Izuna sighed as he made his way down the streets of Konoha. He figured a nice walk would help calm his nerves. It was the Hokage's birthday today and Madara wanted the whole spectacle to be nothing less than perfect later tonight. He had agreed to help plan the whole celebration. Tobirama had actually agreed beforehand to help with setting things up since he knew Madara wasn't supposed to do any heavy lifting in his state. He knew the Senju still hated his elder brother, but he seemed to be keeping himself in check whenever he was around Madara. He guessed Tobirama was warming up to the idea that his hated enemy was having his nephew or niece and that he shouldn't be so blatant about showing it around the baby.

Izuna pinched his arm when his mind drifted back to Tobirama. He continuously told himself to cease his perverted thoughts and to keep himself in check. How he wished he could control his feelings as well as his brother used to before he got pregnant. Things were beginning to get out of hand and Izuna feared that his dangerously avant-garde musings would be discovered by the white-haired Senju. He couldn't let that happen.

A small drop of water splattered on his cheek. He looked up at the greying clouds as more droplets began descending from the skies. Izuna smirked, pulling out the spare umbrella he had brought along with him. He had a feeling it would rain based on the cloud cover. It was also a good thing that Hashirama's birthday celebration was being held inside. Nothing would ruin such an important day to both Madara and Hashirama. As much as the idiot bothered him, he never saw Madara happier than when he was near Hashirama. It made him question his morals. Should he force his brother away from the Hokage simply because Izuna did not like him? It was truly a selfish thing of him to do. He shouldn't take away his brother's happiness solely because he disapproved of the man he loved. He was starting to think he should let sleeping dogs lie.

He paused in his steps, spotting a dot of white amongst the muddy training fields where shinobi would occasionally train to hone their skills. Curiosity getting the better of him, he approached the area. Much to his surprise, that dot of white turned out to be a head of hair; a head of white hair that belonged to none other than Tobirama Senju. He spotted the nearby stumps littered with kunai and senbon needles and Tobirama himself was caked from head to toe with mud and grass. His eyes were closed, as if he were asleep as the rain pelted against his smudged skin. Izuna knelt down next to him, wondering how the normally composed Senju ended up in such a state.

Red eyes snapped open, zeroing in on Izuna's coal-black irises.

"What are you doing here, Izuna?" Tobirama snapped.

"That's my line," the Uchiha deadpanned. "One does not lie in the middle of training field and expect someone to not come to check up on you."

"I was training."

"That's the biggest lie I've ever heard. You have your own private training ground within your district."

Tobirama scoffed. "Can I not be alone and be in peace for once?"

"Nope. Now tell me the truth."

"…I like the rain," Tobirama absently said.

"Why's that?" Izuna bewilderedly asked.

"It spreads across the land, reaching out to all those it touches. It connects everything together, even uniting the earth with the heavens above. It's an insignificant occurrence; an existence we take for granted, but it has a far greater effect on us all than one would think."

Tobirama redirected his gaze to the grey sky, his features softening as a faraway look appeared in his eyes. Izuna blinked at the sudden change in his rival.

"I wish I could be the rain. If I were, I could touch all those lives and make an impact on the world. Even if my existence was taken for granted, I'd still be important to those lives. But…"

There was a long silence. Izuna felt a pang in his heart as a broken look appeared on the Senju's face.

"I'm not the rain. I've never been able to influence anyone. I feel like I've been cast out of my brother's life and my existence no longer has meaning. It bothers me that I've become a ghost to him. Does my presence no longer mean anything to him? Is Madara truly more important than his last blood brother? I feel like an immature brat who can't handle sharing his elder brother with anyone. It's ridiculous and I despise feeling that way. I know it's childish to funnel my frustration through physical means, but what other choice do I have? There's no one I can truly connect with…"

"Tobirama, that isn't true."

"What would you know about it, Uchiha?" he spat.

"I'm sure Hashirama hasn't been ignoring you on purpose," Izuna said. "Things have been getting busy for him. You should know that better than anyone, Mr. Advisor."

Tobirama sighed. "I'm aware. I know he has more important business to deal with. But any attempts I have made to keep that relationship with my brother have been in vain."

"You know what I think? I think you should get more involved with nii-san and the upcoming birth of our nephew or niece."

