This chapter is dedicated to kenzy_PJO_HOO!

Happy reading!

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Mi Ho pov:

“Mio dono, all preparations to leave are ready. Its time to depart.” A guard came into my room and got down on one knee. “Oh, is that so? Okay, I’m on my way. I smiled and picked up my bag. I walked to him and he insisted on carrying my bag for me. I stopped at the door looking at my room for the last time. I smiled and shook my head and followed the guard outside.

We made it to the entrance of the Uchiha compound. Madara was waiting along with Tajima san and Mioki san and when they saw me, they gave me nods in acknowledgment. I stopped in front of them and glanced at Madara. He was watching me with an expression I couldn’t read and I diverted my eyes immediately.

I hadn’t spoken to him much these two days. After the kiss and after understanding that I had to keep my emotions at bay, I had tried to avoid any long conversation with him. He had realized my avoidance as well but he hadn’t said anything about it. He did try to ask me about it once, but I had changed the topic and left. He got pretty angry after that and he had been in a bad mood ever since.

He hadn’t spoken to me or even glanced at me after that day. It was difficult for me to suppress the feeling that wanted to explode in my chest, but as long as I avoided looking at him and tried to think of other things, it was okay to control. His scent was so difficult to forget and the feeling of his kiss made me lose my self control occasionally.

Even now, I didn’t look at him. I was looking down and back at the Uchiha compound. “Madara sama, we can head out.” A guard came and informed us and Madara nodded. We all began walking to the place we had decided to meet up with the Senjus. All the luggages were stacked in carts and a few people were pulling them. But everyone walked instead of riding the carts.

“Waaaahh!!” I turned back when I heard a child crying. The lady who was holding him cradled him and cooed to him but he didn’t seem to stop crying. “Woman! Make him stop!” Madara yelled out in irritation. I rolled my eyes when the woman flinched and bowed several times as she tried to calm the child but it didn’t work. “Woman….” Madara hissed again and the woman trembled.

I took of the colorful bracelet that I was wearing and walked to the child. I could feel Madara’s curious gaze on me and when I reached the woman, she flinched again. “I-I’m very sorry, Mio sama! I-I didn’t mean t-to cause any trouble!” She begged nearly in tears. I smiled and shook my head. “That’s alright. Can I hold him and try to calm him down?” I asked and she hesitated. But she handed the child to me and I held him up with one hand.

“Hey there! Hey! C’mon, look at onee chan!” I said to the child and he hiccupped and looked at me through tear filled eyes. “That’s it! look at onee chan.” I smiled but he whimpered and began to cry again. I heard Madara growl in front of me and the woman looked frightened between me and him. I shook my head with a smile and held up the bracelet in my hand. “See? Look at this! Isn’t this pretty?” I asked him and he stopped crying and looked at my bracelet.

He took it from my hand and turned it around and looked at it. I reached out with my kimono sleeve and gently wiped the tear tracks left on his cheeks. “Do you like it?” I asked and he gave me a small nod. He didn’t take his eyes off my bracelet at all. He was so interested in it and I reached for it. I took it from his hands and he whimpered, but I put his hand through it and around his wrist.

He held up his hand in awe and I giggled. “It looks good on you.” He looked at me with sparkling wide eyes. “R-really?” I nodded and he broke into soft cute chuckles. “Mio sama….you’re….really good with children.” The lady said and I looked up to see Madara watching me occasionally. “I’m used to watching over kids…” I smiled remembering a few times I had helped look after my manager’s daughter.

The rest of the walk was silent. The child had spoken to me and after a while he had fallen asleep on my shoulder. We reached the rendezvous point in about an hour and I smiled seeing Hashirama and Tobirama standing with their parents. I handed the child back to his mother and decided to greet them along with Madara.

But the minute we reached them, Hashirama exchanged a hand shake with Madara and Tobirama came to me. He pulled me into an embrace which surprised me. My eyes went wide and I reached my hands up to hold his sides gently. I looked past his shoulder to find Hashirama and Madara watching us. Hashirama was smiling warmly, happy about the reunion, but Madara had a dark look on his face. His jaw and fists were clenched tightly and I sighed closing my eyes as I relaxed into Tobirama’s arms.

He let me go and I smiled at him. “Its so good to see you Mio. I was worried….were you treated well?” He asked and I nodded. “Yeah. We had a few differences in opinions in the beginning, but everything worked out.” “That’s good to hear. “Come, we have to get things ready for the peace treaty. I bought a kimono for you especially for this occasion.” He said and put his arm around my shoulder as he led me to where Hashirama and Madara were standing.

Madara was still watching me with a harsh stare. I could tell he was really controlling himself, but I didn’t want to do anything in this situation to ruin the mood. I smiled as I passed by Hashirama and glanced once at Madara as Tobirama led me away. I smiled feeling happy, yet a piece of me left behind with Madara.

