A Shy Kiss

Chapter 12

Once the kiss ended, and the brief moment of loving paradise in each other's faces faded, the pair were a pair of red tomatoes. Tamaki held onto his chest as he fell back on the couch, his breathing heavy and his tiny heart beating like a drum from nerves. You were no better, hiding your face in your sleeves as you giggled like a fool. The feeling of his lips kept repeating in your mind, your fingers tracing over your lips as you dwelled on the memory.

"W-wow." Said Tamaki, still a little out of breath.

"Same.....should we....cuddle?"

"Um...if we do I think I might f-faint again."

And so you both decided to take things slow. He still blushed every time he looked at you. And kisses were few and in between weekends. Your boyfriend Tamaki is a sweet and gentle soul. And also apparently with the heart of a bunny considering how easily he gets flustered.

At times you tried to push him a little further, partially because you enjoy seeing him flustered, but also because you wanted to do a little more than just a kiss. As the semester progressed, your relationship stayed almost the same as that night. It's been 2 months, and the most you two have done was hold hands on few occasions when he felt brave. Although....a new theory has emerged.

"Hey Tama I'm going to get some bubble tea. Would you like some?" You said as you walked together in the mall.

"Okay bunny and yes please. Taro is my favorite." You nodded as you went in line to order. He was a little nervous in ordering things so you stepped up during dates. And he'd make it up to you by cooking something special.

"Next!" Said the man who tended to the cash register.

"Hi! Could I please get two taro bubble teas?"

"No problem. You're very beautiful you know that?"

"Oh, thank you. So how much is the total?"

"You could be an actress you know, maybe I could get your autograph, along with your number."

"Um, no thanks I just want to know how much to pay."

"Tell you what gorgeous, you go on a date with me and I'll pay for the teas." He said with a smirk.

"That won't be necessary." Said a menacing voice behind you. Tamaki heard the conversation and immediately stormed toward the vending stall. He wrapped an arm around your waist and pulled you close to him as he slammed a 20 dollar bill on the counter.

"S-sorry, your order will be right out." Said the man as he quickly gave Tamaki his change. You looked up at Tamaki and let out an inaudible gasp at seeing his expression. A menacing scowl was spread across his face, his body stiff as he eyed the man behind the counter. You went to turn to talk to him but was surprised to see at how strong his grip was around your waist. A small blush dusted your cheeks as you felt how close you two were. But still, Tamaki must be really upset for him to have this kind of reaction.

"T-Tama?" He blinked rapidly for a moment, as if coming out of a trance. His eyes widened as he saw the position you were in and he quickly released you from his grasp.

"S-Sorry bunny! Did I hurt you? I was too rough wasn't I? I'm sorry I got distracted and I just.... I just don't like when men talk to you like that. You should be respected."

"I'm okay Tama, I promise. Thank you for rescuing me." You smiled as you held his hand.

The sweet Tamaki Amajiki reverted to his old self as he began to blush and bite his lip at your actions. "B-bunny....i-it was n-n-nothing."

"H-here's the drinks." Said the vendor as he placed them near you. You both grabbed your drinks as you lightly tugged on Tama's hand to pull him along.

After the mall Tamaki drove you to your apartment. It was a small blessing that Tsu's family lived somewhat close by. She liked to visit them on the weekends so the apartment was empty every time Tamaki came over. And as promised, Tamaki went ahead and started making the meal you would both share. The wheels began to turn in your mind as you remembered what happened at the mall. Whenever you're in danger he always runs to your rescue, anxiety be damned. First it was the kayak when he acted like superman and ran in front of you to stop the kayak from hitting you. Then, he defended you against a pervert while also scaring the wits out of the guy. So, if it comes to protecting you, all his fears fly out the window to help you? Interesting.....

"Tama, help me!" You said loudly from the living room. His ears perked up at the sound your distressed call. He turned off the stove as the stew continued to bubble.

He ran quickly to you. Only to see your 'master plan'.

"Bunny?"

"Help me Tama!"

"Why are you wrapped in blankets?"

"Because I am....in danger!"

He blinked once, twice, before replying in a snarky tone. "In danger of what? A heatstroke?" He unwrapped the blankets to see you laying on the floor with your wrists tied together with a scarf.

"See? Danger." To your surprise, Tama was neither blushing nor like a superhero. Instead, he remained still; his pupils blown to hell as he stared at your form. His eyes being so focused on you made you start to squirm a little, his gaze so strong it was making YOU nervous.

"Tama?" You said, barely above a whisper. He shook his head. As if he was physically shaking some thoughts away. He helped you up and went back to the kitchen, silent the entire time. You looked at him questioningly. Was he upset?

"Tama? Are you upset?"

"I thought you were hurt bunny." He said in a serious tone.

"I'm sorry Tama, it's just, I-I wanted to test a theory."

"What theory?" He asked, never looking at you as he stirred the pot.

"It's just, whenever you go to save me your fears melt away for a moment. And I was hoping if it's true, then....then maybe there was a way for us to kiss more without making you nervous or uncomfortable. I'm sorry." You answered with your head down in guilt. Tama was never one to be upset, let alone with you. But now, you felt like a child being scolded.

After hearing your explanation, Tamaki turned around to see your face. He frowned at seeing you look so guilty. His bunny never looked sadder. He sighed as he turned off the pot, the stew practically finished anyway. He bent his knees a little to be closer to your height. You felt your hands be enveloped by his larger ones before he spoke.

"Bunny, I know I can be really nervous, especially when I'm with you. But the reason I get nervous when I'm with you is not because of my anxiety."

"Then why Tama?" You asked quietly, a little nervous as to what his answer would be.

He sighed again as he stood up. He pulled you in for a hug, something very unlike Tamaki. He slowly rubbed circles on your back as he spoke again. "You mean a lot to me. And...I don't want anyone else to have you. Just thinking of someone trying to take you from me makes me go crazy. I want you all for me bunny. But I don't want to scare you. I can be possessive, and clingy, and..."

"...And what Tama?"

"When we kiss, I want more. But, I don't want to scare you away. I can never forgive myself if I hurt you."

You took this moment to look up at him, his expression of both longing and fear. His brows were slightly furrowed, his usual smile was now a frown, and his eyes seemed lost. They were looking away, as if thinking of a past memory, most likely a painful one.

"Tama, you don't scare me."

"But I scare me."