Tobirama sat upright, bits of mud falling from his dirty locks of white hair. "With Madara?"

"Hokage-teme has been really focused on both him and the baby. If you make an effort to get along with nii-san and show support for their relationship, I'll bet my Sharingan that moronic brother of yours will see it. It'll be a good way for you to get back into having that close relationship you used to have."

"You make it sound so easy…"

"I had issues with nii-san spending too much time with that oaf. I felt the same way; like I was being abandoned for a love that was more important than keeping a good connection with his brother. But I brought up my concerns to him about it and he told me not to worry. Since then, he's been balancing family life with his love life. If you want to keep a close bond with Hashirama, you should put forth some of that annoyingly stubborn effort that you Senju are known for. He can't read your mind. Kami knows what goes through that head of yours."

Tobirama smirked at him. "Leave it to fate that an Uchiha of all people would be talking sense into me."

"As much as you may think I'm heartless, I do happen to have one," Izuna replied as he moved his umbrella so that it covered both of their heads from the rain. "It bothers me to see you like this."

"Since when did you care about anything concerning me?"

Izuna paused, staring into the fathomless red eyes of the man he had begun to care about. Despite being sopping wet from both the rain and the mud that clung to his skin and clothes, Tobirama still managed to retain his handsome features. He inched closer to him, their faces a couple inches apart. Izuna had a strange desire to kiss the Senju's lips and he would have acted out on it if his common sense didn't intervene. He shook his head, deciding a smile and a kind look was the most he could give the man at the moment.

"We're eternal rivals, aren't we?" he said. "I want to make sure nothing is bothering you so you don't have an excuse to use when I beat the crap out of you the next time we spar."

Tobirama glowered at him. Izuna blinked when Tobirama briskly stood up and heatedly strode away from him as quickly as possible. Izuna stood there alone as he watched the retreating form of the Senju, wondering what went wrong. He had no idea why the white-haired male had become so angry. Was it his comment? Tobirama wasn't the type to get touchy over something as trivial as an insult from Izuna. Izuna was right when he said that he had no idea what went on in that man's mind. What was going on with Tobirama to make him act that way?

A frown crossed his face. That Senju was a mystery to him. The only thing was…did he want to solve that mystery? Deep down, he felt a connection with the other man. He wanted to get to know his rival on a more personal level…just like before. Why else would Tobirama be afflicting his thoughts to such a degree?

"I wonder…" he muttered. "Do you feel the same as I do, Tobirama?"

"Um…you mind explaining to me what it is you want to show me?"

"You'll see."

Hashirama raised a questioning eyebrow at his smiling brother. It was extremely rare for him to see Tobirama with such a happy expression on his face. He had to wonder what his younger brother was thinking about as Tobirama pulled him along down the streets of Konoha. He figured his younger brother must have had something planned and the end result was what was making Tobirama smile. Honestly, he felt somewhat relieved to see his otouto in such an uplifting mood. He was way too serious and sullen all the time. He needed to let loose and open up every once in a while.

Hashirama's confusion escalated when he recognized the familiar area of the Uchiha district. It increased even further when Tobirama stopped in front of Madara's home. Hashirama had his suspicions before, but now he had absolutely no idea what his little brother was planning. Tobirama dragged him through the front door, leading him towards the dining area of the home. He felt his mouth watering when he smelt the fumes of his favorite food coming from that room. Tobirama opened the door, shoving Hashirama inside. The Hokage felt surprised when he saw Madara and Izuna greeting him with kind smiles, a huge pot of mushroom mixed soup settled in the middle of the dining table.

"Happy birthday, Hokage-teme!" Izuna cheered.

"Eh…?" was Hashirama's response.

"Don't tell you're so stupid that you can't even keep track of your own birthday?" Madara quipped.

"Uh…"

"Why am I not surprised?" the Uchiha sighed, palming his face. "You are hopeless."

"Hey, things like this slip my mind!" Hashirama countered. "There are some things that take priority over celebrating my birthday. Whose idea was this?"

Madara's eyes narrowed. "It was mine. Is there a problem with that?"

"None whatsoever," Hashirama laughed, a sweatdrop running down his face. "I'm flattered, really. You didn't have to go out of your way to do this for me."

