Chapter Text
Madara cursed his best friend, sending Tobirama and his team of six on a mission during this damn war was utterly the most stupid decision the Hokage ever made. By their return, Madara was partly glad that Izuna didn't join them, they looked rough and were crying; not only were they exhausted after a harsh fight but they were severely outnumbered in the ambush and Tobirama made them leave him behind. And now he had to go to the spot to see what had become of Tobirama as Hashirama was inconsolable over his last brother.
"Damn self-sacrificing Senju..." He felt a deep dread in his stomach, he couldn't imagine how Hashirama was doing, he might have been physically the strongest shinobi of their time, he was the God of shinobi for crying out loud but emotionally it was Madara who was the strongest of the two but even he couldn't compare to Tobirama's nearly perfect composure.
He spotted pieces of blue armor and happuri, a shiver went down Madara's spine. Madar prayed to Amaterasu for a miracle, he knew deep down Tobirama was probably most likely dead if not on the verge of death, but he had to keep something in mind.
"Any last words you white-haired freak..." A booming voice cut his thoughts. He carefully followed the direction where the voice came from.
His sights were on the two tall figures, they had silver and golden hair and ...horns... ... The silver and gold brother! The one with golden hair holding some- a limp body in one hand...is that Tobirama...
...
Madara didn't know how it happened, all he knew was that there were piles of ashes around them, and safe in his arms was the albino Senju, panting...one of his eyes opened, slowly starting to focus, as it darted around to see what was happening it landed on Madara's face. A small smile curled on Tobirama's face, burying his face closer to Madara with a strained huff.
They just stared at each other too stunned at the scene. Madara didn't know what overcame him, he just...he just snapped.
"I..."
"Tobirama..." Madara inquired desperately, worry starting to sink in replacing his anger that made his chakra flare out like the brilliant sun of the Uchiha patron goddess.
"I ...love..." Tobirama struggled to keep his one good eye open "...you..." No. No...no no no no, this is not happening, he's not gonna do that, he's not, he's not. Madara kissed the back of Tobirama's hand before the other closed his eye. Madara tensed and, looked around, looking for help, trying to figure out how to keep Tobirama alive, he's not gonna let the man die, NOT A CHANCE, not when he said that, not when he made Madara feel something pleasantly warm. Madara didn't want to lose him now, he never wanted to lose an ally but Tobirama wasn't just an ally, he was something Madara couldn't put a finger on yet and he would do that later, bc the only thing that mattered right now is keeping the albino alive.
Feeling desperate Madara transferred some chakra to Tobirama, to make sure he was still alive, he stopped and listened until he heard a pained moan and took it as confirmation. He'd rather have Tobirama in pain than dead. When Tobirama started to panth again, very faintly he repeated the action before bolting toward Konoha. He stopped his run when he felt Tobirama slipping away, transferring more chakra into the other but eventually, he arrived in the village and handed Tobirama to their Hokage, who swiftly took action in healing his brother as Madara sat back and rested. He was stunned, too stunned to do anything productive, he could write a report or even train properly, he was just too worried. And so he sat and waited, and watched over Tobirama as he recovered slowly.
"mhm..." Tobirama was conscious and Madara bolted up from his chair to assist Tobirama in sitting up, fluffing up the pillows, rearranging them to make them more comfortable for the Senju.
"Better?" Tobirama only nodded, too exhausted to use his words, that was understandable. "Water?" Tobirama nodded again and Madara helped him drink the cool water. Tobirama was silent, head resting on top of the pillows, he looked rather peaceful. Madara brought his seat closer to the bed. They sat in silence. He was glad Tobirama was alive, very glad. He reached out for Tobirama's hand closest to him, the same hand he kissed before. Bringing the pale hand to his lips he pressed a few kisses stunning the albino. "Tobirama..." He held the other's palm to his cheek, rubbing his thumb over the soft skin. He kissed the palm tenderly before looking the man in the eyes "I love you too...don't scare me again..." Tobirama smiled at his declaration which made Madara smile in return, feeling a pleasant warm feeling.