This all came to be so quickly. Even now thinking about it made Jiraiya a tad nauseous. He is essentially the payment to a debt that had to be paid to an old well respected clan that is allied with Konoha. To keep this clan and the lord of Fire Country happy, Tsunade was forced to pay the debt this way.

From what Tsunade said when she told him the news was that Hiruzen made a deal with your clan during a hard time for the village many years ago. And your clan basically set up a no take backsies. The debt had to be settled on your clan's terms and it grandfathered on to the next Hokage like a dark looming cloud. And it seems that terms was a breeding partner.

Your clan only has you. You are the only one with the bloodline trait still alive and active. You said you wanted a strong child. Talk about a kick in the face. All the success Jiraiya had in his life was more or less his resume to you. He might not have the best chakra control or the most handsome of bachelors, but his track record of being a strong shinobi said his praises well enough to make him the best candidate.

There's lots of things that are messing with him. Like your age. When given this horrible news and basically stripped of his human rights of having a choice, Jiraiya expected he was to be married off to some older hag. Instead he walked into his fast tracked wedding with a woman he's thrice the age of and striking with beauty. You had just turned eighteen. The timing of it all said enough. Tsunade managed to buy him some time when he was travelling with Naruto but... it was all too clear that he was intended to be summoned a year prior when you were seventeen. It was traditional to be married so young for your clan. To him... it was a tad creepy.

It's still creepy. Thankfully due to his rather quick thinking, he has managed to keep you off of him. But each passing day it gets harder. His excuses are coming up short. You are very intent on getting pregnant as soon as possible. He just... can't bring himself to seriously do it.

You just... aren't what he wants. Nor will he ever get what he wants. Being stuck in this weird rich environment in an arranged marriage is so far from what he wants. Some days it's hard to remain stone faced. It's hard to obey.

He has to obey. Your advisor, Rui, has made that very clear. If he doesn't obey his village could suffer. Your clan is very close to Daimyo after all. One bad word could cause some big problems. If he upsets you his comrades could suffer to some degree and the blame will be very clearly be put on him. It's all very frustrating. It's being a prisoner with the added perk of living in a fancy home.

"Your hair is getting longer."

Much to Jiraiya's surprise, you snuck up on him. He was so wrapped up in his thoughts he didn't hear you approach him from behind. You sit down on your knees behind him. You take the comb from the vanity table and continue to brush out his short hair. The longest strands are already getting to the collar of his kimono.

Yeah... it's short. How it got cut was still traumatizing. Fucking Rui. That smug bastard was all to excited to order the maids to grab his ponytail and snip it. His ponytail is probably hanging on the wall of Rui's room like a game prize. And what about you? Do you take joy in his hack job?

"Would you like it trimmed?" You ask.

"Do you like my hair short, my lady?"

You give an indifferent shrug. Instead of the comb you run your fingers through his hair.

"I think you would look nice with long hair. It's up to you."

"I... I'd rather leave it to grow."

"That sounds lovely. I have a feeling that you look good with longer hair."

So... you didn't order his hair to be short? There's something odd about this place. Rui seems to be running it more than you. You are the lone survivor. That makes you the clan head. You got a plethora of wealth, servants, and now a husband. Surely you know how to order. But it seems your worldview has been sheltered. You have this air of innocence about you. You don't know anything about the world. Rui doesn't let you see the bad things. He didn't let you make the hard decisions. He walks all over you and you are weirdly blind to it. You agree to whatever he says.

There's something... fishy about it. Rui has made it clear he loves the control. He's taken great pleasure in bossing Jiraiya around. Being under an oath to be completely subservient to you has made the advisor a little mad with power. It's come to a point where Jiraiya knows one thing to be clear.

If he doesn't watch his back, something bad will happen. There's already been an attempt on your life. The person who ordered it is still under investigation. Rui was far to quick and eager to point the finger at Konoha. It took a lot of pleading and assuring on Jiraiya's end to convince you that it isn't true. You did believe him but are wary.

Rui is... planning something. It all is too convenient. The tension is high between you and Konoha ever since the wedding. You have continued to be nice to them but Tsunade's letters have made it clear she still wishes for a different compromise to be made. She wants him home... but it's too late. He has a wife. He's a husband. He belongs to you... She wasn't quick enough.

Nor will she ever...

Maybe she never did. In this place it feels like all he had known didn't want him. Thus he was easy to let go. For the first time in his life he feels lonely.

"How is your arm?" You ask.

"It's fine."

You exhale a soft disappointed sigh. Even after a month he still holds his distance. He got hurt defending you. Even after risking his life for you... he is still rather cold. He said he wanted to get to know you before even considering sex. How can you get to know a man that doesn't want to know you? His eyes are guarded and stoney as he looks at you through the reflection of the mirror that's perched against the wall. Why?...

Why must he be so distant? You wish to know your husband. You drop the comb. You place your arms around him from behind and hold him. You haven't ever been so close to someone before. He's warm. You want more of him.

"Thank you... for saving me."

"You're welcome."

You cast your eyes down to the bandages poking out of his sleeve. He got hurt saving you. It's the most blood you've seen in your life. His forearm is gashed because of you. You swallow down the lump in your throat ask.

"Are you in pain?"

"Not really. I can manage."

"Are you sure? I can-!"

"Yes!" Jiraiya cut you off with a short tempered snap. "I'm fine!"

You shrink away, guilt pouring into you and dragging down your heart. You annoyed him. It wasn't your intention. You wish for him to be safe and happy.

Your head is bowed and you are curled up slightly. Jiraiya looks over your gloomy form. Guilt is poking at him too. He didn't mean to snap. This month has just been so stressful. He faces you fully to apologize.

"Sorry. That was mean." He said.

