SEVEN: Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

Hizashi took a quick glance at his brother then averted his eyes, trying his best to remain professional. "So, she seems nice."

Hiashi looked at his brother in confusion before replying, "Yes, she is." He turned his attention back to the papers he was reading.

They were in Hiashi's private office as the young clan leader read the morning's itinerary and documents before going out to perform his daily responsibilities. Hizashi was there as the clan leader's protector but really it was an excuse for the brothers to spend some time together before reality pulled them apart. It was a routine that both have come to cherish for the time it afforded them to be just brothers and not protector and protected.

Hizashi cleared his throat. "She's beautiful, elegant and poised."

"She is all these things," Hiashi replied evenly, not looking up from his reading.

"Do you like her, as a person, that is?"

"She is agreeable," Hiashi answered guardedly.

"Agreeable, huh?"

"Hizashi," Hiashi finally looked up from his paperwork to give his brother his full attention. "What is this about? Do you not approve of my engagement?"

"Oh, no, that's not it," Hizashi prevaricated, "I think she'll make a fine lady of the Main House."

Hiashi stood up to face his brother, weary of the riddles. "Then what is it!"

Hizashi coughed to hide his laughter before reaching out to tug on his brother's collar. "I'm thinking perhaps you may want to reconsider your choice of dress for today in light of the hickeys all over your neck."

Hiashi's face turned a beet red and Hizashi, unable to contain it any longer, burst out laughing.

"Oh, gods!" the clan leader breathed out in mortification as he ran over to the nearest mirror to inspect the damage.

Hizashi was completely useless as he was now doubled over in laughter. "Well, I for one am relieved that you two seemed to have really hit it off."

"This is not funny, Hizashi!"

"Oh, I think it is! You're going to have to wear a scarf to hide that thing!" And at that, Hizashi fell to the floor laughing hysterically.

"Hmph, some protector you are," Hiashi grumped as he looked dismayed over the large, very noticeable reddish mark. They did get a little carried away last night. "I have a council meeting in fifteen minutes. How am I going to hide this?"

The younger twin picked himself off the floor. "Just tell them you were attacked in the middle of the night and barely escaped with your life. It would not be a complete lie, after all."

"Hizashi!"

"Ok, stay with me," Hizashi held his hands up in a placating manner, recognizing what was the beginning of a rare temper on his brother's part. "Breathe. I know what to do. I'll be right back."

A few moments later after a little make up ("It was for a mission, alright!") and a smidgen of transformation jutsu, the evidence of Hiashi's midnight extracurricular activities was barely noticeable.

"Just don't stand too close to anybody," Hizashi advised.

"Not a problem," Hiashi said, adjusting his collar slightly. Thank you, Hizashi," he added softly.

The young twin shrugged. "I'm glad you're happy, brother."