She awoke, warm and dry.
"Is it truly fine to spend time like this?"
The morning sun spilled through the window, breaking the darkness and bathing the room in a tender glow. The world outside was quiet, still caught in the embrace of dawn. It was early, and most of their household was still enveloped in deep sleep — except for three already out and about. And Yoisen's voice was a soft murmur, laced with a slight touch of uncertainty. Questioning.
Naruto, lying next to her, moved his hand gently, his fingers weaving through her light hair, comforting and careful. He then turned to face her, yawning. "Is it wrong to spend time in bed with my wife?"
A pause lingered between them, filled only by the soft rustle of sheets.
"…Can you say it again?" Yoisen asked softly, with only the slightest tremble.
"Huh?" Naruto blinked, his grogginess evident. Just like Sakura did, he slept more, these days. More restfully, too.
"Can you say it again?" Her smile was fragile, like ice on the brink of melting.
Ah.
"Sure." He grinned, warmth filling his voice. "I simply enjoy any moment spent with my—"
His words were abruptly halted by a light, sharp slap. Startled, Naruto turned to find Ino, still deep in her dreams beside them, her hand falling away from the unexpected strike. In her sleep, she muttered a complaint about the noise, then shifted, resuming her deep slumber with a soft yawn. And then, more nonsensical words.
Silence.
Naruto couldn't suppress a chuckle as he rubbed his cheek, and Yoisen let out an amused sigh herself. Maybe Hanabi had been right to leave early for her morning training with Yūshirō and Sakura.
It must all have seemed so ordinary.
Mornings bathed in the gentle light of dawn, filled with quiet laughter, so as not to wake the others up, and tender warmth that seeped into the bones — these were moments she had once only dreamed of.
Karin, in her deep, undisturbed slumber, certainly reveled in them. Yugito, curled up contentedly beside her, seemed to cherish them just as much.
Such peaceful days had once been mere fantasies for most of humanity, elusive and fleeting. Now, they belonged to them — simple, serene, and full.
Perhaps the occasional unintentional slap or stray elbow, for which Ino would later apologize with a sheepish grin, was a small price to pay for such shared tranquility.
Perhaps it is fine, Yoisen thought. She smiled. And slept.