Kakashi opened his eyes to see a large grey stone mug on the bedside table. He reached his hand out to touch. As his fingers surrounded the cylinder, the heat travelled from the tips of his fingers back up into his hands. He peered inside. The hot liquid was a bright amber colour. Tea by the looks of it - orange pekoe.

He sat up and scanned the room. A second mug was on the small table across the room, but she was no where to be seen. The light trickle of water could be heard coming from the bathroom. She must be getting ready. He pulled himself up into the sitting position and propped the pillow behind him. He reached over and picked up the stone mug. The warmth or the tea soon down his throat and into his body. It was perfect just the way he liked it. A splash of milk, and just enough sugar to slightly sweeten the brew.

The door from the washroom opened and Guren walked out. She had already showered and put on the yukata that Yohiko had delivered last night.

She folded her borrowed shirt and put it at the end of the bed. "You're finally up?"

Kakashi looked out the window to see that the sun was only just starting to rise. He leaned back against the headboard and took another sip. "If you're a morning person, this marriage is definitely not going to work out."

Guren crossed her arms and smiled. "Yes, I'm sure that's the main issue with our being married isn't it."

Kakashi yawned and stretched out his arms. "At this hour - yes."

"I couldn't sleep. After we spoke, I tried, but I kept hearing things. Strange noises. It went on all night. I'm just worried. All I can think of is Yukimaru."

He gave a sympathetic look. He predicted that she would not be able to rest. In her position, it would really be impossible. She looked surprisingly well rested though, probably because she was running off a good amount of adrenalin.

She walked out and gazed out the window at the morning light that was starting to stream in, a demure look formed on her face. She looked so utterly peaceful in this moment.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked as he took another sip.

She smiled, and put her cup of tea down on the table that was near the window. "I was thinking of ways to kill Kaito."

Kakashi set the cup back down on the table. Demure look aside, this woman did not appear to have that trait in her character. "I see you're not going the diplomatic route in your thinking."

"Diplomacy went out the window when he pulled this stunt. He has no idea who he is dealing with."

"Neither do I. So humour me. What were you thinking?"

A soft smile crossed her face. "Crystal is a lot like glass in its properties. It can be stretched and formed into so many different shapes and configurations. But something you may not know, is that I can change the shape of my creation instantly. A smooth crystal needle can be made jagged at the blink of an eye. That would leave a nice surprise for him wouldn't it."

Kakashi shuddered. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."

"That's the smartest thing I've heard you say today."

"Ok, I know you're itching to kill Kaito, but we can't be rash. If he did put some sort of curse mark on Yukimaru, any action towards him may hurt him. So you're going to have some level of restraint - at least initially." He glanced out the window at the sun that was starting its ascent. "I guess since, I'm up I might as well get ready." He grabbed some clothes from his bag and headed to the bathroom.

Guren cracked her knuckles and continued looking out the window. She knew she needed to keep her emotions in check. But how could she if he had hurt Yukimaru? Kakashi was right though. She would need to wait. With patience, her revenge would be perfect and complete.

A small rap came from the door. Guren looked back at the washroom, but the sudden spattering of water indicated that Kakashi was now in the shower. She opened the door to their room to see a young woman standing there. Her cheeks flooded a deep shade of crimson when she saw Guren.

"Good m-morning Lady Guren" the maid stuttered.

"Good morning"

"You look very well my lady." A big smile burst across her face.

Guren frowned. What was with this maid. Why was she acting so strange? "Thank you. Why have you called? Do you have a message for me?"

The young lady tried to peer into the room. "Is the Lord Hokage ready also?"

Guren heard the water shut off. "He should be ready shortly."

"Will you two be needing breakfast? I can only imagine you both must be famished."

"We had some tea. I'm fine but - " Guren looked at the door. She really knew nothing about Kakashi's eating habits, but her experience with most men, was they were a lot less difficult when their stomachs were full. "Maybe a light breakfast for"

"Your husband?"

Guren looked at her blankly. It was not a word she was used to nor was it a word she was thinking of getting used to either.

"I would think a hearty breakfast may be more in order after yesterday" the lady said with a smile.