"I just want you to be happy." You mumble. You crawl towards him and manage to straddle his lap despite his tense posture. You rest your head on his chest and your hands around to his back. "You don't have to be in pain if you don't want to be. I want to take care of you."

"I know you do, my lady. I guess I'm used to taking care of myself."

"..." You remain quiet for a moment. His hands are stiff at his side. "Won't you hold me?"

Slowly but surely his hands raise and wrap around you. It's still tense. You sigh and nuzzle your cheek against him. Slowly he relaxes. His hand raised. At first your heart sank. But he didn't push you away. It rested against your head and began to brush through in a gentle pet.

You raise yourself up and take him by surprise. His lips were stiff. He didn't expect you be so bold. But you must. His lips are quite soft. Softer than they look. They do relax.

More and more he melts into it. You try your best to react. The last time you kissed him it hardly lasted more than a second. That was the wedding night. It was the most you had gotten out of him. It was your first kiss ever. This one feels better already.

Excitement is rising your heart rate. You tug on the material of his kimono. It pushed it down and revealed more of his skin. His grip on you tightens. His tongue dives into your mouth and it's suddenly hard to breath.

Your world and centre of gravity changes. Suddenly you are on your back and he's over top of you. The very tips of his hair are tickling your cheeks. You make a small noise akin to a moan.

It's been a while since someone wanted him. Jiraiya quickly is losing the battle in his head. The walls he built are crumbling. The arguments he made in protest of touching you are fading to the call of his desires. No one else wants him... but you do.

He pulled your kimono open. His hands curiously touch your bare skin. It's like silk. He pulled away, breaking the kiss and leaving you and him breathless. Sitting up now he can take you all in. Your face is hot and flushed. Your chest is moving deeply for gulps of air. Your bare chest and flawless skin is gorgeous.

But... reason for the first time is winning him over. He's a perv, but he has some morals. Maybe it's just because of the odd circumstances but he's having a hard time getting his head around this. When he's been with younger girls before it's always just a one and done situation. Sex and nothing more. But he's married to you.

Whenever he thought about having sex with his wife, it wasn't out of an obligation to get her knocked up. There's a lack of... spark. It's not making love that's for sure. How can he with a girl he hardly knows anything about?

"Is something wrong?" You ask.

"No... not really. I guess I just can't believe I'm married to someone so pretty."

There's something about the tone that you don't like. You run your fingers up and down his arms.

"But?" You whisper.

"But I don't think I'm ready to sleep with you yet."

Disappointment fills you.

"Why? Is there something wrong with me?"

"No. It's not you."

"Then what? Why stop?"

He offers you an apologetic smile. You stare into his kind dark eyes as you await his excuse.

"I don't think it's right. You. Me. A woman your age shouldn't be with a man my age."

"What does age have to do with anything? I'm old enough to have children. My life expectancy is short. In actuality I'm more your age... You'll probably outlive me."

That wasn't the answer he expected. Jiraiya looks you over slowly. You don't look sick or weak. Some people are just born like that. Frail. You don't know how to fight but that shouldn't be much of a factor.

"Are you ill, my lady?" He asks anyways. Sometimes certain sicknesses are completely invisible.

"Not really... I don't feel sick. But my family has a tendency to die young." You explain. Your expression drops. "My parents died only a month apart almost three years ago. They were both just over fifty. My grandparents only made it to seventy."

You lift your eyes to look him in the face again. You run your fingers down his arms again and keep moving down your body. You tug on your sash to loosen it. It reveals more of you.

"I only have forty years or so. Maybe even less. That's why I put in a marriage request."

"You made the request on your own?"

"Yes. Rui was mad at me, but I couldn't wait any longer. No one had asked for my hand yet and I wanted to be proactive. I heard many great stories about you." You said. A forlorn smile grows on your face. It's not happy nor is it really all that sad. "I want our children to be strong like you."

He looks you over slowly. You are being quite serious. Your hands return to his shoulders and push him down. You are almost completely undressed now. From head to toe your body is on display. Your kimono is underneath you like a sheet. Even if it is for him to enjoy it still feels a little weird.

"Please..." You whisper.

"My lady..."

You keep tugging on his shoulders and begging. Jiraiya sighs quietly to himself before sinking down and at least indulging you with a kiss. Kissing you ain't so bad. Your lips are soft.

This time he stays level headed. He doesn't dive in like he had before. Instead it's the most basic of what all couples do. He moved on to your neck and collarbone to lay them with kisses. Your quiet moans and gasps as he finds sensitive spots on your body are rather sexy.

He won't admit to it. But he did drag it out until you got too sleepy. It's nothing against you, he planned it. It's late for you. Despite being quite young you go to bed fairly early. Your eyes fall closed and your grip turns limp. He sits up as you are comfortably asleep on the floor. He does carefully lift you up and carry you into bed. He lays next to you with more questions than answers.

This place is more sinister than he thought. Something ain't right around here. And he intends to find out what it is.

The next day was much of what he has been living like since he arrived. A peaceful morning with breakfast and you. You insisted on treating his wounds despite him telling you he's fine. You swapped out the old bandages for new ones and put ointment on it. It's probably not necessary but it's sweet all the same. You are surprisingly good at it.

During the night he came up with some questions. Ones that came about upon thinking about what you had told him.

"My lady? How long as Rui been an advisor for your family?"

"Uhm..." You trail off as you think on it. "Around the end of my grandparents reign. Why?"

"Was he hired by your grandparents or your parents?" He ignored your question and asked another.

"My grandparents right before they died." Your gaze drops sadly.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to make you sad." He said as he raised his hand and petted your head.

"Why are you so curious to my advisor's career?"

"I want to know about the family I'm apart of. Rui has been here the longest, right?"

You nod. His fib fooled you. You are adorably but somewhat dangerously clueless and trusting.

