Chapter Eleven
The ride home was surprisingly quiet. Sanageyama slept through most of it with his head resting on her shoulder and he was slow to wake when they finally touched down. Shifting a bit, he murmured, "Maya?"
"I'm here," she reassured while brushing some strands of hair away from his bandana. "Although," she admitted slowly while peering out the window, "I'm not entirely sure where we are." The helicopter landed in an open field outside an enormous Victorian-style mansion. A long, winding driveway swept out from it into the darkness and in the distance, she could make out lights coming from what she could only assume was another mansion of equal size. "Where the hell are we?"
"My house," he grunted unhappily when the pilot slid open their door. "Couldn't you have landed at Maya's house instead?"
"Oh, I'm sorry," Inumuta drawled sarcastically as his neon blue hair popped into view. "I guess I failed to notice the very obvious, very expensive helicopter pad situated directly on her roof." Sanageyama scowled weakly at the other three-star as Maya carefully helped him onto solid ground. The computer wizard scrutinized him for a brief moment. "You really do look terrible," he finally concluded, green eyes narrowing with something akin to worry, "I'll send for the pre-med club."
"Don't," Sanageyama snapped, sounding significantly less intimidating than usual. "It's just scrapes and bruises. I'll be fine in a few days."
Hoka looked unconvinced. It was a rare thing to see him appear so unsure about something. Glancing to Maya and sounding hesitant, he questioned, "You'll be staying with him tonight, yes?"
"Of course," she replied quickly, turning to Sanageyama. "But I do agree with Inumuta… You really should let a doctor take a look at you."
"I'll be fine. This is nothing," he insisted stubbornly.
Sighing in exasperation, the computer club president conceded, "Very well. But only on one condition: you must remain here at the mansion tonight under Miss Mayumi's watchful eye."
"What? Why?"
"Because," Inumuta started with a hiss, "you are too important to be stranded in some back-alley no-star district junkyard. If your condition deteriorates overnight, I can have the entire doctor's guild on your doorstep within minutes. On the other hand, if you insist on returning to Miss Mayumi's apartment-"
"We get the idea," Maya interjected, feeling Uzu grow tense. "I get it. No accessible, reputable healthcare in the no-star district. We can stay here. Spending one night in this mansion is no big deal, right Sanageyama?" The swordsman in question was silent but did begrudgingly nod his consent.
"Very good. Miss Mayumi, I expect you to notify me immediately should anything concerning occur tonight. If I don't hear from you, I will assume everything is fine and I will see you both at school on Monday." With that, Inumuta turned on his heels and strode across the lawn, disappearing from sight as the helicopter took to the air, leaving them alone.
Uzu felt his shoulders immediately relax. "Is it still Friday?" He questioned tiredly as Maya helped him limp up the stairs leading through the courtyard.
Checking the flip-phone, she confirmed, "Yep, still Friday for another seventeen minutes."
"Good," he heaved a relieved sigh. No school for another two days. Plenty of time to recover. All he wanted to do was collapse in bed and curl up next to Maya. Feeling Shingantsu slip out of sheer exhaustion, Sanageyama leaned even more heavily against her. She was practically carrying him at this point.
"Uzu, I don't know where I'm going," she stated, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of his home. He mumbled something incoherent causing Maya to roll her eyes. Very helpful. Trying the nearest door, she found an expansive dining room complete with four crystal chandeliers and a fully stocked bar. Quickly filing that information away for future use, she tried the next door which led to the kitchens. Growing frustrated, she gently knocked her head against his and demanded more firmly, "Which way to your room, Sanageyama?"
"Up the stairs… second door on the right." Was that really so difficult?
"And which way to the bathroom?"
He wondered vaguely why she needed to know but replied, "First door on the right next to my room."
Maya thanked the heavens she was still wearing his goku uniform. There was no possible way she could lift him up the expansive flight of stairs otherwise. Finally arriving at the top, she swerved directly through the first door and nearly tripped in shock. His luxurious bathroom was absolutely regal. Calacatta marble lined the floor, the color reminding her of a snow leopard pelt as she tentatively took one step inside. The walls were dazzling white laced with golden trim, and a skylight opened directly over an inground porcelain tub larger than her entire dining room. Three steps led up to the sparkling bath as if it were an altar. Neatly folded white towels sat nearby on a rosewood bench. Exhaling slowly, Maya passed the length of his double sink and gently relocated the plush towels before lowering Sanageyama down on the bench.
