[Closed] Roots

[Lunanana]

Tsuki closely inspected the young tomato plants, her eyes carefully gliding through the stem and leaves, looking for any sign of damage that could cause problems in the future. With a nod, and no such disadvantage located, Tsuki turned around, her eyes falling on a very beautiful sight for sore eyes. Yoshinori was standing there, shovel in his hand, ready to help, their little garden project was something she was looking forward to since he mentioned it. With the missions a little on hold, at least for some time, Tsuki was over the moon spending her days with Yoshinori.

With her gaze still on the back of his head, Tsuki took a pair of garden gloves into her hand and slowly approached him, her arms wrapping around Yoshinori’s waist, as she gently cuddled to him, holding him for just a few moments, smiling as the familiar scent became the sole focus on her mind. Then, she moved a little so that she’d be by his side, still holding him close, looking over the area of the garden. There was nothing here yet but she saw the vision. ”It’s not much, I think we can be done fairly soon.” If you don’t consider the time Tsuki will take just staring at him as he put that shovel to work. To that, she blushed, leaving the thought in her mind only and extended her hand with the gloves for him.

”Do you know why sunflowers?” She asked, parting from him with a kiss to his shoulder and walking over the dedicated space as if mapping out the area again. Fortunately, there was still some space left for next spring. At least eight strawberry bushes will fit there, and she almost chuckled at the imagined look on Yoshinori’s face.

[Niro]

Yoshinori was glad Shikari had at least a little bit of a green thumb when she was living here. The side shed had been packed with old shovels, rakes, hoes, and other gardening tools that hadn’t seen daylight in nearly a decade. Dust floated lazily in the shafts of sunlight breaking through the cracked wooden slats, catching on cobwebs like spun silver. He carefully selected the tools he needed, doing his best not to disturb anything lurking in the shadows, then shut the door with a soft curse and a visible shiver. Just the thought of all the things that might have made their home in there over the years made his skin crawl.

With the shovel, rake, and hoe slung over his shoulder, Yoshinori made his way toward the sunlit patch on the south side of the house. The warmth on his skin was a welcome contrast to the chill of the shed, and he paused a moment to take it in before tossing the rake and hoe off to the side. He kept the shovel in hand, spinning the shaft between his palms in idle motion as he surveyed the spot they'd chosen for the garden. Then he felt her. Tsuki’s arms slipped around his waist from behind, her body molding to his back as she pulled him in. A smile softened his face, and his eyes fluttered shut for just a moment. He leaned into her touch, letting himself exhale the tension he hadn’t realized he was holding. There was something grounding about the way she held him; effortless, certain, like she’d always belonged there.

When she spoke, her voice low and close to his ear, he straightened and turned his head slightly toward her, the grin that spread across his lips warm and genuine. “As long as I’m with you,” he murmured, “this could take all day, and I wouldn’t mind one bit.” He reached out to take the gloves from her, their fingers brushing in the handoff. His eyes lingered on her for a heartbeat longer than necessary as he tugged the gloves on, and then he turned back to the garden plot, dragging the tip of the shovel slowly along the edge of the soil.

“They look pretty?” he echoed, a teasing note in his voice as he glanced over his shoulder at her. But his expression softened with curiosity as he paused. “No, really… why sunflowers?”

[Lunanana]

”Pretty?” She side eyed him but didn’t mean it – it was more for keeping the moment light and amusing – before her eyes dipped down to the shovel, taking this as her queue to go grab one of the tomato plants. Before kneeling near the plants, she laughed, shaking her head a little and looked up at him, one hand already moving to take the the plant. ”Okay, okay, they are pretty, but,” she gently grasped the plastic pot with both her hands, lifting it up slowly and standing up. ”I like to think of them as symbolizing hope, you know? They’re always looking towards the sun and hope is a great feeling. Mother of fools, yes, but still – if you don’t have hope, what do you have?” looking upwards to the sky, she tapped her gloved finger on her chin, thinking for a moment. ”Although… Could’ve also gotten some lavender. I use it to mask the medicinal smell of the ointments.” She furrowed her brows, shaking her head as if scolding herself only for her expression to morph into something lighter, as a smile played on her face.

