Work Text:
The morning started quietly in the chocolate shop, with the aroma of freshly melted cocoa filling the air. Iceman was focused on his work, checking every mixture and adjusting temperatures with precision. Every detail mattered; one mistake could ruin the entire batch.
Maverick suddenly appeared, leaning on the counter with his usual mischievous grin.
—What are you doing today, Ice? —he asked.
—Focused —Tom replied, without looking up.
—Can I help? —Maverick insisted, leaning closer to peer at the mixtures.
Tom shook his head, though he couldn’t resist a brief smile. Only a second of distraction was enough: a bowl of hot chocolate spilled, splashing onto his shirt and partially onto Maverick’s clothes.
—Mav! —Tom growled, though the blush on his cheeks betrayed amusement more than anger.
—I was just trying to help —Maverick said, carefully wiping it off.
The rest of the morning passed in laughter, clumsiness, and impromptu hugs. Every accident became a sweet moment, both literally and figuratively. Tom thought: I never imagined a small disaster could feel so… perfect, and I don’t want it to end.
A few days later, Maverick returned to the chocolate shop. This time, Tom was testing a new mixing machine. As he leaned over to show him something, a stream of chocolate shot toward both of them.
—Watch out! —Mav shouted, lunging to catch him before he got completely covered.
The machine went haywire. In seconds, the floor was coated in chocolate, and they were slipping and colliding while laughing uncontrollably.
—I think we just invented the first chocolate storm in history —Maverick said between laughs.
Tom rolled his eyes, trying to maintain composure, but his blush and smile betrayed him. As Maverick gently wiped chocolate from his face, Tom realized: I’ve never let anyone care for me like this… and I want it to continue.
The rest of the afternoon was a chaos of cleaning, hugs, and laughter. Every time Tom showed frustration, Maverick calmed him with a kiss on the forehead or a hand on his back. Finally, Tom allowed himself to be enveloped in closeness and mutual care.
Weeks later came the night of the big dinner. Tom had planned every detail: menu, lighting, music, and table setting. His heart raced; he wanted to impress Maverick but feared something would go wrong.
Maverick arrived unsuspecting, watching Tom carry the grocery bags.
—Are you sure you can cook? —Mav asked, leaning his elbow on the counter.
—Of course —Tom said—. This will be perfect.
Everything seemed to go smoothly… until the special sauce. Tom tripped on the corner of the rug, and a stream of hot sauce landed on his apron and almost on Maverick. Mav’s laughter filled the kitchen.
—I told you… you’re a disaster —he laughed, helping to clean up.
The pasta was served, wine poured, and they enjoyed the meal while joking about past accidents. Then, Tom tried to prepare chocolate mousse; some ended up on Maverick’s leg.
—Tom! —Maverick exclaimed, laughing as he wiped it off—. This is too much.
—I didn’t ruin everything —Tom said, blushing—. Just a little.
After washing the dishes, Tom slipped in a puddle of water. Maverick caught him, hugging him against his chest. For the first time, Tom allowed himself to fully relax.
—You always end up catching me —Tom whispered, resting his head on Maverick’s shoulder.
—And I always let you —Mav replied—. Even when you’re a disaster in the kitchen, I love taking care of you.
At the end of the night, with food and chocolate remnants everywhere, Maverick pulled out the last remaining truffles and offered one to Tom.
—For you —he said softly.
—Thank you —Tom murmured, biting into the chocolate calmly.
Resting his head on Maverick’s shoulder, Tom thought: I never imagined a failed dinner could feel this perfect.
—Promise me the next failed dinner will also be with you —Tom said, laughing.
—Promise —Maverick replied, leaning in for a sweet, playful kiss.
And so, amid chocolate, mishaps, and hugs, Iceman and Maverick discovered that even the most complete disasters could become the most perfect moments, as long as they shared them together.