.

Help, I'm alive, my heart keeps beating like a hammer,

Hard to be soft, tough to be tender.

"Are you hurt?" he asked blandly.

She was a little taken aback by his question. It wasn't what she had expected, and she instantly felt somewhat guilty about worrying this stranger. Mito quickly stood up, as if to demonstrate her uninjured state. "No, but thank you for-"

"Then why," the man began, his unaffected speech quickly turning into what was practically a growl, "were you screaming?"

"Uh…" for once, Mito's tongue failed her. What is wrong with this guy? Clearly, he didn't care about her well-being after all. Her mind raced to come up with a rational excuse.

When he realized a half-formed syllable was all the response he'd get to his previous question, he continued, "And what exactly are you doing here?"

Mito raised an eyebrow at his tone. Obviously, she'd offended this guy in some way, and judging by his appearance and how he carried himself, he was pretty important. Or maybe he's just a big, egotistical jerk! He's not that much older than me, yet he's acting like he owns the place, her snide side chimed in. Regardless, this was not how she wanted her relations with the inhabitants of Konoha to start out.

He was still waiting for a reply, so she decided to explain the situation as best as she could. Putting on the most contrite face she could manage, she continued her earlier apology, adding what she hoped were details that would help smooth things over. "My name is Uzumaki Mito, and I'm from Uzushiogakure. I'm here in Konoha because I'll be marrying one of the local ninja at the end of the month. I'm terribly sorry about intruding, but I just arrived two days ago and I'm still unfamiliar with the area. I didn't realize that this place was private, and I deeply apologize. I hope you can forgive me, and I can assure you that I won't make the same mistake again. I hope that this will not negatively influence your view of me, as Konoha is to be my new home, and I hope for a good relationship with all of its citizens, including you, sir."

Mito finished the apology with a bow and smirked inwardly. Let's see you be rude after that! Hmph. It had grated on her nerves to be practically groveling, but she'd already resigned herself to doing whatever it took to ensure the success of this arrangement.

"I accept your apology, Uzumaki-san."

She looked up, her eyes tinged with surprise. Well, at least he decided to be civil, might as well try making a better impression, she thought. "Thank you… um…"

"Uchiha Madara."

"I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, Uchiha-dono," Mito replied with a slight bow. Suddenly, his demeanor made sense. She'd heard about the other founder of Konoha, the one said to be on par with her fiancé… the head of the other prominent clan, Uchiha Madara. No wonder he acted like he owned the place. He probably does. But still, she reasoned, that doesn't give him license to act like a total jerk!

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance as well, Uzumaki-san."

Well, well, well, the guy does have some manners.

"However, you did not answer my first question. Why were you screaming?"

So much for getting out of that one. "Ah, Uchiha-dono, uh… my foot was dangling in the lake and… I thought I felt something brush it underwater. It simply startled me."

"I see," Madara stated simply.

Mito was starting to get uncomfortable, not only because of her weak explanation, but because he was unreadable. He just kept staring at her, his eyes like liquid onyx, never leaving her own.

After a few moments of awkward silence, she decided it would probably be best to excuse herself and leave him to… whatever he was planning to do. "Uchiha-dono, thank you so much for your concern, and I apologize once again. If you'll excuse me, I need to return to my guest quarters and prepare for dinner with my fiancé, Senju-san."

When he didn't say anything else, Mito took that as her cue to leave and brushed past him, making her way back to the edge of the lake. What a socially awkward, rude man! she thought as she hurried away.

Madara was still standing there a moment later, everything having clicked after her final statement.

"…dinner with my fiancé, Senju-san…"

He narrowed his eyes. Of course. She was the one who was marrying Hashirama. He had almost forgotten the Senju clan head mentioning his upcoming marriage… especially since it was amidst all his other meaningless blather, he thought.

He hadn't heard much about the girl who was Hashirama's fiancée, but from their brief encounter, he had drawn a few conclusions for himself. She definitely wasn't as polite as she'd seemed. Even during her long and formal apology, he had glimpsed irritation in her body language before it was concealed under a façade of deference.

And what about the screaming episode? There was no way Madara was deceived by her pathetic excuse. She had screamed deliberately, and judging from the way she had desperately grabbed her hair, the cause was most certainly not external. She'd looked like someone who had finally allowed themselves to lose control after working very hard to maintain it.

But he wasn't about to let some Uzushiogakure girl invade his thoughts. He needed to let off some steam, and that was what he had come here to do in the first place.