Tsuki stood beside him, waiting for him to make a hole in the ground and once he did, she knelt again, placing in the plant and covering it with black, rich soil. It was so fortunate that there was a sort of garden here already, at least the soil, she could almost smell the real, specific smell of homegrown tomatoes. Covering it with a few pats, she looked up at him, smiling so widely even her eyes closed. ”It’s gonna be perfect! We’ll need to fetch some water after we plant all of those, though. We’ll figure it out.” Tsuki blinked, standing up and walking away to grab another with a hum. ”And… If you want, next spring we can plant some strawberries nearby.” She mentioned, taking another one and walking up to him. Stopping in her tracks and looking up at him, the tomato plant in her hands between them now, she waited for his reaction, excitement written all over her eyes.

[Niro]

Yoshinori lifted the shovel and struck downward, the pointed tip sinking deep into the earth. With a practiced motion, he heaved the loose soil to the side, leaving space for Tsuki to gently place the tomato plants she had so carefully picked out from the farmer’s market. He listened closely as she spoke, the sound of her voice threading through the warm air like music, and nodded at the mention of hope. Without hope, he never would’ve reached for her in the first place and never would’ve dreamed of this kind of peace. Another thrust into the soil, another home readied for their garden. She drifted into talk of lavender, her tone soft and wistful, and he smiled over his shoulder at her. The sight of her in the golden light, hair caught in the breeze, made something in his chest ache sweetly.

His smile widened, caught somewhere between surprise and delight at the mention of strawberry bushes. It softened, quieted, as something more certain settled in his chest. “Next spring, we’ll be in our own place,” he said, matter-of-factly, as if nothing in the world could stand in their way. He drove the shovel into the ground and let it stand there for a moment, sweat trailing slowly down his brow. With a deep breath, he peeled off his black shirt, the fabric sticking slightly to his skin before he tossed it in a lazy arc toward the wrap-around porch. The sun caught the sheen of sweat on his chest and shoulders as he took the shovel back in hand.

“I think we’re going to need two houses,” Yoshinori laughed, digging another hole with renewed energy. “The one in the village is great, but between a horse and a sunflower field? We should look at some land up north where the ranches are.” He scanned the neat rows he’d dug, each hole just waiting to cradle a plant, and counted the tomato starters waiting nearby. A satisfied nod followed. Then he crossed the distance to Tsuki, leaned in close, and pressed a kiss to her lips; slow and certain, tasting of sweat and sun and everything they were building together. When he pulled back, his eyes swept toward the porch.

“One moment, love,” he murmured, voice low and affectionate, before heading off toward the side of the house. His gaze landed on a coiled hose tucked neatly by the spout, exactly what they needed. He reached for it, already thinking about the cool water and her fingers in the soil beside his.

[Lunanana]

She stopped just for a moment, a little stunned by his certainty. Her gaze softened, followed with a nod. ”Yeah… Yeah, we’ll be in our own place then.” Tsuki agreed, her brows rising just slightly at the sight of him, turning her eyes away as a blush crept onto her face, as if yesterday was not one of the most heated moments in the history of mankind. Maybe that was just the way she operated – as much as she could push the timidness at the back of her mind it was still a part of her personality.

She followed his digging with planting, patting the ground around the plant softly again, as they both fell into idle chatter. She laughed at his remark of two houses and with a slight shake of her head and a smile to her face which was evident in her voice even if he didn’t see her, answered. ”You know, we don’t really need a big house or a field, or anything. At least, I don’t. You are my home, and I am fine with having a small herb garden on a balcony, visiting the steads from time to time. Heck, I could live in a shack or a tent, as long as it was with you.” She reached for another one, taking a step to the next hole and beginning the process of planting again. ”As long as I get to pack your lunch, I’m content. Oh, oop-” She raised her head, noticing him come close, as he leaned in and placed a kiss to her lips. She smiled from the tender gesture, tasting the saltiness, her eyes fixed on his back maybe for a moment too long.

When he left, she finished planting what was left, standing up and shaking her hands a little, making the pieces of dirt that clung fall down. ”Oh, great!” Tsuki clapped once, an excited gesture as she stood beside him, watching him water the tomato sprouts. She didn’t say anything, waited patiently for him to finish, just existing by his side for a moment. ”Halfway there,” She chimed, patting around her green apron, searching for the seed packet she purchased some time ago. She exclaimed victoriously, sliding two out of her pocket and handing one to Yoshinori, meeting his eyes with a happy glint in hers. They moved just barely forward, their garden was modest but… Cozy. Theirs.

”Just a little digging to loosen the ground here, and we’re good.” Her hand reached for the previously discarded hoe, as she knelt down and got to work.