Quite the coincidence... Your grandparents died just after hiring a new advisor. This is getting peculiar.

"Is Rui apart of the clan?"

"Yeah. He's the last of the branch family."

Jiraiya pulled his lips into a thin line. Something is wrong here. So Rui is the last of what was probably a neglected branch of the clan, got a comfy trusted job as the head family's advisor and somehow each head has died of 'natural causes' rather young despite being in good health? It's too convenient.

Maybe it's just a conspiracy but... Rui is turning out to be a total snake. A patient man who is scorned by his own kin. He's doing all he can to make sure your line doesn't continue. Jiraiya is the curve ball he wasn't expecting. If you hadn't put in the marriage request, your life would be in grave danger. It could have already ended. Rui isn't a young man anymore. His time is limited and his patience is running thin. Now more than ever now that you are closer to having children. Hence the hitman. It's certainly quicker than how the rest of your line ended.

It's unexpected but... Jiraiya now understands his role. He's not quite out of retirement yet. He's gotta protect you. And get very comfortable with you. Sooner or later he's gotta lie with you in that way. Then continue to do it until you become pregnant. Accepting it will probably make it easier. As your husband, he must fulfill his duties.

"What would you like to do today, my lady?" Jiraiya asks with a smile.

"Oh uhm..."

"You mentioned a library on the premises. Can you show me it?"

You nod. You lead him to a room in the villa. It's not the big expansive room one thinks when they hear library. It's still fancy. It's a smaller room with ceiling to floor shelves full of books. In the middle of the room was cushions and blankets. There's a shoji that opens out into the garden. It really gives off a sense of peace and comfort.

"I heard that you are an author." You say. "Would anything you would have written make it's way over here?"

"Not if your parents liked romance novels." Jiraiya replies as he looks around the shelves.

It's meticulously organized. Alphabetical by author's name. Out of curiosity he does check the J section. To his surprise he does come across his name. But it's not any of his current popular works. He tucks his finger at the top of the spine and pulls out his very first publication.

"What do ya know... you do have one of my books."

"You wrote this book?" You ask as you gently take it from him.

"Yup. It's pretty inferior to my current books but I'm still proud of it."

"I loved this book as a child."

His surprise was apparent. He wouldn't have expected you of all people to have read his action novel. He watches as you flip through the pages with a fond nostalgic smile. The wear down the spine and the old folds in the paper did reveal that it was well read.

"My father used to read it to me when I was little. It always sparked my imagination of what it would be like to be a hero like Naruto."

That warm fuzzy feeling of pride and admiration flutters in his chest. That smile on your face is beautiful... and he made that smile. At your invitation he sat down cross legged. You surprise him again when you make yourself comfortable in his lap. You seem content to flip through the storybook that he wrote. Your back rests against his torso as you get more cozy.

"I was always quite sad whenever me and papa finished reading it. The end always left me wanting more." You continue to speak as you flip another page. "Why didn't you ever write a sequel?"

"It didn't do very well. My publisher recommended I try a different genre if I wanted to try to make it in the industry."

"That's unfortunate..."

You close it and look over the cover. While he can't see your face Jiraiya can tell that the book means a lot to you. It's also making you sad. Memories of your passed father come with the book. You must be thinking of him.

"Would you like to read it together, my lady?" He suggested.

"Really? You won't mind?"

"I think it would be fun to read over my eldest work." He said as he put his hands over yours and opened the book to the first page. "I haven't read it since I published it."

You smile. He can just see your cheeks pulled up from his position. You and him take turns reading aloud.

Finally... there's something you and him can bond over. The strange disconnect between you and him began to close. Your fond memories of his book and he having had actually wrote it made for interesting conversation. The sessions reading with you had dropped your guard. It dropped his too.

With each chapter he learned a little more about you. Memories pass your lips between pages. The story brought out childhood recollections. Your life didn't have much in the way of fun or adventure. But when your parents were alive they were very loving. Your father was more free minded while your mother insisted you spend more time learning to be a lady.

It contrasts greatly from his life... One where he lived more outside than in a house. He spent hours going on adventures with his team. Then even more hours learning to be a sage. The only etiquette he was witness to was interacting with people of standing... like you. Now he's married into nobility. But you aren't as uptight as he expected. You are rather thoughtful and sweet under your noble surface.

Jiraiya checks over his shoulder. Having the shoji open makes him anxious. The exposure is sometimes unnerving. Like when a cougar is stalking from behind or an enemy is just lurking in the shadows. With Rui's increased hostility he's on edge. It's not just his nerves that's making him jumpy.

He never subscribed to celibacy. Since he got married to you he hasn't even had an opportunity to give himself a treat or two. You don't leave him alone long enough to find the time to get off. You have been desperate enough to attempt to thwart his showers. He's coming to his limit. He resisted before but the closer he got to you the more he grew to like you demolished his reasonings.

He knows who you are now. It doesn't feel odd to want you now. You're a beautiful young lady that's all for him to enjoy. As you read he can't help but give in. He presses his mouth against your neck with his nose against your hair. You smell really good. His hands are mindlessly rubbing and squeezing your hips. Your body is wonderful.

"The hero had now come to an impasse of..." You trail off.

A wave of heat washes over your face. Your focus fades from the book and to your husband. He's kissing your neck. His hands are wandering. They tug on your obi and your kimono slides down your shoulders. His lips move down to kiss more of your newly exposed skin.

Is it actually happening?

It's hard to think as he unclips your bra. His warm hands tuck under the straps and he pushed them off. Goosebumps broke along your back and neck. A shiver runs through you as he licked your neck.

"Gah!" You yell in surprise.

He bit you. It wasn't a hard bite. It was a surprise. He sucked on that spot as he undid the hooks on your bra. He pulled it off. You let him. His hands move on to cup your breasts. He's playing with them. Squeezing and pinching.

