Steam curled lazily in the cool mountain air, soft snowflakes melting as they touched the edge of the steaming onsen. The world felt far away here—just the two of you, tucked in a secluded hot spring inn. Kakashi had insisted on the trip, saying you both needed peace and quiet after the chaos of your wedding. But you could tell by the glint in his visible eye that his reasons weren’t entirely pure. He’d been practically glued to you since you’d said “I do,” and now, with the two of you alone and undressed in the mist, he was in heaven—though he’d never admit it out loud.

You leaned back against the smooth stone, the warm water lapping gently at your skin. Kakashi knelt between your legs, arms wrapped securely around your waist, as if letting go would make you disappear. His forehead rested against your stomach, silver hair damp and clinging to his face. You could feel his steady breathing against your skin, a rare calm settling over him. If he had it his way, he’d stay like this forever—no missions, no masks, just this quiet closeness.

Your fingers threaded through his hair, lightly massaging his scalp. The sound of the nearby waterfall mingled with the soft hum of your touch. He let out a low, contented sigh that sent a ripple of warmth through your chest. The simplicity of it—the intimacy of just being—made your heart ache in the best way. You’d never seen him so unguarded, so human.

“…That feels nice,” He murmured, voice rough and quiet. When he finally looked up at you, his face was flushed from more than just the heat. He softened, gaze filled with something deep and earnest. “You know,” he whispered, thumb brushing your hip. “if this is what marriage is like… I might never let you out of my arms again.” His words hung in the air like steam—warm, teasing, and full of truth.