Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Kishimoto M.

Warnings: Madara as you have never seen him before, lol. Really mature themes. Like, really really, Madara is too much. This fic has the longest lemon I have ever written, so u have been warned.

Notes: Two-shot fic, initially a one-shot that became too long so I decided to cut it in half. This happens within the Warring Period in the Naruto world and assumes Konoha hasn't been established yet, and even though the title is a reference to Disney's "Beauty and the Beast", both stories are completely different. I wrote this listening to Daenerys Targaryen's theme scores, so the fic took a dark tint to it. So, don't expect my usual humor for those who might have read some of my other stuff before. I also tried to (more like attempted) write in an oldish English style. Hinata is 18 here, while Madara is somewhere 27-29 (I could not make up my mind on a specific age for him so it is not mentioned).

This was also kind of a practice fic for another 5-chaptered Madara/Hinata I'm currently writing called "The Concubine". However, that one is in Spanish, so depending on the acceptance of this one I might get inspired and translate it once I finish it.

I'm aware this is kind of a strange couple, but I nurse a strange fascination with Uchiha Madara. I guess it started with this one-shot I read years ago, it's called "The Beauty of a Caged Bird" by umeboshi-girl (it's a short read, I really recommend it). It's a really old fic, back in the days when we knew nothing about Madara and Hashirama's story, or even Obito, so the whole thing was written assuming certain things about the Naruto world. The story is not even labeled under Madara, since he was barely a known character and the author kind of thought of it as a Sasuhina in a different setting. So in a way, that fic is the main inspiration for this.

Regarding "Could this be love?" (because I just know someone will ask): I started that fic about 2-3 years ago, I was really into it and even had a very good friend advise and help me with it. Then shit happened in my life and everything kind of went to hell. I won't go into details, but I lost my Naruto inspiration and even stopped watching anime for a while. I feel like I'm kind of back to normal now, so I decided to return, specially since I can use this as stress relief from school (perhaps til shit happens again lol). So right now I do want to finish it. The story should still follow my original idea, but I have thought to change some of the details around. Also, I'm a slow writer and I don't have a beta, so I revise it a million times. Always find errors and incongruences (I think it takes me longer to fix my. So, til then!

"Legend has it there is always a reason why souls meet. Maybe they found each other for reasons that weren't so different after all. They were two souls searching and found a home lost in each other. When souls find comfort in one another separation is not possible. The reasons they are brought together are no accident... Maybe she needed someone to show her how to live and he needed someone to show him how to love" N. R. Hart on "The Beauty and the Beast".

Hinata ran through the forest as if a devil chased her. Running for a few hours non-stop, only taking small breaks to drink some water and consume a bit of food for energy. She estimated she still had an hour to go.

She knew the exact location would be a bit tricky to find, as it happened with hidden ninja villages and towns, but trusted her eye jutsu would be able to discover the place or rather the people she searched for: The Uchiha clan.

She knew time was of the essence. She was unawares if she was being chased, so despite the tired state she found herself in, unused to the fast pace, she knew she couldn't afford to stop and rest. Her clan's tracking experts could find her at any moment.

She wasn't overly hungry either. Her stomach had felt queasy for days, and it wasn't getting any better as she approached her destination. She did not know how she would be received… perhaps only death awaited her at her destination.

She gave her head a firm shake. She had promised herself not to let those dark thoughts run their course and ruin her plans. She had to try her best, for the sake of everyone involved.

She absconded her family complex in the early morning hours, hoping it would take some time before someone noticed her absence. Making up her mind was hard enough, so after making her decision, she planned for a week, escaping on the seventh day. She had left a note on her father's office desk the night before, but he usually did not go there until mid-morning, after training and morning ablutions, therefore she wasn't sure how long it would take them to realize what had happened.

The problems begun a few months ago, when a letter from the Senju arrived inviting them to a shinobi council with the neighboring clans.

