[Closed] Not Our First Rodeo

[Lunanana]

Yoshinori was still asleep when she woke up. Catching just five more minutes, she snuggled closer again, breathing in the scent of his skin and trailing soft kisses on his shoulder. The slumber didn’t take long. With a smile and a tender kiss to his forehead, she slipped out and grabbed a simple, unofficial, non-mission outfit, washed her face and did a short version of her mourning routine. Making sure to do so silently, she slipped out of their room, and made her way to the staircase. Some people were already awake, and Tsuki involuntarily caught some murmurs about patrolling ninja in the commercial area. Good, something was set in motion.

Descending down the stairs, she thought how much she liked her time here, even if it had many twists and turns. It brought a smile to her face, again, and the waiter in the hotel restaurant thought she was smiling at her so brightly. She side-eyed Tsuki, and Tsuki blushed from embarrassment before grabbing them both some breakfast. She was feeling great, so she grabbed some fruit and watermelon juice for them both, before coming back and placing it all on the bedside table.

Yoshinori stirred but still in the land of the dreams, and Tsuki slowly crawled near him, placing a kiss on his cheek. ”Goodmorning~” Tsuki whispered, kissing his forehead. ”Yoshi, baby, we have a train to catch~” Leaning back just a little, she patiently waited for her most beloved eyes to open.

[Niro]

Yoshinori lay cocooned in the luxurious silk sheets, buried beneath soft blankets and the warmth left behind by Tsuki. Her quiet departure from the bed stirred something in his slumbering mind, his brow briefly furrowed, his arms unconsciously reaching for her, but sleep reclaimed him before he could fully wake. Dreams crept back in. This one was ridiculous: cartoon monkeys, each obsessed with bananas, turning everyone into animated versions of themselves. He alone remained unaffected, a lone voice of reason in a world gone completely bananas. What had started as amusing quickly twisted into absurd horror, but just as it threatened to tip into nightmare, a familiar sound cut through the chaos.

Her voice, soft and real, like silk over stone. Tsuki's lips brushed his cheek, a kiss so gentle it might've been part of the dream, but it anchored him. Yoshinori’s eyes fluttered open slowly, the cartoon monkeys fading as he blinked up at her. His smile crept in like sunlight beneath closed curtains, warm and unhurried. "Hi, you," he murmured, voice still heavy with sleep. A wide yawn followed, half-covered by the back of his hand. Without hesitation, his arms reached up and found her, tugging her gently down into the haven of sheets and tangled limbs. His gaze roamed sleepily until it landed on the tray perched nearby and the contents made his smile grow. "Breakfast-in-bed and Tsuki-in-bed?" he said with a lazy chuckle, "I must’ve been really good."

He leaned in to steal a kiss, slow and savoring, before reaching one arm out to grab the watermelon juice. He took a long sip, the coolness soothing his throat and shaking off the last of his drowsiness. "Good morning, love. Sleep well?" he asked, eyes locked on hers; affectionate, content, and already thinking of stealing another kiss before she could answer.

[Lunanana]

She let him pull her closer, gladly placing her head on his chest for a moment longer. His comment about being good did not escape her, she chuckled, wrapping her hand around his waist and nodding. Of course he’s been good, like always! He never made her upset, ever. And even if he did – she’d know he had a reason to. ”I slept very well. I can’t wait for the day when I can wake up next to you each morning. The compound is so cold and uninviting, even my room is all grey…” She admitted, her fingers absently trailing to the ring on the necklace. Soon. Not now but soon…

Tsuki rolled just a little away, picking up the plate with fruit and looking over the continents. Cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberries, some banana, blueberries. Taking a toothpick, she brought the fruit piece by piece to his mouth, more of a loving gesture of appreciation. Soon, they will be back in Konoha, both on the hunt for another mission in the registry, just in case something turns up, neither of them admitting that to each other, of course. She leaned in, kissing his lips and tasting the sweet melon on them, before she slid out of his grasp, a little mischeviously, just as he was about to pull her in again.

”I hope the horses found their way home. If not… Maybe…” Tsuki trailed off, picking up her items from the top of the dresser and packing it up, before she moved on to his, placing each item with care in his backpack. ”Oh, by the way – you have so many scrolls here. I recall you using them, maybe… Once or twice? Can you… Teach me someday?” She turned around, finding his gaze and then looking away quickly, a slight blush on her face. ”I-I mean, you don’t have to, um… It’s j-just. Uh…” She wanted to be better. As much as possible before other duties took over her time. Two, specifically. Definitely dark haired, and very, very small.

[Niro]

"I can't wait either," Yoshinori said, his voice low with affection. "And I have a feeling Shinya shares the sentiment." He watched as Tsuki reached for the tray and began stabbing toothpicks into slices of fresh fruit, offering each one to him in turn. He accepted them with a grateful grin, devouring each piece as though the fruit was sweeter just because she fed it to him. The cool juices tingled against his tongue and roused his body from slumber. She leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his sticky lips, and Yoshinori happily leaned into it, a smirk already curling at his mouth as she pulled away. He licked his lips slowly, eyes twinkling as if daring her to guess whether he was savoring the lingering taste of fruit or the lingering taste of her.

Kicking the blankets away, Yoshinori tumbled toward the edge of the bed and nearly fell out with a laugh. Stretching with a groan, he stood and began dressing, pulling on piece after piece until Tsuki’s voice gave him pause mid-shirt. "The scrolls?" he echoed, glancing over his shoulder at her with a teasing grin. "Mostly supplies, bulky stuff that eats up too much room to pack. Tents, spare gear, some rations that don’t taste like cardboard if you squint." He tugged the dark fabric down over his torso before wandering over to where their packs lay. “Fuuinjutsu’s mostly just writing pretty," he said with a wink. "As long as you kept up those calligraphy lessons, you’ll do just fine."

Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to her cheek; warm, casual, but still brimming with something soft beneath the teasing. A thoughtful look settled on his face next as he adjusted the straps of his gear. “Maybe the carriage driver managed to track them down or hired someone with a better sense of direction. Those woods weren’t exactly welcoming, and I wouldn’t blame the horses if they decided to retire early.” He chuckled, but there was a faint thread of genuine concern in his tone. “Hopefully he wasn’t stuck out there too long.”

He straightened, slipping his pack onto his shoulders with practiced ease, and then flashed her a grin over his shoulder. “Next chance we get to train, I’ll walk you through some fuuinjutsu,” he promised. “And I’ll show you the other thing I’ve been refining. Think you’ll like it.” His fingers curled loosely around the strap of his bag, a soft smile still tugging at the corners of his mouth while he offered her his hand. “Ready when you are, love.”

