Chapter Text
Madara and Tobirama continued to exchange more letters. And more of Kagami’s artwork. The two months of the ceasefire had worked wonders on the overall feeling of the clan. Sure missions could still be dangerous but now that their biggest enemy was a budding ally they rarely had any troubles. It was relieving to see his clan mates relaxing and enjoy life now that there wasn’t another battle to worry about.
He hadn’t actually seen Tobirama in the last two months so he was quite excited to be visiting the Senju compound. They had planned on him visiting last month but Tobirama had gone into rut so they had put it off another month. Though Madara did send another scent token, he hoped Tobirama had enjoyed it. In preparation for his visit he had gathered a bouquet. He felt silly going out and finding the flowers, some he had to remove from his list because he couldn’t get them. But it made a lovely bouquet of red and white. He felt it was fitting to present to Tobirama. Kuro had snickered seeing him seal the flowers in a scroll. Izuna would be staying at the compound while he and Kuro made the journey. It felt strange to be leaving the compound without his gunbai strapped to his back. But it’s not like he needed weapons on him.
They arrived at the Senju compound that evening. Kuro seemed more excited than himself but tried not to think about it too much as they stood at the gates.
“Madara! You’ve arrived!” Hashirama called out as he opened the doors. “And Kuro! It’s good to see you both!” He hugged them both.
“Ooof!” Kuro wheezed as he was squeezed.
“Oh I’m sorry!” Hashirama quickly let him. “Just so excited.”
“We can see that.” Madara shook his head.
“Come, come, dinner is almost ready. We thought a private dinner would be best to start.” Hashirama explained as he led them in.
“That is fine.” Madara said, trying not to stare too much. They were probably the first Uchiha’s in the Senju Compound. It was interesting to see how spread out everything was and how much foliage there was. Probably Hashirama’s doing. “Will we have time to freshen up?”
“Yeah, Mada’s got to look and smell nice for his fiancé.” Kuro teased as he nudged Madara.
“I will shove you in a giant flower pot or the nearest pond.” Madara growled.
“Oh Hashirama-sama, tell me there’s no ponds nearby for Madara to throw me into?” Kuro whined, leaning against Hadhirama.
“Ah we have a koi pond in our backyard but Tobirama and Mito are quite peculiar about it, please don’t throw your brother into it.” Hashirama tried not to laugh.
“Safe at last!” Kuro cried out.
“Just wait till we get back home, I fear the pond misses you.” Madara huffed, crossing his arms.
“Does he really throw you in the pond?” Hashirama whispered, leaning down.
“Oh yes!” Kuro said, chuckling. “It all started because dad once found Madara had started a fire in the house. Dad carried Madara and the burning chair into the pond. Afterwards it was a joke ‘don’t do that or I’ll throw you in the pond like I did with Madara.’ And at some point, whenever we annoyed Madara enough he’d just lift us up and toss us in. I think only Kagami is safe from Madara’s rage.”
“Kagami? The pup who’s been sending drawings to Tobirama?” Hashirama peaked up. “You should see the way Tobirama shows off the artwork each time he gets a new piece. He’s like a proud papa.”
“Oh yes, he’s Hikaku’s, our cousin, nephew. He’s absolutely adorable- all curls and big eyes.” Kuro said, smiling. “I think he reminds Madara of himself.”
“Kagami is a good pup, I’d never throw him in the pond.” Madara huffed.
“Once, after Madara was made clan head, an elder said something and Madara tossed him into the pond.” Kuro snickered, a gleeful look on his face. “I wasn’t there for it, but Izuna said it was quite the spectacle.”
“You tossed an elder into the pond?!” Hashirama gasped out.
“He was being rude. The pond was the least of his worries and he’s lucky that’s all I did.” Madara grumbled. Kuro was definitely doing his laundry when they got home.
“What did he say? Izuna never did tell me.” Kuro asked.
“He asked if my heat addled my brain or if I was just fucked stupid.” Madara hissed. “Among other sexist remarks while I carried him off. A cold bath was exactly what he needed.”
“Oh … oh yeah the pond wasn’t nearly punishment enough.” Kuro sighed, disappointed it wasn’t over something he could laugh at.
“Ah that’s certainly something.” Hashirama said, frowning. “Is that often? That your council speaks to you in such a way?”
