Work Text:
Choked Emotions
Fadel stood behind the grill, the warm, smoky scent of sizzling beef filling the air of Heart Burger, his pride and joy. The kitchen hummed with quiet efficiency—just him, the heat of the stove, and the rhythmic chopping of vegetables. He had closed the shop up; Style was the only ‘customer’ remaining.
His hands moved on autopilot, molding a fresh patty before pressing it onto the grill. The satisfying sizzle filled the air, and Fadel exhaled, his lips curling into a small smile.
This was his happy place. And it was all thanks to him.
Style.
Fadel chuckled softly as he flipped the burger, reminiscing about the first time Style had walked into Heart Burger. He had been arrogant, loud and confident that he could bed Fadel. After a lot of twists and turns, including prison time, murder and theft, they had finally stumbled into a steady relationship.
Fadel smirked to himself as he toasted the bun. Style had always been unpredictable, always finding ways to turn situations in his favor. Even now, after years of knowing each other, Fadel was still caught off guard by the things Style did.
He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. His heart pounded as he flicked it open, revealing a simple but elegant silver ring.
Tonight’s the night.
Carefully, he nestled the ring into the heart of the burger, right between the layers of lettuce and tomato, making sure it wouldn’t be too obvious. He was nervous, but it was the good kind of nervous—the kind that meant something important was about to happen.
Once the burger was plated, he wiped his hands on a towel and carried it out to the dining area, where Style was waiting, leaning back in his chair with a lazy grin.
“About time,” Style teased, drumming his fingers on the table. “I was about to die of starvation.”
Fadel rolled his eyes. “Then I guess I just saved your life.” He set the plate down in front of him.
Style took a dramatic inhale. “Damn, smells even better than usual.” He picked up the burger and took a massive bite, chewing in exaggerated satisfaction. “Mmm. This is why I keep coming back.”
Fadel leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching him expectantly. He tried to keep his face neutral, but anticipation was buzzing under his skin.
Any moment now.
Style continued eating, completely unaware. He hummed in pleasure, licking some sauce off his thumb. “Seriously, Fadel, this is top-tier stuff. You could seduce a man with this burger.”
Fadel smirked. That’s the idea.
But before the plan could come to fruition, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He frowned at the screen. Kant? His brother’s boyfriend rarely called him. His stomach twisted slightly—was something wrong with Bison?
“Give me a sec,” he muttered, answering the call. “Yeah, Kant?”
“Fadel, hey!” Kant’s voice was as smooth and relaxed as ever. “Sorry if I’m interrupting, but I need your help with something.”
Fadel exhaled, relieved that it wasn’t anything urgent. “What is it?”
“I’m trying to surprise Bison with a gift, but I can’t decide what to get him. You know him best—what do you think?”
Fadel groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Kant, you do realize you’re calling me in the middle of my dinner plans for this?”
“Wait, are you on a date?” Kant sounded genuinely intrigued. “With Style?”
Fadel rolled his eyes. “Who else dumbass?”
“Ooooh, thats romantic, isn’t it?” Kant chuckled.
“I’m hanging up now,” Fadel deadpanned.
“Wait, wait, just tell me real quick—”
But before Fadel could reply, a sharp, hacking cough cut through the air.
He froze.
His head snapped toward Style, who was now gripping his throat, his face red and eyes wide. He was choking.
“Shit!”
Fadel shoved the phone back into his pocket and lunged toward the counter, grabbing a bottle of water. His hands were a little unsteady as he hurriedly twisted the cap off.
“Hold on,” he said, his voice rushed as he poured the water into a glass, turning back toward Style—
Only to stop dead in his tracks.
Style had stopped coughing.
He was smirking.
And in his fingers, he was holding the ring.
Fadel’s breath hitched.
Style spun the ring between his fingers, examining it with an amused glint in his eyes before slowly lifting his gaze to meet Fadel’s.
Then, with that victorious smirk still playing on his lips, he spoke.
“Will you marry me?”
The words hit Fadel like a truck. His heart stuttered, his mind momentarily blanking.
Style tilted his head, obviously reveling in the moment. “You were waiting for me to find it, weren’t you? Sorry to ruin your perfect little plan, but I saw it in the burger right before I swallowed it.” He twirled the ring playfully between his fingers. “Not a bad way to propose, though. Very you.”
Fadel’s jaw clenched. “You ruined my damn moment.”
Style laughed. “Your moment? I made it better. You should be thanking me.” He held up the ring, wiggling his eyebrows. “So? You gonna put this on me, or what?”
Fadel ran a hand down his face, exhaling sharply before shaking his head with a chuckle. Of course this was how things would go.
With a deep breath, he took a step forward, reaching out to take the ring from Style’s fingers. But before he could, Style withdrew his hand playfully.
“Ah ah,” he teased. “You gotta say it first.”
Fadel rolled his eyes but couldn’t fight the fondness tugging at his lips. He took the ring, holding it between his fingers before looking Style directly in the eyes.
“Marry me.”
Style’s smirk softened into something more genuine. He held out his hand. “Gladly.”
Fadel slid the ring onto his finger, the cool metal resting against warm skin. For a brief second, the world seemed to stand still.
Then Style grinned. “Guess I can’t ever leave now, huh?”
Fadel snorted. “Not unless you want me hunting you down.”
Style leaned in, resting his chin on his hand. “Kinda hot.”
Fadel flicked his forehead. “Shut up and finish your damn burger.”
Style laughed, showcasing his bright smile, pulling the plate toward him once more. “Anything for my future husband.”, he said, while winking cheekily.
Fadel groaned, but his heart was full.