The sun peaked over the horizon and cast a pale, yellow haze over the navy sky. Madara shifted and opened his eyes slowly. He sat up and yawned, stretching his arms across his body. Madara watched the sun brighten the sky gradually and turned his head back to his lap. He looked over to Reina and his eyes widened. His breath hitched in his throat and he turned his body even more to look at her. She was indeed still asleep, but she was facing him with covers bundled in her fists. Madara felt sparks leaping in his heart and scowled at the feeling. He stepped out of bed angrily, flinging the covers off of his body and storming into the bathroom. He brushed his teeth, washed his face, fixed his hair, and dressed himself in his usual shinobi attire.

The clan lord sped down to the first floor and paced to the kitchen. He ignored the few people in the halls who were awake at the moment and pushed the kitchen doors open. Madara ignored the few cooks who were ready for his requests and began to make himself a pot of green tea.

One cook approached him and bowed. "Madara-sama, I'd be more than honored to serve you-"

Madara waved his hand with an enraged face, shooing him away. "Leave me be."

"Please, sir, I can have the tea ready for you and Izuna in your office so you don't waste any ti-"

"Leave- me- alone." Madara hissed at the man, thoughts and emotions in a whirlwind.

The cook bowed and backed away with his hands up. "I'm terribly sorry, Madara-sama."

Madara overlooked the man's apology and grabbed two cups and a tray. He set the teapot and cups on the tray and treaded out of the kitchen and into his office. Kicking the doors open, he set the tray down on his desk and collapsed in his chair behind it. Madara poured himself some tea and sipped it to calm his nerves. Time passed and he already downed three cups before his brother came in. Izuna opened the doors gently and slipped in quietly.

The younger Uchiha poured himself some tea and sat in front of his brother who had his elbows propped on the desk with his head in his hands, staring down at his teacup. "Good-morning, brother."

Madara sighed and looked up at his brother. "Good-morning."

There was yet another silence between the brothers and Izuna was smirking the whole time. "So … today's the day that Reina gets sworn in as an official Uchiha."

Madara leaned back in his chair. "That's right."

"Are we still having that celebration afterward?"

"Yes, it's important since she's the wife of the clan lord." Madara took out a folder that had papers in it and began to work.

Izuna nodded and stood up. "Madara …"

The busy leader looked up at his brother. "What is it, Izuna?"

"See you at breakfast … and stop stressing so much. You'll know what to do when the time is right."

Madara simply continued his work. "Thank-you."

"Don't mention it." Izuna walked out of the room and wandered a bit before entering the top floor which Reina and Madara occupy. He stopped and had an idea. Ayano and Ayako weren't there yet. "Why not?" Izuna shrugged and ran to the kitchen. He made another pot of tea and placed it on a tray with a teacup and bowl of mixed nuts. "I hope she likes nuts." Izuna made his way to her room and cleared his throat, knocking on the door.

Reina heard the knock, being a light sleeper, and called with a hoarse voice. "Come in!"

Izuna stepped in and smiled as he saw her sitting up. "Morning, sister."

"Morning, brother." She smiled and stretched her arms and back. "What's this?"

"I thought I'd bring you some tea and nuts. It's one of your big days so …" Izuna set the tray down shyly and handed her the cup of tea. "I didn't know if you liked nuts or not, but it's the thought that counts I guess."

"It is and …" She popped a few nuts in her mouth and sipped her tea. "I love nuts."

"Well, that's a relief!" He sat on the edge of the bed and the two talked about what was to go on that day. "Oh, and then we're having a celebration afterward!"

"A celebration? That late at night?"

"Yes, it's an important tradition. After all, you are Madara's wife."

"I understand." Reina finished her tea and there was a light tap on the door. "Come in!"

Ayano and Ayako stepped in and bowed immediately at the sight of Izuna. "Good-morning, Izuna-sama." They said in unison.

"Good-morning, ladies." Izuna stood up and looked out the window. The sun now illuminated the sky and ignited the start of the day. "Well, I must be going so you can prepare for today."

Reina nodded and stood up from the bed. "Thank-you for the tea, Izuna." She bowed and he did back.

Izuna strode out of the room and Ayano and Ayako approached Reina after shutting the door and bowing to her. "Good-morning, Lady Reina."

Reina bowed back. "Good-morning." She looked over to Madara's side of the bed and saw a slight impression. Reina smiled, shrugged, and twisted her body. She bended from side to side, front to back, and finally stood straight up. "Alright, I'm ready."

