Mito's bedchamber

"What did he do?"

"Why don't you ask your brother?.."

*sigh* "You know he wouldn't admit he did something wrong."

"It isn't something he did just now, he's being doing it since he met her."

"He doesn't do it on purpose. His speech is a little rough but he means no harm."

"Makoto can manage his talking. She herself uses a similar approach on daily basis. The problem is he's treating her like a whore."

"What?! Isn't it a little extreme to put things like that?"

"Tobirama only looks for her company when he wants a sexual approach. They don't coexist. Besides, I heard the conversation you had with him in this room. He said it himself, he just wants to fuck her. Didn't he say that?"

Hashirama was stunned. Mito was hidden in the room on purpose while they talked?

"Why did you stay?"

"I knew you would need help in this matter. They are very different from you. Besides, you also heard Makoto now."

"I thought comprehensive male support would help her."

"Her reaction to you also surprised me. We don't know the events she had to face during the war. She's six years younger than us. I wonder where did she hide."

"I have looked after Tobirama's tantrums many times as we grew can't leave the compound, she's too responsible to do so. She must be in the studio's archive where we save the older pergamins and private mail."

"The hidden trap in the library?"

"Yes… I should tell Tobirama."

"But you said he wouldn't apologize."

"We just need him to hear her so he can understand he was being a dick. He will not apologize, but he will alter his behavior."

Tobirama's bedroom

The room was empty when he finished his bath. He dried his hair the best he could and prepared for sleep. The big wolf was still in the room but now he rested on her side's bed foot. The beast looked at him attentive while he changed the bathrobe for his nightgown which made him be extra careful of his movements. He did it as slowly as he could, taking care to avoid any aggressive or fast moves.

When the main paper door opened soundly he was ready to admonish her about leaving the massive wolf without supervision in his room, but it was quickly forgotten when he saw Hashirama instead, and with a serious semblance, no less.

"It seems I treated this subject too lightly before."- Hashirama said with a leaving-no-questions tone. Tobirama said nothing. "I warned you about this Tobirama. Why are you so tactless sometimes? I can't understand… "- Hashirama walked the room impassive trying to use the right words in order to cause the correct impact on Tobirama.

"I gave you a nice woman and you behave like a spoiled young boy with a new pet. You try to use her for your own pleasure but neglect her wishes and needs and I can't understand why. Why are you such a dick to her? She takes care of you, she leaves her dog to guard you, she does your paperwork… God, she has even avenged what the enemy coalition did to you, and you are angry because… what?! Because she doesn't openly desire you? How could she? You are a dick 24/7! You don't even deserve her care Tobirama! Marriage works in both directions. You are asking her to fulfill her duties while you do nothing about yours." -

"What? I'm-"

"I didn't finish-" Hashirama interrupted him and raised his tone- "You are a selfish brat. Did you really think you could force yourself on her and keep things the same? What were you thinking?! You are reducing the first child of a notorious grand commander and our spymaster to whore labor. Isn't that enough to put wet rags on your boyish impulses or do you need the wolf fauces on your balls to remember it?!" - Hashirama was screaming now. He felt so angry and frustrated, he hadn't prepared this words, they just came out as he confronted his brother. It was usually the opposite. Hashirama couldn't remember another occasion in which he was the one admonishing. It was the first time and one could tell by just looking at Tobirama's dumb face that he was also surprised.

"What? The cat got your tonge now? Say something! "

"The wolf is here to keep an eye on me, not to watch over me-"

"…...Really? Of all the things I told you that's the one that got your attention first?"

"No!"- Tobirama looked conflicted, but Hashirama knew it wasn't merely because of what he told him. He was fighting off his pride in order to accept his fault first and then he could feel guilty...maybe.

"I…"

"Stop talking about you Tobirama! This stopped being about you the moment you were well enough to escape the main compound." - Tobirama looked into his eyes finally. He had avoided Hashirama's face all the time making disgusted grimaces. Now he was aghast. His mouth was gaping like a fish out of water. He didn't know what to say.