"I suppose. Whatever you think is appropriate. Is that all? I am waiting to hear when I can meet with Kaito. He has promised me a meeting this morning."

"Ah yes, he will meet you at 10 am in the courtyard in front of the temple. A guard will accompany you both from your room."

"Accompany us? Are we not to be trusted to make our own way there?"

"I'm sorry my lady. I'm only relaying the message that was given to me." She bowed slightly.

Guren sighed. "I suppose. Well we will be ready."

"And I will send the breakfast up. I'll be sure to send lots of liquids."

"What?"

The young lady giggled.

A large amour laden guard stood next to Kakashi as they walked to the courtyard. He gave the Hokage a smile and then leaned towards him.

"Share your secrets man. Knowledge like that shouldn't be kept a secret."

"What secret?" Kakashi said to him quietly.

The guard just continued looking forward and whistled under his breath. "It's always the quiet ones."

Kakashi looked at him puzzled. He had no idea what the guard was referring to.

Guren tugged on Kakashi's shoulder. "Do you think he'll have Yukimaru with him. He better, or I'm not speaking with him at all."

"I would assume so, but you never know. He used him as his main bargaining chip, so I think that he'll be there."

They continued walking down the winding wooded path into the centre of the village where the temple was showcased. In the distance, Guren could see a good number of people. She squinted, the familiar form of a young boy was standing next to a man in the distance. It had to be Yukimaru.

"He's there" Guren whispered, quickening her step.

Kakashi squinted. "It looks like Yamato is there too in the crowd. That's good. Reinforcements if needed. Remember" Kakashi cautioned. "Kaito will have something up his sleeve, and we have to be on guard." He shook his head. "He certainly didn't come unprepared did he?"

It was true. The village elder had surrounded himself with a selection of elite Jounin from the village. It was strange. These were shinobi that she had previously worked with. It was to his detriment though, that he had given her such a free reign in the village. She knew these men. She knew their strengths and their weaknesses.

Kakashi and Guren approached the group which quickly surrounded them from all sides.

"Is this necessary?" Kakashi asked. "We have kept our word. We have not done anything, we have not used our chakra and we came to this meeting with no weapons."

Kaito crossed his arms and looked sternly at them. "That may be so, but I know that you are both very powerful shinobi. And Guren I know, tends for the act now ask questions later approach. I thought it best I cover my ground appropriately."

"Let me see Yukimaru. This discussion will go no further until I know that he's safe and unharmed" Guren stated.

"Yukimaru is fine. Maybe, improved if anything."

"Show me him now, before I lose my patience on you." Guren snapped.

"That's a strong statement from a woman who is not holding a winning hand."

"You know I don't speak my words lightly" she snapped.

The pair considered each other, when Kaito signaled a guard. They brought the young boy forward in front of the guard but did not let him advance any further.

Guren gasped when she saw him. To an untrained eye, he looked perfectly fine, but she immediately noticed the difference. The bags under his eyes, the blank look that showed trauma, his red tinged eyes. Her fears were not unfounded. They had done something to him. Something terrible.

"What have you done to him?"

The elder snickered. "What makes you think I've done something to him? Is he not standing here, in perfect condition?"

Guren looked at Yukimaru's eyes. There was a sadness and emptiness that was previously not there. There also was a look of desperation. A look that appeared to be willing her to figure what was wrong, and to make things right.

"I only going to repeat myself once. What have you done to him. His eyes tell me that it was not nothing. If you have decided our fates then show me your winning hand."

"Ah, sweet young Guren. Over the years, I've gotten myself involved in a great many operations. And you know the one thing that I've learned over time? The one thing that that has proven the test of time. It is simplicity. Over complex plans always lead to complications and unforeseen outcomes that have too many involved. My plan is simply for you to do what I mentioned to you in the temple the other day."

"Stop beating around the bush and be out with it" Kakashi demanded.

"All I want is great prosperity for the Hidden Grass and to be the preferred trading partner for all deals when they come up. Plus protection for our village. It is simple. I have no terrible plans."

