Museum Madness

Even with his ever-increasing comfort with being around Tunic, the teenager was still ill-equipped for the times Tunic would look into his eyes and start to touch his face; the only times people got that close were when he was getting punched. Funny enough, Kronos swore that he preferred the punches; they hurt like hell but they were easy. There were only so many ways someone could smack you in the face, but Kronos couldn't figure out his feelings regarding Tunic at gunpoint, and that was before she started complimenting him. Yet even amidst his confusion (and immense nervousness), he couldn't help but smile at Tunic's words, profoundly grateful to have anyone--much less her--think so highly of him. "Haha...t-thanks, Tunic. I'll try to remember that...and you make sure to remember your abilities too!" he affirmed, redirecting the compliments unto her out of both embarrassment and genuine kindness. "You're awesome 'cause Tunic's awesome."

Kronos refused to try and push Tunic away from himself in the middle of his speech, wanting nothing more than for her to feel relaxed after her admissions of not wanting to feel weak--but it didn't come without tremendous effort. Any form of proximity with Tunic tended to unsettle him a little, but the Saiyan liked to think he was slowly getting used to it; a minute ago, he'd even grabbed her hand himself, even if it was just to pull her along for a walk. This, however, was on a completely different level: Tunic was close enough that Kronos swore that she could hear his heartbeat! Her presence was overwhelming to the Saiyan, and though he didn't stop talking, his tail literally stood on end while the rest of his body was paralyzed--but make no mistake, for their heart was racing!

What the hell was he supposed to do here? The expression on Tunic's face--when was the last time he'd seen anyone look like that? 'Happy' would be an understatement; Tunic seemed to be a state of outright bliss, as if all of her worries were melting away--and it was because of him. At least he knew what hugs were supposed to be like; what was he supposed to do with this? Worst still, midway through his internal panicking, Kronos made the terrible mistake of staring into Tunic's face for a few seconds; now he swore he could barely look away. And maybe this was just his imagination, but he could swear that a teeny, tiny part of him almost wanted to kiss her. He was never, ever, ever going to do that, but Tunic was no easier to look away from. Maybe he should do something--

"I-I.. umm, sorry if I got too close."

With those words and Tunic's voluntary retreat, the Saiyan could finally breathe again, almost doubling over from the feeling of such intense emotions dissipating. It was obvious how much Tunic's embrace disturbed him, yet at the same time it wasn't clear if he actually wanted her to leave. Hell, if Tunic looked at Kronos while she leaned on him, she might have noticed that, for a moment, he looked like he was leaning towards her, too. Either way, Kronos remained silent, using their walk throughout the museum as a chance to recover whatever composure he had left. Even with his intense blushing fading away, Kronos had a feeling that he'd be thinking of this event for a while--but the present demanded his attention still.

For most of Tunic's speech, the Tuffle's expression was a combination of appreciation and deep confusion, almost chuckling from how much Tunic seemed to believe in him. Of the few times people did root for the Saiyan, it was either about his gadgets or his tenacity--and even these compliments were unusual to him. But now he was being praised for being...kind? And knowing what to say? He couldn't help but laugh a little, rolling his eyes while Tunic's voice trembled. Yet within moments his grin disappeared, silenced by the tears rolling down Tunic's face. Her words weren't just empty platitudes to boost his ego; Tunic really did feel devastated, and his words really were that meaningful to her. Kronos couldn't fathom someone valuing him that much...but if Tunic saw that much in him, then he would be by her side no matter what. Just as her grip tightened, so did his, smiling valiantly at Tunic while doing his best to stifle their own tears.

Eventually, they hit a bend in a corner, with Tunic's words finally drawing to a close. Kronos had a funny look on their face; a mixture of sadness and joy, a perfect mirror to Tunic's weary smile. If there was anything better than having her confide in him, Kronos didn't know it. "Tunic..." he said in a voice overflowing with grief and gratitude, breaking due to the tears that the Saiyan could no longer hold back. "That's...that's the nicest thing I've heard about me in years. And it's coming from you..."

Kronos not only hugged her, but practically swung her around him like a carousel, guffawing to her amidst his crying. "Hahahahaha! Sorry, I just--I can't freaking believe it! You're the coolest person I know and you think--you think that I'm good with words! You think that I'm kind and helpful and...cool!" The tears were only coming harder, yet Kronos didn't seem the least bit less happy. "T-thanking me? After that? You're so damn amazing that ya loop back into being a moron! I'm gonna be here for ya no matter where and no matter when, got it? Forget not wanting me at 'arm's length', Tunic," he said while leaning closer towards her--

"I could fuckin' kiss you right now!"

Obviously, this last sentence was just a slip of the tongue he made in the middle of his elated speech...right?

As Tunic's footsteps grew closer, Kronos's heartbeat began to stabilize somewhat, with the sheer shock beginning to wear off. Tunic...Tunic kissed him! And he kissed her! Like in movies! No matter how insanely difficult it was to believe, it actually happened...and that was a good thing! It wasn't a bad thing, was it? No, surely not, it was just...weird! 'All of this is weird and freaky and--'

'...Tunic?'

At first, Kronos thought that she was going to be even more touchy, nearly recoiling out of sheer instinct, but something about the look on her face made it abundantly clear she wasn't just being romantic. Any remaining doubts disappeared as Tunic's words began to reach him; she was trying to reassure him. More important than that was that she sounded terribly distraught while doing so. He could almost swear that something he'd done was causing her to be like this...