“Not anymore, they are certainly a smarter lot.”
“You’d think after the Hagoromo incident they’d learn.” Kuro shrugged to which Hashirama stared at them. “Fuck around, find out.”
“Don’t even mention that.” Madara hissed, pinching his brother's waist. Hashirama supposed he would ask Madara about it later.
“Ah well here we are!” Hashirama gestured to the large house in the center of the compound. And of course was surrounded by trees. “Come, I’ll show you to your rooms so you can freshen up.”
Madara stepped in, slipping out of his shoes and into the guest slippers. The house was massive, though he supposed it would make sense. Hashirama had been one of four, and if Senju were like Uchiha’s with multiple generations living together a large house was needed.
“You two will be in the west wing.” Hashirama explained as he gestured for them to follow. Madara was surprised at all the potted plants inside the house. But he supposed with Mokuton it made sense Hashirama would be surrounded by plant life.
“Thank you.” Madara nodded as he looked around. Other than the plants, it all seemed so plain. He didn’t think he saw a picture of any kind hanging on the walls. Just more and more plants.
“Madara, your room here and Kuro across the hall.” Hashirama gestured to each room. “Dining hall is just on the other side of the entrance. So just straight down the hall. I’ll let you two freshen up.” Hashirama added, leaving them to get ready.
Madara stepped into the room that would be his for a few days. Setting his bags down he changed out of his travel clothes into something nicer. He tried to brush out his hair but his curls weren’t working with him. No surprise there. He gave up, giving himself a look over in the mirror before stepping out. It was weird to not be wearing the uchiwa on his clothes. But he thought it might be best to wear something without it, at least while in the Senju compound.
Kuro was already waiting for him. “Ready?”
“As much as I’ll ever be.” Madara shrugged as they left and headed in the direction Hashirama had walked. He could sense Hashirama, Tobirama, and two other chakra signatures. One probably belonged to Mito, though the other he wasn’t sure of. As expected Hashirama sat at the table, speaking to a woman Madara wasn’t sure he recognized. Tobirama and who he assumed was Mito were setting the table.
“Ah so the Silver Scorcher has joined you.” The woman said, smiling with too many teeth to be friendly. She looked ready to bite if need be.
“Toka be nice.” Hashirama nudged her. “This is our cousin, Toka.” He added.
“Who me?” Kuro asked, pointing at himself and raising a brow. “Can’t say I’ve heard anyone call me that before.” He added taking a seat next to Madara.
“Oh yes, that’s what most Senju call you after you burnt that entire forest to the ground.” Toka hissed. “And a number of Senju with it.” She grumbled under her breath.
“Well, yes, I didn’t have many options at the time.” Kuro said. “Being surrounded and outnumbered as I was.”
“Toka be nice to our guests.” Mito said before she left.
“Does Izuna have a fun little nickname?” Kuro asked.
“Most call him a weasel.” Toka said flatly.
“Oh my gods, I cannot wait to tell him!” Kuro beamed. “Oh Madara, please let me tell him!”
“If he starts tossing you in the pond it’s your own fault.” Madara sighed, rubbing his forehead.
Toka raised a brow, looking at Hashirama who merely shrugged. “How was your trip here?”
“Eh it wasn’t too bad, looks like the summer should be a cool one. We might not have to worry about forest fires.” Madara said, knocking on the table.
“What, what was that?” Hashirama asked.
“What?”
“You knocking on the table?” Hashirama asked.
“Oh, it’s like a superstition. When you mention something you don’t want to happen, you knock on wood.” Madara explained.
“Oh we toss salt over our shoulder.” Hashirama explained. “How funny, same thing but different ways of doing it.”
“But what if you don’t have any salt?” Kuro asked. “Knocking on wood is so much easier!”
“I don’t think doing either is going to keep forest fires from happening regardless. It either will or won’t happen.” Tobirama pointed out as he set a few plates down.
“Oh Tobi you’re no fun.” Hashirama pouted, causing Tobirama to roll his eyes.
Once dinner was set, Tobirama and Mito joined the table and they began to eat. Again once Madara filled his plate, Kuro snagged a few bites off it before Madara began to eat. He didn’t really think Tobirama or Mito would poison his food but old habits die hard. Madara let Kuro carry the conversation, joining in when he was prompted. But no one commented on Kuro eating off his plate to begin. He appreciated it, he knew Tobirama knew his reasoning but was pleasantly surprised that no one else mentioned it.
