(This A/N has spoilers to the manga so read at your own will).

I just finished rereading the Maid-Sama manga and now I'm going through post-series depression. Although the manga has a happy ending, I can't help but feel sad. I miss when the biggest problem was just Takumi knowing about Misaki's job at Maid Latte and them realizing each other's feelings for one another. Ah, such innocent carefree times.

Of course, they resolve all the drama and end up with their happily-ever-after, but their time together at Seika and Maid Latte was so fulfilling. I'm going to do all that I can to make sure those times continue.

Given the rating of this fanfic, I'm also going to explore the depth of their relationship that wasn't explored too deeply in the manga. They had so much potential for it in the manga, I'm disappointed we didn't see that resolution. Maria, the Maid-Latte crew, Sakura and the girls at Seika all talked about how natural it was to feel that way for someone you loved. Of course, their physical intimacy increased during the manga, and there were a few close calls, but someone or something would always interrupt them. It was at the same time exciting and incredibly frustrating.

Though there's a possibility that they did do it in chapter 84 after the chocolate scene because the dialogue was leading up to it and the timing would have been pretty good (on valentine's day before their imminent departure). The only thing is we don't know Misaki's answer when Takumi asked her what she wanted to do. If you've read up till there, feel free to share your interpretation of that scene.

I have much more to say (espesh about thought-provoking chapter 84), but this A/N is getting way too long. Please excuse me and enjoy this chapter!

"Misaki?" Minako put her ear against the wood. It was unusually late for Misaki to still be sleeping. Takumi had to get to school, too. Minako knocked a few more times, knowing it was enough to stir her daughter awake.

The deep knocks were unwelcomed as Misaki dug her face deeper into Takumi's chest. He had his face snuggled in her soft locks and his arms were wound around her. His warmth completely surrounded her and she could smell her body wash through his shirt. It wasn't until she recognized her name being called that she realized the dire situation she was in.

"Shit!" She cursed to herself. She was tangled in the mess of Takumi's arms and legs.

The knocks never faltered. Misaki's heartbeat quickened with each knock.

"Misaki, you have to get up. It's late."

"Takumi!" Misaki whispered hurriedly. "Let go!"

Takumi stirred a bit before one eye opened. He looked at her frenzied state, confused.

He calmly removed his arms from her waist and watched as she jumped into her bed. She was just in time before the door cracked open.

The sight Minako was met with was an out-of-breath Misaki, clothes crumpled in all directions. Takumi's pyjamas had the same fate and the blankets were in no better shape.

"Oh!" Minako, surprised, shut the door without hesitation to give them privacy. "Please get ready for school."

The floor beads creaked to her quick pace and finally faded.

Misaki stared at Takumi. What was that about?

…

School had been pretty uneventful. Which was always a good thing.

Much to Takumi's preference, Misaki had stayed by his side the whole day, only leaving when their timetables weren't aligned. She was too on edge; if news about Takumi's residence were released, all hell would break loose.

She knew Takumi was itching to tell someone or to shout it off of the school's rooftop. She had given him a stern talk about keeping quiet, which he begrudgingly agreed to.

They had just revealed that they were dating, and this was too big of a blow and too soon. She didn't even want her friends to know.

"Where are you taking me?" They've been on the train for quite some time now. At first, she suspected he would drag her to his condo and force her to face his underwear draw, but it's been miles since they've passed the high-rise building.

"To your punishment," he replied.

That's what he told her the first time she had asked. She sighed and watched as buildings raced past her.

At a certain stop, Takumi pulled her by the hand until they reached the shining structure of a mall.

"Why'd you bring me here? Isn't it a bit too early for you to start Christmas shopping?"

"I'm not going shopping. You are."

She didn't understand what he meant. But soon, all she wanted was to return to that ignorant bliss.

Hand-in-hand, he walked her to the Calvin Klein shop. The Calvin Klein Underwear shop. Before he could enter, Misaki planted her foot outside the door.

"C'mon, Misa. You aren't scared, are you?"

"No!" After all, it was just another store selling another everyday item. Just another piece of any ol' regular clothing.

"Well then, what are you waiting for? I bought your feminine hygiene products, so it's only fair."

"Would you please stop bringing that up?" She pinched between her eyebrows to force her blush back down. It was embarrassing enough for him to know it was that time of the month for her.

"I want us to share everything, Misaki. I want to know everything about you and I want you to know everything about me. Just think of it as an exercise to deepen our relationship."

"Would you stop saying embarrassing stuff," she looked around them to make sure no one was listening. "Anyways, this is… this is something private."

"And your period isn't?"

"I said shut it already!"

"C'mon, Misa." With a bit of force, Takumi pulled Misaki by the hand into the offending store. He doesn't really know what will come out of this trip, but he's interested to find out. He is bound to see his girlfriend's cute face scrunch up into all types of expressions.

All around them stood mannequins sporting nothing but tight Calvin Kleins. On the walls hung pictures of sculpted half-naked men. Takumi clutched Misaki's hand tighter.

He stopped in the middle of the store, allowing her a good view of all the options.

"Think hard, Misa. What do you want to see me in?"

"Pervert! It's not like I'm going to see you in it."

Takumi would like to beg to differ, but he decided not to push her today. Or rather, not to push her any more than he already was. After all, she was standing in an underwear store because of him.

"Whatever, just pick what you want so we can go," Misaki realized, unsurprised, that she was the only girl in the room. She didn't want to spend a minute longer than she had to here.

Takumi guided her to one bright area of the room. A mannequin stood proud in nothing but a jockstrap. Misaki quickly averted her eyes, looking for something – anything – that didn't have to do with men's bodies. Unfortunately, she did so to no avail.

"Do you want to see me in this?"

"No! I don't want to see you in any underwear!" She pushed him away.

