Archive of Our Own

Not every doll can become human, only a few were could be inspired by a breath of life. However, those with lifeless hearts didn't hold less worth. Not for Mika at least. He cannot imagine despising and throwing away something as if it has no purpose in this world, not when he has experienced it on first hand and especially not when he can give his own meaning of life to the objects around him.

His doll had acquired a myriad of meanings from the moment she touched his hands: this pretty brown-haired lady had been Oshi-san's way of "encouraging" him to keep producing art, she was the gift Shu saw and them thought of him—she was for him. She also "had granted him a wish", the little lady even made him remember about his pre-Oshi-san self. When he looked at her under so many perspectives, it was impossible for him to not to fall in love with his new company. She, in her ways, also reminded him of his wish to become light, a star! Onee-chan-sama had become such an important part of his life, and her intimate relationship with Mika's heart it's what made her come to life, even without being human.

Perhaps his thoughts were not clear at all. Rather said, for sure his thoughts only have coherence inside his head, haven't they? You could easily notice the difference between him and Oshi-san, someone with such a good upbringing as his Oshi-san, always so eloquent... Mika couldn't hold back a shy, flustered giggle when he thought about Shu doing and saying complicated stuff, because even when Mika didn't always understand him, he always loved to hear him.

Mika deeply loved the world of his Oshi-san. But what he loved the most was when Shu shared it with him.

Mika was sitting on the sofá of the ES' common room. And since he was deeply thinking about Shu, his cheeks were flushed. Mika caressed his Onee-chan-sama's hair while daydreaming it was Shu's hair. His elbow rested on the arm of the furniture and his free hand held his chin as he thought about the only and unique Oshi-san he adores so much. He clearly looked like a teenager thinking about his crush, except Shu was his boyfriend! 

Five minutes spacing out wasn't a bad thing, right? It's just that, even when they're dating they can't always afford these moments where they are happy to be together, the distance between them playing a crucial role. Mika kept thinking and then he suddenly made a decision. Yep! He didn't want to stop thinking about his Shu, thus he will just wait for him to arrive while using the time by combing Onee-chan-sama's hair. Shu would be upset if he found Mika wasting precious time, and Mika himself would also like to do something else. 

"I could also work on the outfit I wanna make fer ya, Onee-chan-sama. But I wanna give it more attention when I finally make it! This' more like an excuse ta keep thinkin' 'bout Oshi-san, yanno?" He chuckled softly after saying that. He took a mini-brush out of his pocket and used it through the strands of brown hair. "Though, ma mind's always full of thoughts of Oshi-san. I guess it's inevitable ta think day and night 'bout the person ya love the most, isn't it?"

Mika nonchalantly continued his conversation with his doll. He didn't need for her to answer, because sometimes you just need someone to listen. 

Nonetheless, what does happen when the romantic subject of your plethora shows up without you noticing? Shu had entered into the common room through the main door, and far from showing off a sign of presence, he quietly kept listening to every word Mika had to say about him. Only when it seemed that Mika was starting to rant too much about him, did Shu decide to interrupt his partner.

"Kagehira, have at least a bit of shame about what you say when you are in the common room. You don't know who might be listening behind you." 

"Nhah! But!" Mika was startled, he didn't expect to receive Shu in this way. "Oshi-san, yer the only one behind me listenin' to ma conversations with Onee-chan-sama! Ya can't listen ta other people's conversations like that, yanno?"

"Blame your own carelessness. After all, anyone who had walked through that door would have listened to you as well. It just happened that it was me and not someone else, though at the end it is all the same" Shu wasn't actually worrying too much about the issue. Although he knew he was telling the truth.

They continued replying back and forth for a while since Mika had turned sharper to answer some of Shu's scoldings, who did not keep in silence either, both dancing in a situation to let the other know what wasn’t right. It was no wonder that to outsiders' eyes they looked like a classic romantic comedy. And as such, they were quickly changing scenery. When Shu remembered the original object of his visit he diverted the previous conversation to his real interest.

"I bring something with me, I hope you and... O-Onee-sama like it." Shu had struggled with the name ever since Mika chose it, especially because of the overlapping honorifics. He refused to call her out by her complete name.  He shook his head to forget the topic and afterwards he went to sit by Mika's side, offering him his fancy gift.

"Nee nee Oshi-san, that's not her full name." Mika said playfully before accepting the gift. He received the box with a big smile that could hide nothing of himself. It was transparent and honest, just as Mika's reaction was. "Nhah, thank ya so much! I wanna open it now! Oshi-san's presents're always the best!"

Something happened every time Mika had to unwrap presents: He really wanted to see what was inside as soon as possible, but he keeps piles of junk in his room for a reason, he doesn't like to throw things away; even a paper or a cover had its history and meaning, someone took the time to make everything look nice. So Mika saved every gift wrap he had received, especially those from his Oshi-san. Remember, the children at his orphanage had to offer was their beautiful smile and there was no wrapper that could hide it.

Nonetheless and returning to the pic, Mika had always held a particular desire to save the wrapper of physical objects, even if his hands itched with excitement or his shoe bounced against the floor—as he was doing now, just wanting to open the thing already, but holding back! 

"Kagehira, for god's sake, stop doing that with your foot! It's annoying and disturbs all peace... Which makes me wonder, who between the two of you will be more anxious? You haven't opened it yet and I am eager to know your reaction."

"Nhhh! I don't wanna ruin Oshi-san's wrappin' paper! Ya gave it ta me, so I wanna keep it." 