“Dinner was fantastic, thank you.” Madara said as he finished, looking at Tobirama and Mito.
“Glad you enjoyed it.” Tobirama said, beginning to clear empty plates. Mito merely nodded.
“Ah I brought a few courting gifts, should they be presented privately?” Madara asked.
“You can, if you’d prefer.” Tobirama said with a shrug.
Madara felt rather put on the spot, with Tobirama’s family watching but he supposed it didn't really matter. He pulled the scroll from his pocket, removing the bouquet from it. It didn’t seem like they were any worse for wear after being sealed all day.
“You said that Senju's start courting with flowers.” Madara said, offering them to Tobirama. “I thought it would be a good starting point for us.”
“These are lovely Madara. Thank you.” Tobirama gave a small smile as he took the flowers. He stood, leaving the dining room to get a vase for them.
“Very nice, you did well picking.” Hashirama said, looking at the bouquet before Tobirama left. “Normally discussions with the family would be between just the potential partner and the family. But I don’t think we need to have a conversation without Tobirama.”
“That was going to be my next question, though I understand things have been done out of order with the marriage contract already being signed.” Madara mentioned. “What does the discussion normally consist of?”
“It’s just a way for the family to get to know the potential mate. See if the pair will be a good fit, that kind of thing.” Hashirama said with a shrug.
“Well, I guess I’m an open book, if you have any questions.” Madara said, looking at Kuro.
“And I’ve got plenty of embarrassing stories! Since there’s no threat of being tossed in a pond until we get home.” He said gleefully.
“We all know you’re a strong shinobi, there’s no doubt about that.” Hashirama began once Tobirama returned. “I know as well as the rest of us here, that running a clan takes a lot of time and effort, so I’m wondering what it is that you do in your limited down time?”
“Oh well, you are right about limited down time. I train the Uchiha’s messenger falcons, well not all of them but a lot of them. Or I take them out hunting, if I have the time and the weather permits.” Madara began to explain. “I try to spend time relaxing with my brothers, or my cousin Hikaku, though it is rare that all of us are within the compound at the same time. Kagami does spend a bit of time with me during the day while I’m working in the office.” Madara hummed as he thought over it.
“Tosses people who annoy him into the pond.” Kuro added. “Oh if that doesn’t help he goes to help the blacksmiths. Took him a while to bully his way into the forge.”
“I did not bully my way into the forge.” Madara huffed. “I merely pointed out I could be of help, my presentation did not stop me from being able to learn how to pound metal into shapes.”
“You absolutely did bully your way in. He tried puppy dog eyes first, when that didn’t work Madara went every day and watched, and criticized everything they did until the forge master told him to show him better.” Kuro chuckled.
“And I did, so they let me come and go when I want. Or if I’m needed.” Madara shrugged.
“Madara, you crafty fox.” Hashirama chuckled. “How has the Uchiha handled the ceasefire, and their reactions to your upcoming marriage?” He asked.
“I feel like it’s still too early to really see how the ceasefire will affect them but I'd say they are beginning to flourish now that we’re not worrying about the next battlefront around the corner. Honestly it’s been a breath of fresh air.” Madara sighed. “As for my marriage, the elders are in a snit over it but no surprise there. The clan, though are unsure, a majority seem to be willing to give it an honest go of it. And I don’t think dad has said much about it, at least not to me?” He turned to look at Kuro.
“Not a peep to me.”
“Wait, Tajima is alive?” Hashirama asked, shock slowly morphed to glee. “Oh my gods.” He started laughing.
“Ah yes?” Madara raised a brow.
“Why does everyone think we’re dead? First me, then dad?” Kuro asked, rather confused on why the Senju would have assumed Tajima was dead.
“Hashirama is laughing due to what Butsuma said on his deathbed.” Tobirama snorted. “It is quite comical, in a gallow humor sense.”
“Before Butsuma passed, all he told me was at least he put Tajima in the ground before the gods took him.” Hashirama snickered. “Gods, he must be rolling in his grave.” Madara couldn’t help but snort, it was funny in a dark way.
“Yes, dad did survive that attack, though we didn’t know for sure if it was ordered by Butsuma we had assumed so. He did lose a leg and promptly retired at that point.” Madara shook his head.
