Soft evening light slipped through the paper screens of the captain’s quarters, painting long bands of gold across the tatami floor. Outside, the quiet hum of the Seireitei settling into night drifted faintly through the open window.

Seated in front of the mirror was Shinji Hirako — newly appointed captain, long blond hair spilling down his back like a river of sunlight. It was still strange, seeing him like this. The haori resting over his shoulders carried weight now. Responsibility. Expectations.

But right now, he wasn’t wearing the grin he gave his squad.

Right now he just looked tired.

Behind him, gentle fingers slid into his hair.

He didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. His shoulders loosened almost instantly, tension draining from his posture as the familiar touch separated the long strands. The brush had already been laid beside him, along with the ribbon that would hold the braid together.

“Ya know,” he muttered lightly, eyes half-lidded in the mirror, “captains’re supposed to look dignified ‘n stuff.”

The answer was silence.

Only patient hands smoothing through the soft length of his hair, untangling knots that had formed during the day. A slow rhythm. Careful. Familiar.

Shinji watched in the mirror as sections of his hair were divided neatly. One strand over another. Then again. And again. The beginnings of a braid forming down the center of his back.

His reflection softened.

“Didn’t think I’d make captain this soon,” he admitted, voice quieter now. “Lotta old geezers in the Gotei probably think it’s a bad idea.”

Another silent response.

But the fingers weaving his hair never hesitated.

The braid tightened slightly as the strands were pulled together with practiced precision. Shinji let out a quiet huff through his nose, leaning back just enough that his head almost touched the person behind him.

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You're his spouse! I also love shinji with long hair he looks like a princess