Half an hour later Reina was walking with Shika around the garden, reciting the oath over and over again. Shika listened and held her hand up after the one hundredth time. Reina stopped and held her throat. She was truly thankful for the hot tea Izuna made her.

"Lady Reina, you are truly an impressive girl." Shika giggled and put a hand on her back. "Come with me."

"Yes, Lady Shika." Reina was guided into the mansion and they walked down the corridors to accompany Lady Chie in the infirmary until breakfast was ready.

The three of them sat around and talked for an hour until it was time for breakfast. They walked down the hallways and into the dining room where the Uchiha clansmen were standing behind their chairs. Madara walked to his seat and when he sat down, they followed. Reina sat down next to him as usual and looked up at him with a pleased face.

"Good-morning." Reina said softly.

"Good-morning, Reina. Did you sleep well?"

Reina nodded and her smile widened. "Yes, much better actually."

Madara nodded with pleasure and hid a small smile with folded hands. He watched as the rest of the clansmen came in and food came out of the kitchen and into the dining room to help conceal his emotions as well. Reina turned her attention to Izuna who was smiling and talking to some clansmen. She served herself and began to eat after Madara took his first bite.

Madara ate some food, but stopped when he was about to take a bite of his inarizushi. "Reina …"

Reina looked up at him and responded. "Yes?"

"When will I be able to try your inarizushi?"

"Whenever I am able to make it." She shrugged and Madara simply gave his famous "hn" and ate his favorite food.

When breakfast was over, everyone scattered and Reina was once again, stuck with Shika and Chie. Chie gave her medical lessons and Shika continued escorting her to train with Jun, stretch with Ayuta, and then attend the spa for beauty treatment. The lady complimented her on her skin and hair as usual, flattering her unconditionally. Reina finished up her treatment and was then dressed in her every day, shinobi clothing.

After the treatment, the ladies went to attend lunch together. Reina ate in peace and looked up to see Izuna, chuckling and grinning with his clansmen. She felt a smile creep onto her face as Izuna turned to her and began to smile as well. He waved to her and Reina turned to her plate, continuing to eat. She was nervous and wanted to talk to him. Izuna indeed was like a brother to her now and he knew how to comfort her like one. Madara narrowed his eyes and stabbed his fork into a piece of beef on her plate.

Reina jumped and looked up at him. "Ah-"

Madara ate the saucy meat and smiled slightly. "Looks like I finally have your attention." He took a sip of tea and set the cup down. "Reina, there is nothing to be nervous about. You'll be fine. If you can memorize the oath within ten minutes, then you can spit it out in an underground shrine in front of a few, familiar clansmen."

Reina sighed. "I know I can, it's just that I always feel nervous beforehand … and then I worry that I won't be able to meet everyone's standards and carry out my duties as the wife of the Uchiha clan lord."

Madara stood up, finished with his meal, and leaned down to whisper into her ear. "Reina … I married you for a reason. Don't you think I've had as many other choice's to choose from like you did? Yes, of course I did, but I chose you." With that, the warlord straightened his back and walked out of the dining hall.

Reina watched as he left, lowering her head when the doors clicked shut. A small blush crept onto her cheeks as she mulled over what just happened. "That's right … He married me." She said to herself and finished up her meal.

Hours had past until dinner was to be eaten. Reina was once again nervous as time flew by. She barely touched her food and didn't bother looking at anyone. Dinner was quiet for Madara as well. After the meal, Reina rehearsed with Shika since a minor change was made. Raising her right hand was only a disciplinary reminder to keep her back straight and indeed it worked. She was bathed and partially dressed in a traditional Uchiha kimono. When night fell, she was fully dressed with her hair up in a tight bun and natural make-up. Her face was stoic and her eyes were black holes consuming every passing image before her.

Reina stood at the front doors behind Shika and Tatsuya who stood next to each other. Madara stood next to her and Izuna trailed behind them. The doors were opened from the outside and the five of them began to march forward, down the steps, and onto the dimly lit street. Reina's eyes widened as she saw each and every clan member dressed in their Uchiha kimonos, lining the streets with heads bowed to the ground. She also noted that they all had a traditional jacket to go over their kimonos with the Uchiha clan crest on the back.

Everyone was quiet as the five of them made their way to the Uchiha temple. When they stepped in, one of the clan members lifted a secret panel from the floor and a priest stepped in front of Shika and Tatsuya. He bowed to them with ease, returning to his standing position to spin around slowly and lead the five of them down a winding, spiral staircase to a secret shrine. When they entered the room everyone terminated their movements except for the priest who walked behind the altar and pulled out a clothing article with the Uchiha clan crest on it from his robes. The man blessed it and then bowed, motioning for them to continue into the room.

