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When Tobirama first met Mito they were both taking running start classes at the local community college so they could get a head start on their college credits before actually starting college.
Though she was going to school to be a doctor and he was going to school to be a microbiologist they had a lot of overlapping courses because for the most part they were taking the required classes such as math english and things like that.
Tobirama started having her over for study session about a month after meeting her. He had never enjoyed studying with another person, then again until he met Mito he had never met someone who could keep up with him.
That and she was a joy to have a conversation with. They could go from talking about normal class related things, to how they could use their combined skills to release a deadly virus and take over the world.
Obviously they would never do that. But it was fun to talk about, and because she was so like minded she never got weirded out thinking he was going to grow up to be some type of terrorist. She enjoyed the hypotheticals just as much as he did. Along with the joy of discussing if they were to take over the world what kind of politics they would instate and how they could make the world a better safer place.
Occasionally Hashirama would join them, he was two years older so he had taken all of these classes already and so he sometimes felt the need to impart his ‘older brother wisdom’. He didn’t get it, they both know that if Tobirama wanted to he could have skipped grades and he would likely either be at the same college level as Hashirama or higher. However he never wanted the attention something like that would cause. Something Mito felt as well.
Tobirama also enjoyed playing rugby, and if he skipped grades he would likely lose that opportunity. Actually he was banking on that as his back up plan for a scholarship to college, though he felt certain he would get one without one. It was another thing he had in common with Mito since she was the head cheerleader at her school. She was also a gymnast and they would sometimes fantasize about going to the Olympics, but have no real desire to make it happen. It’s just a fun thing to think about.
They had plans and they loved school and studying.
It was a stroke of luck that they both got accepted into the same college, where he would continue playing rugby, and Mito was able to continue as a cheerleader. Both of them were pretty excited about it because finally Mito would be able to see Tobirama on the field. Previously their school games would overlap so she was never able to cheer him on. Now she was able to be his number one cheerleader.
Along with being accepted into the same school, they felt it was only natural that they move in with each other. After all, why would they pay for two rents when they could get a double and stay together? Plus this way all their bills were split evenly and they were both able to survive without needing additional work.
Mito was the first person he admitted he was gay too. It wasn’t that he thought his family would judge him. Well, his brothers wouldn’t. His father would likely have an issue with it. And he didn’t really want his father to cut off the allowance he provided that allowed him to go to school without having to work.
Mito had laughed so hard she snorted soda out of her nose. “Oh my goodness. You thought I didn’t know?”
“Well, I only figured it out like a year ago. So why would you know?” Tobirama said with a little self-consciousness.
“Tobi, my sweet boy. You were broadcasting gay vibes from the moment I met you. There was no way I didn’t know. That and you never once looked at my breasts, and not to brag, but no man has ever looked at me without at least taking a peek at them. But I’m proud of you for coming out! I will support you in whatever way you need!”
Tobirama honestly didn’t even know what to say. One he hadn’t thought he was obvious, he thought he played straight fairly well seeing as he didn’t even know he was gay until last year. “Oh. I hadn’t realized I was so obvious.”
“No, no. I’m sure no one else noticed. I think they would have to really know you to be able to tell, and also have tits that no one can ignore,” she says with a laugh. “Really though, I think you are fine. Most people think we are dating anyway. Though I did hear one rumor that we are actually married.”
Tobirama’s eyes blow wide, “people think we are married! But why? We don’t hold hands or kiss or anything like that!”
“But I do call you pet names like sweetheart, sweet boy, and sometimes baby. And remember the way you carried me on your back during that snow storm because I didn’t have proper snow boots? Or the way we always hug after your matches?”
Tobirama tilts his head, “I suppose I can see why someone might think that. Should we clear the confusion up?”
“Why would we? I don’t get hit on by stupid jocks, and no one will know you are gay if you decide you want to keep that to yourself.”
“I would like to keep it to myself for a while longer. I’m not ready for people to know. I think I would like more time to explore it on my own.”
Mito lights up, “you haven’t explored it yet? Like you haven’t slept with a man yet? Or gone on a date?”
Tobirama flushes bright red, something he rarely does around Mito because they know each other so well, and he never gets embarrassed around her. But, this feels a little embarrassing to admit that at twenty he hasn’t slept with anyone. “Not just men. I’ve never slept with anyone at all. I just never really felt attracted to women, and didn’t realize that it was because I was attracted to men. I thought I just appreciated the male form more.”