"I wanted to do it. That's my only reason. So you better appreciate it."

"Believe me, I do."

"Good. I can't stand the smell of mushroom mixed soup, but I decided to deal with it as I made it."

"You made it?" Hashirama said as he sat down at the table and poured himself some soup. "Knowing that makes me want to taste it all the more!"

"Onii-chan," Tobirama interjected. "Before you start gorging down on soup, there's something else."

Hashirama straightened up. "Which is?"

Tobirama held out a previously hidden box to the Hokage. Hashirama briefly wondered how his little brother managed to hide it on his person without Hashirama noticing. Then again, his younger brother always was the more inconspicuous of the two of them. He took hold of the small box, tearing away the string that held it closed. He opened it, picking up the contents. He looked at the greenish-blue crystal attached to the thin string as it dangled in front of him, catching the rays of light and glistening beautifully. Hashirama narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Tobirama.

"You used my chakra to make this without me knowing, didn't you?" he muttered.

"Not entirely," Tobirama answered. "Part of Madara's chakra was used too. It'll respond to either of your chakra. By the way, I had to do it without you knowing. It wouldn't have been much of a surprise if you knew what the gift was beforehand."

"I suppose you're right," Hashirama chuckled. "Thank you for doing this, Madara."

"Don't thank me; thank your brother," Madara corrected. "I hate to admit it, but I wouldn't have been able to do any of this if it wasn't for him."

Hashirama turned to face Tobirama. "Really?"

"I…" Tobirama began hesitantly. "I had a bit of sense knocked into me. I shouldn't try and force something apart when it has connected so well together. If being with Madara makes you happy…I should support you the same as I always have. I have no reason to complain about it, even if I no longer have a substantial part in your life."

Hashirama launched out of his chair and grabbed Tobirama in a headlock. He then proceeded to grind his knuckles into his brother's head. Tobirama cried out in protest as his elder brother gave him a noogie.

"For being the smarter of the two of us, you are so stupid!" Hashirama scolded him.

"Onii-chan, unhand me! Stop it!"

"I'll stop when you explain what made you think you had any less significance in my life than Madara did!"

"It doesn't matter what I thought. You have other lives you need to consider now."

Hashirama stopped his action and released his hold. He turned Tobirama around so he could look his brother in the eyes. Hashirama had a resolute expression on his face, placing his hand on Tobirama's shoulder.

"Tobirama," he said. "You are my last little brother. You always have held a special place in my life and you always will for as long as I live. If my actions within these past few months have made you think otherwise, I apologize for making you feel that way. I had no idea you I was indirectly causing you pain."

"Don't get sentimental on me, onii-chan," Tobirama snapped. "I'm not a child. I can handle myself."

Hashirama ruffled his brother's hair. "I know you can, otouto. I love you too."

Tobirama scoffed and slapped the hand away, turning away from his elder brother. The barest hint of a smile crossed his face before it disappeared. Hashirama beamed at Tobirama before he focused back on the bowl of untouched soup he had been dying to dig into. He eagerly ate the delicious food while Madara was busy chatting away with Izuna about something. Once Hashirama finished, he returned his attention to the two Uchiha.

"Madara, do you mind if I take you somewhere?"

"Where to?" Madara questioned.

"It's a secret!" Hashirama answered. "You have to come along to find out!"

"You know as well as I do that I can't go anywhere as fast as I used to."

"I'll carry you."

"No."

"Just this once? I promise that you're going to love it."

Madara groaned. "…Fine. Do what you must."

"Yosh!"

Hashirama rushed over to Madara, quickly picking up the shorter man in his arms. Madara growled at being held bridal style once again. He sent sharp looks at Hashirama, daring him to comment about his weight. Hashirama knew better than to antagonize the Uchiha about that subject. His lower parts were still sore from when he spoke ill about Madara's figure the last time.

Tobirama lingered in the dark hallway, feeling awkward and distant from the rest of them as his brother disappeared out the door and ran off somewhere with his "princess" in his arms. He sighed. He had to admit, he was rather jealous of his brother for being able to find someone who he could truly bond with. Compared to Hashirama, there was no one Tobirama could connect with on such a level that his brother had with Madara. He had no friends he could talk to. His antisocial nature always drove everyone off.

