"Izuna?"

"Hn?"

"Just to sate my curiosity, has anyone ever confessed their love to you before?"

Izuna abruptly spewed, covering the entire table - food and all - with watermelon juice and saliva. Takumi and Yakumi immediately shouted their disgust whilst Ryouta leans away from his bowl of now soggy, pink rice. Madara reacted the same way as his second younger brother, quickly pulling away from the table before Izuna's nastiness could cover Kazuha's tiny body.

"How many times have I told you, nii-san, that if you really must spew whatever is inside your mouth, you would do well to look away from the table first?" Ryouta's utterly sarcastic tone did not match his gentle smile, darker now that dinner has been ruined.

Izuna was unresponsive apart from the strangled noise he let out, his pair of onyx eyes wide as they continued to stare at Madara in blatant shock. When Ryouta abruptly turns to Madara, the eldest shuddered at the chilling glare he receives. "And you, anija. What did I say about asking perturbing questions whilst we are feasting? Especially when we've only just started eating?"

"Not to...?" Madara smiles nervously, awkwardly shifting away from Ryouta without seeming too obvious that he was retreating.

"Yes. Not to," The third Uchiha brother throws the two culprits equally dark looks before he pinches the bridge of his nose as if to ward off a headache. "Takumi, Yakumi, come. Assist me in whipping up something quick for us. As for you, big brothers, I expect this mess to be cleaned right now. If the table remains covered in watermelon juice upon my return... I'll leave that to your imagination."

Izuna and Madara both squeaked an affirmative at Ryouta's sadistic and twisted smile whilst the twins followed after their third older brother like obedient ducklings, wise enough to not attract Ryouta's wrath upon them by whining.

As soon as the three left the living room, Izuna practically jumped at Madara with zealous eyes. "Who's the motherfucker that confessed to you?! Are they a man or a woman?!"

"... Why does their gender matter?" Madara warily responds whilst placing Kazuha on a zabuton and cushioning her between two small pillows.

"So that I can rip their fucking balls off or bitchslap them, depending on their gender, brother mine! Now tell me who!" Izuna all but snarls in protective fury.

Madara gives Izuna a very judgmental look. "You didn't bitchslap Hikari when we got married."

"An error that I've already fixed some time yesterday," Izuna makes a sharp gesture as if swatting away a fly. "Don't try to sidetrack me, aniki! I'm not that easily distracted."

"Could have fooled me," Madara mumbles as he removes his gloves and begins cleaning the table. In a louder voice, he spoke, "What are you standing around for? Hurry up and help me. Or are you really that keen to find out what Ryouta's plans are for disobedient people?"

Izuna's lips part, as if to yell, but when Madara's words fully register, he was quick to snap his mouth shut and move in tandem with the older Uchiha. All the while muttering profanities directed at their third brother. Foolish little brother, always grumpy and irritable, Madara thought fondly.

When they were done, Izuna immediately went back to poking Madara for answers whilst the latter slips on his pair of customary leather gloves.

"It's only a question, Izuna," Madara grits out. "I'm simply curious if you've ever been confessed to before. There is no other purpose than that."

"But you're never curious about relationships!"

"Oh for the love of- I'm not asking about relationships! Don't go putting words in my mouth."

"Then are you asking me for advice? Love-related advice?" Izuna wiggles his brows, before realizing something and quickly banished the expression. His demonic look returned with vengeance. "I'll. fucking. kill. them!"

"I'm only asking you out of pure curiosity, Izuna! There is no one out there for you to kill, okay?!"

"No... There's definitely someone! My brotherly instincts are screaming at me that there is!"

"No, there isn't!"

"Yes, there is!"

"There isn't!"

"There is!"

"There isn't!"

"There is!"

"There isn't!"

"There i-"

"Okay, that's enough from the both of you!" Ryouta cuts in with a loud and reverberating clap. "Naughty children are prohibited from eating at the table, so if you would rather starve, please, continue."

"I'm not a child, Ryouta!" Izuna yells indignantly, easily sidetracked despite stating otherwise. "Don't treat me like I'm Kagami!"

"If you argue and act like a child, I will treat you as such. That includes you, anija," Was Ryouta's dry response. "Now, are we all done with being children?"

Madara has enough self-preservation to remain quiet as Takumi and Yakumi set the table with plates of grilled shishamo, tamagoyaki, and stir-fried vegetables, along with five bowls of rice. The lack of their usual broth was telling of Ryouta's mood (Izuna loves miso soup, especially Ryouta's handmade miso soup that was filled with an extensive amount of abura-age in it).

