"Sarutobi Takeshi. Ninja clans. Warrior class." Takeshi answered smiling slightly, tilting his head, still kneeling on the ground, moving to a bit more formal position, allowing them to see Saki once more, the traces of weakness hidden, as the armies outside rallied and prepared to either leave or scavenge, their shadows sliding from time to time into the hall, the voices reaching them very faintly.

"You're part of Sasuke's village?" Yukimura piped in, surprised, staring respectfully at the larger man.

"You could say that…" Takeshi smirked, standing, his chains jingling merrily, moving a few steps towards the entrance, taking a deep breath, surveying the area before turning towards them once more. "So… koneko… are you married now?"

Saki went stiff and groaned her eyes narrowing.

"Koneko?" Yukimura murmured, staring at Saki, his expression completely confused. She did not elaborate, lowering her head further, shoulders hunching. Then the memories clicked in place for the Young Tiger.

"Sanada-danna, we're ready to leave." Sasuke appeared on the partially destroyed doorway.

"Of course…" Yukimura stood and moved away. "I wish you a good journey." He said formally with a slight bow and went down the stairs, into the courtyard. Sasuke turned slightly, watching.

"Take him with you…" Saki pleaded, pointing at Takeshi who was moving towards Date, taking his face between his hands, appraising him, humming absentmindedly. Sasuke chuckled and disappeared. "Damn it Sarutobi…"

"Really?" Takeshi began, making her spine stiffen in fear. She turned to see what was being done "This is the men you chose to bond with? He looks kind of… bedraggled." Takeshi backed away a bit without letting go when Date swatted at him, easily deflecting the half-hearted blow, tilting the Dragon's head from side to side. "The face is not exactly symmetrical and the missing eye might be a problem…" He narrowed his eyes, drawing nearer to his prisoner's face "Also the colour is weird…" One hand was free now, ruffling Date's hair carelessly. "Not too coarse even if it looks a bit shaggy... At least his teeth look nice. Ooh feisty… he tries to bite." Takeshi jumped away, smiling as Date snarled and moved to an almost attack with the claw he still had nearby.

Saki placed her hand on the One-Eyed Dragon's shoulder, keeping him still. Date glanced at her under the sharp eyes of Takeshi. He didn't notice the glare nor the begrudging approval when he calmed down under the unspoken urge, settling back as to not upset his wound. Katakura-dono was saying nothing either... why wasn't he when the One-Eyed Dragon was being...

"He's not a horse." Saki murmured, her voice fading, eyes darting to the only possible escape route while keeping a brittle leash on her boss.

"Have you checked under the clothes to make sure he is healthy?"

"Would you stop it old man?" Saki groaned, hiding her face in her palm.

"I'm just making sure…

"Go back home."

"But koneko…" Takeshi smiled wistfully and stood, backing away. "Ah… Children grow so fast. One day they are running through the house playing with your weapons next they're on top of their hirer making future ninja…" Katakura-dono paled considerably when he heard that. Date gritted his teeth. Saki blushed a deeper red, no longer bothering to control her reactions.

"Are you done?" She whimpered.

"Just about, yes." Takeshi smiled, feigning innocence. Then his expression turned serious. "He'd better take good care of you." The shinobi murmured, still loud enough to be heard, his tone dark and bitter, crouching in front of Saki, caressing her cheek very gently, tilting her head up. He leaned, kissing her forehead before disappearing.

"That bastard…" Date began to stand, furious.

"Masamune-sama… that man is Saki's father." Katakura-dono finally spoke up to break the reckless state Date was working himself into.

"What?" Date's rage ebbed away, shattered, replaced by confusion and then comprehension. He looked at Saki who hid a massive blush and shell-shocked expression between her palms. He smirked slightly. "Koneko?" Saki actually whimpered without him touching her, even though the sound was clearly pained, curling into herself.

