Thunder cracked as the sky cried, a fervent downpour of dusk. Reina sipped her tea, a chair facing her balcony glass as she watched the rain fall. She crossed her legs, slouching in her chair while thinking about life. Everything had been so strange since departing from the Ashikaga clan compound.

Reina left Nao and has had barely any time to think about her past with him. She has been thrust into the present, worrying about men and her betrothal. There was no time to rekindle familial bonds. All she could do was be concerned with her own survival. And then there was Madara… Such an intriguing man. One moment convincingly trustworthy. The next moment suspicious. Caring, then dangerous. Hot, then cold. Handsome, then frightening. Likely, her future husband, a fact that made her stomach flip.

Thunder rumbled and Reina peered down into her teacup, gazing at her reflection. Truly, she was lost. How was she supposed to feel about all of this? During therapy, Kimi told her that the healthiest thing she could do for her mind and for her ability was to remain present. Being present is how you learn to appreciate what you have. It's what helps you solve your problems step by step. It's how you stop your mind from running rampant… but how can one remain present when all they want to do is escape their reality?

Lightning struck, followed by thunder. Reina's long wavy hair covered her face as she sat with her emotions. All she desired was liberation. Perhaps… she could find small doses of it in her own way?

Reina set her teacup down on her side table and got up from her chair, walking towards her dresser. Reina got dressed in long black pants, a long-sleeved shirt to match, black shinobi shoes, and a black cloak. Softly, her hand pushed the door handle to her balcony, and with the click of the door, she stepped out into the rain. Reina shut the door behind her, stepped onto the balcony railing, and free-fell to gracefully land on the ground.

Since there was a torrential downpour, no one was out. The streets were dark and barren. Reina took in the smell of rain and basked in solace. The rain was hypnotic as it drowned out any other sound. She was so relaxed she almost forgot to hide her presence. Reina did as such and began meandering around the empty village streets. She allowed herself to be deep in thought, have no thoughts, admire nature, commend herself, loathe herself. She felt everything and anything… naturally, her mind wandered off.

There he was again, Madara. Hanging out in the forefront of her mind. She thought about him. What in his life shaped him to be the way that he is? He's dominant, attractive, sometimes vulnerable, caring, sincere, and snakey. What a mixed bag. Reina truly wanted to understand him, and above all else, comprehend how Hashirama could form such a profound bond with him aside from all that has transpired up until now. Then again, perhaps Hashirama wasn't as pure as she deemed him. She had a tendency to pedestalize her brother and she knew it. She wasn't unaware of his flaws but was easily blinded. Reina supposed, that perhaps Madara and Hashirama truly weren't that different after all.

Lost in thought, Reina came to the Uchiha clan's territory. She looked around to see no one and figured, why not intrude? Reina meandered through the streets, not typically coming to these parts. Not that she wasn't allowed, but she never thought about entering this part of the village. Reina's ears perked at the sound of running water. She followed the sound through a path in the woods and came across a small, wooden, arched bridge going over a river. The water roared as the rain encouraged the rush of the river. Reina crossed the bridge, standing there, overlooking the gloomy scenery with delight.

Down the forest path she continued, crossing the bridge completely. Reina meandered through the forest when it diverged onto a dirt path. Reina could make out stones in the distance, they were signs and prayers… but why?

Cautiously, Reina trekked onward, coming to a forest clearing. It was as if the whole world went quiet. Breath hitched in her throat as she came across a cemetery… a private Uchiha cemetery, dedicated to the many lives lost in war.

Reina could make out a lone figure kneeling in the middle of the sprawling cemetery through the blinding rain. She slowly crept forward, making no sound, and showing no signs of herself.

Rain tapped the window, drawing Madara's attention. He sighed. "Finally…" As the rain intensified, the village streets cleared. Now was his chance. Madara slipped out the door to his home and walked through the forest in the cover of night. Madara diverged to the forest path, crossing a roaring bridge, and slipping deep into the trees where he greeted his deceased family in the Uchiha clan's private cemetery.

