It had been nearly four weeks, but there were still moments where Takao couldn't believe he could actually call Midorima his. Not that he say it to anyone else, because the taller teen had imposed the strict rule of "keep this to ourselves until we're sure its serious". Still, being able to think silently to himself that Midorima was his when the two walked down the street together and passers by spent just a little bit too much time staring, was reassuring. As much as he wanted to brag to everyone about how amazing Midorima was and how he was beyond elated that they were together, all he could have was stolen glances when they were in class or practicing. They would hold hands when walking home, making sure to take the long way so no one saw. Midorima would purposefully strike up conversations when there was free time in class, even he fumbled over the words a little bit. Yeah, maybe he couldn't brag, but he sure as hell could appreciate the position he was in.
Takao was leaned up against Midorima's piano bench and nearly asleep when he felt those long, beautiful, wrapped started playing with his hair. In truth, Takao hadn't even realized that the music stopped. "Sorry Shin-chan, I'm not quite asleep enough for you to do that without me noticing," Takao said, following up with a loud yawn. He knew that Midorima was awkward when it came to physical contact. He'd know as much since before they got together. It wasn't that Midorima didn't like physical contact. No, it didn't take long for Takao to figure that out either. He figured that Midorima just wasn't sure about how to react to figure physical contact. He'd blush and look away whenever Takao held his hand, but he would never pull away.
As the taller boy's hand started to pull away, obviously embarrassed that he'd been caught, Takao almost nuzzled his head into Midorima's retreating fingers. He desperately wanted to convey that what he was doing was fine, that he enjoyed having his hair played with. "What are you, a cat," Midorima asked as he returned his hand to Takao's hair. There was a soft hint at playfulness that Takao was sure only he could pick up.
With a stretch, Takao got up from his seat on the floor and sat down beside his taller boyfriend on the piano bench. He grabbed Midorima's taped hand, which was now no longer occupied with his hair, and snuggled up closer him. It took a few moments, as Takao new it would, but eventually Midorima moved and pulled the shorter teen just a little bit closer to him. "Shin-chan is so warm," Takao chirped as he laid his head against the green haired man's shoulder.
"It's because you're making me blush like an idiot." Despite Takao's eyes being closed, a brilliantly nefarious grin appeared on his face. Seeing Midorima slightly flustered was cute, which was a word he would have never thought to use when describing him just a few weeks ago. He'd more than once thought about how lucky he was that no one else found the shooting guard cute. Lots of people found him attractive, at least physically, because he's an attractive man. There's no denying that. Sometimes Takao even gets jealous when girls, and the occasional guy, let their gazes linger too long. Of course, once Midorima starts talking, people start to lose interest. In fact, he's sure that Midorima becomes even more attractive when he starts to play with those taped fingers that are hanging loosely on his shoulder.
The two stayed that way for awhile, not saying much. Takao knew there were things he could say, but he didn't want to ruin the moment. They didn't get to have very many after all. After all, this was the first time since their relationship had started that he'd been to Midorima's house. He'd been there before, back when they were just friends and Midorima would help him with homework. For some reason though, it was like he'd been avoiding asking Takao to come over like the plague lately.
"I'm sorry," Takao heard Midorima say under his breath.
"What for?"
Midorima hesitated, eyes darting to the other side of the room. "That this isn't...moving very fast." Takao understood. He'd never asked, but part of him really believed Midorima had never been in a relationship before. It certainly wouldn't surprise him if that assumption happened to be true. Plus, it was no secret that the green haired teen was about as socially awkward as they come. Of course he would be worried about something like that. Suddenly, it all made sense. That was why he didn't invite him over as often.
"You're too cute Shin-chan." Midorima huffed and puffed out his chest just a little bit.
"I am not cute." There was a certain menacing quality to his voice, but the way that he was still looking away and blushing made Takao think otherwise.
"But you are." Takao smiled in just a way that made Midorima's heart do backflips as he reached up and turned the taller teen's face gently toward his. "Listen Shin-chan. You don't have to be sorry. I think I understand." A small smile stretched across Midorima's flushed face. "I don't mind taking things slow, because this is your first relationship, isn't it?" He didn't wait for an answer. "And you're more than worth taking things slow for."
A comfortable silence fell between them before Midorima spoke up again. "Thank you."
"No need to thank me Sh-" Takao was cut off by a pair of lips pressed lightly against his own. It was a reserved, almost scared kiss. Their noses bumped a little bit and it didn't last very long, but the kiss left a wonderful taste lingering on his lips.
Midorima had just kissed him. Midorima had made a move instead of him. It had been a sweet, innocent, reserved move, but a move none the less and it made butterflies suddenly appear in his stomach. Midorima was just too precious, and Takao suddenly found himself thinking that there was no way he deserved someone like him. At the same time though, the thought that he was going to have so much fun taking away that precious innocence in the future made him grin from ear to ear. No, he definitely didn't deserve someone as wonderfully amazing as Midorima, but he was going to hold onto him as tightly as possibly.
"Takao. You're thinking about things you shouldn't be."
Takao laughed. Of course that would be the one thing Midorima picked up on today. Of course. "Aww, I guess Shin-chan caught me. Don't worry. I said I'd take things slow, right?"
"For some reason, I trust that you'll keep that promise."
