Chapter 3

Yuzuki knocked politely on the bedroom door with a basket in hand, there wasn't an answer. Out of the blue Liu appeared at her side.

"Misaki-sama has gone to attend a meeting with the council, Yuzuki-sama." She said hesitantly. "What did Madara-sama say?"

Yuzuki clenched her fists in frustration. 'That Ren deserves this.'

Liu stayed silent, she then bowed and walked away just like everyone else. Yuzuki pushed open the door to Misaki's bedroom. It smelt heavily of the woman's perfumes already. She'd only been here a day and it was already a mess. The vase on the bureau was smashed and the flowers and water lay in pieces on the floor.

It was like the fully grown woman had thrown a tantrum. A few droplets on blood were still wet on the bamboo floor where she'd beat her poor son. Yuzuki felt sick at the thought and crossed the hall to a smaller chamber, knocking patiently.

It opened and at shoulder height stood Ren, his lip was split and there was a bruise forming on his forehead to his right. She'd been too late to help him...

"Yes?" He asked, sounding meek and tired.

Yuzuki knelt down without signing and gently put her hands around his cheeks to take a better look at his face. He cringed at human contact but didn't push her away. Yuzuki turned his cheek and stood to examine the bruise, she gestured towards his chair.

Obediently the boy with clearly more authority crossed the room and sat. He understood the silent woman only wanted to help. Yuzuki dampened a cloth and wiped away the dried blood on his lip and put a colder one on his forehead to stop the swelling.

"You can't speak, can you?" He mumbled. It was barely question.

Yuzuki shook her head and smiled gently.

"This is my fault, please don't tell my father." He said, posh and brisk in speech like he wasn't used to talking. Did he have any friends?

Yuzuki shook her head at him and signed. 'Your father knows, not your fault'

Ren's eyes widened in worry, he brushed her hand aside. "I don't need help, this makes me stronger, I should be able to care for myself." He took the cloth away from her and tried to tend his wounds, rubbing instead of dabbing and only making it worse. Yuzuki stood, this is what Madara would have been like if he was Ren's age. Young, naive, probably abused.

There was a knock at the open door and Liu bowed to the both of them. "Pardon the intrusion, Madara-sama wishes to see Ren-sama for breakfast with the lady Misaki-sama."

'Will I be serving them?' Yuzuki quickly signed.

"No ma'am, that is a serving girl's duty. You are to dine with them as the... food tester." She said the word as if it disturbed her slightly.

Yuzuki gave her a look.

"I know it's not my place to say, ma'am, but I trust the cooks and the security, I don't think you would be harmed." She lingered a moment, nodded and turned away.

…

Midoka was all over her with a kimono that kept seeming to have more layers, it was silk with a theme of white and red. Gorgeous and fit for the lady of the household, why the hell did Midoka think this was appropriate.

'This isn't right, Lady Misaki should wear this.' Yuzuki signed.

Midoka burst into loud husky bellows for a laugh. "I quite frankly don't give a damn, I want that bitch to be reminded that Madara has other women. You have fucked him haven't you?" She tightened the sash at Yuzuki petite waist.

Yuzuki didn't sign anything, the memory of Madara's playful wink and too happy mood in her bed that night was almost painful.

"You don't need much make-up, you're naturally pretty. This is one of my own kimonos, but since you are head of everything that serves the Uchiha household, you should have better clothes. I will order a few kimonos to be made. I'm sure Yukina-chan will be delighted to work with a woman of your figure."

Yuzuki flushed, unable to reply since her hands had to be held out as she adjusted the sleeves.

"I mean, your figure certainly isn't in fashion. But these curves are still so sexual how could Madara-sama resist? Honestly I hope he doesn't, I want Misaki-bitch to recognise that she is too pathetically obsessed with him for him to ever have feelings for him. Their poor child though."

Yuzuki couldn't reply and so Midoka continued.

"I've never been to one of these breakfasts, but try to keep the peace. I think the last time they have breakfast together as a family, Ren was two years old and Madara nearly scooped her eyes out with a spoon."

