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Walking into a home filled with warm fall scents is something Nariko wouldn’t expect to experience in her life . As well, she never thought that finding “that one special person” in her life would be possible. Condemned to be lonely; a warrior whose destiny was to die in the battlefield, protecting her village or loved ones if there were any .
And yet, warm smell of baked apple pie topped with lots of brown sugar and cinnamon. Fresh oranges and clover he must’ve bring from the market while she was away (but he didn’t make the decorations yet, waiting for his girlfriend) . And finally, that scent of a tea with plums, sweet carrot and ginger they discovered by accident. That all wraps around her like a warm, fuzzy blanket, filled with bliss.
Home.
A thought that never made her emotions even twitch a little. A feeling that she often avoided, scared of the dreadful silence, is now bringing tears into her eyes. Because this time, even if she needs that silence, she needs to feel safe too.
Doors almost make no sound when she closes them. But Nariko knows he heard that - he’s been waiting for hours now, nervous if she is okay. Every corner of the house shines after nervous cleaning, having nothing else to do while she was gone. And he even managed to make a sweet treat for them, and brewed a tea, hoping that she will come home already. Quick footsteps sounding in the hallway only confirm her suspicions that he’s been on alert all the time.
First thing that Nariko sees is the tall, well-built frame of an Uchiha man. Second later her palm finds the light switch, and the gray-ish hall brightens within blink of an eye. It makes them both squint their eyes, but Nariko can see the wide grin on half-scarred face, and the black eye filled with joyful dancing sparks.
But that initial glee tones down when Obito sees his girlfriend. She's worned out after days of being out in the field, fulfilling some dangerous tasks, fighting with a threat so she could come home in one piece . Dirty from the road, bruised from the fight, Nariko stands in the hall, motionless, staring at her partner.
They have been in situations like this many times, and the drill is always the same.
After days of putting her life in constant threat, screams of wounded and dying, clash of weapons... Words are unnecessary as the silence of peaceful homestead is more than enjoyable, and breaking it is close to the sin .
His palms are warm. Skin on them is rough from years of fighting, but Nariko finds comfort in this touch. And in arms that wrap around hers, pulling her tight. For one, he is happy that she is back alive and in one piece, and for days he has been dying to hold her. But also he knows how much she needs to feel him near.
And he is there, not minding the dust stuck to her hair, or the dried blood of an enemy staining her vest. Or the not-so-fresh scent of her clothes worn for the past few days. These things are not uncommon for shinobi, and being repulsed by it would be, in Obito’s eyes, unfair. Especially towards someone like her. Especially towards someone who returned feelings he had.
But he needs to break the moment. Obito knows very well that they could spend a few good minutes standing like that. But of all things Nariko needs a shower, warm drink, and to rest in a proper bed. The cozy silence of their home is only interrupted by the silent ruffle of her clothes - Nariko’s man takes out every part down with caution, with utmost care watching if there is any wound needing patching up immediately .
But luckily this time, there are only a few bruises and minor, shallow cuts, needing only brief tension, something she can do by herself . When the doors to the bathroom close after Nariko, Obito prepares new, warm tea and brings it to the bedroom. While she is washing herself, and disinfects her wounds with sharply-smelling ointment, they both hate, Obito brings out a fluffy blanket, and waits for his girlfriend with peace . Now, when she is back, there is no rush. There is no reason to worry, to need to worry crazy. Obito knows that she is safe, and soon she’ll come to him, to the little room that holds their secrets inside its walls.
When Nariko walks into the room, she can’t hold back a gentle smile - she feels much better with a clean skin, still warm from the hot water, dressed in one of Obito’s oversized shirts . It’s a relief to see a familiar face, it’s a relief to see someone she loves with all her heart. There is an itch under her skin that can ease only his touch, a longing that was consuming her for the past days.
He smiles too, and opens his arms, impatient to finally hold her.
Nariko falls into the invitation, almost like she would fall on a soft cushion. Obito’s arms are firm, but he handles her with care - like she would be a precious porcelain, or a delicate flower that needs protection . Something that amazes her since the first time he first hugged her: how much of a gentleness can be in this strong man .
Once she drinks down the tea, and she nests herself on his chest, listening to the beat of his heart, Obito pulls a blanket on them . He knows he is warm. Like a fire that is his nature. Nariko often laughs that if he would come with her on a mission, she wouldn't even need a fire to keep herself warm. But she has spent the past few days on the field. Most probably , in raging rain and howling wind, so an extra layer that would keep her warm is more than welcomed. Her body shivers for a moment, getting rid of that high alert mode which she enters every time she is on a mission. So soon enough a blissful relaxation falls on her, allowing her to breathe deep, and slow.
Nariko is calm now. She raises her head to look into his eye, black like a deepest abyss, yet bright from rejoice and love. They smile at each other, knowing that there is no need to say “I love you” and “I love you too”. They know, without spoken words.
Obito kisses her forehead and caresses her still wet hair with his palm. Nariko curls under the blanket, hiding into his arms like he is her safe hideout.
Home.
She is finally home.