If this was the past, Shu would consider Mika's thoughts were absurd. How about now? Currently, he knows better the background behind his answer, so he couldn't help but be a little moved in his heart. Seriously, this boy, Mika... had enamored Shu quite well. A sigh and Shu's hand raised up to brush Mika's hair, he lovingly and gently caressed the black raven plumage before giving him a kiss on his forehead.

"Well, you can take your time. But consider what matters the most, at least for me, is that you keep what is inside, that is what must not be altered." Were Shu's words intended to be only about the gift? Mika couldn't tell it, and yet...

His eyes looked at Shu expectantly, big and bright. "Oshi-san..."

"You don't want me to move my touch away from here, do you? Well, I have no reason to... As long as you enjoy it, there is no issue in continuing it." The caresses evolved like caterpillars to become a gentle massage along Mika's scalp, soft circles pressed the stress points to grant relaxation. Mika almost fell asleep at this point, and Shu noticed without saying anything.

Despite that...

"Ahhh!" Mika jumped awake out of the blue, just noticing he was falling asleep and grabbed whatever he had in hand, doing what he didn't want to do, tearing the wrapper unintentionally. "No, no, no! Sorry, sorry! Oshi-san!"

"You have nothing to apologize for, otherwise I think we would have spent all the day in it. So, what you did was not bad. And remember I didn't try to soothe your nerves for seconds later seeing you to stress out over such a small thing. Worse yet, you already knew the wrapper wasn’t that meaningful for me". The massage went down to the back of Mika's neck, concentrating on toning those points that were essential to relax the body.

"Mgh… Oshi-san hasn't done maintenance on me for a long time, I miss yer hands on my body so much..." It seemed like Mika took that scolding to better forget about the last topic. Shu didn’t mind.

"Well, since we've concluded the MV and it was a successful release, I think you deserve a reward as such... But remember what comes first, Kagehira."

"Oh yup, the gift!" And so, Mika finally opened the gift and witnessed the warmth of yellow embodied in a beautiful dress.

When you are aware of the love a gift holds, it is easy to feel your emotions getting touched, with your sensibilities quivering and your chest filling with that beam of light from knowing you are loved. Mika knew that. Shu loved him as much he loved Shu. 

Although Mika still thinks he undeserves this kind of attention and treatment. When he received Onee-chan-sama the first time he asked, "Is it 'kay fer me ta receive somethin' like this?" and he feels that way again now. His Shu was so good to him, Mika would adore him until the end of time.

Perhaps anyone else would say that it is normal for Shu to give him a new dress for his doll. However, Mika does not see it as "normal" but as the most exquisite thing in the world.

With that single smile that appears whenever Shu is around, Mika held the dress against his chest. He cherished owning a physical display that Shu thought of him and what he would like. And as spontaneous as he was, Mika suddenly jumped into Shu's arms. He wasn't careful not to throw Shu off balance a bit; when he was genuinely touched, his reactions were a bit careless. 

"Oshi-san always gives the best gifts! I love it, I really do! Every gift from Oshi-san's better than the last, I'll treasure each of them forever!" He rubbed his head against Shu's chest, as it made him feel closer to his heart. Just as a cat.

“A-ah, Kagehira! Don't be so…!“ Shu's composture could not survive this, a lot of red dots were painted on his cheeks as he became pretty flustered.

They exchanged other words around the subject, Mika never stopped being the clingy guy he was and Shu received all the love Mika had for him with a blush he couldn't hide, nor that he tried though.

The only thing that made Mika quiet down was trying to enjoy the softest part of being with Shu again. Leading them to where they were now.

With closed eyes and a dreamy appearance, Valkyrie had created a bubble of love far away from the eyes' public. Or at least they preferred to think so, as they were still in the common room. In any case, this was their intimacy and their way to share it with each other. Shu's arms held Mika's waist, soon dragging gentle touches along it.

Mika rested his cheek on Shu's chest enjoying the unique song of his heartbeat. Mika felt so pampered in those moments, so loved, so happy.

Mika knew that his Shu had beautified his world in every way, so he wanted to do something for him as well. He has been holding back from asking a question during many calls, the main reason why sometimes he randomly bit his tongue and had to hang up, he wanted to tell it Shu in person when they shared a special moment; only for making it more charming of course. And what's a better suit ocassion to do so rather than cuddling in his arms? Mika had rehearsed his question repeatedly, thus even if innerly he was dying of nerves, he knew what he wanted to say.

“Oshi-saaaan..." Mika called Shu out, although he didn’t want to stop saying his title. It has such a beautiful meaning for him, he would like to say it forever. 

"Yanno, the other day Ryuu-kun-san was tellin’ me some of yer stories from when ya guys were kids, I was feelin’ very lonely that day... and I wanted to hear ‘bout ya, so I asked him ta do it. Mm, but don't answer yet, I'm not finished, Oshi-san.”

It was clear that Shu would question about this, so Mika proceeded cautelously. Shu only nodded, still curious and therefore paid more attention to whatever Mika had to say. 

“What I mean’s... He told me ‘bout when ya both played the house together, Oshi-san. And I couldn't help but feel a bit jealous! I wanna play the house with ya too.” He pouted at the end of the sentence, Shu tried to pretend it wasn’t cute at all and didn’t acknowledged it.

“Is this what you wanted to tell me? That happened years ago, Kagehira, I…” He wasn’t confused by what his Mika prompted, but didn't grasp the meaning behind his words.

