Madara, with his chin tilted arrogantly upwards and his arms crossed domineeringly on his chest, stood in front of the Senju compound gates, Izuna to his right and Hikaku his left.
A delegation of a few handpicked council members and elite guards stood behind him as they all waited for the Senju to open their gates. One of his kin wore a navy blue sashimono with the Uchiwa fan and Envoy sewed on it, a sign to prove their identity and show their intentions.
It was... a peculiar feeling for Madara to be the one who extends an olive branch for a cease-fire between their clans.
Then-Hashirama used to be the one who screamed about peace as they fought, sending missive after missive persistently. Now, it was the other way around (without the screaming and persistence as only one letter was enough for Hashirama to agree to a meeting). Madara would've laughed out loud if he wasn't so choked with contrite emotions.
Other than that, he was thankful that Tobirama has also agreed, after much insistence on Madara's part, to persuade the Senju clan's council on behalf of his dorky older brother.
As much as Madara trusted Hashirama to fully accept his future offers to an alliance, to build a settlement that would one day become the legendary Konohagakure no Sato, the old fogeys were always the first to oppose and a young Hashirama who has just become the clan head has yet to fully understand how to silence them.
A shrewd politician his once-best friend may grow into one day, but currently, he was only a twenty-one-year-old dreamer, still wet behind the ears to truly understand the vicious yet subtle game called politics. A Tobirama who was not blinded by hatred of all Uchiha-related things was a blessing in disguise.
When the gates of the Senju compound finally opened, revealing one bristling Senju Tobirama standing at the front of five other fully armed Senju soldiers, Madara hid a smug smile behind his high collar, enjoying the way Tobirama's ruby red eyes had narrowed, having seen through Madara's amusement with just that simple action alone.
"State the purpose of your business here, Uchiha."
Tobirama folded his arms over his blue chest plate, fingerpads tapping against a toned bicep in what others might assume to be a sign of impatient displeasure. However, to Madara, it was a message. Their secret code used often across the battlefield to snark and banter during their fathers' boring face-off.
Why are you here?! The elders are still persistently oppugnant! Scram! - was what Tobirama was trying futilely to drill into Madara's head.
Madara only crinkled his eyes in an innocent manner, taking wicked delight at how Tobirama seethed silently behind his icy exterior, fingers increasing in speed to spew creative insults and cusses, all of which Madara pretended to misinterpret as a sign to say his greetings out loud. Ah, it was always such a pleasure to tease the ever stoic iceberg into losing his composure.
"I am Uchiha Madara, patriarch of the Uchiha clan. These people are from my council. We mean no harm by coming here and only wish to request an audience with Senju Hashirama, patriarch of the Senju clan, and his administrative body."
The Senju squad were all tensed, fingers twitching closer to their weapons when he introduced himself. Madara knew that there were a lot of horror stories linked to his name, hence he took great effort to appear utterly harmless. He was currently free of any weapons or armor, having kept his infamous gunbai in his storage seal before their arrival here.
Although by the look of things, the Senju squad didn't appear to be mollified by his good manners and tact.
What a tough bunch to placate.
Madara didn't allow his amusement to show when all of the Senju, sans Tobirama, flinched when he brought up a hand and gestured at Hikaku.
His military advisor-slash-bodyguard stepped forward with a scroll in hand, unrolled to show that its contents were harmless. He knows that Tobirama wouldn't be able to read the words at such a distance due to his poor eyesight, so he had, prior to their arrival, informed Hikaku to approach until he was about a meter away from Tobirama.
Hikaku had looked nervous at his command back then, but currently, he hid the anxiety at moving closer to the 'White Demon' particularly well. Tobirama's scowl didn't help at all in easing Hikaku's nerves, the angry expression only causing Hikaku to sweat more. The closer Hikaku approaches, the more pressure the Senju squad behind of Tobirama exudes.
It was only when Hikaku was at the specified distance did he stop, the muscles in his legs tensed in preparation to flee at a moment's notice. Everyone noticed the way Tobirama immediately narrowed his already narrow eyes. It made the albino look downright murderous, causing the Uchiha behind of him to shift in place. But Madara knew better - the albino was squinting.
It appears that Tobirama was having a difficult time reading the words on the scroll without his glasses on, which annoys the albino to no end. Madara made a mental note to pull his friend aside, later on, to heal the strain Tobirama has no doubt caused when he blatantly ignores Madara's advice to take breaks from paperwork once in a while to not damage his eyesight further.
