Chapter 5: The Wedding

The next few days pass swiftly, the entire Uchiha household abuzz with preparations for the wedding. Izuna and Haruo, his little follower, had been more than helpful, keeping Kazue occupied or taking her around the gardens and the forest when she had a moment to spare. Kazue made sure to keep herself engrossed in the preparations such that she didn't have enough time to speak more than a moment with Madara. The leader of the Uchiha clan had been travelling to various other locations to meet with other leaders and continue business arrangements, which seemed especially important as of recent. He didn't make much effort to speak with her either, the distance and awkwardness between them was daunting although, the Uchiha had brought it upon himself. Though they didn't share a bed, nor a room, Kazue would often hear the voices of other women from Madara's room. The thought of him and his concubines make her feel sick and even more adamant to distance herself from him. Kazue would wake at dawn to train before the rest of the house woke and return by early morning to bathe before heading to the library and starting the fireplace. The morning was the one time in the day that she wasn't the centre of attention, and had a chance to explore the endless shelves of books. Haruo, the little Uchiha monkey-boy, had taken quite a liking to Kazue. A day ago, she discovered him following her to training, it seems he wanted to be a shinobi and the only teacher awake happened to be her. She had agreed on the condition that Izuna would know and that Haruo would stay off the furniture, to which he agreed. This particular morning, Haruo chatters enthusiastically about their training on their way back to the Uchiha compound. Kazue carries the boy on her back and chuckles at his expressions, the cold making their breaths condense. Dew covers the blades of grass they cross and small splashes of sunlight begin to pour onto the ground around them as the sunrise occurs. The two open and close the large gates behind them, laughing at the effort it takes. All Kazue can think about is breakfast before she jumps onto the pebble path with Haruo. That is until she sees Madara standing before them. Refraining from groaning in dispirit, she sets Haruo down and sends him to wake Kanako before dusting herself off and facing him.

"Good morning, Madara-san." She nods mechanically, trying not to think of how informally she is dressed,
"It's cold out, you should both keep a shawl on you after training so early." He nods at her before continuing to the gate where he's met by several other shinobi. Kazue exhales in relief, that was a painless interaction for once. He knew they'd been training. Though he didn't say anything nice, he didn't make a snide remark either. Unusual. Judging by the sides she'd seen of Madara since they first met, Kazue had decided this reserved, passive-aggressive side was the one that scared her the most. At least the openly angry and arrogant side was predictable.

As soon as Kanako finds her, the Uzumaki is locked in the bathroom and thoroughly scrubbed down. Kanako pours various oils and essences over her, the strength of the sandalwood and jasmine makes Kazue wrinkle her nose though she knew better than to resist. Kanako sets the white kimono upon the bed and tells Kazue to dry off and wait while she rushes out to bring the her Uchikake.

The kimono is pure white, though the colour isn't stark and abnormal… the material is soft and delicate looking, Kazue lifts a sleeve of the silky material and watches it drape across her palm and slide through her fingers like water in her hands. No doubt this was beautiful… It made her wonder if Madara had chosen this for her. She shakes her damp waves and wrings out the moisture from them, moving her towel to her wet shoulders. The door clicks open and she spins on her heel to greet Kanako, eager to see the uchikake.

"Kanak-" It seems Kanako had grown several feet taller, sprouted long black hair and turned into a man. Just her luck, Madara Uchiha stands in the doorway, an expression of almost genuine surprise on his usually stern face. The two stare blankly at one and other before Kazue realises his eyes are fixed to her body, which is barely covered by the small towel. Kazue barely manages a shriek as she spins back to face the wall.

"I didn't realise you weren't changed." Madara finds himself turning away from his fiancé sharply
"Is that an apology?" Kazue is breathless, though too shocked to be angry. She had gotten quite used to his lack of consideration for privacy, but this was a first. "Is something the matter?"
"I came to ask if they brought your mother's veil here from Konoha." His replies, Kazue's eyes soften and flicker to the silver box on her dressing table
"Y-yes."
"Good. The guests will be arriving soon." He says before letting himself out.

Kazue releases the deep breath she is holding before staring into the mirror and groaning. Was it possible for her face to be redder than her hair? Her cheeks reminisced of an over-ripe tomato. Of all the times he could have barged in! Stupid Madara… Kanako arrives cheerily soon after, blissfully unaware of the exchange that took place in her absence. Though Kazue can see why. Her uchikake was of the highest quality she had ever seen, and she had seen many including Mito's. The intricate embroidery covers the majority of the rose red fabric and the majestic sleeves and stitched neckline are uncommonly both extravagant and elegant at the same time.