The noises you're making is turning him on further. Soft moans and gasps as he plays with you. The book clatters to the floor. Your hands grip his knees as he continues to tease you.

Jiraiya moves on to touch you more. There's more of you he wants to get to know. He drags his hand down the centre of your belly down to your pelvis. His other hand he runs up and gently pins you by the neck against him. No wriggling away.

You gasp. It's nothing you have felt before. His fingers are touching places you have never really touched before. A flood of pleasure hits your senses. His fingers are over your underwear, stroking and prodding at your sex through the fabric.

"You're soaked..." He mutters in your ear. His lips touch your ear and his hot breath tickles it. "I love it when my women are so wet for me. Do you like it when I do this to you?"

"Mhmm!" You hum as you nod.

A small chuckle is his response. His fingers slide back up and move under the fabric. For the first time ever a man is touching your most intimate of parts. You cry out again as his fingers breach past places. They're sliding inside of you.

"Does that hurt?"

You shake your head. It feels good. He keeps going. It's slow. You press yourself into him firmly as your brace yourself. He doesn't tread lightly. He's set a pace and isn't letting up. It's all you can focus on. Your body is being consumed by what he's doing to you.

"W-What is that?" You stammer.

Something is poking your lower back. It's intruding against you like how a stubborn pebble doesn't leave the shoe. It wasn't there before.

"You aren't too familiar with the opposite gender are you?"

"You're the first man to ever get so close to me."

"I thought so. Then you might want to turn around."

Jiraiya retracted his hands, leaving you panting and aching for more. You do as he says. You sit on your knees and turn around. You watch in fascination as he undresses. Your eyes can't help but dart down to his crotch. Something is there, arisen. He grunts with relief once he pulls off his underwear. It was getting tight in there. He can't resist giving himself a bit of a hand. He's desperate for some kind of relief. He focuses back on you. You look horrified.

"It's not gonna bite you. It's just my-!"

"I know what it is!"

Your husband chuckles at you again. He can tell you are flustered. But he's so casual about it. Naked and aroused... he's not afraid of it. He makes a soft noise as he runs his hand over his erection. His expression is that of pleasure and want. With his free hand he beckons you.

"We won't get far in this relationship if you don't get to know me like this."

"What do I do?" You ask as you crawl closer. "Just sit on it?"

"No... I don't think we're ready for that. Let's take small steps. Touch it."

You want to ask how. But you also don't want him to think you are as much as a child as he already thinks you are. You reach out.

"Erk! I said touch not grab!"

"I'm sorry!"

He grabs your wrist. There's an important difference. Your grip is a tad tight. Not ideal for sex to say the least. You are horribly clueless. He moved to guide your hand. He lets out a sigh of relief as waves of pleasure replace the pain. Your hand is soft when it doesn't have the iron grip of a taijutsu master. It's not totally ideal with the lack of lubricant but he's had worse.

"There... like that." Jiraiya encouraged you. He let go and let you get a feel for it. He pushed on your back and you are in his lap again. "Relax."

"I'm trying."

"I know you are. You're doing good."

He pushed on the back of your head. You kiss him. He kisses you. He cups your ass and massages. Soon he moves a hand down. You inhale sharply with surprise when he returned the favour.

"Mmhpf!"

You take him by surprise when you lean against him hard enough to push him down. From this position you and him finish each other off. It's a little clumsy but it happens. He had to show you the not so delicate art of using saliva. And you were slightly mortified by the sticky substance that got all over your hand and his belly. But your concern about it all melted when he did everything he could to get your mind off him and onto your own climax.

"Does it always feel like this?" You ask.

"So long as you want it." Jiraiya replies. He rubs your back. "The first time is always a little... weird."

"Weird?"

"Yeah. It's hard to explain. It's better left to be experienced."

"Then let me experience it." You say.

"You will." He assures you. He pauses to kiss you. "But not today."

"But soon?"

Jiraiya hesitates. He looks you over slowly. You look curious. And a little sad. You run your fingers up and down his torso as if to coax him. Things do feel different now. You aren't a stranger. His care for you goes deeper than a sense of wanting to protect your life.

He can do this. It's not exactly how he saw his life going but it's not so scary anymore. This is his place now. At your side as your husband... Then eventually as the father to your children.

"Soon." He agrees.

You smile. You roll onto him and cuddle. He looks upwards and partly behind him to the shoji. The sun is setting. You and him have been in here for a long time.

"We should get to dinner. The maid is probably wondering where we are."

"Ooo good idea. I'm hungry."

You and Jiraiya get dressed. You leave the library and practically skip to the dinning room. Jiraiya follows behind you.

"Did you enjoy yourself?"

He internalizes a heavy sigh. It's Rui skulking beside the door like a forever lurking inescapable cockroach. He slowly faces the other man with a raised brow.

"Were you listening in?"

"I happened to be searching for m'lady. She's never late for anything. Not even supper."

"Sorry. We were... preoccupied." He said as he stepped further into the hall.

He planned to keep going but Rui dug those claws into his arm. He frowned at the unwelcome touch. But it's not like he can do anything. Rui would have too much fun plotting some horrible punishment.

"Did you consummate?"

Jiraiya raised his brows. He brushed off the offending hand gripping him.

"That's not your business. What I do with my wife is between me and her."

"It is my business! The sake of the clan is involved!"

"..."

He grit his teeth. Talking back is a bad idea. Rui is too vindictive to stand up to alone. Especially without any proof. All he has is a hunch. As naive as you are not even you can be swayed about Rui without any physical proof.

"Then ask her not me, advisor. I'd rather not talk to you about the intimacies of our relationship."

"I have a right-!"

"Why?" Jiraiya cut him off. He flashed an innocent smile but his tone was insinuating. "You worried about something?"