The assembly, convened at the Senju complex, had the aims to discuss peace treaties and trade. Meanwhile, another celebration was in the making within the family. Hinata was not aware of all the details, but an arranged wedding was to take place between an Uchiha warrior and a Senju lady, a week after the clan congregation. This wedding never took place.

Kō-niisan stole the bride away. They had fallen in love, and decided to elope. Alas, Kō was not a free man to abandon the Hyūga. Knowing escape would be impossible given his position, he decided to bring her back to the clan, and take on the appropriate punishment, refusing to let his lover remind behind and marry the Uchiha barbarian.

To make matters worse, things had been tense between the clans for some time, particularly after the Uchiha and Senju announced the alliance about half a year ago, impressing on the Hyūga a sense of exclusion, whose pride did not take in very well.

Despite the offence lacking in ill intent, both Senju and Uchihas had been infuriated, placing the blame entirely on the male, accusing him of tempting and deceiving an innocent, and even suggesting a Hyūga sabotage to a long-desired unity between the families. The Uchiha also refused to take her back, arguing she had presumably already been defiled.

Senju Tōka, a sweet girl about two years older than herself, had been well cared for. Kō however, was severely punished for his transgressions, and it broke her heart seeing her friend and old caregiver to suffer through the floggings – thirty lashes, every twelve seconds for seven days. She cried silently as she cleansed his wounds, arms tied up in the punishment room, and fed him secretly some food other than the bread and water decreed for a month. And knowing Kō as she did since little, she was certain he had done so with good reasons and not just as a passing fancy. She knew him to be a gentle soul and faithful to a fault. Poor Lady Tōka had not been allowed to see him at all.

"I am… sorry Hinata-sama, for the shame and burden that I have brought upon the family but… you can't help who you love… And I would do it again if I had the chance…", he said once, sensing her heart sneeze in a longing that until then she had not known existed hidden from her conscious mind.

But the Uchiha demanded blood, opening the possibilities of a death sentence. The drums of war could almost be heard through the Land of Fire… mayhap she could do something about it, and preserve her beloved Kō's life.

…..

"This is it", she said out loud, "this must be the Naka river", which meant she was close by. She knelt by the crystal clear waters, to freshen up a bit. It was cold, but just what she needed to cool her clammy face.

Perhaps they were already aware of her presence, she thought, as she refilled her water canteen. She had to thread carefully now, find a main road as to not appear suspicious. Her thoughts weren't far off from reality…

"Who goes there?" a commanding voice pronounced from behind. Her activated eyes had seen them at some far distance earlier, she had not thought they would sense and reach her so fast.

"Ano… greetings good sirs", she turned around and bowed deeply to the two tall figures standing threateningly right before her.

"My name is Hyūga Hinata, and I come in peace… and desire to speak with your leader…" and she raised both arms in good will.

"Do you carry any weapons?" they asked coldly.

"…some shuriken and kunai in my holster… nothing else," she revealed hesitantly.

"Throw them this way," they demanded and she did as requested.

"Follow me," said the same man, and she noticed the other shinobi falling behind her step. Probably to watch for any hostile movement. She let out a small breath, at least she was still alive.

…..

She was led through imposing gates engrained with a giant red and white uchiwa fan and tall walls, not much differently from home, and guided through a series of cobblestone streets. The black eyed, dark haired people around watched her curiously, although she assumed they would not see much, as she was covered by a thick brown cape and a farmer's sugegasa straw hat for disguise and to keep warm from the mid Fall season.

They entered the yard of a traditional house and made her wait, probably to announce her presence. Her heart beat harshly within her ribcage, now was the time of truth, and she prayed to Kami-sama for strength and success. She saw from under her hat, men in the surrounding area, all garbed in strong armors, the famous Uchiha fan emblazoned in the surrounding walls and metal plates. Inside the building, she sensed a strong chakra, whom she presumed to be the high leader. Her skin prickled. It felt dark and terrifying.