“Mn, I know! But Oshi-san, won't ya and I be a home in the future? We should practice! It's not fair that only Ryuu-kun-san has had that privilege, I also wanna experience those things by yer side. I wanna feel and experience it all together with ya, Oshi-san.” Mika’s eyes told how much he craved to share that moment with Shu.

Shu had to clear his throat as he felt Mika was going too fast to process it, only God knows how many times Mika had achieved to fluster him this day. “It is fine, I guess. Do you have something figured out already? It is not like we have the size to properly play the house ourselves, or even a structure to play in.” Shu reminded him.

“Yup, I know! But our dolls do, and we can play outside, Oshi-san. Wouldn't ya like ta have a tea party with them?” Shu didn't understand how playing the house was the same as holding a beautiful and splendid tea party, yet his attention had been caught in a positive way. He felt more in comfort to this version of what Mika was saying, so he smiled approvingly.

“Actually, that is a wonderful idea, Kagehira  You have appealed well to my tastes, oh, Mademoiselle has a dress right for the occasion! Only a new one for Onee-sama is missing.” Mika shook his head, then a peck kiss went to seal Shu's lips.

“I want Onee-chan-sama ta wear the dress ya just gave her, Oshi-san. There’s no better time fer her to wear!” When Mika said things like that, Shu could swear the smile of the boy was brighter than usual.

Mika’s words had a big impact on Shu, always racing his heartbeat without any problem. Shu didn’t know when they reached this point, but that didn’t mean he disliked it. Which was even stranger to him. Odd.

Maybe that was a good way to describe the first love. Strange. Innocent. Flustering.

Although it's also golden, like daylight.

╰══════ .✧. ══════╯

The song of the wind held a cozier atmosphere for their date, and although it was nice, it also caused some problems as some things wanted to fly off to join the song. Mika struggled to keep their tablecloth from leaving because the gust arrived before he could put any weight on it! The only thing he could do was throwing himself to avoid the tablecloth to fly away!

“Nhah…!” He whined, he just wanted to do this right! And what luck he had. It was frustrating. He was stupid, wasn’t he? He couldn’t even do something this small for his Shu.

“To avoid this kind of event to happen I offered helping you since the beginning, but you insisted that you could do it alone and left me in Onee-sama's care, along with Mademoiselle and our basket.” Despite the scolding, Shu's tone was quite neutral. Actually, he was trying to hide his worry over Mika.

Shu had a doll resting on each arm and today’s picnic basket dangling from his fingers. He decided to close the distance between him and Mika, soon lowering what he had on his hands over the tablecloth, this way they wouldn’t face more disasters during their date.

Mika couldn’t help but still feel guilty for what happened, because of him the tablecloth almost blew away! By his looks, you could tell he wasn’t doing well at that time and before Shu asked, he decided to tell him his feelings. “Nnn, I’m sorry, Oshi-san... I just wanna do somethin’ right fer... fer our date. It's been a long time since we've had one, I wanna it to be perfect this time, because it's fer ya.”

“... Quite surprising, it seems as our roles and priorities have been exchanged, doesn't it?” Shu is aware of his standards. Regardless, he has none set for their date, his only purpose here is to enjoy sharing time with Mika, as both had missed for so long. “Nonetheless, you got something rather wrong. This date is for you too, Kagehira.” 

Shu either had softened too much or learned pretty well from Mika that beauty could also exist in the domestic and simple stuff... Maybe he had just learned that purity didn't have to be all perfect.

Because this boy with Ero Guro-style art, knife-wielding stuffed animals, and other weird tastes, was the purest human being he knew in this world. He had never witnessed anything as beautiful as Mika's love and care. So different and unique in this life as any other.

“Let me make my words clearer. Just don't worry this much, Kagehira.” He rubbed Mika's back to comfort him. After that, Shu placed his own fingertips on his lips and led them to Mika's forehead, as if he were sending him the kiss of his affections. “Our date hasn't even started, don't let something like this let you down, good? Your idea was splendid, and I truly want to enjoy it with you.” 

Mika's spirits rose with it, not in an outward explosion but internally. Especially since...

“Mm, ‘kay, ‘kay, but Oshi-san.” Two peerless stars sparked in his face, having a request to ask. “Could ya do that again? And yanno, without using yer hand but yer lips... And on my own lips, please...?”

“... You take advantage of me the second I show sensitivity with you, Kagehira. How shameless.” Shu claimed, turning his face away, pretending not to be the one truly prone to shame.

“That means can I do it?” Mika wouldn’t let the topic go.

“W-what? How do you change your mood so quickly?!” Someone should count how many times Shu had been flustered until now.

“Ehehehehehe, that's Oshi-san's charm, I guess. It's what you caused me!” That chuckle was the perfect indicator to tell how things turned out completely different in a matter of seconds. “Then, then can I?”

“Please focus on our date, Kagehira.” Shu pulled out a straight face even though the rhythm of his heart was not helping him. “... Afterwards, we can talk about kissing.”

“Fer real?! Yeeey!” Shu had talked too much and through rewards unconsciously encouraged Mika. Oh, he couldn't just tell him that without committing, could he...? It wouldn’t be right! Especially when Mika's mood was heading in a good direction after all what happened.

The little crow started being diligent and took the things from the basket to position them on the tablecloth.

They brought a box of apple cookies, which they baked together minutes before. Mika also found a macarons package Shu himself selected, all these were placed on individual plates, creating a nice-looking space for their picnic. On the other side, mini cucumber sandwiches, scons, cupcakes, and strawberries went out of the basket to take place on a respective floor of a four-tier cake stand. 