And as he trained under the hot afternoon sun, he emptied his mind of unnecessary thoughts… excepting a young woman with hair like a blazing sunset and eyes that glinted like hardened, sharpened flint… at least, when she thought no one would notice.

A week later, Mito sat at an elaborate vanity, carefully combing out her crimson tresses. She hadn't seen the Uchiha clan head since their somewhat awkward initial meeting. Thoughts of the enigmatic man had flitted through her mind occasionally over the past few days… he was the kind of man that made you wonder what was hiding beneath the surface.

But she'd had so many things to occupy her that she hadn't had that much to consider the mystery of Uchiha Madara. Mito had been overwhelmed by new foods, customs, places, and of course, a multitude of new people. Not to mention the wedding planning.

Her fiancé had assigned some local ladies to not only show her around the village, but help her plan what was quickly becoming the largest and most elaborate wedding she had ever heard of. They'd barraged her with endless prattle about silks and satins and hydrangeas and roses and ceremonial procedures. Honestly, Mito didn't care that much. Even though this would be the only wedding she'd ever have, in her mind, it was just a formality. She wasn't marrying Hashirama for love, so what was there to celebrate?

She'd handled the situation as graciously as possible, simply saying that since they were from Konoha, wouldn't it be better to let them make these decisions? After all, they were more familiar with local customs. Unfortunately for Mito, that hadn't completely alleviated the constant questioning, although it had helped to stem it somewhat.

However, tonight would be different. It had been scheduled specifically so that she and Hashirama would have some… alone time. The thought made her somewhat uncomfortable, but she supposed she'd just have to deal with it. After all, they'd be married in a mere three weeks, and subsequently be doing a lot more than just… being alone. With a barely repressed shudder, Mito turned her attention back to the mirror in front of her.

Contemplating her reflection, she decided to leave her customary sealing tags behind and wear her hair down. After all, it was supposed to be an evening of relaxation, so she doubted she'd have to worry about it getting in the way. Besides, she thought as she threaded her fingers through a few locks, it looks nice this way. Less… uptight, she smiled to herself.

Mito heard someone bustling down the hall, and soon one of the young ladies, Reiko, burst into her room, arms overflowing with fabrics. "Mito-hime! I've brought a few kimonos for you to choose from! I hope it wasn't too presumptuous of me, but I thought that since tonight is special, you would want to select your own garments," she said excitedly, a huge grin dominating her face.

"How very thoughtful of you. Thank you, Reiko-san," Mito replied, smiling back at her.

"You are welcome! And how many times do I have to tell you to call me Reiko, Mito-hime?"

Mito chuckled. "As many times I have to ask you to call me Mito, of course." Over the past week, Mito had developed a friendship with her; Reiko may have not been a kunoichi, but Mito appreciated her candor and cheerfulness. Her bright green eyes were always bubbling with mirth, and it was rare that a smile was absent from her face. She had definitely brightened up Mito's own mood in the time they'd spent together.

"Alright, well I'll leave them here so you can choose, and then just have one of the other ladies come get me to help you dress!" With that, she left the room as abruptly as she'd entered.

As Mito wandered over to examine the different garments, her eye was drawn to a kimono of deep teal, embroidered with patterns in gold thread. The undergarment that went with it was a light blue, and there was a matching ochre obi. She knew right away that this was the one. As Mito stuck her head out the door and called for Reiko, she wondered what the night had in store.

It was twilight. Dusk had bathed Konoha in a smoky shadow, a few stray rays of sunset streaking over the landscape in deep pinks and ambers. And meanwhile Mito was still waiting for her… What should I even call this? she pondered. A date, I guess. Weird. My first real date and it's with a guy who I am already going to marry. She sighed audibly, closing her eyes and leaning her head back against the porch post she was sitting near. She'd been ready for at least two hours already, and Hashirama still hadn't showed up. Her small feeling of excitement from earlier had long fizzled out. So much for quality time.

She opened her eyes when she heard the faint sounds of footsteps down the street. A few moments later, a frazzled-looking Hashirama was right in front of her.

"Mito-san! I am so sorry," he panted. "I got held up at a meeting with Konoha's council, I tried to get away as soon as…" he paused for a moment, actually looking at his bride-to-be. If he were honest with himself, he'd realize she didn't exactly look happy to see him. But he couldn't help appreciatively taking her in with his eyes. "You look lovely," he said candidly.

