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"Me and Dandicus? I simply work alongside him as an... Associate, if you will."
Dyle kept insisting he and Dandy were only associates. It was known Dyle assisted Dandy in certain tasks such as the upkeep of Gardenview, mainly bringing in fresh supplies from the outside via train, but he also helps organise Dandy's shop every day. After all, Dandy's got trinkets to sell, and with how many toons it needs to sell them to, it could definitely use a second pair of hands to help out. Dyle was the best assistant he could ever ask for!
But, golly, he couldn't help it. They were in the back of his shop, close together, just picking some items out of boxes, before Dandy glanced over at Dyle. He seemed so focused on the task at hand, the one Dandy had off handedly asked him to do, instead of directly asking him to-- Dandy didn't mind if Dyle said no, but Dyle never says no to them unless he's busy! And despite how Dyle insists he has no time for friends, Dandy can't help but think they have something different, something the other toons don't have to the two of them, which caused him to suddenly blurt out something utterly stupid.
"I want you."
Dandy barely hesitated before saying it. It felt like it was now or never to tell Dyle his true feelings, how he really sees him. How every day he can't take his eyes off Dyle's shop, how his chest gets a little tight and stomach all fluttery when he's around (well, he hopes that's a good thing, and not some underlying health problem), and how he tries to make excuses throughout the day to try and spend more time with Dyle.
Dyle froze, before slowly placing more items onto the shelves, still processing what Dandy had said. He looked at the rainbow-petalled toon, studying his expression - noticing the soft red on his face - before finally responding. "Did I hear you right, Dandicus?" Dyle didn't really know what to say. It was so sudden, no subtle hints or build up, just 'I want you'.
Dandy swallowed, "I... I want you." He'd repeat, hands resting idly on his green petal. It knew that was probably one of the worst confessions ever, but it didn't know if Dyle was even interested in romance at all! He never rubbed Dandy as the relationship type in general, and it was a miracle the two of them had gotten so close, but Dandy wanted more. He yearned for the closeness of a proper, romantic relationship. He wanted that from Dyle so, so bad.
Dyle finished placing down the items he had, before adjusting his tie, letting out a sigh. "How so? You have to be more specific." He didn't want to misinterpret Dandy's words, keeping himself in denial that maybe, just maybe, Dandy wanted him, and not simply a request for him to do something. He couldn't shake the feeling he wanted Dandy too.
"... I-I want you." Dandy repeated a third time, trailing off, then abruptly clearing his throat to continue on. "I want you to- uh- g-go out with me? Maybe tonight? At the diner??" Their voice got higher pitched and trailed off once again, getting more scared by the minute. They wouldn't mind if Dyle didn't like them back, but what if Dyle didn't like them back? Could they still be friends??? Despite his fears, Dandy still forced an awkward grin onto his face, which wasn't the most attractive look, but he hoped it would win Dyle over.
Dyle could never say no to that stupid grin.
The clock toon chuckled, moving closer to Dandy to place his hand on its cheek. He'd often forget how soft and plush-like Dandy felt, he was never one for physical contact, but he never seemed to mind a hug or two if it were from Dandy. He started to rub it with his thumb, as Dandy leaned into the touch, already getting the answer without words. Even still, Dyle couldn't help himself, leaning in close as their lips almost touched.
"I would love that, Dandicus. That sounds delightful."
Then, they kissed. Dandy initiated it. He was simply too giddy to not kiss him, instantly standing on his tip-toes to reach Dyle's mouth, grabbing his tie to hold him in place. Dyle was initially surprised at the act, but soon melted into the kiss, shutting his eyes and placing his free hand on Dandy's waist. They remained like that for a good few seconds, basking in the company of the other, and how close they were. Their pull away was very slow and hesitant, wanting to keep going, but they still had items to organise.
"... We should work on setting up shop whilst we can, haha.." Dandy rubbed the back of his neck nervously, before going back to rummaging through one of the crates.
It took them about an hour, maybe two, to get everything fully organised. There weren't as many items as usual, most of the crates were already half empty from previous days, and now Dyle sat in his own shop, trying not to look at Dandy. He didn't want to make it obvious that they were a thing now, not yet, but every time he looked at them, he couldn't help but blush at the memory of them kissing in a dainty little back room.
"Uhm, excuse me, Dyle?" Someone had snapped him from his thoughts. How unfortunate.
Dyle stumbled, he hadn't realised he zoned out, instinctively pulling the lever in his shop to try and stay upright. "Ah, right, my apologies-- Something you need?"
The toon that stood before him was Sprout, who looked less than impressed. In fact, the strawberry toon looked weirded out. "I was going to ask about when the next shipment of supplies was going to be, but... What's with your face?"
"My face?" Dyle repeated.
"Yeah. You've got green marks all over it. Were you... Painting?" Sprout was conveniently carrying a satchel on hand, the one he brought on runs to carry items or cupcakes, and pulled out a napkin, passing it to Dyle.
"Painting? I don't recall--" As Dyle wiped his face, he looked at the napkin, realising the mint green marks on it. He immediately knew what it was. "Right, I had to help Dandicus with a little something... I had gotten so caught up, I forgot to clean myself afterwards." He came up with a shoddy excuse on the spot, even if Sprout would find out the truth later.
"If you say so. And the shipments?" Sprout reminded.
"Ah, yes, those. Should be within the next couple days." Dyle responded, tossing the napkin into the bin underneath his desk, only hoping now Sprout wouldn't see the embarrassed blush on his face.
Thankfully, Sprout was oblivious, and shot him a grin before saying his goodbyes and parting ways. This left Dyle alone, as most toons had left on expeditions to the lower floors by now, glancing over at the shop in front of his - the one Dandy managed. The flower looked sad, almost lonely, before looking back at Dyle, waving at him. He was so adorable, and Dyle could freely admit that now, returning a gentle wave.
Maybe being more than just his associate would be a good thing. Dyle hoped so, and Dandy knew so.