He led me to one of the tents that had been set up. It was small but it was cozy. He walked to one of the trunks on the floor and rummaged through the clothes. He pulled out a package and placed it on the cot. I walked to him as he opened it and exposed the deep blue kimono that had been neatly packed inside. It was really beautiful. I could tell that it was made from pure silk….which obviously meant it was very expensive.

“Do you like it?” He asked and I smiled. “Its….its beautiful. But….I cant accept it. I didn’t do anything to actually deserve it.” “You don’t have to. I bought it the day Madara agreed to the peace treaty. I really want you to wear it during the ceremony.” He said and I shifted on my feet uncomfortably. “I don’t know….I just…” I faltered when I saw him looking at me hopefully. “Alright…but just this once, okay?” I said and he nodded.

He pulled me into another embrace, which yet again surprised me. “Tobirama?” I questioned. He only tightened his hold and buried his face in my hair. “I missed you so much. We were really worried after you left.” He mumbled and I didn’t have the heart to push him away. I took a deep breath and sighed. “I….I missed you too.”

He stayed silent after that as I stared at the empty space in front of me, my mind completely blank. He shifted his head slightly and then froze. I glanced sideways in curiosity at his sudden behavior. He pulled away and held me on my shoulders. He was watching me with a hard stare. “Mio, why do you have an Uchiha seal mark on your neck?” He asked and I sweatdropped.

“Oh that? Its nothing.” I stepped away from him, covering the back of my neck with my hand. “That’s not nothing. What happened? What did Madara do to you?” He asked in a growl and held my shoulders again. I made him let me go and took a few steps away from him again. “Nothing happened, Tobirama. The Uchiha were just a little paranoid about my ability to hear thoughts, so they sealed it away.” I said not worried about it and he sighed. “That’s why I didn’t want aniki to force this peace treaty. The Uchiha are always trouble.”

“They’re not trouble. They’re just….cautious.” “You’re supporting them?” I shrugged as he raised his brows. “Just staing some facts.” I smiled and he shook his head with a chuckle. “It looks like I cant beat you in a conversation.” “Nope! That you definitely cant.” I grinned. He placed his hand on my head and smiled. “Get ready. The ceremony will start in a little while.” Saying so, he walked out of the tent leaving me to my thoughts.

I breathed out deeply through my mouth and looked back at the kimono. I walked closer to the cot to get a better look. It was really beautiful and of fine quality. I could feel it as I touched the fabric. But somewhere in my heart, there was a twinging feeling that wanted Madara to be the one to have gifted me this. I shook my head. What was I thinking!! I was supposed to stay away from him at all costs! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!

Well, nothing could be done now, so I zipped up the tent and decided to get ready for the ceremony.

>>Timeskip

I stood along with Tobirama as the ceremony commenced. The Uchiha clan flag and the Senju clan flag fluttered proudly in the evening wind. A fire was lit on a pedestal and Madara and Hashirama stood facing each other in front of the fire. The elders of both clans stood facing each other as well and they walked to another pedestal that was placed in front of the fire. They took turns in using a brush and signing the contract and everyone from both clans who were watching clapped and cheered as the leaders shook hands.

I clapped too and Madara glanced my way. I smiled and gave a short nod. He looked away after that and people dispersed to start with the feast.

There were all kinds of foods and I looked around with Tobirama. “You’re a very picky eater, aren’t you?” He was watching me with a teasing smile and I pouted. “Yes I am, and you know that too.” “True, but you can be a glutton for one day. I wont tease you…..much.” He said and I stuck out my tongue at him. “I will take your generosity and eat till I’m stuffed today.”

I was about to fill my plate with food, but I remembered something. “Chagaman…[wait a minute]. I have a dance recording today! This time, everyone will get to see! You all get free entertainment.” I grinned at Tobirama and put my plate down. “Ask everyone to gather near a stage. I’ll just get changed.” He nodded and I headed back to the tents. I got out my bag and my clothes. I took a bit of time setting up my hair into a short hairstyle using at least a hundred pins. I got into my clothes and looked into the mirror. I looked presentable and I smiled. I walked out of the tent after taking my hologram bracelet.

Everyone had gathered and the chatter died down when I appeared. Madara and many othere looked over my clothes disapprovingly and I laughed. “It seems you still haven’t learnt to dress properly.” Butsuma san commented and I rolled my eyes. “Oh stop it. Don’t ruin my good mood!” I stuck my tongue at him and walked to stand in front of everyone.