She was rudely pushed forward, and had it not been from her honed ninja skills, she would have embarrassingly fallen to the pebbled ground. Looking down, she walked a few steps forward, when she felt the dark aura approaching her form.

"What is this?" a deep and coarse voice demanded questioningly standing right in front of her. She looked slightly up, seeing a man taller and wider than the two who had found her, wearing an imposing red armor. She shivered internally, lowering her eyes again, trying to hold herself together and remember what she was going to say.

"We found her in the forest Madara-sama. She says to be a Hyūga, and is asking for you."

"A child?" she heard the rough voice ask mockingly, miffing the Hyūga lady. I'm not a child, she thought, but did not voice her irritation. The men around chuckled.

"Speak child, I have important things to do," he commanded.

Hinata, feeling her sweaty hands shake a bit, started:

"I am Hyūga Hinata, Hyūga Hiashi's eldest daughter," she heard a murmur among the men, they must know the name of her father, "I come in peace, benevolent Uchiha-sama and I beg for the forgiveness of Kō-nii… Hyūga Kō," and prostrated herself in front of the tall figure, adopting the dogeza position, as she had practiced in her room prior days.

"Girl, you know not what you speak. Some offences require more than words for reparation. Flattery will get you nowhere," he bit cynically.

"I…I understand my Lord…that is why, I come in their stead, I offer myself as payment for Hyūga Kō's offence. I am…I am not known by men sir, I am willing to marry an Uchiha warrior in place of Lady Tōka, if it will…appease your righteous anger." Her heart beat frantic within her rib cage, and her lips trembled slightly. This was it, this was what she came for. She had to be strong.

Seconds passed by, where she did not move, and almost didn't breathe. Everything around was dead quiet, only the sound of rustling leaves in the surrounding garden.

He laughed deeply, and all the men laughed too in unison. She did not know what to think, but felt suddenly like crying.

"Stand child," he ordered after a moment, and Hinata repressed the sob growing in her throat, rising herself to her feet. "Is this Hiashi's idea, to send his daughter alone to-"

"With… all due respect my Lord, I am not a child," she bit back slightly.

"Oh?"

"I will be nineteen winters in two months my Lord, and no… I came on my own volition," another murmur could be heard throughout the courtyard.

"Interesting…" she heard him mutter and felt warm calloused fingers raise her shin upwards, her eyes making contact with the fearsome leader of the Uchiha for the first time. She sucked on air, suddenly afraid of his bottomless black pools as they stared her down intensely. Strong shaven jaw, and deep set eyes with prominent creases under them, telling tales of long sleepless nights and ebony hair long and wild behind him, reminding her of that lion animal from faraway lands. She could also feel great heat emanating from his body, and imagined he must be a fire type.

Slightly bent down and without releasing his hold, she saw him unfasten the cloak and head covering with the other hand, letting the articles fall dismissively to the ground. A small commotion within the ones present was heard, but she had lost sense of everything on her surroundings, attention focused solely on the man in front of her. She swallowed and shivered inwardly, feeling bereft without her mantle. His body warmth did nothing to prevent the chill in her bones, and she lowered her eyes to a safer area, falling on the front metal plates protecting the man's wide chest.

She gasped as he brazenly removed her thick braid which she had hidden inside her simple black cotton yukata. Loose bangs fell in her face and the hand on her shin shifted, fingers lightly caressing her cheek to put them behind her ear. Her skin bristled, and a bizarre sensation of a warm tingle filling her belly.

"I accept your proposition Lady Hinata," and let her go after what felt an eternity, but was probably just a few seconds. She let out a small breath of relief.

"This is Lady Hyūga Hinata, eldest daughter of the Hyūga leader!" he announced with a resounding voice. "She will be our guest," he paused looking around to all his men, "until I make a decision! She will be treated with most respect," he finished. That last part had sounded like a threat.

"Taiko!" he called out.