"You went through the wrong door," she heard him mumble. Then, he was nodding off again. Shaking her head with incredulity, she began the task of turning on each of the four silver faucets lining his imperial tub, testing the water temperature each time. It would take a while for it to fill completely so Maya occupied herself with locating some essential items like soap and shampoo. First, she wandered through a closed door thinking it might be a closet. Instead, she found an entirely separate room that housed the toilet and an additional sink. Then she stumbled into his steam shower. Grumbling about how his bathroom was bigger than her entire apartment, Maya eventually located the desired items tucked away on a shelf and returned to Sanageyama. Glancing to the steaming tub, she switched off the water and began the task of removing his clothing.
Uzu felt his consciousness begin to stir as Maya's nimble fingers carefully removed his bandana and then his boots. He did not think much of it. Sleeping in boots sounded uncomfortable and he could live without wearing socks. His t-shirt was all torn up so it made sense that she would remove that too. However, when her fingers graced the button of his white pants for the second time that day, he woke up more fully.
"Just can't keep your hands off me, can you?" He teased weakly.
He expected her to scold him and was surprised when she chuckled. "Even half-asleep, you still manage to keep your ego," she observed while continuing to unbutton his slacks; a dark blush staining each cheek as the article of clothing slid off, leaving Sanageyama completely exposed aside from a small area hidden by his boxers.
He smirked tiredly. "So, is this actually round two? What are we doing here, exactly?"
"You're covered in blood and you need a bath," Maya stated bluntly although she made no attempt to remove his remaining article of clothing. She eyed his boxers warily. "I'm not taking you to bed until you are clean."
Uzu felt an odd sort of amusement as she hesitated at his elastic waistband. "Undressing me in the light is different than in a dark elevator, isn't it?" he commented slowly, chuckling when her blush intensified tenfold. He wished she would just climb onto his lap and straddle him but at the same time he was grateful she did not. Shameful as it was to admit, Sanageyama was not entirely sure he could perform given his sheer exhaustion. He did not resist as she stripped his boxers away and carefully lowered him into the tub.
Uzu let out a contented groan as hot water soothed over his tired muscles, wicking away tension as he sank further into the tub. Her fingers threaded through his tousled green locks and he honestly could not remember much of what happened after that. He moved in and out of consciousness several times but was never cognizant enough to speak or activate Shingantsu. His memories were a jumble of poorly defined sensations, all of which were pleasant. He could vaguely recall smooth hands lathering his hair and the feeling of a soft towel as it was tugged around his shoulders. Then, his face hit a pillow and he was out.
After tucking Sanageyama in, Maya observed his slumbering form for several minutes. He truly did look exhausted; a realization that did nothing for the guilt baring down on her. It was her fault. All of it. Shaking her head, she grabbed one of his spare t-shirts and strode back into the bathroom, removing the spiked goku uniform followed quickly by the remainder of her clothes before immersing herself in the bath. Maya took no time to enjoy it; she was much too concerned about leaving Sanageyama alone. She washed her hair briskly and hastily scrubbed away any lingering evidence of her brief time in Naniwa Kinman captivity. Then, she was draining the water and climbing into bed.
Even in a dead sleep, Uzu seemed drawn to her. Maya hardly managed to get under the covers before he was already reaching for her, tugging until her back was pressed against his chest. He sighed contently into her hair and did not move again; his slow, steady breathing being the only indication that he was still alive. Maya felt tears prickle the corner of each eye. I nearly lost this. The thought was too horrible to bear so she buried it deep within the recesses of her mind, piling it beneath layers of carefully constructed walls.
She needed to be strong. News of what she had done would undoubtedly spread to every branch office and organization affiliated with Nudist Beach. She was a rogue element now. And they will most likely issue a burn notice with my name on it.
It really seemed unfair. Maya had no intention of betraying Nudist Beach and she fully planned to continue her infiltration operation. However- There is no way Satsuki and the elite four are completely in league with Ragyo. Something else is going on here. I can feel it.
It was a hunch. Maya had no solid evidence to support her theory whatsoever but deep down, she knew it was true. She simply could not believe Sanageyama would willingly align himself with evil. Either Satsuki had him fooled, or Satsuki had everyone else fooled. In either case, she would not get to the bottom of it anytime soon. It was better to simply enjoy these last few minutes of peace. Feeling the turmoil of her mind temporarily quell, she shifted closer to Uzu and drifted off into an uneasy sleep.