[Lunanana]

”Utility, I get it, besi- Oh!” She turned around, eyes a little wide as he tripped and nearly fell but he caught himself in time and she shared a smile, his chuckle making its way to her ears, as she placed the last items in her pack as well. Placing in on her shoulders, Tsuki quickly made the bed, before checking again if they haven’t forgotten anything. Once it was confirmed, she nodded. ”Alright, let’s get going.”

They checked out without much ceremony, walking outside, the sun already heating up the air. Once the fell into step, she thought about him mentioning her calligraphy skills. ”I actually had a lot of classes regarding it… Along with other ones. At first it was ethics, table manners, gardening, cooking, you know. The… Usual ones. Once my father passed, it turned into subtle ways to use words, political knowledge, maps, current events, and all that… Eh, all that.” She shifted her bag a little uncomfortably, as if shaking a certain feeling away. ”I’m not trying to be a victim here. It’s sometimes hard to see the situation from the outside, when you’re so, um, when all you know is what they tell you, pull you out from social situations just so you can’t form your own opinions on certain matters. It’s years of that, before me, decades of that, actually. Although, there were people that would provide a different opinion from time to time.” Tsuki fell silent. It was a part of her that she didn’t want to show making its way through to the surface. It tasted like ash and took the color of melancholy. She decided on her route back in Konoha, planning her evening. There was a visit she had to make. A long overdue one, at that.

She shook her head and smiled up at him sheepishly, turning her gaze back to the road before them. ”...So, you’ve been developing something? Refining, I think you said. I’m excited to see it for myself.” Slowly, her voice took on a more cheerful tone. ”Oh, I wanted to ask you something as well,” Her mind naturally wandered to the house in the Nara forest, since that’s where they did most of their training nowadays. ”When I was out with Kanako I bought some sunflower seeds. You think I could plant them near the house?” It was a simple question but still she had to get his approval on the matter. Speaking of houses, she still had to tell him about the abandoned one they cleaned out not too long ago. Maybe on the train.

[Niro]

Yoshinori walked beside Tsuki, a soft smile playing on his lips even as the Suna sun caught his eyes the moment they stepped out of the hotel lobby. He reached for her hand, his grip gentle and reassuring. As they strolled, her voice lowered to share memories of life within the compound walls. His fingers instinctively tightened, his touch becoming protective as he listened in quiet support. He nodded at the mention of her lessons. He’d had his own, growing up in a merchant family, lessons in etiquette, commerce, negotiation, but never as a political pawn. The idea that she had been shaped and used that way, even now, tugged at something deep within him. Without speaking, Yoshinori drew her close, wrapping an arm around her shoulders in a quiet side hug. He leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to her temple, an unspoken promise that she didn’t have to face it all alone.

Tsuki let out a breath, as if releasing the weight of those old thoughts, and glanced up at him with a small smile. Yoshinori looked down at her, the last trace of his frown melting away just as the breeze danced through her hair, brushing it across his cheek. He chuckled softly and nodded. “Yeah,” he said, voice warm. “I finally got control of what I could call forth back on the mountain.”

He paused, thoughtful, before offering another nod. “We can plant them near the east wall, where the sun hits in the morning. Good idea,” he added, a smile tugging at his lips as something caught his eye, a quaint souvenir shop nestled between two stalls. With a playful nudge and a wink, he gestured toward it. “Come on. Let’s get something to remember this trip by.”

[Lunanana]

Yoshinori’s silent support was reassuring and yet the lingering memories still pressed her on the back of her mind. She didn’t show it and they soon melted away, something more cheerful taking its place. ”Oh! But… Do we have the time? I mean, oh!” He nudged them toward it and there was no place left for worry as she followed beside him, eyes wide in quiet anticipation. The doors to the souvenir shop opened with a bell ding, as they both walked in, the smell of incense invading their noses. There were so many knicks and knacks that Tsuki got lost in the flashing colors and sizes of all the available choices. They made their way slowly through it and yet nothing really caught her eye. She held onto his hand, kinda following his lead but they were going slow enough so they could both look around.

Pins, magnets, figurines, books, carved rocks, coins… Coins? She leaned in, looking them over, noticing it was just some custom made coins. She lifted them up and they were so light that she put the coin down, deciding against it. Her eyes caught on some kunai charms, and she examined them for a moment or two, and yet shook her head – they were nice but… None of them really spoke out to her. She looked at Yoshinori with a defeated look. There was too much and at the same time too little to pick from!

She tried again and with a turn of her head she noticed a map. It was simple, hand made, and there was a pack of pins with it. It was such a silly idea but maybe… ”What about this, Yoshinori? We could pin where we visited, as a way to track progress and remember.”

[Niro]

“We’ve got plenty of time, the train won’t leave for a while yet.” Yoshinori said with a reassuring smile, his voice low and easy as he held the door open for Tsuki. A mischievous glint danced in his eyes as the soft chime of the bell welcomed them inside. The air was rich with the scent of burning incense, spicy and sweet, and he barely managed to stifle a sneeze as they stepped into the cozy clutter of the little shop. Every shelf and table overflowed with handcrafted treasures: delicate vials of colored sand said to be blessed by Wind Country monks, miniature tessen fans that fluttered open with a satisfying snap, and desert clay wind chimes shaped like tiny, smiling cacti. The atmosphere felt somewhere between a hidden trove and a collector’s dream.

Yoshinori’s lips twitched in amusement when he noticed Tsuki looking around with the same wide-eyed indecision he felt himself. He leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper, warm against her ear. “There’s too much. I don’t even know where to start.” Her quiet gesture toward the map display caught his eye, and he followed her gaze with a fond smile. “Good call, love,” he said, and reached for a scroll-style case nearby just the right size to store the map safely. As his hand brushed over the smooth leather, his eyes caught on a postcard with a corny slogan written across a sketch of the Suna skyline. It made him chuckle softly, and he added it to their growing bundle.

“Think this is good?” he asked, glancing at her. When she nodded, he gave her hand a light squeeze and led the way to the counter where a disinterested shopkeeper flipped lazily through the morning paper. Yoshinori’s gaze skimmed the headline, something about a criminal gang finally being taken down, and he couldn’t help but shoot Tsuki a quiet, satisfied look, a spark of pride flickering in his expression. Just before paying, his eye caught a spice set nestled near the register and a bottle of cactus vodka beside it. “For the road, or a quiet night in,” he mused aloud with a grin, adding both to their purchase. It felt fitting that the money he’d relieved from a certain set of thieves was now going to support the very community they’d tried to rob.