[Niro]

“Thank you, love,” Yoshinori said warmly as he accepted the seed packets from her hands, his fingers brushing hers in the exchange. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, soft and full of something deeper. His eyes flicked toward the planting area, and something lit up behind them. With a spark of realization, he suddenly tossed the shovel aside and reached for the hoe instead. “Let me just do this,” he said with a wink, the playful tilt of his voice making it clear he wanted to impress her a little. With sleeves pushed up and muscles shifting beneath sun-warmed skin, he began to work the earth with practiced movements, clearing the space they had marked for the delicate seeds.

He raised the hoe above his head and brought it down with a small grunt, iron biting into the ground with each swing. Dirt scattered, roots cracked beneath his effort, and his brow furrowed in quiet concentration. “A small herb garden might be fine,” he said, pausing to glance back at her with a glint in his eyes, “but I want you to have one as big as you can handle. Animals too.” Another grunt escaped him as he twisted the hoe against a stubborn root, the tool jerking sideways before he freed it and tossed the severed chunk of root aside. “I want you to have as much and as many of anything you want,” he added, more softly now, “no matter what it is.”

After a few more passes through the soil, he stepped back and wiped the sweat from his brow, then returned to her side with a satisfied nod. “Besides husbands, that is,” he added with a sly grin and a wink, pulling the seed packets from his pants pockets with a dramatic flourish. He crouched beside her, the sun catching in the tousled strands of his hair as he spread the packets out between them. “Well… I guess I could learn shadow clone,” he murmured with mock seriousness, one knee in the soil and eyes scanning it as he began to gently trace a path for the first seeds; like planting pieces of the future they were building together, one row at a time.

[Lunanana]

Tsuki blinked a few times, handing him the hoe, and standing up, straightening her back with a little stretch. A playful smile played on her lips, as Yoshinori really put his back into it. They say the best sight is watching men work but she’d rephrase it to watching him work, and help, and be so selfless and loving with every action he took. She stood nearby, holding the seeds with both her hands, eyes following his movements and meeting his once he spoke. A faint blush appeared at the tops of her cheeks, as she fixed her gaze on the seed packet and then looked away again.

”...Thank you.” It was honest and a little more quiet than usual. The emotion behind those two words was deep, and her fingers clenched the seed packet just a little, love and trust swelling in her chest. She swore to herself that she’ll make anywhere where they were a home, and be someone who was worth fighting for. He was almost done, and so she found her spot on the ground again. Once Yoshinori came back to her side, Tsuki lifted her hand up without hesitation, gently patting the sweat off of his face with her sleeve in soft, featherlike pats. Her soft gaze turned to a surprised one in a flash, a deep blush and a little horrified expression on her face once he mentioned the shadow clones. ”Wha-... What do you m-... What do you mean? What do you mean?” The seed packet he gave her falling from her grasp, only to be quickly picked up again, as she leaned in next to him, brushing her shoulder to his. ”You’re being scary… Even one of you is… Yoshinori, that-...” There was no coherent thought that formed.

She fell silent, beside him, pouring the seeds in his traced path. ”I’d like to have you as a husband first…” She finally admitted, more softer this time. ”And… I don’t want a big ceremony or anything, once it’s all sorted out and we can finally marry each other.” Tsuki’s hand met his at the end of the traced line, her eyes slowly moving to search his. ”I’d love for it to be just us two and a blood pact which we can turn in to the village registry. What would you like?”

[Niro]

Yoshinori couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of him as Tsuki’s face flushed nearly the same shade as the tomatoes she had just planted. It wasn’t a mocking laugh, but one born of pure affection; deep, warm, and unguarded. He reached out instinctively, brushing a thumb gently across her cheek. “I’m just kidding, love,” he said softly, his grin softening into something more vulnerable. “I couldn’t share you with anyone... not even another version of me.” He leaned over and placed a gentle kiss against her temple, lips lingering there just a second longer than necessary as she leaned forward to press the seeds into the warm, tilled earth.

He watched her for a moment with how careful her hands were and how peaceful she looked in the sunlight and felt something in his chest tighten with quiet longing. A life like this, full of small, beautiful moments with her… it was everything. “I’d like that too,” he murmured, his voice quieter now, more thoughtful. The idea of a wedding had once felt distant, almost abstract, but now it was something real. Something he could see taking shape in the soft curl of her smile and the way their fingers brushed over the soil.

