WE FINALLY REACHED 100K WORDS!
A wedding is so different from an engagement. She realizes this when she sees the rush, chaos and nerves of many of the members of that renowned clan. Karen noticed it just that morning when many redheads in different shades began to arrive. She tries not to get nervous, remembering what happened the last time they were visiting.
She does not want to embitter the emotion that is beginning to flood people.
Plus, she knows she's not the only one, although Mikami hasn't said anything... it's a difficult stage that they both have to overcome in their own way. She gulps thickly, scratching her neck; the phantom sensation of that pain begins to make hee anxious.
She sighs again and again clinging to the scrolls in her hands, stopping just as the council leaves the room where Hashirama is. "Good morning," she greets as etiquette dictates with a solemn and careful touch.
They are not her favorite people, but they must learn to coexist.
"Mmmm..." Tobirama has been the coldest since then, although there is a glow of recognition that almost goes unnoticed since the time of the attack.
He's not the only one.
"Good morning, Karen-san," Jenshi replies on behalf of the four surviving councilors. "Meeting?"
"Yes," the girl says with a flat face.
"What about?" Hantaro is the one who questions with dignity and a harsh tone. She blinks at him.
"A few points to review of some contracts."
"As always, I imagine you are behind this madness," Komura accepts with a wrinkle of the nose. The other three remain silent with slight airs of annoyance. It's the same as when the Uchiha clan thing happened; the talks with the Hyūga and the attempts with the Nara along with two other external clans have them on the verge of collapse.
They are old and although it is difficult to admit, change is not pleasant... especially when you turn enemies into neighbors and allies.
It's complicated. There is still blood and although people no longer say anything, they remember... She knows it and Karen tends to notice it sometimes.
"Karen?" someone calls from inside. Hashirama leans over the edge of that traditional door with a harsh gesture to the four elders. They remain dignified without any extra comments.
"We shall be taking our leave. Remember our words, Hashirama-sama." Hantaro gives his word to leave without commenting on anything else on the matter. Karen stands still for a few seconds to release a long sigh.
"Difficult?" the girl mocks entering the meeting room, a traditional one and larger than the one they had in the old house. The furniture is notable, the new smell is almost erased from so much use in recent days, and after a few days from the move, every part of the place still feels new.
Just like back home... Karen can't help but smile internally about it.
"Somewhat," the man accepts with a slight snort. "Did you check them?"
"Yeah. Both the Hyuga and Nara have interesting enchange proposals," the girl relays firmly. "Though there are shinobi terms that I suppose you also noticed."
"Yes."
"I see." Karen stays still in front of that huge desk. Hashirama does the same and it no longer bothers her... although he looks at her with a strangeness and longing that she prefers to ignore. "I don't understand why you asked me to check them, especially since you are shinobi."
"They, like us, have people who are not shinobi in essence. I would like them to consider 'civilian' missions, although they are not so required, so they can adapt them by joining us in the future."
"Oh..." Karen sees the point of why she reviews the notes. "They don't mention any of that."
"No, it's something I'll be proposing."
"It would be nice if you considered it, along with first aid training."
"The Naras do not see that viable, considering their techniques."
"Really?"
"Yes," the man says mysteriously, leaning against the desk with a light and serious face.
"What is it?" the woman decides to ask, noticing that the topic of the clans that will possibly be joining does not excite him.
"N-nothing."
"Hashirama, you haven't jumped with excitement at this," Karen points out the obvious, moving the scrolls in her hand to focus on what she wants to say. "I know I'm a civilian, but I see that you're worried about something."
"It's nothing."
"Is it the wedding?"
"No. Kaori-san and Mito... they have everything in order already."
"Tobirama?"
"He will return tonight."
"Then?" the girl asks with a serious face.
"Does it worry you?"
"You are my first friend... the only one who would treat me decently back then," she accepts with a slight honest touch, reminding herself of everything she has experienced in this world. Of course, she does not forget that he almost never appeared in that prison, previously her home, but Karen feels this person was always sincere with her.
In a way she now knows a shinobi shouldn't be.