With everything bagged up and balanced in his arms, he turned to Tsuki with a soft, content smile. “Now might be the right time to head to the station,” he murmured, tilting his head toward the door but not before stealing one last glance at her in the incense haze, as if savoring the moment a little longer.

[Lunanana]

Tsuki eyed their purchases with a content smile. That was way more than enough and she was about to say something when his eyes trailed the headline and, following his gaze, so did hers. Her back straightened just a bit but it was enough to show how glad she was that this happened. Once again, something good was done to balance out all the bad in the world and with Yoshinori’s hand in hers, they made their way towards the exit before stopping just as he was about to open the door. ”W-What? Is it my hair?” She asked, a little panicked as he looked at her, her hands desperately trying pat the top of her head before he slowly shook his head and she blushed, looking away and pushing the door open.

Their walk to the train was a little faster than the one toward the shop, Tsuki re-asking for the fifth time if he had the tickets, and once they were by the train, she took one last glance at Suna before lifting her foot on the metal stairs. ”Hey…” She gently tightened her hold on his hand. ”This was nice. Thank you…” And with a soft smile, she entered the train, Yoshinori right behind her. It was bittersweet but she was sure they will come back sometime. Maybe not just the two of them.

Their seats had a small table this time, the local newspaper as well as Konoha’s one placed on it. She eyed the Suna one again, skimming through the first page and following the article, searching for any trace of the girl, maybe a mention or any indication how her future looked like now. Sadly, there was none but maybe it was for the better of the child herself. ”Not a trace of her…” Tsuki echoed her thoughts aloud and her eyes trailed to the window instead, the newspaper now resting on her lap. ”Oh, um…” Her hand slowly reached his leg, gently resting on it. ”I can’t stay tonight. I’ll walk you home, though.”

[Niro]

“It’s nothing. Just enjoying the view,” Yoshinori said with a quiet grin, his voice full of unspoken affection as his gaze lingered on Tsuki. Her blush deepened, and she fidgeted under his eyes, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as if that would somehow steady her. Yoshinori chuckled softly, not mocking but marveling. The sight of her flustered never failed to stir something in his chest; something warm, something steady, something real. They stepped out of the cozy, incense-laced shop and back onto the sun-warmed, sandy streets of Sunagakure. The breeze carried hints of spice and dust, the kind of dry air that stayed with you in your hair and clothes, but Yoshinori barely noticed. For a fleeting moment, he felt a strange pull in his chest, a twinge of reluctant affection for the village he hadn’t expected to care about at all. It wasn’t the winding alleys or the vivid market stalls or even the golden sunsets that gave him pause; it was the memories he’d made here. The ones with her.

Funny, how love could turn a stop on the map into something sacred. But then again, there was no one else he’d rather be under love’s spell with than Tsuki. Their leisurely walk became a light jog as the sun moved higher in the sky and the hour grew late. Tsuki kept asking if he still had the train tickets, her brows furrowed in concern even though he swore he had them. With both arms full of bags and trinkets, checking his pockets wasn’t exactly an option, so he gave her a confident nod and said, “We’re fine, I promise.” The sparkle in his eyes was a mix of reassurance and barely restrained amusement.

At the ticket counter, they finally paused long enough for Tsuki to fish the tickets out of his pocket herself eliciting a teasing smirk from Yoshinori and a quiet remark about “thoroughness” that made her roll her eyes. After confirming everything, they were cleared to board, their belongings stacked neatly on a luggage cart Yoshinori steered toward the platform with a practiced touch. The train whistle blew, sharp and final, signaling last call. With one final dash, they climbed the stairs to the platform. Just before they reached the top, Yoshinori felt Tsuki’s hand tighten around his. He glanced back, confused at first until her quiet “Thank you” met his ears. His expression softened instantly, melting into a dopey, love-struck smile. “Any time, love,” he murmured, gently brushing his thumb over the back of her hand as they moved forward together.

Once onboard, Yoshinori secured their luggage overhead and slid into the soft leather seat beside her in their private compartment. The rhythmic hum of the train and distant chime of departure announcements blended into a comforting background as he finally allowed himself to relax. He watched as Tsuki flipped through the newspaper, her eyes scanning the headlines for something, anything, on the incident they had helped resolve. When she shook her head and mentioned there were no details on the culprits, he nodded. It made sense. The older members of the gang were likely tucked away in some far-off holding cell, left to rot and be forgotten. The younger ones? With any luck, they’d be offered a second chance, some kind of monitored reform or supervised education. He hoped, at least. “I just hope she doesn’t grow up thinking everyone who tries to help her is the enemy,” he said softly, his voice heavy with quiet doubt and that familiar ache of empathy.

Tsuki said something that struck a chord in him, something that made his heart tighten unexpectedly. He blinked, trying to deflect the sudden weight in his chest. “Aren’t I the one who’s supposed to say that to you?” he asked with a crooked smile, the joke thinly veiled, but his eyes gave him away. And for just a moment, Yoshinori wasn’t the cocky jounin or the seasoned shinobi, he was simply a man grateful for the woman beside him, and the life they were building one chaotic, beautiful day at a time.

[Lunanana]

Tsuki’s eyes lingered on his for a moment, catching the changed expression, appearing just for a split second. It tugged at the bottom of her heart and she looked away, guilt pooling in her chest. It’s creepy fingers tightly wrapping around her heart, and she sighted, looking back at Yoshinori with a solemn, worried expression on her face. ”I want to visit my parents,” She finally confessed, her hand finding his, fingers carefully intertwining with his on her lap. ”ask them for strength and guidance.” She wanted to shield Yoshinori from all the darkness in the world, protect him as much as she could and yet she held some of that just next to him, in her own chest, realizing the hypocrisy. While their souls sang a song in the same tune, their demons had to be able to dance together as well.