"Yes sir!" a young man appeared beside him immediately.

"Take Lady Hinata with Uruchi-oba" he hesitated, "tell her…to care for her in the meantime."

"Yes sir!"

Picking up her hat and cape, the young woman stepped behind the man, giving a backward glance once, making eye contact with the Uchiha leader. His eyes were plastered on her form, dark and intimidating. She shivered and blushed, feeling once again the strange excitement in her stomach wondering to herself what that meant.

.

.

.

Life was peaceful in the Uchiha compound for a few days, but she had not heard from her father.

She helped Uruchi Obāsan with cooking, cleaning and other menial tasks around the house, not minding doing household duties, as she used to do the same back at her own household. The older lady was grateful, plus busing herself helped keep her mind off distressing thoughts. She was a gentle older lady, who apparently had been the younger sister of Uchiha Tajima, Madara's father and previous leader. Madara… she had not seen that man since she got there.

She sat down to read a book she had found on the house, when she saw the old lady struggling to thread a needle.

"Obāsan, please, allow me with those."

"Thank you dear. My eyes are not what they used to be," and sighted softly.

"Obāsan… do you know when Uchiha-sama will make a decision about me?"

"Eh?" she looked puzzled, "I thought he had made it clear you will be his dear."

Hinata laughed nervously, feeling her stomach flutter, "what are you saying Obāsan, of course not…did he say that?"

"Mm… no, he hasn't," Hinata let out a sigh of relief, giving back the readied needle.

"But he should. You would make him a good wife," the older lady stated merrily.

"What are you saying Obāsan… I'm sure he has better… choices…" she said self-deprecatingly.

"Nonsense dear… you-" but Obāsan was interrupted by a couple of middle-aged women who entered the house suddenly.

"Good morning Obāsan, we are here today to inspect Lady Hinata."

"Ins-inspect?" she asked, suddenly anxious.

"Yes dear, if we are to accept you as wife for our clan, we have to confirm you are healthy and able to produce strong heirs first."

"Heirs…?" she whispered.

"Ah yes yes, sweetheart. Do not fret, this is normal," said the older lady patting her shoulder reassuringly.

"Yes… of course…" said the young Hyūga unsure.

…..

"Chest, 93."

"Waist, 51."

"Hips, 85."

"Body measurement shows healthy weight."

Hinata was undressed and measured everywhere, from arms, chest, thighs, and hips. One measured, while the other one wrote down notes on a brown leather notebook. It wasn't all that bad… until they made her spread her legs.

She laid uncomfortably as they prodded her intimate areas. She didn't know why this was necessary.

"Healthy vulva and labia. Hymen intact," Hinata blushed.

The lady writing things down made a few more annotations, and closed the notebook.

"Was Lady Tōka made go through this too?" she asked wonderingly.

"And also, a big mouth," said one of them rising an eyebrow. Hinata's flush deepened.

"She wasn't," said the other one with a smirk.

Hinata wanted to ask why she was made go through that then, but held her tongue.

They finished and left.

…..

She left the house, upset at the whole situation, finding herself in a little garden and pond filled with brightly colored koi fish.

She knelt by it, whishing she had some food on her to throw. A crane stood a bit farther, scavenging the murky water for frogs and tadpoles.

At least she was still alive, and the Uchiha had accepted her offer. Now she had to pray her chosen husband would not be some brute…

The majestic bird opened its wings and flew away. She also wished she could fly away. A gust of wind blew, and she tightened the wool scarf around her shoulders.

"Cold?" a familiar deep voice asked behind her.

She jumped, not having felt him at all. Which now that she thought about it was absurd, because Uchiha Madara exuded presence. She had been just too lost in thought.

"Just… a little Uchiha-sama."

"Madara, my name is Madara," she felt that flutter again in her stomach, but ignored it.

"Madara-sama," his name sounded strange in her voice.

