Twin Leaves in the Shadow

第6章

The next morning, Hashirama found it difficult to wake up. He slept later than he had intended. The night before lingered on his mind, making his stomach have butterflies.

He entered his office to find Tobirama already standing inside. He was facing the door with a look of displeasure on his face.

"Well it's nice to see you, too." Hashirama joked, walking to sit down behind his desk. Tobirama's glare followed him.

"You came in late last night." Tobirama spoke, his tone sounding disapproving.

"I was busy working. Why does it matter?" Hashirama defended.

Tobirama huffed, shaking his head.

"Did you happen to make progress with who will become Hokage then? Everyone is getting anxious," he pressed, stepping closer to his brother.

"I'm going over my options. We will discuss this later." Hashirama declared, shutting down the conversation.

Tobirama stood quietly for a moment. He eyed his older brother, frowning at his stubbornness. Letting out a frustrated sigh, he walked towards the door. He turned back to look at Hashirama.

"We can't waste anymore time, older brother. You have to make a decision by the end of the week." he declared, before storming out of the room.

Hashirama sank in his seat, feeling the pressure weigh on him. His eyes fell on the new reports stacked on his desk. He frowned at the pile, but found the strength to start his work.

_____________________________

He stayed busy most of the day, surrounded by papers. He saw Madara pass by once or twice, but he was too busy with his own duties to stop and chat. It was late in the evening and things had finally quieted down. Hashirama finished writing the last of his notes and blew out the oil lamp.

He walked through the quiet village, thinking about all the responsibilities he held. His body tensed and his head began to ache.  There was a part of him that dreaded going home, because he knew Tobirama would be waiting for him. Hashirama approached a restaurant that appeared to still be open as he winded down the gravel road. The rumbling in his stomach gave him the motivation to go inside.

Upon entering, he noticed someone eating in the corner with long, black hair. He recognized him immediately.

"Madara?" he hummed, stepping closer to the man.

Madara turned his head to look for the voice that called out to him.

"Hashirama," he beamed, "Have a seat."

Hashirama slid into the chair next to him, propping his arms on the counter to rest his head. Madara took notice of his demeanor, becoming immediately concerned.

"What's on your mind?" he asked, gently nudging him.

Hashirama whimpered, raising up again.

"Just a long day," he sighed. He slouched in his chair, looking down at the counter they sat at.

Madara raised his brow, not fully believing the statement. However, he didn't want to push him to talk about it if he didn't want to.

"You should eat something." Madara suggested, waving over the lady working behind the counter.

Hashirama obeyed Madara's wishes and ordered himself some food. Once the waitress walked away, the two were left sitting in silence. Madara racked his brain trying to find the right words to say to Hashirama.

"Madara?"

Madara whipped his head around to look at Hashirama.

"What do you wish for this village?" Hashirama asked, his tone serious.

Madara didn't have to think too hard for this question.

"I want the same as you, Hashirama," he started, "I want true peace for people. No more loss."

His words held pain within them. He couldn't help but think of his brother as he spoke them.

Hashirama nodded, aware of what Madara meant.

"I want to recommend you as Hokage." Hashirama announced.

Madara's eyes widened, nearly choking on his food. He took a moment to process what Hashirama had said.

"The people want you, Hashirama," he defended.

Hashirama shook his head, a chuckle slipping out of his mouth.

"I think you are better suited for it," Hashirama explained, "You are cunning and smart. You want the best for the village. You are a true leader."

"You are describing yourself, Hashirama." Madara laughed, flattered by Hashirama's words. Madara couldn't bring himself to tell Hashirama about experiences he has had in the village. It didn't matter if he believed the same way as Hashirama. He knew they would never trust him.

They both sat quietly, unsure of what to say.

"Here's your food!" the waitress called out, placing a bowl in front of Hashirama.

Hashirama began to eat as Madara finished. They made small talk, avoiding the subject of Hokage the rest of the meal. Madara could tell that it was weighing heavily on Hashirama.

They paid the waitress and left the building, entering the cool, night air of the village. They began walking towards home, enjoying the quietness of the village. Their hands would brush against each other with each step they took. Growing frustrated with the teasing, Madara slipped his hand around Hashirama's.

They stopped and stood in front of Madara's home. Letting go of each other's hands, they turned to face each other.

"Thanks for the date," Hashirama chuckled.

"Wh-what... d-date?"

Hashirama let out a laugh, watching Madara's shocked expression. Madara's face turned pink, feeling embarrassed.

"Don't freak out, Madara," he teased, "This wasn't a date."

He paused before speaking again, "You know, I wouldn't mind one though."

His eyes fell to the ground, his hair falling down around his face. Madara relaxed, pondering what Hashirama had said. He wasn't quite ready to be open, but he didn't want to hurt Hashirama's feelings either. Madara reached over and caressed Hashirama's face, pulling him back up to meet his eyes.

"I'll think of something," he whispered.

Hashirama gave him a shy smile, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink. This was the first time there was any clarification on where their relationship was headed. Madara pulled him closer, gently kissing his lips. Hashirama's arms wrapped around his waist, his hands gently squeezing him. They melted together, forgetting the world around them.

Their lips parted and they reluctantly let go of each other.

"Goodnight, Hashirama." Madara murmured.

"Goodnight."

Madara went inside and prepared for bed.

Hashirama continued down the road to his home. He felt more relaxed after being with Madara. The worries he had seemed to have melted away. All he could feel was the growing love he had for him.