”I’m willing to take you with me, if you want to…” She added, downcasting her eyes. Instead of words, Tsuki placed her head on his shoulder, scooting closer, and closed her eyes. Letting someone in meant not opening one door but opening many ones, ones with intricate ornaments and woodwork, ones made of red velvet and ones covered in cobwebs. And she was ready to do so, if he’d follow her lead. ”I was hesitant at first because I didn’t want to… Force this upon you.” But when he saw the hurt in his eyes she understood that she couldn’t simply not offer a chance to. ”I’m sorry, Yoshinori.” She added, more silent this time, vulnerable, personal. ”And I’ll stay. I don’t care about them anymore, I can’t let them take away the precious time… Not married yet and won’t be. Not to a Hyuuga.” The last sentence had a sense of finality to it, a ground decision made, what will they do? Ask her to come home? Lock a jounin in a compound that she knew every corner of? They had no means to stop her now, not when she bloomed from Yoshinori’s strength and resilience.

[Niro]

Understanding slowly dawned across Yoshinori’s face, and with it came the sharp tug of guilt at his chest. He hadn’t realized, hadn’t guessed, that her reasons were so deeply personal. Now, standing beside her in this quiet moment, it felt as if he’d accidentally stumbled into a room she hadn’t yet invited him into. His fingers tightened just slightly around hers, a flicker of worry settling behind his eyes. The apology was already rising in his throat when her voice reached him, gentle but steady, offering him a place beside her, not just now, but in something meaningful.

His brows lifted in soft surprise, and for a moment, he just blinked at her. “I’d love to,” he said finally, the words simple but sincere. “As long as you’ll have me.” When Tsuki rested her head on his shoulder, Yoshinori instinctively leaned into her, his cheek brushing the crown of her hair. A low hum rumbled in his chest; quiet comfort, steady and warm. He didn’t speak right away, letting the weight of her earlier words settle between them like falling petals. When he did, his voice was quiet, nearly a whisper. “You’re not forcing anything on me,” he murmured, his thumb slowly tracing lazy circles over the back of her hand. “If anything, I’ve been the one pushing... hoping you’d let me in, maybe too soon.”

There was a thread of uncertainty in his voice now, one he didn’t bother to hide. “If you don’t want me to come, truly... just tell me, Tsuki. I’ll understand.” But even as he said it, he didn’t let go. Then, after a pause, he added more softly, “There’s nothing to be sorry for.” A breath passed before he shifted slightly and offered a small, vulnerable smile. “Maybe one day, you could help me with something too.” He hesitated, not for lack of trust, but because of how tightly it all curled around his ribs. “My father’s study... I haven’t opened it in over a decade. It’s still sealed. I think I’d like for you to be there when I do.” His voice trailed, the thought of dust-covered memories and forgotten letters stirring both anticipation and dread. But he wasn’t afraid of opening it with her.

Still holding her hand, Yoshinori smiled again more softly this time, almost sheepish. “That... makes me happier than I like to admit. Mrs. Tei, huh...” His tone turned playful, even if the warmth in his eyes gave him away. His fingers brushed against hers once more, teasing but tender. “Guess we’ll have to move out of Shikari’s place eventually,” he mused aloud, his mind already wandering toward a distant horizon where shared futures waited to be built together.

[Lunanana]

Tsuki slightly shook her head, only enough for him to feel it, her head still resting on his shoulder. ”Don’t ever think you’re forcing something on me. Each solution you gave, every advice, it was always true and good, and has never let me down, ever. I’m grateful for that, and I’m ready to show you the most personal part to me.” The one that exceeded the physical body, the one that felt like a touch to the soul. She was well aware that he might not know about it too much – she never told him about it because she didn’t want to. Her and Yoshinori’s space was rarely invaded by negativity or something heavy, and when it did, both of them stood up against it, putting each other first. That’s why she had confidence in him, in herself and in everything that was to come. ”Having you there would mean… The world, honestly.”

He started doubting again and she raised her head, searching his expression with a worried look to her face. Her arms found their way around his neck, pulling him in closer, their hearts beating in unison. ”I want you to come. What I don’t want,” She paused, her forehead moving to rest against his cheek. ”is you believing that I won’t let you in.” Tsuki fell silent once he asked her to join him in something very close to heart. Perhaps even hurtful. She slowly and slightly leaned back again, to see his face, her expression softening and her lips finding their perfect spot on his forehead. ”I’ll join you… As long as you want me to be there. Wherever and whenever you need me, I’ll be there… That’s a promise.”

He caught her off guard with his, hers?, future name and a faint blush crossed her face, her eyes trailing away but she smiled, liking the sound of that. Didn’t admit it, though. ”We will, once… We sort out everything else. As much as I love it there… It’s… A little too… Small?” For four people, anyway. Maybe even more, one day. She blushed at the thought again and leaned closer again, finding the cozy spot on his shoulder once more. Tsuki closed her eyes for just a minute – her confession made an immeasurable weight lift off of her shoulders and after all the memories they made, she found the sound of the rattling relaxing as well. Her body slumped slightly, feeling safe in his arms.

[Niro]

“Yeah,” Yoshinori said with a light chuckle, “definitely too small for four people.” His tone was playful, teasing just enough to keep the mood from dipping too low. He didn’t want to weigh things down when they were finally on the same page both dreaming of something more, something just for them. As Tsuki’s head found its way back to his shoulder, Yoshinori turned toward the train window, his cheek once more brushing gently against her hair. Outside, the sunlit dunes of the Wind Country blurred past in gold streaks, and his gaze softened. He was thankful, not just for her, but for this quiet moment between them. They’d had serious talks, heartfelt ones. And now they had an understanding. A home of their own was no longer just a distant fantasy.

The rhythmic hum of the train and Tsuki’s steady presence began to lull him. His eyes grew heavy, the motion of the carriage soothing in a way only long travel could be. The last thing his blue eyes caught before drifting shut was the desert, still vast and shimmering in the afternoon light. When he woke again, the landscape had changed. Gone were the endless dunes, now replaced by gentle grasslands stretching into the horizon. Fire Country. Home. The soft shift in the view brought a quiet peace to his chest.

He tilted his head down, only to find Tsuki still asleep beside him, her breath slow and even. A tender smile curved his lips as he took in the peaceful expression on her face. Carefully, reverently, he leaned in and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Eventually, a gentle tap at their compartment door signaled the arrival of a train attendant. Yoshinori nodded quietly as she informed him they’d be reaching the station soon, and he offered her a soft thank you. A moment later, she returned with two to-go cups of coffee, which he accepted with a grateful smile.

Cradling both cups, Yoshinori sat back again, watching Tsuki with a fond expression as he waited for her to stir. He didn’t speak, didn’t rush. Just watched over her while the train carried them the rest of the way home.