"I hope your stay here is pleasant," he added, folding his arms across his chest, displaying a brown leather bound notebook in his left hand.

Her eyes widened and her cheeks reddened furiously.

"That…that's the…" she stilled herself. "Is there something you needed from me sir?" she continued stonily, eyes glazing over slightly. Did it really matter that he had that notebook? She was now just a possession to be bartered off, after all.

"Yes. You will have dinner with me tomorrow night," she let out a silent gasp.

"Also, I received a letter from your father," and her eyes perked up.

"What... what did he say?"

"You have troubled him greatly. I have sent my reply already, and I made sure to erase his worries."

"Thank you my Lord, that's very kind of you."

"I am not a kind person Hinata," she shivered, that way he said her name... "I do what I must."

"I still appreciate that you wrote back to my father to smother his fears. He is not getting any younger. I... I know he must have been concerned, but like you said, one must do what one must do."

"Indeed..." he said narrowing his eyes slightly. "He also sent you a letter."

Her eyes widened slightly, and he gave her what had obviously been an open missive.

"It's open," she noted flatly, pressing the paper to her chest to look at him accusingly.

"Yes, I read it," he replied shamelessly.

"Believe me, I'm not a meddlesome gab to concern myself with what a apprehensive father writes to his maiden daughter."

"Then?" she asked defiantly.

"I don't trust you, Hinata," he said frankly.

"One of your people disrespected my people, I have to ensure there will be not trickery played."

"I would never…do that…" she replied peeved, "Kō-niisan really loves Lady Tōka, it was never his intention to disrespect anyone."

"Your Kō-niisan should have known better than let his cock rule his brains," he mocked slyly.

"Cock…? What's that?" she enquired naively.

Madara laughed darkly.

"What is so merry?" she narrowed her eyebrows.

"You, my dear... are something else." She didn't know what he meant, but she knew she did not enjoy his mocking.

She let go sighing deeply and asked, "did you find what you were looking for in my letter?"

"Sometimes, lady Hinata, is not about what you find, but what you don't."

"I see... you don't trust me... is that why those ladies came to survey me?" She continued, "I was not believed when I said I had not known man, and yet-"

"That's customary procedure, Hinata. Careful with what you say."

"Yet Lady Tōka wasn't made go through it… and she still ran away from you," she replied bitingly.

The man grew closer, standing less than a foot away from her and he grabbed her by the seam of her yukata. She felt intimidated but did not back down. What are you doing Hinata? this man has your fate in his hands. She berated herself. His face was so close to hers, she could smell his scent… fire and wood.

"Lady Tōka is the young cousin of a man I admire and respect." He made it clear. He did not respect Hyūga Hiashi or her clan.

He let go, "I recommend you go inside Lady Hinata. It's getting cold, and I would hate for you to fall ill.

"Six o'clock tomorrow evening, don't be late. Uruchi-oba will tell you were."

"Yes sir," she said softly, anger bubbling inside.

"Very well Hinata, till tomorrow then," why did he have to say her name like that?

He waved slightly the brown notebook as he departed, as if mocking her.

Frustrated, she grabbed a smooth stone and threw it at the pond, making it skip a few times.

…..

She cried herself to sleep that night, a piece of paper pressed against her chest.

Her father had strongly scolded her in the letter, about how dangerous and reckless she had been. She knew that would be his reaction, that was not a surprise. What truly shook her was the last line: I am proud of you, daughter.

.

.

.

The next day, Uruchi Obāsan dressed her in fine silk kimono, and arranged her hair beautifully. It had been a while since she had last dressed this nice, and decided to enjoy it. Though, she did not know why the need for such fanciness, she did not believe this to be a formal dinner.

Six o'clock, and she was on time at the porch at the Uchiha main house.

She was guided through wooden corridors till she reached the living room. A low oak table was already set up with different dishes. Everything looked delicious. Too bad her belly felt too knotted to appreciate any flavor.

