~flashback

"Aiko! NO! Don't do this! You helped me through a lot! Think about everything we've been through for the past five years knowing you!" I shouted as a few tears started to form in the corners of my bright red eyes.

"I've been thinking Aquila-san, this is for the best and for others to now acknowledge you now when I am gone," his flames started to drain slowly as we speak.

"But I would be all alone when you're gone..." I mumbled out as the water around started to cease and drain thoroughly as Aiko's chakra dropped unconditionally.

"Another advice before I shall go and live in another life. This world may be cruel for some. Make me a promise and protect those around you," he spoke again but very dryly.

"I-I promise!" I choked on my tears that fell down my red stained cheeks.

"Before I go, thank you, Aquila, for everything. You gave me new light while I was sealed inside you. I was lost and wanted vengeance and I thought that was my only path," his wings were burning out of the blazing flames.

I gasped when I remember what had happened. I widen my eyes as I thought of the horrendous flashback I received.

I took a deep breath and called his name out.

"Aiko!"

No. It's not real! He sacrificed his life so I would survive. Aiko...

You deceived me.

You lied to me.

You used me.

You have broken my trust.

Severed our bond.

Took advantage of me.

But in the end, I still cared about you.

There.. I was met with the one who I thought had died. I trembled in the slightest. The one who had deceived me thinking they were gone this whole time..

"Why!? Why would you?" I cursed out in anger as frustration washed over me at that moment. The water beneath me started to rise. I felt betrayed and broken.

"I'm not the same old bird you dimwit! A Phoenix must emerge to reborn to a new life form. It doesn't happen in just one day!" Aiko explained his eyes narrowing at my movements. I couldn't but help feel remorse and joy at the same time. No... my body felt as if it were alleviating itself. His talons reached up to touch my hand as I let him do so.

I felt his chakra rush through me like a tsunami crashing inside of myself.

"I... don't understand. Why would you put me through that misery for all these years!?" I cried out. Tears falling from my brimmed glistening eyes. I clenched my fists tightly with acrimony.

Why didn't he say anything before?

"Aiko! I loved you as a creature who've I connected with all these years. And... you saved me when I wanted you to save yourself. I was only the cage that kept you sealed inside." I choked on my tears, I couldn't say much as my head hung low. My cheeks were stained with my tears.

"And for that, I apologize, I didn't come here for forgiveness, I came to warn you of something." His voice was discreet and low suddenly. He stood tall, wings spread wider than before. His talons dig deeper in me.

"Warn me?" I growled with discomfort from hearing this.

"Yes, it's about your Uchiha lover." The word 'lover' felt more emphasized in the phrase making my eyes shot wide open, I took a step back crossing my arms around my stomach.

"I'd laugh because he isn't anything like that." I gritted my teeth together as I furrowed my brows up at him.

"Just know one thing and one thing only. Infinite Tsukuyomi will not save the Uchiha's."

With that... I jolted out of my slumber panting heavily.

Last I remember was a psychotic man trying to kill me here. But.. he's gone?

"So you're awake?"

That voice-

"M-Madara..." I covered myself with my arms wrapping around me. Still feeling disgusted after that man touched me with his lingering fingers.

"What is it?" he questioned as I looked down. I was still laying on my side, on this futon.

"What did you do to this clan?" I questioned as my hand clenched the side of my waist.

Madara sat next to me calmly still holding the same apathetic structure to himself.

"Disposed of." His reply was short but which surprised me was that he placed his hand on mine.

"What are you-"

"He touched you didn't he?" he growled vehemently under his breath. I could feel his blood uprising within him.

I said nothing and swiftly turned my head away from him.. I gulped as my mind was aghast from the horrific new memory that will uphold here.

Madara cursed something which I knew he was pissed off integrally. He pulled me closer to him, arms around my back, so I took my chance and rested my head on his chest. Hearing his heartbeat calmed me, my whole world stopped, my mind felt clear and just being in his arms made me feel new and even resurrected.

I really do love him. I wanted to tell him but at the same time, I shouldn't.

"I'm... sorry I couldn't have been here sooner." His hold on me tightened making me flinch a bit. He realized my sudden reaction to his grip and lessened slightly. His pitch black orbs soon met with my scarlet red ones. I pulled my head up from him to face him properly; still in his grasp.

"Madara-" I was cut off with a pair of warm lips connected with my dry ones. I hesitated at first but soon my lips moulded with his in sync. His hands moved everywhere, up my back and over my arms. Then he started to kiss me harder with lust and passion with a fervent urgent need I've never known before.

As we parted, I felt the surging tide of warmth that left me limp.

"I..." I was left speechless with a sudden gradation intensity that made me want to cling onto him more.

"Aquila, I am making this new promise now.. no one will ever touch you again. You're mine." his words rung into me like a bell repeating itself. His possessive side showed that I've never seen before.

I'm his...?

I resisted the urge to fall asleep in his arms but my comfort did otherwise. My mind had let the shadows envelop me. My head throbbing as if ten thousand needles were inflicted in my head.