Izuna, on the other hand, has zero self-preservation instincts in his body - all but screeching his dissatisfaction at Ryouta.

Madara worries about his heir's IQ at times like this.

The twins seem to agree with his mental thoughts, as they both gave Izuna pitiful glances - though for only a split second - before they started stuffing their faces, ignoring whatever drama was going on at the table, more concern about filling their stomachs than their second older brother's health. Madara almost coos at their cuteness.

By the end of dinner, Izuna had had his food eaten by Ryouta and the twins whilst he watches from his seat and wasn't able to retaliate due to the ninja wire wrapped around him like a cacoon.

Izuna was then sent to bed with only a small bag of peanuts to keep his stomach from shriveling, clearly upset yet unable to change Ryouta's mind on his punishment. Madara wonders if this would finally make Izuna realize that it was ill-advised to anger the chef of their family, but he doubts it. Izuna was daft like that.

"It's the White Demon, isn't it?"

Madara looks up from the mission reports to see Ryouta standing in front of his desk, a contemplative look having replaced his usual gentle expression. Madara blinks slowly, unsure if he was hallucinating or if this was real. A quick look out the window shows that the moon was red in color.

Real, then.

It wasn't often that anybody could successfully sneak up on him. Thus, Madara was pleasantly surprised that Ryouta had managed. He inwardly praises his brother a job well done and silently promises to ship more toys as a reward.

"What are you doing up, otouto? It's late." As in ass o'clock late. "You shouldn't be pushing yourself too hard," Madara says with a deploring frown. Boys his age shouldn't be losing sleep when there wasn't a need to.

"I should be the one disapproving you for toiling the night away, anija. It isn't me who is doing paperwork at 4 in the morning."

"Well," Madara smirks. "I'm an adult so it's fine."

"... That's discrimination at its highest, anija. Just because my body has yet to reach adulthood does not mean I am still a child in mind," Ryouta huffs with crossed arms. "But, whatever. I did not come here to debate about your poor sleep hygiene - I'm here to appease my curiosity. Tell me, anija, is it the White Demon?"

"You'll have to be more specific than that, otouto."

"As if you don't already know what I'm talking about. But, fine, I'll be a good little brother and indulge your need to be as difficult as possible," Ryouta rolls his eyes here. "The one who confessed to you. Is it that Senju?"

Madara was too much of a shinobi to react outwardly to Ryouta's accurate guess. He only sets aside his calligraphy brush and stretches in his seat, slowly working out the stubborn kinks in his trapezius to delay his response.

"Why do you say so?"

"It's rather obvious," Ryouta says drily. "After Kazuha was born, the only people who you have interacted with outside the family is the White Demon, Kagami, and Hisako - the midwife, if you've forgotten. From what I've heard, you've had two private meetings with that Senju during this alliance talk. Two meetings, anija. Once is Happenstance. Twice is Coincidence. Third time is Enemy Action. And I'd rather it not become that."

Madara sometimes wishes that Izuna would not rant to Ryouta about everything that dissatisfies him. Izuna, that blabbermouth, had no doubt whined to Ryouta about how his bastard of a rival (Izuna's words) had pulled Madara aside at the Senju compound gate and talked for quite some time, and then once more yesterday afternoon.

Well, he should've expected this. Ryouta has always been an astute person. It came with the job of T&I captain, he supposes.

The corner of his lips twitches upwards, bare fingers splayed across the lower half of his face as he observes his little brother's visually relaxed form. Madara would have believed that Ryouta was unconcerned if he did not know his little brother so well.

"Indeed," Madara confirms the teen's conjecture, onyx eyes sharpening at the slight sign of displeasure flashing past Ryouta's face. "With your expertise in mind, what can you tell me concerning his confession?"

"As much as I loathe to praise my enemies, credit should be given when it's due. Senju Tobirama is a genius beyond any comparison, and it makes tangoing with him extremely aggravating. To be honest, I haven't the barest idea of what is going through that Senju's head.

"However, I suspect that he is attempting to play mind games with you, anija. It's not that I believe you would be fooled by him that I'm here, I am simply worried that you might be thrown off by his sudden exclamation of affection. Just give me the order, anija, and I'll interrogate him for you. Discreetly, of course. Nobody will find out about it and the alliance would not be shaken."