“Can I ask what Kuro meant by the Hagoromo incident?” Hashirama asked.
“I’d rather not discuss that situation with so many people.” Madara coughed. “It was a difficult time but we’ve moved on from it.”
Hashirama decided not to push. He supposed Madara didn't know Toka or Mito and clearly it was a sensitive issue. And really didn’t even really know Tobirama. Maybe he would feel more comfortable in a one on one talk.
“What was your ascension to clan head like?” Tobirama asked.
“It was certainly rougher than planned. I mean, father and I weren’t expecting me to take over at twenty. Father didn’t become clan head until he was twenty four.” Madara explained. “Even then it was really only difficult because so many had issues with me being an omega.”
“Have those opinions changed? They haven’t overthrown you, so I'd imagine you’re doing well enough to keep your position.” Tobirama asked.
“Some have changed their opinion on it. But four members of my father’s council stepped down, refusing to follow an omega.” Madara explained. “It certainly was an uphill battle with some of the older members of the clan. But for the most part, no one really cares now. I’ve made my stance on my presentation clear.” Madara sighed. “Generally a well placed glare typically puts any nonsense to a stop.”
“Why did you seek peace?” Hashirama asked. “I’ve been wracking mine and Tobirama’s brain over this. Not that I’m not pleased, I’ve always wanted to make peace but it seemed so out of the blue.”
“Truthfully?” Madara slumped in his chair. “We couldn’t continue. I’m not blind, I know the Senju have us in sheer numbers, diverse abilities, and growing political power. I could not lead my people in a war where there was no way we could survive it. Plus there was no real good reason to continue it anyway.” Madara explained.
“Why did you never accept any of my offers of peace before?” He asked. “Surely we could have gotten here sooner than now if you had.”
“I had hoped to get the Uchiha clan to a better place before going for peace. There were things I needed to do, things to put in place, and get the clan comfortable with my leadership before I could push for it. Unfortunately you cannot stop a ship from sinking by tossing water out with a bucket.” He sighed.
“Well, I suppose we got here eventually.” Hashirama nodded. “Now, Kuro, can I convince you to part with some embarrassing stories about Madara?” He asked, rubbing his hands together.
“Always.” Kuro grinned. “Madara, when he first started learning fire jutsus, burnt off his eyebrows.” Kuro chuckled. “Ah let’s see what else? Oh he lost both his front teeth, after falling off the roof. Every time he talked he whistled until they grew back.”
“What were you doing on the roof?” Tobirama asked, chuckling.
“Hey, I’m short, I have to get creative if I want to see over a crowd.” Madara huffed, crossing his arms.
“Oh, I remember Madara interrupted dad once in a meeting to ask where babies came from. Dad was so taken off guard he just sat there and stared at him until Madara asked the elders stating dad apparently didn’t know either.” He said smiling. “Oh and gods we must have been real young, we were playing in the backyard and Madara just had this fascination with dirt? Or something. Our mom came out and yelled for him to stop digging in the dirt and getting messy. Mada looked right at her, grabbed two fists full of dirt and threw it in the air all while keeping eye contact with her. I’m pretty sure steam was coming out of her ears.”
“Madara! Such a naughty child.” Hashirama tsked.
“A trouble maker then?” Tobirama chuckled.
“No, I was generally well behaved.” Madara huffed, his cheeks turning pink. “What about you? Do I get to hear any embarrassing stories about you?” Madara asked, looking at Tobirama.
“Me? I have no embarrassing stories.”
“That’s a lie Tobi … Itama used to call him Bibi-chan. So adorable!” Hashirama cooed, reaching out to pinch Tobirama’s cheek. “And once he fact checked an elder during a meeting he wasn't even supposed to be a part of - he had snuck through the rafters. Imagine Butsuma and the elder’s shock at his little voice coming from the ceiling.” Hashirama began to think.
“What about the time he blew up part of his lab and said I made a calculated risk but boy was I bad at math.” Toka said snickering.
“You blow shit up in your lab?” Madara asked, now fearing the promise of a lab at the Uchiha compound.
“Not often, I haven’t accidentally blown something up in years.” Tobirama huffed.
“I suppose that’s good.” Madara raised a brow, what on earth was he doing that was causing things to blow up. Was he getting some mad scientist as a spouse?