~~

I slowly awaken myself, feeling my arms twitch in movement. I moved my head to the side seeing no one in the room. I was back in the infirmary... again.

"Ugh!" I laid back in discomfort.

"Hmph? Awake already I see." His voice came from the door. His smirk only grew more. The room fell with intensity. I sighed not feeling in the mood for banter. "I can only thank you for what you did." I laid back as my head touched the pillow.

"You are not safe being alone you know... you're always getting yourself into situations thoroughly." Madara chuckled making me glare playfully. But he's right. "I arranged for you to live in the Uchiha compound, just temporarily. Unless you decide you want to stay elsewhere."

I laughed out in disclosure at this statement. "You're joking right?" I chuckled as he sat at the end of the infirmary bed. His hand touching mine making my heart beat faster. He grinned at me with a satisfied look. "I don't know... what to do if something terrible would have had happened. If you were killed or-"

I cut him off with an affectionate hug from the side. "You don't need to worry then, you said it once. You would watch over me, right? I saw through you and took your word. You helped me through a lot." I snuggled my face in the scuff of his neck and wrapping my arms around his shoulders.

Hearing him chuckle, I pulled away slowly to look at him nonchalantly. My breath hitched, my eyes wondered over his complexion. "Hmm?"

I was pulled out of my thoughts as I giggled in embarrassment. "I... was just-" was immediately cut off when a pair of soft warm lips met mine. His one hand moved down to my waist holding me still, this sent many shivers down my spine. His other hand cupped my right cheek; brushing his thumb on my delicate skin. As he parted, he brushed his light lips against mine.

I didn't know what overcame me. I must have had a puzzled expression. My mind was going all over the place. "You know.. you always have a place, I will see you soon." Madara got up and headed for the door. "Where are you going?" I question trying to push myself up with my elbows.

"I have unintended business first. Don't worry about me Aqui-san." He grinned while he exited out of the infirmary room. I flushed bright pink at the old nickname he just called me. I must be a red strawberry right now.

I was soon left with two Uchiha shinobi to lead me towards where I was staying. But a high pitch voice took me away from my wonders. "AQUILA! YOU'RE BACK!" I was engulfed in an enormous affectionate hug by a certain blue head.

I returned the favour and we parted. "I will be back in the compound after all, like the old days." I grimaced slightly watching Ramiko's eye lit up with delight.

"I can't wait! It's been forever!" She exclaimed as we both chuckled. She is very enthusiastic which is why she is more than a friend to me. More like a sister.

The two Uchiha's lead me towards a room in the huge complex. Wait for a second... Madara's room wasn't far from mine at all. I smiled at the thought.

"What are you thinking about?" Ramiko purred into my ear. As she knew exactly what my mind was on.

"I... uh, nothing!" I threw back holding my hands up in defence. I'm so lost in my thoughts.

Ramiko left to do some village guard duty as I was left to sit on my bed alone.

I left to go explore the compound. Madara is still away which is making me more nervous. I sat down agilely on the soft ground in the Uchiha garden. The sentimental smell made my nostrils love the sweet place. The wind was quite calm.

"You come here too?" A soft voice has spoken making me turn my head back to see a stranger I've never encountered before..

He wore the Uchiha crest on the back of his kimono. His hair was a pitch dark black that went down his shoulders, some of which caressed over some of his features.

"I-I yeah. Who are you?" I questioned; watching him cautiously. He inhaled moving forward making me move back slightly. He noticed my sudden reaction. "No need, I'm Uchiha Kurosawa. I oppose to you as no threat. I take you're Aquila?" He held out his hand as I stood up.

"Uhh yes, I'm Aquila.." I hesitantly shook his hand. What was that all about?

"Ah, the leader spoke so delicately about you. You must mean something to him." Kurosawa looked up to the sky. "I.. wouldn't know half of the things he does." I implied sitting back down.

"You're a very special one, our leader has lightened his mood ever since you returned." He smiled and began to turn on his heels to leave the garden.

"Oh no! The time! Uh, nice to meet you, Uchiha Kurosawa!" I say impatiently getting up to go back.

Madara wouldn't like me out this late! I got back to my room and changed into my night Yukata. I heard a knock on my door making me gasp softly.

Who would need me at this hour?

Upon opening, I smiled seeing as Madara kept his word earlier. Seeing me soon perhaps.

"Settled already? Hn." He let out a small chuckle and leaned in to embrace me. His passionate hugs always soothed me. His arms wrapped around my slim waist; my head resting in the crook of his neck.

"Madara... for some reason, I feel more scared of being alone." I softly have spoken, I couldn't have helped it, my cheeks rubricated red.

"Hmph. You're unpredictable at times. You're saying you would rather me to stay here." He whispered in my ear sending shivers down my spine.

I nodded hoping he would oblige. He laid down; wrapping his arms around me keeping me comfortable. I laid my head on his chest hearing his heartbeat cadence against his ribcage.

"Madara?" I tilted my head upwards to look at him. Seeing his eyes slid open slightly showing his obsidian orbs meeting my red ones. "Hmm?"

"I-I love you,"

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