The image of the ceremony flickered in his mind, both comforting and bittersweet. There wouldn’t be a crowd of familiar faces. Too many had drifted away, and too many more had never stayed. His mother and grandfather were the only blood family he had left, and even they remained question marks in the margins of his life. Still, as he looked back to Tsuki, none of that seemed to matter.

“I think the only people in the village I’d even like to invite would be Saigo and his daughter,” he said with a faint laugh, his eyes narrowing fondly as he imagined Saigo’s reaction. He trailed off, caught in the thought for a moment, before continuing. “Gotta invite Momo, though,” he added, lips twitching into a wider smile as he looked back up at Tsuki, “or else she might invite herself and show up with someone we didn’t plan on seeing.” He gave her a look, teasing, but knowingly amused, and reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His touch lingered there, thumb brushing just beneath her jaw.

“But honestly? As long as you’re the one walking toward me… I don’t care who else is there.”

[Lunanana]

Tsuki leaned back, her hand gently guiding his to her lap, as she sat on the soft grass with her legs neatly folded under her, both of her hands drawing soft circles on his palm. Her expression turned thoughtful, considering who she’d invite if she had to. ”You’re right about Momo… It would be a disaster, from Suna to Konoha,” her face brightened, laughter spilling between them, as she still held to his hand. ”Although when I think about it, I do have people I’d invite. I would invite Nanami-san, I know you only saw her in the hospital but I promise she’s not like the other Hyuuga.” The smile on her face turned softer, she was truly a mother figure to her. ”There’s also a lot of others, when I think about it… Not a lot a lot, just… A handful.”

Although, getting enveloped in just the comfort of them both did seem like something from a dream. She shivered at the thought of a grand wedding, her eyes trailing to the sunflower patch. With a kiss to his cheek, Tsuki leaned in again, now taking the lead in trailing the finger through the soil. ”You look beautiful, you know,” She added when he picked up the seed packet. ”When you work… Your eyebrows knit slightly and you have a very focused look on your face. It wakes up my butterflies.” Tsuki smiled to the ground, not daring to lift her eyes to see his reaction. Okay, maybe just a glance. A short one.

Absolutely adorable. She let out a content hum, a gentle smile never leaving her face, extending her hand further to trail the third and final row. It was moments like these that made life worth living. So what that it’s not their forever home, they made everything have a touch of them anywhere they went. Even if sometimes it meant a collapsed mountain. It wasn’t deliberate… But making a mark in the world for centuries was something empowering. Not because of others remembering them, she was sure neither of them yearned for that. It was the feeling of deja vu they will get in their upcoming lifetimes, and maybe the next Tsuki will be just as curious to figure out why the sunset on Suna’s dunes seemed so familiar.

[Niro]

The soothing glide of Tsuki’s fingertips tracing soft, absentminded shapes across Yoshinori’s palms had always done something to him by disarming in the gentlest way. It tugged a quiet smile onto his face every time, like his body remembered what it meant to feel safe with her even before his thoughts caught up. Her remark about Momo being a menace from here to Suna made him laugh, really laugh. His head tipping back slightly, the sound rich with amusement. That kind of laughter, the easy kind, was rare for him. Precious. And when it spilled over into giggles between them, something about it felt like home.

As the laughter tapered off, Tsuki's voice grew more thoughtful, and he listened closely, falling into step with her unspoken rhythm. His head tilted slightly, thoughtful. “There’s probably a few people besides the obvious we should invite, huh?” he mused aloud, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish grin. “Like our… mysteriously absent teammate?” he teased, eyes glinting with mischief before drifting to something more distant. Mentally, he ticked through names, cataloging the meaningful and the missed.

But then her words caught him off guard. He blinked, her voice calling him beautiful wrapping around him with gentle gravity. Heat bloomed in his cheeks as if the sunlight had suddenly intensified. His lips parted slightly in surprise before curling into a soft, shy chuckle. “You’re really trying to kill me here, you know that?” he murmured, a hand brushing through his hair as he tried, unsuccessfully, to shake off the blush. Tsuki had already returned to planting, fingers tenderly pressing the sunflower seeds into the earth with care that nearly made his heart ache. He watched her in silence for a moment, then stood to fetch the hose from its coil near the porch.

When she leaned back, brushing the soil from her hands after the final row had been tucked into the earth, Yoshinori was already at the faucet. He turned the valve slowly, mist beginning to spray in a soft, arcing pattern. He moved carefully, gently showering the garden like one might touch a newborn: slow, measured, reverent.

