Instinct

After breakfast was done, Rebecca got dressed as well. Now that they were both dressed and ready, the new couple headed out to start their day. Anthony had a full program planned for them, filled with all the important places from his childhood, and if Rebecca felt up to it by the end of the day, a meeting with some of his closest friends growing up. Anthony was so excited and he couldn't wait to show Rebecca off to everyone, but he didn't want to overwhelm her. As he had pushed her too far more than once, in the short time they had been a couple. and he was currently trying to find a healthy balance in moving forward and not moving too fast.

But his search for balance, didn't stop him from attempting to push the boundaries a bit from time to time. One way of doing that, was by improving their physical intimacy. Or better said, creating it. As there hasn't been much of that considering how new their relationship is and Rebecca's shy nature. But even though he knew things were new, even though he knew Rebecca was shy, he had been holding back for so long that every second now, felt like an eternity.

It was like his body was moving on its own now that what he wanted was so close and within reach. Now that it was clear that their feelings were mutual. If it were up to him, they would be in the same bed, they would be kissing, hugging, being inseparable from the moment she said yes. Him being kind and a bit aloof in his everyday life, did not mean that he had no urges, feelings or desires. Especially for the person he loved. But for her, he did what he could to resist those instincts and settle for whatever Rebecca was willing to give, as even the smallest of scraps, were enough to make him feel like he was soaring. For today, his mission was holding hands.

So, once they were standing outside of the hotel, Anthony held out his hand for Rebecca. Allowing her to make the final call on whether this was happening or not. Rebecca looked at his extended hand for a moment with some confusion. But he just patiently smiled as he waited to see what she would do. Seeing this, and his unwavering hand, Rebecca got his message and her earlier confusion was followed by some hesitation until it was finally concluded with acceptance. Rebecca blushed as she grabbed his hand and then immediately looked away as she tried to hide the redness of her face.

Anthony didn't mind her turning away. He just chuckled, as it was clear to him what she was trying to do, and just embraced the joy of the moment. He felt over the moon as they walked together, and he loved how her hand was fitting in his. Her hand was so small and soft compared to his own and it was surprisingly cold to the touch. Further strengthening his urge to protect her. Which would start by protecting her hands from being cold, by giving her some of his heat.

He could tell she was feeling shy and a bit nervous about holding his hand. Her hand was a bit clammy, despite being so cold, and she was holding on so gently, that if he hadn't closed his hand, her hand would slip out instantly. However he didn't mind any of this, and he didn't mind her turning away. He just gave her hand a gentle squeeze as she tried to calm herself down in this new situation. What mattered to him was that she had done it, she had taken his hand, and that was what was important. Her taking steps forward in her own way, at her own speed.

Truth be told, he had almost thought it wasn't going to happen. You could never know for sure with Rebecca. In some ways he could read her like a book, in other ways, she would shrouded with a thick layer of mystery. Making it hard for him to predict what she would do at times. Even just then, he had been on the verge of pulling his hand back, thinking Rebecca might not be ready yet to hold hands. But that is when she suddenly put her hand in his, making him feel more confident that he had done the right thing and was moving at the right pace.

It was with steps like these how they were currently growing towards each other. Him making a move, laying the option out there, and her accepting it in her own way, on her own terms. This helped him know what their speed would be. Now that she had accepted them holding hands in public, he knew that she would also be okay with that in private and the next time they would head out. He would just offer his hand, like he had done now, and allow her to take it on her own. After some time, he would let instinct take its course in that regard.