"It's beautiful." Is all the Uzumaki manages to say,
"It is the most beautiful one among all villages. Madara-sama had only the finest embroiders complete this from scratch. The only kimono that could match you." Kanako smiles maternally
"He… got this made for me?" She can't believe her ears. Madara Uchiha, her sworn enemy-come-husband had had this priceless piece of art made for her? Surely he wants to impress the guests. She scowls,
"Yes, Kazue-san. I know your mother would be so happy to see you."
"I-I hope so, Kanako." She feels the thickness of a sob rise to her throat before she gulps it down and smiles.
"Be strong, Kazue-san, you will shine bright today." She smiles as she begins helping Kazue change.

A few other maids arrive to help tie Kazue's hair, kohl her eyes and paint her lips. The buzz of activity almost sends her to sleep before the increasing volume of chatter outside makes her feel jittery and anxious. As much as she didn't want to show that she wasn't perturbed by the wedding, it didn't change the fact that this would be her first and last wedding day. Today, all eyes would be on her and Madara. The thought of it makes her feel nauseous. What would happen after this? What would Madara be like after this? She hadn't even considered the fact that she would have to provide children for him. Would he be a good father to them? What would happen to Uzushiogakure and her people? Kanako places the white bridal veil over Kazue while she's lost in thought.

"Kazue-san." Kanako's call pulls Kazue back to the present moment.
"Y-yes, sorry, I wasn't thinking straight." She chuckles nervously, trying to hide the fear in her voice
"There's no need to apologize, I can't imagine how conflicted you feel. I know this must be unnerving for you, Kazue-san. But I can offer only this advice to you and hope it will be of some help to you." The woman pulls Kazue's trembling hands into hers. "When we feel like there is only darkness ahead of us, we should not forget that, somewhere, there is always light. Sometimes it comes from within. You are strong, my child and you are powerful. I believe you can change the future you think you see right now and I believe you can even change Madara-sama. I really do believe that." Tears well in the shorter woman's eyes as Kazue pulls her into an embrace, and lets a tear fall and wet the fabric of her uchikake.

The time for the ceremony nears. Madara could tell by the shuffling of steps and the bustling conversation in the courtyard. He shrugs slightly to adjust his hakama which bears the Uchiha crest on either lapel, his thoughts turn to his fiancé. The sight of her small frame encased in a barely sufficient towel, the angry blush in her cheeks, the flicker of her eyelashes and the flip of her dark crimson hair. Clearly, this was an inappropriate time to think of such things. Though the Uchiha struggles to erase the image of her from his mind. He should have knocked. His pride had a way of making his apologies sound less than authentic and barely apologetic at all, though he'd never admit it. Izuna arrives to accompany his brother to the ceremony, grinning at the sight of him in formal robe. The guests had been ushered to sit down inside and the crowd speaks in hushed tones which means it would begin soon. When they reach the antechamber to the hall, Madara's eyes catch a glint of lily white and red. She stands facing the courtyard, her back to him. Her elaborately adorned hair shimmers rouge in the white daylight, the uchikake falls elegantly around her, cascades of embroidery descending across her. Just as he thought, this shade of red uchikake suits her. As if she feels his stare, she turns to look over her shoulder. For a moment and for the first time, Madara feels his breath hitch. Though behind her veil, he could see her lips and cheeks are rosy, her brown eyes anxious and unsure though still captivating, they are framed by long lashes which brush her cheeks each time she blinks. The physical beauty definitely catches Madara's eye, yet it is something about her aura that stops him from looking away. It is evident she is nervous, though the way she held her head and shoulders despite that made her look opulent and anyone in the room seemed mesmerised by her. Izuna glances at his brother and the usual carefree grin on his lips straightens for a moment while he watches his brother walk to Kazue's side. Though no one notices Madara clear his throat quietly and step toward Kazue, it is more obvious to Izuna than anyone else that his brother had never looked at someone in that way before.

