Work Text:
Tien couldn’t stop glancing down to the hand that was holding his own, swinging lightly as he and Yamcha walked in perfect sync. Yamcha’s tanned skin making his own look all the more pink- Though he supposed it wasn’t as pink as the skin on his face. He could feel the blush burning his cheeks spreading further down his neck every time he glanced at his and Yamcha’s entwined fingers-
“I still don’t understand why we need to pretend that we’re a couple?” He questioned.
Yamcha leaned in conspiratorially, whispering in his ear- “If we say it’s our anniversary they’ll probably give us a table faster and I’m pretty sure couples get free dessert, so it’s like a double whammy win.”
Typically he would have made a point that they could have just gone somewhere without a wait, or that Yamcha and he could easily afford to buy desert if they so desired it, but in all honesty Tien had trouble paying attention to Yamcha’s words. The feeling of Yamcha’s warm breath against his ear and cheek had his heart skipping a beat.
Seeming to take his silence as admonishment Yamcha spoke again- “C’mon Tien, it’s just a bit of fun- Holding my hand can’t be that awful, can it?” Yamcha finished his statement with a wink and though he could not see his reflection, Tien was certain that his face had never been redder.
Just a bit of fun.
Letting out a deep breath Tien narrowed his gaze onto the man beside him, noting the dopey grin Yamcha was sporting, the way he absently was brushing his thumb against Tien’s hand in soothing little circles. Yamcha was correct, holding his hand was not awful, in fact it was rather enjoyable, even if Tien’s palm was a bit sweaty and his stomach seemed to tie itself in knots.
Fun.
He could play along, have fun.
Approaching a rather jovial looking young woman with blonde hair stacked atop her head in a messy bun, Tien steeled himself- vowing silently to show Yamcha just how fun he could be.
“Good evening, Gentlemen- Table for two?” Her voice was high, tinged somewhat with an unfamiliar accent.
Yamcha’s laidback voiced piped up, an easy smile on his face “That would be perfect. It’s my husband and I’s anniversary, so, you know, wanted to do something special.” He waved his free hand nonchalantly, the dopey grin not budging.
“Oh, happy anniversary!” The blonde woman answered, a beaming smile on her face- “How many years?” She quirked a brow.
Tien finally spoke, his voice much louder than he intended- “It’s ten-”
“Our fifth.” Yamcha answered at the same time.
Though he kept the easy smile, his grip on Tien’s hand tightened almost painfully. “It’s our fifth wedding anniversary, but we’ve been together for 10 years-” Tien was sure their plan had been foiled, he could feel sweat on his brow, a slight tremor in his hand as he waited to be called on their lie.
“Oh, well, congrats! Let me go see about that table.” The woman looked vaguely perplexed but otherwise questioned nothing.
“Dude, what the hell?” Yamcha turned to Tien, laughing. “Why did you yell?”
“I don’t know, I just panicked.” Tien answered truthfully.
“You can probably let go of my hand now… If you want-” Yamcha raised their entwined hands, laughter still in his voice. Before Tien could answer the hostess was back, two menus in hand-
“I’ll show you to your table- We actually have a special where you get a free dessert on your anniversary, your lucky day-” She smiled over her shoulder, leading them inside.
“Oh my god babe, it’s our lucky day.” Yamcha winked again.
Only Yamcha could convince him to do something so silly- So juvenile.
And yet Tien felt the corners of his mouth tugging into a smile as he swiftly leaned down, planting a kiss to Yamcha’s cheek-
“Our lucky day.” He repeated.
It was Yamcha’s turn to blush.