"And what have you done to ensure your will is done, besides performing some sham wedding ritual, that I could still have cancelled at a moments notice." Kakashi stated.

"Ahh" Kaito said tapped his lips. "You are perceptive. Yes, of course, I took some insurance out on my plans." He gestured to the boy. "Show them."

Yukimaru nervously stuck out his tongue that showed a series of black lines had been seared into it. It was as they had feared – the cursed tongue eradication seal.

"No!" she gasped. Guren took a step back unsteady. Kakashi put his hand out against her back to brace her. Yukimaru looked sadly at her and then hung his head down in shame.

"You may be wondering, how this is really going to help me. Well, this seal is no ordinary one. It's very special indeed. See instead of Yukimaru not being able to speak about certain things, this works in an opposite manner. Yukimaru will be my eyes and ears. He will be controlled by me at my bidding. His voice is no longer his. Yukimaru – say something to Guren."

The boy looked up. He started gesturing and moving his mouth but no sound came out.

"You took his voice away? He cannot speak at all?" Guren hissed.

"Not quite." He looked at Yukimaru who eyes went blank.

Yukimaru turned to Kakashi. "My voice works perfectly well, doesn't it Lord Hokage? Such a brilliant curse this is."

The difference was stark. Yukimaru's voice was empty of his personality, he was simply repeated words that were put there by Kaito.

"He will be my eyes and ears at my choosing. And if I see something that displeases me then –"

Yukimaru dropped to the floor doubled over in pain, tears streaming from his eyes. Guren rushed forward. The guards launched forward but Kaito raised his hand to stop them.

"It's fine. It is done. No harm in her comforting the boy."

Guren ran over and held the boy who melted into a puddle of tears in her arms. She turned to Kaito. "You are the caster?"

Kaito crossed his arms and smiled. "His fate is in my hands. This could go smoothly for you, and Yukimaru if you simply play your cards right. And if I see behaviour that I think is not beneficial – then I will let my displeasure be known through Yukimaru."

"And what happens if something happens to the caster?" she asked.

"Clever woman. You are asking all the right questions. Well, in this case that I die – the boy dies."

"But you are an old man!" Guren sputtered. "You could die for reasons not of our doing. You are fine with Yukimaru dying for no good reason at all?"

"Don't worry. I don't plan on dying any time soon. And when my time does come – well you know better than most, that life is a bitter pill isn't it?" He signaled the guards. "I think that concludes our business for now. I wish you all the best on your new life in Konoha." The guards surrounded him and they exited leaving Guren, Kakashi, Yukimaru and Yamato in the clearing.

Guren held Yukimaru tight in her arms. "Are you alright?

The boy nodded sadly.

Yamato reached into his bag and pulled out a small blanket. He brought it over wrapped it around the young boy's shoulders.

Kakashi leaned down, and touched Guren's back. "I think it's best we leave as soon as possible. The sooner we get out of here, the sooner they will no longer have the upper hand. In Konoha we can regroup and see how to move forward."

Guren nodded. She noticed how careful he was being not to say too much in front of the boy. It would be important, at least until they knew more, to look like they were following Kaito's wishes.

"I need to pick up a few things from my home for Yukimaru and I" Guren stated.

"Alright, let's go."

It felt strange to pick up and go the place she had made her home for the past year. How quickly things changed from yesterday, feeling secure in her position and now it felt she was amongst enemies. Everything was different. She had let her guard down, and now she was being punished for it.

She put the last few items she wanted to take in her travel bag. Kakashi had assured her that she would be able to get anything she needed in Konoha. What was her life going to look like there? She would be entering as Kakashi's wife. That she would be living in his home, taking on that role. He had been kind so far, but the fact remained, that ultimately he was a stranger. A stranger she had to live and be alone with.

She shut the door of her old home, when she saw a familiar face walking down the lane. It was a face one couldn't forget. Her beauty was really one for the ages.

Koharu.

