Desire

Part 22 - threats

**NOTE** This chapter DOES contain smut

WC: 3040

Summary: You and Tamaki try desperately to return to normalcy with the new information Tamaki's dropped on you. The media has other plans.

Includes: smut/angst/plot

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I um...used to date Nejire".

The words hit you hard. You swallow, thinking.

Tamaki's POV:

"You're- you're not mad right"? Tamaki's voice is soft as his eyes roam your features. But your expression seems blank to him.

"No of course not"! You say but he can tell your voice is tight. His heart feels heavy. Should he have told you sooner?

"I- thought– that might explain her behavior a little". He pauses. Maybe that was the wrong this to say.

"As long as...you're over her", you avert your eyes. "It's...fine". You twist the gold band that rests on the middle finger of your left hand.

"I'm completely over her y/n I promise". He reaches out for your hand and you let him take it.

"You'd better be", you say, voice light and joking. "Cause she's definitely not over you". You squeeze his hand.

"...yeah", he says awkwardly.

"Did you break it off with her"? You're looking out the window to your left, seemingly ignoring Tamaki to your right as you gaze out over the city landscape racing by.

"She cheated", he says shortly. Your eyes snap to his.

"That bitch". Your voice is ice cold and Tamaki's a little taken aback. He lets out a dry chuckle at your expression.

"She is my friend you know". He says, eyes glinting.

"How? I mean- how can you still be friends after that"? You rub your thumb over his hand, feeling emotionally drained all of a sudden.

"I- I don't know...it's complicated".

Your POV:

Complicated? You scoff, thinking about how the loyalty in him that you once valued so much was now appearing as more of a weakness.

"We've been friends- forever. She's still important to me. Just- in a different way now", he justifies, meeting your gaze. You regard him with sympathy.

"Does she even know how much she hurt you"? You try to stop all of your emotions from seeping into your voice but your tone still comes out as angry and frustrated.

"She- I- it's complicated", he repeats, looking stressed.

"No Tamaki. I'm sorry, but if you can't let go of someone who hurt you, how am I supposed to trust that you're in this relationship because you want it"? Your voice is rushed and charged, eyes shimmering in the moonlight. Your heart aches for him.

"You don't have to worry about that y/n. I'm serious about you. I promise". He squeezes your hand.

"How can you let something like that go"? You whisper, still focused on Nejire's lying, cheating self.

"Isn't it easier to forgive? I just wanted to keep the peace". His voice is level.

"But...is that really peace? Or is it just you not being able to admit that she hurt you"? Tamaki pulls his hand from yours, the words ricocheting around in his head. "You need to set boundaries. What if she hurts you again? I just want you to protect yourself". Your eyes soften and the coldness in Tamaki's chest thaws a bit.