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She always held out hope her beloved husband would return. Return to her.
But she didn’t let her heart get complacent.
Not until she finally saw him again only 5 meters in front of her.
He’s just standing there, frozen. Have his feelings waned in their time apart? She knows her own feelings have always been stronger than his, knows that he knows that too, but the fact that he’s here now means something, right?
Her throat starts to get choked up. She had prepared a speech, prepared to casually welcome him home like she used to back in Iwagakure, so why…? Why can’t she say anything? Her eyes start to sting. All those months of holding in her tears, at the tiny pessimistic part of her that whispered in her ear that he left her, that he wouldn’t return, it’s all coming out now.
He’s here.
Standing right in front of her.
She finally opens her mouth, but what’s meant to be words just comes out as raw sobbing.
Warm arms wrap around her.
When did he even get so close to her? She didn’t even hear him. That’s the top ninja in Iwagakure for you, I suppose.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers, his voice still the same low, shy tone. “I’m so sorry, my Yui. I’m here now.”
He’s here. She buries herself in his chest, inhaling his scent. There’s so many things she wants to say.
I missed you.
I was worried about you.
I was so lonely.
But she can’t say that. Who knows what sort of horrors he went through to make it back here? She can’t make it about herself.
She gives a heavy breath, sniffling and then pops up, grabbing his cheeks in between her hands.
“Are you hurt anywhere? Any serious injuries?” She knows it’s a silly question, but for just one second, she wants to pretend like they’re normal. Just normal husband and wife in normal circumstances, not a trained killer and a discarded daughter.
His eyes are wide, cheeks a little flushed at the sudden attention. Ahh, there he is. Her husband. Not the empty monster everyone else sees him as, but the shy, kind boy she fell in love with.
“N-no, I’m not hurt,” he mumbles. “Everything’s fine now.”
She can’t help but tear up again a little at how nonchalant he is. She giggles wetly. “I’m glad. I’m so glad.”
He doesn’t say anything else and she takes the moment to just examine him. Examine the ways he’s changed. He’s not any taller at all, but there’s tired lines to his face that weren’t there before, and she’s sure there will be more scars when she has the time to look when they’re alone.
“Hey, Yui,” he speaks up, voice soft, wavering. He grabs one of her hands off his cheek, squeezing it. “Let’s run away together.”
Her eyes widen as he continues speaking, voice a little more confident now. “I wanna get out of here, live a normal life just with you. I went through Hell because I knew you’d be waiting for me and I want us to live an honest life together.” He bows his head. “Please.”
Does he think she’s gonna turn him down?
She giggles again and he raises his head to look at her curiously.
“Eh? Why are you laughing?” He cocks his head in genuine confusion.
“My silly husband,” she sighs out. “I thought that was already the plan.”
“Hah? Was it?”
“Of course. That’s why I knew you’d come back for me.”
“Oh.” He’s blushing now and he looks so adorable she has to laugh. “Oi, quit laughing!”
“It’s still so easy to make you blush, isn’t it? You haven’t changed at all.”
She expects him to bluster some more, but within only a second, there’s a hand on her cheek and lips pressed to her own. She squeaks in shock and doesn't have time to process before he pulls away, looking a little smug. Her face heats up. He just…kissed her? He’s never really done that. Not on his own, atleast.
“Looks like you’re the one that’s blushing now,” he says dryly, an eyebrow raised. But before she can retort, he stands, offering a hand. “Let’s go.”
“G-go where?” she twines her fingers in his own. Still the same fingers.
“Home.”
“Silly, we don’t have a home anymore, remember?”
“We do.” He squeezes her hand. “As long as you’re there.”
So they go. No stable shelter or food and nothing but the clothes on their back, but with his hand in hers the whole way, she can’t think of anywhere else she’d rather be.