Chapter 47:- Ground rules

Back at the Uchiha house, Kenshin and Akane worked in companionable silence, the act of setting up their new home providing a sense of normalcy and purpose amidst the whirlwind of recent events.

While they were working, Akane asked him if Kana knew. When he nodded, Akane went in for a soft kiss before quickly pulling back. "It must be awkward for mom. I'll be careful not to kiss you in front of her."

"Yeah, but she's not here at the moment. And I want seconds." He leaned forward for a second kiss, but they both tumbled to the floor while kissing, although Kenshin still didn't pull back.

As Kenshin and Akane lay tangled on the floor, their laughter broke the stillness of the house. It was a rare, lighthearted moment that cut through the weight of everything they had been through.

Akane, her face flushed with both joy and embarrassment, playfully swatted at Kenshin's shoulder. "You're such a brat," she teased, though her voice was filled with affection.

Kenshin grinned, leaning in closer. "And you love me for it," he replied, his tone softening as their playful banter gave way to a more tender connection. Their lips met again in a gentle kiss, this one slower, savoring the comfort of being together after so much time apart.

But before they could lose themselves in the moment, they were startled by the sound of Kana's voice calling from the kitchen. "Are you guys okay?"

Akane quickly pulled back, her cheeks now a deeper shade of red. "W-We're fine, mom!" she called out, trying to steady her voice as she untangled herself from Kenshin.

However, her movements were too hasty, and in her attempt to stand, she stumbled slightly, pulling Kenshin down with her once more.

The sudden noise drew Kana's attention, and she walked in just as Akane and Kenshin were disentangling themselves from each other on the floor. The sight of them together, their faces inches apart and their hands still clasped, made Kana's eyes widen in surprise.

Kana's face turned a bright shade of red as she quickly averted her gaze, clearing her throat loudly to signal her presence. "I, um... I thought you were unpacking, not... this," she stammered, clearly flustered by the unexpected scene.

Akane jumped up, her face nearly as red as her mother's hair. "Mom, I—We were just—"

Kenshin, however, remained calm, getting to his feet and dusting himself off before offering a hand to Akane. "Sorry, mom," he said with a sheepish smile, "we got a little carried away. You know, it's been a long time."

Kana's initial shock began to subside, and she gave them both a stern look, though the corners of her mouth twitched as if she was trying to suppress a smile. "We'll need to set some ground rules," she said, her tone firm but not unkind. "I'll... give you two a moment to finish up here, and then we'll talk."

She turned to leave, but not before shooting them both a pointed glance that spoke volumes about what she had just witnessed.

As she retreated back to the kitchen, the sound of her footsteps faded, leaving Kenshin and Akane alone once more, the air thick with both embarrassment and unspoken amusement.

Kenshin looked at Akane, who was still blushing furiously, and chuckled softly. "Guess we'll have to be more careful from now on."

Akane sighed, though she couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, we will. But I suppose it's a good thing mom's setting some rules. It'll keep us out of trouble."

Kenshin nodded, his expression growing serious. "True. But for now, let's finish setting up the house before she comes back."

Once they were done, Kana brought out 3 cups of steaming tea and they all sat down around the kotatsu in the living room that was provided by Tsunade.

Kana cleared her throat, her expression a blend of resolve and uncertainty. "Firstly," she began, her voice steady but her hands betraying a slight tremor as she wrapped them around her cup, "I'm still not completely comfortable with your... thing."

She paused, her gaze shifting between Kenshin and Akane, a hint of discomfort in her eyes. "But I'm on board with the plan Ken-chan made."

She took a deep breath, her fingers tightening slightly around her cup as if seeking stability. "You need to be careful. No kissing around the house. If you have to, then go to a room and lock the door first."

As she spoke, Kana's eyes darted away, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush, revealing her embarrassment. "Also, you can't do... it every night, not while I'm home," she added, her voice wavering slightly as she forced herself to address the topic.

"I don't know if you have already... you know, but the point is it'll be weird if I hear you."

Kana's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes narrowing as she continued. "So get some soundproofing seals for your rooms. I do possess all the sealing jutsu of our clan, but that scroll is special; it needs two adult Uzumaki to open it. Which is why I've never been able to open the damn scroll."

She paused again, glancing at the two of them, her expression softening just a fraction as she added, "So make do with normal seals for now. And remember to use protection.

And no lovey-dovey talking in front of me. Wait... maybe just... once a day. Kissing too." she amended, a small, almost reluctant smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Just to let me ease up to it."

Kenshin and Akane exchanged glances, both a bit embarrassed but also relieved that Kana was willing to let them be together under her conditions. They knew her acceptance, however tentative, was a big step forward.

Kenshin reached out and took one of the steaming cups of tea, letting its warmth soothe the last of his nervousness. "Thanks, mom," he said sincerely, meeting Kana's gaze. "We'll respect the rules."

Akane nodded in agreement, though her usual confidence was a little muted as she sipped her tea. "Yeah, we understand. We'll be careful."

Kana smiled softly, her earlier sternness giving way to a more relaxed demeanor. "Good. Now, why don't we enjoy this tea and start planning how we're going to settle in? It's a new beginning for all of us, after all."

Kenshin and Akane both smiled at that, the tension easing as they began discussing their plans for the house—what rooms they'd use, how they'd decorate, and what repairs still needed to be made. And most importantly, the bathroom needed to be bigger.

As they talked, Kana occasionally glanced at Kenshin and Akane, her heart filled with a mix of love and worry. She knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to support them in the best way she could.

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