When Guren had first arrived in the Hidden Grass village, one of the first tasks she was assigned to was to "manage" Koharu. It was a task that she was not looking forward to in the least. Guren had always been a loner of sorts, and keeping some princess in line wasn't exactly something she was eager to be doing.. But what she found in her was so unexpected. Koharu was so genuinely uninhibited and warm. She wore her heart on her sleeve at all times. She immediately spoke to Guren as a confidante, and confessed her thoughts and feelings about everything and everyone around her. True, she was not the sharpest in her knowledge, but she did have a keen sense of people. Over the past year she found her relationship with her changing. Guren found herself opening up. Sharing personal thoughts with her that she would never would have done. She had made a true friend in the most unlikely of places.

But this friendship that she had forged, may be irreparably damaged. Koharu must think she was the worst person in the world, to sweep in and marry the man that was intended for her. But how much could she tell her? She didn't want her to think that she would betray her trust like that.

"Please can we talk" Guren beckoned her to come over to the door. She was not quite looking herself. There was something different about her. Her hair looked disheveled, her yukata slightly askew. Something was not right.

"Did something happen to you?" Guren whispered.

"That depends on what you mean?" Koharu replied. Her face looked like she wanted to say more, but she was not coming out with it, which in itself, was very unlike her. She was typically not one to hold back. She was probably too angry with her.

"You have to believe me, I did not intend for this to happen. I didn't even know I was getting married when it happened. I would never try to take someone you were interested in away from you. I'm not that kind of person."

"Oh Kakashi!" Koharu laughed. "I'm not upset about the Hokage. I mean he is cute, from what I could see, but to be honest, he's not really my type. And he really seemed to being paying more attention to you anyways. " She started twirling her hair. "Anyways, I have something to show you."

She pulled Guren aside to the side of her home that was wooded by some large oak trees and a lot of shrubbery. "Can anyone see?"

Guren looked around. "No. This is a really private spot. What is it? Did someone hurt you? Just say the word, and they will regret the day they were ever born."

Koharu took another quick look around, and then loosened her obi, and slid her yukata down so it revealed her bare shoulder and the top of her back. Her neck was marred with dark bruises, and there was scratch lines going down her shoulder blades.

Guren clenched her fist in anger. "Who the hell did this?!-"

"Amazing right?" Koharu interrupted with a smirk on her face. She considered the confused look on Guren's face and laughed. "And they say, I'm not that smart."

Guren looked at her. The marks, the disheveled hair, the scratches, the bruised lips. She lowered her voice into a barely audible whisper. "Is this from-"

"-Sex? God yes. Honestly the most incredible sex I've ever had." She laughed. "Man, I can barely walk today."

"With who? I didn't know you had some secret boyfriend!"

Koharu shook out her gorgeous chestnut hair, and started readjusting her yukata. "When Kakashi was talking about Yamato's "assets", I couldn't get him off my mind. You know that he's totally my type. Strong, dark hair and eyes. I thought, let me flirt with him a bit and see how that goes. So during your wedding announcement, I started speaking with him. At first I was just teasing him a bit about the dinner the night before. I didn't know what to expect, but he was really sweet and kind one on one. He really listened to what I had to say. So at that point I knew I was interested. I wanted to make my move as I knew they were only in town for a few days. Plus he was so distracted with everything that was happening with Kakashi. So…." Koharu paused and blushed. "I noticed that he was kind of staring at a Kojiri tree with interest. He said he had never seen that type of tree before. That surprised me, since its' so common here. I told him that tarts made from the fruits are so sublime. He just smiled and nodded. That's when I came up with my plan, I just hoped it would work."

"What was that?" Guren asked. It was nice to see her friend looking so happy, it wasn't something she had seen her be in a long time.

"I made him the tart! I went right home and made them. They are not too difficult really. And then, I decided to pay him a visit late in the evening. Honestly, I didn't know how this would go? I didn't know if he'd be happy or weird about it? But either way, I knew that I wanted to see him. If he was acting strange about it, I would just go home."

Guren smiled. "Go on."

"So he was so surprised to see me at his door. You should have seen him, he looked so handsome. He must have just taken a shower or something, and was wearing just a t-shirt and some casual pants. When he saw that I had made him a tart, his whole face flushed red. He really couldn't believe that I made this just for him. It was so incredibly sweet. He just seemed really taken aback by the gesture."

