Chapter Text
For @raendown
***
Very few things in life frightened Madara. Losing his brother was at the top of that list. So it was no real surprise that he’d developed a bit of affection for the one who could have taken him away, but chose not to. And it was a choice, not a fluke as some claim.
Failing his clan came in second on his list of fears. It was the reason he was finally able to accept Hashirama’s offer of peace. To stop the bloodshed and give families a bit of hope.
These were reasonable fears. Acceptable even. He was the oldest brother, of course he worried about his little brother. And as Clan Head it was his duty and his honor to look after his clan. He never feared battle. Never feared his enemies. And he had never before feared Hashirama. The man was a giant puppy. Always eager to please. Always looking at the bigger picture. Just a massive, cheerful dork. Until he very suddenly wasn’t anymore.
“Please, repeat that.” His voice was cold, his eyes hard and the look on his face would have sent a lesser man running. Possibly crying. As it was, Madara was very suddenly aware of how much wooden furniture was in the room, and just how easily it could be turned against him. Mito, who had been sitting beside her husband, was staring at Hashirama in shock and a good helping of lust. She darted a quick look at Madara, to see if he would continue. Well, if it was worth doing it was worth doing right. And this, this was more than worth doing if it got him a chance. So he cleared his throat and asked again.
“If he is willing, I’d like your permission to court Tobirama.”
The smile he got sent shivers of dread down his spine. This wasn’t Hashirama the village leader he was dealing with. Nor was it Hashirama the Clan Head. No. This was Hashirama the Big Brother, a side to his friend that many dismissed. That was their mistake.
“And why do you want to court my baby brother?”
***
After the thoroughly horrifying conversation with Hashirama (and the equally horrifying response Mito had to seeing that side of her husband. He was almost certian that they would soon be expecting) Madara had gone home to gather his nerves. He was very aware that it was only because he actually respected Tobirama that Hashirama had agreed to let him attempt to court the younger man. He would have to be subtle. Get the man used to spending a bit of his free time with him. Tea. He’d invite him for tea after the next council meeting. Friends had tea together all the time. And who couldn’t use a pick-me-up after those damn meetings?
***
The meeting was worse than normal. It ended with everyone tense and a few with a new respect for their leader. The Mori clan, who had come to petition for a place in the village, were very much terrified and greatful to be escorted from the village. A purposed marriage alliance crumpled in their leaders hand. Denied.
Tobirama had a pinched look on his face and his jaw was clenched so tightly it must have hurt. Madara wasn’t even thinking of courting him when the offer slipped out. He just wanted to make the stress go away.
“Hey, let’s take a break. I’ll buy you tea.”
A startled, but pleased look crossed the younger man’s face. “That does sound nice.”
Warmth bubbled in Madara’s chest. Only to be doused when he saw the glare Hashirama was shooting him over his brothers shoulder. Madara realized that while the offer itself was innocent, after shooting down the marriage proposal Hashirama was bound to be more protective than normal. So it was no surprise when he invited himself along.
“Tea sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Perhaps I’ll join you.”
How Hashirama joining them turned into Mito, Izuna and that harpy Touka joining them he wasn’t sure. At least he was able to sit next to Tobirama. He even managed to tease a small huff of laughter from the pale man when he called out Izuna and Touka for playing footsies under the table. (He never wanted to feel Touka drag her toes up his leg again. Even if it did mean he learned about Tobirama’s dimples.) All in all, tea was a success. Not how he had hoped. But perhaps better. And he was in no rush. Relationships are built on friendship, his mother had told him. If you can’t be friends with the person you’re with you shouldn’t be with them. And friendships, those took time to build as he’d told Hashirama. He wasn’t looking for quick and easy. He wanted to be someone Tobirama could trust. Someone he could turn to. And he wanted Tobirama to be that person for him too.
***notes*** I’m functioning on 3 hours of sleep and half a cup of coffee. Also, tumblr ate my first attempt. I was very annoyed Enjoy!