Chapter Text
“I just think we need to slow things down, Tamaki.” The words hit him like a ton of bricks, and the lack of expression on your face was making him panic. Surely you couldn’t mean truly slowing down. Perhaps you just needed some time for yourself to remember why you loved him so much. This couldn’t possibly be the end of your romance. Tamaki was certain that you would be with him forever; it was the one thing in this world that he knew to be true. He felt it to his core.
You left before he could make his case to you. As soon as the door closed behind you, he grabbed his phone and dialed your number. It went to voicemail, which was surprising to him. You alway answered his calls. Maybe you hadn’t heard it ring or felt it vibrate? Yes, that must have been it. He tried again, but was met with the same lack of response. The more he tried to reach you, the more worried he became when you didn’t answer. Had you been hurt on your way home? Had a villain snatched you before you could reach your destination safely? His mind raced as he hit “redial” over and over again, heart pounding in his chest.
After trying what felt like a hundred times to get ahold of you, your words started to sink in. You wanted to slow down. Tamaki felt a wave of anxiety coming over him. Were you interested in someone else? Mirio, maybe? It was probably Mirio. Everyone loved him, and Tamaki had noticed how friendly you were when he was around. The thoughts were racing through his head and before he knew it, Tamaki was standing at your door. He had caught a train across town and let muscle memory guide him to your home while his thoughts ran amok. He knocked gently, but when there was no answer he didn’t panic. He simply pulled out the key you’d given him and let himself in. Walking through your house, he sighs contentedly, tracing his fingers along every surface. Your home is so...you. It’s warm, comfortable, and inviting, just like you are.
Tamaki slowly made his way to your bedroom. He had yet to find any evidence suggesting that you were home, which only deepened his anxiety that his earlier thoughts were true. Either you’d run into a villain or you’d gone straight to Mirio, leaving Tamaki behind. Trying not to let his thoughts get the best of him, he ran his hands along your bed. Your blankets were always so soft, and Tamaki loved when he spent the night wrapped in them with you. Glancing up, he saw the framed photo of the two of you from your one-year anniversary. You had looked so beautiful - ethereal, even, in the outfit you’d chosen. Tamaki’s arm draped over your shoulders, the blush on his face obvious even in the photo. His heart fluttered just thinking about that day.
Checking his phone again, he noticed that you had yet to return his many calls. The knot in his stomach grew as your words replayed in his head. “I just think we need to slow things down.” What could that possibly mean? Tamaki knew that you were his soulmate, that you were destined to be together forever. How could any part of you be doubting that? Feeling his anxiety grow, Tamaki realized he needed to calm himself down so he could talk some sense into you. He pulled your closet doors open and sighed happily at the sight of your clothing. Pulling hangers toward his face, he deeply inhaled your scent from various articles of clothing. He fell to his knees, fully engrossed in your closet and its contents. Making himself comfortable, he settled on the floor, pulling some of your sweaters down from their hangers. He sat, arms full of your belongings, pressing each one to his nose gently. Tamaki knew that without you, he would never be able to find love in anyone else.
Chemicals swimming inside of his head, Tamaki vowed to win your heart back once you got home. If you loved him like he knew you did, you’d understand, and then you’d never leave him again.