Everyone except a certain annoying Uchiha.

He eyed Izuna sitting idly by the table, who was playing with his spoon and making strange faces as he stared at his reflection in the utensil. Tobirama shook his head at such childish behavior. He had to wonder why Izuna had attempted to comfort him earlier that day in the rain and why he reacted in the way he did to the Uchiha.

It was silly of him to think so; but for that one moment, Tobirama had felt like someone other than his brother had actually cared about him. The thought that someone had bothered to deal with his attitude, but still stand by his side made him feel…satisfied; happy, even. But when Izuna had said his reasons were merely to prevent Tobirama from using excuses for the next time they did battle, he felt an overwhelming surge of betrayal and disappointment course through his being. Why he felt that way perplexed him. Izuna was his enemy. He was an Uchiha. He felt nothing but disdain for the Uchiha Clan as a whole for taking the lives of his younger brothers and their mother. Why did that hatred no longer extend to Izuna? He would ask that question over and over in his head, but he would never come up with a concrete answer. The Uchiha was an anomaly; an outlier. He disliked outliers. They only made things difficult for him in the long run.

"If there's something on my face, then say so, ya bastard Senju."

Tobirama scowled. "I'll give you the exact answer you gave me: your ugly mug is on your face, you damn Uchiha."

"Has anyone told you what a complete asshole you are?" Izuna heatedly questioned. "You aren't going to win anyone over with an attitude like that."

"I'm aware," the Senju growled. "I have issues connecting with people."

"You do?"

"Like you would care about it."

"Actually, I do."

Tobirama sent a glare at Izuna. "Oh? And what possible reason could you have for wanting to know about it?"

"Well, we're going to be uncles soon," Izuna explained as he stood up and made his way over to where Tobirama was. "I figured…maybe we could get over our animosity towards each other before the baby comes, even just a little bit?"

"Two months is hardly enough time to get over such hatred," Tobirama darkly retorted. "You and I are enemies. We can never get along."

"It doesn't have to continue being this way!" Izuna exclaimed. "Can we not return to those days when we weren't enemies? Don't tell me you don't miss them somewhat?"

"Izuna, those days are over!" Tobirama shouted. "Don't try to fix things that will only fall apart in the end!"

"Tobirama…"

"Self-sacrifice is an important aspect to the shinobi way of life. You know that as much as I do."

"I don't care about that!" Izuna yelled. "You were once my friend! As much as I've denied it, I still care about you!"

"You're as foolishly optimistic as onii-chan."

"You don't understand! To me, you've become…"

"Izuna, I made my choice and I'm keeping with it. Nothing you say or do will ever change that."

He felt soft lips press against his and in that moment it felt like time had stopped. His eyes dilated when he realized Izuna was kissing him. The Uchiha had boldly gone for it when he was least expecting it. He roughly shoved Izuna away, rushing away from the Uchiha as soon as he did. He was…he honestly didn't know what to feel. Shock? Disgust? Elation? Anger? It felt like all four emotions and more had exploded in his brain, causing a mental meltdown. He needed to calm down and get a hold of his rampant emotions. He needed to get away.

Izuna stood there alone, feeling lost and stupid as his brain finally comprehended the consequences of his actions. He slammed his palm to his forehead.

"Crap!"

"Oh…wow…"

"You like it?"

"Like it? I love it."

"Yosh!" Hashirama cheered in victory as he watched Madara kneel down to touch the fallen cherry blossoms on the forest floor.

"You're such an idiot," Madara commented, picking up a blossom and holding it in his palm. "You went and planted a whole sakura orchard as a gift for our child?"

"I wanted it to be something special for her. After all, it's a miracle that she even exists," Hashirama replied, winking at his lover. "I want only the best for my two lovelies."

"Don't call me that," Madara growled. "And I've told you before that our child is going to be a boy. Why do you insist on it being a girl?"

"I just have this gut feeling that it's a girl. I can't really explain it in words."

"Hn."

"Come on. There's another thing I need to show you."

Madara dropped the blossom before he took the outstretched hand. Hashirama slowly led him past the sakura trees. It took a few minutes before they ended up by a river; a very familiar river. Madara sat down, feeling the rocks below him shift. He felt a myriad of emotions swirl within him as memories of a nicer, less complicated time came back to him. Times when skipping stones was a daily greeting with his old friend.

