Author's note: Thanks, paulavara! Here's your next chapter :) Even if it is kind of a slow burn.

Dixi, for you, it's clearly rent free.

Chapter 11: Plans

It had been three days since Umika's defection from the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Tobirama's presence had eased the financial burden. They were able to sleep out in the woods, taking turns on watch. He knew the area and game well, so hunting for food became a more viable option. They talked sometimes. She about her past, and he about his future. There was so much he wanted to accomplish. He had so many plans for the Leaf. As he described each of his ambitions, Umika began to feel guilty for being the catalyst that pulled him away from it.

"Won't you miss it?" She searched his face for a reaction. "I mean, it was different for you there. It was your home."

"Maybe I'll return someday. Who knows." Tobirama replied. His wrist moved with a quick flick, catching a falling leaf from a tree. He fiddled with it as they continued their journey. "Are we headed anywhere specific, or do you plan on wandering until you hit a town?"

"South-east."

"What's south-east?"

"Tajima once told me he came across a fishing colony on an island there. It was across the ocean from the Land of Hills, deep in the mist that never lifts."

"He traveled into the ocean's mist?" Tobirama raised his brow at the brave, if not foolish, action. "He didn't fear what lurked in it?'

"Tajima was fearless." Umika affirmed. "He never second-guessed himself." She absentmindedly began picking at the frayed end of one sleeve.

"Are you second-guessing your decision to leave?" he pried. She stopped in her tracks.

"I just…worry."

"About?"

"Madara."

"Do you think he worries about you being out here alone?"

"I'm not alone." she argued.

"He doesn't know that." Tobirama corrected. "Remember, I was sent to retrieve you. I was told to check in the morning of the Fire Lord's arrival even if I didn't find you. They probably assume I am dead."

"They will send for you." she assured, continuing on her way. "Hashirama loves you. He will leave no stone unturned."

"You believe Madara feels differently?"

"There is a reason you came instead of him." the girl bemoaned.

"Then why waste time worrying about him?" Tobirama grabbed her forearm, forcing her to stop. He swallowed the lump forming in his throat. He wondered if she could see through him. If her skills in perception were as apt as her skills in hiding.

"Because…even if he doesn't love me, I love him." she answered. "I was just upset when you found me."

"You see it more clearly now?"

"What does it matter?" Umika frowned at the sudden interrogation.

"Just answer my question. If he had come, if he had asked you to return with him, would you have gone?" The wind picked up, kicking leaves up from the forest floor. A sudden chill passed over the girl.

"If Madara asked me to return to him, I would do it in a heartbeat. But he does not want my help. He does not need it. He banished me."

"What do you intend to gain by moving across the ocean? Are you hoping your love for him will not follow you past the water's edge?"

"He will always be in my heart. No matter where I am."

"Then why not return to the village, rebuild your life, and brood over him from the comforts of the Senju compound? Where you can at least keep a watchful eye on him."

"Because I don't want to marry a man as cruel as Kaito." she hissed, trying to pull away from his grasp. Tobirama tightened it, pulling her closer.

"You can lie to me, but you shouldn't lie to yourself." he whispered. "You think Kaito would leave your body in the shape that Madara did?"

"H-he warned me." Umika grabbed Tobriama's hand, trying to pry his fingers from her wrist. "He told me not to chase him, and I didn't listen. That's all."

"You know what injuries I'm referring to." His red eyes narrowed on her onyx ones. A mortified look passed over her face. "I watched my brother heal you." Her motions became more desperate. She leaned away from him, beating her hand against his armored chest.

"Let me go!"

"Then admit you had no real reason to leave." Tobirama grabbed her other wrist and turned her writhing body away from him, holding her still against his chest. "Admit you only ran in the hopes of capturing Madara's attention."

"I didn't!" she cried. She felt just as frightened as the first night she had fallen into him. When he had grabbed her.

"Because if he chases you all over these lands, then maybe he feels something more than he lets on, and you could live with what he does to you."

"N-no, he—"

"You could live with him only touching you when he's angry." Tobirama wasn't quite sure what happened next. He heard Umika scream. He then felt a spike in her chakra. Then blades in his arms and chest. Or, at least, what felt like blades. He released her in the shock of the event and looked down to see blood soaking through his shirt. There were cuts in the cloth and his skin. They were shallow, nothing that couldn't be treated with a few bandages. "How did you do that?"

"Give me my belongings." Umika motioned for one of the bags that Tobirama had been carrying on his back. He slid it off his shoulder and tossed it to her. She checked its integrity before tossing it over her shoulder. Her cheeks were flushed, and her nose was red. "Just leave me be." she sniveled, quickly dabbing away any tears that threatened to fall from her lashes. Tobirama said nothing as she disappeared into the forest. He waited a few more minutes before letting out an annoyed sigh.

"Stop skulking in the shadows." he shot. "She's not here." His eyes fixed on one area as he watched Madara and Hashirama step out into the clearing with him.

"Where is she?" Madara asked. Tobirama motioned down the path. The Uchiha left without another word.

"Do you think it worked?" Hashirama asked his brother.

"If Madara can manage to show her a moment of kindness." Tobirama retorted. "She admitted to me that she would return with him if he asked."

"Playing the villain so he can rescue her as the hero." Hashirama laughed. "It's a shame you missed the courtship meeting. You would make a fine husband."

"Be quiet." the younger Senju snarled.

"I mean it! This was ingenious. You knew Madara would agree to come collect her. You knew just how to gain her trust and break it down. I have to admit, I had my doubts when you sent your shadow clone with the scheme, but it seems everything went according to your plan. Even stalling her enough to let us catch up."

"She didn't wander that far." Tobirama mumbled. "How did the meeting with Fire Lord go?"

"There won't be a democratic vote. He's decided to name me Hokage." Hashirama seemed almost disappointed when he delivered the news.

"Good news all around, then."

"Yes, I'm Hokage and you managed to, yet again, avoid getting married." the elder brother joked. "We should celebrate."

Umika stopped to lean on a tree, trying to keep her emotions under control. She flinched when she heard dried leaves crunch on the path behind her.

"I told you to leave me be!" she yelled. She squeezed her eyes shut and turned to push Tobirama away as hard as she could managed. Her hands landed against his chest plate. The motion barely budged him.

"Umika." Her eyes snapped open at the deep voice. She looked up to find Madara staring down at her. Perhaps the only thing more surprising was how he was staring at her. He didn't look angry. Not annoyed either. He looked…contrite.

"M-Madara…what are…what are you doing here?"

"I've been searching for you everywhere." He placed his hands over hers. "Are you hurt?" She shook her head, her previous efforts at maintaining her composure thrown to the wind. She wrapped her arms around him and cried. He held her close. "I'm glad you're safe."

"P-Please don't—don't send m-me to the S-Senj—"

"Sh." Madara comforted her. "I'm sorry, Umika. I did not know it would cause you this much pain. I was just trying to protect you."

"I just—just want to be w-with you!"

"Then come back home." Madara cooed, stroking her hair. She immediately agreed, nodding vigorously and squeezing him tight, as if he would disappear from her arms.

"As long as I'm with you."