And then, he looked at her. Tsuki was silhouetted in the afternoon sun, her skin glowing gold, her eyes reflecting the kind of peace he didn’t know existed before her. The image of her surrounded by the garden they'd built together, their hands in the earth, their dreams tucked beneath the soil, burned into his heart like a photograph he’d never want to fade. These were the moments he fought for. Not glory. Not revenge. This. Her. A breath hitched in his throat, and his fingers eased off the hose slightly, forgotten in his hand as water still misted gently behind him. He didn’t need a perfect moment. Just this one.

“I love you,” he said softly, the words spilling out with no grand gesture only truth. Not hurried, not hesitant, just full. Like everything he had ever wanted to say was distilled into those three simple words. His voice was warm, steady, and slightly hoarse with emotion. He looked at her like she was the only thing that had ever made sense in his life. Because she was.

[Lunanana]

Yoshinori stood up, and she followed him with her eyes for a moment, before they gently laid on the now finished garden. Again – small, modest but theirs. She smiled, her mind traveling somewhere else, capturing the feeling of freedom, safety and basking in the slow rhythm of the afternoon together. Water finally touched the soil and she knew exactly who came to the rescue. Just for a moment longer she lingered, watching the pale rainbows form before her eyes, as the sunlight hit the mist at the right angle.

Her eyes widened slightly at the honesty of his confession, or rather a reminder, as she slowly looked up at him. Tsuki stood up, taking of her gloves slowly, her eyes never leaving his, as the incredibly aching feeling of overwhelming love pooled in her chest. The next moment, her hands found his cheeks, and she tiptoed to place a warm, slow kiss on his lips, full of unspoken promises. When she pulled back, her eyes were still closed for a second longer, and she slowly dipped down, returning to her height. ”I love you too, Yoshinori. A little more than yesterday and just a tad bit less than tomorrow.”

”I guess, that’s it,” She said, turning around slowly, still close to him, her back gently leaning to his chest as she took their garden in again. ”it’s… Done. Only watering every few days now, and soon enough we’ll enjoy some tomatoes.” There was still something in her tone, something not said. It was never about the plants, was it? It was about creating something together, something lasting. And counting the plants again, she hoped he liked tomatoes. There will be a lot of those in a few weeks. ”Mmm… You smell like dirt, sweat and well water,” The corners of her mouth lifted up, giving her words a teasing tone. ”...I love it.”

[Niro]

Yoshinori couldn’t help but smile as Tsuki’s hands, small, warm, and soft, framed his face with a kind of intimacy that always disarmed him. Her lips met his in a kiss that wasn’t rushed or demanding, but deep and unspokenly reverent. He dipped his head slightly, mindful of her balance, letting her stay grounded as long as she needed to hold him that way. When their lips parted, his eyes lingered on hers, full of quiet affection. Her words danced between them like something sacred, and his hand moved to settle over her heart as he brought his forehead gently to hers. “More than tongue can tell,” he murmured, voice hushed, as though anything louder would disturb the quiet magic between them.

They turned together toward the garden they’d made. Something living, planted with hands and dreams. The earth was dark with moisture, seeds tucked away like promises beneath the soil. Everything was still, save for the way the leaves rustled gently in the breeze. He watched her as she admired their work, and a warm bloom of affection unfurled in his chest. Yoshinori may not have been the biggest tomato fan but Tsuki would never know that; he'd eat them no matter what as long as she was the one cooking the meal. He'd eat them until his last day just to see her smile and the joy on her face when he ate something she made.

His gaze swept over the garden again. “Yeah, I can’t wait,” he said quietly, his smile growing as he imagined the future. Sunlight slanting through the kitchen window, Tsuki in his arms as something simmered on the stove. “We might even have enough to make homemade sauce,” he mused, half to himself, mentally counting the rows she’d planted.

Before he could fall too far into his thoughts, her voice tugged him back. The way she looked at their work, like it meant the world, made something tender tighten in his chest. “You love it, huh?” he teased gently, stepping forward to wrap her up in his arms. He lifted her off the ground in one sweeping motion, spinning her slowly as her laughter spilled into the air like music. “Good,” he whispered against her ear as he held her close. “Because I’ll be out here watering them every other day, even if it’s just an excuse to watch you tend to something beautiful.”

He pressed a kiss to her temple and set her down carefully, the kind of care that said: you matter more than anything else I touch.

