Work Text:
Tom was searching through his phone for a new restaurant him and Aiden haven’t been to yet. They've gone on dates to nearly every place around where they live, so his options were a bit limited. He didn't want to take Aiden to the same place every time. He wanted to make every date special in their own way and trying at someplace new wouldn't hurt.
As he looked through the restaurants that were near them, one in particular caught his eye: a noodle and Japanese place called "Naruto". It looked like it had just opened very recently, and looking through their online menu, it seems like they serve mainly ramen noodles and other various Japanese cuisines. Overall, it was the perfect place to try.
Aiden was sitting on the couch, watching his boyfriend scroll through Google for possible restaurants. He wanted to go with whatever Tom picked. It's just the thrill of trying something new that excited him.
"So, what are we thinking?" He asked curiously, while shifting himself to look at Tom's phone.
Tom looked at Aiden and smiled. "I think I found one." He said, showing Aiden his phone screen.
"Ooh, a ramen noodle place." Aiden replied, observing the menu of different ramen choices. "I haven't been to a place like this in a while. Sounds good, I'm up for it." He said, smiling at Tom.
Tom smiled, hearing Aiden's approval. "Great. I'll make a reservation for tonight." He replied, opening up the restaurant's website and booking a table for two at 5:30 PM.
Tom and Aiden walked through the doors of the restaurant. The interior was warm and cozy, a mix of traditional Japanese decor and modern comfort. There was a low hum of conversation, and the faint scent of fresh noodles and simmering broth filled the air.
A friendly waitress immediately approached them. "Do you have a reservation?" She asked with a smile.
Tom nodded. "Yes, under the name Tom." He replied.
"Right this way." The waitress responded, guiding them through the restaurant to a booth table.
Aiden and Tom sat down next to each other on the same side. The waitress handed them each a menu.
"Your waiter will be right with you." She said, before walking away to tend to other customers.
Tom looked through the menu, his eyes skimming over the various ramen options. "What are you thinking of getting, Aiden?" He asked, looking over at his boyfriend.
"Hmm..." Aiden studied the menu as well. "I'm torn between the miso ramen and the shoyu ramen. What are you getting?"
"I think I might go for the spicy Tonkotsu ramen." Tom replied. "It looks good."
"Spicy, huh? You sure you can handle the heat?" Aiden teased with a smirk, poking fun at Tom's known sensitivity to spicy food.
Tom rolled his eyes, smirking. "Oh please, I can handle it just fine."
"I'll believe it when I see it." Aiden chuckled, amused by Tom's confident facade. "Just make sure you don't turn red halfway through the meal."
Tom playfully nudged Aiden. "I'll be just fine. Just watch."
Just then, the waiter approached their table with two glasses of water and asked if they were ready to order.
Tom looked up at the waiter. "Yes, I'll have the spicy Tonkotsu ramen, please."
Aiden then chimed in, "And I'll have the miso ramen."
The waiter nodded and took their menus. "Great choices. Your food will be out shortly."
As the waiter left, Tom looked over at Aiden with a confident smile. "See? Easy."
Aiden leaned a bit against Tom's shoulder. "We'll see." Tom wrapped an arm around Aiden's waist, pulling him closer.
They sat in comfortable silence. It was quite often the two engaged in PDA. They were comfortable showing their relationship out in public just as long as no one was grossed out or being homophobic about it. Out of the two of them, Aiden was the most cuddly one in the relationship, but Tom was equally a cuddle bug as Aiden is.
The atmosphere in the restaurant was peaceful, the soft sounds of conversations and the clinking of utensils blending into a background hum. Tom took this moment to lean his head down and nuzzle it against Aiden's hair, finding solace in their closeness.
Aiden leaned into the touch, enjoying the comfort of Tom's presence. He closed his eyes momentarily, savoring the moment. When he opened his eyes, he looked up at him, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"I love you." He said quietly, the words carrying the weight of his affection.
Tom looked down at him, his own smile mirroring Aiden's. "I love you too." He replied. He planted a kiss on the top of his head, his hold on him tightening slightly.
Soon, their waiter came back with their food and set the steaming bowls of ramen down in front of them, the aroma of spices and rich broth wafting up. Tom looked down at his bowl, the sight and smell of the spicy Tonkotsu ramen making his mouth water. He was determined to prove Aiden he could handle the spice.
Aiden smirked at Tom, watching him prepare to take the first bite. "Ready for the heat, tough guy?" He teased.
Tom rolled his eyes, but couldn't help but smirk back. "Just watch me."
He picked up his chopsticks and brought a tangled mess of noodles to his mouth, taking a big bite. Immediately, the spice hit him and a wave of heat started at his tongue and quickly spread throughout his mouth.
As he chewed, a subtle look of discomfort appeared on his face, but he quickly regained his composure. Despite the spiciness, he managed to swallow the noodles without any visible struggle.
Aiden watched him with an amused expression, trying to hide his laughter. "How is it so far? Not too spicy for you?"
Tom took a sip of water, clearing his throat. "No, no. It's good... I like it." He said, trying to sound nonchalant. However, a slight flush was starting to creep up.
Aiden grinned. "Your face says otherwise." He teased.
Tom shot him a glare. "It's fine, really." He replied, his pride not allowing him to admit he was struggling. "In fact, I'm gonna have more!" With a determined look, he took another bite, the spice packing a punch once more.
Aiden couldn't help but notice the subtle sweat beading on Tom's forehead. "You're turning a bit red there, babe." He mused.