"Please don't…"

"Kojuro. Go gather the guys." He waited for his Right Eye to leave before addressing her. "Saki." She looked up, the blush still bright, answering to his soft call. "Help me up." The shinobi went to him gently, sliding her arms around his waist. The One-Eyed Dragon stood smoothly, needing no true help from her despite his tiredness. Date placed his hand against her cheek, brushing a quick kiss over her was dead. Oshu needed to be rebuilt, their losses covered, part of the army reassembled and trained, new soldiers were needed. It was… almost surreal. There was time now. If only for a while there was time. "Scout ahead, find a spot for a good camp."

Saki nodded softly and turned away, picking her bag, vanishing.

The ride was uneventful and smooth, the stops kept to a minimum as they all seemed eager to return home. Saki closed her eyes for a moment, leaning against Date's back, feeling numb, dizzy, sore and sleepy. Her antidote was running out and soon her body would have to expunge the rest of the poison on its own. But the symptoms she was experiencing were no different from what everyone else was going through. No complaint about it ever left her lips.

There was a feeling of festive hopefulness as they crossed Oshu, the army thinning as its members were allowed to return to their homes for the time at least. Summons would be issued later on, after. It was just a handful that stopped at the gates of the bukeyashiki. Saki opened her eyes tiredly when she felt Date stir, dismounting. She tilted her head a bit over her shoulder, seeing the familiar walls and did the same, sliding down the horse with little grace, sighing.

"I'm going for a bath…" She whispered, faking a smile. "Don't be surprised if I don't come to you tonight…" Date smiled slightly, distracted.

"If you don't come I'll get you." He challenged, guiding the horse through the gates before the servants swarmed to welcome their lord.

"If you can find me." Saki conceded, turning her back on him, keeping the smile for show, going towards her room, the steps she took widening and quickening into an almost run as soon as she was out of sight, sparing only a quick nod to those she found on her path.

Saki checked her temperature quickly, without bothering to close the shoji, abandoning her belongings in the room, the bag vaguely clinking as it hit the tatami, picking her sleeping shirt, one she had left behind. It hadn't started yet but true pain was settling in, radiating from her centre in waves, striking and ebbing away, little more than an annoying cramp for the moment.

It was a quick affair with warm water and a brisk scrubbing but what mattered was feeling clean once more. It gave her a slightly hopeful outlook on the situation. It was an illusion that would burst soon but she had been taught to embrace what she could for as long as it lasted. She slid out of the water carefully, tying the towel around her, walking towards the clothes when the first wave of actual pain gripped her senses, making her hiss, kneeling gracelessly, arms going around herself in a hug, as if curling could lessen the sharp stabbing sensation, the feel of being ripped apart, her breathing turning laboured and harsh, flittering on the edge of tears.

Too soon…

Saki closed her eyes for a moment, struggling to get up, to move, to simply inhale. Nothing seemed to be obeying properly, too focused on hurting her… another wave hit, freeing tears this time. She could feel them slide down her cheeks, cooling the rapidly heating skin… and still… she was feeling so cold…

"Saki-dono?" One of the servants, a young girl… she must have heard her… the fusuma slid open, the sound on the back of her senses as the shinobi sighed, the onslaught ebbed away, leaving aching muscles behind. There was a sudden gasp as the girl found her curled on the floor. She ran towards her, touching her shoulder, helping her to sit straight, going through the motions, placing her hand against her forehead… did she… she had a little brother, the shinobi remembered that. She was treating her like she would an ailing child. Saki had made sure to calm the fears of the servants in the house, given the reputation ninja had as cold-blooded and random killers in the eyes of the people… and seeing that they always knew what happened in the household and surrounding fields she also used the friends inside as a secondary and unknowing spy net. The girl gave her the meaningful look, allowing Saki to know that she was indeed looking sick.

There was an easy way out. Tell her she was a bit ill, having sustained the awful weather in the war, that the cold air had gotten to her lungs and the wounds of the previous battles were bothering her and she needed to sleep so much… but before she could lie to assuage the servants' fears and misdirect their attention another wave hit, making her curl once more, her nails digging into her arms, drawing blood as a reminder to keep quiet in front of others.

