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Tatsumi and Mayoi's relationship was far from normal.
This much became readily obvious as their relationship developed. Mayoi wasn't sure if any of his classmates allowed their lovers to monitor them while they slept, if they entered their partners' rooms via a stray vent, or if they felt okay being observed from the walls around them. Of course, all of these offenses were Mayoi’s doing.
Thoughts that are not his own tell him that Tatsumi would one day loathe Mayoi for it, and the notion eats away at him, but the priest has repeatedly shown that he does not necessarily dislike it. In fact, he's told Mayoi he found it endearing . When Tatsumi would wake up from his slumber to be met with Mayoi's face watching over him, he would simply smile as if it were the natural thing to do and ask for the time. From there, if it were late enough, he would coax Mayoi to sleep by offering up space in his own bed.
Mayoi would be the first to swear up and down that they weren’t always like this. They did normal things together, they did! They went on dates, they held hands, and they shared words of encouragement. On hectic days, after all the excitement was over, Tatsumi would offer to do something nice for Mayoi and Mayoi would do the same.
He had just finished a shower and hopped in his pajamas after a long day of practicing choreography with ALKALOID when the priest knocked on his door.
"Ah, T—Tatsumi-san," Mayoi invites him in, patting his wet hair with a towel.
"I came by to see how you were doing," he smiles. "Did you just shower?"
He nods, murmuring, "I was getting ready to brush my hair..."
Tatsumi hums, considering something. "May I brush your hair today? I'll braid it too if you'd like," he asks in that gentle tone of voice Mayoi loves. His eyes are wide and eager, it's a very cute expression he's wearing that makes Mayoi's cheeks rosy.
Had he been less comfortable with the priest he might have said, "Surely someone as pure and holy as you wouldn't want to touch a filthy creature like me? I'm unworthy!" but they're long past that point. He grows less antsy at the mention of God and feels far less guilty in the holy man's presence, especially since they started dating.
He gnaws his lip, looking down at his braid. It is looking rather worse for wear after all that dancing… but Mayoi thinks he’s become far too indulgent, it’s this strange effect Tatsumi appears to have on him. Mayoi wants and wants and he desires, his partner allows him to do so unapologetically. Oh, he’s not used to this! It’s okay for him to say “yes”, right…?
Tatsumi simply kisses him on the forehead, effectively pulling him out of his thoughts. "Mayoi-san, won’t you let me do this for you?"
But who is he to refuse him, wearing a smile like that? His expression is one reserved for his lover, and Mayoi is proud to wear that title. The look in his eyes never fails to send him reeling.
Mayoi nods jerkily, face red.
-
Tatsumi merely holds Mayoi in his arms before he begins. He can feel his heart beating in his chest, but he closes his eyes, relishing the feeling of security Tatsumi provides for him. Breathing in slowly, Mayoi attempts to curb the overwhelming feelings of affection rising in his chest. He's never quite sure how to handle these feelings, whether to press his lips to the priests or to embrace him himself… He certainly wants to. Mayoi’s grip is shaky, but he wraps his arms around Tatsumi in return.
Mayoi finds himself calmer by the time Tatsumi pulls away. He sits Mayoi down on the chair at his desk and starts drying the phantom’s hair. Mayoi does his best not to squirm.
Slowly, Tatsumi sets his towel to the side and begins massaging his scalp. It's a surprise, he wasn't expecting a gesture so soft . His shoulders slump as he releases a blissful sigh.
As the taller man finishes rubbing circles onto his head, he tilts Mayoi's face up and presses a kiss to his forehead.
Mayoi shivers, almost shrieking in response.
Gently, Tatsumi picks up Mayoi's comb and a lock of his hair and begins to brush. He starts at the tip before working his way to the top of his head, it’s clear he’s taking his time. As he finishes the first lock of hair, he brings his lips to Mayoi's neck. Tatsumi continues this process of massaging his head, kissing his forehead or his neck, and brushing his hair.
Tatsumi’s touch leaves Mayoi reeling. He’s content under the priest's spell.
The taller man hums to himself, clearly pleased.
"Are you enjoying yourself?"
" Yes ," Mayoi sighs, euphoric. "I— it's lovely. I feel as though I'm being cleansed."
Tatsumi seems to glow at that. "Fufu, I'm glad you like it," he continues to comb through his hair, "you know, your hair is beautiful, Mayoi-san. It's so soft and smooth,"
He isn't sure what to say, whether to deny his words or not, all Mayoi knows is that the combination of Tatsumi's praise paired with his hands in his hair feels so inexplicably good. He feels so warm, so loved and cared for. Mayoi could cry.
Mayoi revels in this for several moments and doesn't realize Tatsumi has long since finished with his hair. Still, he continues to massage his scalp.
"Thank you, Tatsumi-san," he murmurs, caressing the braid the priest had put his hair in. He hopes it never comes undone.
"Of course," he kisses Mayoi’s cheek, "thank you for letting me do this,"
This time, it was the phantom's turn to be brave. Mayoi turns around in his chair to quickly press a short kiss on Tatsumi's lips. He may be clingy but he usually isn't one to initiate affection, his nerves don't allow him to. Tatsumi's growing smile and rosy cheeks makes it worth it as he pulls him in for another kiss.
"W—will you sleep here tonight?" It’s not unusual that they share a bed. Both find great comfort in the other's presence as they sleep.
Tatsumi nods, "If you’ll have me,"
He beams at his partner. For a moment, he worries it looks more like he's baring his sharp teeth instead of grinning but Tatsumi returns the smile like there's no cause for concern.
All the time Mayoi has spent with Tatsumi feels like a dream. Tatsumi loves and loves and loves and Mayoi loves him in return. Briefly, the phantom lets himself succumb to his wants and his love for Tatsumi as he falls asleep in his arms.