He looked at the other as he pulled away for a moment and asked his question. Of course he loved him. Or course he did. How could he not. He nodded, “of course I do.” He sighed softly, “this is going to sound stupid, but I didn’t want to say it back right then because, I don’t know, thought maybe you’d think I only said it because you said it. But fuck, Tom, I’ve loved you since before all that bullshit happened and you ditched me to educate yourself. I’ve loved you through every awful thing I’ve ever said or done to you and honestly I don’t know why you love me.” He cupped his cheek gently, “I love you in a way I didn’t know was possible and honestly it scares me.”
As Tate confessed his love for him, Tom felt like he was weightless. He didn’t think Tate could love him after all this time. Two years is a long time to wait for someone. Especially when Tate has needs like he does. Tate loves him, but the way he was reacting made Tom nervous. “Do you want to love me in that way? I mean, I know you can’t help who you fall for, but that doesn’t mean you have to like it.”