The girl's worried expression turned to a clear panic as she stood, her mouth opening, clearly intent on calling help. Saki's eyes narrowed and she moved, standing, grabbing her arm, covering her mouth coldly.

"Not a word of this. Not to anyone. Understood?" Her voice grew icy and harsh, keeping the girl pinned against her, using her nails against her back, mimicking a blade she did not have. Why didn't she have a blade? Saki though dimly… she usually had weapons everywhere…

Whatever the servant was seeing in her was enough to make her tremble in fear, nodding quickly.

Saki tsk, freeing the girl gently, grimacing as she walked past her, now truly fighting to hide the pain, not allowing the audience to witness it again, and knowing what she was about to do would only make it harsher. She picked the shirt, slipping it over her body, letting the towel drop before shadowing, vanishing completely from sight.

Her room was empty… The One-Eyed Dragon looked around, catching on the signs that she had been there but no hint as to where she might have vanished to. She was not bathing and not in his room… Maybe he actually had to give her orders to sleep and rest. If Saki had left already to do "ninja things"… No. Her bag was still there and knowing some of its contents it was very unlikely she would leave it behind like that. Date turned, starting to leave. Maybe she had gone to Kojuro for some last briefing before retiring. A servant caught his attention, flitting about, walking briskly but hesitating before peeking into the rooms, a terrified look in her eyes as she looked around after each action, clearly searching for something. He turned slightly, eye narrowing in suspicion, walking towards her.

"Have you seen Saki?" His voice came out a bit more forceful and gruff than she had intended but the young woman seemed not to be aware of his presence. Indeed she jumped when he greeted her, turning around, eyes wide and face pale.

"Date-sama… I… hum…" She bowed deeply, suddenly, shivering, stammering a bit before clearing her throat to answer his query. "I can't seem to find her."

"Why would you need to find her?" The One-Eyed Dragon drawled slowly unmoving.

"I… huh…" She took a deep breath, not straightening. "Forgive me for this broken promise." The girl whispered quickly to the air. "Saki-dono is sick. I saw her and she was hurting and didn't allow me to call for help. She actually threatened me… that is why I know that it's bad…" The servant gulped suddenly, looking around once more. "I haven't told anyone… please, I swear it, but I need to find her."

"Go back to your post." Date sighed, staring at the girl. "I'll take care of it." Whatever the girl saw in him at that moment was enough to send her scurrying away with a very terrified expression, more so than the one she had worn when Saki had actually extracted her promise.

"You should sleep." The One-Eyed Dragon whispered looking at the fabric of the tent. Saki made an uncommitted sound sitting next to him on the mat. Date pulled her braid playfully, tugging her down to his side. She resisted every step of the way but ended up settling down next to him, staring with a challenging expression in her grey eyes.

"You're the one who needs healing." She grumbled, looking away, keeping her expression neutral, shifting it quickly as he moved, sliding his arms around her, drawing her near, his fingers finding little more than scratches as he patted her in a search for the wounds that she usually kept quiet about.

"So?" He whispered against her ear, humming.

"I'm not doing this." Saki turned her back on him, moving as if to crawl away from the mat and covers. He pulled her close once more, back against front, nuzzling her neck.

"And? He grabbed both her wrists, pinning them against her chest, opening his hand over them. The simple fact that she hadn't shadowed already was telling.

"I'm not." Saki whispered, her voice lower and sweeter, unconsciously moving closer, fitting in.

"Because?" He settled back, parting a bit, satisfied when she sought him out, coming closer with a hum.

"I can't believe you made me do this." She whispered, her voice growing sleepy, curling against him, her hand moving under his, slipping away, covering it, closing her eyes, falling asleep quickly enough.

