Brewing Affection

"I can't do that, Skyler. You know I can't."

"Why not? There's nobody in here."

"I still can't. You know that."

"You're being ridiculous. It's just a kiss."

"It's not just a kiss! Look at me! We've been friends for like, a year now and you want to suddenly-"

"We've been more than friends for like, a year now, Liam. And you didn't say anything before because it never mattered. Now I'm tired of it!"

"What does that mean?"

*Sigh.* "I've liked you for a long time now, kid. This is the best way I could think of to make things clear to you."

Liam couldn't believe his ears. Was this really happening? He looked down at his hands and spread them out on the table as he tried to come up with what he wanted to say. When he finally looked back up at his co-worker, Skyler was gone. Liam went over to the barista station and started making coffee like nothing had happened. It began to get busy after that so he was able to let his mind wander into other things while making drinks. He was thankful for the rush because if it wasn't for that then he would have probably freaked out by then. After an hour or so when things had died down again, Liam pulled out one of the chairs from under the table where people usually sat and took a seat himself, leaning his face against his arms as he tried to think about what happened earlier. Skyler came over after a few minutes and said nothing as he busied himself with cleaning things up around him and making sure everything was perfect again before locking up the shop for the night. He walked over behind Liam and put his hands on his shoulders as he leaned down onto him to rest his head on Liam's shoulder before saying, "Let's go home together." The younger man nodded in response as he picked up their belongings before following Skyler out through the back door of the shop into a parking garage where they got into an old car together before heading home for the night. As they drove through the dark streets of London, Skyler was quiet while Liam kept stealing glances at him whenever it felt safe and unobserved enough to do so without being noticed. They parked outside of Skyler's apartment building before Skyler turned off the engine and turned around in his seat towards Liam before asking him if he wanted something to eat or drink before they went upstairs together. He shook his head in response as Skyler smiled at him before saying, "Alright then," as he turned back towards his side of the car and opened up the driver's side door before getting out of the car and walking over towards Liam who was still sitting inside of it with a blank look on his face before turning him towards him in order to look at him directly in the eyes as he asked, "What did you decide?"