There was a knock on the door, Liu popped her head around the door. "You're late, ma'am."

Midoka burst into maniacal laughter, "Good."

Yuzuki was ushered through the corridors and into a large room with a bamboo floor and large open windows. Light streamed in from the early sun and cast dancing shadows. Extravagant dishes lay around the middle of the table for them to help themselves.

Madara and his family weren't there, Yuzuki looked around the table. There was no indication where she should sit. It was a square table with no head and the dishes were all the same, as were the cushions. She decided to sit with her back to the sun so she wouldn't have to squint when it rose properly.

"Miss?" Asked a quiet voice, Yuzuki stopped and looked up at Ren. He was dressed from head to toe in a silky blue kimono that looked extremely uncomfortable. He moved insecurely and sat down next to her.

Yuzuki smiled encouragingly.

"Mother... She likes to sleep, the doctors say it's to do with her condition." Ren mumbled.

'Is she not well?' Yuzuki signed.

Ren played with his chop sticks debating what to say. "Not well in the head."

Yuzuki nodded and poured herself a glass of water, sipping. Ren watched fascinated.

"Why are you here, miss?" He asked innocently.

'Your parents are important people, I must try their food in case it is poisoned.' She signed.

Outrage overtook Ren's face, insecurity forgotten. "That's so stupid! You're kind and good, they can't risk you dying!"

Yuzuki shook her head and put a little of everything on her plate, at that moment Misaki and Madara entered together in majestic stride. A power couple, Misaki's bright smile disappeared the moment she saw her.

"What is SHE doing here?!" She shrieked at Madara, turning on him and tugging at his kimono with both hands.

Madara roughly pulled her hands off. "She is testing our food, or would you rather risk it?"

Misaki ground her teeth in answer and the two sat down.

"Thought as much," Madara's voice dripped like honey from smugness. Yuzuki came to the conclusion that Madara simply loved to be right. Cocky bastard.

Yuzuki bit down on some sort of sea food in a strange sauce, the flavour filled her mouth and reminded her of when she fell down as a child and got dirt in her mouth. It was foul. She couldn't contain her grimace, it caught Madara's attention.

"Do you not like our cook's cooking?" He asked.

Yuzuki shook her head and signed. 'It's delicious' with shaky hands. Shaky... She swallowed the bite with difficulty, slime with a powdery centre.

The Uchiha started to put food on their plates, the scents started to fill Yuzuki's nostrils and she turned, heaving. Choking. She spluttered some of the powder up on the bamboo floor and stood.

'Excuse-' she couldn't finish and fell forward as she vomited up blood and stomach acid.

It burned, it was unnaturally painful, like drinking disinfectant. Madara stood and in one brisk movement pulled her over his knee and stuck two fingers in her mouth reaching for her gag reflex.

"What the hell are you doing, Madara-kun?" Misaki stood indignantly.

Yuzuki heaved, and violently threw up. Dribble coming out of her nose and her eyes watered from the scent.

"M-miss..." Ren stuttered.

Yuzuki's stomach churn and the dreading sensation of vomiting overcame her again.

"Ren-kun, fetch Kimoka-san. The doctor. As fast as possible." Madara said sternly, Ren nodded, stepping back in horror and Yuzuki splattered blood everywhere.

Misaki left.

Madara rubbed her back reassuringly as Yuzuki collapsed into crying in his lap, he reached forward for the water. It had been the fish dish that was poisoned.

"Drink this, get the blood out of your throat."

Yuzuki gulped the cold liquid and it trickled a little down her chin, she coughed a little and breathed heavily in Madara's crook on his neck.

"Just calm down."

Yuzuki couldn't, she shook in uncontrollable tears. Silent tears that seems to rip at her throat. She doubled over, choking up the blood. Gently with surprising consideration, Madara held her and silently was her rock.

