying, "Breathe." He knew the impact of that simple, seven-lettered, single word on Willy; namely that Willy would actually follow his advice and do as he was told to. And as always, right on cue, Willy took a exaggerated but deep breath.
"Proud of you," Theo smiled, and Willy felt him chest expand with pride and happiness, the way it only did when Theo praised him.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Willy grabbed Theo's hand, and Theo squeezed it once, then another time before letting go of Willy's hand as they were being walked to their last-minute reserved table. It stood in a dimly-lit corner, candles put all over the place to give it a romantic vibe. It was neither of the men's usually go-to, but they didn't mind the change every now and then, as they enjoyed trying new things together, because together was always better. At least, that's what Theo told Willy once. Theo didn't know Willy clung to those words as if they were a lifebuoy. Willy's little secret, as he didn't see why Theo should know. He was allowed to have secrets, after all — right?
They sat down and once a waiter arrived to take their orders, they both ordered the same: stew. It was simple, easy and always enjoyable — a safe choice. Or a good one, as their waiter told them. Theo smiled politely to him and agreed. Willy didn't say nor do anything.
"It was delicious," Theo said as they were walking down the vibrant street, being lit by neon signs and the quarter moon. He'd put on a jacket in the nightly air and grabbed Willy's hand, holding it secure in his own, as another lifebuoy. Willy realised with a shock he loved Theo. Although he kept the "together, we're better"-lifebuoy secret, he was fairly bad at keeping secrets in general, so once they stood upon a bridge, Theo watching the dark water stream beneath them, Willy blurted his feelings out, a silent confession under the wathful eye of the stars and moon, the whole universe.
"I love you, Theo."
Theo turned around, not shocked at all. "I know you do. Always knew. I love you, too."
He knew? "How'd... how did you know?"
"I can read people easily," Theo simply stated, and then kissed Willy.
Together was always better.