Hashirama looks at her for a long time. "Have you ever fallen in love?" he asks in a clear tone, looking at her while seeking something in her eyes. "I know I engaged you to Tobi..."
"Uh... why do you ask?"
"..." The leader of the Senju clan sighs without mentioning anything else. The silence is so uncomfortable that it makes her want to leave this strange atmosphere.
"I... never," she shrugs. "It was always a waste of time to me, to my work and family."
"Mph... I don't know why that doesn't seem strange coming from you."
"I don't know if I should feel offended by that," the girl rolls her eyes.
"Hasn't there been someone... that has... loved you?"
"I don't know. I never showed enough interest in that," Karen says, disturbed by such a conversation subject. Hashirama doesn't usually ask about personal stuff, just like Tobirama. Both keep out the topic of her family, interests and so on.
"I see." Hashirama approaches her. Karen trusts the man who stands a few centimeters away.
"You know you don't have to be nervous about the wedding, right?" the civilian blinks with a comfortable smile at the man. She doesn't feel any worries about this approach, but his eyes shine strangely because of her question. "I'm sure Mito is the right one for you, and for the clan," she adds slowly.
"..." The leader snorts lightly and takes a strand of her hair to play with, with an air that she interprets as friendly. Karen wants to hit his hand but stays still without bothering to get out of his grip, attributing these oddities to nervousness and without seeing the wrong in the actions.
Things that are still not important in her eyes.
"Hashirama?" Madara interrupts with a slight arch between the two.
"Good morning, Madara-san," Karen greets, not paying attention to the approach and strange behavior of her partner who walks away sadly.
"Am I interrupting something?" the newcomer questions.
"No, your friend is just very nervous," the civilian says carelessly, handing the scrolls to the blushing Senju leader. "Review them. I made some notes to take into account for the clans."
"S-sure."
"Good," the girl accepts to look at the Uchiha, who stares suspiciously. "Is there something wrong?"
"That's the same thing I'm wondering," the one with disheveled hair says with a double tone.
"Huh?"
"It's better if you go, Karen. I'll check them and let you know," the Senju leader states, taking her out and directing her to the door with a shy face. She simply shrugs not minding what happened, nor with enthusiasm to decipher it because it is one of those things that are better left hidden from her understanding.
She is deceiving herself... she notices it but remains silent.
It's not for the best... at least she left the house without any kind of impediment. She sighs, remembering the newly arrived redheads being escorted to the back of the house where they will be housed.
The wedding will soon be here.
Mito is a nervous wreck as the hours begin to end the day. She doesn't laugh because she is euphoric, giving another check to her clothes, yukata and other things that make her growing anxiety noticeable. She knows this is so different for each bride, so she sighs, entering what is her house and the place where the bride is staying.
Something about being her best friend, which she didn't know she was classified as.
Karen didn't even bother.
"How long has she been like this?" the civilian questions Kaori who sighs, watching the girl take another turn around the room where her things are located. The noice is notable when Mito mutters a list with her face focused on each spot in that room.
Her red hair is a mess, and the movement of her mouth is feverish.
She's never seen a bride like that... or maybe it's because she's a shinobi.
She does not know.
"For a while now."
"You better bring some tea... a relaxing one," the civilian clearly agrees with the old woman, who blinks.
"Yes?"
"She needs it. Otherwise, I'm sure she won't sleep, and it will be chaos."
"But..."
"I know you are shinobis; it is not the same with a civilian... but Mito-san will get more anxious, and that is difficult to hide with makeup. She must sleep and rest."
"I see," the assistant accepts calmly, turning on her heels. Mikami is nowhere to be found and that is for the better. It is not the best time, so she remains silent and faces the euphoric kunoichi.
"Mito-san?" She takes a step forward. She doesn't look at her for a while, walking to where her ribbons rest. "Mito-san?" she calls a second time. "MITO-SAN?!" she shouts just as she is ignored for a longer time. The fine lady stops dead blinking, finally noticing her.
"Karen..." She chuckles sadly. "I apologize, I did not hear you."