He was also wearing formal dress, a black haori and hakama, messy hair pulled back in a high ponytail giving him a more youthful look. If she might dare, she thought he looked quite fetching… although his eyes looked as dark and dangerous, and his manners left much to be desired.

"Eat," he stated after a while, seeing her play with her food. "I don't want to be accused of starving my guest." It was hard for her. He agitated her. She could not pin point what it was, but she had made the conclusion he must simply dislike her.

"Have you decided yet ...?" she asked, fingers fidgeting with her chopsticks.

"I have an idea..." he stated vaguely, and she felt her stomach drop.

"May I know who?"

"And ruin the surprise? No," he gave a sideways smile.

"I didn't know you liked surprises my Lord."

"I don't," he said putting some grilled salmon on his mouth.

"I don't like them either," she replied daringly.

"You know, if I was your father, or your husband, I would spank you for that impudence."

"Thank Kami then you are neither," she said daringly, not allowing him to intimidate her any longer.

Madara placed his chopsticks down on the small rest.

"I can always arrange something," he said dangerously.

She broke the staring contest then, unable to hold his gaze, suddenly afraid. She bit her lips, she had to stop this, her future was in his hands. She reminded herself.

He picked his chopsticks again, and continued eating.

"Why am I not allowed to know the name of who is to be my spouse sir?"

"Because some details have not been finalized yet, and that is that Hinata." He was final.

A bit of silence reigned the room. Madara ate heartily… she figured he needed to consume much to maintain his size… feeling embarrassed at her improper thoughts.

"May I know why you wanted to have dinner with me then sir? I don't believe my company is desired."

"And why should I deny myself the pleasure of dining with a beautiful woman?" She blushed hotly, and ate some of her bowl.

"I'm a man of simple pleasures. I like good food, a mighty opponent to train, a clean home, and a woman to warm my bed..."

She almost spluttered some of the rice in her mouth, but managed to contain herself. She felt uncomfortable and rather miffed. Why would he say these things, and why should she care about his having plenty of women to keep him company?

"I am sure of it sir," she stated dismissively. She thought he also needed someone to teach him manners. That was no way to talk to a Lady.

"What are your life pleasures, Lady Hinata?"

She colored again, feeling too much on the spot. She did not want to answer, but he seemed to be awaiting eagerly for her reply.

"I like... cooking, and gardening... reading and a bit of painting... I'm sure all things you would find boring my Lord."

"Not at all. What do you like to paint?" He seemed genuine, so she replied truthfully.

"Bamboo forests, and flowers, sometimes animals…" she shrugged her shoulders.

"Do you play music?" He asked softly.

"I can play the shamisen and a bit of koto."

"Would you play for me?"

"…yes."

…..

She played the bittersweet tones of 'Kaguya-Hime no Monogatari' eyes closed, enjoying her favorite melody.

"Are you from the moon, miss Hinata?" he asked later.

"I wish I had the luxury of refusing my suitors, my Lord. Alas, I don't believe I'll ever have heavenly beings come and take me away from earth sufferings."

Madara smirked, "that might be so, but I happen to know of ways a woman can reach paradise, Hinata."

She was about to ask what he meant by it, but held herself. Something about his smug looks told her it was probably nothing good. Sometimes it was better to stay ignorant.

.

.

.

"Obāsan, do you know the man that was to marry Lady Tōka?" Asked Hinata a cold rainy afternoon. She sat with the older lady next to a fireside.

She had known the jilted man was not Uchiha Madara. His had not been the name she heard back at her clan when the incident happened. Although by their reaction, you would have believed it was the Leader's fiancé who had made off. So fragile were men's ego.

"Oh…yes, Uchiha Setsuna. He is… a strong Uchiha warrior, I believe…" she got lost in thought for a moment, and then added conspiratorial, "but a complete beast. Between us dear, Lady Tōka is much better off without him," and she chuckled merrily.

