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[ GN!Reader | PLATONIC ] ➜ Braiding Hajime's Hair

         ╰┈➤ Hajime seeks your help to soothe his nerves before a major Ra*bits performance. You idly braid his hair, singing to him as you do so.

                                 ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

  Hajime's blue-violet eyes stared deep into the mirror before himself. The threads of his baby blue hair were gingerly being twisted and woven into a neat, cascading braid that extended before the front section of his hair. All the while, you allowed yourself to idly sing to him. Whether your voice was pleasant or not was up to Hajime to decide, and you were certain that he'd say you sounded incredible either way— simply because it would break Hajime's heart to have to tell you if you sounded bad. Yet, he seemed to be genuinely curious by the hints of notes and techniques in your voice as you sang to him. You sang a healing incantation, one that grew in popularity from a certain movie that regarded hair as a source of healing. You found it to be cute that you could sing a healing incantation stemming from magical hair while braiding Hajime's unique hair.

He sat still as can be, his posture rather tense from his residual nervousness regarding his future performance. In about an hour, he'd be off to perform on the biggest stage Ra*bits has ever set their sights upon. Needless to say, you understood why he was so on edge. Once you finished the braid, you gently held it forth for Hajime to see. His irises shimmered as he laid eyes upon it.
"Hehe, it's beautiful. Thank you, Producer." Said Hajime's quiet and gentle voice.
Your palm ran down the back of his hair, smoothing over any and all stray hairs. "Of course. You don't need to be nervous." You spoke to him as gently as possible.
Hajime turned his head to peer up at you. "Why not?" He asked, an innocent expression on his face. He looked up at you like a child would to their parent, like he truly trusted everything you said.
You snickered a bit. "Alright, so," you pat his head with a soft snicker. "You're a talented idol, to start with. You make me proud. Not only that, the audience that you are catering to will be mostly fans of yours already. They will be more than happy to accept whatever you show them, whether it has mistakes or not. You'd be surprised how many fans love small mistakes shown by idols."

Hajime showed you a shy smile. "I hope our fans feel the same as those fans do." Said he.
You nodded before placing a kiss on the top of his hair, smiling with pride at your figurative son. "I'm sure they will. You're allowed to make mistakes, just have as much fun as possible. Your fans can feel it when you're not having real fun." You knelt beside the seat in the dressing room, embracing Hajime.
Hajime leaned into your warm embrace, smiling from ear-to-ear as he did so. "Thank you, Producer. I love when you pat my head and hug me. It makes me feel loved." His confession nearly sent you barreling backward out of shock.
"Awww," you choked out while struggling to process Hajime's words. "You make me so proud." You placed your hand over the lower half of your face to disguise your watery expression as your emotions of pure pride overwhelmed you.

"Please, don't cry, Producer." Hajime said as he hugged your head. "I love you dearly, and I'd hate to see you cry. I'm sorry."
You squeezed your son close. "I love you, too," you pressed your cheek against his. "It's out of joy, little one."
Hajime laughed, his expression lifting with content as he began to cradle the braid in his hair in one of his hands. "I'm so happy now.. thank you." He whispered to you.
"Good, I'm glad. You're my son, after all." You smoothed his bangs back before placing a kiss on his forehead. "You're a good kid." You softly said as you leaned back from kissing his head.
Hajime shook his head a bit. "Th-thank you..! I'm sorry, I get really excited when you seem proud." He withdrew a tad from his own excitement.
You laughed as you pet his head. "That's fine, be happy! I'm always proud to call you my son, even if you're not biologically mine."

"Ah, it's already time to go.." whispered Hajime, his expression drooping as he did so.
You gingerly pinched his cheeks in your hands. "Come on, smile! You're going to do amazing, and I'll be watching the entire thing. Here, I'll walk you there and onstage. I'll stay with you as much as you need as your parent."
Hajime shot up from his seat, immediately throwing himself into your arms to thank you. He thanked you profusely, over and over again as he rubbed his face into your clothes. You laughed hysterically while embracing him in return. You could feel so many emotions, and all lead to a light shining at the end of the dark tunnel.
You never wanted kids, to be fair. But having Hajime play the role of your child made you realize that this type of bond was something you never knew you needed. It filled every hole in your heart and pieced you back together to simply braid your son's hair as you smile upon him with such warmth and pride.

And as he rushes onto a massive stage to be seen by thousands, you'll do nothing but watch and cry. Crying not in sorrow as Hajime grows into his unit and his own role, but crying in joy and love as you witness the glory of success cast its gaze upon Hajime.