Author's Note: Thank you for all who have been reading and keeping up with the story, disregarding the length of time it takes me to update. In addition...I don't, I don't really like my summary, so I may change that up. In addition, this chapter is focused mostly on Tobirama's thought process on this situation.

When Tobirama made his mind up about something or someone, his opinion hardly ever wavered. He was just that type of person, biased almost. In his mind, one person's actions, could determine how that person's family, clan, etc., acted. Tobirama had been like that, ever since he was a child and it usually took a great deal of convincing to change his mind.

During the war, before the founding of the village, he remembered his father's talk about the Uchiha clan, how low he spoke of them. As a child, Tobirama never really understood what there was to hate about them, but he didn't speak out against his father. However, as he aged and fought on the battlefield more, he finally understood the cruel nature of the Uchiha clan. They were ruthless murderers, just as his father had told him, the burned every man, woman and child in their wake.

As he grew from child to teenager, and teenager to a young man, he realized that the only way to face such a terrible clan, was to treat them as they treated others, meaning being just as ruthless or even more ruthless. The Uchiha clan had taken many comrades from him, even his own mother and father.

So through the years, Tobirama made a name for himself. He killed more Uchiha's than anyone in his clan so far, and he was ruthless when doing so. He didn't spare even the youngest or inexperienced Uchiha. Even if they were injured on the battlefield, they would still meet the cold iron of his blade. Even if they were young, an Uchiha was still and Uchiha. However, as solid as his mindset was and as sure as he was about the Uchiha clan...this trio that had taken him in, despite knowing who he was, almost changed his mind, almost.

The way these three acted, completely squandered the Uchiha name for him. They were not serious, ominous or dark. They were goofy, the three of them in addition, they were clumsy, funny, etc. Everything that an Uchiha wasn't. To further add to the strange outlandish traits, their names were the weirdest things he'd ever head.

Maria, Peter, and Saul, names fitting for their strange personalities.

There was Saul, who was the youngest Tobirama had gathered, he seemed to be lazy and not on top of things at all. While he even mentioned to his sister that training would benefiet him, he didn't train at all, infact it wasn't uncommon for the boy to be sleeping and or eating.

Peter, the oldest one out of the trio was also the clumsiest one, the clumsiest person Tobirama had ever met. Every five seconds, he'd be on the ground, trying to recollect both himself and his belongings. It was a wonder how he was still alive. Yet, despite his negative inquiries, Tobirama loved his personality...of course he didn't say it out loud, but Peter was very calm and subtle for the most part. He was either always reading or writing when he was not fighting. If the situation was different, then perhaps he and Tobirama could have been friends, yet there was no way to get across the fact that he was an Uchiha.

Lastly, there was Maria Uchiha, she interested Tobirama the most.

Perhaps it was the fact that despite the fact that she a woman, she played both the Patriarch and Matriarch of the family. In Senju and Uzumaki customs, it was very uncommon for a woman to lead without the assistance of a man. However, Maria proved that Uchiha women were the opposite. Independent, thorough minded, and most of all, forgiving.

This quality that she had about her, the quality of forgiveness, captivated Tobirama the most. She took him in, despite the fact that he nearly killed her a day earlier. In addition, he wasn't some prisoner to her...he was more like a patient. In addition, despite knowing that Tobirama was a Senju, Maria still made efforts to speak to him, even if he ignored her.

She was hardworking, always cleaning, cooking, training, etc. Tobirama enjoyed watching her do things and as strange as it was, he was actually somewhat attracted to her. Of course, he'd never admit it or say it to her face, besides, after he got better...they'd go back to being enemies.

At least that's what Tobirama thought, he was not sure if Maria thought the same. Regardless of if she did or did not, Tobirama had to remember that she was still and Uchiha, and that all Uchiha's were the same.

It was another night, when both Saul and Peter were out for war call. The only two remaining in the house were Maria and Tobirama. Maria was downstairs, sweeping dust off of the wooden floor, she believed Tobirama to be upstairs at that moment. However, unbeknownst to her, he stood leaning on the frame of the kitchen entry way, staring at her as she carried out her late night chores.

