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Shu had always been particular about her hair—no one but herself was ever allowed to touch it. That changed when her world, Valkyrie—her own creation—was torn away by Satan with the blue eyes. After that, she couldn’t bring herself to care for her hair. Or for any part of herself, really.
But Kagehira was always there.
Even when Shu offered only jeers and sharp words in return, Kagehira stayed. She brushed her hair as best as she could, trimmed the ends when needed, kept it in braids so it wouldn’t become damaged. She did everything she could to preserve it just as Shu had left it, back when she’d become hollow within her own body.
Since then, Shu had begun tending to her hair again. Kagehira’s care had pulled her out of her despair, and reminded her of the importance of self-love. It let her begin to care for herself again—and, of course, to care for Kagehira, too.
And now, as she’s grown from the cold and haughty empress she once was, she can admit something freely: taking care of Kagehira is one of her favorite things.
Speaking of her dearest Kagehira—her angel from the shadows, her savior—she was here, staying with Shu in France. As much as Shu wished it were permanent, even a week felt like a blessing. After months apart, any time with Mika felt like luxury.
She had just stepped out of the shower, preparing for her nightly self-care ritual. The first part: her hair. And yet, for some reason, brushing it herself didn’t feel right. All she could think about was the way Mika used to move the brush through her hair so gently, humming soft melodies to help her relax. She missed leaning back into Mika’s chest, feeling her warmth and presence.
And right now, after so much distance, it was all she craved.
“Kagehira..? Are you busy at the moment?” she called out softly.
She shouldn’t be—Shu knew that—but asking was only polite.
“Mmm.. nah! ‘M all free right now, Oshi-san. Did ya need somethin’?”
The sweetest voice in the world. Mika’s heterochromatic eyes met Shu’s, radiant and loving, and her heart stirred.
“Yes, I did. I was… wondering if you could…” Shu hesitated. It shouldn’t be embarrassing, asking her partner to care for her like this. She was twenty years old. She could care for her own body. But the longing in her chest wouldn’t go away.
“Could you brush my hair for me?” she asked at last, a soft blush coloring her cheeks.
Mika lit up, a warm smile spreading across her face as she eagerly nodded.
“Yeah, ‘course I can! Come, come! Sit down in front ‘o me.” She patted her thigh, inviting Shu to settle between her legs. Shu obeyed without hesitation, handing her the brush.
“Any style ya want? Or just a good brushin’? If ya want, I can braid it real pretty before bed!”
Shu considered it. Braiding meant more time in Mika’s warmth. That felt right.
“If you don’t mind… I’d like that very much,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“‘Course I don’t mind! I asked, didn’ I?” Mika giggled, brushing through her hair with that same unmatched gentleness. “Ya know, Oshi-san, I’ve always loved yer hair.”
“Oh? Do you care to elaborate?” Shu teased, tilting her head up just a little to glimpse her partner.
“Ngah—Oshi-san! Ya shouldn’t move yer head like that!” Mika scolded, flustered. “But yeah, I can elaborate. When we first met, yer hair was one o’ the first things I noticed. Well, after your kindness ‘n warmth, o’ course. The color was real pretty, and it always looked soft. When ya let me into Valkyrie, I remember you had these perfect curls—they suited ya. Still do. ‘Ts always been silky ‘n smooth. And thanks ta you, I learned how to take better care of mine too.”
A smirk tugged at Shu’s lips—Kagehira’s compliments always filled her with pride, especially when it came to her appearance. But the smirk vanished, replaced by a soft blush as she felt lips press against the top of her head.
“But ‘f course,” Mika whispered, “I just love everything ‘bout Oshi-san~. From the tip o’ her head to the tips o’ her toes. I’ll love Oshi-san forever.”
Silence fell between them as Mika finished brushing and began to braid her hair. Shu focused on the rhythm of her breath, on Mika’s touch, on the warmth surrounding her. But after a while, the quiet became too loud. She had to respond.
“… It’s the same for you,” she murmured.
“Mm? What was that, Oshi-san?”
Shu could hear the confusion in her voice, could imagine the soft pout on her face. She waited until Mika tied off the braid before moving. Turning around, she wrapped her arms around Mika’s waist and nestled her face into her chest.
“O-Oshi-san?! What’s all this for?”
“I said it’s the same for you,” Shu repeated, voice steady now. “I’ll love all of you forever too, Kagehira.”
Mika’s smile was radiant. She rested her hand on Shu’s head, stroking her hair with care.
“Oshi-san, ya always get me all flustered…” she whispered, leaning down to kiss the top of Shu’s head again.
“I have better ways to do that,” Shu said, standing up—and lifting her angel into her arms.
“Ngah—Oshi-san!!”
She didn’t respond to Mika’s flustered squirming, carrying her to the bed and laying her down gently, like a precious jewel.
“Shh. Let me show my appreciation for you.”
She pulled Mika close, her lips leaving soft kisses on her beloved’s head, relishing every breathy sigh. But then Mika whispered:
“Oshi-san, gimme a real kiss… please?”
How could Shu say no, when both the sun and the moon shone for her in Mika’s eyes?
She didn’t answer. She simply leaned in, tilted Mika’s head, and pressed their lips together.
It was only meant to be a gentle kiss—but neither of them could help it. Mika’s legs wrapped around Shu’s waist, and Shu’s hands held them there. The kiss deepened, tender gasps escaping between them. Their tongues met, slow and warm and desperate.
Before things could go too far, Mika pulled back, just for a moment.
“Oshi-saaaan… I really love ya lots, ya know,” she whispered, as if sharing a secret meant only for them.
Shu smiled softly. “I love you too, my precious Kagehira.”
And as they give in to desire, their sin fueled by their love and adoration, Shu decided: she would prove herself worthy of the love she’d been given. Again and again. Always.