The slap to the back of his head as soon as he had taken of the helmet had no sting in it. It was more of a playful way to remind him he had been careless. Actually Kojuro's attempt to hide a quiet chuckle had stung quite a bit more. When a tiny uninjured ninja female scolded her hirer with sarcasm in her voice there was an audience to check her actions and call them cute.

Cute was not the word he would have used.

"You really should be a bit more careful Boss." She smiled, patting the scratch that seemed to be the only wound he received in the northern campaigns after dousing it with some kind of dust. "No one knows when a weapon might be poisoned. Even the tiniest scratch could prove fatal then… Dead Dragon is not good."

Scratches…

The house was big and there were too many hiding places. That was not the point of construction but anyone could find a hiding spot with a bit of imagination and trickery. He knew this, remembered a lot of them from his child exploits, the days of running wild, taking years of Kojuro's life… and pretty much any of them could easily hide a shinobi. Under the house alone was an entire different world. Above, under the roof, was as vast space that the agile could reach with ease. And there was no guarantee that she had remained in the area… Although if the servant's words about Saki's current state were true there was no way she could have gotten far.

So the One-Eyed Dragon chose to search the territory above his head. The wood creaked under his weight as he hoisted himself up, sneaking from his room, the wound now little more than aching remnants. There was little light in there as the day was at its end, the slight luminosity pouring from his entrance point alone. A few steps away from that darkness reigned, broken only by a few slits on the wooden planes. The sounds he heard as he moved came from the rooms under him. Conversations, creaks, pots, pans, weapons being tended, laughs… So he waited a moment for his eye to get used to the darkness before starting his search, trying to be silent.

In the darkness there was little to guide him so Date moved towards the edges, trying to methodically sweep the area. And there was a sudden gasp in the dark and a soft shuffle. Unless some servant child had found their way up there it could only be his quarry. The One-Eyed Dragon turned slowly, following the general direction of the sound, finding Saki curled over herself like a child on the dusty boards, a thin blanket under her, her eyes closed, shivering. Despite looking paler than usual there was a hint of red over her cheeks and her breath was coming out in short gasping bursts when it didn't stop completely as Saki curled tighter, tensing as if in pain. The light from bellow vanished suddenly and darkness fell once more.

Date moved closer, crouching, touching her cheek, waiting once more to get used to the lightless conditions, leaning softly, picking her up, placing her partially upright against his chest. Saki made no sound, her body moving like a doll's under his hands, head lolling back without strength. He cupped the back of her neck, drawing her closer, touching his forehead against her, grimacing as he felt the heat against his skin that could only mean fever. He moved a bit, looking down, parting one of the wooden boards. Apparently she had chosen a place over a cupboard. Food and water would be easily swiped from up there if whatever was gripping her ebbed away… He shook his head, bundling her up with the blanket, tossing her body over his shoulder.

There was barely a hint of protest as he stood. Saki was truly unconscious. He made his way back to his room, jumping down with his burden, taking a deep breath to ease his own aches, closing the ceiling with the help of a sheathed sword before placing Saki over the covers, checking her status once more under the light, slipping the loose black hair away from her face, tying it in a ponytail. Her eyes were still closed and all of her body spoke of pain, the skin both pale and reddened, brows damp with sweat. Almost as soon as his hands were away the shinobi curled once more with a silent groan, suddenly and sharply, a couple of tears sliding down her cheek, her shirt riding up, showing her legs and waist.

Date gritted his teeth together and stood, opening the shoji and signalled a servant, asking him for towels and water, his gaze going almost immediately back, waiting impatiently for the items he has asked, unwilling to allow anyone within the room. He moved her a bit besides him placing a cup against her mouth, tilting it until the water splashed her slightly parted lips, making her take a couple sips.

He allowed her to lie down once more, soaking the fabric, placing it on her forehead. There was a slight sigh of relief, even though she was still tense. The One-Eyed Dragon didn't know what to do about the pain, just that it was the result of poison... How could he soothe that?