Rui narrows his eyes. He snarls and balls his fists.

"Are you accusing me of something?"

It was a bad idea. Yet Jiraiya finds he has no regrets. If there's a consequence to this confrontation then it's worth the gobsmacked fear stricken expression on Rui's face. Like a kid caught in a lie. For some people they never grow out of the panic of getting caught. Maybe he's the first to catch Rui.

"I don't make accusations." He said quietly. "Consider it a promise. I know you've done something. And I plan to find out what."

He leaves to dinner. Although he doesn't have much of an appetite. Your bright smile does put him at ease. Rui isn't here but the hair on the back of his neck is standing on end. That creep is nearby. His gut is telling him there's nothing to trust here.

"Are you alright?" You ask with a worried smile. You reach over and hold his hand. "You haven't touched your food."

"Yeah. I'm fine, my lady. Not that hungry."

"I figured you would be after doing what we did."

He couldn't help but smile. If you thought that would make him hungry then you are in for a ravenous night when he actually shows you what it's like to roll in the sheets. You finish your meal while he picks around his with not much interest. You polish it off by finishing the pot of tea that is always served for you. It must be your favourite. You always have it with dinner. He finds it too bitter.

Time for bed. You stretch and yawn. You got a scheduled life. It's still a little odd. The structure is still jarring. The past month or so felt like the same day. Jiraiya stands and offers you his hand. Not that structure is a bad thing. Reading and relaxing with his newlywed is enjoyable. It takes his mind off of the past. For the present is becoming much more precious to him. You take it and he pulls you up.

You stagger. He grabs your shoulders to steady you. Your whole demeanour changes. Dazed. Hazy. Confused.

"I must be tired." You try to laugh it off.

"Let's get to bed."

You nod. He carries you most of the way again. Not that he minds. You are light in his arms. You aren't looking too good. By the time he gets to the bedroom you are lulling like a sleepy drunkard. Considering you gagged on the sake during the ceremony he doubts that you swapped out your tea for alcohol tonight.

He set you down at the foot of the futon. But you crumpled immediately. Not just to your knees. You faint and fall over. There was no attempt to catch yourself at all. You are half turned from side to belly on the futon. He kneels down beside you and flips you over to your back.

Sweat is coating your skin. Your breathing his heavy like you ran a marathon. Your skin is hot to the touch. Yet clammy. It's all the signs of illness. But it came out of nowhere!

"I dun... Hel..." Your slurred speech makes no sense. Your dazed eyes barely focus on him. You reach out and pap at his leg like a dog asking for more pets. "Jaer... Ja hah..."

"Doctor." Jiraiya half said to himself. He shakes off the stun and tries again. He turned to the door and shouted. "Get the doctor!"

His call started the chaos one expects. People began to run about trying to get the on call doctor. Some tried to come in but Jiraiya didn't let them. No one needs to barge in other than the doctor.

This can't be natural right? His mind is running rapidly for an explanation. Being partnered up with a medical genius did have some perks. He knows about lots of sicknesses but he has no idea what you have. Your symptoms are vague yet they are worrying.

As expected the doctor was swift. Anyone employed by you is always quick to answer a beckon. It's an older man who had a brief case full of his tools and some basic medication. But there's something wrong. The demeanour of the doctor is telling. He's been through it before.

"It's just like last time..." The old man laments.

"Last time?" Jiraiya inquires. "What happened last time?"

"When the previous heirs perished they fell ill like this. It looks like a flu at first but it gets so much worse."

Jiraiya lowers his gaze to you. You are now tucked into bed. With the blanket pulled up to your chin. It does look like a flu. But the backstory of these symptoms feel like a bad omen. Eighteen is far to young to even have a brush with death.

"Keep her hydrated and cool her off with cold compresses to the forehead or back of the neck. Hopefully it's just a cold."

"Right. Thanks."

"Please..." The old doctor pleaded. He didn't let Jiraiya's eyes go. The fear for your life is no light matter. "Take good care of her. I don't want to outlive another heir."

"I will. I won't let her die."

The doctor uttered his thanks and stood. The best he could leave with Jiraiya was advice on your care. There's not really any medicine that can cure this 'illness'. It's the most basic of things that every person knows. Drink fluids. Eat soup. Make sure they don't cook from fever.

It grows quiet in the room once the doctor left. For sometime Jiraiya remains motionless and silent. His ears perked for any unusual noises. His eyes scanning the doors for any movement. If this was someone's doing, they aren't going to strike again. Not tonight anyways.

With eyes still on the door, he raises his hand to his mouth and bites open a small wound on his thumb. This is going to take more than him. And he doesn't want to be discovered.

"I need a medical ninja and a team to help me prove that someone here is plotting to assassinate the head of the clan."

"That is a bold claim." The toad commented.

"Hence why I need help to prove it. Hop to it."

They nod and do so. And the next day arrive slowly...

"Pervy Sage!" With the biggest grin Naruto practically hopped to Jiraiya and nearly killed him with a bear hug. "I missed you so much!"

"Relax, kid. It's only been a few months." He said. He did give in and ruffle his young student's hair.

"It felt like years!" Naruto claimed as he stood back to speak to his dear mentor at a normal angle. He scowled. "You cut your hair?"

As always Naruto is a tad slow with the details. He got too excited to notice the small things. Jiraiya ran his fingers through his hair. It is getting to his shoulders now. It grows fast on its own.

"It's not a big deal."

"But why'dya do it?"

"Meh," he shrugs nonchalantly. "As they say, new hair for new beginnings."

Telling Naruto the truth will only get the boy fuming. As much as he tends to give people the benefit of the doubt, he can be bias at times. He probably already didn't like you for this whole arranged marriage thing. Saying that the haircut was because of an order by your advisor would only add fuel to the fire. You are a good person. It takes a lot to see that.