“Okay we need to go to a gay bar! We will get you laid!” Mito says excitedly with a fist pump.
“Or we could just wait a little while longer. Then I swear we can go.”
“Oh boo! But okay, we can wait.”
-.-
Madara watches as Tobirama catches Mito who has just jumped into his arms. Both of them are smiling at each other, looking disgustingly sweet.
Ever since Tobirama joined the rugby team, Madara has had his eye on him. He could have sworn the younger man was gay. Or at least he was until the first time he hung out with Hashirama and he saw Tobirama’s girlfriend.
So for the last four years he’s had to watch them be disgustingly sweet and adorable. The only thing that makes him feel better is that his best friend is suffering with him. Hashirama has had a crush on Mito since he first set eyes on her.
But it was abundantly clear by the way they interacted that they were dating. They were always in each other's spaces, touching each other, laughing and smiling. And just looking downright adorable. They both hate it.
It only got worse when they ended up at the same college and he had to play rugby with Tobirama and not only watch him work out but also touch him while playing. So he knows exactly what he’s missing out on. Add to that he has to watch him and Mito after every game.
And even worse he was frequently forced to hang out with the both of them because Hashirama liked to spend time with his little brother, so they would get together at Hashirama’s because he had a strangely large living space for how small the rest of his apartment was. So the four of them, and often Izuna because of all their siblings he was the only one close in age. He was actually only a few days older than Tobirama.
When they were drunk Mito often took to sitting in Tobirama’s lap, because ‘he’s warm and cozy’. Hashirama would often whine after they left how much he wished Mito would sit in his lap. That he’s even warmer and cozier because he’s taller.
Which really only makes sense when they are drunk. Madara on the other hand wishes Tobirama was the one sitting in his lap. He doesn't even mind that Tobirama is taller than him. He’s built like a runner and Madara would easily be able to fully wrap him up in his considerably wider embrace.
Every time he thinks he might be getting over his crush on Tobirama the younger man will smile at him, and he will get butterflies all over again. Another thing he has in common with Hashirama. That and they extreme guilt for lusting after someone they know so well and they know are in a happy relationship. At least he’s not crushing on his littler brother's girlfriend. Though he’s lusting after a straight man. So they both have their own things to feel guilty about.
Madara is just getting back from rugby practice when he’s stopped by a sign that reads proceed with caution for any questions contact apartment manager.
He quickly goes to the apartment managers office to demand an answer.
“Why the hell does my floor have a sign to proceed with caution?”
“Oh, sorry you must be on the third floor. Unfortunately the fire system went off and flooded the majority of the apartments. If any of your items are damaged you will have to make a claim with your renters insurance.”
“Are you fucking kidding me? I have to pay for it?”
“If you don’t have renters insurance yes.”
“What the fuck. It’s your system that caused the issue!”
“And that’s why you were told you should sign up for renters insurance when you signed your lease.”
“Fine. Thanks for nothing.”
Madara should have been the bigger man and left with dignity. Instead he slammed the door shut behind him and stomped all the way to his apartment. The moment he opens his door he knows his apartment is one of the ruined ones. Everything is soaked. The floor squishes when he walks, and everything is covered with water, and there are pools of water all over. Fucking fantastic. He goes into his bed room and opens his closet and thank fuck his clothes are all fine. They were safely protected by his closet door.
Unfortunately nothing else looks salvageable. With a sigh he goes to the cupboard under his sink and pulls out a couple of garbage bags. With his luggage on the floor it was soaked even in his closet. He stuffs all of his clothes in them and calls Hashirama.
“Hello?”
“Hey, can I crash at your place for a while? My apartment is flooded and everything is ruined. I have to wait until my renters insurance is able to get a cleaning crew in and my belongings can get replaced.”
“Oh damn! That sucks. I’m sorry but I have no space. Kawarama is visiting to check out the campus and also visit me. So the pull out couch is occupied. Why don’t you check with Tobi? He has a two bedroom apartment.”
“I couldn’t think of a worse torture than living with them. How would you like to live with them,” Madara growls.
“Yeah I would hate it, but your only other option is a hotel, which who knows how long you will need it, or commuting two hours one way for school every day.”
Madara lets out an aggrieved sigh. “Fuck. You’re right. Even a cheap motel would drain my college fund a lot. And I really don’t want to ask my parents. They would insist it’s better to just come home. Okay. I’ll give him a call.”
Madara takes a deep fortifying breath and pulls up Tobirama’s contact card. He squeezes his eyes shut as he hits dial.