Slowly, he passed each tombstone, stopping at one in particular he stopped and bowed his head, water cascading down his hair and face. "Good evening, Izuna…" He felt his emotions stir, but composed himself, his mouth wavering in pain and sorrow. "I miss you… I miss all of you…" He clenched his fists. "I'm scared." Madara closed his eyes. "I want to do the right thing, but I want to protect the clan… I don't want anyone else to be mistreated or die… but I feel so powerless." Madara took in a deep breath and exhaled. "It's times like these when I wish I had you to tell me, 'Brother, you're being paranoid. Everything will work out,' and to trust my friends and all that other bullshit." He kneeled on the ground. "I don't know what to do… and I feel alone, like no one trusts me, not even my clansmen." He placed his hands on his lap, lowering his head. "Izuna… I miss you… what do I do?"

Madara sat there in silence, knowing he had to do what was best for the clan, regardless of how sneaky or manipulative, but also knowing that his path contradicted the very foundation of the village. He was torn, confused. Madara sat in silence for a while, with his thoughts, without any thoughts, commending himself, loathing himself. He felt so empty. So alone… so cold.

Madara lightly shivered, eyes closed, being with himself… lonely.

Madara was jolted from his sentiments, when he heard the rustling of a cloak, feeling its warmth draped over him. He was unmoving, as he stayed there, on his knees.

Reina stood over him, allowing the rain to soak her, allowing Madara to have some moments of warmth during his grief. She stood there, thinking back to when her brothers had mentioned that Madara lost his last remaining brother during the war and hadn't been the same ever since. Then it hit her. Madara truly was kind. He was a hurt man turned cruel, for the protection of himself and others. He was operating from a place of fear, pretending to operate from a palace of love- a fact he likely knew himself. He had such tremendous depth, that he was constantly in a dark place, alone. It shook her up on the inside… It yanked her from her skewed reality, realizing she wasn't the only person on the planet suffering. Everyone had their own story, their own shadows and demons, and Madara was no exception. Something tugged at her heart, and for some reason, Reina wanted to be his light in the dark. She stood as still as the tombstones, having difficulty coming to terms with her conflicting revelation, but also sitting with the pity and empathy she had for the warlord kneeling before his deceased brother.

A small smile tugged at Madara's mouth, feeling the dry warmth from the inside of Reina's cloak, a smile that he quickly stifled. The two stayed unmoving, Madara on his knees, Reina guarding, like a statue. They remained until the rain lightened up to a light trickle in the dead of night.

Madara shifted, breaking the silence between them. "You didn't have to do that."

"Of course I did," Reina stated seriously. "You were shivering. I'd rather you not be so distracted while you grieve."

Madara stayed silent, not looking at her. "I come here while it rains so I can have my privacy… so no one sees me while I am vulnerable."

"Underdressed?" Reina tilted her head. "I apologize for intruding on your personal time. I was simply wandering the village and came across this… and then I saw you."

Madara gave a benevolent chuff and weakly smiled. "I suppose it's fate." He looked up at his brother's tombstone. "My brother… I miss him. I miss all of them… but Izuna stayed with me the longest. We grew up together… he was my rock… and now his name his carved on one."

Reina could feel her eyes sting. "It saddens me that you've experienced so much loss, and likely at the hands of my clansmen." She lowered her head. "I commend you for even trying to make peace with my people."

"I simply don't know what's right or wrong anymore." Madara looked up at the sky. He stayed there, feeling the rain on his face. "But I'll figure it out… I always have."

Reina nodded. "I believe in you." She stated with full sincerity. "You have me as a friend… Even if you don't have my brothers… you have me."

"Not when you have a clan to be loyal to." Madara retorted, turning towards her.

Reina kneeled on the ground and cupped his face in her hands. She could feel Madara tense, then relax. She smiled somberly and looked him sweetly in his eyes. "Not when I don't have a clan anymore… just politicians."

Madara's eyes widened. Realizing the weight of her words. Reina was right. The closest thing to family she truly had was the Ashikaga clan. The family she had blood ties to held little value compared to the family she had made. Her life wasn't hers in their hands… she might as well not even be a person as she was simply turned into an object of desire. A war treaty. He felt a pang in his chest, realizing he played a part in the chaos, but at least it was for the better, right?