Tatsuya stood against the right wall, closest to the altar and Shika stood on the same wall, but on the other side of the room. Izuna stood on the left wall across from Shika and watched as Madara walked with Reina half way up the aisle. He stopped and occupied the area across from Tatsuya on the same wall as Izuna. Reina continued walking until she stopped in front of the altar. She bowed to the priest, standing back up to be faced with memories as a Senju. The scenes flashed before her eyes from the war to the moment she stepped into Konoha. Reina snapped out of it just in time and the priest motioned for her to kneel.

Reina sunk to her knees with perfect posture and slowly raised her head toward the priest. He cleared his throat and began to speak. "Reina Uchiha," the man spoke with a strong voice. There was a brief pause until he continued. "state the oath of the Uchiha clan, birthed from our ancestors to verify your position as one being among us."

Reina's heart skipped a beat. "This is it." She inhaled and opened her mouth to speak. "I, Reina Uchiha, swear to put forth my life to protect my clan with loyalty and dignity. I will pass on traditions and maintain order among our people. I will commend the clan when it follows and accepts its destiny and condemn it when its visions are obstructed. I will fulfill my duty as wife of the Uchiha clan lord and main branch member of the Uchiha clan by any means necessary. Should I fail, I'll welcome my exile or death with bravery and honor." Reina stood up as the priest told her to.

The Uchiha priest glided around the altar and stood in front of her. He spun around to reach the clothing article and turned back around to face her. "Reina Uchiha, I now pronounce you an official member of the Uchiha clan from this night onward. You will now be given the ceremonial overcoat of the Uchiha clan." The priest turned to Madara who began to walk over to him.

Madara bowed and grabbed the coat. The priest backed away and Madara stepped forward with his stern expression. He stared right into Reina and began to speak. "I, Lord Madara Uchiha, verify your position within the Uchiha clan."

Reina lifted her arms slightly off of the sides of her body and Madara placed the coat on her sturdy frame. She slipped into it and Madara stepped back next to the priest. They both bowed to her and she returned the gesture. The only sound now heard was the licking flames, barely lighting the room. The silence was broken by the priest who began to walk to the spiraling stairs. Tatsuya and Shika followed once more, Madara and Reina trailed after them, and Izuna marched behind them.

When they stepped into the temple the same Uchiha man from before closed the floor panel and made sure it was secured. The five of them walked out onto the street and stopped to bow to everyone. They all kneeled onto the ground and bowed with their noses to the earth. The clan members stayed there for some time until Madara pulled Reina with him farther up the street.

Madara turned to face his clansmen and raised his voice. "You may rise!" Everyone stood up and faced the clan lord and his wife. "The verification has been made! We welcome our newest clan member, Reina Uchiha!" Claps were made and smiles were given. People began to talk quietly and waited for his next words. "Let the ceremonial celebration … begin!"

The clansmen cheered and scattered. They made their way towards Reina and Madara, congratulating them and giving their best wishes. "Thank-you!" Reina bowed to them all and smiled. She turned to Madara who still had his serious look and a small smirk pinched its way onto her face. "Looks like I'm officially an Uchiha!"

Madara couldn't help it. He knew he was in denial of his love, but he couldn't help but express his jubilance. Madara's face softened and a small smile turned into a big grin. "Looks like it." He smirked back at her and held his arm out.

Reina hooked onto it and the two began to walk with professional strides and pleased faces. "The Uchiha clan sure likes to celebrate."

"Indeed we do." Madara showed her around personally and they ate some food together. Izuna caught up with them and they all had a shot of sake to commemorate her oath. The night went on and hours passed but the life of the Uchiha shinobi didn't die out.

Reina was more than touched to see everyone so bright and her kind heart wanted to take things even further. "Madara?" She yawned into her hand and looked up at him.

"Yes, Reina?" He looked down at her and raised a brow. "Are you tired? We can return home if you'd like. After all, I need enough sleep to be able to carry out my duties for tomorrow as well."

"Well, yes, but that's not what I was going to ask. Do you mind if we take a trip to the market?" She couldn't hide her smirk and turned away so she didn't spoil anything.

"Not at all." The couple walked to a popular, Uchiha market and browsed around.

Reina grabbed a basket and began searching for her desired items. "Where would they have hijiki seaweed?" She asked herself.

"What was that?" Madara questioned.