Tom dabbed a napkin across his forehead, attempting to hide his obvious discomfort. "No, I'm fine. Just a bit warm in here, is all." He chuckled, trying to appear unfazed.
"If you say so." Aiden replied. He turned his attention to his own bowl of miso ramen, taking a bite and relishing in its rich, earthy flavor.
As they continued to eat, Tom's mouth and throat started to feel increasingly fiery. Every bite he took seemed to light a new layer of heat, but he continued eating, refusing to admit that he was in over his head.
Aiden, meanwhile, found Tom's stoic battle with the spice both hilarious and endearing. He ate his own meal quietly, secretly entertained by his boyfriend's subtle struggle.
Despite his burning mouth, Tom forced himself through half the bowl of ramen before he had to surrender. He placed his chopsticks down, sweat now visibly beading on his forehead.
"O-Okay, it's... really spicy..." He mumbled, taking another sip of water to quench the heat.
Aiden laughed softly. "I told you so."
Tom let out a resigned sigh, a defeated smile on his face. "Fine, you win. I can't handle the spice as well as I thought I could." He admitted. "You happy now?"
Aiden chuckled, reaching over to place a kiss on Tom's cheek, cupping them gently in his hands. "I am now."
The older man leaned into the touch, the heat from the ramen momentarily distracted by Aiden's affection.
Aiden smiled at him, noticing the flush on his cheeks. "But seriously, your face is really red. Are you sure you're okay? Maybe you should take a breather."
Tom nodded, the spice starting to really burn. "Yeah, yeah. I'm good. Just... really spicy." He chuckled, mopping his forehead with a napkin. "Who knew ramen could be this hot?"
"Oh, babe." Said Aiden, shaking his head whilst smirking. "Just wait until you try Shin. It's a whole different experience."
Tom groaned at the thought. "You're not planning on making me try that, are you?" He protested.
"Who knows?" Aiden teased, grinning and chuckling. "Maybe one day."
Once they paid the bill, they left the restaurant, the cool evening air contrasting with the warm atmosphere inside.
Tom, still feeling the burn from the spicy ramen, let out a sigh. "I don't think I'm gonna be able to handle spicy foods for a long, LONG time." He said, shaking his head.
"Was it seriously too much for you, babe?" Aiden asked, a hint of worry in his voice. He reached out and held Tom's hand in his. "I'm sorry."
Tom smiled reassuringly, intertwining his fingers with Aiden's. "Don't worry, it's alright. I'm fine, really. I just overestimated my spice tolerance, that's all."
Aiden squeezed his hand gently. "You sure? I don't want you feeling terrible the rest of the night."
"I'm sure." Tom said with a nod, still a bit flushed. "Just need a little time for my mouth to cool down, that's all."
Aiden hummed, continuing to hold his boyfriend's hand in his as they walked down the sidewalk, passing a few stores as they did. Up ahead, he noticed the bakery he and Tom love going to a lot because of their famous, freshly-baked donuts Tom LOVES so much.
"Hey, Annie's Sweets & Pastries is still open!" He said, pointing forward at the shop with his free hand. "You wanna go get a dozen box of your favorite donuts? That might help you feel better!"
The mention of delicious donuts immediately made Tom's mood lift. "You know me so well." He said with a grin. "Let's do it."
They walked towards the bakery and went inside. The warm, comforting smell of fresh baked goods filled the air. Tom quickly headed to the display case, his eyes zeroing in on the donuts, specifically the chocolate sprinkled ones he has a major weakness for.
"I think I'm in donut heaven." Tom said, practically drooling as he looked at the selection.
Aiden chuckled at his boyfriend's reaction. "You're always in donut heaven when we're here." He teased, walking over to stand next to him.
"What can I say? Donuts are my weakness." Tom replied with a smirk, still staring at the display case. "And these are the best ones around."
"I know, I know." Aiden said, rolling his eyes playfully. "You've told me hundreds of times. Now, are you gonna pick a dozen to buy or stand there and drool all night?"
"Right, right." Tom snapped out of his donut-induced trance. "I'm gonna get five the chocolate sprinkled ones, three powdered ones, two jelly-filled ones, and two of the pumpkin ones." He pointed to the donuts he wanted as the person behind the counter started packaging them. He looked at Aiden. "You getting any?"
Aiden looked through the display case. "I think I'll just get the two maple glazed ones." He said, standing aside while Tom's order was being put together.
Soon, they had the box of donuts in their hands. Tom looked at the box hungrily, already mentally planning on which donut he was going to devour first. As they walked out of the bakery, Tom held the box tightly as if guarding it.
"These donuts are my children. No one can have them but me." He said with a jokingly serious tone.
Aiden chuckled, shaking his head at Tom's antics. "You'll share at least one with me, right?"
Tom smiled at him. "Of course I will." He said. "How could I not share my donuts with the love of my life?"
His smile grew even wider, touched by Tom's sweet words. "Aww, thanks Tom. You're the best boyfriend I guy like me could ever ask for."
"Nah, you're the best." Tom said, bumping his shoulder into Aiden's.
Aiden giggled. "Love you, babe." He said sincerely.
Tom smiled warmly. "Love you too, sunshine." He said, using that nickname he knew Aiden loves so much.
They continued walking down the sidewalk, the night air cool against their skin. Tom's mouth was still a bit fiery from the spicy ramen, but the thought of sugary donuts waiting for him was making everything better. And not to mention Aiden was always there to make everything better in the end.