There were a few memories that stayed within her through the thick haze that clouded her mind through pain, burning cold and freezing heath. Brief snippets of conscience, colour, shapes and movement that either made sense or were as lopsided as a dream.

Saki opened her eyes a bit, flinching when the light hit her, even as soft as it was seemingly too much to bear, closing them again with a pained sound, trying not to make any sudden movements, her mind and body trained to do what they should do when poisoned. A resistance was not built without suffering.

The pain was still coursing through her but was continuous and gentler, giving her a bit of a rest from the sharp stabbing waves, and she no longer felt cold or hot. Dawn was coming and her fever was giving her a moment of reprieve. There was something light covering her and something cool and wet on her forehead. Her hand went for it, touching the moist fabric, confused, dizzy.

There should be none of those… she opened her eyes suddenly, ignoring the sting and contrast, sitting, cringing, looking blindly around, the room a bit strange to her, the moist fabric falling near. Someone grabbed her, embracing her, whispering something, soothing to her before she could panic. She couldn't understand the words but she knew that voice and that scent. Her hand closed around the fabric that was pressed against her cheek, curling into him, asking silently for that comfort.

Her Dragon was there, making her eat and drink, taking care of her as she wept and begged when things grew worse… she wanted to go home but at the same time she was sure that she was there already. There was also a second Dragon whose voice was deeper and treated her a bit more like a child, talking to her, assuring her, usually holding her hands when the pain crashed.

Lucidity came at times, cutting sharply through the haze and confusion, when her fever slid down enough for her to feel only the pain. Saki remembered their names and their positions, why she should not be there. A couple of times she had tried to get away without even being able to leave the futon either because of the poison or because one of them was there to keep her still. If they had noticed the attempts, that it was not just the usual movements of a person in pain trying to find a way to ease the ache, they said nothing.

She just closed her eyes and remembered that it should not be like that, again and again.

They were not supposed to see her while she was weak.

Then it was finally gone. The poison was out of her body leaving only a slight soreness as the aftermath.

Saki woke up to the dying light with her head cleared and the sickness gone, sitting with a sigh, closing her eyes for a moment. There was a sound to her left and then she felt Date's hands against her cheek, caressing some of the wild strands of hair away as he moved closer. She opened her eyes, watching him lean over her, placing his forehead against hers, his blue eye closing.

The One-Eyed Dragon sighed and allowed a smile to touch his lips.

"How long has it been?" Saki asked without moving, closing her eyes too, surprised when her voice came out so small and ragged.

"Five days." He answered in a calm tone but his eye was darkening as he sat back. There was a scolding coming her way but something was containing the words. For the moment at least.

"Five… it…" It fit. She had been delaying that for so long that her body had taken a couple of extra time to completely balance itself. Saki moved slowly, checking under the cover, seeing if she had something on before standing. It was not her shirt, of that she was sure. He stood with her, waiting, watching for any sign that her legs might give in. "I will go now Boss…" She bowed slightly, feeling the blush creep over her cheeks.

Date slid one of his haori over her, the fabric reaching a bit bellow her knees, closing it around her frame, heavy around her shoulders, comforting and warm, pulling her closer suddenly, breaking her balance enough for her to sway towards him.

"You will go nowhere for the next weeks." He ordered. "Even if I have to chain you down to the floor."

"You're angry." Saki whispered, touching the embroidered edges of the haori, fingers closing around them. Date moved, gripping her face, making her look up at him. Her eyes tried to avoid his but a sharp shake forced her back.

"You were planning on going through that alone in the dark." He growled.

"It is our way." She took a deep breath, flinching when her chest stung.

"You thought we would not worry?"

"You should not. I am…" He silenced her suddenly, his lips warm against hers, a kiss that seemed to be holding back a fierce need to crush her against him, to reassure himself that she was no longer frail, his hands holding her arms with a steely unflinching grip. Worried. Not angry. Saki realized when they parted and he kept silent, forehead against hers, arms around her body. "I understand."