"I noticed," she accepts with the strangeness of her having lowered her guard. For a kunoichi, she has many dangerous manias, which she sees she controls with finesse. "You should rest."
"But I still..."
"Everything's ready."
"But..."
"Yesterday, you put the ribbons in that silver box. The headdress is in the gray one in the back next to the dresser, along with the yukata," the civilian recalls calmly. Mito blushes easily.
"I am sorry... for that."
"Don't worry. It's normal for a bride-to-be."
"Surely Hashirama is not currently like this, right?"
"He's nervous," Karen agrees, remembering his strange attitude this morning.
"Really?"
"Yes," the civilian laughs calmly, sitting in a lotus position at the edge of the room. There are many things lying around that she knows will be used tomorrow. "By the way, where are your assistants?"
"They will arrive tomorrow."
"On time."
"Y-yes." Mito sighs, forcing herself to sit down just when Kaori brings some tea. "Along with my brother and Oto-san."
"Oh, I thought they would come on the wedding day."
"No. They want to talk to Hashirama about political matters."
"I see."
"Yes." Mito takes a sip of her drink. "Relaxing?"
"You need to rest and sleep," Karen states without the guilt of ordering this. "For the bride, it is important to have eight hours of beauty sleep considering that you will be the star of the event."
Mito laughs lightly. "Thank you... for being my support."
Karen blinks at that comment. "Don't mention it. Besides, one of the two has to be the sensitive one."
"I am a trained kunoichi. This is embarrassing," the redhead says.
"Even if you are the most trained and strongest one, you are still the future bride. It's normal to be nervous."
"Yes," the Uzumaki accepts. "I... I have waited for this for a long time," she states again with a light tone, looking at the hanging yukata... so fine and elegant, with light tones and expensive embroidery. "And soon... I shall be a Senju."
Karen doesn't say anything because she remembers very well what they have talked about since she arrived and in that first meeting. Her entire world is Hashirama... and deep inside, she thinks that her world is so small. She doesn't judge her; she knows she loves the Senju leader and it's noticeable.
She is happy for both of them, and hopes they are happy.
"Oh..." Mito blushes as she remembers something to herself that makes her raise her eyebrow. "I had not thought about the wedding night," she comments, making her laugh.
"Well, maybe we can have a sleepover. Like a bachelorette party."
"Bachelo... what?" The woman blinks with an innocent gesture at her comment. Karen laughs. She sees that this will be complicated to explain and prepare for tonight; she just needs help from Mikami... and Kaori. She's sure they will need to help her.
She is leaning against the railing of the house. The noise inside consists of embarrassing talks of women exchanging tips on how to please their future husband. Both Touka and Kaori are versed in the art of flirting and courtship that it has made the interaction so lively... although Mito is still blushing about the whole thing.
Leaving aside resting for today.
She didn't think that such an infamous woman would be oblivious to what she will have to do to 'fulfill' her duty. Plus, this is not well regarded by people outside her small circle of friends. She giggles... this is what bachelorette parties are for.
To clarify doubts and exchange things that may be useful for the future bride.
It was embarrassing at first, considering the traditionalist culture, but it was brought to fruition by the other ladies. She laughs, feeling dizzy from the little sake she has ingested, which is what brought her to go out for air. Bad idea.
Karen feels that her world is moving, causing her to feel vertigo and even looking at the ground... it continues to wobble.
How coarse.
"You should not be out here," someone calls from her side. She smells a little of antiseptic, which makes her snort slightly. Sighing, she tries to lift her face, but it only makes her dizzier. "Did you drink?"
"No?"
"Karen."
"Uh... just a little, Tobirama," she laughs amused at the man with a harsh gesture, making her frown slightly. "Don't look so angry, I'm fine."
"Why are you drunk, then?"
"I'm not... just dizzy," she explains calmly while the man doesn't take his hands off her arms, sighing. "Welcome home?" She doesn't know what else to say when the silence becomes long. If she had her mind clear and not focusing on not vomiting, she would question more things... like his presence there and why he is looking at her that way.
"... So careless."
"It's not that big of a deal... plus, I haven't left the house."
"Did you not learn from last time?"