“Hello, Tobirama speaking.”
“Hey, it’s Madara. I have a huge favor to ask you.”
“Okay? What can I do for you?” He can hear the confusion in Tobirma’s voice. He can’t blame him, he’s never asked Tobirama for anything. Especially since they weren’t exactly friends and didn’t hang out unless Hashirama or Izuna was around.
“My apartment flooded and I have nowhere to go. I know you have a two bedroom apartment. Is there any way I could stay with you?”
“Oh. That’s unfortunate. Give me one moment so I can talk to Mito.”
He must put the phone on silent because he hears nothing for the next couple of minutes.
“Mito says that will be fine. We can make that work.”
“Thank you. Do you mind if I head right over there?”
“No, of course not. I wouldn’t expect you to stay in a ruined apartment.”
“Right. Thanks. I’ll be there in about twenty minutes.”
“Sounds good. I’ll get the room ready for you.”
This is going to be miserable. It’s going to be so awful watching them together. They never engage in PDA in public, but he’s sure at home they are all over each other. Hopefully they don’t have loud sex. He thinks he will die if he has to listen to it.
When he gets to Tobirama’s, Mito is the one to answer the door to let him in. She welcomes him in and quickly provides him with a spare key. “I think you’ll be needing this. I imagine our schedules won’t match up enough for Tobirama or I to always let you in. Besides, while you’re here I hope you will consider this your home. We would hate for you to feel uncomfortable or like an outsider.”
“Thank you Mito, I appreciate it.” It’s ridiculously kind and makes him feel even more guilty for lusting after her boyfriend.
Tobirama then comes through the room carrying a stack of hanging clothing, while Mito walks into their bedroom.
“Sorry, we are still moving things over to the other room so you can make the space yours while you are here.”
Madara is confused. What things need to be moved over? Why would things need to be moved over?
“Uh, okay. I’ll just put my things in the living room for now if that’s okay?”
“Of course. I’m just moving my clothes over.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to kick you out of your closet. I can find another way to store my clothing.”
“Nonesense. That would be a pain. Because there is more than enough closet space. The walk-in closet is quite large.” Tobirama offers with a shrug and then goes back to moving his clothes from the spare bedroom to the main bedroom.
It’s kind of strange that they have separate closets if there is enough space, But maybe they just find it easier to have separate spaces for their clothes? It’s weird. But he’s heard of weirder things.
“Okay, it’s all cleared out, you can move the rest of your belongings into the room.”
“I don’t actually have much, just my backpack because I had it on me and my clothing.”
“Well, it’s better than nothing at least. I hope you will be comfortable. I put clean sheets on but the comforter is in the wash. I only had the one.”
“Sorry I made you go through all this trouble. But thank you for letting me stay here.”
“We wouldn’t leave a friend out on the streets when we are able to make things work here.”
Mito finally leaves their bedroom, “it’s no trouble Madara. We were able to make space easy enough.”
Living with Tobirama and Mito is….strange to say the least.
They both look like the perfect couple, and also like they are just roommates. They do most of their shopping together, something they often invite Madara to join them in, though he’s only done it a few times. And each time they seem perfectly in sync. Tobirama doesn’t even mind picking up her feminine products like he knows many men would. If she isn’t there he always finds something special to bring home to her. He hasn’t ever gone shopping with Mito alone but she does the same for him.
They do all their cooking together, taking turns with who cooks and who cleans.
They seem to have conversations with only a look, though that’s something he’s seen plenty of times when they hung out as a group.
And he nearly whines when he sees Mito walk out wearing a shirt he knows is Tobirama’s.
All of those things are very typical things he would expect to see in a couple.
But what he never sees is any sign of sexual attraction or interaction.
He’s never even seen them exchange a single kiss. Even when they cuddle on the couch there are no casual sexual touches.
Nothing he dreaded seeing ever happens. And he’s never heard even a slight sound that might indicate sex. Now they might not be loud, but he’s never seen any sign that it happens at all.
It leaves him more than a little confused.
Maybe it’s because he’s living with them? Still he thinks it’s strange.
He’s sitting in his room working on his school work with the door open when he hears the most jaw dropping conversation.
“I think it’s been long enough Tobirama. I’m taking you to a gay bar and we are going to find a man.”
“I don’t know Mito. I don’t think I’d feel comfortable going home with a stranger, and what am I supposed to do, bring him to our bed?”
“Why not?”