Maya felt her tired eyes crack open as bright light streamed relentlessly through an opening in the blinds, illuminating the enormous bed and tousled cream-colored sheets where she currently slept. Her crimson hair fanned luxuriously across a king size feather pillow and the silken feel of a cashmere blanket was unmistakable against her skin. She blinked once in confusion before noticing a gentle pressure resting against her abdomen. Identifying a hand, she rolled over and came nose to nose with Sanageyama who was still slumbering peacefully. His dark green bangs obscured her view of his eye stitching. However, even in the dimness of the bedroom, she could still make out the rest of his features. Maya felt herself cringe at the sight; memories of the previous day rushing back as she inspected his body with a critical eye.
The blanket had slipped down to his waist and Uzu's toned chest now vividly displayed dark purple bruises over the ribcage and sternum. She could see a large contusion splaying across his right flank, and speckled red and blue discolorations decorated his lower jaw.
Feeling her stomach drop, Maya bit her lower lip and carefully pulled the blankets up to his chin before extricating herself from the bed. Sanageyama did not stir. She hovered for several minutes, observing the slow rise and fall of his chest as if to convince herself that he was truly breathing, before quietly moving to close the blinds. Maya was exhausted but the twisting sensation of guilt in her stomach made returning to sleep impossible. Locating an oversized bathrobe thrown haphazardly under the windowsill, she pulled her arms through it and tied the robe in such a way that it would not drag too heavily on the floor. Then, she slipped out of the bedroom.
Maya wandered aimlessly for almost an hour taking random turns, opening various doors and all-around gawking at the sheer massiveness of the mansion. It was big enough to house every resident on her entire block and then some. Shaking her head, Maya decided she would need some serious caffeine before she could even begin to contemplate the absurdity of her current situation. She located the dining room again and then proceeded into the kitchen, groaning with displeasure at the empty pantry. Hearing her stomach grumble, Maya jumped as the doorbell suddenly rang.
Who the hell? Its 7:30am on a Saturday…
Glancing down at her current attire, she immediately decided to ignore whoever was at the door only to flinch when the doorbell rang again, this time accompanied by a loud knock. Worried that the noise would wake Sanageyama, she scrambled out of the kitchen and into the entryway. Maya hesitated briefly before slowly cracking the door open, feeling her jaw drop as a blur of short brown hair obscured her vision.
"MORNING, MAYA!" Mako Mankanshoku exclaimed brightly, her high-pitched voice taking on a tone of distress as she gasped, "You look horrible!"
Trust Mako to always be brutally honest.
Chuckling lightly, she explained, "It was a rough day yesterday." Opening the door further, Maya visibly recoiled upon spotting the hulking figure of Gamagori loitering in the background. "G-Gamagori!" she spluttered. "What are you doing here?"
"I was engaged in a perfectly MORALLY DECENT activity with Miss Mankanshoku this fine morning-"
"We were making scones!"
"-when I became informed of the unfortunate series of events that transpired in Osaka. As the head of the disciplinary committee, I came to offer my condolences and support in this time of recovery." His voice took on a lower note as he inquired, "How is Sanageyama?"
Maya felt her gaze fall to the ground and a troubled look crossed her features. "He is pretty beat up," she admitted quietly, "I had to carry him inside last night. He's still sleeping right now."
"I see," Gamagori responded seriously. "I will make certain this information does not become public knowledge. I will also place a temporary suspension on his requirements for academic probation. I don't want to see either of you anywhere near the school until he is sufficiently recovered. BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU GET TO SLACK!"
Ira quieted himself when Maya and Mako both gestured for him to hush. Speaking in a lower tone, he continued, "I will have the lectures recorded and homework assignments delivered to you. Also, we made you these." Maya blinked when a large stack of Tupperware was handed to her. She gave Mako a questioning look.
"We made you boxed lunches," she supplied helpfully. "Mom even threw in some homemade croquettes!"
"There should be enough there to last you a few days. Should you require additional assistance, please let me know."
Maya blinked again, feeling completely bewildered as she stared at the giant stack of packaged meals. Not sure what to say, she settled with, "Thank you."
"You are welcome. Now, if you'll excuse me, Mankanshoku and I need to get back before the cookies start to burn." Maya watched Mako's face suddenly contort with absolute horror.
"Not the gingerbread men!" She shrieked before hightailing it down the driveway. Gamagori shook his head, a soft smiling playing at the corner of his mouth as he moved to follow her.