Bathing felt like a pressing need.

Unfortunately Date decided to extract some sort of twisted payback. There should already be some rumours regarding her disappearance. In a normal situation most would assume she was just out doing shinobi-things, working for Oshu, killing people in the night, poisoning enemies and whatnot. But Date had been looking for her, a maid had seen her sick, the One-Eyed Dragon and his Right Eye had been pretty much locked into the formers' quarters and requiring things that would only be of use if someone was nursing a fever and it was clear neither of them was sick. She was sure the army would not keep quiet the fact that she and their Boss had started to sleep together, and that rumour would mutate soon into something more as people didn't realize they had been both too hurt and too tired to do more than kiss, and the fact that said Boss had her wrapped on his clothes and was currently carrying her towards the bathing room would not help a bit.

Saki had decided against making a fuss, trying not to attract attention but that did not save him from a sharp glare as he placed her on the floor, keeping his arm around her so tightly she had no choice but to be squashed against his chest, closing the fusuma with his free hand, before letting her go, slowly watching. She looked up for a moment, narrowing her eyes, stepping back cautiously.

So he did intend to watch, giving her the excuse that her legs might give in, that her conscience might fade and she would drown.

Fine.

If he wanted a show she would play along. The shinobi huffed and let go of the haori's edge, the embroidered dragons slithering down her skin in a wavy dance, turning slightly, unbinding her hair, using it to hide most of her, in a sleight of hand as she discarded the clothing he had clad her on. Then she looked over her shoulder, appraising his expression, appreciating the unhidden enjoyment in his eye.

The water was steaming hot, waiting as she washed her body, untangling the hair, pretending not to notice the decidedly wolfish glances thrown her way as water and suds slid down her skin, into the floor, draining away. Inky wet strands slid over her as she poured a last bucket of water over herself, wiping the blinding flow from her brow, sliding her hands over her neck, capturing the black wet mass, twisting it and pulling it upwards before standing, back turned to him, using one hand against the wall to steady herself.

"You're teasing." His voice rose warmly, laden with amusement.

"Payback Boss… You had your time to do it now it my turn." Saki moved into the furo, sliding in, sighing in appreciation when the hot liquid began to undo the myriad of knots left behind by the poisonous fever bout, climbing up her legs, her belly, her chest, the steam reaching her neck and cheeks. She closed her eyes for a long moment before sliding her arms out of the water, bracing them on the edges of the furo, rolling her shoulders, a slight frown touching her forehead.

Date moved, getting his sleeves out of the way, his hands sliding softly over her neck, caressing the column very slowly, leaning against her ear, rubbing her shoulders, digging his thumbs on her shoulder blades, dragging a moan of relief from her, her head tilting back against his chest, dampening the front of his shirt.

"Always tit for tat isn't it?" he murmured impishly, hands diving suddenly under the hot water, sliding over her skin, gripping her waist, moving up, cupping her breast. Saki gasped and arched, her eyes closing in shock and pleasure.

"Please stop. This has gone too far..." Even if she had pledged more than her shinobi skill to him he should not have cared for her like that, he should not be acting like a servant towards her. Still her arms refused to move and her body kept still, refusing to dislodge his questing hands.

"Not far enough." Date whispered against her ear, nipping the lobe sharply, pinning her against the wall of the furo from behind, the water sloshing around her, dipping his head to lick the slight trail of water droplets that slid down her neck.

"Masamune..." The One-Eyed Dragon's name came out faint, pleading. He smirked and stood, letting her go, leaving Saki alone to finally relax. The shinobi sighed, closing her eyes, sliding deeper into the water, a smile of her own in place, as her eyes fluttered closed, finally able to get over the tension, settling into the water before thoughts of work intruded in her blissful haze.

Furo – 風呂 – Japanese bathtub;

Haori – 羽織 – Hip length kimono-like jacket, originally worn only by men, used often to add formality to an outfit;

Koneko – 子猫 – Kitten;