Little Touches

Was he in love with his best friend? When they were younger Leo used to be all touchy-Feely with Donnie. Hugging him constantly and attached by the hip. Until he realized it made Donnie uncomfortable. Donnie stiffened under Leo’s touch. He would let his arms hang at his sides whenever Leo would embrace him. Donnie never really went out of his way to initiate contact. So Leo trained himself to keep his hands to himself as much as possible… Maybe it was even to see how long it would take before Donnie noticed. Their daily hugs vanished. Leo started keeping a distance more often every time they hung out. Even during movie night, he slinked to the other side of the couch, putting as much distance between them as possible.
Over time Donnie does notice. He wasn’t sure when it started or why but decided to run some "tests". He gave Leo little touches here and there. Just enough to not make himself uncomfortable. Like a gentle poke, a boop on his nose, or even cupping Leo's chin with his thumb resting just below his bottom lip. 
And every time Leo melts. His insides burned and his senses fluttered. He was craving more but resisted the urge. But Donnie sees the blush on Leo's cheeks despite his brother trying not to respond. Leo would still hesitantly break the contact.  Sometimes Leo even backed away. To act like he didn’t like it or to keep some self-restraint. Begging Donnie in his mind to stop patting his head because he wants more but would rather cut cold turkey from his touch than these agonizingly sweet, brief moments of contact. He yearned to hug and cuddle.
But knows Donnie doesn't want to, he can only be content with whatever his best friend would allow. For now, Leo can only appreciate every little touch that lasts only a second or two. But was an eternity in his heart, and he ached for an eternity more.

Platonic love and romantic love never made sense to Leo… Donnie was not much of an expert either. Leo never wanted to "date" Donnie. But he did imagine being in his life forever. They may never marry each other but he daydreamed of a domestic lifestyle. "Roommates" despite being full-grown adults out of college. He wanted to learn how to cook his best friend's favorite meals. And they often joked about being in a nursing home together. 
But they are only best friends.
Only?
Was that not enough?
They mean the world to each other wasn't that enough?

Until Leo discovered the word "platonic soul mates". That has to be it. A name for it.

"Hey…" he started. They were chilling in the middle of Donnie's room. Lo-fi music playing from an old laptop. "I think I like you." The words tumbled out of him. Thick and dry throat.

"I know," was a simple reply. Donnie's eyes were glued to his tablet screen.

"Huh?" The air was stiff.

"I've always known. I was just waiting for you to say something."

"But I wanna stay friends.” He quickly added.

“Okay,” a small smile drew itself on Donnie’s face. A moment passes until he adds, “Wanna hug?” Leo curled himself in his best friend’s arms.