Blood Lust

Chapter 6

Another night had come and the men were in the study as part of their usual routine. Hashirama shifted uncomfortably in his chair, struggling to keep his focus on the pages of his book. Every so often, he'd glance up at Madara who seemed perfectly content reading his own novel. Hashirama was getting stir crazy and craved to do more than just read about anatomy.

"Madara?" he called out.

"Hm?"

"Do you ever have to use the bathroom?" he questioned innocently.

"Why are you asking me that?" Madara huffed with a scowl.

"I'm reading about the human body, but I'm curious about how your body works since it's vastly different," Hashirama chuckled as he pointed to the cover of the book.

"Don't you have better questions than asking me if I shit or not?" Madara scolded.

"I thought it was a good question to ask," Hashirama quipped. "Do you ever have gas?"

"You're annoying me."

"Are you going to kill me now?" Hashirama mocked.

"I will if you keep asking me ridiculous questions," Madara groaned as he cut his eyes towards Hashirama.

It was quiet again and Madara could finally focus on his reading in peace. Hashirama, however, still felt bored by the activity. He sprawled out in the armchair, limbs dangling off the sides. His entire presence looked childish.

"Madara?" he called out again.

"This better not be another stupid question."

"I want you to take me to the ballroom," Hashirama declared. "I've never been in one, so I want to see it."

Madara looked up from his book and gazed over at Hashirama. He was studying him closely, wondering if there was some underlying motive in his request. There was a childlike excitement in Hashirama's eyes that he hadn't seen before. As much as he wanted to say no, he didn't want to ruin the calmness happening between them. Keeping Hashirama happy with him was the priority.

"Fine," Madara sighed.

"Really?" Hashirama chirped with a grin.

"If it means you'll stop asking me about my intestinal system, then sure."

Hashirama followed behind Madara with a giddy stride. When he once walked down these halls, he would always try to memorize them for future battle. However, that was far from his mind tonight. His curiosity was purely innocent and he was oddly enjoying his time spent with Madara. He didn't have to fear him like he thought.

When Madara opened the grand double doors, Hashirama gasped at the site. Pillars lined the tall walls with golden detailing. The ceiling had intricate, beautiful paintings of a scene in nature. The floor wasn't the usual stone and appeared to be marble. There was a stage made for an orchestra at the very end of the room. It all amazed Hashirama, given that he came from a very humble family. He mindlessly walked to the center of it all, admiring as much as he could.

Madara couldn't help but smile at Hashirama's reaction. He loved the pure, innocent excitement painted on Hashirama's face. It made him feel good that he could give Hashirama this experience, and it felt even better to see him smile.

"Dance with me," Hashirama beamed, holding out his hand.

"I can't dance," Madara insisted.

"Neither can I, but we can't waste this ballroom," Hashirama grinned.

We. Madara liked hearing that.

"But there's no music," Madara tried again.

Hashirama grabbed him by the hands and pulled him towards the center of the room. One hand was placed on Hashirama's shoulder while the other was held tight in Hashirama's hand. He was pulled close to Hashirama's chest and held firmly in place. Their bodies began to sway gently to their own heartbeats.