(Hashimada) The Adventures of a Hedgehog and Some Idiots

7: Ignoring responsibilities is fun

Since both of them had forgotten to light a fire, Hashirama woke up cold and in total darkness.

It had to be about four in the morning, and he was surprised to find that Madara was still fast asleep. Usually, the Uchiha would only get a few hours of sleep each night - plus, he was a very light sleeper, so Hashirama expected him to wake long before he did. After all, it was as if Hashirama didn't have a care in the world when he slept - hell, he could sleep through a war. He actually did sleep through a battle once - not a battle with Madara, or he wouldn't have lived to tell the tale. He couldn't remember (since he was sleeping, obviously), but rumor had it that the Senju was still a worthy opponent even in an unconscious state. . . He found out he had the Drunken Fist after the time he downed five bottles of sake in a depressive episode, but he wondered if there also was such a thing as the Tired Fist.

Hashirama's thoughts were interrupted when he remembered why he woke up - the cold was really starting to get to him. He wanted to get up and light a fire, but. . . Doing so would definitely wake Madara up. . . And he really didn't want to deal with Madara's wrath this early in the morning.

He looked at the Uchiha, who had his face buried in Hashirama's chest, loosely holding him in his sleep. He smiled - it was amusing to see Madara look so calm. He normally looked stern and intimidating. . . He almost didn't look like the same man with such a peaceful demeanor.

If only he would let himself relax. . . And not just while he sleeps, Hashirama thought, frowning.

Madara was always wound up so tight, never letting his guard down or letting anyone in. . . Especially after Izuna's death. That was why Hashirama made it his mission to get Madara to trust him. He could see how much Izuna's death tore him apart. Hashirama knew that if he tried to bear the burden of that grief alone, it very well could turn Madara into a revenge-bent enemy of the village. That was why he snapped on Tobirama - he knew that there was some truth to what he was saying.

I won't let him be consumed by hatred. Never. . . Hashirama promised himself. I would sooner die.

He subconsciously held the Uchiha tighter, as if to protect him. Consequently, Madara stirred, slowly waking up.

"Hmm. . .? Hashi. . ." Madara mumbled, rubbing his eyes.

Hashirama loosened his grip. "Oh, sorry to wake you, Madara," he whispered. "You can go back to sleep if you want."

"It's fine."

What was this? Hashirama was shocked. . . Normally, the Uchiha would be pissed if anyone woke him, and he'd immediately start a fight. . . His mellow reaction just proved that he was still half-asleep.

Madara shivered suddenly and mumbled, "Damn, it's cold. . ."

Since he wasn't fully conscious, he started to weave the signs for a fire style jutsu without thinking of the consequences. Hashirama saw him - his eyes were adjusted to the darkness by now - and he laughed quietly, trying not to alert the Uchiha, "Hold on, Madara. . . You're gonna catch us on fire!"