“Oh when Tobi started training the clan children, a few elders had a fit over it. Made Tobi stop, but he somehow got the children in on pranking the elders until they told Tobi to pick up teaching again.” Hashirama chuckled. “It was harmless stuff, chickens in their house, frogs dropped down the back of their shirts, things like that.”
“Oh I see you’re the trouble maker here.” Madara laughed, trying to imagine Tobirama planning pranks with children. “Do you enjoy teaching children?”
“I do, they have so much potential. So full of wonder, they’re often experiencing everything for the first time.” Tobirama smiled as he explained.
Madara had never seen such a genuine smile on Tobirama’s face. Sure he sneered sometimes on the battle front but this. It was soft, sweet, his red eyes lit up as he talked. It was cute. He couldn’t help but turn his sharingan on to catch it.
“Ah Madara?” Hashirama spoke softly. “Your sharingan?” He said pointing to his own eyes.
“Oh sorry, habit.” Madara shook his head, turning them off. Tobirama raised a brow, clear confusion on his face. “So you obviously know how the sharingan is used in combat? Well it records everything it sees and hears. Perfect, crystal clear memory. With using it so often during battle, we find the way to compensate for those gory memories is by using the sharingan to capture happy moments.” Madara explained, his face heating up.
“But I was just talking? Why would you want to remember that?” Tobirama asked a little baffled
Madara shared a look with Kuro before turning back to the alpha. “Tobirama, you’re a handsome man. And with such a tender look on your face, why wouldn’t I want to capture that?”
“Awwww that’s so cute!” Hadhirama squealed. “Tobi, Madara thinks you’re handsome.” He added nudging his brother, who was turning just as red as Madara.
“Yes, Hashirama, I heard him.” Tobirama coughed. “Ah you’re very handsome yourself.” He added, his red eyes meeting Madara’s black ones. Madara felt his face flush, which had Kuro laughing.
“No need to be so shy with your fiancé.” Kuro said, grinning.
“Please shut up.” Madara growled, ducking his face into the high collar of his shirt.
“I think we can conclude this, there is something I wish to discuss with Madara privately.” Hashirama stood from the table.
“Don’t stay up too late.” Mito said, standing as well and kissed Hashirama’s cheek.
“Okay.” Madara stood and began to follow Hadhirama. “Kuro if you so much as breathe any more embarrassing stories-“
“Yeah yeah you’ll toss me in the pond and make me do your laundry for forever.” Kuro waved him off. “Got it!”
Madara rolled his eyes and continued to follow Hashirama further into the house. “So what did you want to discuss?” He asked.
“A few things.” Hashirama said, leading Madara into his home office. “We won’t be bothered, I can put up a privacy seal if you’d like?” Madara shrugged as he looked around the office. “Please sit.”
Madara took a seat on the other side of the large wooden desk. “Okay. So what did you want to discuss?” He asked again.
“What happened with the Hagoromo? They are Uchiha allies, aren’t they?” Hashirama asked, taking his seat behind the desk.
“You don’t know when to leave well enough alone, do you?” Madara sighed deeply before starting. “After I presented, my fathers council tried their damndest to marry me off. The Uchiha had never been led by an omega and not many were keen on the change. A year or two after my presentation, I had met an alpha from the Hagoromo, we started courting and I thought things were going well. My father wasn’t exactly thrilled about him but I assumed he was just being overprotective.” Madara explained, his eyes on the grain of the wood tabled. “He drugged me with heat inducers to force a bond, I managed to escape and run back to the Uchiha in heat … it lasted over two weeks. And so when my heat ended I took the alpha’s head and presented it to my father’s council. They seemed less keen to wed me off after that.”
“Kami, that is vile.” Hashirama hissed. “Drug you to force a bond? You were already courting. What need was there for force?” Hashirama asked, clearly bewildered.
“I honestly think he was hoping to convince my father to make him next clan head, but I never really got an explanation. Granted I didn’t ask for one.” Madara shrugged. “And who knows, someone from my father’s council could have easily put him up to it. I don’t think the alpha was that smart or ballsy to come up with it on his own. We didn’t sever our alliance with the Hagoromo but it’s been strained ever since.” He explained.
“Why did you really ask for peace?” Hashirama asked.