"Tobirama..." she sighs, wanting to free herself from his sudden grip. "I'll be fine, I just... needed air."
"You must go to sleep."
"I can't... I have visitors," she clarifies upon hearing the laughter of the most shameless woman in that small group.
"It is not a request."
"You can't just order me around, you know?" the woman complains, but getting out of his grip is difficult. "Can you let me go?"
"No."
"Tobirama..." The woman frowns, but it is the man who sighs somehow in his dignified bearing. He releases her and she takes a few steps back... being caught by said shinobi before falling in her butt. "Uh..." She feels she is being carried carefully after such a painful action.
"Idiot."
"Rude..." she growls reluctantly, leaning back when she feels the heat and feeling angry at being treated like a child, but she feels like she will throw up if she keeps fighting. She is drunk, but she still has a little sense... she is not a stubborn drunkard.
That's good.
"You haven't bathed," she complains when she smells the body of the person carrying her. She closes her eyes, a slight hiccup coming out of her mouth while the sound of the girls can still be heard. Haven't they moved? ...perhaps not.
"..." Tobirama as always ignores her comments.
"Tobirama-sama?" someone calls. Karen would like to open her eyes, but she just sighs without the desire to face whoever is watching such a sorry scene.
"I will take her to bed."
"A-alright." That was Mikami's voice.
Tobirama doesn't say anything as he keeps walking firmly. She doesn't hear his steps... she never does, so the silence lulls the girl a little more, until she feels her bed easily.
"Thank you," she says, oblivious to the type of look she is being subjected to. Karen turns around to grab a small sheet nearby. The shinobi surely gave it to her, but she ripped it out of his hands. She's cold, she's dizzy and her eyes burn.
Like that time... but two degrees less painful.
The man just stands there. She doesn't know if he's going to stay, but Karen doesn't know much about anything anymore.
Sleepy.
She wakes up the next day with a slight headache and an anxiety for a fresh glass of water. She sighs... she begins walking barefoot, not caring about changing her clothes, when she hears a noise, turning to notice an absent Mikami.
"Uh..." Karen comments right in the hallway. "I'm sorry I didn't stay until the end," she says casually with a gesture worthy of someone with a hangover. Her friend laughs.
"Do not worry. You were in good hands," the woman accepts firmly as they both begin their walk towards the kitchen.
"Mito-san and the others?"
"Touka is still asleep. Mito-sama came out to greet her father and brother."
"Right, I forgot about the reception."
"You do not have to worry about it. Mito-san understands that you were not in very good conditions," her friend laughs amused with a mischievous touch.
"Did I miss something?"
"No... nothing."
"It feels like I did," she complains as she enters the kitchen without noticing the way her friend looks at her.
"You know, despite it being a complicated matter... your wedding with Tobirama-sama..." Mikami states as if she was not talking about something curious so early in the morning while preparing some strong tea... that special one that only shinobi know of for hangovers and she learnt about that celebration day with the Uchiha clan. "He takes care of you."
Karen doesn't say anything, reminding herself of the night before. "He's always been like that."
"Really?"
"Yeah. He thinks I can't help myself," she complains, remembering the comments he said. "That I'm stupid."
"Uh..." Mikami blinks. "Does he say that?"
"Yes," she shrugs. "It's annoying... but I think I'm the same," she laughs amusedly to herself, taking another sip of that drink that is a pleasant invention. It would be a success in her world, being so effective in quenching thirst and headache. At least it would be functional on this busy day.
Mikami laughs. "No one would believe that about the infamous Uchiha Killer."
"..." Karen blinks at the nickname.
"That was his nickname during the war, before peace," the kunoichi in front of her explains. "Do not tell him I told you."
"...Don't worry," she shrugs. "Mito-san... how did she like it last night?"
"It was fun," her friend accepts. "I did not think we could do that."
"Where I come from it is common, although it is celebrated differently." Karen remembers the few bachelorettes she went to in the past; all animated, with lottery and those spicy activities typical of those events. Not so scandalous as to bring a stripper, but rather a pleasant routine with friends.
To say goodbye to being single.
