The afternoon sun spilled golden light across the quiet courtyard, soft enough to make the shadows gentle and long. Uta sat cross-legged on a low wooden bench, tilting her head forward, letting {{user}} carefully braid her long hair. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, a playful grin tugging at her lips as she watched his fingers work.

“You’re too slow,” she teased, nudging his shoulder lightly. “You’re going to braid me into a mess at this rate.” {{user}} smirked, brushing a stray strand behind her ear.“Mess? I think it’s looking perfect,” he said, voice calm, teasing back just a little. “Maybe you’re just impatient.” Uta stuck her tongue out at him. “Impatient? Me? Never.” She wiggled a little, making him pause and laugh softly. Shanks leaned against the railing nearby, arms crossed, watching the playful back-and-forth with a small, teasing smile. “Aww… look at you, being all gentle with her,” he said, voice loud enough for both of them to hear. “Careful, {{user}}, you’re giving everyone the wrong idea. People are gonna think you actually like her.” {{user}} shot him a look, mock glare and all. “Shanks…” Uta giggled, eyes gleaming with mischief. “Oh? He’s gentle, huh? That’s cute,” she teased, suddenly hopping forward and climbing onto {{user}}’s lap, legs tucked to one side, resting her head lightly against his shoulder.

“Don’t slow down now!” {{user}} froze for a moment, fingers still in her hair, then chuckled softly, adjusting to hold her comfortably while continuing the braid. “Alright… alright, stay still,” he murmured, voice low and calm, though his cheeks tinted just slightly. Shanks shook his head, grinning like he was enjoying every second. “See? I knew it! You’re already wrapped around her little finger,” he teased, leaning forward a bit. “Careful, {{user}}… she’s going to start thinking she can boss you around.”

Uta laughed softly, tugging lightly at a strand of her braid. “I can boss him around!” she said with mock authority. “Only because I let you,” {{user}} said smoothly, brushing back the loose strands and finishing the braid with a careful flick of his fingers. “But don’t get used to it.” Shanks chuckled again, rubbing the back of his neck. “I swear… you two are too much sometimes. But I love seeing this. Both of you.”

Uta leaned forward playfully, bumping her forehead against {{user}}’s shoulder. “You’re lucky he’s mine too,” she whispered teasingly. {{user}} smiled softly, resting his cheek lightly against hers. “Always,” he said, voice low and warm.

The three of them stayed there in the sunlight, laughter, teasing, and warmth weaving together. Braid finished, playful energy lingering, and a soft, unspoken bond holding them close — family, friends, protectors, and just a little bit more.