valorandgold:
“Mnh…” A soft hum spilled from Kaze’s lips when they found hers touching against them. He hadn’t expected her to be quite ready to show such a gesture, his entire reason for not making one before Josepha had the chance to do so. Still, she seemed more prepared for going into this than he’d thought, considering her past with relationships and knowing this one was undoubtedly different than all of those.
There was a good chance she would still need to be eased into some things as they continued forward, but regardless, she seemed comfortable enough letting her guard down some around the ninja now, much as he had been adjusting himself to doing the same with her, and that was enough for now, was it not?
“Considering this, though…” Kaze placed his forehead against hers, “…I think we should agree to be more careful for the sake of each other in any future skirmishes or battles of that sort so we don’t cause so much stress for either one of us, if that sounds alright with you. This time, though…I think we can consider it a happy accident, looking at the results. Let’s just…not have it happen again, shall we?” He was half-jesting of course, but he was still entirely serious about not getting in danger if it could be helped.
“I couldn’t agree more,” she answered him quietly, laughing a little in awareness that his remark was half a jest. His forehead against hers brought with it a soothing feeling that caused tension to ease from her. “I will try not to let it happen again, Kaze. It is in my nature to protect what is dear to me, but I will work to avoid undue recklessness going forward.”
How long had it been since she’d had such a moment of tenderness and allowed herself something like this?
The kiss was a brief act of boldness, it would take time for more than that, but indeed perhaps that much she had the comfort for. But it was the closeness she cherished more than anything. That was certainly more than enough for now. Though with time, perhaps there would be more closeness between them still.
“I can start by apologizing for my obstinate earlier. I’m sorry,” she remarked, with a small smile still maintained, “If you wish to stay, then please... stay. I didn’t want you to leave, not really,” she confessed. Though he could probably already guess after what she’d said earlier that she had feared being a burden. But she had never considered it a burden to care for a loved one and stay at their side. Was it fair that she not extend that to Kaze remaining at hers for now? Surely not.


