A second person joined the entryway. A rather peeved looking Sakura came marching in giving her friend a rather annoyed glare. She wiped it off her face when addressing Jiraiya.

"It's nice to see you again, my lord. Are you well?"

"Fine thanks. It's my wife I'm worried about." He replied. He motioned for them to let themselves in. "We'll talk more about it inside. Follow me."

The followed like ducklings behind him. They were fairly quiet as they were blown away by your villa. All of it is impressive. It speaks of the old money you come from. Right in front of bedroom stood the first roadblock.

"What do you think you are doing?" Rui asked with a harsh venom to his tone. He cast a stern look to the teenagers behind Jiraiya. "Leaf ninja aren't welcome here."

"Is that how you speak to guests, Rui? I invited them for personal reasons." Jiraiya said as he crossed his arms. Must this jackass ruin everything?

"What could you possibly need these children for?"

"Moral support. My wife is ill and I need some friends to talk to about it."

"Can't you talk to the head maid or the doctor? They are equipped to handle emotional problems."

He raises his brows. Really? Last he checked neither of them had a license in therapy. Nor are they approachable. The doctor maybe. But the head maid spends half her time scowling at whatever he's doing. Even if it's just sitting on the engawa with you. Plus... their loyalty may lie with the wrong person.

"I'd rather speak to people I've known for years rather than months. I trust them."

Rui scowls. He still stands firm at the door. It turns into a tense stare down.

"Don't do anything stupid. If my lady's health deteriorates more I won't hesitate to punish you and your village." The advisor warned.

"Hey!" Naruto was rather offended. He opened his mouth to say more but Jiraiya silenced him with a single look.

Now is not the time. Rui storms off without further threatening. After a calming sigh, Jiraiya slides open the shoji and lets his guests inside. Everyone takes a seat around you. Him on one side, Naruto and Sakura on the other.

You don't look any better. You're still sleeping. You still have all your symptoms. The only difference is the bowl of water he last left nearby. It's about time to change out the cloths. He pulls off the one on your forehead and puts it in the water. Then he fishes out the one that was already soaking in the bowl and rings it out until it's only damp. He folds it and replaces it on your heated face.

It's time to explain why he invited them.

As it looks now, Rui has become too impatient. With Jiraiya getting closer to you and actually getting sexual with you now the looming threat of a new heir is getting closer. Not wanting to spend more time as an advisor Rui did something and now you're very ill. But even Rui isn't cruel enough to kill a pregnant woman. So he wants you dead before anything like that can even happen.

"Sakura, can you check and see if anything has been done to her?" Jiraiya asks.

"I can try. Do you have an idea what I'm looking for?"

"I have a hunch."

"What is it?" She asks. She pulled off her gloves and gently pressed her fingers against your neck for your pulse.

"Poison."

She looks up from you to him. She frowns. It's analytical and disapproving.

"Whoa. Do you actually think someone would try to poison her?" Naruto asks.

"That seems to match her symptoms. Lots of slow acting poisons behave like a cold or flu to avoid suspicion. It's why most are outlawed." Sakura explained. She grabbed the blanket and pulled it down to your knees. "I'll know for sure when I examine her."

It grows quiet in the bedroom. Slowly Jiraiya and Sakura look over at Naruto. The young boy gives a clueless 'What?' to their expectant staring.

"It's rude to stay for an examination, Naruto." Sakura explained.

"But this old perv gets to stay!" He defends himself as he pointed at the eldest in the room.

"She's my wife." Jiraiya said flatly. "I have seen her naked before."

"Ew!"

"Don't ew me you little punk!"

They began to argue like children. Sakura watches both confused and disappointed. A sense of understanding comes to her as she now gets why Lady Tsunade says Naruto and Jiraiya are two peas in a pod. Now she has to mother them both. With heavy breath through her nose she takes her bag off and opens it.

"Naruto. I have a job for you while I do this." She announces.

That quiets them both down. They both focus on her as she brings out a kit. She presented it to her teammate and explained its purpose.

"Put a sample in the container with some water. Add a few drops of the fluid from this container," she pointed to the bottle with a clear fluid in it. "And shake it. If it turns blue it's been tampered with."

Jiraiya smiles. Clever girl. She packs everything, even a poison kit. To be fair most field medics pack it when called to an emergency. From there they can quickly test anything they patient may have ingested and administer the correct treatment. But it's good to know she has the foresight to pack something like that. Tsunade must be proud to have such a clever young lady for a pupil.

"Cool!" Naruto agreed. He grabbed the kit but paused. "But uh... what do I look for?"

"She felt sick after supper last night." Jiraiya spoke up. "We had rice with salmon that was cooked with a sesame seed crust."

"You're sure it just wasn't bad fish?"

"Food poisoning isn't this severe. And the chef is good at his job. I doubt he would undercook a fish."

"Okay. So I'm looking for... fish, rice, and sesame seeds." Naruto repeated as he counted on his fingers.

"And tea. She always has tea with supper."

"Okay! I can handle that!"

Naruto ran to the door to start his testing.

"Be discreet!"

"I will!"

Once the door was closed Sakura moved on to her treatment of you. She undid the sash holding your kimono together and her hands glowed a soft green.

"Are you going to stay here?" She asks.

"Where else would I go?"

"I don't know..."

"Rui already is suspicious of me. I don't want to give him more ammunition to fire at me or the village. Naruto has this. I believe in him."

She nods. She continues to check you over. You groan as you stir but don't awaken. Your head lulls to the side and the cloth slides off your forehead. Jiraiya brushes back your hair from your face. Your brows furrowed but you don't wake up.

"So long as she doesn't get exposed to more of the poison she'll recover."

"That's good." He sighs.