"I am glad you suggested it," the kunoichi laughs. "Mito-sama was very anxious, especially about the topic of the wedding night."
"I noticed."
"It is a taboo... fur us to talk about what is expected that night."
"..." Karen doesn't say anything.
"What we know are things we learned from the elderly... for 'that' type of missions," she states with a clear and dignified tone. "Not to do it... with our partners."
"It's complicated I guess... considering the cultural difference," Karen says. "But it is important to help the future bride cope with her tension. And what better than with friends?" she chuckles amused at her position.
Mikami laughs just as happily and less tense considering the time that is approaching and the memories that are being relived, focusing on day-to-day conversations and how the workload is increasing. But that will end just when the wedding passes.
She hopes so.
Uzumaki Aoki laughs just as she arrives at the meeting room. She can see Madara standing in the background along with Hashirama talking to a serious, newly arrived leader. Uzumaki Ashina is remarkable, which tells her not to interrupt whatever they are talking about.
She only came in because the council told her that they were expecting her.
"Oh, my dear... prettier with every day." Cheeky as he usually is, the man gives her a light wink, looking enthusiastic as always and giving a soft gesture in her direction.
"Aoki-san," she greets firmly with a slight bow.
"Leave the –san. I have already told you in my letters," the boy assures, letting her pass and sit next to him. "By the way, did you like the last gift I gave you?"
"Your family sent me many."
"Well... I apologize for not being present on your engagement."
"Not at all. I know you are an important person in Uzu."
"Nah, still," the boy calmly assures.
"Karen?" Tobirama questions, entering with a harsh gesture to the one who laughs amusedly next to her. Aoki gives a cheeky wave with a perpetual smile without bothering to leave her side. "Let us talk."
Karen sighs. It's surely something about what happened last night. She doesn't remember much so she doesn't hesitate to get up. Besides, they have things to check about her new yukatas and the earrings that Kaori claims they must already see. Their wedding with be two months after Hashirama's.
So, there are many things to prepare.
And they haven't spoken about it because he was on a mission.
"Wow Tobirama... who would say that you are... protective," the Uzumaki mocks.
"Do not be a nuisance, Aoki."
"So serious," he pouts. "Karen-san, if you need help, don't hesitate to ask," he says with a serious tone, giving a warning gesture that she didn't completely ignore.
"Aoki," the albino warns.
The Uzumaki laughs shamelessly to turn around and walk to where the other three leaders were looking with varying degrees of strangeness. Karen sighs and frowns at the shinobi.
"What was that for?"
Tobirama, as always, doesn't say anything and walks outside. She sees Izuna enter with a mocking gesture at who stays on the sidelines of the political issues discussed inside. "Do not say anything," he growls at him, who lets out a satirical laugh.
They are both strangers in their relationship, but at least she sees that there is a tentative friendship based on sarcasm and bad comments.
One that she had already noticed but is glad it didn't break during the course.
"Tobirama?" she questions when she is taken out of the room. She huffs because she is sure they needed her for something, which makes her cross her arms with a serious gesture.
"Last night... you drank too much."
"No?"
"..." The albino arches his eyebrow, not at all surprised.
"I will not discuss something that I made clear last night."
"Do you remember?"
"A little... fuzzy, but yes."
"Mph..."
"By the way, where were you going so late?"
"To check on the wedding."
"Oh... Kaori-san told me that we need to take final measurements and adjustments last week."
"I see."
"Also, the food..."
"I will see to it with her."
"Yes," she sighs, looking at the tall shinobi. "What?"
Tobirama snorts. "I do not know if you are an idiot or just pretending."
"What's that about?"
"Nothing," the man's face does not express any discomfort, but it gives him an air of irritation.
"How did your mission go?"
"It does not bother you."
"We are going to be associates."
"..." Tobirama frowns at the nickname he doesn't like, but he doesn't care to correct it.
"I will be your wife. At least put some consideration in your words."
"I will not tell you anything."
"At least a 'good', 'more or less', 'bad'..." she shrugs. "We will be husband and wife. I already don't ask for too much because you are very reluctant to share something with me," she complains.