Moments later Kimoka rushed in with a bag of medicine, he knelt beside her and took a swab of spit. He set it on a side plate and added a drop of liquid from a tiny blue bottle. Immediately the saliva turned black.

"Kimoka-san, you're supposed to be caring for Yuzuki-chan." Madara said with a faint growl of irritation, Kimoka looked surprised at his tone for a split second and witnessed Yuzuki double over in his arms again. Madara's expression changed as he looked at her, rubbing her back.

"Her body is doing the right thing, she'll be cured when she stops vomiting, although if you want to be sure, come back by office and I'll give you a check up. The poison was ingested through your mouth, you're in far less danger than if it has been in your bloodstream." Kimoka explained.

Yuzuki fainted nodded before collapsing, Madara caught her before she fell into the remains of the fish. Madara turned her and checked her pulse, still beating. It was irregular and scared him a little.

"You care for her." Kimoka stated.

"Of course I do, she's a valuable asset to the community. She works hard." Madara replied and pulled her up into his arms where he picked her up.

"... Madara-sama..." Kimoka sighed in exasperation.

"No Kimoka-san. Do your job and YOU CARE for her. I want her back on her feet by tomorrow." Madara snapped.

"Yes, sir." Kimoka opened the door for them and Madara swept out of the room and through the corridors.

They were all the same, bamboo floors and dark wall paper. It was miserable. Why was he just noticing this now?

He kicked open the door to her room and set her down, leaning down engulfed him in her hair where his nose was inches from her neck. Soft and tender.

Behind the scent of forced perfume no doubt from Midoka and the scent of vomit, he smelled that calming scent. Now he understood where it was coming from, she was everywhere cleaning and it came off on his bedsheets and clothings. It was driving him crazy.

Madara sighed from exhaustion, battle wasn't like this. It wasn't stressful, it wasn't emotional. What were emotions anyway? They were tools shinobi used to manipulate in espionage and to get their way in war. Black mail. They could be used against him, he had to hide them all his life. It was what gave him respect.

He examined every inch of her with his eyes, her eyes were closed but her eyelids were full like a western woman, average and almond shaped. Skin surprisingly soft everywhere except her hands, her hands were the hands of a worker. Madara leaned forward and picked one up, they were dwarfed by his own. How did she get things done? He shook his head in pity.

Madara turned her hand over and saw a small scar like a bite from a small animal on her index finger. She was so clumsy, always getting hurt. It frustrated him to no end.

He's always been told he was warm blooded therefore everyone else seemed cold to him, but Yuzuki's were like ice. He stood and closed the window abruptly. The sun had risen and lightened the room, the sun bouncing back from her soft silky hair.

"Tch," he said in annoyance and started undressing her, he could have called a maid but he didn't have anything else to do. A normal breakfast was supposed to finish in an hour or so.

He struggled with the bows and finally pulled off the top layer, the rest came off easily in far too many layers. How was this even fashionable? Her last layer was white silk and showed the curves of her bosom, her tiny waist and bottom. Madara leaned back to control himself, he had found the clothing held most of the scent. It was probably perfume from Midoka.

There was a knock at the door, Madara's eyes widened. A girl's voice called out.

"Yuzuki-sama? Are you awake? I've brought you a herbal remedy." The girl said softly.

Madara dashed to the window, flung it open and jumped out disappearing.

…

Yuzuki woke, drowsy and with a headache. Someone has placed a cold rag on her forehead and she could smell the appealing smell of herbal tea. She took the rag off and sat up.

"Be careful, miss." Ren said quickly.

Yuzuki smiled in thanks and leaned up on her elbow. Signing roughly with one hand.

'Sleep, long?'

Ren nodded. "6 hours... Liu worked for you, you've had several visitors. I'll have your tea heated."

Yuzuki shook her hand and gestured there was no need. She reached for the mug and took a sip of the cold liquid, Ren watched her worriedly.

"You took care of me... Nobody does that for me so this is my repayment." Ren said in a rush of embarrassment.