Despite the injury still gaping in Tobirama's chest, he felt better. Still, he couldn't help but think about how worried his brother was. It had been nearly a month since his absence, and he had absolutely no contact with the outside world. There were perhaps search parties looking for him, if they hadn't cancelled out the fact that he was still alive however. In his current situation, Tobirama had no hope in the Senju clan finding him, he didn't even know where he was. Upon one day looking out of the window, he saw a glimpse of the outside world and from that, he inferred that the area the siblings resided in was covered by trees. No where near an actual battle field.

If he truly wanted a search party to find him, he'd perhaps have to send a flare or something...something that could be seen past those trees.

"You're up and well, it seems like." The soft kind voice had nearly knocked him off his feet. Standing there before him, with her arms crossed in a normal fashion, was Maria Uchiha. There was a smirk on her face, something that all Uchiha's shared. "I'm guessing you're feeling a little better? Your wound is almost completely healed."

"I can tell." Tobirama finally spoke, crossing his own arms over his chest.

There was a silent pause, as the two stared at each other. Maria continued to smirk, while Tobirama's lips curled into somewhat of a smile.

Obviously, this girl wasn't his enemy, nor did she intend to act like it. He could at least let his walls down for a second, afterall if she tried to attack him, he could easily over power her.

"Are you hungry?" Her calm voice broke into his thought process as she tugged on his long sleeved shirt. "If so, dinner is ready...it's chicken, I hope you don't mind."

"I don't." He replied softly, and without a second thought, Maria grabbed his sleeve and pulled him into the kitchen.

Tobirama focused on Maria as she led him to the dining table, and set it with care. Despite the fact that there were only two of them, she still added more plates than she needed, in addition she took time placing every fork, spoon, napkin etc., in its rightful place. She was very focused.

It seemed as though Maria noticed Tobirama's stare, as she sat down, and faced him.

"So...are you going to eat?" She motioned towards his plate with her fork.

Tobirama noticed the chicken steaming on his plate and took hold of the fork on his napkin. It felt strange actually, after all he was so used to using chopsticks...a fork was very, strange. Maria noticed this, rolled her eyes and stood.

"What are you_"

"Let me help you, you're obviously used to using chopsticks." Maria bent down behind Tobirama who was sitting, and snaked her fingers in his own so she now had some control over his hand and the fork.

"See, it's easy once you get the hang of it..." She helped him, bringing his hand up and down and to his mouth like he was some child. He made a grunt of disapproval, causing Maria to laugh and walk back towards her seat. She then began to eat her own food.

Silence ensued as the two ate and drank. Maria seemed as if she was daydreaming, however, Tobirama focused on her. Just the way she moved, ate and drank. She was very angelic, and that was a surprising thought, coming from someone like him.

"Why did you save me?" He broke his own train of thought, and let the question automatically come from his mouth.

It was obvious that Maria was taken by surprise, but she still answered.

"You were injured, it would be unfair to kill you if_"

"So if I was well, you'd kill me?" He asked, with his same impassive voice. "Is that it?"

Maria frowned. "I don't enjoy killing. Can we not talk about this, Tobirama..."

He rose an eyebrow. "Defensive, are we?"

She rolled her eyes and ate her food. Tobirama laughed, causing her to look up.

"My turn to ask you a question." Maria spoke. "Why do you dislike the Uchiha clan so much."

"Same reason you dislike the Senju Clan."

"But I don't dislike your clan, I'm just forced to fight them...we're at war."

"Hn." Tobirama replied angrily, causing Maria to laugh.

"You're such a kid, it's hilarious...what's your problem?"

"I don't have a problem, you do."

Maria rolled her eyes and stood. "Suit yourself. I see you ate your chicken, you must still be hungry, here_" She stood, walked over and took his plate. "I'll be back."

Tobirama watched her as she vanished into the kitchen. There was somewhat of a lopsided smile left on his face.

Maria Uchiha truly did amuse him.

No serious questions in this chapter, mainly because it was small interaction between the two of them, but nevertheless I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please, please review and I'll update as soon as possible.

I do not own Naruto.