Madara wasn't at all put off by Ryouta's words, having completely understood his brother's logic. If he was currently living his previous life and then-Tobirama suddenly confessed his undying love to then-Izuna or something equally as horrifying, then-Madara would've gone straight to the Senju to rip his balls off and threaten him to never come near his precious little brother again.

Because of that, he only feels touched that Ryouta would go so far for him.

Folding his arms across his chest, he tilts his head slightly and asks in a soft and gentle voice, "Do you trust me, Ryouta?"

"With my life," Was the immediate answer without hesitation.

He closes his eyes and weighs his options.

One, he could lie. Madara was an excellent liar. He was already keeping many secrets from his family, as such, should it matter if he added another skeleton into his cupboard?

Two, he could tell the truth. But in turn, he would have to inform Izuna and the twins as well if he shares his and Tobirama's relationship with Ryouta, as it would be unfair if he only reveals that to one of his little brothers.

Three, he could avoid the topic in general. However, Ryouta would not be distracted or tricked easily, unlike Izuna.

Four, he keeps his silence and allows Ryouta to come up with something on his own. Although luck would play a big role in this option, and Madara hates leaving his fate to Lady Luck (she hasn't been kind to him from the day he was born).

Madara discards option four immediately.

Option three would be troublesome in the long run.

Option one seems to be the easiest, but Madara was tired of being dishonest to his family.

That only left him with option two.

Hopefully, this choice of his would not come to stab him in the back (literally). But if it did, Madara feels that he would not come to regret it. It was high time he starts letting his brothers see a side of him they have never seen before. And if it repulses them that he has been cozying up with one of their most hated enemies, Madara just has to live with it. He has made his bed, now he was prepared to lie in it.

"Tobirama was being sincere when he told me he has... feelings... for me. And although I know not if he is just going through a phase right now and those feelings would pass soon, I know that he wasn't lying - since I've known him since he was ten years old," Madara looks away as Ryouta blinks madly at the info bomb dropped on his head.

"We've been having rendezvouses at the creek at the edge of our clans' territory for the past decade, and during that time, I've learned many things about him. I know his favorite foods are grilled fish and blueberry tarts. I know his hobbies are training, reading, and inventing new jutsu. I know that he enjoys that his squinting is always mistaken for anger. I know that when he's nervous, he would tap on the hilt of his sword. I know that when he lies, his voice would be higher in volume but softer in tone.

"Ryouta, I... I am ashamed to admit that I hadn't the will to kill him despite the fact that I knew him to be of Senju origin as soon as I laid my eyes upon his boyish features. Even when Tobirama grew and matured into an exceptional shinobi who has killed many of our clansmen, who has become a threat to our family, I couldn't bring myself to end his life. He is the only friend I have outside of family, Ryouta, and I can't lie to myself - I am fond of him.

"But I know that such sentiments are not a good excuse for this betrayal. I am guilty by associating with the Senju heir, and I would understand if you come to hate me for it, just like how the rest of our clansmen would. I will not hold a grudge, as I very well deserve it."

Madara didn't look up from his hands the entire time, incredibly tensed as he waits for Ryouta's judgment. There was a shift of fabric before a sigh was heard and Ryouta's face appeared directly in his vision. Madara would have flinched backwards if his muscles hadn't been pulled so taut.

"Usually, anija, I find your poor emotional quotient cute and endearing. At time like these, however, I find you to be as daft as Izuna. Do you really think I give a damn who you become friends with? Or judge you for it?" Ryouta drawls, leaning back whilst still keeping eye contact.

If this was any other day, Madara would have been offended. In Ryouta's books, comparing someone to Izuna was the highest of insults. Now, however, he only laughed weakly, unsure of where this was going and how to take Ryouta's words in. Had he just been complimented, insulted, or both?

"I hadn't cared when you placed a seal on my tongue. I hadn't cared when you knocked me out and placed another seal on the back of my skull without my say so. I hadn't cared when you replaced my molar with a false tooth that has fast-acting poison inside. I hadn't cared when you killed our father. I hadn't cared when you ordered the Purge. Pray tell, anija, why would I start caring or judging you for those deeds now?

"By now, should you not have already known what kind of person I am? Please, anija, please tell me you know who I really am underneath all the smiles and what I care about the most. Because if you give me a wrong response, I will slap you, serious conversation or not."

Madara tilts his head to one side.