Mito was a little thrown off by his forwardness, but she tried not to let it show, smoothly thanking him for his compliment and telling him his tardiness was fine. Far from it! Shouldn't a clan head be a little more punctual? Goodness.

Getting up from her seated position on the porch, she followed him a little way down the dimly lighted street. As they strolled along, he filled her in on the details of his day, making light and easy conversation, and Mito felt herself slowly relaxing. For such a strong shinobi – and one that way practically a stranger – his idle talk put her at ease. I guess I could get used to this man, she conceded. I'm going to have to, either way.

Hashirama even made her laugh once or twice, and she began feeling more and more relaxed in his presence. Eventually, they arrived at a small park, and he guided Mito over to bench, where they continued their easy conversation. That is, until he dropped a bombshell on her.

Mito blinked rapidly, as if clearing her vision would help her to process what she'd just heard. "Pardon me, but what did you just say?" she asked as politely as she was able.

"Well, Mito-san, at this time you are still not an official member of Konoha, so it's not a factor. But once we are married, I have decided that it would be best if you refrained from continuing in your shinobi lifestyle."

He continued talking, saying things like "risk to our future," and "your safety," and "children." Mito felt like her world had just imploded, and she was desperately trying to keep her temper in check. He wanted her to give up everything that she had worked so hard for? Stop being a kunoichi? Is he absolutely insane?! she shrieked inwardly.

Oblivious to his fiancée's inner turmoil, Hashirama reached over and grasped her hand in his own. "I know it's probably something you'd already decided for yourself, but I just wanted you to know I'd come to the conclusion, also. It's for the best."

Still silent, Mito tried regulating her breathing in order to calm herself. She put on her best fake smile and turned to him, "Thank you, Senju-san. I appreciate your concern very much."

He slid closer to her, drawing her toward him with his free arm around her shoulders. "I knew you would understand," he whispered.

One moment Mito was breathing in through her nose, out through her mouth, and the next, she found herself unable to breathe at all. Hashirama had leaned closer and gently pressed his lips to hers.

Madara was on his way to his favorite private secluded lake when he saw something that had him pausing for a second look. Off to the side of the path, there were two people on a bench, dimly illuminated by a nearby lamp. One look at the long dark hair of the first individual revealed it to be Hashirama. But who was the other? Silently slipping into the tree line and continuing parallel to the path, he soon realized it was a certain redheaded girl from Uzushiogakure and… Hashirama was kissing her. Good for him, he thought. Maybe it's a sign that from now on, he'll be too busy with his fiancée to bother me with mundane matters and we can focus on strengthening our village.

But at second glance, he saw details he'd missed the first time around. Like how stiff she was… and the fact that her eyes were wide open and filled with what looked like shock and… anger? That couldn't be right.

As Madara watched from the shadows, Hashirama pulled away slightly, leaning his forehead against Mito's. His hand moved to cup the side of her face, and he whispered to her, but not so quietly that Madara couldn't hear him.

"Mito… soon I am going to be your husband, and you, my wife. I hope that… although this union is arranged, you can grow to love me, eventually."

At last, Mito closed her eyes, and gave him a strained nod. "I will keep an open mind."

"That's all I can ask for," Hashirama replied as he pulled away. "Would you like me to escort you home now?"

Mito swallowed and slowly shook her head. "I'll be fine. I'd… to stay here and think for a while, if you don't mind."

He gave her hand a squeeze and gave her a meaningful look. "Alright. Goodnight, Mito-san."

With that, he finally left. Madara observed Mito as she took deep breaths and finally opened her eyes. They were as hard as the flint whose color they echoed, and her fists clenched in the fabric of her kimono. Suddenly, she got up and stalked off down the path.

The show over, Madara slipped farther into the depths of the forest, casually making his own way to his intended destination.

"He thinks he can tell me to stop being a ninja?! That STUPID! SELF-CENTERED! SEXIST! PRICK!"

Each screeched insult was punctuated by the sound of fists colliding with a tree. As Madara entered the clearing where his lake was, he was greeted by the sight of a very angry Mito, who had evidently been taking out her frustration on the innocent trees in the area. Some were smoldering, others were splintered, and one was basically reduced to mulch. There was absolute fury in every line of her body, her muscles visibly taut as she readied for another attack.

"SENJUUUUU!"

She'd literally growled the name like it was an obscenity, and had uprooted part of the tree with the force of her attack as she'd screamed.

Madara wondered why his ears always had to be the ones subjected to this torture. He was seriously considering the theory that this woman was actually a banshee in disguise. But when the clearing was silent other than the heavy breathing of the irate kunoichi, he cleared his throat to alert her to his presence.