Shu joined Mika by bringing out their thermal container —already filled with water—, followed by the teapot. Later served some of the hot liquid in it. 

Shu had mentioned earlier they didn’t need to "bring actual tea" and just packed a box Mika didn’t know what it was. It intended to be a surprise, Mika was told, but all the trip to their date he wondered: how would they have a tea party without the tea? Shu still seemed reluctant to show Mika his little secret, because after checking the box was fine, he returned it to the basket.

“Everything seems in order for me. What is your opinion?” Shu got an immediate, excitedly nod from Mika.

“Yep! Everythin’s prepared, we’re ready ta discover the mystery ya keep, Oshi-san”. He was curious to know what Shu brought to their date without telling him.

“Oh? I thought you would claim the reward for your hard work before anything else, but if you insist…” Shu's expression lines were straight, however, the curves of a smile covered all Mika’s face. 

“That means I can kiss ya, doesn’t it Oshi-san?!” He didn't wait for an answer. Not because he thought Shu would change his mind quickly, but because he simply considered he already got a yes. He had the green light to give a lot of kisses to his Oshi-san!

“Kagehira, don't rush at me like that! For heaven's sake, you are so clingy!" Shu was only a cat receiving a lot of love from another kitty.

When you are found to be so in love with another person, they will usually speak against you: Calling you of little dignity, as if you don't love yourself. Mika has heard phrases like these before, but while he has issues with his own self, it doesn't relate to the amount of love he has to give. He found what he never had and now he gives it in spades to that person who gave him clothes and dressed him all beautifully. Why couldn't he love with all his will without being judged? Why should he hold back? This is his Oshi-san, and he knows that behind those complaints he is actually enjoying it. So Mika gladly goes on.

He keeps showering Shu's face with love. 

“Kagehira…” Shu was still not used to Mika’s lots of affection. It was totally different from all that he had experienced, being loved this way? It made him speechless. He also didn't know he could be worthy of this amount of love until he met Mika. He changed his life.

“I love ma Oshi-san so much.” A whisper and he pressed a kiss on Shu's right cheekbone. “So, soooo muuuuuch.” He emphasizes, doing the same with the left one. “Reaaally much.” On the tip of his nose. “More than anyone else.” On the eyelid. “And more than everyone.” On the forehead. “Oshi-san’s the only one fer me." He admitted with a transparent and peerless grin.

Mika concluded the kissing only to cling to his Shu, he was so happy that the emotion overtook him and resulted in a playful nibble against Shu's waist, like a kitty.

Shu was on the verge of a diabetic coma of so much love received, and he could deal with! But not with been attacked by Kagehira's lips and teeth! Some decency!

With nerves exploding to the surface, Shu pushed Mika away from him, without being too rough. “Stop it Kagehira! There is a limit to what you can and can't do! I-I remind you that we are not alone in this situation and we must keep some dignity! Mademoiselle and Onee-sama! Have you forgotten their company by any chance? They are looking at us! You can't do whatever you want when we're out, exposing ourselves.” That was Shu's best excuse to justify being this extremely flustered. 

Mika knew he got carried away and should take the scolding —which he liked— as a consequence... However, he had become bold enough to understand that the problem was “where” and not “what” he is doing. He took note of this to use it later to his advantage, since he would be staying over at his Oshi-san's house for the night.  “Nhah... I couldn't help myself. I got excited and I was so, soooo happy huggin’ Oshi-san's waist, I guess somehow ma mouth wanted ta feel it too and I couldn't hold back. It was kind of an impulse.” 

“W-what kind of nonsense is that? While it's natural to have temptations, what makes us human is being able to go against them, against our instincts... At least you didn't leave traces of saliva or worse, be thankful that is not the case and I can let the topic go.” Shu tilted his head in the opposite direction to Mika, trying to regain the dignity he knows he lost with all this.

“Yep, yep!“ Mika nodded, he wasn't really embarrassed at all, nor was Shu upset and Mika knew it. 

It didn’t take them long to go back to their original mood and purpose without further delay.

“Nee, nee, Oshi-san, now will ya show me what ya brought fer our tea party?” Mika didn't stop clinging to Shu's arm as soon as he stopped his regular nagging. It was something Mika liked to do no matter what.

“You know I won't be able to move properly if you keep clinging to me, right Kagehira?” Shu said that while pampering his Mika head with his free hand. You could tell his complaints weren’t real.

“Mm, if Oshi-san can't move freely, how ‘bout if I help him? Then it won't be necessary ta let ya go.” Mika could do whatever thing, except letting Shu go.

“Kagehira, you really…” Shu could read what was on Mika’s face, although he didn’t know at all what was going on in his head.

Mika had missed Shu infinitely, a long time ago he confessed every second with Shu meant the world to him. Having away the most precious thing in your life was complicated, and never easy to deal with. Mika loved the time when waking up the first thing he saw was Shu. He longed the most for Shu to come back to him. They have never been apart this much before Shu went to Paris to study, and camera calls were not enough for him, he wanted the warmth of the person he loved the most. 

Nowadays Mika used to cry in the mornings because he missed Shu so much, despite never saying outloud, just keeping it inside of his chest. He could never be selfish with his Oshi-san, he would never take him out of his dream place.

And this is why he becomes so touchy as soon as Shu appears in his periphery, Mika sees in him the brightest shooting star in his sky, so beautiful; he wishes nothing more than to hold him, to care for him, and to be all affectionate before allowing him to continue his trajectory and wait devotedly for his return. 