Maya stood confounded in the doorway for longer than was probably necessary. They certainly were an odd couple. Man, Ryuko must be so pissed. First Mako is dating Gamagori and now I'm dating Sanageyama- Her mind abruptly stilled. She did not breath for a moment, allowing the realization of her choice sink in. Yeah. I guess we are dating. Would be weird if I refused after doing… ahem… what I did… damn stupid elevator.
Maya let out a long, contented sigh as she slipped beneath the near scalding water of the bathtub. She liked it hot enough to cause a little pain. Otherwise, what is the point? Burning was just another way of releasing endorphins to alleviate stress. And presently, Maya needed all the help she could get in that regard. Her mind was in complete turmoil as she tried to process everything that had happened. Finding Mako and Gamagori at the door was surprising enough but finding Inumuta with Jakuzure was downright shocking. It seemed every member of the elite four held some concern for Sanageyama which seemed strange. She always expected them to be at odds with one another. Instead, they exhibited a sense of comradery that was eerily inspiring.
Approximately one hour after Gamagori and Mako disappeared, Inumuta had come around with a pile of luggage that he retrieved from the hotel in Osaka. They exchanged pleasantries and just when he was about to leave, none other than Nonon Jakuzure rounded the corner.
"Sup, nerds?"
Maya suppressed a chill at the memory. The head of the non-athletics department was by far the scariest of elite four. Standing a mere five feet tall, she exhibited an aura so terrifying that even Gamagori had been known to buckle. She was a pink-haired psychopath who only answered to Satsuki. Which made it all the more bizarre when she casually started asking questions about how Sanageyama was doing. Glancing to Inumuta warily, she had answered them and was surprised when Jakuzure flippantly asserted, "Dumbass monkey. He has no idea how lucky he is." Maya was fairly certain the snide comment was meant as a compliment although she could not be positive.
Lounging back into the tub, her mind continued to wander. It was almost dinnertime and Sanageyama had not stirred. She had periodically (and fairly neurotically) been checking on him throughout the course of the day. He seemed to be breathing fine and his facial features were relaxed. She was hesitant to wake him. Therefore, Maya spent most of the day wandering about the mansion and completing various homework assignments. She even managed to locate the laundry room, although figuring out how to work his high-tech washing machine was challenging.
Maya exhaled slowly and watched as silvery wisps of steam coiled and swirled around her breath. A sliver of the sun's dying glow filtered through the skylight, warming her cheeks as she permitted her eyes to drift closed. She needed this; a single serene moment in a whirlwind of chaos. Exhaustion clung to her like dead weight and Maya could feel herself sinking further and further into the comforting embrace of unconsciousness. It wasn't until something shifted close to her ear that she realized what, or rather who, she was leaning against.
Sanageyama must have felt her tense because he murmured, "Relax. It's just me. I can't see anything beneath the water. Different densities throw off Shingantsu, the water might as well be black."
How did I not hear him come in?! Completely ignoring his explanation, she plunged deeper into the water and covered her chest with both hands. "What the hell, Sanageyama?" she demanded only to squeak when he tugged her back so his chin could rest on top of her head. His arms coiled loosely around the front of her chest, just under her collarbone as he stretched his long body out along the tub edge. He did not touch the water.
Still sounding half-asleep, Uzu nuzzled his face into her damp hair and mumbled, "Where did you go?"
"You've been sleeping for most of the day," Maya explained while trying to keep her breathing steady. His sudden proximity, especially in her current state, was doing things to her body that she desperately wanted to ignore. "I left because I wanted you to rest."
"Mmmm… Don't like waking up without you." He honestly did remind her of a child sometimes.
Maya sighed heavily and conceded, "Yes, I know. I was having trouble sleeping."
"Why?" He asked.
Lots of reasons. Too many. She took a moment before answering. Deciding to tell most of the truth, she cautiously explained, "I was worried about you. I kept waking up to check on you; to make sure you were still breathing."
She felt his head tilt. "You were that worried? It's just a few bruises…"
"Yes, I realize that but-" Maya clamped her mouth shut before she could say too much. It wasn't the right time to tell him. Not yet. Choosing her words carefully, she admitted, "You scared me yesterday. You were in really bad shape and it was my fault."
She heard him snort. "I don't know where you keep getting this idea that it was your fault. You were kidnapped right out from under me. All these bruises were caused by a decision I made." Sanageyama paused for a moment and she shivered when his nose tenderly brushed the outer shell of her ear. "I'm just glad nothing happened to you."
