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Minato felt like he was running on air. Their bare feet hit the slippery muddy grass. The smell of rain and trees and flowers whipped him in the face as they ran and ran and ran.
This was rebirth.
Minato turned and looked at Yori. Bright, sweet, kind-hearted Yori, his entire body covered in mud. Yet his smile never seemed to glow brighter. He felt ineffable. They were invincible.
They reached the gates. Or not.
“Huh, the storm must have blown them away?”
Minato nodded. He hadn't stopped looking at Yori. His heart was light, and so were his actions.
He pulled Yori into a hug, squeezing him tightly. Yori wrapped his arms around him as well. The adrenaline pumping through his veins was dwindling, but he was positive Yori could feel his heart beating like a jackrabbit.
Hugging Yori felt good. The last time he felt such comfort in an embrace, was when he would get squished between both of his parents while watching the telly.
“Yori,” Minato smiled, resting his chin on top of Yori's head, “I really like you.”
Minato felt Yori grip him tighter, “I really like you too Minato, really really.”
Minato's smile turned into a grin. Butterflies were fluttering like crazy in his stomach. He enjoyed them guiltlessly.
It's normal. They were always normal.
They would have to go back soon. They needed to apologise to Hori sensei and clear his name. The moment they got back Minato was going to beg his mother to let Yori stay with them, away from his horrible father.
It would be okay. Their monsters had been liberated and were ready to take on the world.