He's holding her, but not in the way he used to. Mitsuki felt his breath against her skin, opening his hazy eyes to find himself in her arms. The sun was shining lowly against the window in their bedroom, allowing the light to slowly seep in. White sheets were tangled against their legs, and Mitsuki slowly burrowed himself more in Sarada's arms.

He loved her warmth. Not even six years ago, Mitsuki couldn't understand what love was. He knew the definition of course, but what he felt for his parent, his team, and comrades…such open and heavy feelings were unknown to him. He remembered one night when he told his parent of his feelings for his female teammate. Orochimaru had simply chuckled, cupping Mitsuki's cheek with surprising tenderness as he bid his son farewell.

There were many things that Mitsuki liked…no, loved, about Sarada. The way that she would readjust her glasses whenever she was thinking hard, or of how her eyes would gleam in amusement whenever Mitsuki made a social blunder. The way in which she had so much strength inside of her, enough to carry a village, and still able to find love and happiness with him. Her smile, her laughter…among so many things.

Mitsuki continued to hold her close, seeing her peaceful, sleeping expression as she let go of yesterday's hardships and tragedies. Her face looked almost child-like, serene in sleep, and Mitsuki resisted making any form of physical affection.

Sarada disliked physical affection so early in the morning.

"Mitsuki…" a sleepy mumble came from her lips as Mitsuki continued his touch. "Stop…it's too early…"

"Too early…for what?" the light blue-haired man whispered in her ear, his mouth close to her own.

Sarada's bleary eyes sought his, and even though she was half-awake, a small smirk appeared. The tiredness from last night appeared to affect her, however, for her smirk turned into a smile as the young ink-haired woman fell asleep again.

Mitsuki watched her for another moment before kissing Sarada's forehead, softly, genuinely in love as his cheek rested over her shoulder.

"Sarada…"