The Home I Crave

A Shinobi's Priority

Later, when you went to take a bath and get yourself free from the tiredness of that day, you took the opportunity to be alone and process everything you've seen until then. And by the time you've spent inside the bathroom after leaving the water and the strength with which your hands were now holding onto the sink while looked at your own reflection in the mirror, you would need more than just a few minutes to go back to normal.

In an attempt to put things in their right places, you started to think of your current circumstances. So the wedding was settled, you were now a citizen of the Leaf and the alliance between your clan and the Senju was reinforced by both sides.

The first part of the mission was over, yes. But something was telling you that this would be the only part of your work that could be considered easy.

Once you would went back to the room, you would have to deal with your husband. But how would you do this – how does one deal with a man like that? You thought of talking to him since you didn't have the time for it before the marriage, but he didn't take any initiative to keep a conversation; since the start, he made it clear that he was just there to do his part in the treaty. And what about saying nothing and just let him touch you? Once the marriage was consummated, you would just move on with your lives and you work without having nothing to do with each other again, except for the fact that you'd live under the same roof. However, this didn't seem like you; and, to be honest, Tobirama didn't show any particular interest in you since you met. He barely looked at you. This situation was so complicated! You were so intimidated...

Wait, what were you saying? Just like him, you were a respectable shinobi from your clan, your father's advisor, the person who voiced everyone's common preoccupation during the meeting with the Hokage and pointed out the need of seeking for a solution that benefited both sides. You were there to represent your people, and your people didn't deserve a coward as a representative.

You took a deep breath, tightened the robe around your body and opened that door, heading to your new bedroom.

When you passed the door, you eyes were attracted to the open window. You found him standing in front of it, arms folded, his attention in something out there, away from your sight. Did he sense your arrival? Yes. Did he mind it? You only had a confirmation when you took the first step toward him and his eyes turned to you, their redness glowing in the penumbra.

- I considered going there and ask if everything was okay – were his first words – You said you would not take too long.

- I'm sorry. I...

You were going to start overthinking your next words when you remembered what Mito told you about speaking straightforward while dealing with Tobirama.

- I just needed a moment for myself – you replied, approaching the futon; it was ready to be used, so you just took off your robe, under which you were wearing a gown you brought from your compound and sat on its side, seeking for the sheet – This day was full of responsibilities. I am tired.

He didn't argue nor made additional questions. Instead, he nodded as response and went to the door.

- I agree – and after a pause, – And besides, y/n-san, I just arrived from a long travel and had no time to rest. I believe it is better for us just sleep tonight.

And then the situation was solved sooner and easier than you expected. You replied with a positive affirmation. With no words to continue the conversation, he left and you laid down, after finally finding the sheet.

***

If you'd only count on how you felt when you woke up in the next morning, with a gray light beam touching the floor beside the futon and cold air entering through the same window that let the light in, you'd never say that an entire night passed. You weren't tired, but neither you felt refreshed; you've been just unconscious.