Her body was shaking, her hands trembling.

She tried to slow down her wavering breathing and closed her eyes, focusing on her loud and quick heartbeat instead of the petrifying images of the dreadful incident of that night which was now haunting her in her sleep.

Asami swallowed thickly and slowly brought her hands to her throat and wrapped them around it. She started to rub her skin, as if that could erase the feeling of the phantom hands pressing on her windpipe.

It was over; they were dead and she'd healed, physically at least. It wasn't the first time people had invaded their home, it wasn't the first time she had gotten hurt, but it was the first time her son was almost taken from her for the stupidest reason ever and the first time she was very close to death.

Just thinking about it terrified her.

Taking a deep breath, Asami opened her eyes and turned her head. Madara was asleep, his bare back facing her. Pursing her lips, she wondered for a moment if she should wake him. He knew about her nightmares, and she thought that talking to him about it now could help.

Asami heaved a sigh and rubbed her eyes. No, she shouldn't bother him with something like this in the middle of the night. If she still felt like talking in the morning, then she'd do it, but not now.

Even though she decided not to listen to his calm and soothing voice, his comforting warmth may be able to help her fall back asleep again. Asami lay back down, held her forearms against her chest, shifted closer to the Uchiha and gently pressed her forehead and the other side of her forearms against his back. Moving any closer to him would probably wake him, which was something Asami wanted to prevent.

She closed her eyes, and it didn't take long for her to fall into a dreamless sleep.

~~~~~~~~~

''I thought you weren't going to carry me anymore?'' Asami mused, and a small smirk played on her lips when she heard Madara sigh in annoyance. ''I don't think I got here by myself.''

Madara turned around. ''You can be a bit more grateful that I went out of my way to drag you up here.'' He grunted, and Asami sat up with a smile, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed and approached him. ''I already appreciate the smallest things you do.'' She murmured, slipping her arms around his neck. Madara looked down with a raised eyebrow, as if he didn't believe her. He knew very well that she was thankful for the trivial things, though.

Asami elbowed him playfully. ''I'm serious.''

''I know you are.''

Asami raised one of her eyebrows this time and Madara rolled his eyes. With a chuckle, Asami brushed past him and went into the bathroom. Madara heard the faucet run.

''Oh, Keiji is coming today.'' Her voice was slightly muffled by the sound of running water, but Madara was able to hear her clearly. ''I asked him if he wanted to take Kouta to a nearby non-ninja village.''

Madara frowned and walked over the room where Asami was and leaned against the doorway. ''Why?'' He asked. ''You know it's not safe for him, even if there aren't any ninja.''

Asami motioned for him to wait until she was done brushing her teeth, which took her a minute or two. After she had rinsed out her mouth, she turned back to the Uchiha. "We can't keep him in and around the house forever, Madara.'' She said softly but firmly. She wanted to make a point so she needed to sound strong and determined, especially if it was Madara she needed to convince. ''I want him to see the world outside this cage we've trapped him in.''

Madara clenched his jaw, knowing that she was right. He would feel more reassured if one of them went with him, but both Asami and Madara are supposed to be dead. Inhabitants of non-ninja villages normally don't know much about the ninja villages, but news of what happened three years ago must have reached even the smallest towns in the Land of Fire. There only had to be one person to recognize them and their currently quite peaceful and quiet life was over. But then there was Kouta, someone nobody would recognize, even people who knew Keiji. If those people saw Keiji with an unknown Uchiha, questions would certainly be raised.

''Keiji is strong.'' Asami continued. ''If something were to happen, I'm sure that he'd be able to take care of it perfectly fine.''

''I'm not questioning his abilities.'' Madara sighed and scratched the back of his neck. ''Only a few know of Kouta's existence. He's an Uchiha, unmistakably. If Keiji is seen with him by another Uchiha, there will be problems.''

Asami pursed her lips in frustration. ''You are right, but the chance that another Uchiha will be there is very slim.'' She reasoned. ''I think we should take the risk and let him go.''

Madara ran a hand through his hair, thinking about it a few more times before agreeing with her. ''At what time does Keiji arrive?''

Asami quickly walked past him and went back into the bedroom. Madara simply kept standing in the doorway, watching her closely through narrowed eyes. 

''He could be here any minute now.'' Asami said, moving her gaze from the clock to Madara. ''Can you check if Kouta is already dressed?''

Madara nodded and pushed himself away from the doorway. ''Shouldn't he eat before he goes?"

Asami opened the closet and looked around the shelves. ''He's going to eat breakfast in the village with Keiji.'' She spoke, moving a few clothes hangers to the side.

Madara hummed and left their room to check if Kouta was ready to go.