I was wearing a white shirt and white pants on which I had painted black cheetah spots. I switched on the hologram and a few minutes later, my sisters appeared. After a small chit-chat, we got into our positions ready to dance. I was standing in the center and many people broke into whispers as the music started. This time we were recording ‘Hello’ by SHINee. [a/n: yes, I know I have put up lots of their songs. What can I do? They’re my current obsession :P]

I started with the dance and we all pretended to sing. I glanced at Madara and he was watching me intently. His fists were clenched on his knees. I could look away from him and every time I looked up, my gaze landed on him. To make things worse, I was singing a love song that pretty much explained my situation so I couldn’t stop looking at him. My heart ached as I listened to the lyrics as I danced. I felt like I just wanted to run into his embrace.

It was making me too uncomfortable so I tore my gaze away from him and looked at everyone else with a smile as I danced. This was an occasion to celebrate and I didn’t want to be a sour grape and spoil the whole occasion. The song ended and I had my back turned to the audience. A few moments later, we all relaxed and a few people from the crowd clapped.

I thanked my sisters and switched off the hologram. I glanced at Madara and gave him an apologetic smile. But my view was blocked by Tobirama who walked up to me with a smile. “That was good! It’s the first song where there’s not much jumping around.” I chuckled at his description. “Well, it is a love song.” My chest clenched when I said that but I didn’t let it show. “I see. By the way, aniki said its time to head to Konoha.”

“Konoha?” I blinked at the new name. “Yes. That’s what aniki and Madara decided to name our village. The village hidden in the leaves.” I nodded. “Oh okay, I’ll just get back into my kimono.” I walked away from them and to the tent. I changed into the blue kimono that I had received as a gift. We walked through the trees of the forest that surrounded the new village and came to stand atop a huge cliff.

From the cliff, we could see a compound wall and building distributed throughout the valley. “Woah! This placed looks great!” I said as I took a few more steps forward to look. “Aniki had the buildings constructed quite some time ago. He had faith that Madara would sign the peace treaty with us.” “Madara, what do you think?” Hashirama asked him and he took a breath.

He nodded, but I couldn’t really see the enthusiasm in his eyes. “Its good.” “You think so? I knew you would like it! its just like how we had decided all those years ago.” Hashirama said proudly. But I frowned. “Hey Hashirama, I’ve been meaning to ask. Where’s Mito san? I haven’t seen her all day.” He blushed and rubbed the back of his head. “She’s already living in our new house. I didn’t want her to come to the ceremony….” I frowned more. “Why not? I mean, she is your wife and you’re the leader of the Senju clan.”

He looked down blushing harder. “W-well, she’s pregnant and I didn’t want her to strain herself.” My eyes went wide and I gasped. A big grin came to my lips and I walked to Hashirama. “Why didn’t you say so sooner!! I have to see her! I love kids!” I squealed and he chuckled. “Alright, I will take you to her. But for now, why don’t we all get settled in our new homes? Everyone must be tired after the ceremony.” The minute he said that, my stomach let out a loud growl.

I blushed and held the fabric above my stomach as Tobirama laughed. “You were so busy dancing that you forgot to eat dinner. Honestly, I have never seen someone as weird as you.” “Hey! I’m not weird! I’m just a lot more passionate about music and dance than I am about food.” I defended. “Alright you two, break it up. I’ll have someone get you some food once you get settled in your new house.” Hashirama said and I nodded. “Alright. Sounds good.”

I looked at Madara and he turned around and walked down to the village without another word. The other Uchihas followed him and Tobirama volunteered to take me to my new home. I had to say, I was tired too. Walking for one hour to the rendezvous point and then dancing with an empty stomach sure had drained me. But now I was going to a new house and I was going to get good food and good rest. Just thinking about that made me feel happy.

I followed Tobirama silently and we reached the bottom. He led me to a house and unlocked the door for me. It was a simple one bedroom house with a nice view to a garden from the living room. “This place is cozy!” I smiled and he laughed. “Glad you like it. Aniki and I stay just ten houses away so if you need anything, you can ask us.” I nodded. “What about Madara and the others?” “We’ve given them a separate compound since we figured they prefer privacy.”

I was hoping that they could mingle more with all of us though. I could be wrong, but I had a feeling that they were deliberately being isolated. Kind of shut off from real social interaction here. But I guess I couldn’t really say anything in the matter. I thanked Tobirama and he handed me my bag. He wished me a pleasant night and I walked to the garden after putting my bag on the couch that was in the living room.

I looked up at the moon and sighed. Oh Madara….how I wish I could spend time with you. I thought. There was no turning back for me once I took a decision. And no matter how much my heart wanted it, I had to follow my rational thoughts this time. I know I was the one who had advised Madara to follow his heart, but this time, I couldn’t do that with myself.

I knew it was going to be challenging for a while. But I had the strong will and determination to follow the right thing. So I knew, I would pull through.

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