Kazue can't help herself glance over her shoulder at Madara, though she quickly turns away after her eyes meet his. No doubt he looks magnificent, as much as she hates to admit it. He looked taller and stronger in the black and white hakama. The spiky tumbles of black-ink hair frame his face flatteringly, an attribute of his she had once deemed unruly and haphazard. His obsidian eyes catching hers make a strange sensation twist in her stomach, yet it wasn't dread. He stops at her side and offers his arm to her, she pauses for a moment before taking it. As the doors open, Madara's gaze drops to Kazue as if to ask if she is ready to start walking. Kazue gives a small nod before he steps forward with her. Keeping her eyes from scanning across the vast crowd around them, Kazue inhales deeply and kneels with Madara as the ceremony begins.

Madara and Kazue stand in the middle of the courtyard, beautiful flower displays and colourful banners surround the estate and greet guests as they walk into the reception. Relatives and friends approach the couple and bestow blessings and gifts for what seems like hours. Madara senses unease in his new wife, her eyes dart around the compound in search of her family… or a certain silver-haired Senju. He lets his arm drop around Kazue's waist and pulls her closer to his side in annoyance, she spins her head to him in surprise before he tells her she'd best stay close if she didn't want the crowd to trample her. She relaxes and shuffles slightly closer at the thought of it, Madara knew she was small built, but is still taken aback that her shoulders seemed to disappear against the crook of his.

"You look beautiful…" Kazue's head turns to find Mito after she hears her words,
"Mito…" Kazue smiles at her sister who embraces her warmly.
"Kazue, I'm so sorry-"
"No, don't apologise. I know you care, nee-san, I shouldn't have left without saying goodbye." She holds her elder sister's hands in hers,
"I should have told you everything. It won't happen again I promise you, Kazue." Mito feels her eyes wet with tears as her sister beams a beautiful smile at her.

"Don't forget us!" Hashirama protests, putting an arm around Mito's shoulder,
"Hashirama-ni-sama, I'm so happy to see you!" Kazue grins,
"You will do amazing things and I know you'll bring a lot of peace through this bond."
"I certainly hope so." Kazue sighs.

"Madara, congratulations! Take care of her." He offers his hand to the Uchiha and they exchange words jovially, Kazue watches in slight horror as their hands meet and Madara… smiles. It didn't seem forced or malicious… he almost looks friendly.

The other guests continue to crowd around the newlyweds, who look slightly harangued. Kazue sees Madara nod and speak politely here and there, though he doesn't smile again. She is actually grateful to have his strong frame beside her, which kept her from getting swept away in the mob. Though she hadn't expected her Father to bother to show up, he does. Much to her surprise he looks tired and slightly emotional. He's robed in formal attire, his once burgundy hair has lightened to a dark brown with white and grey streaks and his strong features had softened from the days of his prime. For some reason, the anger she had felt towards him for abandoning her to the alliance dissipates when he pulls her into an embrace before shaking Madara's hand.

"You have grown radiant, my child." He smiles weakly but proudly, "I hope you understand one day how much you mean to me and to Uzushio. The people miss you, they ask when you will return. It has occurred to me that I trust your judgement at times more than my own, I wish to offer you a place on the council…though that is your decision."
"Father…" Kazue begins,
"I have spoken with Mito and I have been unfair to you, sending you away from your people and your home. I would not have done it if I didn't believe you capable of carrying out the Will of Fire. I hope one day you will see that. Madara-san, my daughter is headstrong, but she does not give up and she is willing to give her life to safeguard those she cares about. Please protect her." He squeezes Kazue's hands in his, Madara bows before he leaves to meet Mito.

In that moment, she could see it more clearly than she had before, her father was growing old. After him, it was only her and Mito. The thought makes tears rise in her eyes though she shakes them away. It was true that weddings brought emotions out of people. Madara looks down at Kazue, his eyes softening momentarily. He knew what it felt like to lose everyone, to only have a few who you would endeavour to protect at all costs… Izuna shakes his brother from his train of thought and wraps an arm around his shoulder before greeting Kazue. The two chirp energetically, Madara grimaces until Haruo appears, the boy tugs at his hakama before he's hoisted into the air into Madara's arms. Kazue smiles at the sound of Haruo's laughter, as well as the sight of his ease and comfort in the stern Uchiha's arms. The party continues late into the evening, everyone settling to eat and converse around the lantern-lit courtyard. No doubt, the decorators had created an extravagant display without making anything seem gaudy. Perhaps Madara did have an eye for design. Something flutters in Kazue's stomach as she catches a glimpse of blue in the crowd. Madara stops himself from tightening his grip on Kazue when he senses it. His chakra. Izuna tenses too. Kazue hurriedly excuses herself and steps away from the conversation to sift through the guests. She feels a familiar wave of chakra behind her and turns to see Tobirama.