[Lunanana]

Tsuki didn't dream or didn't recall dreaming, however, the feeling of safeness and mutual understanding was the one she finally stirred with. She felt a soft kiss on her forehead first, it sending her back to the sleep realm even if a gentle smile appeared on her face but with the familiar warmth from beside her disappeared, even for a small moment, she finally fluttered her eyes open. ”Hi..." Her eyes trailed to the window, the familiar scenery of the fire country putting a certain peace in her chest. Home. ”...Love." She smiled, keeping the secret of her nicknames for him to herself, although something whispered he might catch on sooner rather than later.

With the coffee now in her hands and a grateful but silent thank you kiss to Yoshinori's cheek, she couldn't wait to see their midnight black cat, and finally, finally make something homecooked. They agreed to pay a visit to her parents too so once they figure out the logistics of their luggage, they will still have a good amount of sunlight to do so. The grasp around the to-go coffee cup tightened just a tad bit, in determination. She's not going back to the compound, not until either the clan head or Akito specifically requests it. That way she's not, in their eyes, breaking any rules. ”Yoshinori?" Tsuki found his hand with hers, planting a soft kiss and placing it on her lap. ”Would it be okay if I stayed with you for longer this time? Like... A week or two?"

Tsuki looked away, a little scared that the anwser might be the one she didn't expect when her eyes caught another thing. Horses. Wild horses running beside the train. She scooted closer to the window, gently pulling him with her, her eyes filled with amazement. An awestruck chuckle escaped her, her gaze instinctively finding his and softening. In the moments when her heart fluttered from happiness, she always looked for him, an unconscious association with everything good in the world. ”So you want to tell me you threw me and jumped yourself from... That? You looked so cool, there's no one else in the world that has a fiancee like that. Amazing!"

[Niro]

Yoshinori’s face scrunched up playfully when Tsuki leaned over and kissed his cheek in thanks for the coffee. He gave a small, mock-grumble at the gesture, but the warmth in his eyes betrayed how much he appreciated the moment. Their idle chatter turned to logistics; how far the train would drop them from the village, whether they’d walk the rest of the way or perhaps find someone heading toward Konoha they could tag along with. Once they got home, the plan was simple: drop their bags off at the Nara estate and then head to visit her parents. He glanced down as her fingers laced with his and her lips pressed a soft kiss to the back of his hand. Something about that quiet affection made his heart twist in his chest, not with pain, but with something tender and heavy all at once. His breath hitched, just slightly, but he caught it quickly and smoothed it out with a smile and a nod.

"That’d be fine with me," he murmured, his voice a bit lower, more sincere. “I’ve got some appointments mid-week, but nothing that should take too long.” His expression brightened a touch. “I’m sure Shinya will be over the moon.” But then, concern flickered in his eyes at the thought of her clan; how the Hyuuga would receive the two of them now, what it might mean for her. He noticed how she turned her gaze away and didn’t press, simply offering a quiet moment of presence instead. That was broken a second later when she nudged him and pointed out the herd of wild horses sprinting alongside the train, their hooves kicking up great clouds of dust and golden light as they moved across the plains.

Yoshinori looked on in awe, his arm settling around Tsuki as he leaned slightly over her shoulder for a better view. But he caught her looking at him instead and then came her playful comment. He blushed, laughed, and shook his head. “Exactly. You better never forget it,” he teased in return. Then, unable to resist, he leaned in and caught her lips in a soft kiss brief, but warm enough to linger. When he pulled back, a faint blush still colored his cheeks as he returned to his seat beside her, the connection between them even stronger in the quiet that followed. Outside, the horses began to veer off into the plains just as the station approached in the distance. Yoshinori turned to her with a small grin.

“We’ll be stopping soon,” he said, finishing off his coffee before rising to start organizing their luggage. The train gave a familiar shudder as it slowed into the station. By the time they stepped onto the platform, most of the other passengers had already disembarked. Yoshinori scanned the crowd, a slight crease between his brows until his eyes landed on a familiar figure. The same man and carriage that had escorted them from Konoha several days ago stood waiting, and Yoshinori gently nudged Tsuki, pointing him out.

They made their way over, and the man on the carriage seat stood to remove his hat in greeting, bowing his head with a kind smile. “Miss Momo paid for your return trip,” he explained politely. Yoshinori blinked in surprise and then turned to Tsuki with a wide, grateful grin, admiration in his gaze. “That girl’s got more foresight than the both of us,” he joked, loading their bags onto the carriage. Once everything was stowed away, he turned to Tsuki, opening the door with a gentleman’s flourish and a soft smile. “After you, love.”

[Lunanana]

"I'll never forget." She echoed his words with a sincere smile, a slight tease in her tone and they both fell into the silent rhythm of taking their items, backpacks and everything else. She glanced once last time at their seats, a wave of gratitude washing over her. The more time they spent, the more connected she felt to him, and it was freeing. That was the strangest and at the same time most empowering element of their relationship - the tighter the bond, the lighter her soul felt. She could only hope he too felt like this.

She followed right behind her man, protected and safe, as they finally stepped out into the fresh air. With a deep inhale of a more familiar place, she sidestepped to be next to Yoshinori, her expression soft and happy. She was about to say something, when he noticed someone in the crowd and her eyes followed the trail of his gaze to see the same man. Curiosly, Tsuki slightly tilted her head to the side before it was revealed that Momo, in fact, did think a few steps in the future. "You're right... I'll have to thank her again. For everything." Tsuki chimed and handed the luggage to the man, her eyes catching the same chestnut horse they rode just a few days ago.

It was her first time experiencing something like that, scared beyond belief but so free, as wind catched her hair and Yoshinori's confident hands held her on. Basking in the memory, Tsuki slowly approached the horse, careful not to extend her hands, mindful of the horse's personal space. She saw how it's ears bended backwards, and took a step away, unsure on how to communicate with the animal. While cats were proud and all about themselves, they still showed love in their own way. Horses, in her mind, were other type of creatures, the one's who are worthy of respect and mutual understanding, not because they demand you for it - because without it, you will never form a bond. She felt something warm under her palm, escaping her train of thought, her eyes widening in suprise. Out of instinct, she leaned in, resting her cheek to the horse's nose, and gently stroking the sides of it, the horse itself standing still and close. A silent laugh escaped her and she leaned back to see hers teuly already opening the door.

Tsuki took a few steps closer, finding his hand and gently hiding it behind both of hers, putting it close to her chest. "Perhaps we could... Ride back to the village?" Her question was timid but her eyes burned of excitement. She carefully looked to the man behind them, he already wrapping a rope for them to carry and tie the horse with once they reach the village. "What say you, Yoshinori?"

