Author's Note: Returning to writing after an unanticipated hiatus. This is part of my (self-dubbed) Autumn Prompts 2020 collection. These stories won't all be Saito X Chizuru, and the fandom may change as well. I'm writing what comes to mind, with an eye to remaining under 1000 words. Thank you for reading!

~ Imp

Night Chill

Chizuru tiptoed across the floor, noiseless in her tabi. …But apparently not noiseless enough.

"Chizuru?"

He'd been asleep, she'd been sure of it. How did he always sound so awake at times like these?

"Yes, Hajime?" Her husband didn't respond, but she knew he was waiting for information. "Um… you know how it is. I just need to go out back for a few minutes." This was her second pregnancy; surely he remembered how often she'd needed to—to use the facilities—last time?

"Hmm." Chizuru waited for him to continue, and tried not to fidget. "It has gotten much colder in the evenings. Also, the leaves are slippery underfoot."

Saitō was suddenly at her side, wrapping their extra blanket around her. She knew without asking that he was going to come with her, and that protest would be futile. It was embarrassing, and a little annoying, but also very reassuring.

They went directly from their room onto the back porch, slipped on the sandals kept there for working in the garden—and trips to the outhouse—and Saitō escorted his wife down the short path. There were only a few stray leaves, since the twins had diligently swept it clear that afternoon.

The night really was cold, Chizuru realized. It had been warm during the day, and she'd forgotten just how much temperatures varied here in the far northeast once summer was over. With a murmur of thanks, she handed the blanket to Saitō before slipping into the small privy to complete her business.

A few minutes later, she stepped out again, fingers tingling from a quick scrub in freezing water. They wouldn't be able to keep a wash basin there much longer without having to break ice on the surface. That meant it was time to start using chamber pots at night, which would add one more task to the daily chores. She was glad the twins were old enough to sleep long and well at night, although they woke early.

Even as Chizuru mentally revised her household routine, and smiled inwardly at her beloved twins, the shadow that was her husband bundled the blanket around her again. She couldn't see his face, but she sensed his disapproval as he took her hands and gently rubbed a little warmth back into her fingers. Then he put an arm around her shoulders and guided her carefully back to the house. It was absurd—the steps to the porch weren't as far away as all that!—but also comforting to know that he still cared so much after five years of marriage and two children.

"I'll organize the house for winter starting tomorrow," she told him softly.

"Aa." The laconic affirmative told her that he understood.

To Chizuru's surprise, Saitō stopped in front of the sliding door that led from the porch into their bedroom. She could make out the glimmer of his eyes under long bangs, but not much more. The light of the candle she'd brought didn't reach very far.

"Hajime?"

"I wish you would rely on me more, Chizuru."

Her protest that she did—for so many things—was stolen by a soft kiss on her lips. She felt warmth bloom on her cheeks, and when a second and then a third kiss followed the first, the chill of autumn retreated entirely.

"Um, Hajime?"

"It is pleasant to walk with you under the stars, dear one." There was a hint of laughter in his voice, which warmed Chizuru almost as much the kisses. She was grateful that his eyes and expression never held the pinched bitterness that she saw on the faces of many of those around them, especially the Aizu men.

"I enjoyed your company as well," she responded politely, as though they'd been out for a pleasant stroll, and not a hurried walk to the privy in the cold.

"I am glad. However, I believe it is time for bed."

Chizuru nodded gravely. "I agree, Hajime."

She was swept inside and into their futon mere moments later. Saitō could move very quickly when he chose.

"You don't mind?" he murmured, nuzzling the soft skin beneath her ear and along her neck.

"N-No. Not at all."

Satisfied that they were on the same page, Saitō settled his lean body against Chizuru's and ran a hand over her various curves, including the swell of their unborn child. Sleep was important, of course. But snuggling up together in their futon on a chilly autumn night was an excellent thing as well. They could always rest afterward.

[END]