"The dog is taking care of you. In case you don't remember you were the victim of a terrorist two months ago and the only reason you are here breathing right now is because of her and her dog. You're forever in debt to her but it seems you don't know how to pay with gratitude." - It looked like Hashirama was about to leave him but the lack of verbal answer from Tobirama unnerved him more. He needed more impact.

"I can't believe you of all the soldiers in this town to be capable of such an unjust and retrograde behavior. I'm so disappointed. " - Hashirama paced around the room uneasy. He needed to give Tobirama a deadline or he would be thinking about this subject for a whole month- "You have two nights including this one in order to fix this. She can't be sleeping in the studio's archive for more than that, people will talk. And she doesn't deserve it. If someone has to be caged that should be you."- Hashirama poked Tobirama's chest painfully with his index finger when he said the last words in order to make an emphasis, hoping this was enough to get into Tobirama's hard skull and hopefully, his heart.

Hashirama left the room closing the door soundly, walking heavy steps towards his room to reunite with his beloved wife. He was emotionally drained and physically tired. He wasn't looking towards the morning. It was going to be a long day.

Tobirama's Introspection

Tobirama stayed still in place where Hashirama left him. Shocked and in deep contemplation about the situation. He had no one on his side now, even his brother turned his back on him. How could he not understand? Of course he didn't. He had a wife who loved and pleased him since their first glance, he had that easiness with people, something Tobirama had envied since their childhood. He just couldn't do it- smile sincerely at everyone, even to strangers. It made no sense to him and he respected their differences. He thought that made them stronger because they covered each other's flaws... but not in this matter. Hashirama couldn't deal with his private life, his incapability to verbalise his feelings, because he supposed that was what was wrong in their relationship, wasn't it? Their relation began the wrong way with his poisoning. She offered her care for free, he didn't have to ask, he just welcomed her soft and caring touches once he was awake and when he no longer needed them he keep demanding her attention giving nothing in return but getting angry when she did for obligation. Now that he said it himself it really didn't make sense. It was unfair and now he had to go there and apologize? That will not change their damaged relationship nor will it make her change her feelings towards him. It will make coexistence more bearable at best, but will not fix this. Maybe nothing will fix this. He could't forgive that kind of would always bear apprehension in his heart and so will she if she's as proud as he thinks.

The benefit will be minimum in exchange for his severely damaged pride but Hashirama didn't care about it anymore. He wanted some water poured onto the fire as soon as possible.

Maybe a town girl would have been easier to marry.

Studio's archive (Makoto's introspection)

Old books and dust. It was a familiar smell. I spent a big part of my adolescence near them, in a library's archive near the devastated castles and abbeys on the coast. My father hid me there searching for old maps, medical records or old commander's diaries in order to know the area's fighting styles, geography or any advantage he could take in about the zone.

I found comfort there while I developed from child to woman and met him, Kuren. He was a refugee from one of the towns that were erased of the map for existing too close to the battlefield. He got there with her older sister and a younger brother and my father took them under his wing, feeling guilty.

The older sister got married quickly to a warrior under my father's command and the two boys were trained as warriors. Kuren was the more promising one. He was a quick learner and was an avid tactical theory lector. We were the same age and when I saw them sparring in the abbey saloon I had already read a lot about the art of combat in order to know some parry stances to put to practice. It amused my father that I learned that much just by reading and he let me practice with them. Maybe he shouldn't have said yes. If he could have said no to me just one time- maybe I would have married Kuren at a young age and he would be the new commander of the coast. Instead, I excelled in dual daggers and Kuren became Kokuyo's right hand, bounding him to illicit activities for life, leaving the command of the coast to my sister's husband, one of my father's loyal subordinates, but not the most brilliant.

Life would be simpler. I would not have to carry the heavy bag of pride, I could have allowed myself to love Kuren back. Maybe I would be dead by childbirth or deadly bored in my father's house but in a better company and for certain not alone.