People with albinism, after all, often have poor vision due to their underdeveloped macula lutea.
The palpable silence was soon broken when Tobirama clicked his tongue in displeasure, causing everyone from both sides to (again) reach for their weapons. Madara only smiled in fondness at the petulant (to him) display, making sure to hide his expression using the curtains he calls his hair.
"Give it here," Tobirama demanded with an outstretched hand, palm facing upward.
Hikaku hesitated, looking at Madara for direction. At the Uchiha patriarch's nod, Hikaku dropped the scroll onto Tobirama's awaiting palm and swiftly retreated back to Madara's side. As Tobirama went ahead to read the missive, entirely dismissing Hikaku's skittish action, Madara closes his eyes and uses his senses to search for Itama's and Hashirama's chakra signature.
His dual-haired deshi's chakra signature was detected coming from the forest, gradually approaching nearer and nearer by the looks of things. The medic-nin had probably been gathering herbs before he sensed Madara's presence close by and immediately dropped what he was doing to greet him. Such a puppy, Madara mused fondly. And judging by the way Tobirama had subtly tilted his head to Itama's direction, he has noticed as well.
Hashirama, on the other hand, was located at the Senju compound's center, encircled by a group of four. Madara assumes that they were assigned to be the clan head's personal guards since all of their chakra levels were high-jounin if he ranked them using then-Tobirama's shinobi ranking system.
"Kawarama. Notify Hashirama-ani and the council that Uchiha Madara and his entourage will be welcomed temporarily into the Senju compound to discuss an armistice. Afterward, gather a few clansmen to assist in setting up our largest military tent at training ground one. The meeting will commence there."
Madara opens his eyes, an amused smirk tugging on the corners of his lips at Tobirama's unenthusiastic and monotonous order. Kawarama - the third brother, Madara reminded himself - looked ready to scream out an objection, an angry expression was on his face, full of hostility and scorn for the Uchiha clan.
But one deadly glare from the albino stopped any form of protests from leaving the younger, scarred Senju. Kawarama gritted his teeth, scowled heavily at all of the Uchiha in attendance (looking eerily alike Tobirama at that moment), and reluctantly dashed through the gates of the Senju compound to spread the word that Tobirama has accepted a delegation of Uchiha into their home.
"Takayama. Tacoma. Kaima. Alert the security personnel that the Uchiha are non-hostile, but continue to be on stand by and remove all civilians from the streets."
"Understood, Tobirama-sama," Unlike Kawarama, the three other Senju shinobi obeyed without pause. They bowed and dashed through the gates without looking back.
The only ones left were Tobirama and another Senju shinobi to accompany Madara and his clansmen outside the compound gates. Just as the albino swiped a red tongue to wet his rosy lips (unintentionally attracting Madara's eyes onto them), parting them to no doubt demand that the Uchiha remain here until all preparations were complete, Itama suddenly shot out from the between the bushes of the forest behind the group of Uchiha.
His men were quick to draw their weapons and form a protective ring around Madara, combative of the unknown threat, but did little else as their leader had brought up a glove-clad hand to halt them from taking further action. Itama froze in his steps, heterochromic eyes, one brown and one red, flickered from one Uchiha to another until they landed on Madara.
If they were back at the creek, Itama would have no doubt rushed to tackle-hug Madara. A warning look from the Uchiha patriarch, however, made the younger shinobi hunch his shoulders meekly and tentatively circle around the group of Uchiha to stand beside his older brother, a basket full of medicinal herbs in his gloved hands.
"Stand down," Madara ordered in his usual baritone, not needing to raise his voice for his men to obey him.
Although his clansmen did sheathe their katanas at his command, they remained tensed, Izuna especially. His brother stayed extra close to him, a scowl on his features. Madara didn't blame him. After all, they were currently inside enemy territory and had been spooked by a random Senju appearing behind of them.
War instincts rebelled for them to cut down Itama and make a tactical retreat to prevent being flanked. Fortunately, everyone Madara had specifically handpicked for today were all smart enough to know not to act recklessly and pointlessly aggravate their hosts. Madara would have their necks if they made the alliance crumble before it could even become an alliance.
"Uchiha Madara," Tobirama called, attracting all eyes on his person, "I would like to have a word with you. Alone."
