Sumi's everyday was filled with chores. She had a lot to do – the usual things that would be assigned to a handmaiden. She'd clean after her lady, prepare her bath, bring her breakfast, do her hair, help her choose something to wear for the day, and ultimately, make her company.

Ever since the family took her in, back when she was still a child, Mego and she were inseparable. One of Mego's brothers had died at the time, and Sumi was also orphaned, so the old lord and lady decided to adopt her and raise her as their own, to prevent their little daughter from being lonely.

Ten years had passed, and she still felt truly blessed to have become a part of that family. Both she and Mego were raised in bright, happy surroundings. It often came as a surprise to other people of the clan how happy the lord and lady were to have two little girls in their care, rather than any more sons. But if they'd think about it, it wasn't all that strange, despite the fact that every family needed a male heir to keep the bloodline alive.

Uchiha Iekara and Amako, the lord and lady, used to have three sons. Sumi didn't know much about them, as the last one died sometime right before she had moved in. However, she heard many stories about them. They were, apparently, strong, as well as smart and kind. They were the clan's pride much like Madara and Izuna were. But because of that, they were overused, and possibly overrated by everyone.

One by one, they died in battle, leaving their parents scarred for a long time. However, they had Mego, a girl, whom they wouldn't have to send out to fight and they were very happy for it. Being quite aged when they got her, at times they acted more as grandparents rather than mother and father. Not only did they shield her from any kunoichi responsibilities and physical strain, but they let her see only the good everywhere around her. With Mego, they got the chance to do everything they weren't able to with their three boys; to spoil her, to have her be happy for most of her life, to keep her out of harm's way.

Now, even though Sumi was raised right alongside her, she had experienced real life, as well as great loss that she was very aware of. She knew hard labor, as she was a handmaiden, after all. She had insight into real life. She knew it wasn't all fun and games, people often won't pass up a chance to do harm, and that things rarely turned out according to anyone's plan.

Mego wasn't aware of such facts simply because, well, she had no need to be. She was permitted to keep her childish fantasies, was trusty and silly. Sumi couldn't help but worry about her handling the main family once she marries into their household. Lord Tajima was a scary man, indeed. Madara, whom she had displeasure of running into the other night, was even more so. She didn't think Izuna was that great, either. They all had a certain dark aura surrounding them. Mego was, however, sure he's just perfect and everything she ever dreamt of.

Sumi was reluctant to bring it up. If she got Mego upset right before her wedding, the old lady would scold and punish her. She had no idea how to be of help, and she earnestly wanted to be. Mego was the person closest to her, after all. She didn't wish to witness those wretched men break her heart.

….

It was late in the evening, nearing middle of the night. The camp was asleep and in dark for the most part, with only one room lit up by candles. Two girls were cuddled up in the sheets, each concentrated on their own scroll, vigorously taking in its contents. If they came upon something especially interesting or a drawing, they would show it to the other. It was a relatively new love novel, and finally the best part came out.

Considering its erotic nature, people didn't think very highly of the genre nor of those who liked to read it. Therefore, the readers would often have to purchase the scrolls in secrecy, especially those who were well known or had a certain reputation to uphold, like lady Mego. Whenever a new chapter came out, Sumi had to arrange a secret meeting with the bookseller, late in the night, buy and bring it home without anyone knowing.

She knew, for a fact, at least a dozen other Uchiha ladies (and a few lords, believe it or not) who sent their help to bring them similar literature, but everyone naturally kept silent about it.

"We should sleep, lady. The wedding is tomorrow, your face won't look good in the morning." She warned, wrapping the few scrolls lying closest to her.

"I know, just let me finish another one." Mego pleaded, despite her lids already threatening to fall. "I want to see if they'll finally be together. Who knows when I'll get a chance to read again."

Sumi did too, but she knew better. So she packed up the papers, snatching away the one Mego read at the moment, not minding her protests. She was used to having to deal with her friend in that manner, otherwise she would never manage to get anything done.

"No. Lady Amako will blame me if you wake up looking bad. Sleep!" She ordered, hiding the papers away, and heading to bed herself. Though, she had no doubts that the old woman would find something to chide her for. That's how it has always been.

….

Finally, the big day has arrived. Madara hurried to get dressed and try to tame his hair at least a little bit – the problem he dealt with every day. A few times actually, he had been tempted to cut it, or tie it back, but didn't have the heart to. It sort of resembled a lion's mane or something, if he could say so himself. He'd probably feel bare, or somewhat lesser without it.

After he was all done, he went to Izuna's room, to be there while he gets ready. The groom was freaking out. He kept bothering Madara to give comments about the kimono he chose, or the way he should wear his hair, should he wear his sword at his hip or back… He only calmed down and got serious once Tajima joined them too, knowing all too well the old man would be furious to see his son behaving like that.

Once everyone was ready to go, it was time to start with the customs. As the brother in law, Madara had almost as much to do as Izuna. He had to be present everywhere, greeting every person who came near them. By the time wedding ceremony was about to start he could barely tell apart who were the bride's relatives and who were theirs. Frankly, he cared for them equally little.

At last, they gathered around adorned wedding arch, he stood right next to it, and waited for the bride to be guided there by her father. At some point, he caught himself tapping his foot on the ground in impatience and curiosity. Since it was so close, even he couldn't wait to see what she was like. For Tajima to handpick her for bearing his grandsons, he expected her to be really something.