“Well for one Madara is here. I don’t want to make him uncomfortable.”
“That is fair. But he’s crashed with Hashriama a couple of times since living here. We can just plan for a night he’s out and I can sleep in his bed.”
“I suppose that could work. But I don’t know how I would even go about picking someone up.”
Mito laughs, “don’t worry. You won’t have to try to pick anyone up. If anything you will be batting them off you. I can go with you. And then next time we have a free night you can come with me and help me pick up a man. It’s been too long since I’ve brought a man home.”
Madara doesn’t even know what to do with what he just heard. Do they have some sort of open relationship? Can he ask? Does that mean he has a chance?
But he really doesn’t want to be the ‘other woman’ even if they do have an open relationship.
He needs to talk to Hashirama. There is no way he can process this on his own.
Madara doesn’t even wait for their conversation to end before hurrying out of his room and the apartment. “I’m staying at Hashirama’s tonight! See you later!”
He doesn’t even wait to hear their response.
-.-
Tobirama and Mito exchange glances. “Well that was strange.”
Mito nods, “very. Maybe Hashirama called with some sort of emergency? Your brother does tend to be dramatic.”
Tobirama shrugs, “that’s true. That would make sense. Still a little strange.”
“Well, since he’s out for the night, I think it’s time that we go to that gay bar!” Mito says with a devious smile. “I have an outfit all picked out for you!”
Tobirama frowns, “you picked out an outfit for me? Why do I feel like I’m going to regret everything about tonight?”
“You’ll look amazing. I promise.”
The outfit Mito has for him is a fitted black crop top and baggy ripped jeans. He certainly looks like he belongs in a club.
“I don’t know about this. I feel so exposed,” Tobirama says looking down at his exposed stomach, his hand covering it.
“You look hot. I promise this is the perfect outfit. Ever since we first talked about going to a gay bar I’ve been ready with this outfit.”
“You are far too invested in this,” he responds judgementally.
“I’m your best friend. It’s my right to be over invested in your sex life.”
Tobirama laughs, “if you say so.”
They briefly discuss going to the next town over to go to a gay bar there, but in the end they decide it’s far too much work, and if someone sees them here then maybe it’s just time to let go of the fake dating they’ve used to fend off potential suitors. While school is still a lot of work and requires a lot of their attention, Mito misses sex and wants to date again. And Tobirama is finally ready to accept himself. Even if it gets back to his family.
Mito was absolutely right and he finds himself being approached by multiple men. He accepts two drinks from men he dances with, but ultimately decides he has no interest in taking home as they just don’t fit with him the way he wants. He wants someone bigger than him. Not necessarily taller, just the kind of man that might make him feel smaller. When he’s imagined having sex with a man he’s always imagined himself at the bottom partner. Especially because he has no idea what he’s doing and he would much rather have someone else take the lead.
They are there for about two hours when to their shock both Madara and Hashirama show up.
“Hashirama?” Tobirama asks in shock when he sees his brother at the bar. “What are you doing here? Don’t tell me you’re gay. I’ve seen your porn collection, there is no way I’m buying that.”
“Oh. I’m not. Madara is though.”
“So you’re here like Mito? Moral support and to be his wingman?” Tobirama asks with a confused raised eyebrow.
“Sure. Speaking of which. Did you two break up? Or do you have some sort of open relationship? Because I’m going to be honest. None of this makes sense to me. Why are you here?”
Tobirama can’t help it, he laughs right in Hashirama’s face. “Don’t tell me you thought we were dating too? Why would you think that? Don’t you think I would have told you all that we were dating?”
“Wait, you’ve never been dating?!” Hashirama asks in a high pitched screech.
Tobirama covers his ears, even with the loud music all around them Hashirama was still ear piercing. “No. Mito and I have never dated. She’s just my best friend.”
“But-But. You live together!”
“In separate rooms.”
“Wait, I’m confused. Did you give up your bedroom to Madara?! Where are you sleeping now then?”
“In Mito’s bed.”
“But you aren’t dating and you aren’t sleeping together.” It sounds like it should be a question but is instead a shocked statement.
“Right. Because I don’t like women. I like men.”
“You like men?”
Tobirama furrows his brow. “You do realize where we are right? It’s a gay bar. I’m here to pick up a man.”
“Holy shit this is crazy. I’m actually mind blown right now.” Then he seems to think for a moment, which Tobirama lets him. He can understand why Hashirama might be having trouble coming to terms with the reality of his sexuality. “So Mito is single?”