"It is a bother."
"Maybe, but you'll be stuck with me during this time," she admits with a solemn gesture and a contrary feeling, because saying it out loud is uncomfortable. She didn't think she'd feel that way, but it's better to clarify this now that there's a chance. "It would be nice to be friends..."
"..." Tobirama frowns irritated, which surpriseds her.
"Is there something wrong?" The people around her are acting weird, and Karen just asks directly because she feels like she's missing something.
"No, nothing."
"Mmmmm... Tobirama."
"I will not talk to you about it."
"You have to talk," Karen presses her lips, but it is her partner's gesture that makes her snort. "Fine, whenever you want."
"Karen?" Tobirama stops her escape before letting out a long sigh to walk next to her. The civilian does not say anything but continues with her bad mood for a little while before re-entering. Saying that her fiancé did not leave her side is strange.
For the entire meeting, he was her shadow.
Karen really... didn't know how to interpret it.
Progress? She doesn't know.
He is protective, she notices as the days go by and the work increases. The Hyuga clan has agreed to the terms and will begin visiting them a week after Hashirama's wedding, so she is working with a shadow next to her sitting on the edge of the patio with a concentrated gesture.
They both don't speak to each other, working on their own thing.
"Karen," the shinobi says harshly.
"Hmm?"
"Did you review the entry numbers?"
"Yes, I just finished them," she points to a scroll next to her.
"I will take them."
"I can do it..."
The shinobi, as always, does not listen to her.
"I also have to take Madara-san's report."
"I will take them."
"I'll go," the girl sighs, looking at them with a firm arch. "What is it?" She is direct.
"Nothing."
"You have been like my shadow, and I am sure you would prevent me from leaving the house."
"The wedding is tomorrow."
"I know."
"Hashirama needs to deliver this quickly for his days off."
"Oh..." Karen sees the logic. "Well... then, I'll go alone with Madara-san."
"I will also deliver it."
"You have enough work for you to be doing this. I'll hand over those at the Uchihas."
"Karen."
"Tobirama."
"Mmmm..." The man frowns.
"I am no longer your prisoner," she reminds the person who purses his lips with a harsh gesture.
"Do what you want..."
"Good," she easily accepts, not guilty of using that mistake to her advantage, getting up just to take said scrolls and go discuss the points still pending with Madara.
"Are you going now?"
"Yeah."
"Were you not working?"
"I can leave it for now. This is actually urgent," she says with a quick shrug. "And since you will help me deliver Hashirama's stuff, it is better that I at least finish this and focus on the rest, right?"
Tobirama does not frown, but she can see a slight wrinkle between his eyebrows. "Mph..." He ignores her to concentrate on his own work. She sighs because she does not know what strange thoughts are going through his mind. It was better to continue with her things.
And to finish on time. At least he didn't offer to take her... because she's sure he has too much work.
A point in her favor.
The Uchiha compound has a different air to the Senju clan. Its houses are made of wood with a more rustic, traditional touch than the ones presented by her usual home. Elegant in its own way. It is usually silent with several children staring at her shamelessly.
"Karen-san," someone calls behind her. Izuna, her usual companion within the walls, gives her a formal greeting.
"Good morning."
"The idiot?" he questions, not seeing the usual shadow around her.
"He has a lot of work," she shrugs.
"Oh..." The Uchiha laughs amused. "Are you coming to see my brother?"
"Yes, I'm just here to deliver this."
"Right now, he is in a meeting in the neutral building," Izuna states with a soft gesture. "Didn't the guards tell you?"
"No."
"Mmmm..." Izuna looks upset. "If you want, I'll hand them over."
"Oh, I wanted to explain some things to him."
"If he needs something, he will look for you."
"You sure?"
"Yes."
"I see." She shrugs at how easily this task is solved. Izuna only gives her a light look. "What is it?"
"Emmmm... he hasn't talked to you?"
"He?"
"Hashirama."
"No? ...I haven't seen him since the leaders of the Uzumaki clan arrived."
"I see."
"Did something happen?"