"Oh? Then you would rather me in nothing?" He whispered the question in her ear.

The shiver down her spine was visible. Why did he have to always have his mind in the gutter? And why did her body have to take his words so seriously?

"Stop being such a pervert." She tried to muster a strong voice, but she knew the expression on her face was betraying her. She would have mentally prepared beforehand if she knew she was going to be shopping for her boyfriend's undergarments.

"Here," She quickly grabbed a pair of plain black boxers off the shelf, throwing them in his direction.

"Not a bad choice, but these don't hold me well." Upon seeing her head tilt, he expanded his explanation. "It moves around a lot."

Misaki gasped and felt her face go hot.

"If you're curious, I prefer something tighter. So definitely this," he grabbed a pair of briefs, "but if you want, I could also try this."

In his hands was a bright green thong. They really were aiming for as little cloth as they could manage; the piece was more string than anything else.

"You…" Misaki didn't know what to say.

Takumi snickered. She was embarrassed. He was just teasing; this wasn't the type of undergarments he fancied, but if Misaki ever asked him to wear it, he would do it in a heartbeat. He wondered if Misaki even knew how much control she had over him.

"Can we just go? You have what you need," Misaki sighed. She doesn't know how much more she can take of this.

"Wait, I still haven't decided on a colour. What do you think?" He unfolded a pair of pink briefs and held it against his hips.

"Stop that!" Misaki huffed, swatting his arms. "Why do you always have to do such embarrassing things?"

He laughed and let her be. He ended up choosing a few pairs of bright pink briefs with large waistbands that read "CALVIN KLEIN". Instead of walking to the counter, he made his way to the other side of the store. Misaki hesitantly followed.

"It will be cute if we match." He grabbed a pink bra off of the shelf. "What size are you?"

"Idiot!" She snatched the bra from his hand and returned it to the shelf. Like hell she was going to let him buy her bra and panties. And he definitely didn't need to know her size.

"Pink not your colour? I think it would look hot on you," he unconsciously gave Misaki's body a full look over with half-lidded eyes.

"Stop being a pervert!" She grabbed his wrist and pulled him to the counter. Lately, all of their conversations have only been heading in one direction – the wrong one.

Takumi paid with little fuss and they headed home. On the ride back, Takumi continued the conversation of the trip in a casual tone. It was never-ending with that perverted alien. Misaki was just glad she didn't have work today because her energy was drained.

…

The sun had already set when they had arrived home. Misaki noticed one less pair of shoes at the entrance.

"Hi, Mom," Misaki greeted her mother. She was seating at the dining table with a cup of tea in her hand. "Suzuna isn't back yet?"

"She's at a friend's house," Minako's tone was different today. "You kids were out late."

Although Misaki noticed Minako's interrogatory gaze, she knew her mom wasn't worried about the time she came home. Minako was the one always telling her to spend time with her friends, and Misaki knew Minako trusted Takumi.

"Uh, yeah. We were… shopping," Misaki couldn't help but blush. She hoped her mother wouldn't ask her anything else because she was not the best liar and she was in no mood in telling anyone where Takumi took her today.

Takumi smiled behind her. Misaki hadn't said much yet she already sounded suspicious.

"Sit down, you two," Minako ushered them to the two seats in front of her. "I'll make you some tea."

Something was wrong. Misaki turned to look at Takumi, but he just shrugged his shoulders.

They did as they were told and listened to the high-pitch squeal of the kettle.

Minako set down two steaming cups of tea in front of them. Takumi thanked her, but Misaki was too worried by her mother's odd demeanour. Something was clearly bothering her. Maybe something happened at work? Or maybe she was regretting her decision to let Takumi stay with them.

Misaki hoped she was wrong. Although his new living status was not permanent, Misaki didn't want to see him living all alone again. He already had a tough childhood with adoptive parents who failed to understand him and strangers as tutors constantly moving in and out of his life. He deserved to experience a warm and loving household.

"I didn't expect to be having this conversation with you two, given both of your responsible natures. However, this morning disappointed me."

"I'm sorry, Minako. That would be my fault. I can assure you it won't happen again." The last thing Takumi wanted was for his presence to cause trouble for the Ayuzawas. He was blessed to have found a home here and he wanted to do everything in his power to make sure Minako didn't regret her decision.

"I didn't want us to wake up that late either. But we got to school on time and it ended up being all right." Misaki took her attendance and tardiness seriously. Today she slipped up, but she doesn't think it deserved a dining table talk.

"I'm not concerned about the time you choose to wake up. I allowed you both to share a room because I was under the impression you two would understand what is appropriate when." Takumi held a straight face while Misaki stared with her eyebrows pulled together. Minako sighed. "I know that you are teenagers and I know I can't stop you. But please be aware of when you two choose to engage in sexual activity."

Misaki's face lit up. Beside her, Takumi sat unsurprised. He had an inkling that this morning's display would prove itself to look a bit suspicious. He took a peek at Misaki. This expression was a new one.

He had to agree with Misaki's unspoken thoughts; this was a bit of an awkward situation. However, he was glad the topic was not taboo in the Ayuzawa household.

"Mom– that's not– we were just–"

"I'm not looking for an explanation. I just need you two to promise that you'll place your priorities first and be more careful."

"We promise," Takumi said.

Misaki looked at him, bewildered. It was as if he just confirmed to her mom that they were having–

"But I assure you it wasn't what it looked like. We truly just overslept."

"Okay. I don't doubt you are telling the truth. However, I still hope you two remember my words."

Misaki doesn't think she'll ever forget.

Okay, the bittersweet feeling has worn. Writing this chapter definitely helped. The next chapter will be here in a few days in time for Takumi's birthday, so stay tuned!

IV XVI MMXXI