Inside Desire Hot Springs.
Xuandou leaned against the edge of the pool, holding Kushina in his arms.
Kushina had her eyes closed, her cheek resting against his chest. Her wet red hair spread across the water, drifting gently with the ripples.
Her breathing gradually steadied, though a lingering blush still colored her face.
Only after a long while did she recover, open her eyes, and punch Xuandou in the chest:
"You bastard... all you ever do is bully me."
The blow was so feeble that it was more of a coy gesture than a punch.
Xuandou smiled and took her hand:
"That's only because you're so irresistible."
Kushina blushed and turned her head away:
"Hmph, smooth talker."
They rested quietly against each other for a while, the warm pool water enveloping their bodies.
Xuandou suddenly spoke:
"Kushina."
"Hmm?"
"You and Naruto should move into the Uchiha Clan Compound."
Kushina froze for a moment, then looked up at him.
Xuandou met her gaze and said earnestly:
"I've had my eye on a property lately. It's very close to the school, so it'll be easy for Naruto to get there and back. You won't have to run back and forth every day either."
Kushina opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but nothing came out.
The feeling of someone keeping her in mind and arranging everything for her made her nose sting a little.
Xuandou cupped her chin, turned her face toward him, and looked into her eyes:
"I'm courting you."
Kushina's face grew even redder, and she batted his hand away:
"Who asked you to court me!"
She paused, then added quietly:
"Then... how big is the house?"
Xuandou smiled:
"Three bedrooms and a living room. Plenty of room for you and Naruto. There's an empty patch in the yard too,