~~~~~~

''Be careful, okay?'' Asami spoke, almost making it sound like a plea.

Keiji chuckled and patted her shoulder, hoping to put her more at ease with this. ''We'll be fine. You don't have to worry.''

Asami nodded slowly. She trusted him, but not worrying was something she'll never be able to do. Crouching down, she took Kouta's face in her hands and pressed a kiss to his forehead. ''Listen to Keiji-san, alright?'' She murmured. ''And stay close to him. Don't wander off by yourself.''

Kouta nodded excitedly and Keiji took his hand. ''I won't let him out of my sight.'' He said, grinning like a kid. Kouta wasn't the only one who was thrilled to go out.

''Avoid friends, acquaintances, anyone who looks familiar.'' 

''Yes, Madara-sama.'' Keiji spoke, suddenly sounding very serious compared to a few seconds ago. It seemed that he knew very well just how bad things could get if he messed up. ''I'll make sure nothing happens.'' Then he turned to the little boy who was standing next to him and squeezed his hand. ''Shall we go then, Kouta?"

''Yes!''

''Okay then.'' Keiji said. ''Bye Asami-san, Madara-sama. I'll bring him back at the end of the day.''

''Bye!'' Kouta waved before he started to jabber to Keiji about what they were going to do.

Asami sighed and closed the front door. Kouta wasn't even gone for a minute and she already found the house too quiet. 

Two sturdy hands pressed against her tense shoulders, grasping them tightly. ''They'll be fine.'' Madara uttered. ''You said so yourself.''