'How long have you been here?' Yuzuki signed and realised how thirsty she was, gulping the rest down.

"... All six hours." Ren said and flushed. Yuzuki smiled.

'You didn't need to do that.' Yuzuki signed. 'But thank you, it means a lot.'

Yuzuki looked down to see she was just wearing one layer of almost see through clothing, she blushed and pulled the blanket more upwards. Ren noticed and looked away.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realise..." Ren said apologetically. "I'll go, I'll see you at the dance?"

'What dance?' Yuzuki signed but Ren had already rushed up. Yuzuki shook her head in exasperation and stood, she pulled a comb through her hair and slipped on a simple blue and red kimono. It was about midday and she was famished.

Maybe Madara would give her the day off, considering?

She exited and headed towards the kitchen when she heard noises. She stopped outside the door and heard shouting, one vague and generic man's voice and one extremely angry dictator.

"This is bullshit! You weren't keeping a close enough eye on the food?! What kind of a chef are you?! You are pathetic! You can't protect anyone! Do you know what you've done? You've almost killed a woman, she's valuable and you're not. You are fucking fired! You're lazy and disobedient. For all I know, you could have been the leak of information of when I was having breakfast with me family."

"Sir..." The chef said meekly, upset and almost in tears. His voice was shaking in terror.

"Don't sir me, I am your commander, I am your superior in everywhere. I god's say that I could cook better too." Madara said like a narcissist.

"Sir." The chef sounded like he was defeated.

"Your last order is to go to the barracks and find a soldier who will protect the food from poison, who will order the warehouse to be better protected as well. Then pack your things and leave. You're banished from the residence." Madara opened the door and slammed it behind him. He sensed the presence beside him and rounded on Yuzuki. "WHAT DO YOU WANT!" He shouted and was stunned when he realised it was her. "Yuzuki-chan..."

'I was wondering if I could spend the day to recover,' Yuzuki signed. She shook a little, the expression on his face was terrifying. Every corner of his face was turned in and creased with anger. It disappeared as soon as he laid eyes on her.

"Yes, take your time. But make it to the dance, that is an order. It's in the village hall tonight."

'Yes, sir.' She signed.

Madara paused, Yuzuki looked exhausted, she was too unhealthily pale. Was it the best idea to drag her to a dance? Her usual bouncy and shiny waves were flaccid and dull, laying lank around her face, everything about her seemed defeated. She was clothes in a loose kimono, her feet were bare and she looked like she'd just thrown on something to cover her modesty.

Madara lifted her chin to look get a better look at her, she'd lost weight.

'Will I be testing your food?' She signed.

Madara's face darkened at the thought and he let go like she'd just offended him and his entire clan. "No. You're a guest, a professional will be testing my food from now on."

Yuzuki smiled gratefully, her face seemed to light up the room for a brief moment. Their eyes met awkwardly.

'Sir?' Yuzuki signed, confused.

"Stop being so weak! I'm assigning you a body guard. You're too clumsy." Madara started to rant.

'Sorry, sir'. Yuzuki signed meekly. 'I'll do better in the future'.

"Stop trying so hard, this house is spotless as it is. It isn't just you and that girl that clean this, you should be relaxing. Especially with those injuries." Madara continued. "Do you know how much longer you'd be resting if you split ANY of those cuts open, or knelt on a bruise and you fell down the stairs. AGAIN."

Yuzuki hung her head in confusion and then shame.

"Don't look at me like that, how long have you been so clumsy? For your sake I hope it's recent and just nerves working here." Madara massaged his temples.

'Since birth'. Yuzuki sighed, Madara didn't know what to say.

"... Two body guards it is."

Yuzuki shook her head in horror. 'I can take care of myself'.

"Obviously you can't," he prodded the bruise he had seen earlier on her arm. Yuzuki winced and her whole face caved in pain. Madara felt like bashing his head against the wall.

"Kimoka-san... I'm sorry Yuzuki-chan, he's used to treating shinobi, he does realise how delicate you are. You need extra care."