[Niro]

Yoshinori looked at Tsuki, pure astonishment lighting up his face. The wide-eyed wonder on her features, the sparkle in her eyes, it was clear their adrenaline-fueled horseback sprint to the train had left its mark. The way she spoke, the slight flush on her cheeks... it made his heart ache in the best way. He could already imagine it: a small cottage in the countryside, a quiet barn, her laughter echoing across a sun-drenched pasture. He finally laughed, warm and genuine, as the carriage driver handed them the reins and left just one horse behind to pull the empty cart. Yoshinori gave the animal a pat before turning to Tsuki with a grin that softened at the edges. “Let’s go for a ride, love,” he said, his voice low and fond as he crouched down to lace his fingers together. His hands steadied her, gently lifting her into the saddle, fingers brushing against the curve of her waist as she swung her leg over.

He mounted behind her, the rhythm of their movement syncing naturally as if they'd ridden like this a hundred times. Their larger bags would follow later, en route to Yoshinori’s residence, but in this moment, it was just the two of them on the open road. Once settled, Yoshinori’s arms slid around Tsuki’s waist, secure and tender, his chest brushing against her back as he reached for the reins with her hands beneath his. His voice was close to her ear now, warm as a whisper. “Ready?”

A gentle nudge of his heels had the horse trotting forward, and soon they were moving through the plains with an easy sway. This ride was nothing like the last; it was slower, more peaceful, the kind of pace that made space for conversation or quiet contemplation. The breeze tugged lightly at their hair, and Yoshinori pressed a soft kiss to her temple, just because he could. As the forest came into view and the horse slowed into a careful gait, Yoshinori marveled at how much had already been repaired since the storm; fallen limbs cleared, paths cleaned, like it had all been waiting for their return.

He leaned down a little, chin grazing her shoulder as he smiled against her skin. “Guess you really are my little cowgirl,” he teased, his words rich with affection and a hint of heat. “Think you could get used to this?” He didn’t say it outright, but his voice carried the unspoken thought: I already have.

[Lunanana]

"R-Really? Oh... Ohh!" Tsuki beamed, placing her hand on his shoulder and with his help, steadying herself on the horse, a big smile on her face just permanently there it seemed. She made sure to gently brush any stray bits from his hands from her shoes, thanking him again and again, before they started moving. She held on the reins, Yoshinori's hands gently guiding her, as something warm pooled in her chest, something raw, and her eyes lifted up to him just as he kissed her temple. She looked at him for a moment, emotion deepening in lilac eyes with each blink. "You're... Healing me. Thank you..." It was genuine and heartfelt. Her inner child screaming and giggling inside her heart, as she followed Yoshinori's lead in holding the reins.

She loved this! They just entered the forest - now clean and well kept, and she found peace in the familiarity of it all. As much as she loved Suna, she belonged here, a land she knew, a flower she recognized, a seed she could grow, because this was familiar. And because he knew it too, and he was here. With her. She turned her head to him slightly, when his teasing comment reached her ears. Tsuki widened her eyes, stuttering out something incoherent, turning her gaze away and blushing, the heat radiating off of her skin. She pouted but only because she was already crafting an equally teasing response. "Well, in that case..." Her gaze trailed to him, a little mischevious smile appearing, the one only he saw. Her facial expression was a little devious. She needed only little devil horns and the picture would be complete. Oh, and a cowboy hat, ofcourse. "Why is this cowgirl always kept indoors and, more importantly, only in bed?" Her back straightened so fast and head turned to the road, locking in, a deeper shade of blush covering her face. But she kept up the act. Even if she was anxious of the response out of her mind.

She chuckled, releasing the tension. "I' could get used to this... But only with you. Because it's with you." She did that slow blink thing again. It was like a kiss but only with her gaze. Soft and loving. Tsuki looked down at their hands, biting her bottom lip in thought. "How do you... Oh, with the heel?" And with that, she made the horse go faster but slightly. Yoshinori shot her a reassuring look, and with a nod, Tsuki did it again, and again, until... "Oh, god, Yoshinori, what did I do?!" She raised her voice in panic as they were galloping through the more dense part of the woods. She tightened her grip, leaning in to keep her head from hitting the branches, feeling Yoshinori press down on her as well.

But even if the mild panic was just here, she laughted, the thrill of the run exciting her, and her fingers finding their way inbetween Yoshinori's. Right where they belonged.

[Niro]

Yoshinori burst into laughter at Tsuki’s cheeky response, the sound full and unrestrained, echoing through the forested path. It took him a moment to calm down, breathless with amusement, but the teasing grin never left his face. He leaned in close, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear as he whispered, voice low and mischievous, “Well, she doesn’t have a horse to ride outside the bedroom…” Before she could react, he nipped playfully at her earlobe, a soft scrape of teeth that lingered just long enough to send a shiver up her spine, and then leaned back with an innocent smile like he hadn’t just said what he did.

“I like this,” he murmured, voice softer now, grounded in something more sincere. “Let’s do it more often.” As Tsuki began to experiment with guiding the horse, he kept an encouraging eye on her, fondness blooming across his features. He’d learned to ride back in his academy days and stuck with it long after, finding quiet joy in it even if he still rented his steeds from the village stables. But seeing her take to it with such curiosity, it struck him differently now. It wasn’t just a skill anymore, it was a shared experience, a memory being made. He gave her a nod of encouragement, but that turned into a startled laugh as she pressed her heel a bit too firmly. The horse jolted forward, launching into a gallop as they shot down the shaded path.

“Whoa, okay!” Yoshinori half-shouted, half-laughed, immediately rising slightly in the saddle to shield her from low-hanging branches. His arms encircled her securely, his hands folding over hers on the reins to gently steer and slow the pace. The wind tangled in their hair, adrenaline and laughter mixing in the air around them. Gradually, he brought the horse to a smoother trot, the pounding rhythm beneath them fading to something calmer, more controlled. He let out a soft breath against her shoulder and smiled, his hands still lingering atop hers.

“Guess we’ll need to get you your own horse... and somewhere to keep 'em,” he said with a teasing lilt, brushing his cheek against hers before pulling back just enough to see her face. “A cat, a horse... if we keep this up, we’re going to have our own little zoo.” He laughed again, this time quieter and more intimate, and nuzzled against her hair, the gesture more tender than teasing. “Not that I’d mind. Long as it’s with you.”

