I'm not sure when the shift happened, when I started seeing him as a man and not a warrior or leader. It was a gradual thing moving in increments inside my mind and then at one point, I knew.
-Magnetic-
"I'll miss you," said Hashirama, his voice pitched low. "I got used to having you so close, to see you and hear you every day."
She shivered despite herself, the husky voice, warm eyes and much to close presence overwhelming her senses. Mito took a step back, her eyes demurely adverted. "You shall forget of me soon, Hashirama-dono. There is much work to do, and little time to think of personal matters."
"I will always make time to think of you, Mito-chan. It will be so lonely here without you."
"Luckily, Madara-dono is here to keep you company," she said with a sly smirk, her eyes trailing to the sullen figure behind Hashirama.
"A poor substitute, I assure you."
Mito chuckled, the sound warm in her chest. Hashirama was slowly showing her more and more sides of himself, a glimpse behind the silly, overenthusiastic veneer. Mito couldn't help but push back. "Oh, I am unsure of that assessment. I am sure Madara-dono will do his very best to stave off your loneliness." She smiled at her own bold remark, her eyes glinting with triumph at the blush blooming across Hashirama's cheeks.
"As entertaining as your flirting is, I believe you have a schedule to keep, Lady Mito."
It was Mito's turn to flush at Madara's clipped words.
"Oh come now Madara, don't be a sourpuss. You get to have Mito-chan all the way back to Uzushio, let me get my share!"
A/N: Guys, I am sorry for the slow updates on this one. I am currently focusing on finishing Book 1 of Pain and Hope (my other fic) and that takes all my energy since it's a dark and very emotional end.
So again, I apologize for the slow updates. It will hopefully pick up in the future as inspiration strikes.