Maya resisted the urge to kiss him. The need was almost overwhelming. Her body burned under the water and it had nothing to do with the temperature, which had become lukewarm. Goosebumps peppered her arms and she imagined his hand, rough and calloused, as it glided down the curves of her back. She imagined lips trailing across her shoulder and nimble fingers slipping to her most intimate places, eliciting sensations that made her gasp and writhe in pleasure. Maya pressed her thighs together and suppressed a shudder.
This was his fault. The image of him shirtless, panting, and flushed in the elevator was burned into her brain. Plus, not to mention how big he felt when I- she stopped right there. Needless to say, being naked in a luxurious bath with Sanageyama's arms draped around her was not a great method for maintaining her virtue. Or sanity.
As if reading her thoughts, Uzu questioned, "So, are we going to talk about what happened in the elevator?" His voice was quiet, almost uncertain as he continued to rest his head on her shoulder. It was strange to see him unsure. Normally, Sanageyama was an endless barrage of taunting remarks and explosive energy. She would never get used to seeing him docile.
Maya bit her lower lip nervously and swallowed a lump in her throat. She knew he would ask; it was only a matter of time. "I imagine my actions came as a surprise?"
"That is putting it lightly," he murmured, adding, "I don't think I've ever felt more confused by something in my entire life."
Sighing deeply and settling further into the water, she leaned into him. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I thoroughly enjoyed it," he declared with a low rumble. "But I need you to explain it to me. I never expected you to do something like that… Hell, I wasn't even sure you would want to do something like that with me."
"I-" Maya hesitated, trying to find words that could rationalize her behavior. She could feel it. An avalanche of words threatening to spill out. Eyes screwing shut, she decided to tell more of the truth. "I saw you in the arena," she finally admitted, feeling his arms tense a bit. "I saw you through the VIP box window."
"I thought you said Takarada knocked you out?" His voice held a slight edge to it.
"He did. What you need to understand is that Kaneo- Takarada, I mean… we have history together. We knew each other as children and he keeps tabs on me. He knew about our arrangement at Honnouji Academy."
"If you two are friends, why would he try to hurt you?" Sanageyama sounded skeptical but thus far had managed to keep his temper in check.
She sighed in exasperation. "He wasn't trying to hurt me. He was trying to hurt you. Kaneo saw us together on the hotel security feed. He thought you were manipulating our arrangement and decided without my knowledge or consent to intervene." All true. Just need to leave out that Nudist Beach part…
Uzu was silent for a long moment, his arms tightening around her as he confirmed, "He thought I was taking advantage of you?"
Maya nodded once. "He was trying to protect me. Kaneo never bothered to tie me up because, in his mind, he was rescuing me. After being kidnapped, I woke up completely unharmed on a fluffy stack of pillows in the VIP box. They had taken my necklace while I was unconscious and…" Her voice trailed off with a quiver. "Kaneo… H-he thought I would be happy. He took me to the window and-" Maya found herself unable to finish as her throat tightened and a fresh round of tears blurred her vision. A sob threatened to break free and she dared not open her mouth. Trying to calm herself, she took several deep, shaky breaths. "Seeing you like that…"
"That is why you think this is all your fault?" His voice was not harsh but she flinched anyway.
Small sobs were starting to break through now. "I-I tried to reach you. You were covered in blood and could barely stand. I was desperate and when I finally had you in the elevator, I just-" Maya was abruptly cut off when Uzu grabbed each shoulder and spun her, crushing her against his chest as his arms wrapped securely around her bare back. He held her tight as fierce sobs wracked her small frame.
"Maya," he breathed causing her to grow quiet, "Do you love me?"
She felt her entire body still in response. Silent tears continued to stream down each cheek and she remained frozen in his arms. "I don't know," she finally whispered. "I don't know what I feel. But I do know that the thought of losing you scares me." Maya thought for certain he would be upset and was surprised when Uzu leaned down to grace her lips with a warm kiss. His movements were deep and unhurried, igniting a slow burn that blossomed out of her chest and seeped downwards. He brushed her tears away before cradling her face, lacing his fingers gently through her damp hair.
"I think you love me," he stated plainly against her lips. "And it wasn't your fault. You came back for me so stop blaming yourself for what happened."
Biting her lower lip, Maya nodded once and blinked away a few more tears. Her voice was steadier as she asked, "Are you sure you're going to be alright?"
"I'll be fine," Sanageyama reassured with a nuzzle. "You, on the other hand, might catch a cold if you stay in here much longer."