"So, you finally managed to show up, huh?" Kazue scowls trying to hide the smile playing on her red lips,
"I came here as soon as my mission finished, Kazue-chan!" Tobirama raises his hands in defence. Kazue notices how spectacular the leaf ninja looks in his kimono. The brilliant royal blue compliments his light skin, and the Senju crest adorns either side of his chest. Without his metal forehead protector he looked at ease and refreshingly casual. "You look breath-taking, you know?" he chuckles, his eyes lingering on her,
"You sound surprised." She laughs narrowing her eyes
"Not surprised… just…" he finds himself stuttering
"I'm just jibing. Have you eaten?"
"N-no, I'll return to the village tonight for some other matters, I had to come to see you though, make sure you hadn't wrought havoc on the ceremony." He winks at her,
"You're not staying?" Kazue feels disappointment seep into her voice
"Not tonight, forgive me. But once this issue with the rogue-nin is resolved I'll visit you first thing. There have been several incidents where break-ins have happened in the village, I'm not confident in leaving the people alone for too long. I promise after I can ensure they're safe, I'll stop letting you down." He taps her chin up before smiling warmly
"You didn't let me down, I understand."
"Don't look so depressed, it's your wedding day!" he cuffs her gently on the cheek
"I'm not!" she pouts, he laughs before pulling her into his arms. Kazue jumps in surprise before relaxing into his broad chest. If only she could stay there like this.
"Stay safe, Kazue, dangerous things have been happening recently and although I know you're a capable ninja… don't take any risks, alright? You've had to be very strong to make this alliance work, remember that if you're in a situation where you need me I'll be there in a heartbeat." His tone is soft but serious. Kazue enjoys the comfort of him for a moment longer before saying goodbye. On her way back to Izuna and Madara, she notices their eyes wide and their body language tense until Tobirama leaves the courtyard. Madara remains stiff and formal at her side, though he doesn't comment about her interaction with Tobirama, Kazue can feel his annoyance. He did say, she couldn't speak alone with him before the wedding, but this was after so there's no reason for him to be so moody. On her way to wash her hands after dinner, she catches Kanako in the halls.

"Kanako! I know you're busy but I have to ask… Izuna-san seemed just as tense as Madara-san earlier when Tobirama was speaking with me. Is there any reason for that?" Kazue whispers
"I-I'm not sure that I should tell you, Kazue-san, but they clashed in battle prior to the alliance." Kanako's voice is barely audible,
"Battle? So they don't have good relations?"
"N-not exactly, Izuna-sama had been badly wounded by Tobirama-sama in a major battle. Madara-sama managed to save him before they retreated. It took Izuna-sama several months to fully recover from his grave injuries, I think that this had a profound effect on both although the alliance has been made since then." She explains in a hushed tone before excusing herself to go to the kitchens. Kazue finds herself taken aback at the thought of Tobirama, Izuna and Madara clashing in battle though it couldn't have been very long ago. How does Tobirama feel about it? Surely it can't be easy to be in the same place as Izuna and Madara after all of that. Hashirama-ni-san on the other hand is a different story. The party continues late into the evening, yellow lanterns illuminate anywhere the moonlight can't reach and the sight of Uchiha, Senju and Uzumaki drinking and laughing with one and other brought a feeling of contentment to Kazue. Even Madara had dropped his usual stoic demeanour. The couple excuse themselves to retire for the night and are, to their dismay, once again congratulated and blessed by all of the guests.

The moment the doors close in front of them and the last slip of light disappears from the party, Madara and Kazue drop their smiles and sink onto the bed side by side in exhaustion, setting their differences aside for the moment. Kazue struggles to keep her eyes open though the tightness of her kimono around her keeps her awake. Shuffling to her feet, she begins to untie it, ignoring the Uchiha on her bed who seemed to have fallen asleep already. The feel of the fabric loosening around her aching body is relieving and soothing at the same time. Careful not to drop the under clothing around her she steps toward the bathroom.