[Lunanana]

His voice was so sincere. He did like this, there was a certain color to his words, one of fondness and memories. "I like it too, a lot... It's so peaceful." Her voice was silent and so was her chuckle that followed. Peaceful until she accidently makes the horse go fast and then Yoshinori has to save them both. And yet still... It was, what was the word? Beautiful? Bonding? The way he guided her movement, adjusted her posture, made sure she didn't slip, everything she took in with curiosity, a focused face, and at the same time, with another bloom on the tree of her love to him.

"Maybe someday we could... I never knew about horses, only pets I saw were koi fish. Anything else was not allowed." She hummed peacefully, the rhythm now steadier, calming. She didn't know she had so much love to give, and of different kinds, too. The world was such a curious place, with so much to learn, to give, and if she was held by Yoshinori's steady hand, she thought she could do anything. He believed in her when no one else did. She'd never forget that.

"They say horses are animals that can peek into your soul." She added, her voice hushed but not to add any dramatics to this but to not scare the moment away. "They choose you, more often than you get to choose them. Which means, we'll need a minimum of two." Tsuki smiled, now a little amusement evident in her tone. She leaned back just a litte, the back of her head resting on his shoulder. "I'm afraid I'll pick up on something else if we visit any other countries or lands. What of they have more animals that I'll forge a bond with? Or worse, what if I start bringing in more and more strays? You'll kick me out." She chuckled, her voice echoeing through the woods. They took their time in the journey home, and the moment was just right.

The golden rays of sun finally set on his face, illuminating each and every edge and curve of his face, all perfect without competition. She saw her reflection in his eyes, noticing how a blush bloomed over her cheeks. Tsuki lifted her head just a little, their lips inches apart. She took a last peek into his eyes before hers became too jealous of her lips. She kissed him slowly, savouring the moment, putting all the gratitude and a promise into the kiss. Unrushed and affectionate.

[Niro]

“Really?” Yoshinori muttered with a small shake of his head, a teasing edge in his voice. “Not surprising, I guess… The Hyuuga do have a bit of a reputation for keeping the world at arm’s length.” He glanced down at Tsuki, softer now. “Still, no childhood pets at all? That’s kind of sad.” He thought of the cats he’d grown up with and how their quiet company had anchored him even when everything else felt unsteady. His home felt oddly empty now, quieter than it should be. Maybe it was because he hadn’t been living there much lately, or maybe it was because something inside him was beginning to shift.

“We’ll fix that,” he said with conviction, a faint grin tugging at his lips. She nestled her head into the crook of his shoulder, and he instinctively leaned his cheek against her hair, his voice quieter and touched with fondness. “Kick you out? Never. If anything, we’ll just have to find a bigger piece of land for all the animals you fall in love with. I’ll build the whole zoo if I have to.” His laugh was soft, but real, the kind that bubbled up from someplace genuine. Love had a way of changing a man’s priorities, and Yoshinori felt it with every beat of his heart. If it made her happy, whether it was a cat, a horse, or an entire barnyard, he’d make it happen.

“Our next mission should be to Kumo or Heart,” he added, a grin in his voice. “Let’s see what kind of creature you adopt there. Could be a thunder goat for all I care.” He chuckled at the thought, already imagining the chaos and charm it would bring into their life. A moment later, the idea of horse shopping made him chuckle again except this time, it didn’t feel like just idle talk. It felt like something real, something that could happen. Maybe soon. “We’ll go looking for your horse one day. A calm one, maybe. Something with a good heart and a little spark, just like you.” His tone was light, but his eyes were steady on her.

The forest breeze whispered through the trees, the steady rhythm of the horse’s gait lulling them both into a quiet, comfortable peace. Yoshinori looked down at her, and his heart tightened. The way her eyes met his, curious, steady, luminous, made it impossible to look away. And then their lips met. It wasn’t rushed or reckless. It was slow and delibrate. His hands cradled her waist, firm yet reverent, and their kiss lingered with a quiet fierceness. A silent promise. By the time they parted, breathless and smiling, Yoshinori leaned his forehead against hers and whispered, “You make everything feel like home.”

[Lunanana]

Home. Between them, the word was never about a building or a place. It was always a feeling, of acceptance, safety, and trust. To her, it was the way he always made sure her space was protected in a crowd, the way the corner's of his lips lifted when he saw her, the way he responded, consciously or not, to her every touch or word. It was what filled the space between them, and drew them closer. That was home.

They parted with a smile and she slowly returned to the right posture, making sure to get it right the next time she was on a horse. And impress him, ofcourse! That was a big part of the point here.
"Kumo or Heart? Hmm... I've never been there but it sounds like fun. It always does - with you." She said and leaned just a little, gently stroking the hairs of their chestnut friend. A few soft, caring touches. She bounced the idea of a horse like her, what it would be like, eventually coming to a similar conclusion although it did bring a smile to her lips. "That's how you see me? It's... I'll take it as a compliment." Tsuki suddenly became very aware of the warmth of his hands on her, as if the moment itself was captured between their touch. "What about you? A resilient and protective one?... Good and soft on the inside. Loving." Now her words were dripping like honey, there was a certain sweetness to her tone.

"Did I mention I love you?" Tsuki brought his hands to her lips, kissing them both, mindful and careful of the way their friend might react, so she did it slowly and unalarmingly. "I remember you clicking with your tongue, does it stop the horse?" Her curious tone returned and she listened attentively to Yoshinori as he explained the logic behind it, nodding in understanding. Tsuki pulled a little, clicking her tongue, the horse stopping slowly. She beamed, turning her face to him, and as they began again, she tried it one more time, earning a displeased head shake from the horse. Now, her face was a little worried. Did she upset it?

[Niro]

“Probably Heart first,” Yoshinori mused, the warmth in his voice matching the afternoon sun streaming through the canopy overhead. “Kumo might be closer, but I’m not too fond of mountains, even if I can climb walls.” His words carried a teasing lilt, but the edge of truth was still there. Something about those storm-laced peaks and the way the valleys swallowed sound made his skin crawl. He gave a casual shrug but didn’t elaborate, letting the silence between them fill with the rhythm of the horse’s hooves and the rustle of wind through trees.

When Tsuki responded, he caught the slight shift in her tone, playful but a little self-conscious, and he turned to glance at her with a soft smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Well,” he said, voice low and sincere, “it was supposed to be a compliment. So I really hope you take it that way.” His hand gave hers a gentle squeeze before he laughed lightly, shaking his head as if to clear it of heavier thoughts. He could feel the blush creeping up his neck again, especially with the way her voice dripped like honey into his ear and wrapped itself around him with ease. The affection in her touch when she brought his hands to her lips made his breath hitch. There was something almost reverent in the way she kissed his knuckles, and Yoshinori’s heart swelled with something sweet and aching all at once.