"The Naka River…" Madara said, watching the water calmly float along. "How long has it been since we were last here?"

"Too long, Madara. Too long," Hashirama responded as he sat down next to Madara.

"This place…holds so many memories…"

"Yeah. Kinda hard to believe this is where everything started."

"Huh?"

Hashirama eyed Madara. "Something wrong?"

"What is that? Right in the middle of the river."

Hashirama looked at the area Madara was pointing toward. He did indeed spot something…different in the river. Black stuck out against the pale-colored stones. He stood up, running across the water to the spot. He reached through the water and grabbed the two stones. They were small against his hands, but he felt a big attachment to both when he realized what they were. He brought the stones back to Madara, handing over the one most familiar to him. Madara had a distant look in his eyes as his finger traced the familiar handwriting.

"Trap. Scram," he read aloud. "I can't believe these were still here…"

"I know. We threw these to warn each other years ago."

"Now, they serve as mementos of that time. It started with these…but it ended with them too."

"You know, I had no idea I was skipping rocks with my future lover at the time."

"I had no idea at the time that it was possible for me to get knocked up…"

"Oh, come on. You're happy for it, aren't you?"

Madara placed a hand against his stomach. "Oh?"

"What is it?"

"Someone decided to wake up," Madara answered, rubbing the top of his baby bump as he pocketed the stone. "Odd. He was quiet all day today until now."

"Maybe she knew something special was happening today and she wanted to be awake and energized for when it happened?" Hashirama laughed.

"But that means he'll be up all night keeping me awake," Madara muttered. "Such a troublesome pest…"

"I got an idea!" Hashirama exclaimed. "Why don't we tell her our story?"

"What do you mean by 'our story'?"

"Everything: right from the beginning all the way to the end."

"That could take all night."

"We can shorten it. After all, her attention span is probably about as long as mine is. Plus, it can't be too complicated for her or she won't understand it."

"Only you would be able to find reasoning behind telling a story to a fetus…"

"You can do the honors, Madara. After all, she'll hear your voice better than mine."

"Very well…" Madara sighed. "Where to start?"

"Pay attention to your Mama now; okay, baby?" Hashirama said to Madara's bulging stomach, patting it a few times. He felt movement underneath the kimono Madara wore. "Good girl!"

"This story is about your father and me," Madara began, hands placed against his belly. "And it starts when two boys met at a river. They lived different lives, but they always met at the river to skip stones together. They were a couple of brats who wanted to change the world they lived in. The world was a bad place. The two boys decided they would have to work together to bring that change. They became friends. They trained together and they talked together. The always met up at the same place by the river whenever they could."

Madara paused, looking down and frowning. Hashirama immediately noticed this.

"Something wrong?"

"So active…" Madara whispered, watching his hands shift as the surface they were placed against moved about excitedly.

Hashirama smiled. "She must like it. Keep going!"

"Right…" Madara continued. "Well, those boys were eventually discovered by their families. It turned out the boys' families were enemies. They did not want the boys to associate with one another ever again. Your father refused to abandon that friendship, but…I gave up on it. I wanted to protect my younger brother from harm. In order to do so, I had to fight against my enemies, including your father. We fought each other, day after day. Both sides suffered, but still we fought. I had refused to end the fighting and it nearly cost me everything…"

Madara paused again, his frown deepening as he returned his attention back to his baby.

"Now he's calmed down. I don't get this brat at all…" he whispered to Hashirama.

He shrugged. "Sadness, maybe? She is a smart one, after all. She gets that from you."

"Despite the things we lost and the actions we took, your father refused to give up that friendship. He wanted more than anything to bring peace to both families. He offered me that peace before. It had taken me so long to realize it, but…he never gave up on me. He never gave up on the dream we shared to create a world where children could live in peace and grow up happily. He also…never ceased loving those who were precious to him. Even now, he's still like that. That's how you came to be," Madara smiled as the baby started animatedly moving again. "There are a number of things I wish for you to be; so many that I can't name them all. But if I had to choose one…I want you to be loving, just like your father. But please don't be as stupid as he is."