"Where are you going?" Madara's deep voice issues from behind her, strong palms splay across the fabric on her waist, making her gasp in shock. She can smell some sake on his breath,
"T-to change." She tries to maintain a firm tone but stutters trying to pull away, his behaviour catching her entirely off guard.
"Change here." He orders, Kazue can feel his breath on her bare neck, a sense of apprehension and embarrassment fill her.
"No."
"It's only a matter of time before we see each other naked." He states, subtly amused
"It doesn't mean it has to be tonight. Besides I'm sure you wouldn't want to waste your wedding night on a virgin." She tries to step away but he steps with her and grips her hips in his hands.
"Afraid?" Madara lowers his lips to her neck and lets his teeth gently graze the soft skin beneath them, Kazue's breath catches and her body tenses against him. His hands pull her hips into his with enough pressure to make her gasp.
"No. I-I'm just not ready f-for this, yet." She maintains a stiff posture as his cheek brushes across hers, Kazue feels the slight roughness of his stubble before he pulls back to look at her. His obsidian eyes lingering on her face and the exposed part of her neck for several moments before he exhales a chuckle and steps back, Kazue ignores an unfamiliar dull ache inside her.
"Don't worry yourself, I wasn't going to ask it of you tonight. Sleep well, Kazue." His voice is calm and in the moonlight, Kazue notices his brows are relaxed from their usual furrow.
"Ano-" She bites her tongue and hopes he hadn't heard, she shouldn't bring it up but it was too late, the Uchiha raises a brow at her, "K-Kanako told me you had the uchikake made for me." She manages
"Yes." He replies
"I-I just wanted to say thank you… it was beautiful."
"I'll let the embroiders know that it pleased you. Goodnight, Kazue." He nods
"G-goodnight." She whispers as his figure disappears from the door frame.

Kazue tries to recollect her encounter with Madara as she pulls the sheets over her, her hand brushing over the part of her neck he had touched. A blush fills her cheek at the thought of being intimate with him, although she still couldn't understand how she felt about the shinobi. She decides it's best not to dedicate so many thoughts toward him, to him a woman was a woman and pleasure was pleasure. She knew better than to expect anything more than that from him. Though he brushed off her 'thank you' as if he had no part in the uchikake… Maybe he struggled with responding to gratitude as much as he did with apologising. She waits for the usual inappropriate sounds of some woman issue from Madara's chamber to cue her to pull her pillow over her ears, though until she falls asleep she hears none. Like Madara Uchiha would spend a night alone without sex, especially on his wedding night.

As well as he had kept his composure in front of Kazue, Madara slams the door to his room behind him in frustration. That woman would be the death of him. The sight of her trying to keep the skimpy fabric of her robe around her curvy frame had almost prompted him to rip it off her. The second time he had practically seen her naked in the one day and neither of those gave fruit to any physical interaction. An image of Izuna laughing at him flits through his mind. Madara could not remember a time when his advances had been rejected by a woman, if ever there was such an occurrence. He had decided not to bring up her conversation with Tobirama, for once he was too tired to argue with her, though it still annoyed him. Why was he thinking about her anyway? She infuriated him to no end some days, and yet he couldn't help but imagine what she looked like under the layers of fabric she had on… or what she sounded like when someone took her. And here he stood, alone, aroused and cursing his manhood. Yanking the sheets over himself he settles into the bed in a huff. He couldn't be bothered to call someone in, and his pride and indignation held him from relieving himself. Of all nights.

A/N: Looks like someone got the most awkward boner of all time and the other a decent night's rest. At this point I don't think Madara, as talented and powerful a shinobi as he is, understands how he feels toward Kazue and that lack of control annoys him. In the same vein, Kazue doesn't quite seem to know how to respond to Mr. Bipolar.

Thank you so much for the reviews so far! You inspire me to keep writing and now that exams are finished, I promise I'll try and make things more interesting. Please do keep up the feedback, it really helps :) xx (PS I was writing some of this during exams so please excuse any typos and grammar mishaps :( ).

Also in response to AnImEfAN506, yes Izuna is alive at this point in the story! Thanks for bringing that major point of confusion to my attention! I hope this chapter addressed the setting of the story and cleared it up, but I'll still go over it here again. The time I've set this story in, is the early years of the Senju-Uchiha alliance, according to the original story (SCHPOILERS) Izuna was mortally wounded in a fight prior to the alliance by Tobirama and this resulted in him giving Madara the eternal Mangekyou Sharingan before he died from the wounds… In this story, it happens that Izuna didn't die from his wounds and the fact that Madara almost loses him (coupled with his relationship with Hashirama) causes him to consider making peace with the Senju. With that said, I hope the story makes a little more sense, I should have mentioned that much earlier! Thanks for your patience!