“I love you more than words can tell,” he murmured, almost shyly, as though saying it too boldly might break the spell of this perfect moment. He welcomed the change in topic when she asked more about the horse, happy to have something practical to offer her. “Yeah,” he nodded, leaning forward slightly so she could hear him clearly, “a lot of horses are trained to respond to specific sounds: different whistles, clicks, even certain tones. One might mean ‘go,’ another might mean ‘slow down’ or ‘stop.’ It’s simple, but it sticks once they’re used to it.”

As Tsuki tried whistling a few notes, the horse beneath them obediently halted, snorting softly and flicking her ears back toward them. Yoshinori chuckled, amusement rich in his chest. “She’s probably just as ready to be home as we are.” He ran a hand along the mare’s neck in appreciation, eyes bright with fondness for both the animal and the woman in his arms. “Though, considering I used her as a launchpad to throw someone off mid-gallop, she might still be holding a bit of a grudge.” He shot the horse a playful, side-eyed look. “Can’t say I blame her.”

Up ahead, the familiar sight of Konoha’s gates came into view, rising out of the forest with comforting familiarity. The late-afternoon light painted the road in long golden shadows, and Yoshinori let out a contented sigh as they drew closer. He adjusted his arms around Tsuki, pressing a kiss to her temple. “We’re almost there,” he whispered, more to her than himself. “But if you ever want to keep going, see the world from horseback, wander to Heart or Kumo or anywhere else, I’ll be right there with you.”

[Lunanana]

Even if her eyes trailed to the side, her ears catching the the way his voice lowered just a bit when mentioning the mountains, she didn't press him. It was just something to add in the Yoshinori book, a note, right next to his fondness of strawberries. Somewhere nearby the fact that he had a very lucky hand in a casino, and that he liked watermelon juice (a lot)."You'd make a great teacher." She said it so easily, without much filtering of what came through from her mind to her voice. For a moment, she thought, and then nodded again, more to herself this time. "You would, really." The way she grew, that wasn't love's spell. That was something more, and a big part of that relied on respect and saying the right words, the ones that didn't choke you or make you hide but empower you to make your own decision. It echoed in her head, the night he told her that he knew how strong she really was, even if she didn't see it herself.

The sight of Konoha's gates was bittersweet. She'd talk with him on the back of a horse for hours on end but they made plans for tonight already. His kiss brought her back to reality, she leaned into it, slightly, so she wouldn't hurt him but enough to show that it was received and appreciated. Her eyes told him everything - she'd go, anywhere he took her. Tonight, however, it was her taking him. And yet she didn't feel sad, something shifted, if anything, she felt more st peace than ever before.

With his help, her feet touched the ground, gravel crunching with each step. Yoshinori tied the horse and Tsuki stood beside him, taking mental notes on the way he tied the knot, listening, as he showed her a few times so she got it right. With the last pats to the mare and a see you later passing between the three gazes, Tsuki turned to the village, his hand already in hers. There was something different. First her skill grew, then did her confidence and now it was her will that was stronger. All thanks to a steel blue eyed shinobi beside her.

It was dangerous, the feeling. The understanding that your everything was a person. Not power or anything of that sort. Him. He was her Ikigai.

Tsuki hoped he was unaware of the thoughts in her head at the moment. Her gaze slowly trailed to his and she smiled fondly, the tips of her cheeks blushing a bit. "Let's get a white lily," she said, softly. "for the both of them."

[Niro]

“You think so?” Yoshinori murmured, his voice low and tinged with surprise. Tsuki’s quiet confidence in him always had a way of disarming him, even when he wasn’t expecting it. He hadn’t ever truly considered himself teacher material, not really, but the idea of guiding others, of shaping the future through patience and understanding, sparked something unfamiliar but welcome in his chest. He glanced at her, caught the sincerity in her eyes, and blushed at the warmth of her praise. Her words echoed again in his mind and he chuckled softly as he nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. “Maybe I’ll pick it up when I retire,” he admitted, a small, hopeful smile playing at his lips. “That doesn’t sound like a bad way to spend the rest of my life… if you’re there too.”

As the gates of Konoha rose ahead, silhouetted against the soft gold of the late afternoon sun, Yoshinori felt the familiar pull of bittersweetness. There was always a quiet ache that accompanied their return. This time was no different though he held onto the thought that, one day, coming back wouldn't feel like crossing a threshold between two selves. One day, it might just feel like coming home. He was the first to slide off the horse, boots landing with a gentle thud, and without hesitation he turned and offered Tsuki his hand. His touch was warm, steady, and when she placed her fingers in his palm and descended, he couldn't help but drink in the sight of her. The light breeze teased strands of her hair, her cheeks kissed pink by the wind, and for a moment he forgot they were even at the gates at all. She was always so graceful, even when she wasn’t trying to be.

He tied the reins at a temporary hitching post near the guard station, giving the horse a couple of firm pats on the flank and a soft word of thanks. Then, with practiced ease, they flashed their identification to the gate guards who barely blinked at the sight of two familiar Jounin returning from a trip and crossed the threshold back into the village. Still hand in hand. Yoshinori’s fingers threaded more securely through hers, grounding him in the moment. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, a thoughtful expression overtaking his features.

Before Tsuki had come along, his days had felt like watching the same storm roll over again and again: gray, heavy, and endless. He'd resigned himself to a quiet life of half-measures and unspoken ache. Then she’d arrived like sunrise, casting warmth and color on things he’d long forgotten how to appreciate. In every laugh she shared, every gentle touch, every time she challenged him or made him feel seen. Tsuki had breathed life back into him. Just as he had become her reason, she had become his.

His gaze dropped down to their joined hands, and then to her face, framed by the Konoha skyline, and he felt that quiet flutter in his chest again. The kind of feeling that made him believe in things like second chances and forever. "Sounds good, love," he said, voice soft as he met her gaze and smiled. And together, they moved through the streets of Konoha; not as soldiers returning from a mission, but as two people deeply in love. Their destination wasn’t urgent, but it was sacred. A flower shop first, to gather white lilies. Then onward, hand in hand, to the peaceful resting place where Tsuki’s parents waited so she could introduce them to the person who made her feel safe, seen, and endlessly loved.

And Yoshinori would be there every step of the way.