"That's a low blow, Madara!" Hashirama whined.

"I say it because it's true," Madara stated. "Admit it. You've done a number of questionable actions in your life."

"And I'm about to do another one."

Madara raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Hashirama changed positions. He knelt down in front of Madara, a stern but serene expression on his face. He took both of Madara's hands in his, gazing deep into the Uchiha's eyes. He took a deep breath before exhaling.

"Madara Uchiha," Hashirama began. "You and I have been friends for a long time. Before I knew it, that friendship became something more for me. Because of that, our child came to be. We've grown even closer over these past few months. Now, I truly realize how special you are to me. I love you with all my heart. I want to spend the rest of our days sharing those feelings with each other; those feelings and so much more."

"Hashirama…You're not serious, are you?"

"I am completely serious," the Senju said. "Madara Uchiha, will you marry me?"

Madara was quiet for a long time. He knew such a thing was impossible. Hashirama was supposed to marry Mito. Even if by some miracle and the contract was nullified, they'd never find someone to approve their marriage and make it official. They'd forever be scrutinized simply because they were both men who loved each other. Yet, he found himself smiling at the idea of being able to be with the person he loved in matrimony. He knew what his decision was before he even made it.

"Yes," he replied.

Hashirama pulled him into a sweet and passionate kiss. Madara had never guessed they'd make it to this point. He finally believed he could achieve that loving family he had thought about having when he realized he would have to marry and carry on the Uchiha name. Things were looking up. He could feel his child move around, kicking the area nearest to Hashirama. He supposed it was the parasite's way of celebrating its father's birthday and the proposal its "mother" had just accepted. Hashirama pulled away, giving Madara a loving smile before he fondly stroked his fiancé's baby bump.

Madara suddenly stiffened, feeling an unnerving sensation settle in his chest. He felt his skin crawl. It felt like he was being watched. He quickly looked around, neither seeing nor sensing anything nearby. He protectively placed his hands on his stomach. He knew something was wrong, but he had no idea what it was. Hashirama didn't seem to notice his slight distress.

"It's late. It's time for little babies to go to sleep," Hashirama chided the child as it continued to move around.

"I'll handle it when I get back," Madara said swiftly.

"How?"

"Trust me. Take me home. Now."

"Aright, alright. No need to get snippy with me."

True to his word, Hashirama brought his intended back to his home posthaste. He bid his love goodnight and thanked him for all the things he had done for him that day. Once he left, Madara slowly made his way to his room. He could still feel the parasite moving around in his gut as it pressed up against his ribs.

He was silently thankful he had taken Sayuri's advice about trying to calm the baby down by singing to it. He had always done it in secret and that was how he was going to continue doing it. It was embarrassing enough for him to do so alone. If anyone ever found out, he'd never live it down. As he laid down on his futon, his arms encircled his large protrusion. In a soft voice, the words came out and the baby's movements began to calm down.

"Madaminu anata aemasu you ni. Onaka wo sasuri itsumo negatta. Fu-u-u, Fu-u-u, donna kao shiteru ka na? Fu-u-u, Fu-u-u, donna koe wo shiteru no?"

The movement ceased, though Madara could still feel the baby squirm a bit as it attempted to get comfortable in the new position. He ran a hand across his bump, a tender look on his face.

"Oyasumi, watashi no akanbou…"

I'm drowning in fluff, but I love fluff! We got a lot of good stuff happening, but also bad things it seems. We are nearing the birth, so we will soon know what the gender of the baby is within the next couple chapters. Aren't you all excited? I am! What shall it be? Which parent is right? Boy or girl? Take a guess! I want to hear them! :D

What Madara is singing is called Okaasan no Uta and it's from the movie Wolf Children. Really cute, sometimes sad, but amazingly great movie and a really cute song for a baby lullaby, suggested by my wonderful co-author kitsunelover300. A lot of this story wouldn't have been possible if wasn't for her, so be sure to give your appreciation and thanks to her as well!

Translations

"May I meet you soon, my yet unseen child. I always wished as I stroked my belly. Fu-u-u, Fu-u-u, I wonder how your face looks like? Fu-u-u, Fu-u-u, I wonder how your voice sounds like?"

"Goodnight, my baby..."