[Lunanana]

”Homemade sauce, side dishes, steamed, cooked… Or just, ate straight from the plant. So many possibilities,” Tsuki mused, her hands close to her chest, as she turned to him with a beaming smile. Before she could answer, she was up in his arms, her giggle bubbled from deep within her, like a cascade of silver bells, full of delight caught in the playful breeze. She held her hands on his shoulders, her hair like a ribbon of silk caught in the breath of the wind as he spun her. ”Oh, careful, careful,” Tsuki managed to say between the laughs. ”you’re gonna get dizzy!”

She still managed to slip in a soft kiss before he placed her down, her lips parting to say something else before she jumped a little, eyes widening just for a split second as the water from the forgotten hose hit her ankles. With another laugh and a slight shake of her head, Tsuki took it and slowly spun the gear to turn it off. ”...And we call ourselves ninja.” She said with a teasing click to her tongue, a smile never leaving her place as she made her way to neatly wrap the hose where it belonged. A spider ran too close to her hand as she placed it down and her life flashed before her eyes for a moment, her heart falling down to her heels, as she took a few hurried steps backwards, a terrified look on her face.

She walked back to him, trying to keep her composure as much as possible, flicking her hands a few times, worry spelled on her face. ”We need to burn the house,” she said matter-of-factly, shooting a glance or two to the spot she was just at. ”there’s no other way.”

[Niro]

Yoshinori smiled as he gently set Tsuki back down onto the soft grass, the warmth of her still lingering in his arms. The moment turned into laughter as the misting water from the hose caught her ankles, making her jump with a startled squeak. She moved like she'd just been kissed by something cold and unexpected, and Yoshinori couldn't help the way the joy bubbled out of him, watching her dance away from the spray with a grin tugging at her lips. He moved to retrieve his discarded shirt, giving it a brisk shake to rid it of dirt and leaves as Tsuki started coiling the hose. But her sudden retreat from the spout made him pause mid-motion. The look on her face said everything.

He blinked, then burst out laughing. She bolted like something had chased her, and her words, frazzled and flustered, confirmed it. “Scared of a little spider, huh?” Yoshinori teased as he tossed the shirt over his shoulder, amusement still lighting up his features. Without hesitation, he strode over and wrapped her up in his arms, pressing a comforting kiss to the crown of her head as she grumbled softly into his chest. “Alright, I get it. All bug-related heroics are officially my job now.” He chuckled as he gently rubbed her shoulders, coaxing the tension from them with small, comforting motions.

Her presence, even when flustered, filled something inside him he hadn’t realized had been empty for so long. His eyes drifted toward the freshly planted garden, a patch of future promise blooming quietly in the sunlight. It was simple, ordinary, and perfect. A moment later, his stomach gave a rather ungraceful grumble, loud enough to draw his own surprise. He blinked and looked down at himself, wide-eyed like it had come from someone else.

“Was that me?” he asked with mock innocence before giving Tsuki a sheepish grin. “Guess all the talk of food mixed with garden work finally caught up to me.” He pulled off his gardening gloves and tucked them onto the handle of the shovel before turning his full attention back to her. “I’ll finish cleaning up out here and make sure everything’s tidy.” He stepped closer again, brushing a stray bit of soil from her cheek with his thumb, his voice softening. “Then we can head in, wash up, and grab lunch. Sound like a plan?”

[Lunanana]

Tsuki felt the familiar warmth surround her, as she hid her face in his chest, giving the uncanny encounter a one last shake of her body, as if leaving it behind her. Her head lifted up, chin leaned to his skin, brows drawn together in the tiniest, almost comical furrow – less a frown and more a pout. Her lips had pressed into a thin, determined line, though the corners twitched as if unsure whether to hold their ground or curve into a reluctant smile. ”Little spider? I’ve seen the way you left the cobwebbed shed… Little spider… It was HUGE!” It was as tiny as a speck of dust. Tsuki’s face slowly relaxed, her eyes closing for a moment as he rubbed her shoulders in gentle twirls. If she was a cat, she’d purr.

Tsuki opened one eye, her gaze drifting to his tummy. She blinked and looked up at him, staring for a second or two. ”And that’s my queue. Let’s eat outside – it’s such a beautiful day and the sun will set soon enough. How does chicken sound? Mm?” She asked as her hand gently trailed to the upper part of his arm, fingers pressing lightly with care, the softness of her gaze spilling out the secret of her love for him, bordering on obsession. She wouldn’t tell. He knew, either way. He brushed her cheek, mirroring the same gentleness, and her gaze morphed into something more lovestruck, as she pursed her lips to send an air kiss, her hands moving away from him but lingering long enough to not make the separation too rushed.