"Men think they are all strong and mighty," she continued, "but they all fall over the charms of a woman. They don't move a finger without the wife's consent. Take note dear, don't be afraid of them. If you take care of him right, you will have him all wrapped around your fingers." Hinata wasn't sure what she meant by that, but it seemed like an impossible task.

"Do you think Obāsan… I will be made to marry this Setsuna?" she asked, worry staining her words.

"Mm, I don't doubt he went and asked for you…" Hinata's skin crawled, "but I doubt Madara-kun will accept it. He is quite taken with you, you know…" Hinata really doubted it, the man despised her. She was sure.

"Is Madara-sama not just another beast, Obāsan?"

The older lady looked aside in thought, then added "all men are beasts dear. Some just hide it better than others. But all have weaknesses. You could be his weakness… and his strength." Hinata knit her eyebrows. She did not understand the meaning of her words.

"Who is the young man…the Hyūga that enamored Lady Tōka?" asked kindly the older lady.

Hinata smiled softly to herself, "That is Kō. I have known him since I was little… He took care of me as I grew up…I just want him to be happy Obāsan."

"I am sure sweetie, and how is he, his character dear?"

"He is the gentlest man I know Obāsan."

"I'm glad I'm glad… but I think Lady Tōka would have left with anyone, anyone but Setsuna," and she laughed highly amused. "Can you imagine the man's face when he found out? That will teach him a lesson in humility."

Hinata did not find it amusing, but couldn't help grow merry with the old lady's antics and smiled.

"When I was young-" she started, but was interrupted by a commotion of female voices outside and someone pounding on the door.

"Who could be out in this weather…? For Kami-sama!"

"Obachan tell that witch to come out now!" yelled a female voice.

"Please calm down, what is happening?"

"No I won't calm down! My son is fighting over this woman!" she shouted angrily.

"Only bad things have happened since these blasted Hyūgas came to our lives!" yelled another one.

"Excuse me mam, may I know how I have offended-"

"You, yes you! My son, and hers are fighting right now in a duel, and it's all because of you!" and she spit on the floor

Hinata feeling apprehensive, not understanding fully the situation, activated her Byakugan. Bulged temples searching for chakra spikes in the surrounding areas, indicating fighting men. She found a group congregated in an open field, two them battling it out harshly at the center, and sprinted in their direction, not caring for the cold splash of rain hitting her face. Her ears registered Uruchi Obāsan shout for her in the distance but she didn't turn back.

If somethings was happening because of her, it must be her duty to stop it. Somehow.

Indeed, they were in an open training field, yelling and encouraging at the two young men battling it out, bloodied, almost unable to stand no longer. She saw all this with her Byakugan, and saw Madara, uncaringly wet from the rain, standing proud in front of the match.

She ran to him and the men saw her approach, quieting things down. She ignored their stares and ran towards the imposing figure leaning on a daunting Gunbai

"Sir, please I heard-"

"What do you need, Lady Hinata? You should not be here." He wasn't looking at her and she got desperate.

"This-this," she said between gasps, the cold chilled her bones, but tried to ignore it along the looks sent their way.

"I heard something strange sir, this… this must stop, please!" she begged crying.

She felt little as steel cold eyes looked down on her, but it didn't matter, she had to … something.

Then without uttering any words, he pushed the drenched black yukata off his shoulders, letting the fabric fall around his waist uncovering his powerful torso. Hinata shivered seeing all the scars in his chest and marked abdomen.

He grabbed his Gunbai effortlessly off the ground, making it spin around his hand and walked towards the center field. Her breath was coming out in short gasps, the rain had increased in force and she was finding it hard to remain awake. It was too cold.

"Who else here is up to a fight!? He bellowed, stabbing the great fan in the center field, creating a blast of rain, mud and leaves. Hinata opened her eyes wide, no that's not what she wanted.

The men stared at him, and some chuckled. The young, looked confused.

"Is there anyone else!?