"If you want to speak to our clan head, do it here in the open, Tobirama," Izuna all but snarled his rival's name, fingers clenched tightly onto one of Madara's billowing sleeve, "You have no right to request something from your betters. Learn your place, Senju heir."
"Don't antagonize our host, Izuna." Madara murmured, patted his younger brother's shoulder, and stepped away from his group, "We can talk inside the forest. Lead the way, Senju."
"Aniki..."
"Hush, otouto. I'll be alright. Wait for us to return."
Izuna looked ready to protest, glaring angrily at Tobirama. But he could do nothing else as Madara follows behind the white-haired Senju. It was only when they were at an appropriate distance away, enough to avoid any eavesdroppers and watchers did Tobirama stop and turn to face the Uchiha.
"What are you planning, Madara?" The albino crosses his arms, looking put-off and irritable despite his impressive poker face.
Madara innocently cocks his head to the side, the strands of hair on his face moving to reveal both his mirthful, onyx eyes, "What ever could you possibly mean, your excellency? My intentions for an alliance have been stated quite clearly on the missive."
Tobirama's arms were immediately covered in goosebumps, his cool expression completely morphed into disgust. It was hilarious.
"I'd rather you call me by one of those wretched nicknames than that."
"Heh. I knew you were secretly pleased by those pet names, snowflake. What a shy boy you are," Madara smirked slyly, stepping closer to pat his friend's cheek in a patronizing fashion.
If looks could kill, Madara would be dead by how fierce of a glare the Senju was giving him. Fortunately for him, the Senju was not born from a clan that possesses a dojutsu (although he wouldn't actually mind sewing the Uchiwa fan on the other man's clothing as, in his head, Tobirama was already considered an honorary Uchiha - his family).
Tobirama's fingers wrapped loftily around his wrist, pulling his hand away from the Senju's cheek but not releasing the limb.
"Enough fooling around. Tell me exactly why you are here, unannounced and ahead of schedule, before I truly lose my temper."
"You are far too stiff, my friend. Not even a greeting? I am disappointed by your lack of manners, Senju," Madara laughed, eyes squinting in mirth, "I assure you that I have no ulterior motives. My affairs have all been concluded earlier than I've originally planned. Therefore, I am only moving my schedule forward. It would be good if our clans could become allies faster, yes?"
Rather than respond to Madara's teasing, Tobirama only sighed and reluctantly accepts his half-arsed excuse - which was a good sign. It shows that Tobirama wasn't actually angry at his unexpected presence.
Inwardly, Madara sighed in relief.
It was all bullshite. What Madara lacked most was time.
Even now, he was still trying to schedule a visitation with the two women Izuna had impregnated. Hikari, too, was almost due - meaning Madara still has to find a midwife to help deliver his baby (Madara may be somewhat of a medic-nin, but he sure as hell has no experience in delivering a baby. And even if he knew how to, he would never voluntarily assist Hikari in anything).
Madara simply didn't want to explain to Tobirama that his instincts have been telling him that if he were to delay his plans any longer, Dokuzetsu would somehow mess everything up with its ploy. His paranoia has heightened considerably and he thought it best to quickly sign an alliance with Hashirama and start building their village before everything could fall apart.
Besides, he did not wish to involve anyone in his (one-sided) quest to subdue Dokuzetsu.
"Dara?"
He blinked, not realizing that he had zoned out.
When he raises his eyes (stupid Senju and their freakishly tall height), he almost yelped at how close their faces were from each other. As he cleared his throat to cover his undignified reaction, he also took a step back to avoid the Senju's inquiring gaze, feeling the temperature of his cheeks heighten without any particular cause.
Madara contemplates if Ryouta had fed him something undercooked, as his insides were clenching uncomfortably and his heart was palpitating too fast for it to be normal.
He discreetly prods his organs with his chakra. When he detected no abnormalities, he determines that the cause must have been the weather. It was pretty hot out today and Madara often gets a sunburn if he stands out in the sun for long periods of time.
Not wanting the silence to stretch into awkwardness, Madara shrugs off Tobirama's fingers from his wrist and brought his palms to rest against the younger shinobi's temples, green chakra coating his glove-clad hands.
"You've strained your eyes badly, Tobira. Why haven't you gone to Itama to get them looked at?"
"I'm fine."
