(9) Heartfelt Conversations

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MAIKO

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MAIKO.

Tamaki sleeping was odd to witness— well, compared to his usual self, that is. His face radiated calmness as his chest rose and fell slowly. He was slumped against the wall in a position that would definitely feel sore in the morning.

I was sitting across from him in the hallway right outside the door of the room I was staying in. His bangs were covering his eyes as his head hung low, and I felt the urge to run my fingers through the tangles in his hair.

I rested my arms on my knees as I observed him curiously. I wondered what his home life was like. He didn't mention any siblings, I wondered if he had any.

I had a feeling that he would be a very good big brother, especially with a younger sister. I had already seen him with Shiro, and despite being a bit tough on him, it was obvious he cared a lot for him. I'd imagine that he would be protective with a younger sister, perhaps even overprotective.

The thought of him with a younger sister, oddly enough, warmed my heart.

I wondered if his family ate every meal together, if they celebrated the holidays around the fireplace and spoke about each of their days. I wondered if his family was even comparable to my broken one. Then again, he did already show a side of himself that was originally unexpected. So I guess I would never know until I'd actually ask.

His upper body began swaying forwards and my eyes widened while I rushed into action, placing my hands right under his torso. He went limp again and I pulled him up slowly, laying his head on my lap. I brushed away the fallen golden strands away from his eyes, feeling the softness entangled with my fingers. He sighed into relaxation and I froze, holding my breath until his breathing stabilized back into its slow pace.

His cheeks were dusted pink— like always, it seemed. I smiled as I brushed my thumb against his cheek. He was a treasure.

When his eyes fluttered open, mine widened. He stared into my eyes until his were filled with recognition. "Maiko!" He shot up straight, immediately causing us to bump heads.

My hand flew to the affected area as it throbbed lightly and I shook my head. "Oi, dummy, you've got to be more careful," I huffed light-heartedly. "You and your impulsiveness."

"Maiko," he was sat up now, barely inches away. "Maiko, I-I'm so sorry. I was an idiot and a jerk, and you have every right to slap me if you want to, and—"

I brought my arms around him and hugged him, effectively cutting him off. He seemed to be frozen in shock for a moment, until he slowly wrapped his arms around my waist. I was leaning my chin on his shoulder, facing the opposite wall.

"I'm sorry that you always, somehow, end up having to save me. I don't mean to be helpless, and I don't like feeling it. Honestly, I don't know how I found myself in those situations," I chuckled softly. "And um, I'm also sorry for being upset about you hosting. I know it's your job, especially as the king, but I just feel left out whenever that happens, even if I guess I shouldn't."

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