Katsuko's eyes fluttered shut at his touch, gentle and alien because it was gentle. She inhaled, sharply, and what felt like a dam broke apart in her chest. "Oh. I--"

She caught herself before she could do anything stupid, like crying or wrapping her legs around his waist and taking him right then and there. Instead, she managed a small, happy smile and reached up, cupping his cheek with one hand. "Thank you."

They were stark naked in a pool full of steaming water, with freshly bandaged wounds that would probably have to be rebandaged once they got out. Katsuko had been thrown into a wall, kicked in the ribs, and attacked by a cutting-wind jutsu less than a day ago--but right now, for the first time in years, she didn't feel any pain.