“I told you why."
“So I am to believe, you didn't think the Uchiha could match us in numbers? That’s it?” Hashirama questioned. Madara groaned, Hashirama really didn’t know when to leave well enough alone.
“The clan is practically broke. Even if I wanted to continue the war, we couldn’t afford it.” Madara said softly, staring into his lap. It felt humiliating to admit he had let the clan fall so far. “Not that I wanted to continue, I wanted peace. Truly. But at this point we’re back into a corner, peace was our only option if we wanted to survive.”
“I suppose it’s not a great motivator for peace but regardless we have it now.” Hashirama sighed and combed through his hair.
“It’s not how I wanted it to go either, but it is what it is.” Madara shrugged.
“I have to be honest, I was against this marriage. Between you and Tobirama.” Hashirama admitted.
“Then why did you ask for it?”
“Tobirama suggested it, saying it would make peace easier. Appeal to everyone’s sense of honor of not attacking kin.” Hashirama explained. “At the time, we didn’t think any one of the Uchiha mainline was an omega. It was an off handed comment, none of us thought it was going to amount to anything.”
“I get that, and I wouldn’t have pushed for it. The marriage between Tobirama and I, had you two truly been against it.” Madara explained softly. “Why did you agree to it, if you were against it? What changed your mind?”
“Tobirama and I discussed it, he said he wanted this. Wanted to see a life in peace he could create with you.” Hashirama explained. “Painted a rather pretty picture of us raising our children together. I just worry, Tobirama is wholly self-sacrificing if he believes it’s in the clans best interest. And especially if he thinks it's what I want.”
“I know my words may not mean much in this, but I promise to care for and protect Tobirama. I cannot promise love, I do not know how our relationship will grow with time. But I’ve seen he’s a good, honest alpha, brilliant shinobi, and I’m fully aware of how lucky I am to have ended up matched with him.” Madara said earnestly. “I am taking this seriously, I had wanted a love match like my own parents so I want to put forth the effort to grow something with Tobirama like that.”
Hashirama sighed, “thank you, it does put my mind at ease to know you’re willing to put forth the effort to court him and grow a relationship out of this.”
“Of course, you love your brother, it's normal to be concerned over this. We were enemies only five months ago. I know I’d be nervous if it was either of my brothers in this position.” Madara added; reaching out to pat Hashirama’s hand.
“You’re a good friend Madara, thank you.” Hashirama said softly. “We should head to bed, I did promise my wife I wouldn’t stay up too late.” He said slowly standing.
“You’ll have to tell me how you ended up with an Uzumaki wife? I’ve heard a great many tales of the Uzumaki, I can’t believe you managed to woo her and get her family's blessing.” Madara teased.
“Ahhh Madara, not you too!” Hashirama whined. “I’m sure my father-in-law hates me.” He sighed.
“You’ve met someone not charmed by your dopey face? That’s a first.” Madara chuckled.
“Hey! I do not have a dopey face, Mito says I’m very handsome.” Hashirama huffed, giving Madara a playful shove.
“I would sure hope she finds your face handsome, she’s got to wake up and see that face everyday. At least you don’t have that ridiculous bowl cut anymore.” Madara joked. “My grandmother used to say a handsome face makes marriage easier, and that’s all my grandfather had going for them in their marriage.”
“Ooof that’s rough.” Hashirama winced. “We’ll see you in the morning.” He added before they parted their ways. Madara headed to the west wing of the house while Hashirama went to the east.
Madara knocked on the door of Kuro’s room, his brother answered it already dressed in his pajamas. “Hey, how’d the talk go with Hashirama?” He asked, rubbing his eyes.
“Fine, he just wanted to know about the Hagoromo and why I sued for peace.” Madara explained. “Everything okay after we left?"
“Yeah, I talked for a bit with Mito, Toka, and Tobirama. Toka is a little rough around the edges, she’s clearly protective of her family. Mito is nothing if not a proper host but friendly enough. Tobirma and I had our own little chat about his courting of you, I told him you’d probably prefer it to be done privately.” Kuro explained as he leaned against the door.
“Alright, I’ll see you in the morning then.” Madara nodded, turning to head to his own room. They would only be at the Senju Compound a few days, he wanted to make the most of the time he got with his future spouse. Best get to sleep early and rise early.