"No one!?" He asked again, but nobody moved.

She saw men leave, some dragged the bloodied figures laying in the mud. Until most were gone. A tall man, wearing a face guard that only covered the right side of his forehead and face and a brown sash over his shoulder which held his rather large sword strapped to his back, approached her.

"Enjoy your new husband, miss Hyūga," she heard him say bitterly and left.

Madara was left in the field, alone with the Hyūga girl, who was shaking like a leaf.

She walked unsteadily towards his form, tentatively.

"I…thank you…" she said softly and sneezed.

"Reckless woman, you will get sick."

"You can get sick too sir" she said in a low whisper and then fainted.

Madara caught her body before it touched the ground and carried her away, pressed tightly against his chest. He looked at her face, her full lips had taken a bluish tint to them. He ran as fast as he could.

As he jumped through the roofs, Hinata's unconscious form snuggled against his warmth.

.

.

.

A month later

She stared back at her white clad reflection, fully dressed in her mother's pearl shiromuku wedding garb.

Her wedding to the Uchiha leader was to take place that early evening, a fact that still disconcerted her.

Obāsan had been beyond thrilled to let her know when she finally woke up from her fever. She had thought seeing the Uchiha with her unconscious form in his arms had been the most romantic thing she had seen in years. She shivered inwardly, thinking of her body in the man's arms…

She was grateful the man had not left her to die out on the open field, but she still distrusted him, thinking he must really hate her. Why would he want to shackle himself with her? It was beyond baffling.

Her father and Senju Hashirama were attending as well. She would have much preferred a small ceremony, but guessed marrying a prominent figure guaranteed her having just the opposite.

He had not spoken much with her after what happened. Perhaps preferring on ignoring her presence. She sighed, at least Kō-niisan was safe and allowed to marry his beloved. The world was at peace, for now. She could not ask for more… yet, a small perhaps selfish part, wished things had been different.

"Lady Hinata," a voice called out from the sliding door, "it's time."

Hinata lifted the heavy kimono to raise from her sitting position. She straightened her back and walked forward. It was time to look at the future with her head held high.

Notes and references: I loooove meek and fearless Hinata. I hope she wasn't too out of character. I'm just a bit tired seeing her cowering all the time in other stories.

So, before someone goes "whaaaat, they were gonna start a war for that?", remember WWI started because of the death of one man, and Trojans and Greeks fought because of a woman. That was my main reference, even though Hinata did not get to play Helen.

The sugegasa hat is the one Itachi uses the first time he and Kisame appears in the manga. It is a traditional hat used by Japanese farmers to cover themselves from snow, rain and sun.

Initially I was gonna use Neji instead of Kō, but then I was sure some bitch ass people were gonna be like "no way, Neji would never do that" and they are right, so I went for a more obscure character whom we don't really know much about. And I think Kō is really cute.

I used Marilyn Monroe as reference for Hinata's proportions, lmao. Measurements were given in cm, since that's what most of the world uses (why does America have to be so weird?).

The "Tale of Princess Kaguya" is a Japanese folklore story. If you haven't seen the Ghibli movie you should, one of my favorites of all times. It will make you cry though. But for those who don't know, Kaguya is a sprite that came from the Moon and was raised by a farmer.

Uchiha Setsuna, Senju Tōka and Uchiha Taiko are all real characters from the series.

I don't have a beta, so forgive me for any errors. I always try to proofread my stuff a few times before publishing, but there are always things that escape my eyes. Any question feel free to ask. Hopefully next chapter will clarify some things although I always feel I leave a lot unsaid in my fics. I like to leave some things up to the reader's imagination and that's where I struggle most, deciding on what to explain and what to leave unsaid and make the read still comprehensible and enjoyable…Anyways I know I lack a lot, I love reading but writing has always been difficult to me. Incredibly enough, writing fics have helped me much improve that skill. Next and last chapter I'll have it published next weekend.

Ja ne