She chuckled lightly through a sniffle. "Yeah, the water is getting pretty chilly."
"Do you want me to leave?"
A silent question hung in the air as she considered the undertones of his unspoken proposal. Do I want him to leave while I get dressed? The answer should be an automatic yes. However, the thought of him staying sent an exhilarating thrill down her spine.
Glancing to the pile of towels resting three steps down on the rosewood bench, Maya pressed her lips together. "Do you promise to deactivate Shingantsu?"
"Do you want me to?" Heat immediately flooded both cheeks and she could feel her heartbeat accelerate. She was suddenly very aware of his hands as they glided slowly down her bare back, dipping under the water to caress her skin. She arched into him slightly, inhaling when cold air struck the upper curve of each breast. Sanageyama did not push her any further. A single inch of water preserved her modesty, and Maya was finding it difficult to remain submerged. She wanted to lean up, throw her arms around his shoulders and kiss him senseless but she knew that action would definitely lead to more. And I don't think we are ready for that.
She shivered as his rumbling voice pressed, "Do you want me to look at you?"
Yes.
"You… Make it difficult to think clearly," she finally declared, feeling her cheeks burn and her stomach tighten as he began to chuckle lowly.
Hot breath hit her lips and in an exceedingly seductive voice he murmured, "I think that means yes."
"You make a lot of assumptions," she accused, trying unsuccessfully to distract him from the sudden shudder that raced down her spine. She was breathing heavier now. "First, you assume I'm in love with you and… now you…" she struggled to continue as his lips began a slow, teasing trail down the side of her neck. "You think… that I…"
"I don't assume anything," he defended with a provocative purr, "I know you want me to see you. And you want me to touch you…" She inhaled sharply when his thumb trailed down the v-line of her inner hip, caressing her from beneath the water. She shivered, gripping his t-shirt with such force that she feared it may rip as his hand moved dangerously close to an intimate place. Then, in an instant, his touch was gone leaving her alone and dizzy at the edge of the tub. She sucked in a few shaky breathes, gazing at Sanageyama with hazy bewilderment. He had leaned back just out of reach. Clear droplets of water glistened on his arms and the front of his green shirt was damp. An infuriating smirk was present on his face.
Growling in sudden realization, she warned, "I told you not to play with me." This only caused his smirk to widen.
"I'm not playing. I was merely illustrating a point."
"And what point is that?" she snapped tersely.
She could sense Shingantsu sweeping over her as he replied, "You are in denial about wanting me. You need to accept it and then let me know when you are ready. All these mixed messages are confusing."
Maya felt a familiar sense of irritation rising. "You are assuming things again, Sanageyama." I swear… this man and his fucking ego- Maya froze with a squeak when he suddenly leaned forward.
He stopped just short of her lips, grinning wolfishly at her sharp intake of breath. "I already told you," he murmured smugly, "I don't assume; I know."
She glared at him. "Whatever you say, mister bigshot. Go ahead and watch if you are so confident. The water is cold and I'm getting out." Maya spun away from him and rose from the water in one fluid movement, angrily suppressing a blush as she snatched the nearest towel and secured it around her body. Sanageyama did not move or say a word as she stomped toward the sink and grabbed a stack of clothes. She changed right then and there.
Refusing to look at him, she tugged one of his spare t-shirts over her head and then slipped on a pair of underwear. Maya did not even bother with the robe as she opened the bathroom door. "It's dinnertime. You need to eat something." Then, she was marching down the stairs.
Sanageyama took a moment to compose himself. His pants felt too tight and his heart was thudding loudly. He narrowly avoided seeing Maya completely naked by turning off Shingantsu at the last second but the sight of her dressed in only his t-shirt was almost as bad. Uzu let out a slow, controlled breath. He had hoped by giving her a gentle push that she would start laying some ground rules; give him some direction on how best to proceed. It was fairly obvious that she wanted some degree of intimacy with him, especially after what happened in the elevator.
Shivering pleasantly at the memory, he slowly rose to a standing position and stared warily at the doorway where Maya had disappeared. It was getting more and more difficult to control his impulses. He was at least moderately in control when they left Honnouji Academy but now- After feeling her lips wrapped around my… God, all he wanted to do was slam her against every piece of furniture they came across. He wanted to repay the pleasure she had given him tenfold. But she is still unsure. She still doesn't feel ready even after everything that has happened. It really made him wonder if something else was at play; if there was some other reason why she kept pushing him away.
Why is she afraid to love me?