Feels Like the First Time

Chapter Twenty-Three - Confessions

Grey eyes held mine captive, a turbulent sea imprisoned by a storm. The silence wrapped around us like an old friend, both our minds working to figure out what to say. My mind shifted, distracted by the storm, settling into the comfort of the turbulence it created. My body going crazy, my stomach in knots, my throat tight and my breathing shallow. Deeper, though, there was a lightness within me that I hadn't felt in a very long time. It was a calm that smiled at the storm and welcomed it as it enjoyed the thrill of it but knew that the true joy would come when the storm had calmed.

My eyes widened slightly at that thought and Takashi's narrowed in response, as if asking what had happened. The calm gave me the confidence to say something, finally.

"Takashi," I started, my voice sounded croaky so I cleared my throat. "Look, I think this is starting to be something a bit more than just friendship for me and if you don't feel the same then I understand but I need you to know now before it's too late." My mouth moved of its own volition, I barely had any idea of what I'd just said to him. Takashi looked completely shocked and my heart raced, wondering if I'd said something completely crazy. I realised after a minute of him staring at me that I hadn't actually explained why I needed to think about that.

"I had to think about it because this isn't like when you stayed round mine, this is more than that. I had to make sure that I was okay with it being more than that and I realised that I actually wanted it to be more." I paused, able to now think over what I had just said. "Did that make sense?" I asked him making his face soften into a smile as he shook his head at me.

"I understand," He replied after a moment. "I'm just-" He paused looking at me again before smiling softly. "I didn't think it mattered to you."

"I didn't want it to." I admitted. He nodded, not needing me to say more in explanation. His large hand came up to caress my cheek before he leant in to kiss my forehead softly. I smiled as the lightness grew inside me on a sigh and when he pulled back I saw a similar smile on his face. He grasped my good hand and pulled me next to him to walk back into the living room where everyone else sat.

I saw Kyoya's gaze catch on our joined hands but no one else seemed to notice as we sat. The twins were arguing with Tamaki about something which I inferred was about how they should do Haruhi's hair for Mei's wedding. Haruhi looked dejectedly at the wall opposite her, oblivious of the argument or purposely ignoring it. Honey watched on in fascination, adding his own opinion occasionally. Kyoya stood in a corner with his phone to his ear but his eyes were clearly latched onto Takashi and me.

"So you'll stay?" Takashi asked me in a whisper. I turned to look at him and that familiar lightness washed through me.

"Do you want me to?" I asked in response. He smiled softly at me before nodding and caressing the back of my hand in his with his thumb. I smiled back at him, excited to see what the night would bring.

                                                                                            * * *

"Bye, Hannah-chan!" Honey called, leaning out the window of his car. I waved back with a small chuckle before Takashi wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me back inside after saying goodbye to the host club.

"I'm quite hungry, shall we order in considering it's late?" I asked Takashi as he guided me into the living room. He nodded but only pulls me down to sit next to him on the sofa. One large hand rested on my thigh while his other arm wrapped tighter around my waist, pulling me into him as he smiled down warmly at me.

"What?" I asked, his smile making my cheeks warm slightly with what I assumed was a blush. In reply, Takashi simply lifted his hand from my thigh and traced his knuckles along my cheek, his smile softening into an intense, thrilling stare. My breath caught in my throat as my heart began to beat rapidly against his hand that lightly curled behind my neck. 

"I'm glad you're staying tonight." He mumbled after what felt like an eternity.

"Me too." I replied on a soft sigh before his lips settled against mine in a tender caress. 

A/N

I'm sorry this is so short, lovelies. I've really struggled getting this chapter written for some reason. Would love to know if any of you have ideas for situations you would like to see with the Host Club or just Takashi etc.

Anyway, hope you're all well,

Love yus xx