Maybe I could be happy like the silly town girls that didn't waste efforts trying to live a different life, an adventurous and more exciting one.

It didn't play as I thought.

With time it's clear there's no place for someone like me in this world, not yet at laest. With time, it's clear that my old nanny was right. It's always exciting when you are young, but as time charges the bill you find yourself inevitably walking towards what society says you should do. The place nature assigned you the day you were born.

I thought long and deep if I should stay here serving the alliance or if i should ask Hashirama to fake my death and serve only as Kokuyo. This accord with Tobirama didn't have a fix. I tried my best to hide my pride and bite my tongue but I'm certainly not going to sleep at peace again after an attempted sexual assault. He wouldn't have been victorious because I could defend myself, but I should never have to go through that at the hands of someone who was supposed to protect me. Maybe not love me but at least care for me and my well-being.

As I'm deep in thought I got interrupted by the archive floor cracking. Slow, heavy steps- an adult male. He's trying to open the trapdoor with some difficulty. Could it be Hashirama? How did he know she was here?

The trapdoor opens smoothly after seconds of trying, the ladder unfolds and I see feet in white socks and a blue nightgown… Tobirama's nightgown.

He doesn't have the patience to descend feet by feet, he just lands himself five steps from the floor. His nightgown is half opened on his chest. It's not strange, it's a warm night. He walks three steps before I get up showing all the hostility I can on my face. It works- he stops. The soft light of a single desk lamp isn't enough to illuminate his expression. I can only see some of the light reflected in his eyes, his expression and intentions are uncertain.

"What do you want now? You didn't have enough?"

"..."

"This place is too small for the two of us for my liking. Be brief."

"I came to apologize."- She didn't expect that, she learnt very early that Tobirama isn't one to apologize first.

"Hashirama sent you?"

"...Yes."

"..."

"But if I'm here it is because I came to the same conclusion."- Tobirama voiced slower than usual.

"I'll hear you but I do not guarantee acceptance, and do not come closer."- I couldn't hide my apprehension.

"..."- he just looked at me directly for a couple of seconds as if saying that he will stay there, like dogs do to their masters.

"I've been unfair, to you… and to my husband duties. "- he made a long pause-"I have dishonored and mistreated you and for that I deserve punishment and opprobrium."- He sighed like telling himself he could continue this without dismay- "I did it fed by frustration and lust." -he admitted- "I should have been more sincere to you and to myself, respected my feelings and needs and I'm heavily ashamed of my behaviour."- he was looking at the floor until now, he raised his head looking at me in the eyes- "I'll do my best to not fall again to that state and if I don't keep my promise you will be released from your duty as a wife here and you can serve as Kokuyo or as a lady protector in your father's coast house, but I can't break the marital union, my brother wont let me."- His eyes were sincere and kind of desperate when he said the last part. He spoke slowly but firmly, as if he practiced it several times before coming here.

"That's your best offer?"- I know he can't give more than that, but still his practised words are like putting salt on my hurt pride. He expects me to accept this answer and go back to bed? He accepted he needs to speak his mind with me but refuses to do so now, the moment he should explain himself the most. I can't accept just this.

"..."- he grabs his forehead thinking what to say- "What do you want me to say?"- he ask exasperated after a moment, as if it's not clear enough.

"I want you to speak! You just said that's the problem! You want me to conform with that practised boy speech only? To go to bed with you as if nothing happened? Wha-"

"Alright, I get it! You want me to speak, to tell you things I have told no one? To you, some lost coast girl that comes from nowhere to invade my space. Isn't it enough that I have to share my life with you obligated that now I have to tell you my darkest thoughts which is the only thing that I own in this moment! Why? Why do I have to do it?!"- His words shoked me. So that's what he really thought of me… I knew he was annoyed but it seems I came to terms with this new life much faster than him.

