The next day, the morning sun crept slowly across the sky outside, casting a soft golden hue over the paper-screened windows of the hot spring room.
A warm breeze carried the scent of fresh steam and mountain air. Inside the cozy suite, beneath the light linen blankets, Kakashi slowly opened his eyes.
Mei lay peacefully in his arms, her long auburn hair tangled softly across his chest and shoulder. Her breathing was calm, rhythmic, and full of contentment.
Her body was curled up close, her bare skin warm against his. Kakashi smiled as he gently looked down at her, at her soft expression, the hint of a smile still lingering on her lips from the night before.
She had given him everything last night, her body, her heart, and her trust. It hadn't just been a passion. It had been confirmed. That what they shared wasn't a passing moment or a political bond. It was real.
Kakashi leaned forward, his lips brushing her forehead in a soft kiss.
The slight touch caused Mei's brows to twitch gently, and after a moment, her eyes fluttered open. For a second, she looked confused, lost in the space between dreams and waking, but then her gaze met his, and she smiled. A slow, warm, loving smile that made her cheeks glow softly.
"Good morning," Kakashi whispered.
"Mmm… good morning," Mei said back in a husky, sleepy tone.
She tried to shift a bit to sit up, but the second she moved, her muscles stiffened, and she winced. "Ow…"
"Sore?" Kakashi raised an eyebrow in amusement.
"A little," she muttered, cheeks pink as she glared playfully up at him.
"Want me to heal you?" Kakashi said, as he knew they went wild last night and she must be in pain.
"Just relieve a little pain," Mei admitted, lowering her pride for comfort.
Kakashi chuckled softly and placed a glowing hand over her lower back and hips, his chakra gentle and precise. A few seconds later, Mei gave a small sigh as the ache faded enough to move more easily.
She snuggled up closer to him, wrapping her arms around his neck like a sleepy koala.
"Kakashi, you beast," she mumbled, nuzzling into him. "With inhuman stamina…"
"That's why I have a lot of women," Kakashi smirked.
"That's why Anko, Kurenai, and Tsunade said they can't handle you." Mei narrowed her eyes, though her smile was still sweet.
"They're just being dramatic." Kakashi grinned.
"You made me need chakra healing, Kakashi," Mei said, thumping his chest with her finger. "You. And I'm a strong Kage."
"That's why I went easy on you," he teased her.
"Liar."
Still clinging to him like a vine, Mei watched as Kakashi rolled out of bed, standing tall and stretching. He glanced down, noticing she hadn't let go.
"Are you going to let go of me?"
"Nope," she said sweetly. "Not yet."
With an amused sigh, Kakashi scooped her up and walked them both toward the bath chamber.
Their private hot spring bath was already steaming, its scent mingling with the morning mist that crept in from the open-air side.
Kakashi set her down and grabbed a towel. Mei finally let go, stretching like a cat and groaning lightly from the soreness that still lingered.
They stepped into the warm water and took a short shower, washing away the remnants of the night. The water was quick but refreshing.
Mei dressed herself in a clean kimono and pulled her damp hair into a loose braid. Kakashi put on a fresh black long-sleeved shirt and his standard pants, his forehead protector strapped around his neck loosely.
As they stepped out of their suite, Kakashi reached out and gently took her hand.
Mei glanced down at their hands, her fingers automatically curling between his. A soft smile touched her lips, and she gave his hand a squeeze.
They walked through the quiet inn, the scent of cooked rice and miso drifting from the cafeteria ahead.
Inside, the place was nearly empty. A few staff members moved quietly in the background, preparing for the day. Mei and Kakashi found a table near the window, and a waitress arrived shortly after.
"What would you two like?" she asked kindly.
"Grilled salmon, miso, rice, and tea," Kakashi said simply, he had eaten this food often and he had come to like it.
"I'll have the same," Mei added.
The waitress nodded and hurried off to prepare the order.
Not long after, Chojuro walked into the cafeteria, his face looking well-rested and calm. His eyes widened slightly when he spotted the two of them together. Kakashi waved him over.
"Chojuro," he said. "Come eat with us."
"Uh… thank you, Lord Kakashi," Chojuro replied, walking over with a polite bow. He sat across from them, looking between the two, and his cheeks turned faintly pink as he noticed Mei's hand still loosely resting on Kakashi's under the table.
"Did you rest well?" Mei asked casually as if everything was normal.
"Yes, thank you. The room was quiet." Chojuro gave a small smile, then leaned forward slightly. "We'll reach the village soon. I've already sent word that you're on your way."
"Good. We'll be there before noon. I want no fuss at the gates." Mei nodded.
Chojuro glanced at Kakashi, clearly curious about the famous copy ninja walking so closely with his Mizukage.
He didn't know what happened in Konoha but he didn't ask. Instead, he simply smiled and folded his hands politely on the table.
The food arrived soon after, steaming bowls of miso soup, golden grilled salmon, warm rice, and fresh green tea.
"Hmm. Pretty good for a small inn." Kakashi said as he picked up his chopsticks and took a bite.
"This place is popular for its springs, not just the water." Mei was already savoring the salmon.
"I've heard the owners use natural spring minerals for cooking water. It enhances the flavor." Chojuro nodded as he tasted his soup.
"Fancy."Kakashi raised an eyebrow.
Mei smiled, sipping her tea. "You'll find the Land of Water has many hidden luxuries. We just don't flaunt them like other nations."
"You hide everything in the mist," Kakashi said with a smile.
"That's our way."
They ate quietly for a while, the peace of the early morning wrapping around them like the morning fog outside. For a moment, there was no war, no politics, no council meetings or threats, just quiet companionship and good food.
"Let's depart within the hour." When they were finished, Mei placed her chopsticks down and looked at Chojuro.
"Understood." Chojuro nodded.
"I'll check the perimeter outside while you two pack."Kakashi stood up and stretched.
Mei watched him go, eyes lingering on his back until he disappeared through the sliding door.
"So… Lord Kakashi's staying for a while?" Chojuro looked at her and cleared his throat.
"Maybe longer than a while." Mei gave him a sly look.
"Oh… I see." Chojuro flushed red.
Mei smiled, finishing the last sip of her tea.