Yes, Madara did know that despite Ryouta's angelic appearance, the younger Uchiha has an apathetic nature. He was many times more dangerous than Izuna, not because he was stronger, but because he was cruel. To both enemies and allies. And the only thing he truly cares about was...

"You are my sadistic little brother, and family is what you care about the most."

"Precisely. Family," Ryouta emphasizes. When the younger saw that his brother still has yet to understand, he continues forcefully. "Other people's opinions matter not to me. If you say you are friends with the White Demon, even if our clansmen scorn you for it and call you a betrayer, I won't. I trust you, anija, so I will accept that the Senju is important to you, but I will continue to mistrust him. I'll be at his throat the second he missteps."

Madara hides his face in his wrists, and if the sleeves of his yukata felt damp after he presses his eyes against them, then it must have been his mind playing tricks on him again. He didn't bother to hide the relief from his expression, nor stop himself from flinging himself over the desk just to hug the living soul out of his brother.

"Thank you, Ryouta. Thank you so much." For being alive this time. For trusting me. For accepting who I am. For always having my back.

"O... Ok... You... You're... we-wel...come... J-just... pl...please... let... go... yo-you're ki...killing... me..."

Madara squeezes tighter, ignoring the dying sounds Ryouta was making. No way was he releasing his brother anytime soon. If he lets go now, Madara wouldn't be able to hide the tears welling in his eyes again.

It took a while for Madara to calm down, but once he did, Ryouta heaves a sigh of relief and sat next to Madara on the floor, all but leaning on his older brother.

"So, what're your thoughts on his declaration of love?" The last part was said with a sneer, skillfully hidden by the shadows of Ryouta's hair. Madara was blissfully ignorant to his little brother's many schemes of leaving Tobirama frustrated in more than one way.

"I'm still in the midst of... processing his confession, to be honest. As you know, I am wholly unfamiliar with the concept of romantic relationships and thought it best to ask our family's expert. Clearly, I was wrong. I honestly did not expect Izuna to react the way he did."

"It's not surprising," Ryouta sighs as he rubs his temples. "Sorry to say this, anija, but Izuna has a rather fierce and unreasonable protective streak when it comes to you. I've seen him skewer a civilian who had eyed your ass for one second too long during our previous outing together. It was really bad, anija - I had to bribe a ton of samurai law enforcement officers to turn a blind eye to the crazy Uchiha shinobi who was cackling over a bloodied corpse."

Madara looks at Ryouta as if he was crazy.

"Ryouta," he talks slowly as if speaking to a rather dimwitted child. "I wear nothing but baggy clothing. It would take someone who could literally see through clothes to see any parts of me."

"That's what you think, anija. Unfortunately, you tend to walk on rooftops during our trips to the Capital. And sometimes, when the wind pressure is just right, your, and I quote a passing civilian, 'perfectly sculptured ass' end quote, is put on display for those walking on the streets underneath you. Now do you understand why Izuna always nags at you to wear your longest haori whenever we take a vacation to the Capital?"

Madara, without another word, grabs his brother by the collar and all but throws the little shite out his window and, rather conveniently, directly into the koi pond, usually reserved for Izuna. Ryouta sputters, which soon turns into full-blown shrieking. Madara smiles evilly as he sees the koi fishes nipping angrily at the human invading their territory, some had even managed to swim into Ryouta's thin yukata.

"Now, off to bed with you, otouto. We have a long day ahead of us. Oh, and you should really stop swimming in such chilly weather. We wouldn't want you to catch a cold now, do we?" Madara says sweetly, his words coated in sarcastic honey.

Ryouta, so unlike himself, begins letting out profanities as he crawls out of the pond, looking much like a disgruntled wet kitten.

Happy to see someone else miserable, Madara retrieves his hidden stash of saké and his knitting basket and gets comfortable on the windowsill. It was time for him to mull over the various reactions he would receive once he tells Izuna about Tobirama and Madara being friends.

Funnily enough, Madara has all buts forgotten about Tobirama's confession once daylight hits.

A/N:

It's weird how I've drifted so far away from the original draft that I'm now lost at sea. Tobirama wasn't supposed to confess before Konoha was built! Ryouta wasn't supposed to know about Dara and Tobira being childhood friends this early into the game! Gosh, what a mess. I know how the story will end, but how does one reach from point C to Z, again? (༎ຶ⌑༎ຶ) Plot Bunnies, what is my life?

Anyway, I hope you guys have learned more about Ryouta after this (*＾∀ﾟ)ъ.

Please, tell me your thoughts.