'He's busy, he can't always help me'. Yuzuki signed.

"Well he should be able to, go to my office." Madara turned and swept out.

Confused and stunned, Yuzuki tried to hide herself from view of others. She had only meant to grab a bite to eat, her appearance was dreadful. Gingerly she tiptoed past a couple guards who pretended not to notice her. After she passed, they exchanged a knowing look as they realised she was heading towards the office.

Yuzuki entered the office and waited, standing in front of his desk. There were still untouched food remains by a stack of sheets waiting to be signed. It was stuffy, she leaned over to the window and opened it. The refreshing scent of the cheery tree blossom swept in and engulfed her, she smiled into the wind.

It was sunny but the wind was still a little too strong, it flushed her cheeks and made her hair fly up and catch the sun. She leaned on her elbow and admired the view of the gardens. The wisteria and flowers had come into full bloom and it was gorgeous.

Madara stood, stunned at the door. Even as ruffled and sick as she was. If beauty were flowers, then she'd be the whole garden to him. He watched as she relaxed a little and let what remained of her guard down.

He leaned back against the door, surveying.

A few moments passed and Yuzuki glanced at the door, wondering where he was. She flushed when she saw him and quickly signed.

'Sorry sir, you have my attention.' She bowed.

Madara's eyebrows furrowed at the gesture and he pointed at the chair behind his desk for her sit. Yuzuki shuffled and sat awkwardly at such an important desk. Madara closed the door ominously and he reached into his desk, pulled out a medical kit and put a hand on her kimono.

He knelt, on his knees before her.

She didn't resist as he pulled the upper half off until it draped over her sash at his slim waist. Too slim. Madara pushed her inner kimono up over her shoulder and rubbed an ointment on her soft, bruised skin. In circular motions he took his time. She closed her eyes, it was comforting to have his hands on her.

'Thank you for this, sir. You didn't need to-.' Yuzuki signed but was cut off when Madara forced her hands apart and on her lap to rest.

"Stay still," he commanded.

Yuzuki watched, oddly blushing a little at his concentrated face. It was obvious he wasn't used to treating others, it was probably because he was such an ass. So why wasn't he being an ass to her?

She was so confused.

Madara rubbed the rest of the ointment in and looked up, catching her grey eyes. She was smiling, he felt a little sick in his stomach and rapidly stood up. She stopped smiling and the feeling stopped instantly.

"When you're healed, I want you to join me in practice, I will teach you the basics of fighting and hopefully some of my coordination wears off on you." Madara decided. Yuzuki looked at his with a look of tired exasperation of not another thing to do and dread.

"Tch, don't look at me like that. You need to be able to protect yourself, female shinobi are rare and I don't expect you to master anything, only take a few lessons so that if some amateur bandits try to attack you when you're doing whatever women do in their free time. You can defend yourself." Madara put the medical kit back into the top draw. "You will thank me one day."

Yuzuki nodded and accepted his offer, 'thank you'. She too stood but couldn't pass Madara.

He didn't move and there was utter silence between them.

There was a sharp knock on the door and in came Midoka. She swept a low bow and Madara stepped back from Yuzuki.

"Madara-sama, Misaki-bitch is asking for you." She said with glee.

"I don't care." Madara said, his tone was dark with hatred.

"You should sir, she's your wife." Midoka smiled mischievously.

Madara glanced at Yuzuki and she nodded in agreement with Midoka, she stepped past Madara and towards the door. She turned to sign.

'I should prepare myself for this dance, may I be excused sir?' She asked.

Madara nodded, still angry at the mention of Misaki.

…

"What the hell do you want, woman?" Madara growled, Misaki jumped out of her seat. She looked up with loving eyes.

"Madara-kun..." She said softly.

"You can no right to say that, we haven't seen each other in years." Madara snapped, he kept the door open as he walked in.

"You acknowledged me as a person..." Misaki said with a smile.

