𝔐𝔦𝔯𝔦𝔗𝔞𝔪𝔞 ~ 𝕋𝕙𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣

Chapter Seven

Tamaki began pressuring himself into trying to say those three words. You'd think it's simple. Just say 'I love you.' Right? Wrong. Those words held so much meaning. Tamaki knew he loved Mirio. He'd loved Mirio since 4th grade. However, admitting to loving someone was difficult. He felt terrible for not saying it back. But as hard as he tried his body was frozen. He couldn't say anything, he couldn't move. Emotional paralysis. Literally. Mirio looked down at Tamaki, "Hey, sunshine, don't worry about it. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to move so fast. I know you need time to come out of your little shell. It's alright! I promise. It's okay..." Mirio began whispering sweet nothings into Tamaki's ear, the indigo haired boy slowly calming down. He let out a breath of air that he was unaware he was holding in and looked up at Mirio. "I-I'm sorry... I just.. I really do want to say it... But it means s-so much.. I don't know if I c-can.."

"Sunshine, don't worry about it. I promise you, it's okay. I believe you, and I understand why you can't. I didn't mean to overwhelm you by saying it. We can take this slow, okay? We'll move at your pace, not mine. It'll work out, okay baby?" Mirio said comfortingly. Tamaki gave a small nod. "O-okay.." Mirio smiled and kissed his cheek quickly. "Alright. I'm glad you're okay now. Are you tired? You kind of cried quite a bit..." Tamaki nodded slightly. "I am tired.. I did cry a lot... " Tamaki muttered quietly. Mirio kissed his cheeks gently and laid down, pulling Tamaki down on top of him. Tamaki smiled slightly and shut his eyes, slowly beginning to fall asleep.

Tamaki soon fell asleep, all bundled up in Mirio's arms, feeling safe and secure. Right? Wrong. Very shortly after he fell asleep, he fell into REM sleep. (Resting Eye Movements for anyone who doesn't know) It happened quite quickly unlike for most, as to where it could happen for him in minutes. Soon after that he began mumbling. Tossing and turning as he slept. Mirio looked at him concerned, but didn't wake him up just yet. Maybe he's just getting comfortable. Mirio thought to himself, not wanting to wake up Tamaki. Mirio soon ended up falling asleep while Tamaki began to sleep peacefully. Not ten minutes after Mirio fell asleep, Tamaki started to have a nightmare again. He tossed and turned slightly, whimpering, kicking his legs. "No.. no... don't.." he whispered, gripping the blankets. This woke up Mirio and he started to try and wake Tamaki up. When he didn't get up, Mirio got out of bed slowly, Tamaki continuing to have a nightmare. Mirio quickly left the room, going to get Tamaki water since he knew Tamaki would be freaking out when he woke up, and Mirio liked to have water when he woke up from a nightmare. While Mirio was gone, Tamaki woke up. "NO!" He shouted in his half-asleep state as he shot upright, looking around for Mirio. "M-mirio?!" He whimpered, holding onto the sheets. "Mirio.. Mirio Mirio where are you!" He asked frantically, while quickly looking around the room. He began to shake. "No.. no... I was supposed to protect you.." Tamaki started to hyperventilate as he shook. He felt his eyes stinging as tears fell down his cheeks. "Please..." He was still in a daze, confused on what was real and what was a dream. Not seeing Mirio there, set him into believing that his dream was all real