Well that wasn’t what he expected Hashirama to ask.
“Uh, yes. She’s single.”
“Can I ask her out?”
“Well I’m not going to stop you. She does prefer tall men and has commented on how attractive you are more than once. I’d say you have a decent shot.”
Hashirama’s eyes widen. “She thinks I’m attractive?”
“Yes, that’s what I just said.”
“Fuck, fuck. Okay. I’m going to ask her out!”
“Well she’s dancing over there,” Tobirama says, pointing to an area near the stage where a couple of other women are dancing together.
“Oh thank you Tobi. You have no idea how much I’ve wanted this.”
“Well, best of luck to you.”
Hashirama doesn’t say anything else, just beelines right to Mito. He whispers into her ear and Tobirama watches as she lights up, grabs his hand and drags him to Tobirama. “Sweetheart, I’m sorry but I’m going home with Hashirama. Are you okay asking Madara to be your safe person tonight?”
“Yeah that’s fine.” Then he looks at Hashirama, “where is Madara?”
“Oh he’s at the other end of the bar drowning his sorrows”
“What? Why?”
“He’s been in love with you for years and came here to find someone to hook up with because he was devastated that you are in an open relationship and sleeping with men that aren’t him.”
Tobirama feels his jaw drop, and watches as Mito’s jaw does the same. “Seriously? She asks.
“Oh yeah, since we were in high school.”
“Holy shit. Tobirama, go climb that man like a tree!”
Hashirama cringes, “please don’t say that in front of me.”
“You don’t understand, since Tobirama realized he was gay Madara has been the man he compares all other men to.”
“Really? Tobi, go ask him out!”
“Okay. Right. Yes. I can do that…..How do I do that?” Tobirama ask with apprehension.
Hashirama smiles at him. “Just say ‘Madara I like you. That’s all he will need.”
Tobirama nods quickly. “I can do that.” He knocks back the drink he had been holding and starts to walk to Madara.
“Remember to use protection!” Mito calls out.
“I think I should be telling you that!’ He calls back snarkily.
He hears Mito giggle behind him but pays them no mind. They are going to Hashirama’s which means he’s free to go home with Madara. And maybe finally lose his virginity.
Tobirama walks right up to Madara and taps him on the shoulder. Madara turns and looks at him and opens his mouth to say something but Tobirama interrupts him. “I like you. Want to take me home?”
“I’m sorry but I have no interest in being the other woman or in some weird threesome.”
“Mito and I aren’t dating. We never have. We’re just best friends.”
Madara narrows his eyes, “you expect me to believe that? You literally share a room!”
“Only because you needed somewhere to stay. That was my room until you moved in”
“Wait, seriously? So where do you sleep?”
“In her bed, but it’s not like we are snuggling or doing anything together. It’s no more sexual than it would be if I crashed in bed with Hashirama. She is like family to me. The ‘big’ sister I never had.”
“Are you just asking for sex? I just need to know before this goes any further.”
“Well sex would be nice. But if you want more I could be open for that.”
“You would date me? Be my boyfriend?”
“I would. Though you will have to be patient with me. I’ve never dated anyone before.”
-.-
Madara just about dies. Tobirama has never dated anyone? He would be Tobirama’s first boyfriend? The thought leaves him giddy.
“So you’ve always just had one night stands?” He asks, because he’s a nosey bastard.
Tobirama blushes bright red, “well. No. I’ve never slept with anyone. Everything will be a first for me.”
Madara’s mind goes blank for a minute. He would be Tobirama’s first for everything? He pinches himself to make sure he isn’t dreaming. He’s awake. Holy shit. This is everything he’d ever dreamt of.
“In that case can I make a request?”
Tobirama nods with a confused look, “sure.”
“Can we do things slowly? I want to woo you. I want to show you the way dating is meant to be. And when we do finally have sex I want to make it perfect for you.”
“I…Yes, I would…I would like that. That sounds nice.”
Madara smiles at him, “thank you. I do have one more request. Can I kiss you? Just once. Then we wait until our first date.”
Tobirama nods enthusiastically.
Madara places a hand on Tobirama’s cheek and pulls him in for a chaste but perfect kiss. It’s better than everything he’s imagined. Despite that he forces himself to pull back. “How much have you had to drink? Can I take you out for a late dinner?”
“I’m not hungry, but maybe for dessert?”
“Dessert sounds perfect.”
-.-
The end.