"You are a human, humans are the worst savage out there. Humans feel lust, it drives them to do nightmarish things. It brings pain to others. Just like when you fucked the Senju and gave birth to Ren." Madara didn't shout, he said it like a fact. Not disgusted or anything, monotone.

"... I..." Misaki couldn't say anything.

"It is your fault our clans are at each other's throats even more now than ever, you don't even know who the father is. You fucked so many of them. Why did you even do it?" Madara crossed his arms.

"I thought you would finally talk to me, I thought we could get past our glitch. We could have a family too. They were in town..."

"You were wrong, my 'glitch' is fine. I can't have children. Nothing wrong with that. I can pass the commander of the Uchiha onto one of my captains. They have proved themselves many times. But no, you mixed the blood and now you will continue to pay for what you've done."

"But you noticed me." Misaki said softly.

"Yes, now every time someone remind me that you exist. I vomit a little in my mouth. My men can never know that Ren-kun isn't my son." Madara almost spat the words, he was furious.

"Ren-kun is your son, Madara. I had the chakra tested. It's as strong as yours." Misaki replied in desperation, she didn't dare come any closer to Madara. He almost glowed with a red aura of anger.

"I'm infertile. He can't be." Madara claimed.

Misaki shook her head and tears swelled up. "The Senju gave me a drug that increased the fertility. It was in the same ovulation that we made love, Madara-kun. Ren-kun is yours."

"He's pathetic." Madara growled.

"Yes, yes he is..." Misaki agreed.

"Just like you." Madara concluded and turned away.

"No. No..." Misaki bit her lip, heartbroken.

"Don't go to the dance tonight." Madara commanded, slamming the bedroom door shut behind him.

…

Madara strode down the corridor and stood outside his door, hearing something. Faint splashes of water from a nearby room. He turned and power walked to the bathroom, he opened the door a crack and spied Yuzuki pouring the last bucket of water into a hot bath. Why the hell was she using his bath?

Yuzuki was smiling to herself as she.. oh Kami... Madara watched as she untied her sash and draped it over the drying rack. He really shouldn't be watching but he needed something to relax himself.

Yuzuki dropped the blue kimono on the ground and then came off the undergarments. Her soft skin seemed to glow in the dim light. Madara wished it was brighter to see more.

All he could see was her back, she has a prominent hourglass figure with a pert ass he'd like to slap to watch bounce. She turned and Madara saw average breasts with raspberry nipples that looked like they tasted sweet, her stomach was flat and seemed to have a V above and another upside below her belly button. Perhaps a little malnourished.

Her mouth opened wide in a yawn and he imagined thrusting his-

Oh Kami, she stretched with her arms up and her hip boned turned into a V that pointed directly at a trimmed bush. Madara contained his urges and continued watching as Yuzuki stepped into the bath and submerged his body in glistening water.

Madara grit his teeth and turned away, this was why she needed a body guard. Anyone could have passed this door and opened it to watch her, anyone... He clenched his fists at the thought of someone else watching her. He'd protect her.

…

Yuzuki was smiling, she hadn't smiled this much at the residence for a while, the hot water was so good. It was seeping into her pours and making her sleepy, promptly her stomach growled and she sighed. She still hadn't fed herself.

She rubbed the last of the soap off herself and stood, drying herself with a towel. There was a knock at the door.

"Its me, Liu." Called out the young girl. Yuzuki opened the door and Liu smiled briefly and bowed.

"I've brought you a large lunch, I was told to prepare you for the dance." Liu was holding a tray of a spread of food. Yuzuki burst into a thankful smile as her stomach growled as the delicious smell of fresh food.

'Thank you so much, could you take it to my room?' Yuzuki quickly signed, her towel almost falling off.

"Of course," the awkward teenager bowed, trying not to head her hair in Yuzuki's lunch. "I will take food there and then I will clean up after you here. You shouldn't be cleaning in your state, miss."

'Thank you, Liu-chan'. Yuzuki signed.

…

Author's Note: feel free to PM me with ideas and leave a review letting me know what you think.