“Look inside the basket. You will find a golden box with brown accents, remove the lid and tell me what you see.” Having Shu noticed Mika wouldn’t move out, he instructed him where to find his little mistery.

“Wait, wait, Oshi-san!” Mika stretched out his free arm to reach for the basket. He was so happy, he won the chance to still hold the person he loves the most.

Shu nodded and Mika was curious to find out “what Oshi-san had brought so they didn't need tea”, but he only found some kind of beautiful ball shaped-candy? A little dried flower also crowned said sphere, and they even had smaller flowers inside. Mika couldn’t tell at all what this nice thing was, though.

“They are called tea bombs, Kagehira.” Oshi-san was always so good at reading his thoughts! “Each sphere is made of isomalt, which is already sweet so we won't need sugar either. It melts with hot water, and since each one holds tea herbs inside, the infusion is prepared instantly. They usually incorporate edible flowers inside, so when the sphere melts, they are also released. It is very beautiful to look at and therefore to my liking, thus I wanted to share it with you.”

Mika gazed delightedly at the six little balls in the box, each one showing a different color in pastel shades, and... they really were so pretty! With his lips parted in amazement, Mika lifted these balls up to look at them in more detail; his examination wasn't thorough but in excitement: It warms his heart every time Shu shows him new things. 

“How cute! Let's try ‘em! Come on, come on!” Whereas he was curious about the box before, now he was incredibly eager to use them!

“Wait! Kagehira, be careful, they are fragile!”

It was not necessary for Shu to mention it. Mika never took any of them out of the box, he knew no object in this world that was to Shu's liking and was not delicate, so he always added extreme care when touching Shu's belongings. And to prove it, he was prudent to put the box down before. Later and quickly he grabbed his doll to take a seat with her in front of Shu.

“Onee-chan-sama and I’re already in our seats, we’re waitin’ for ya, Oshi-san! And ya too, Mado-nee!” Mika held her to make her wave with a raised hand. “Onee-chan-sama, introduce yerself ta Mado-nee.” 

His Mika is always transparent in his affections and there's something about him holding Onee-chan-sama that makes Shu feel weak. Could it be how much he appreciated the little doll...? Perhaps, but at the same time, he knows it goes beyond that. Rather, maybe just seeing Mika so happy had also become his own happiness and comfort. And maybe this feeling was only becoming more present with time.

Shu gave the most enamored look to Mika; the eyes opened the gate to the heart, and by extending the smile the love grew as well.

Shu laughed gracefully in response, enjoying the atmosphere they created. The two of them, the halves of their Valkyrie. “Kakaka! Come on Mademoiselle, greet your new friend!”

Shu eventually left the tea bombs in Mika's cup and his own, then added more hot water to the teapot and from it to their cups. He pretended to do all this with Onee-chan-sama's and Mademoiselle's as well. The little ladies of course were seating in front of their owners. 

Notwithstanding, Mika's attention was more focused the spheres melting. The tea bombs were indeed gorgeous! Mika watched at the cup from different angles, it looked so pretty as the flowers came off in the infusion! 

“Oshi-san!” Mika felt that he should at least try to verbalize his joy, "This’ really beautiful! Thank ya fer sharin' it with me and Onee-chan-sama! I would like ta keep every single one of these flowers, that way it’ll be a souvenir of our first date in a long time. Nhah, there’re so many pretty petals!” Mika was pleased by what he was watching, and also was Shu.

“I don't think they will live long after the isomalt melted, Kagehira. But you could try with the flower at the top of the other tea bombs we haven't used.” Shu said and then took a sip of tea.

“Wouldn't that be ruinin’ one of the spheres that Oshi-san brought?”

“Not necessarily, their purpose is fulfilled if you enjoy them. And if that is the way you enjoy them, then I don't see why I should refuse.”

Times like this, with so many displays of love for his person, Mika feels so loved to the poing of cry. He used to feel as he couldn't fit in only once place, too full of that romantic feeling he always wanted to reciprocate. What he wanted the most was to throw himself against Shu and kiss him again on every corner of his face. Mphhh, but that would interrupt the tea party! Mika didn’t want to, since they just started to drink the tea.

He started to get the energy out bouncing his foot on the tablecloth, getting frustrated at holding back his affections for his Oshi-san. He even closed his eyes tightly so he wouldn't see the target he wanted to shower in kissest!

Shu, who had been elegantly sipping his tea, did not understand what was going on with Mika. Gradually, confusion encompassed all the expressiveness of his face. How in a matter of seconds had Mika's eyes gone from almost crying to showing such despair? Had he said something wrong? Or what had triggered this behavior on Mika?

“Kagehira, Kagehira... Kagehira!” Three calls brought Mika back into orbit. 

When Mika regained his senses he had a reboot. He couldn't have done the opposite of what he wanted, could he?! He groaned for screwing up a second time. First, he got himself in an embarrassing tangle with the tablecloth, and second he was venting pent-up emotion against it. 

With his own mind always playing tricks on him, Mika sank deeper into his dark place; feeling foolish for wanting to at least get this right, never succeeding in what he wanted to achieve by being himself.

But from Shu's point of view, Mika looked scared, he still didn't understand what was going on but he wouldn't brag about his sharp eyes without understanding at least the basics of human behavior. Shu noticed drawing Mika’s attention didn't bring any positive change. So he changed his strategy and just got up to sit next to Mika. 