"Then why did you need to touch this annoying coast girl, huh? Because that's what caused the trouble, not a fight for private space!"- I find myself throwing him all the bile I have. How dare he to say those words after I saved is miserable life from poison… The more I talk and share with him the more I think I should have let him die that day. To live as a widow protected by Hashirama.

"You are impossible!"- Tobirama grunts and spins around in place covering his face with both hands- " What do you want to hear? You never want to lose, nothing is going to get you placated!"

"I want the truth! You just said I'm annoying and invasive and if you are obligated to be near me, why are you annoyed at me then? You could go to a brothel and fuck all the whores you like and want!"

"It's not the same!"

"Of course it's not the same! I'm no whore! I won't bear you grunting over me like an animal for some coins because I have dignity!"- I was screaming and so was he. It was so humiliating have to clarify this to someone who is supposed to take care of you and respect you. Angry tears threatened spilling.

"I know! I know… I'm not the beast you think I am. I value all the good things you have done and for that you are a desirable woman-"

"It looks like you just want to fuck me and throw me into the next room during the day."

"Silence woman! You wanted me to talk? Fine. "-He put his hands on his hips and started talking looking at the walls after a silent moment of a glance fight- "I…You are a desirable woman. I felt it, the pant of want the moment I saw you. I felt the power and sense of victory in which you carry yourself and since that moment you took it away from me. You discarded me instantly. Sonja (the maid who raised them) was right and wrong- you are a trophy wife. You are beautiful and graceful and brilliant. A proud warrior, caring and you saved me. How was I supposed to be immune to that? "- he stole a short glance in my direction, as if probing my reaction- "Then the poisoning… You think I don't know you were the one that keep me alive? Hashirama made it his personal goal to make it clear to me. I was… overwhelmed. I needed you. To hear you, to touch me, to sense you close… You did it just because you made a vow, because you were obligated. I felt… jealous of everyone, even Mito. I wanted you to do it because you wanted too. To treat me like I'm yours and for you to be only mine."- He said that to my face. I didn't know what to do so I diverted my eyes to the floor. This sincerity was a little too much to take all at once- "And then you left and what was I supposed to do? I was locked in the rooms pacing around imagining all day if you were with a lover while I missed you like a fool here. It was maddening. It make me angry with you, with me for being so stupid to fall in dependance of such a banal need and feelings…"-He fell silent suddenly. He was breathing fast and crossed some space when he was speaking. He was at arm's length now.

She didn't know what to say. He was confessing he indeed had deep feelings towards her while she was still trying to come to terms with being married to someone. She didn't harbor any good feeling towards Tobirama after all this time. She felt bitterness just at the thought of him. It melted a little with his confession. She felt horrible for not noticing before but the short moment she considered to forgive him and allow him to get closer or allow herself to maybe fall in love with him was cut by the strong smell of sake coming from him when she tried to touch him to calm him down. She recoiled when she noticed he couldn't hold still in place. He didn't look like he took two or three cups, he was utterly drunk. She pushed him back and he lost his poorly held balance and fell on his ass onto the dusty floor.

"How many bottles of sake did you swallow in order to sepult you pride and come here to tell me this?"

"What?"

"I said how many!"

"..."- he just diverted his eyes away from her.

"You drank so much you so wouldn't remember or you didn't want to tell me?"

"..."- he didn't answer. He tried his best to get on his feet with dignity.

"Go way…"- she was so angry. She almost believed he had changed a little, that he was opening up and wanted to build something but what use did it have if it can't be done sober? If he has to drown himself in sake in order to talk to her honestly? Angry tears spilled. She was furious and Tobirama didn't move more than his drunkard spinning.

"I said go away!"- she screamed at the top of her lungs while she pushed him towards the ladder. He tried to grab her hands.

"Do not dare to touch me ever again!"- she pushed him against the ladder. She couldn't see his expression, they were too far from the lamp but she heard steps upstairs. It seems someone heard her screaming. He climbed quickly, slipping two times before he closed the trapdoor soundly.