canonverse

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"listen, madara, husband dearest... i love you, but please wash your hair."

"i told you, i did-"

"getting drenched in a downpour didn't count," hashirama nearly shouted, "and that was three days ago."

his eyebrows furrowed, and his hands left the blanket. "you never complained before."

"before," she repeated. "but i really can't sleep near stinky hair tonight, please...? i know you just got home and tired and-"

"are you alright?"

she wasn't, he could tell. even in their dimly lit room, madara could spot dried ink on her fingers and cheek. her eyes were puffy as well. how many nights she spent lacking proper sleep? a shinobi could stay sleepless for nights, but they still needed rest like any other human.

hashirama gave a weak nod. "there's soap in the bathhouse."

madara stood. "come along then."

the bathhouse was empty that late night, so they could use a small room for themselves. after madara started fire and warmed the space, hashirama took a bowl of water to clean her face and hands. madara dipped himself in the wooden tub, while she sat on a stool, absentmindedly taking his tangled hair.

"i wish you could be home more often," hashirama said, half whispering, as she detangled his hair.

"i have nothing to do here." madara started to wash his scalp, but she stopped him, then did it herself.

hashirama's fingers gently massaged his scalp, pulling his hair back. "nothing, really?"

"i... oh, that's the spot..." whatever answer he had was momentarily forgotten. her touch almost lulled him to sleep. he fend off that desire by watching her working, her face was in daze yet determined.

hashirama finally left him after she rinsed his hair. madara finished his bath, then dried his hair using suiton to draw out the water. it did feel fresher, and his hair seemed to stick out wider than before.

madara decided he could get used to this.

"now you look better." hashirama pulled him into a hug at the entrance. "smell better too."

he couldn't push himself to pull away. she felt so... serene. instead he carried her home with both hands.

"i can help you in the office tomorrow," he offered once they're back on the futon.

she only gave him an affirmative hum, quickly dozing off as soon as she hit the pillow.

and as madara lay beside her, he realized hashirama's hair smelled like a forest in summer.