Tsunade used her key to open Kitahara Kaede's door with practiced ease.
Leaving her high heels at the entryway, she walked barefoot toward the living room. The house was silent, save for the sound of rushing water coming from the bathroom.
He must have just woken up, Tsunade thought. She decided to get breakfast started first.
She walked straight into the kitchen and pulled open the refrigerator door. It was empty. Aside from a single, shriveled half of a tomato lying lonely in the corner, there wasn't so much as a spring onion to be found.
"Kaede!" Tsunade shouted at the top of her lungs.
Kitahara Kaede poked his head out, his voice muffled by the toothbrush in his mouth. "What is it?"
"Did you get robbed? Your fridge is cleaner than your face!" Tsunade rolled her eyes irritably. "Hurry up and finish getting ready. We're going grocery shopping!"
***
The Hidden Leaf's morning market was bustling with noise.
Tsunade led the way with a light step. Stopping at a fish stall, she leaned over and poked a fish on the cutting board with a look of disgust.
"Boss, the gills on this fish are turning white. You actually have the nerve to sell this at a fresh-catch price?"
The vendor's face fell, and he quickly forced a smile. "Oh, Lady Tsunade, this was just hauled in this morning! Look at the eyes—so bright!"
"Bright my foot! Who are you kidding?" Tsunade's brows shot up, her presence commanding.
Kitahara Kaede stood half a step behind her, carrying the shopping basket. He didn't speak; he simply let his gaze rest quietly upon her.
He watched the slight wrinkle of her nose when she found the fish lacking. He watched the way the morning light hit the side of her face, illuminating the fine, soft fuzz of her skin. He watched the smug little smile she couldn't quite suppress after successfully haggling the price down.
Once Tsunade finished picking out the fish, she turned around and ran straight into his gaze.
"Why are you staring at ?" She touched her cheek. "Is there sothing on my face?"
Kaede didn't look away. Around them, people surged back and forth, but his voice was calm and exceptionally earnest.
"No. I just can't get enough of looking at you."
A vegetable vendor nearby covered her mouth, smiling with an ambiguous, knowing look.
Tsunade felt a mix of embarrassnt and irritation, giving him a sharp glare. "Let's go. We still need to buy green onions."
She took two steps forward and, with complete naturalness, reached back and took Kaede's hand in hers. She lowered her voice, murmuring in a tone only the two of them could hear.
"Fine. I'll let you look your fill for the rest of your life."
Kaede's palm tightened, gripping her hand back firmly. "I will."
The two walked back hand-in-hand. Just as they reached the corner of the street, a head suddenly popped out from behind a wall.
"Whoa! What a coincidence, Sis! Sensei, you're here too!"
Nawaki's wide eyes darted down, circling the tightly clasped hands of the two adults.
Tsunade's expression darkened instantly. She let go of Kaede's hand, lunged forward in a few strides, and grabbed Nawaki by the ear.
"Why are you stalking again today, you brat? Do you not want to train anymore?!"
"Ow, ow, ow! Sis, I'm sorry! How am I supposed to train on an empty stomach...!"
Nawaki winced in pain, desperately shooting pleading looks toward Kitahara Kaede for help.
Kaede remained where he was, simply watching the siblings bicker. "Alright, let's go ho and eat."
At his words, Tsunade finally let go, letting out a cold huff.
The three of them walked side-by-side down the street. Nawaki chattered incessantly about yesterday's training, while Tsunade occasionally scolded him for being an idiot. Kaede walked beside them, carrying the heavy basket of groceries and occasionally chiming in.
***
In the kitchen, the oil in the pan sizzled loudly.
Wearing an apron, Tsunade skillfully flipped the fish in the pan. Kaede stood beside her, head down, chopping the side dishes. In the living room, Nawaki was setting the table with a clatter that could be heard throughout the house.
Once the al was served, the three of them sat together.
Kaede picked up a piece of fish, expertly removed the fine bones, and placed the choicest, fattiest part of the belly into Tsunade's bowl.
"I took a mission," he ntioned casually.
Tsunade's chopsticks paused in mid-air. "What rank?"
"Standard reconnaissance," Kaede replied, picking up so greens without changing his expression. "There's been so minor movent along the border. There isn't much intel, so I'm going to investigate."
"How long will you be gone?"
"I'll be back in three days. If I take a detour, five days at most."
Tsunade stared at him for a few seconds. These kinds of last-minute scouting missions were common toward the end of the war; she saw no reason to doubt him.
"Be careful."
She popped the boneless piece of fish into her mouth, chewed, and swallowed. Then, she spoke again.
"It's actually perfect that you'll be gone for a few days. I'm going to the furniture store on the South Street this afternoon. The owner said the solid wood table and chair set I wanted arrived today."
She paused, her voice softening slightly. "When you get back, we'll go and finalize the order. We can also decide what flowers to plant in the yard."
Kaede's hand, holding his bowl, stiffened almost imperceptibly. However, the expression on his face remained as calm as still water.
"Okay."
Nawaki, who had been burying his face in his food, suddenly perked up. "New furniture? Take with you! I want to see if I can roll around on that new bed—"
*Thwack!*
Tsunade delivered a precise flick to his forehead.
"Eat your food! Why are you talking so much!"
Nawaki let out a howl, clutching his head, and sheepishly shrank back to focus on his rice.
***
The following morning.
The South Gate of the Hidden Leaf.
The wind was strong today.
Tsunade walked him all the way to the gate. The wind kept blowing her long hair loose, sending strands clinging ssily to her face and blocking her vision. She tried to push it back irritably, but it only beca more tangled, and her brow furrowed.
Kaede stopped walking.
He reached up and untied a black spare hair tie from his wrist. Taking a step forward, he gathered her wind-blown hair with both hands. His fingers moved through the soft strands with practiced gentleness.
In a few quick motions, he tied her hair into a neat, high ponytail.
Tsunade looked up at him, her amber eyes reflecting his image. "Co back soon."
"I will."
She reached out and straightened the collar of his uniform, which had been flipped up by the wind. "I'll make Pacific saury the day you return."
"I'd like that."
Tsunade sounded like an ordinary wife seeing her husband off. She added casually, "Oh, on your way back, stop by the general store and pick up a bottle of soy sauce and so mirin. We're almost out."
"Rember, get them from that old shop on the corner of South Street. Don't buy the wrong ones."
Kaede gazed steadily at her face.
"Okay," he promised softly.
Satisfied, Tsunade stepped back half a pace. "Go on."
Kaede turned around and walked a short distance. Then, he looked back.
Tsunade was still standing there, wearing the high ponytail he had just tied for her, the ends of her hair fluttering in the wind. Seeing him look back, her expression instantly softened. The corners of her mouth lifted into a smile.
Kaede raised his right hand and waved to her.
Tsunade raised her hand and waved back gently.
Then, she turned and walked away. She humd an off-key tune, her steps light, her silhouette radiating an infinite hope for the future.
Kaede's hand remained raised in the air for a long ti.
It wasn't until her figure turned the corner and vanished completely that he slowly lowered his arm.
He turned and walked toward the path from which there was no return.
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