Reina continued. "I've lost everything at this point… I just want friends and a caring family." She dropped her hands. "I want to build that, with whoever I am betrothed to… This is why, as chaotic as it might be, and as bitter as I am about this all… I know what I want and I'm going to do everything to ensure that I get it."

Madara looked into her eyes as he spoke wistfully. "And what is it that you want?"

"Happiness…"

There was a silence between them. Such a simple word, holding unfathomable weight.

"Happiness…" Madara smirked. "That sounds nice."

Reina nodded. "And if you happen to be my future husband… I hope that we both can achieve that."

Madara could feel his cheeks warm up along his frigid skin. He lowered his head and stood up, not knowing how to respond to such a bold, sentimental woman. "I think it's time we leave. You wouldn't want to catch a cold. Not before your party." He outstretched his hand.

Reina smiled and took it. "Thank you." She got onto her feet and looked up at Madara gazing down at her with a sincere expression. "What is i-"

"Thank you."

Another loud silence. Reina nodded and felt her heart skip. "O-of course. It was nothing." She realized he hadn't let go of her hand.

Madara smiled and began gently guiding her along. The two held hands through the forest as the rain drew heavy again. Eventually, the two made it back to Madara's manor.

"Well, this is where I bid you adieu," Reina stated at the front door.

"Nonsense." Madara chastised. "You will have a warm bath, dry clothing, and tea to warm you up before your departure. And if you must stay, we can house you for the evening."

"Oh, no no. I couldn't trouble you so." Reina shook her hands. "Really, I'll be alright."

Madara furrowed his brows, looking slightly disappointed. "Suit yourself." He slung the cloak off his body and placed it over her shoulders. "Do you require an escort home?"

Reina shook her head. "No, but I appreciate the offer. Take care. Sleep well." She bowed her head.

"Please be safe." With that, Madara watched Reina turn and leave. He waited until she was no longer in sight. He stayed at his front door for a minute, before returning inside to change into dry pajamas.

Reina was shivering as the November air grew cold. The rain felt like ice and that was when she realized she was marching across the village through sleet. Her teeth chattered as she made her way to the tower. It felt like an eternity. She didn't know why she was moving so slowly. Her body felt heavy and her eyelids began to feel heavy. Reina looked up the side of the tower where her balcony was and felt her head spin.

"Oh, my god…" Reina thought while placing a hand on the wall. "Am I sick?" She panted and held her head in one hand. "I think I'm running a fever… Better get inside." Reina placed one foot on the tower wall, then the other. She slowly began scaling up the side of the building, focusing heavily on her chakra control. Reina knew stairs would have been better, but imagining the scolding she would get for tracking the building with water, and then the scolding following about her not being responsible and leaving so late at night. She shook her head, clenching her teeth. It was a loose-loose situation either way.

Reina could feel her fatigue winning over her. She placed one foot on the wall, then the other let go, but her anchoring foot gave. Reina's heart skipped as she felt herself slip, beginning to fall. "No…" She tried to catch herself, but her sickness wouldn't allow it. Reina slid down the building in bursts, trying to catch herself from plummeting to the ground. Her legs gave in, and she could no longer control her chakra. She watched as her balcony drew further and further away as she fell. "I can't release my reserves… but I can't die-... I-... can't." Reina used her remaining consciousness to envelope herself in chakra to brace for impact when she felt a pair of strong arms catch her.

Reina weakly turned her head to see a hooded figure in a lunge after catching her. She let out a weak groan, as the man began to run up the building and toward her balcony. He jumped up onto the railing and somehow opened the balcony door while carrying her. He pushed the door open and brought her to her bathroom. Reina, fading in and out of consciousness, could hear the sound of water running.

Her cold, wet clothing that clung to her skin was slowly removed. Reina barely opened her eyes and looked up at the man. "Who… are yo-"

"I told you to be safe and you weren't." Madara sighed in frustration, removing his cloak. "What am I supposed to do with you?"

