Desire

Part 23 - aftermath

**NOTE** This chapter DOES NOT contain smut

WC: 4067

Summary: What are the real consequences of media exposure? Can the two's relationship progress under all the scrutiny? While Tamaki fights the situation with anger and insecurity, Y/N panics; will their bond suffer or thrive?

Includes: angst/plot/fluff?

****TW: Panic attack****

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Tamaki's POV:

"Did you tell them"? Tamaki's voice is cold when he speaks to Nejire the next day.

"Tell who? What"? She looks up from her computer, confused at the way Tamaki's barged into her office.

"The paparazzi. Where we were", he grits out, patience wearing thin. She only gives him a quizzical look. Tamaki feels anger sizzle in his bones at her denseness. "The fucking pictures and articles you sent me?! That was your doing no"? His voice is rushed and loud. Nejire looks taken aback, her lip wobbling a little at his outburst.

"I- don't yell at me please", she says. Tamaki immediately feels bad.

"I'm- sorry. I just...how did they know me and y/n were at the bar yesterday"? He tries a softer approach, still convinced that she's the root cause of the walls closing in on him.

"You know paparazzi, Tamaki", she says with a small chuckle. "They just know. I didn't summon them if that's what you're insinuating". Her eyes narrow and while Tamaki feels a pang of regret he doesn't fully believe her. "Did you really think you could keep it a secret though"? She stands up and walks around her desk, coming up in front of Tamaki. Her hand settles on his arm. He eyes the place of contact.

"I don't understand though", he whispers. "We were at the gala together and no one said anything". He vaguely registers Nejire squeezing his arm gently. He looks down at her, eyebrows knit. She smiles up at him and he notes that the distance between them is less than a foot. He steps back, breathing easier.

"They probably thought you got a pretty girl for the event", she replies, tone the slightest bit bitter. "A piece of ass", she mutters. Tamaki glares at her then.

"What the fuck is wrong with you Nejire"? His eyes bore into her, rage bubbling in his fingertips. He definitely didn't get enough sleep yesterday. She holds up both hands in defense.

"Hey! I didn't say it...I'm just saying people will think that". She looks a little frightened.

"Shit", Tamaki says under his breath. "People say the most vile things y'know Nejire"? He looks at her and she nods sympathetically.

"I know Tama. I'm sorry that you have to go through that. But..." She pauses and Tamaki gets the feeling she's about to say something to irrevocably piss him off. "That's just something we heroes have to deal with. If she can't handle it..." She trails off. Tamaki just stares at her, eyes narrowing. She smiles gently at him, almost smug.

"I don't think you know what they're saying about her. About us. And your name is all over it too". Tamaki shoves his hands into his pockets, feeling anxious.
"Sure I do. Saying silly things like you're way too good for her, that you're bombing your rankings, that you should've stayed with me...or is that really silly"? Nejire closes the distance between them. "Shoulda stayed with me", she whispers, looking up at Tamaki through thick lashes. Tamaki takes a deep breath.

"I know what you're doing Nejire", Tamaki mumbles, trying to hold eye contact as he forces the words from his throat. He's so mad he feels like he's about to have a heart attack.