Shu had learned that sometimes touch can have a powerful influence in bringing Mika back to Earth. So he didn't hesitate to take his hand over Mika's hair, rearranging a few misplaced strands and stroking it all over his scalp as he pulled him into a hug.

“Whatever it is... It is fine now, Kagehira. It is all right, Kagehira.” Shu caressed Mika’s cheeks with his thumbs and stared at him affectionately before “waking up” Mika with a kiss.

“Nnn, Oshi-san...!” No matter how many times it happened, Shu always surprised him when he kissed him like this. It made him reconnect to the present, soon his cheeks flustered but far from going away, he hid his face behind the other's shoulder. “I'm sorry, I messed up again!” He was finally able to externalize the regret that aggravated him so much. 

“What are you apologizing for...? Kagehira, our dating was going quite well.”

“I know! That's exactly why! I... I..." He hurriedly came out of his hiding place and narrowed his eyes at Shu. "I got so excited after ya offered me the flower, because Oshi-san’s so good ta me, and not only that! It's a whole thing really... It's just that always, even in our calls or when ya explain ta me what I don't understand, no matter when, Oshi-san’s always so kind ta me, and I was thinkin’ of some way ta return it..." Because he thought he didn't deserve it, he forgot to add.

“When you were obfuscated by your own thoughts, right?” Regardless Mika didn’t say it, Shu could read between lines. 

“Yes, that was..." With lowered spirits Mika nodded.

Shu didn't want Mika to torture himself anymore, so he continued with the process of anchoring his senses, this time with the help of Onee-chan-sama, whom he grab with the hand that didn't hug Mika. Finally leading her to the latter's lap.

“Remember what I mentioned before, Kagehira. This is our date. Ah... I am mostly certain you offuced yourself thinking was about how I would like you to be reciprocate, didn't you? But you should know that I already like your ways of doing it. Your already clingy ways of doing it if I must be clear.” He added with a little smile. “So it is fine if on our date you let yourself be at ease. Just be the same person who I fell in love with. You can think about what I will want for another kind of event, now it's not necessary. Come here, let's continue our party. Let us enjoy ourselves with some good company and tea.”

It's not the first time Mika felt complicated  this especific way. He was the one who knew Shu's standards the best despite all. And he used to live up to them at his best, which wasn't healthy at all and left him currently facing some consequences. Some of them it's how affects his focus, rather than finishing something he learned to criticize himself for “not being enough" when doing things for Shu. He has been on his way to overcome these things, although it's complicated and requires him to walk a long path. 

Regardless of how difficult things could be, he would always have someone to rely on him, someone to trust. 

Their date wasn't perfect but was theirs, right? It was quite unique then.

Mika didn't want Shu to pull away and return to his initial seat, so he reached out and picked up his porcelain blonde lady just as Shu’s and Mademoiselle’s cups.

“Dates with Oshi-san’re always the best. No matter what.” Like a kitten looking for more love, Mika rubbed his head against Shu's shoulder.

“As long as I am still here and we don't have any work in progress, we can have many more, Kagehira.” Shu replied, ruffling Mika's hair, fulfilling his love request.

Mika was pleased by the touch he received, cradled by the cloud of the comfort of being pampered by the one he loves the most. He was lucky enough, since he is with Oshi-san, he was never unhappy again, not even when he was a doll. And now that their bond was tightened... he couldn't ask for more. Just to stay with him, treasuring every moment by his side. 

Curiously enough, during this date and for some unironical reason, Mika had not drunk a drop of tea yet. “Gwah, Oshi-san... Ma tea got cold and I didn't even take a sip because of seein’ the flowers…!”

“Then your tea has become tasteless and out of propriety... Ah, what can be done?” Shu left out a sigh and handed his cup to his Mika. “Take it, I was done anyway, so I'll pour you some more tea in it, fine?”

”But I'm sure ya wanted ta keep drinkin’ tea too, Oshi-san..." An idea suddenly lights up Mika's face. “Mn, mn! How ‘bout mixin’ the cold tea with the hot water in the teapot? Then the cold tea will warm up again and there will be more flowers at the end!”

Shu decides to think about it for a couple of seconds, this went against all etiquette and made harsh his process of approval quite a bit. Nevertheless, he didn't want to drink cold tea either and after analyzing the context carefully... he could make an exception, remaining as a secret among the four present.

“Good enough for me. It's not like I would like to waste this cold tea, or dump it in the garden.” Or drink it.

“Yup! That’s what I thought! Although, Oshi-san’d probably die if he had to mix both things by himself, so lemme take care of it, ‘kay?” Mika knew the gears of Shu's thinking better than anyone, he knew that Shu didn’t find proposal as appropriate. And yet he had accepted it, the least he could do was to execute the mixture on his own. 

Once it was done, he poured another pump of tea into his and his Oshi-san's cup, then added the hot water to each one.

“I hope ya enjoy it, Oshi-san.” A short kiss on Shu’s lips and Mika returned Shu his cup of tea.

“You too, Kagehira. But don't forget about our accompaniments, what would you like more?” With a wave of his hand, he reminded him of the presence of the groceries at the meeting.

Mika skipped the foods like the mini cucumber sandwiches and instead focused on the desserts they had arranged earlier, apple cookies, cupcakes, scons and something else he had liked!

“This one!” He picked up a pink macaron. “It's pretty, and it reminds me of Oshi-san.”

“Just because of the color? Don't be childish, Kagehira.” Shu drank a bit of tea after that, and Mika couldn't help but feel amazed by the dignified appearance of his Oshi-san every time he raised his cup.