Tsuki made her way into the house again, carefully taking off her shoes on the porch to not bring any dirt in and leaving the apron by the railings. With a short but thorough shower and slipping into something more casual, she made her way to the kitchen with a hum, catching the glimpse of Yoshinori putting the tools away from the window. She smiled, to herself, as she began preparing the food.

She was about to season the food, looking around for some salt in the kitchen, not entirely familiar yet. Last time, he handed her the salt from the upper cabinet, and Tsuki slowly turned around, ready to take a chair for standing up on. Something urged her to at least try to look, and when she opened the cabinet door, she froze, eyes wide. It was all neatly placed on the lowest surface, just in her reach. Still surprised, she reached out, grasping the salt shaker as her gaze softened again, a gentle, loving smile appearing on her lips. ”You…” It was all in the subtle signs… The way he left space for her clothing in the wardrobe, how his touch lingered just for a moment longer, how careful he was around her, never pushing, never rough.

She’ll kiss him the next chance she gets. It was a small promise but a promise, and with a nod, she returned to preparing their food.

[Niro]

Yoshinori reached out with playful tenderness, catching Tsuki’s mimed kiss between his fingers and pressing it gently to his lips with a wink. "Got it," he murmured, his eyes warm with affection before he turned toward the garden to start cleaning up. The earth was still fresh and dark, with small flecks of soil scattered across the edges of the plot and tools left in a lazy sprawl where he’d dropped them in his earlier enthusiasm. Still shirtless, the soft breeze teasing strands of his damp hair, Yoshinori moved with a quiet satisfaction. He picked up the rake and shovel first, tapping them lightly to shake off the loose dirt before carrying them toward the side shed. Tsuki’s earlier teasing about the spiders came to mind, and he chuckled softly at the memory, especially her comment about how he’d jumped back like he'd seen a ghost.

"Let’s see if my little eight-legged friends are still guarding the door," he muttered to himself with a faint smile, hesitating at the entrance before nudging it open. The dim space was more of a narrow closet than a true shed, the scent of old wood and dry earth wafting out to greet him. As he stepped inside and arranged the tools back in their proper places, dust motes swirled in the light filtering through the cracked boards. The quiet inside was oddly peaceful except for the ever-present awareness that a spider might be lurking nearby. He let out a quiet shiver despite himself and backed out with care, brushing his hands off. "Definitely cleaning that out before we move," he said under his breath, a promise more to himself than anyone else. For now, though, the spiders could keep their dusty kingdom. He climbed the short steps to the porch, glancing once more at the garden they’d built together. It wasn’t just a patch of dirt anymore, it was the start of something lasting. The south side of the house already looked different, more alive, more theirs. That simple thought made his chest swell with something quiet and content.

Sliding the door open, Yoshinori kicked off his shoes at the threshold and stepped inside, the scent of food already weaving its way into the air. The rich aroma immediately pulled a pleased sigh from his lips, but he detoured to the bathroom, letting Tsuki work her magic in the kitchen while he cleaned the garden’s grit from his skin. The warm water was a blessing, washing away the dust and the last bit of tension from his muscles. By the time he stepped out, towel-dried and clad in a pair of black shorts, his damp hair clinging lightly to his temples, he felt completely renewed. His chest still glistened faintly, droplets trailing down the hard lines of his torso.

Drawn by the mouthwatering scent of whatever Tsuki was preparing, Yoshinori made his way toward the kitchen like a moth to light. But before he said anything, he came up behind her with soft footsteps and slipped his arms gently around her waist, his lips brushing against the back of her neck in a delicate kiss. He breathed her in, lavender, earth, and something uniquely her, before pressing another kiss just below her jaw. “Mmm... what’s on the menu, love?” he asked warmly, resting his chin lightly on her shoulder as he peeked down at the food, content to be close, to exist fully in this simple, perfect moment.

[Lunanana]

A dash of this, a pinch of that, and she was already juggling between a pot, a salad bowl and the pan. Tsuki worked with practiced ease, her food, while not restaurant grade, was something that focused more on tasting homey, like the food you recall your parents making. Maybe it was not amazing every time but it was filling in more ways than one. Although, she did get compliments from her genin team, so just for a second she looked up at the ceiling in thought, before shaking her head slightly, returning to turning the cooking chicken around in short intervals to retain the juiciness of the meat.