"Nothing happened," the infamous Uchiha laughs, hiding his interest to turn on his heels and direct her to the exit. "The idiot?"
"No."
"I see."
"...Izuna-san?"
"I imagine that you are only limited to going to the neutral building, right?"
"Uh... well, they've had a lot of work and Tobirama says they need everything urgently."
Izuna chuckles amused. "Those morons."
"?"
"Nah, don't worry... I think things are tense because of the wedding."
"Yes, everyone is nervous."
"Uh-huh," the man agrees to stop at the door. "You better go to the Senju clan. We don't want your boyfriend to get angry."
Karen does not say anything to the tone used. She walks a little further to stop right on the cobblestone path that leads to the neutral office. The one in which both leaders work hard and that she is sure, now that more clans will be added, will be needing to increase the number of its floors.
She sighs... she doesn't know what to think about all this attitude, but she stays silent. She doesn't want to figure it out. Maybe it's a shinobi matter that they don't want to share, right?
It is at dawn that she feels someone enter her bedroom. She sighs in alarm just to see an absent shadow at the edge of her room. "Tobirama?" she asks, recognizing him even in the shadows of her room illuminated by the full moon.
He doesn't say anything. "Did I wake you up?"
"Uh... yes," she accepts with a long yawn. "What are you doing here?"
"...Sleep," he deflects her question with a firm order.
Karen looks at him with strangeness and a solemn arch. "Tobirama."
"Everything is alright," the man assures, leaning against the edge of her room with an indifferent look, as if he were the guardian of something far from her understanding.
"This whole week you've been acting strange, you know?" she says, taking note of what he has been doing during this time.
"..."
"It would be nice if you trusted me... even if it's just that."
"It is not something that concerns you."
She snorts indignantly at his attitude. "Are you running away from someone?"
"No."
"Kaori-san told me that you changed many things about the wedding."
The albino looks at her. "Just some things."
Karen sighs without turning to look away. "Are we under attack?"
"No."
"Tobirama."
"Just sleep..."
"You're in my room... you came in at midnight... do you think I'll let it slide?"
"Do not ask."
"Shinobi stuff?"
"Yes."
"Mmmmm..." Karen doesn't believe him, but she sees that the man is an iceberg trained not to share any of his information. "Well... I'll pretend that I believe you," she comments while yawning.
"..." Tobirama doesn't say anything. However, he remains in his position expectantly. Karen did not know what time she fell asleep, unaware that there was an argument shortly after outside her house. Hashirama was sad... upset by what his heart may feel and Tobirama was there as a guardian, to ensure that he did not do something stupid whereas the focus of attention was just asleep, without paying attention to his interests.
One thing that can be misunderstood... or not?
And so, the awaited day arrived outside of the personal feelings of those involved, of the unusual tensions of a confused groom, while the woman causing his confusion... is completely oblivious to any hint that she could perceive or small actions that could be confused with an interest beyond friendship.
The wedding took place... and with it comes change.
Author's notes:
A chapter before the wedding! As you saw, our OC is oblivious to anything because she is very good at playing blind and not paying attention to certain interests. She may be older, but there are issues that are complicated for the civilian to deal with... Love being one of them.
And she is shameless about it. Tobirama is a guardian and has seen his brother's interest and the confusion that grows with the approach of the wedding... not being noticed by Karen, but by those closest to him (Izuna and Madara). The latter would have mocked him if Hashirama wasn't so volatile (something he hadn't seen in his always boisterous friend.) Plus, he gave scandalous suggestions to the Senju about it (how to run away and not exactly with his official fiancée).
Tobirama is the voice of reason in this, so he just stands firm by his fiancée's side, guarding his real interest and what is beginning to become stronger in his heart... grateful that the woman is oblivous to everything that is happening. Not because she is stupid, but because of her own interest in things outside of romance and that his brother is loyal to the affairs of the village and what it would cause if he broke up with Mito.
The self-sacrifice that means for the leader of the clan, even if his heart is in the way, without fully declaring himself... Hashirama is in love, but not with Mito :s
Karen just doesn't want to look any further.
Thanks for your comments.
Author-chan out!