And by admiring him he remembered he wanted to avoid a "catastrophe" like the previous one, so he took longer to respond as he first took a sip of tea, he soon smiled at how exquisite it tasted! And he drank more, without the same class as his Oshi-san, but keeping a certain composure that Shu had taught him. Then he tasted the sweet he had taken, immediately knowing his theory had been right!

“Mmm no, Oshi-san’s wrong.” That priceless smile came back to the scene. “It's not just the color, but at first impression it looked... a bit more crunchy, hard, but upon tastin’ it, its center’s very sweet and soft. Just like Oshi-san.”

“... What on Earth are you trying to tell with that, Kagehira?” Besides the counter of how many times Mika has flustered Shu this afternoon, there should be another counter for how many times Mika has confused Shu today.

"If ya try it ya'll know. Take this other one, Oshi-san. Here, say ‘aaah.’ "

So... this is how embarrassed Nito must have felt when Shu tried to do the same thing in the past, isn't it? Shu’s cheeks got a precious red-blush, Mika knew better than anyone how to disarm him without making him feel vulnerable, just exposed, transparent.

“Why do you want me to do that for, Kagehira?”

“Mmm, I've seen that it's a thing couples do often, isn't it? So I thought we could try it, since we're one…” The same red color was starting to spread between Mika's face.

“...” 

“...”

Without adding another word, Shu closed his eyes tightly and made his lips a nice tunnel to receive Mika's candy. 

“Somethin’ else’s still missin’, Oshi-san". Mika said affectionately.

Shu tightened his eyes even harder and went against his dignity to recreate the infamous sound. All due to the fact that he couldn't deny his Mika anything.

“Aaah…”

Mika felt so touched by that, he couldn’t help it. And since his Shu just told him not to held back his emotions anymore, he placed the macaron between his teeth and threw himself into his Oshi-san's arms. He giggled while trying to share the sweet with Shu like this, making sure that one half remained in Shu's mouth, and he succeeded. But when Shu closed his mouth from the surprise, he carelessly choked with some crumbs. Starting to cough as he felt his throat dry!

Mika, who ate his half of the macaron without any problems, immediately showed concern, but he couldn't block himself there. His Shu was choking!

“Oshi-san! Wait, wait! Have some tea!” Rushly and shakily he offered Shu his cup. And Shu accepted it, mostly out of fear that Mika was going to spill it if he continued this way.

That's how they exchanged cups, because Mika had not had time to see if it was his or Shu's. He just wanted his beloved Oshi-san to have something to cool his throat, and not die.

“ ‘Re ya okay, Oshi-san?” He patted the back of the named one, still worried.

Shu preferred not to talk about how Mika caught him off guard and acted as if everything was fine, adding a hand gesture to subtract any importance.

“But I won't do it again.” On the surface Shu was firmly sentencing his statement, but who knows if he would be able to keep his word and not give up, especially in case Mika try it hard enough.

“Nhah! But Oshi-san didn't enjoy it because of me!” A new idea cleared the gray clouds for Mika and it didn't take him long to say it. “Oshi-san! How ‘bout if this time I'm the one who says "Aaah" ta ya?” As an example, Mika raised his head a little as he sweetly elongated the interjection.

“Sometimes I wonder where you get this kind of ideas, Kagehira…”

Shu might complain, but he continued to indulge Mika in these aspects, as he didn't hesitate to lead the cookie towards Mika's mouth, only pausing to gently lower his chin and further open the tunnel of his mouth.

“Hm, however, it doesn't count if you don't say it again," Shu reminded him, being just a few iinches away.

And Mika, who couldn't be happier to have his Oshi-san touching him, cheerfully complied.

“Mn, mn! Aaah!” 

Only then did Shu manage to understand why Mika felt the urge to kiss him. And Shu, decided to return "that favor" to Mika: His lips were sealed on Mika's, conveying the purity of his feelings. Shu feels never-ending happiness next to Mika. He was an artist that worked with symbols, as such, he used that kiss to display his sincere love and affection for his beautiful Mika.

Valkyrie was a couple that after so many communication problems had built an understanding beyond words, it was part of what they had developed over the years. A look or a kiss could mean everything.

Finally Shu carefully put the cookie in the other's mouth. And although Mika knew there was no better sweet or more enjoyable than kisses from his Oshi-san, he happily tasted the apple flavor in the cookie.

“Don't forget ta give tea ta Onee-sama too, Oshi-san. She and Mademoiselle’re our honored guests, after all.”

Shu nodded, afterwards taking the last mentioned by Mika and lifting the empty teacup to the porcelain lips. Mika saw this, just finishing his cookie and having another idea.

“Oshi-san, Oshi-san, how ‘bout tastin’ all the sweets we brought as we just did?” 

“Don't overdo yourself, Kagehira. Better enjoy your tea, I am sure Onee-sama will also feel better if you pay a little more attention to her.”

Realistically, Mika wanted to keep kissing and being kissed by Shu. But he accepted what was said because this was the original intention of this: Holding a tea party with their dolls.

“Then, can Onee-chan-sama serve tea to Mado-nee? I'll take care of her so she doesn't spill anythin’!” 

“Of course, she won't spill anything, Onee-sama is a lady. And so is Mademoiselle. Hm, which makes it fine if they share time together too.”