The couple appeared at the end of the garden, following the trail through the grass which led towards the arch and everyone else. That was one place in the camp that was always well kept, with different flowers and a pond in its midst – all the important customs and rituals were done there.

Slowly and rather pompously, Iekara led his daughter towards them. From where he stood, Madara was able to take in her figure, hair and the color of the dress she wore. He waited until they got a little nearer to inspect the bride closely. He glanced over at his brother, who watched her carefully, but kept his shit together unlike earlier that morning.

He couldn't speak for Izuna, but he was slightly let down. She wasn't ugly or anything, but… She was slightly taller than ideally desired – not taller than him or Izuna, but certainly taller than her father; she was skinny and pale, with long, braided black hair shaped in a bun and bangs framing her face.

She's… cute… kinda?

He noticed Izuna moving towards Tajima, and instantly prayed for the boy not to say something stupid that would get him in trouble. He had developed quite a habit of it, and Tajima was already frowning before he even got to open his mouth.

"Couldn't find one with breasts, eh, father?" He whispered jokingly – luckily, not loud enough for anyone else to hear, but they could evidently see Tajima bolt in his spot and glare at the groom.

"You disappoint me." The old man whispered back through gritted teeth, obviously angered by the remark. Sighing, Madara shook his head slightly in disapprovement, wondering what Izuna even got out of pissing Tajima off. In his experience, the man was hard enough to live with.

At last, Iekara and the bride came all the way to the arch. He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and went away to stand next to his wife. The girl stood still, gazing at Izuna with big, reluctant eyes. Was she shy, or frightened? He couldn't imagine she'd be unhappy with the arrangement.

Then, she smiled. Her cheeks had a pink hue to them, her eyes sparkled with excitement. She stretched out her hand and Izuna swiftly took it, helping her over to his side. He returned a bright smile, watching her with curiosity. Madara knew that look, his brother liked her.

….

After the ceremony, came the feast in the longhouse reserved for celebrations, which the honorable brother in law was immensely grateful for. He didn't even get to have breakfast and was starving, but tried his best to pace himself… Unlike the bride and groom.

They laughed, and played with their food, and talked, all as if they were all alone. Nobody seemed to mind, however. The entire party seemed to be cheerful, people feasted, drank and danced. Even Tajima laughed along with Iekara and several other men. It was a beautiful occasion, indeed.

Still, Madara felt certain unease. He felt as if he was being watched, so his lunch was ruined further because of it. He took tiny bites, feeling uncomfortable and unable to relax. He was pretty sure it wasn't just his imagination. From earliest age, he was able to tell when someone watched him – and absolutely despised the feeling.

So, naturally, it wasn't long before he'd had enough and he looked up, searching for the culprit. His dark eyes glazed over the faces in the room, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary… Until he finally made eye contact with someone, and they immediately looked away, almost in panic. That went on back and forth, and it was getting annoying. Whoever the woman staring at him was, she would have to stop.

So, he excused himself, and casually made his way over. Who could she possibly be? Maybe she was interested in him, maybe there was something else. Either way, he had nothing to lose. He had to internally applaud her bravery, though. Most people would refrain from so blatantly seeking his attention.

He raised an eyebrow when she turned around and walked away in hurry. Unsure if she wanted to avoid him or was intending for him to follow along, he did the latter. It took a minute or two, but he was able to find her in the narrow hallway. She stood, nervously scanning her surroundings, as if lost.

What's her problem? Madara didn't remember having issues with anyone from the clan, much less with any woman. When he came close enough, she turned away to leave again.

"Stop." He ordered, "Turn around."

He didn't recognize her immediately because she changed her hairstyle, probably due to the occasion, but it was the servant girl that read erotica. World was a small place, indeed.

"Want your scroll back?" He asked, although it was meant to be a statement rather than a question. He assumed she noticed that she had switched their papers and was trying to get his attention because of that.

"W-What?" She stuttered out. "I took all the scrolls back when—"

"You took one of mine," He came closer, to which the girl backed away. It fascinated him how frightened people would become when he didn't even mean them any harm. It was slightly amusing. "And left me with your little… story." He needed a moment to find the right word.

"If that's not what you wanted," He spoke again, upon not getting any answer from her, "Why do you keep looking at me?"

"I—"

"Am I beautiful?"

"Certainly, my lord…" She didn't seem to notice he was joking.

"Well, I hate being watched. If you want something from me," He came even closer, taking a lock of her black hair between his fingers to play with, "You just need say so."

She nodded, then bowed and was about to be on her way. Madara stopped her.

"What are you doing here, anyway?"

"My lady is getting married."

"So, Mego is the one ordering those stories."

The girl covered her mouth, realizing she had uncovered Mego before none other than her brother in law. Her face clearly displayed everything she thought, which was a little funny, and a little sweet. She was trying to come up with a lie, but came to realize it's way too late at that point. In the end, she just looked at Madara pleadingly.

"Please don't tell, my lord."

"I won't tell if you don't."

"What…" She gasped, when he gently put his hand on her neck and kissed her, pressing her against the wall like that other night… Well, with completely different agenda this time around. She was reluctant at first, responding slowly and mechanically, but it didn't take her a long time to adapt. She was a fine kisser, he had to give it up to her.

She didn't seem too eager, but he didn't need her to be. She was a servant, he wouldn't bother with her for long anyway. All he needed was some stress relief, a distraction from this busy day. He felt her shaky hands travel up his arms to fitfully rest on his shoulders. Her cooperation was more than appreciated.