#steb

He nods with an affable smile, joining you. He gazes at the garden and the old-style building of the cafe, before looking at you, smiling brightly. And again, you feel all your words evade you completely, your throat drying and fire spreading to your cheeks.

"Do you like it here?" You try to hide your trouble with a little conversation.

He nods, his cheek scales waving in appreciation. You see his gills open wide to absorb all the humidity of the soiree, while gentle music escapes from the closed windows of the bar.

This is just… Very cosy. And intimate.

You fidget with your table towel, pretending to put it on your legs to eat to put on a front in front of your crush. You almost jump when Steb's delicate hand brushes yours to catch your attention.

"Sorry!" You laugh, embarrassed, "Yes?"

He asks in what honor you invited him here tonight.

"Well, I had a question for you, tonight, in fact…"

He opens his eyes a little wider, his ears flap once, clearly focused on you.

"Well… You know how it has been some years since we met each other?"

He nods.

"And, I don't know, I feel like we are clicking well, you and me, no?" Oof, not so direct (Y/n), calm down, "I mean: we make a great team at work, don't you think?"

He nods again, taking a sip of fresh water.

"And we have been seeing each other out of work for some time now, like friends… It's cool, no? You enjoy those moments?"

He nods, swallowing his water, resting the glass on the table, before fanning himself. He stands up and takes off his jacket, revealing a form-fitting shirt, deliciously tight around his muscles, letting you appreciate his physique in great detail.

"And I, huuuuuh…" You lose your train of thought at his muscular arms as he sits back down, looking at you with a bright smile, "I…"

You drink some water too. Ooof, it's true it's hot tonight… And Steb is clearly not helping the temperature to cool down!

"What was I saying…?" You search in your mind.

Come on! It's not that hard! Just ask him!

You take a deep breath…

"What I… What I wanted to say is: I appreciate you, Steb. Way more than a colleague, and way more than just a friend." You drop.

He seems to freeze completely.

You look at him, gulping, but silent.

He is so still, even a night butterfly comes landing on his arm.

"If that makes you uncomfortable… Tell me." You say with a shaking voice, your heart pounding in your chest.

And then,

Steb's green cheeks turn pinkish, then bright red, his cheek scales flapping furiously, while he tries to gulp. He takes another sip, chokes on it, and coughs it up. You give him a tissue, worried for him, letting him finish his coughing fit. He is now extremely red, and his scales and ears are dancing, popping out excitedly. He lets out a last cough behind his fist before gulping.

"Is that.. True…?" He asks out loud, surprising you.

"Yes." You nod, ready to receive the response, whatever it might be.

He fidgets his fingers together before letting out an incredulous laugh. He grabs your hand and presses it against his cheek, squeezing it in his.

"Say it… Again…"

"I… I think I love you, Steb." You admit, on the edge of your seat.

He lets out another chuckle and kisses your palm reverently, looking at you with his ocean eyes full of hope.

"Is it true…? Can I.. Believe it…?" He asks, his laughter edging on a soft sob.

You feel your own heart exploding.

And as if you shared the same mind, you both jump to your feet to hug each other tight. You inhale his delicate musk deep in your lungs, gently caressing the back of his head, while he brushes your back, burying his nose in the crook of your neck. He cradles you, swaying you both gently, circling your waist tightly.

"Thank… You, (Y/n)…" He gasps between elated laughters, "I love… You … Too…"

You gasp in turn, squeezing him in your arms, so happy and relieved.

"Everything will be all right, from now on, Steb. I promise you…"