Despite saying that he was fine, Tobirama still sighed in relief, leaning closer towards Madara as his eyelids fluttered closed, white lashes brushing gently against pale skin. If Izuna had not been blinded by his determination to defeat the albino, his brother would've undoubtedly praised the Senju for his exotic coloring and good looks.
"Indeed, so fine that I can see a migraine building up," Madara rolled his eyes, ignoring how his sarcasm made Tobirama pout, "You need to take better care of your health, Tobira."
"Pot, meet kettle." Tobirama jabs back in a dry tone.
"Who's the one with superior medical knowledge here?"
"I've memorized the entire chemical makeup of the human body down to its gram. Therefore, I know more about the human body than you, Dara."
"You are a scientist whilst I am a surgeon. Know the difference."
"A surgeon of death?" His friend drolled. Madara scoffed, chin tilted upwards in confidence.
"I beg to differ. Itama might need a few more years to surpass me, but right now, I am the best medic-nin in the world." Granted that Madara was simply a copy-cat - as all Sharingan users are. "There, all done. How do you feel?"
Before he could remove his hands from his friend's temples, Tobirama raises his own and covers Madara's glove-clad ones, shifting them until he has his palms over the albino's cheeks. When the Senju opens his eyes, there was a light playing within them. It was soft, gentle, and it made Madara's insides feel as if they were being squashed into pulpy jelly.
It was uncomfortable as it was comfortable.
He didn't know what was causing such a phenomenon, but the lazy, half-lidded expression Tobirama currently has on was distracting Madara from forming coherent thoughts. Therefore prohibiting him from exploring the strange feeling radiating from his chest.
"We should head back before Izuna starts thinking that you've somehow killed me," Madara murmured, yet he didn't do anything to shake Tobirama's hands off. He only continues to stare unblinkingly at his friend.
"Mhm."
Although the younger shinobi agreed with him, Tobirama's lashes fluttered closed again and everything just felt right. Even Tobirama's angular, sharp features have been softened by this strange atmosphere growing between them. Madara was dazed, entranced by this memorizing sight of his friend's relaxed, indulgently smiling face.
It felt like as if time has stopped for them, the sun's rays aligning just perfectly to brighten the spot they were standing on.
The tranquility, however, was unfortunately shattered when both of them sensed Hikaku's and Itama's chakra signatures approaching them. Feeling slightly reluctant, Madara's glove-clad hands (he regrets not taking them off before he started his treatment) lingered on Tobirama's face for a few more moments before they both broke apart and placed themselves in a respectable distance.
Tobirama slid back to looking like an iceberg, all stiff and frosty, whilst Madara was already gloomy, to begin with, hence he didn't need to fix his appearance or body language to show that they weren't close.
"Madara-sama!" Hikaku landed next to him with the grace of a feline, "Izuna requests your return."
"Kawa-nii says that the tent is ready, Tobi-nii," Itama reports as soon as he lands next to his brother.
Despite only being fifteen years old, his droopy-eyed disciple was standing slightly taller than his brother's impressive height of 182cm. It made Madara rue Senju genetics. His cute Tama-bō had turned into a giant, dwarfing Madara's stature of 175cm (he scowls at the reminder that he was shorter in this lifetime. Madara consoles himself that at least he was still taller than Izuna by a centimeter, Ryouta by five centimeters, and towers over the twins for now).
"Hn. Are we done here, Senju Tobirama?" Madara lifted his chin in an arrogant manner.
"We are," Tobirama turns to the direction of the Senju compound, "I will escort you and yours to the meeting place now."
Madara wasn't exactly looking forward to meeting the Senju elders. But he was eager to reunite with Hashirama again. It has been far too long since he last conversed with his then best friend.
A/N:
There we go; some fluffy interaction between Tobirama and Madara as requested by a few readers (`･ω･´)9! It seems that our favorite oblivious Uchiha is finally starting to feel something for his albino friend. Ah, let's see how long it will take for him to figure out that that is 'attraction' and 'affection' he is feeling, ne? (*＾∀゜)
Thank you, everyone, for your lovely reviews! It seriously motivates me (ง •̀ω•́)ง✧! Especially when you all had a good laugh over Izuna's unexpected surprise (Ŏ艸Ŏ).
The only reason why I couldn't update earlier is because I have an assignment due today at midnight! Thankfully, I've just finished it. As soon as I submitted that stressful shitty assignment, I got on to writing this ＼\٩( 'ω' )و /／. Ah, it feels good to write... It really de-stresses me.