"You care about her?"

"Of course I do."

Her surprise is a apparent. Is it really such a shock? Is he supposed to languish and wallow in sorrow? Yeah this isn't his first choice but clearly this is the path he has to walk. It's for the people he loves. People he considers family. It's for you too.

"I don't want to sound... grim. But if she doesn't survive, what will you do?" The girl asks.

Jiraiya doesn't have an answer. Not immediately. It's not something he considered. He can't let you die. You're his wife. Your the head of a nearly extinct clan.

If you die... he loses everything. And Rui wins. There's a possibility that Rui might go for Konoha. With your death could come accusations and scrutiny. With Rui whispering in the Daimyo's ear things could go south. Everything Jiraiya gave up could be ruined.

It's a crappy future to say the least. But it does make the answer clear.

"I'd do everything I could to keep the village safe. Even if that means I'm a scapegoat."

"What do you mean?"

"I'd take the fall. I acted out on my own to get out of the marriage."

"But you'd be arrested."

"No." He chuckles. "Rui would demand I'd be put to death."

Sakura looks horrified.

"But-!"

"Don't worry about it." He interrupted. "It's alright. It's the only solution I can think of where Konoha doesn't get prosecuted. In most suspicious deaths the spouse is usually the one who does it. No one will question it, especially under these circumstances. If all the blame falls on me then everything will work out."

"But that's not fair."

"Life is hardly fair, Sakura."

She looks defeated. She doesn't argue with him further. She looks down at you. You better survive. She glances back up to see Jiraiya is looking you over. It's clear by the affection on his face he does care about you. They say the right woman can change a man. It seems she doesn't have anything bad to report about you to her mentor. Jiraiya is a good judge of character. You must be an alright person.

Soon Naruto comes back victorious. He's holding the tiny jar full of what looks like herbs in bluebell coloured water. He had some valuable information to come with it.

"You were right! It was the tea!"

"Where was it?"

"In a cupboard in the kitchen."

"So anyone could've gotten to it."

"No not really. The chef told me that only Rui and the head maid are allowed into that cupboard since it directly goes to the head of the house."

"Really?" Jiraiya pauses. "Is it locked?"

"Uh huh! But the head maid left her key in the lock and I managed to grab the tea before she realized it!"

Pride fills him. He ain't crazy after all. Rui is a dirty bastard after your position. It seems he still has it. Detective work usually isn't his thing but all this deception is familiar. It's hard to snoop when he's under a microscope. These kids really cracked it. They made quick work of it too.

Naruto sat down beside him holding the container like it held gold. His big blue eyes are practically full of stars. He's proud of what he's done too.

"What now?"

Jiraiya smiles at his very helpful companions. This went easier than he thought. It's a good thing Rui ain't a criminal mastermind.

"If you draw blood, do you think you can pull the poison from her?" He asks as he points to you.

"If she hasn't metabolized it yet." Sakura agreed.

"Good."

She does it. They stay for dinner... served fresh from the servant's pantry, just in case. A peasant dish that was served fancy. You hardly wake enough for Jiraiya to feed you soup. They don't stay the night. It would be best if the evidence was processed and given to the right authorities quickly.

He sees them out.

"Are you sure you have to stay?" Naruto asked.

"Yes. I am the man of the house after all." Jiraiya joked... for the most part. He reached out and ruffled Naruto's hair. "Don't worry about me, kid. I'll be fine. Take care of yourself."

"Okay..." the blond sighs sadly. He squeezed Jiraiya in another hug. "I'll miss you..."

"I'll miss you too."

The two youngsters leave. It's all a matter of time now. Hopefully tomorrow will be the last of Rui's horrible presence in this house. He walks back inside and returns to the bedroom. He opens it only to feel his heart drop.

"Rui!"

That traitor is kneeled in the spot beside you holding a knife. His eyes are wild. His face is contorted in rage and something unhinged. He knows he can't get out of the hole he's dug. He knows he's been caught. He must have seen something or overheard it. But he won't give up either. It's a last stand.

"I won't wait any longer! I deserve to be the head of the house!" Rui shrieked. He pulled his lips up in a snarl. "Once I am I am going to kill you too!"

"No!"

There's no time to think. When the knife flies up Jiraiya springs into action. He won't let you die!

He scrambles towards you. His eyes focused on the knife that's flying down towards you. He reached towards it as his body covers you.

It all happens so fast!...

...

With a gentle tug, you pull off the gauze. Your husband doesn't even flinch. You hesitate and look up at him. He smiles at you.

"I'm fine, my lady. It doesn't hurt."

"It looks like it does."

Jiraiya shakes his head. He leans down and kisses your cheek. You are very thoughtful.

"There's nothing to worry about. I've had worse."

That does look to be true. His whole torso is full of scars. Now he has another. In his shoulder cut almost completely through. Even if not properly trained in battle, Rui had enough strength, rage, and adrenaline to do some damage. Jiraiya could properly defend himself thankfully, but he didn't come out unscathed.

You woke up when it ended. Your advisor dead on the floor and bleeding out. Your husband beside you covered in blood and gripping his deepest wound. Despite the grim circumstances he smiled and told you everything would be okay.

After a month most of the shallow wounds have closed. He still looks like he got scratched up by an angry kitty. Faded cuts and scrapes that are almost healed all over his arms. There's a couple on his face that are now faded red lines.

It's all so much to take in. All the things Rui did. The man you trusted most... your only family... murdered your grandparents and your parents. He almost murdered you. If Jiraiya wasn't here... Rui would have gotten away with it.

All you have is Jiraiya... at his suggestion you hired all new staff. The people you grew up with are gone. It's both refreshing and crushing. To think you can't trust the people who knew you since infancy is awful. But it's sorta nice to break away from all the bad memories and starting anew.