She whirled around and met his calm, appraising gaze, her eyes still blazing with rage.

Mito was feeling better with the beatings she gave to each successive tree. Who said taking out your anger on inanimate objects wasn't satisfying? It had always worked for her. Plus, since the individual she was so incensed at was a man who could grow them on command, it felt like the trees were appropriate surrogates to unleash her fury on.

Finally slowing, she bent at the waist and put her hands on her knees, catching her breath.

And then she heard it. Someone cleared their throat. A man. And she had a feeling it was the same man that had interrupted her releasing her pent-up frustration the week prior. But at the moment, she really wasn't that concerned about keeping up the image of the perfect, subservient woman in front of him. Mito was far more agitated this time around, and she wouldn't be able to hide it if she tried. So she decided to be honest and let her annoyance at being interrupted be made known.

Rapidly turning around, she didn't disguise the raw anger coursing through her, meeting his detached gaze with irritation and defiance.

"Can I help you with something, Uchiha-dono?" she bit out, sarcasm dripping from every word. Maybe it was the cover of night, maybe she was too far gone in her rampage… but she just didn't care. "I'm in the middle of something here, if you don't mind."

"Do you see where you are, Uzumaki-san?" Madara asked, his calm expression never once faltering.

"Yes, I see where I am, and frankly, I don't care at the moment," Mito said, irked.

He raised an eyebrow, "Uzumaki-san, I came here to train, and that would be somewhat hindered by your presence, if you don't mind." Irritation finally seeped into his voice with the last phrase.

Mito pondered his statement for a moment. Then she got a look on her face like she had come up with a brilliant plan. "Ah, I'm sorry. But… you say you came here to train. Would you… spar with me?"

"Uzumaki-san, I don't know if-" he began.

"Please!"

At the earnest plea, he decided one night of training below par wouldn't dull his skills too much. Plus, judging from the destruction already decorating the clearing, she might prove to be an interesting opponent.

"As you wish, Uzumaki-san," he conceded.

In an instant, she'd shed her obi and the outer layer of her kimono and dropped into a fighting stance.

And Mito… laughed, almost… gleefully, her smile then transforming into what could be classified as nothing less than a smirk.

"Let's do this."

Forty minutes later, she wasn't smirking anymore. Her face was streaked with sweat and dirt, and her lips were set in a determined line, her entire attention focused on the ninja she was sparring with. Madara quelled the urge to let loose a smirk of his own. He wasn't the cofounder of Konoha and head of his clan for nothing, after all.

However, he had to admit that he was impressed. Before they'd begun, he'd limited the fight to taijustu only, as he really didn't want to be forced to explain to Hashirama how he'd accidentally incinerated his fiancée. But she was holding her own, despite his advantages in both size and speed. She'd managed to hit him a few times, and the force behind her blows was far more than her small frame suggested she'd be capable of.

But he could see she was nearing exhaustion, her anger finally waning, and Madara decided that it was time to bring their fight to an end. He leapt toward her again, and though she managed to block or evade his first few strikes, within a few seconds he had her pinned on the ground, face first.

"I win," and now he allowed himself a smirk.

Mito struggled under him for a moment before sagging into the ground. "Okay, you win," she admitted.

He moved aside, allowing her to get up, and she dusted herself off as she did so.

Madara expected her to leave at that point, but instead, she turned to him and met his eyes with a strange seriousness.

"Thank you. For sparring with me. And viewing me as a worthy adversary," she said quietly. Honestly. Gratefully.

For a moment, he felt as if the image of her was being burned into his retinae… moonlight spilling over her pale, dirt-streaked skin, her scarlet hair in disarray, wreathing her like a halo… but more importantly, her eyes. Thinking about it later, he'd tell himself there was really nothing special about them, but the way she looked at him with such sincerity and openness… he felt like he was being drawn into those charcoal depths.

Little did he know he was looking back at her just as intensely as he hoarsely replied, "You're welcome."

And then, for the second time in one night, one of the founders of Konoha disappeared, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

A/N: Wow! Thanks so much to the two who decided to follow this fic! I was totally shocked at having that type of response so soon.

yay for more madamito interactions!

Also, regarding the "undergarment" of the kimono - I'm not sure what it's actually called. When I was visiting a friend in Japan, she literally called it "underwear" when she was helping me put it on, and that didn't really feel appropriate haha.

"Help I'm Alive" by Metric - don't own :)