Asami bit on her lip and put one of her own hands on top of his. ''I'm still nervous, though.'' She breathed. ''Anyway, let's eat. I'm starving.''

~~~~~~~~~

Asami closed the window in the bedroom. Not only was it cooling down outside, she also thought that the room had ventilated enough for today. She leaned against the frame and looked through the glass.

Even though she didn't have any neighbors at all, which only strengthened the feeling of isolation and loneliness, she did think that this house had the most beautiful view ever. The high trees that surrounded and thus hid the house very well were very pretty no matter what season or weather. Even when the dark skies were clouded over, like now, the view was still one of the prettiest she had ever seen. Not only that, but just walking through the forest also made her feel free, while she was actually stuck in this house.

''They're taking long.''

His deep but smooth voice startled her. She let out a gasp and, with a hand on her chest, attempting to slow down the rapid beating of her heart, she turned around. Madara walked into the room with a hint of smugness on his face.

Asami let her hand fall next to her body and walked to the desk on the other side of the room. ''Don't scare me like that.'' She tried to scold him, but she wasn't able to suppress the small smile she was trying to hold back. Seeing him with an expression like that only made her happy.

"They must be having fun." She said as she started to clean up the desk, piling up the books and sorting out papers. A chuckle left her lips when she thought of how Kouta was doing now. "Kou must be exhausted by now though."

Madara hummed in agreement and came a bit closer. "Especially since he hasn't fully recovered yet."

Asami stopped her movements when she felt him standing right behind her. The warmth radiating from his body made a shiver run down her spine. Slowly, she retracted her hands and turned around. Her fingers wrapped around the edge of the desk as she glanced up to those dark and enticing eyes. The mood in the room just changed completely in only a few seconds.

Madara's rough hand brushed against her cheek, eventually settling on her neck, tilting her head up. Making sure not to put any pressure on her skin,  he leaned in closer and pressed their lips together.

Asami's eyes fluttered closed as her stomach started to tingle. The familiar feeling, one she hadn't felt in a long time, excited her. And to think that he was simply kissing her.

Madara stepped closer, pressing Asami against the edge of the desk, and tilted his head slightly, deepening the kiss. He put one hand on the desk while he let the one that was still resting on her neck slide down her shoulder and arm to her hip.

Asami pulled away for a bit to catch some air and gulped slightly when she looked into Madara's darkened eyes. While it came to her as a surprise, it only contributed to her longing and excitement.

Her eyes moved from his alluring orbs that were fixated on her and landed on his full and warm lips which looked more inviting than ever before. Without the slightest hesitation, Asami raised her hand and wrapped her arm around his neck, slowly pulling him back down. These addictive kisses felt so different while they shared similar ones before, and Asami wondered if it was because of they knew what was to come, what this kiss was going to lead to.

Asami brought her other hand to his waist but didn't let it just lay there. Moving it up and down his side, she felt him squeeze her hip in return, and she was once again reminded of just what her touch could do to Madara. Subtly, she slipped a few fingers under his shirt and caressed his abdomen before going higher.

Madara grunted into the kiss and stepped back, taking the hem of the piece of clothing, he pulled it over his head in one smooth movement and threw it to the ground. Asami couldn't help but admire the sight in front of him. Of course, she had seen him shirtless many times before but it somehow felt different in this situation, where it only added to the tension between them.

Madara placed his hand on her lower back and pulled her toward him, but instead of kissing her again, like Asami hoped he'd do, he moved his head right next to hers and took the edge of her shirt. ''Arms up.'' He murmured, and Asami shivered when she felt his breath against her ear. It made her legs tremble slightly. Swallowing thickly, she slowly raised her arms and Madara swiftly pulled her shirt off.

Asami wrapped her arms around his neck as Madara's hands glided down her almost bare back. His fingerstips danced across her sensitive skin and went down until they reached the back of her legs. Effortlessly, he lifted her into the air. Asami already quickly understood that she had to wrap her legs around his waist and he held tightly onto him as he moved the both of them to the other side of the room.

Madara sat down on the edge of the bed and Asami shifted a bit until she sat on his thights comfortably. It didn't take long for her lips to find Madara's again and she let her hands run up and down his chiseled chest. This only caused Madara to kiss her harder and so passionate that Asami found it hard to keep up with him. She tried to catch her breath during the short pauses between the kisses but even that became soon too difficult.

Madara noticed this and slowed down, but he didn't let the intensity decrease even a bit. His hands roamed her back, his fingertips sliding across her slightly protuding spine and ribs, eventually reaching the fastening of her bra and unhooking it. He brushed the straps off her shoulders and Asami threw it to the side. Taking her sides firmly in his hands, Madara let his lips skim over her shoulder. Asami's breath wavered when her skin started to tingle in excitation.

Her fingers ran through his hair and over his back as she tilted her head back to give him more access. A gasp left her lips when he began to suck on her neck, and she pinched the skin on his shoulderblades. Once again, she had this familiar feeling, but this one didn't come with a pleasant memory. ''Madara, d-don't.'' She breathed as the phantom hands wrapped themselves around her neck.

Madara pulled her body flush against his own, their chests pressing together. ''Calm down, Asami.'' He mumbled, rubbing her sides in an attempt to reassure her. ''It's just me.''

Asami closed her eyes, trying to block out the nauseating thoughts, trying to focus on the man who was really in front of her, and not on the people who were already dead. His actions were going to leave bruises, but this time, she wouldn't have to  look into the mirror with disgust. These discolorations wouldn't be a result of strangulation, but the result of his affection, and she should be incredibly happy and grateful to receive that from him.

Madara felt Asami relax in his arms, which was his cue to continue. He placed his hands on the back of her legs again and stood up. Asami squeaked, not expecting him to get up so suddenly, and clamped onto him in an almost stifling  manner. Her eyes were wide, and she couldn't help but let out a soft laugh which made the corners of Madara's lips twitch up.

He turned the both of them around and put one knee on the bed, bending forward. Slowly, he lowered her onto the mattress and hovered over her. The anxious look on her face was gone. Instead, her eyes were shining with happiness and fervor.

A small smile played on her lips as she took Madara's face between her hands. She let her thumbs run lightly across his cheekbones as she studied his face. ''You could have warned me.'' She whined playfully. ''You startled me, again.''

Madara hummed and leaned down, brushing his lips over her neck and collarbone. ''Hmm, maybe next time.''

Asami's eyes fluttered closed and she let out a shaky breath when Madara continued where he left off. She let her head fall back into the pillow and let her hand run through his hair once again. Her eyebrows furrowed and she bit her lip when Madara moved down to her chest in a painfully slow way.

His hands settled on her waist to keep her from squirming too much as he kept on pleasing her. Asami sucked in a breath and took the sheets between her fingers as Madara's lips worked their way across her soft and delicate skin. The whimpers and pleas coming from her only drove him to delight her even more.

By the time Madara decided it was enough, Asami's eyes were unfocused and dazed. Catching her breath, she looked down to meet Madara's gaze, only to see him looking  back.

His dark eyes were clouded with desire.

Asami pressed her legs together and swallowed thickly. If only Madara knew just what that look did to her. He had her completely in the palm of his hand and he didn't even know it.

Asami ran her hands over his shoulders when he hovered over her again and she gently pulled him down. She kissed him softly, slowly, the way she liked it the most and carefully took his lip between her teeth before she went back to kissing him again.

Madara's fingers skimmed across her stomach, making Asami shiver in gratification, and reached the waistband of her shorts. He teased her a little bit more by trailing his fingertips across the skin above the last pieces of clothing she was wearing before he let his hand slip under the waistband.