Mika giggled while holding the teapot and his doll; although he didn’t laugh out of the joy of pouring tea, but for a thought that spontaneously arrived. “Nee, nee, Oshi-san, can ya imagine if Onee-chan-sama developed feelin’s fer Mado-nee as well as I did for ya? We could go on double dates if that were the case, umm! That would be so much fun! Would this already count as a our first double date?”

“Non!” Shu said with no hesitation. “Mademoiselle would never go on a date with someone she just met! Besides and with all my respect to Onee-sama, while they may be excellent, splendid friends, I first have to get to know her more before accepting her as a romantic possibility for my Mademoiselle” Shu looked away and Mika laughed more at the reaction he was already expecting.

“I knew ya would say that, Oshi-san. But look at Mado-nee, I feel like there's a special spark in her eyes when she looks at Onee-chan-sama.” He wanted to tease Shu a little bit more.

“... Is that true, Mademoiselle? Are you genuinely interested?” Dismayed, Shu began to question both dolls.

Mika had a lot more fun that afternoon. At first he prompted the Mademoiselle x Onee-chan-sama scenario as nothing more than a hypothetical, but the more Shu was scandalized over it, the cuter it was for Mika to think on a future where Oshi-san would be alright with the dolls’ relationship; to be able to walk the four of them together in double silly dates and whatsoever. On top of everything, if that were to happen even their dolls will share a special bond. 

Sometimes Mika could space out too much thinking about the future, however, this time it was not for the worse.

On the opposite, as he ate desserts and drank one last cup of tea with his Oshi-san, he had the best fantasies of his life.

╰══════ .✧. ══════╯

It was already late at night and they were in Shu's room, Mika was closing a book that held his new bookmark. Shu had made it from the dried flower he had given Mika earlier that afternoon, the same one he had asked for as a souvenir.

Mika clasped the book cover against his pajamas and smiled to himself, he was as happy this afternoon as he had dreamed he would be when Shu came back. The wait was worth it, because every moment together with Shu meant the world to him; Mika touched different kinds of heavens that day.

“Nee nee, Oshi-san, Oshi-saaaaaaan.” The little crow returned the book to the desk. His steps took direction to the bed, where his beloved person was.

His appearance as he walked looked all tender without trying. Originally Mika had worn a random old pair of pants along with a T-shirt to sleep in, however, Shu refused to see him this way and lent him one of his white nightgowns. The cutest part started with the bare two inches of height difference and ended with the fact that this difference wasn't much actually, but Mika perked up thinking that these clothes weren’t his size and would make him look smaller. And adding that unforgettable smile on his face, of one who has been happy for a whole day, made this view of Mika so cute.

“Are you coming back already, Kagehira? Fine, come here, I will wait for you”. Shu left the book he was reading on the table next to him, he could continue his reading on the plane or anywhere else, but Mika was only here in Japan, and he won't be able to enjoy his warmth anymore as soon as the scheduled stay is over.

So he could set some things aside and give his Mika the place he deserves.

And Mika would not fail to claim it once the opportunity presented itself, he climbed onto the bed and traced his way to Shu by crawling, he wanted to have free access to the waist he so loved to hold and cuddle. 

“I've had the best of days in a long time, thank ya. I missed ya so much, Oshi-san.” The tip of his nose rubbed against the fabric of the other's torso, with the rest of his face enjoying the warmth from this area.

“I hope you won't consider doing t-that thing you did today in the afternoon again, Kagehira.” His nerves failed him, his skin still remembers that nibble on his waist.

“Nhah, no. I don't wanna do somethin’ ta make Oshi-san uncomfortable, but…” A soft redness painted Mika's cheeks maliciously, he was still holding that bold interpretation of: He scolded before me because of the where and not for the what.

And Mika wanted to continue hugging Shu with everything he had.

Mika sits up and takes a seat across from Shu, his gaze is shy and he only sees Shu when his head is down, but at the same time, there is a hint of mischief that causes Shu to want to back away. However... where he would go if his shoulders already hit the wall?

 Mika kneeled to the sides of Shu's legs, subsequently intertwining his arms behind his boyfriend's shoulders. With his acquired height Mika gives Shu another equally playful smile, he liked knowing that he was the only one who could short-circuit Shu.

And how could he not? If what Shu had was Mika straddled him!

Mika's intentions weren't completely horny and after placing his ear on Shu's chest he tried to explain himself.

“Oshi-san... I wanna hug ya more, much more. I wanna be able to hug ya with all ma body, so when ya leave, yer warmth’ll remain on all ma skin.” To emphasize it, Mika crossed his legs around Shu's waist and pulled him close to him.

Shu could not deliver any response for several seconds, all words had choked in his throat. His hands froze in the air and trembled with the panic of never having shared such an intimate pose. Mika clung to his body with all his eagerness and though a “shameful” part of Mika rubbed against an “uncomfortable” part of him, Shu decided to accept it because he understood Mika's need for his touch grew for not having him around.

Reciprocating was difficult, since he was shakily nervous. The first time Shu tried to reciprocate the touch, he brought his knees up so his pelvis will rub with Mika’s hip but he took them down sooner than expected, failing. It required trying a second time to succeed.

“... Kagehira.” Shame painted the skin of his cheeks and the tip of his ears. Oh, Shu almost regretted lending Mika that nightgown because of the null barrier it exerted between their crotches.

However, neither of them had had any complaints about it.

“... Oshi-san, let's sleep like this, ‘kay?” Mika was focused on maintaining the intimacy of that embrace and took the initiative to share a goodnight kiss.

For Mika it had been a special day and it had ended in an even more special way.