Guren smiled. The young lady's earnestness was one of her best qualities. "He may have not really have had someone do that for him in his life before."

"I can't really imagine that, but maybe. Anyways, we ate the tarts together and were talking. And it was just so nice. He was sweet and was very polite...but."

"But what?"

"I could see that something in his eyes. You know what I mean. That look. The looks that were lingering as he watched me as we talked. I knew. I knew he was interested. But I didn't think he'd make the first move. I mean, probably because of his role - he was accompanying the Hokage, and probably worried because I am royalty here. So, I knew it was up to me."

"What did you do? How did you get from there to" Guren looked over the disheveled young woman "to here"

"Well, we had talked for a while, and it was time to go. I packed up my stuff and headed to the door, to which he was walking me out. He had a tiny bit of the tart filling in the corner of his mouth. So I took my finger and gently wiped it off his mouth. Then" She got a wicked grin on her face. "I slowly sucked the jam off my finger."

"Oh my God." Guren said started laughing.

" Then I leaned up and whispered –" Koharu flushed red, and then whispered a few words in Guren's ear.

"Koharu!" Guren gasped, her face now as red as Koharu's.

She laughed. "It was over by that point. I swear the door was barely closed before he was all over me."

"Right then and there huh?"

"God, he was amazing. And let me tell you, what Kakashi was alluding to at dinner was a hundred percent accurate. We did it all night long - on the bed, on the floor, in the shower, against the wall, on the window sill. He has amazing stamina let me tell you. My voice is gone. My whole body feels wrecked - but in a good way. A really good way. I almost feel dehydrated."

Guren went pale it was all coming together. "Where were you?"

"What do you mean where was I? Clearly I was riding on Yamato's -"

"Koharu! I mean where was he staying?"

"Oh the same place as the Hokage silly. They travelled as a group after all. They were all put up in the manor."

The strange noises all night, the looks from all the staff, the offers of water, big meals. They thought it was her. Her and Kakashi consummating their marriage in the loudest most enthusiastic manner possible.

"Oh my God…."

Koharu smiled. "I never expected it, because I really like him. Like I can't explain how I'm feeling right now. You know Guren-"

"-Yes?"

"Kakashi seems like a nice match for you, he always seemed very interested in everything you said the other night. He's so handsome, and he seems close with Yamato. And I can't say enough nice things about Yamato, so that's a good sign, right?"

"Koharu, listen to me. You can't trust anyone in this village. Especially not Kaito. He hurt Yukimaru –"

Her face went pale. "What? He hurt him? I'll kill him myself" Koharu said shocked.

"Don't do anything, don't even let on that you know anything. If anything happens to him, then Yukimaru will get hurt. It's a long story, but you have to believe me. Besides, I'm worried about you too. He will think nothing of pairing you with someone who he thinks will benefit the village with no regard for your wishes."

"I mean he hasn't yet… but I don't want to be forced to marry."

"Why don't you come with me now?"

"You know I can't do that. I'm the princess, I have obligations that I need to keep. I mean…maybe one day, but I can't just leave just like that."

"Just please promise me to be careful. He's not a good man. I thought he was, but I was so wrong."

"I promise to be careful. I can be your eyes and ears here."

Guren's eye's flashed bright. "You know…that's not a half bad idea. Do you still make your monthly trip to the see your great grandmother?"

"Yes, I go to see her. I promised my family I would visit her regularly, she's a funny old lady really."

"Well, perhaps we can send messages when you go to that town. Or maybe." Guren gave the young lady a smile. "We can send a messenger with a message. A certain shinobi perhaps?"

Her eyes lit up. "That would be amazing. But I mean…only if he wants to."

"Of course. Only if he wants to. But if he does, I should be able to pull some strings." She laughed, "I am the Hokage's wife after all. It has to come with some perks."

Koharu embraced her tightly. "I'm going to miss you so much."

Guren paused to think of the life she was about to embark on. Everything an unknown, and immediately all eyes would be on her. It was terrifying.

"Me too Koharu. Me too."

A/N: Thanks for readings! I really appreciate your reviews, they really help motivate! = )