Ran

You settled down right in front of him on the carpet, and Ran sprawled on the sofa, as lazily and at ease as always. He lifted one leg and placed it on top of the other, blocking your escape route. You grinned, leaning closer to his face, his hair falling in soft strands into your hands.

"Did you deliberately lead me into a trap?" you narrowed your eyes, carefully parting your hair.

Ran glanced down, a sly smile flickering at the corner of his lips.

"Where are you going to run off to?" he drawled lazily. "You know I love it when you braid my hair."

You chuckled softly, but your fingers continued to work. You were almost done with the first braid, the strands laying evenly, and you carefully tied off the end.
"Two braids, like always?" you asked, leaning towards the other side.
He closed his eyes, leaning back against the sofa, and nodded:

• Of course. Otherwise it wouldn't be the same.

You tugged his strand of hair lightly.

• You're spoiled, you know?

“Maybe,” he drawled, opening his eyes again and lingering on you. “But only with you.”

You felt your cheeks warm slightly, but you continued to weave as if nothing had happened. His leg continued to block your entrance, and there was something almost deliberately imperious about it, yet at the same time homely and warm.

When you finished, he ran his fingers through your braids and smiled contentedly.

You leaned back, crossing your arms.

• And my insolence sits there and doesn’t even say “thank you”.

He laughed quietly and, leaning towards you, finally said:

• Thank you. But I can also pay with a kiss...