You dab a damp cloth on his wound. It needed stitches. He saved you again. Once clean, you dry it and apply some ointment. By his bemused expression you know he's only humouring you. It's the least you can do.

You pause and raise your gaze to look him in the eyes. It's all because he cares. If he didn't you probably wouldn't be here. Because of him there's finally a peaceful resolution. Your corespondents with Konoha is much more civil since Rui's death. You thanked them for their assistance and their kindness. They proved that you were in grave danger with your blood sample and the tainted tea. Jiraiya wrote them too, telling his friends and loved ones that he's content here. He's fine to stay and they shouldn't worry about him. He has a duty to be your husband... and it ain't so bad to fulfill that vow.

"Thank you. For everything you've done for me." You say.

Jiraiya laughs. This time he caressed your face and kissed you properly.

"It was my pleasure."

You lean forward and kiss him. He kisses you back. He forgets about the ache in his shoulder and wraps his arms around you. He guides you down to your back. You let him and he's overtop of you. You gasp in a breath when he pulls on the knot holding your kimono together.

Finally it's happening.

After everything and all you have been through with him, you don't feel alone. He fills a void. Without him you aren't sure what you would do. You owe him so much but he asks for nothing in return. He's family.

And with Jiraiya your family will grow.

It's better than you imagined. It's hard to control yourself. Your brain doesn't want to work beyond the next move. He guides your hips. His warm rough hands feel heavy on your waist.

To give you most comfort and control, Jiraiya swapped places with you. He's sitting with his back against the wall and legs half tucked to support your butt. You are straddling him. You froze up right at the pinnacle moment. The tip of his cock is just pressed against your entrance. As wonderful as he made the previous moments feel for some reason a flicker of fear stalled you. You just... don't know what this is going to feel like. All the build up is weighting on your mind. What if it isn't as you thought?

"We don't have to if you are having doubts, my lady." Jiraiya spoke with an assuring smile.

"I guess I'm a little scared."

"That's alright. It's okay to be scared."

You smile at him. You place your hands on his shoulders and lean in to kiss him. Only him makes you feel special and secure. For the first time in the bedroom you take him by surprise. He gasps and his fingers grip you more tightly. His expression changes from a calm smile to a cringe.

"Am I hurting you?" You ask.

"No! This is good."

The intrusion isn't as odd as you thought. The pain fades and your body adjusts. He's just the right size. It doesn't dig into places that hurt nor does it feel like your body is going to split. Jiraiya is fidgeting. His hips shift. Your body rocks with the motion of the adjustment. His expression relaxes. It doesn't look like he's in pain anymore.

"You feel good." He says.

His voice is suddenly husky and gruff. He's breathless. You relax. You move your hands up to his neck and up into his hair. This whole time you had your thumb pressed into his wound. It was by accident. But he didn't complain. The pleasure dulled all the pain.

"What do I do now?" You ask.

"Let me show you."

Jiraiya swallows heavily before beginning. It's been awhile but he knows it hasn't changed. He's just a little more sensitive than he usually is. His body is eager and anticipating so much more. He sucks in a breath as he lifts you by your hips. You follow his lead.

"Hahh... fuck." He curses as his head falls back against the wall.

A mix of pleasure and a sensation akin to falling fills you. The way the length of his dick slides out to the head. Then he pushed you back down and it fills you again. He's flustered and panting hard just from that. You aren't much better. The only difference is your core muscles are aching. But the ache feels good.

You work with your husband to understand the delicate dance of making love. He keeps a strong grip on you keep you on pace. He lowered his head again and kissed you. You cling to him and savour the kiss. You bounce more and more each time he increases the speed. Your crotch is roughly slapping against his. It's making the wettest most erotic noise you've ever heard. Mixed with the gasps and cries you can't keep in it makes for quite the symphony.

"Are you... ready.. for more?" Jiraiya asks.

"Mhmm!" You nod.

You hold your breath when he moved to his knees and you're on your back. He holds your lower back and takes over. What else can you do but take it? It takes a moment to find your footing but you do with your feet by his knees.

It becomes hard to breathe as he smothers you in kisses. You grip fistfuls of his hair and all your muscles refuse to release their tension. He breaks the kiss to cover your neck and chest in attention.

Licks, nips, and bites. All tickle your skin. It's broken up between quiet calls of your name. He takes a breather and his face hovers above yours as he refuses to let up his pace.

"What else can you show me?" You whisper.

"I don't think we can cover it all in one session."

A smile grows on your lips. You share a moment of laughter with him. Despite yours and his limitations he still showed you a lot.

It came to a glorious end one after another. Jiraiya was determined to make sure you enjoy yourself to the fullest extent before he reached his limit.

There's a glow about it. The air smells different. His skin feels different against yours. You lay with him half covered by the quilt and secure in his embrace. It's the first time he's really done this. Lay behind you with his arm around you. His fingers are playing with yours in a lazy hand massage.

"What are you thinking about?" You ask.

"Nothing serious." He answers. He kisses your shoulder. "Just about us."

"What about us?"

"All good things. I enjoy spending my time with you, my lady."

You gently squeeze his hand.

"Call me by my name."

Jiraiya moved the hair away from your ear and his lips pressed against the edge of your ear. He uttered your name before kissing your neck. Shivers tingle down your back. From now on only he can say your name.

This... ain't so weird anymore. No it's not just because he got to sleep with you. Jiraiya rests his head on the pillow and plays with your hair. You deserve a good future. Hopefully he can provide that. Kids.. family. The task doesn't seem so daunting with you. With the peace restored it's easier to imagine it.

It is safe to say you have grown on him. Maybe he even loves you. All he knows for sure is that he's happy with you. And hey... if the love gets shared with a kid or two that's not a bad thing.

He has a duty to fulfill as your husband after all!