Reina felt herself being hoisted into the warm bath that he drew. "How did you… get here?"

Madara grabbed her a glass of water. "Drink. All of it. Now."

Reina sank back into the tub, on the verge of sleep. "I'm so tired."

Madara grumbled. "No. Not that." He leaned in and cupped her face. "Hey… hey, you. Reina. Listen to me." He watched as her eyes opened and glazed over him. "Hey, focus on me."

Reina looked at him. "Madara…"

He sweetly leaned in. "I need you to drink water for me. You need to be healthy."

Reina weakly outstretched her hand. She grabbed the cup, which Madara supported with one hand, holding her head up with the other. She drank the entire cup, very slowly, panting afterward.

"That's a good girl. Thank you." Madara set the cup down. "You need to be more careful, Reina." He watched as her head tossed to the side, passing out. "No… no. No. No." He cupped her face in her hands. "Wake up, Reina, I need to take your temperature. We need you to be better for your birthday." He gently shook her head.

Reina woke up to the bobbling of her brain. "Ugh…" She looked up at Madara, panting. "I'm cold."

Madara rubbed her cheeks with his thumbs. "Let's get you dry and in bed."

Reina nodded and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "Mhm…"

Madara scooped her out of the tub and laid her down, placing a towel over her body. Reina completely passed out and he dried her hair while she was on the floor, then gently pressed and rubbed the towel along her body so as not to invade her privacy more than he had to. He picked her up and carried her to bed, dressing her in shorts and a tank top so she wouldn't overheat. He was certain she had pneumonia accompanied by a fever.

Madara sighed, covering her in a light blanket. "Why am I doing this? Why am I doing this?" He mumbled to himself.

Reina stirred and opened her eyes, looking up at the Uchiha man. "Madara…"

He snapped in her direction. "Yes?"

"You really are a good person… I was right about you." Reina closed her eyes. "You deserve so much." With that, she fell back to sleep.

Madara stood there, dumbfounded. He didn't know how to respond, but one thing was for sure, he wanted to hear those words again. Her reasoning. And more. Never had he heard that in his life, and here he was, hearing it from a Senju. He ran a hand through his damp hair, flustered. Madara snapped out of it, realizing she couldn't go unattended. She needed someone, but it couldn't be him right now.

There was a loud crash that echoed down the hall. Hashirama bolted upright and flew open his door to greet Tobirama running down the hall. He followed behind and they both flew into Reina's room.

"Reina! Are you alright?" Hashirama rushed to her bedside. "Her teacup fell… it's cold."

Tobirama looked at his sister, miserably sprawled out, partially hanging over her bedside. "She must've tried to drink it and fainted. She doesn't look good."

Hashirama took her vitals, "She's sick." He used his hand to feel the cadence of her heart and lungs. "She's got pneumonia. Quickly, let's bring her to the infirmary."

Tobirama scooped her up. "She never did have the best immune system."

Hashirama sighed. "Shika's going to be pissed if she doesn't get better within the next few days."

"Reiiinaaa… Reiiinaa."

Reina stirred at the cooing of her name. "... Mmm…" She stirred and opened her eyes weakly. "Sh-Shika?"

"Welcome back." Shika smiled.

There was a sigh to her right. "Thank goodness," Hashirama said as he began choking up.

Tobirama grumbled with his arms crossed. "You're so ridiculous." He frowned upon his brother.

Reina slowly sat herself up, Shika propping up pillows for her. "There there."

"What on earth happened?" Reina looked around, confused, realizing she was in the infirmary.

"You've been asleep for the past two days." Shika gently grabbed her hand. "You were diagnosed with pneumonia and treated with the top medical ninjutsu for a speedy recovery. How are you feeling?"

Reina looked to her right and saw a vase of white spider mums. "Who are these from?"

Hashirama gave a soft smile. "They're from Madara… your favorite."

Reina looked up at him in soft disbelief. "So, it wasn't a fever dream." She stifled a small smile and turned toward Shika. "I'm… doing well… great- actually."