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Oh, shit.
Chūka is frozen in place, with Tenzō's hand resting on her head- Actually, can you even call it resting when he's equally tense, too? His veins are bulging out, fingers twitching, almost threatening to pull on her hair.
They were just taking a short break from sparring, her gaze fixed on the passing clouds while he sat a comfortable distance away. She had hoped they would pass to allow her a glimpse at the starry sky, for the night air to cool her sticky, sweaty body.
It was all fine and dandy, quiet until he muttered something about dirt and grass. Before Chūka realised, Tenzō had leaned over.
His fingers had reached out to thread gently through her locks, giving a little swipe, a dust as he grumbles to himself. How dare he act all exasperated when she didn't ask for him to clean her up; that pout to his lips and squint of his eyes, if it's that uncomfortable, there's no need to bring this strange duty onto himself.
But Chūka can't bring herself to comment, not even tell him off when his touch is so warm. His palm could blanket a good portion of her head, the barest hint of a scratch...
She's so lost in it, Chūka's gaze involuntarily shifts to meet his and her heart stops. What's with that look on his face, why are his eyes widening, her neck is scalding--
And that's how they ended up here, his fingers still tangled in her hair, locked in an intense stare. Tenzō takes a deep breath, voice strained. "Sorry--"
And his hand begins pulling away, but Chūka doesn't let him go far when she grasps his wrist. It seems she defied his expectations the moment his hand is brought back onto her head. His breath is caught, but the sparkle in Tenzō's eyes almost knocks the air out of Chūka, too.
Tenzō doesn't waste time, resuming the massages, more confident this time into her scalp. Almost drawing out a purr, Chūka's lips curl up as she indulges in the warmth. The way he rubs into her hair feels so good... too good. "Do you do this with everyone you meet?"
Tenzō can't help huffing. "No, just you,"
"Then how are you so good at this?" She shifts herself to meet his eyes again, properly. Tenzō's hand is already adjusting to continue, as she cocks an eyebrow in question. He's hesitating, eyes averted.
After a while, he finally answers. "Stray cats sometimes wander into the compound..."
Oh, his ears are growing red, and ruffling his hair. Chūka blinks, processing his words before finally laughing out.
"What's so funny?" Accusatory, with his brows furrowed and a frown growing. Chūka gives him a smile, a genuine one as she moves closer to him, head pressed against the side of his thigh.
She nudges her nose into his leg, still beaming. "I didn't know you liked cats,"
Tenzō seems to ease up, this time rubbing his thumb into her scalp. Chūka's approving hums encourage his other hand to join in, pressing firm circles against her. If only she opened her eyes, she'd see the fond smile and softened gaze that's sure to wreck her for days.
"Yeah, I do,"