Something, someone damp, affectionate and very welcome wrapped around her, a soft smile appearing on her lips again. She knew he was coming and yet his gesture spoke volumes. And she remembered her promise, so, with a turn of her head, her lips met his in a warm, loving exchange. It was something more than a hello kiss, and once she noticed his brow arching just slightly in question, her pale eyes trailed to the open cabinet, and everything placed within her reach. ”Thank you,” Tsuki said, returning to the food again. ”Honey lemon chicken! With mashed potatoes and a side salad.” Gently placing the meat from the pan onto a plate, Tsuki cut a small piece with a fork, blowing on it a few times and extending it to the food critic behind her, stealing a small kiss to his temple.

Soon, she kindly asked Yoshinori to mash the said potatoes, adding a little bit of warm milk to it to make it hold the silky texture, as they both worked side by side. Although they were at home, the pair decided to place their dinner into two bentos – it was practical but when their gazes met as fingers brushed while Tsuki was giving him the boxes, they both felt the nostalgic tug at their hearts. She looked away, tops of her cheeks blushing a little, as they both assembled their portions. Before he could bring them out, Tsuki took another one out and filled it too, without words. He was training more and more each day, and she made more and more each day to keep up.

”Could I ask the most handsome man in this house to tell me where I could find a blanket?” Tsuki asked and just as she did, Shinya meowed near her feet. They both laughed at the perfect timing, the golden lit kitchen filling with warmth not only from the sun but also from their hearts.

[Niro]

“Always, love,” Yoshinori murmured, his voice soft and steady, carrying a weight of sincerity as his eyes met hers. A gentle smile curved his lips, touched by the fact that Tsuki had noticed and had thanked him not just for the help, but for being there. For seeing her. His gaze drifted back down to the stovetop, where the fragrant scent of seasoned chicken wafted through the kitchen like a promise of comfort. When she leaned in to slice off a small, steaming piece for him to try, Yoshinori leaned forward eagerly, practically vibrating with anticipation. He didn’t even wait for a utensil he simply lowered his head to bite the piece from the fork she held, closing his eyes for a moment as the rich, savory flavor hit his tongue. Just as he chewed, Tsuki pressed a featherlight kiss to his temple.

He nearly melted on the spot. “Wow, wow! That’s really good, Tsuki,” he exclaimed, joy sparking behind his eyes as he looked between her and the pan like he had just discovered a new favorite meal. The expression he wore wasn’t just impressed it was deeply, genuinely proud of her. When she asked him to help, Yoshinori straightened up, energized by the request, and sprang into action. He approached the pot of steaming potatoes with theatrical dedication, rolling his sleeves up dramatically.

He began to mash with playful precision, letting his rhythm match the warmth of the kitchen. He followed Tsuki’s instructions perfectly: adding milk, just a little salt, and mashing until they reached the fluffy consistency she’d described. The act became something sweet and shared, more laughter than labor, more love than necessity. He scraped the sides of the pot carefully, making sure not a bit went to waste, and proudly presented the results of his efforts with a flourish. When Tsuki brought out their matching bento boxes, Yoshinori’s smile deepened, a quiet happiness settling into his chest. The way their hands brushed as they packed food into the compartments sparked something soft and electric in the space between them. Their fingers lingered just a heartbeat longer than necessary, two people savoring the way even the smallest touches could say so much.

One bento went into the fridge for the next day, while the other two remained, ready for dinner. As they finished up, a familiar green-eyed shadow padded silently into the room. “There should be one in the hallway closet, I’ll grab one after I take care of this one,” Yoshinori said with a lighthearted laugh, giving Shinya a mock glare that quickly dissolved into a chuckle. The cat blinked slowly up at him, utterly unbothered, and with a clatter, Yoshinori knelt to set out the wet food in a dish off to the side. The cat trotted over without hesitation, tail high, as if he owned the place.

Yoshinori stood, brushing his hands together and glanced toward the couch with a thoughtful hum. “Do you want to pop a movie in while we eat?” he asked, voice hopeful, already imagining the quiet comfort of curling up together. He disappeared briefly down the hall and returned holding a large, soft blanket; light, but just thick enough for two people to melt beneath. He shook it out with a grin, draping it across the back of the couch. Then he looked back at her, his expression relaxed, open. “You pick the movie,” he added as he stepped into her space and leaned forward to place a soft kiss just behind her ear. “As long as I get to hold you, I don’t care what’s playing.”