"Oh, nothing, it's fine." Reina scrutinized the shelves and beamed as she found her last ingredient. "There it is." She put it in her basket and faced Madara. "We can check out now."

Madara nodded and they walked to a cashier. The lady had her traditional kimono on, meaning that she just opened shop after the verification was given. "Thank-you for shopping and congratulations!" She bowed to the two and smiled.

"Thank-you." Reina bowed and walked out with Madara. "Let's go home now." Madara had a small smirk on his face, catching onto her secret plan. When they walked inside the mansion, Reina turned to him. "Madara, could you please relax in our room and situate yourself for bed? I have a surprise for you."

"Oh, do you now? How thoughtful." The Uchiha sassed and walked up to his room.

Reina waved her hand, dismissing his humor and made her way into the kitchen. "Time to make him some inarizushi."

Meanwhile, Madara showered and brushed his teeth. He washed his face and put on a pair of loose, black pants for bed. He slid underneath the covers and sat up, waiting for Reina to bring him his surprise. "It's been almost an hour since I've stepped into the room. She should be coming up soon." Five more minutes passed until there was a knock on the doors. "Come in!"

Reina opened the double-doors and looked at him. "Can you please close your eyes?"

"I've just come from a lifetime of war; do you think it's that easy to close my eyes, Reina?" Madara raised a brow with an amused smirk. He was curious to see her answer since in reality he would have no trouble closing his eyes at all.

"I believe you are skilled enough to kill me if I tried anything bad and trust me enough as your wife and clan member." Reina smirked at his amused one.

"Correct." The clan lord closed his eyes and listened to her footsteps as she made her way to his side of the bed.

"Open." Reina said sweetly.

Madara could smell a delicious scent that snapped his eyes wide open. He looked down to a tray she was holding and his face went completely blank. "This is for me?" Madara was so touched that he didn't know how to react. No one had ever done this for him before, let alone it was coming from the person who he tried to throw his feelings away for.

"Of course it is!" Reina blushed and set it gently on his lap. "It's a small thank-you, I guess. I made your favorite food. You've wanted to try mine since my brother's bragged about it … so I thought I'd make it for you now." Her smile was feint for she didn't know how he was to react, yet she wanted to appear pleasant for him.

"Thank-you so much, Reina." Madara smiled and looked at the arrangement of inarizushi, tea, and pickled ginger. "It looks delicious."

"Well, let's see if it tastes delicious." Reina pulled up a lounge chair and sat beside him. "I think this is the best I've ever made tea."

Madara grinned and chuckled. "Not the inarizushi, but the tea?!"

"Yes, the tea!" Reina giggled and then nodded for him to try it.

"Here goes …" Madara picked up a piece of inarizushi, but set it down and picked up the tray. He climbed out of bed, walked to the balcony, opened the balcony doors, and set it on the table outside. "Come. This deserves a view of fireworks."

"Fireworks?" Reina's eyes gaped as she followed him. She loved fireworks with all her heart.

"Yes, for this wonderful celebration." Madara picked up a piece of inarizushi and stood behind the railing. "Three … Two … One." He took a bite of the inarizushi and the fireworks went off.

Reina smiled at the display and then at Madara. "How is it?!" She called over the explosions.

Madara stared down at the piece of food and continued eating it after a moment of verbal silence. He finished the pouch of heaven and turned to her. "Reina …"

"Yes, M -" She didn't even utter his name for his hand pulled her chin up to him as his lips softly crashed down onto hers. Reina's eyes closed as the fireworks went off and the kiss continued. "I never would've guessed it would come down to this."

Madara let go of her chin and the two of them pulled apart. "Thank-you, Reina. It's the most delectable thing I've ever tasted."

Reina lit up like the fireworks display and jumped with joy. "Really?!"

"Of course. Here, have some. You made it after all." Madara gestured as he took another pouch.

Reina closed her eyes and sighed, more than content with the night. She took a piece and ate with him as the celebration went on. When the display ended, Reina brought the empty tray down to the kitchen to be taken care of. She came back up to the room and showered, brushed her teeth, and washed her face for bed. Reina put on a black night gown and slipped under the covers, lying on her side as she closed her eyes.

Madara brushed his teeth again and walked to his side of the bed. He took a drink of water before lying down under the covers. Slowly, the man moved over to Reina and snaked an arm around her waist. That night marked the first night when he was able to touch her without any inner conflict. The ice between the two of them was finally broken. Madara closed his eyes and slowly drifted off into the greatest sleep of a life time with a relaxed smile lingering on his face.