Faith. (Sequel)

Chapter 26 | Regret

Kouta was enthusiastically telling Asami and Madara about what he saw, did and ate yesterday, sometimes stumbling over his own words. That didn't stop him, though.

Asami was overjoyed to see him so excited. Nothing could bring her more happiness than her son's cheerfulness. And not only was he exhilarated by yesterday's visit to the village, but he was also curious and eager for more. Asami had lost count of how many times Kouta asked her if he could go again.

While Asami listened closely, Madara simply stared at the wall, pretending to listen. Sure, he was glad that Kouta was happy, but he wasn't really interested in his story. It was rude, but it simply didn't matter to him.

A warm hand suddenly covered his gloved ones. ''Madara.'' Her soft voice murmured, sounding concerned. ''Are you okay? You've been spacing out.''

Madara looked at their hands and then moved his gaze to Asami, who was waiting for a reply. He simply let her know he was fine with a single nod of his head and pulled back his hands before standing up. The legs of the chair scraped against the tiled floor, creating a noise that made both Asami and Kouta flinch. Madara put the chair back, this time silently. ''I'm going for a walk.''

As he walked away, he heard Kouta calling after him, saying he wanted to go with him, but Asami called him right back. He was grateful to her at times like these. She knew that he needed some time alone, and she also knew when needed or wanted that, just like now.

~~~~~~~

Asami had her lips pressed together while she watched Madara leave the room as he headed for the front door. It was already visible on his face; the inconvenience. He probably didn't even notice it himself since he was spacing out, but Asami saw it as soon as it appeared.

It bothered her, but she understood it as well. Madara needed some time alone, and she respected that. It happened to Asami sometimes as well. Even though she loved Kouta with all her heart, being around him every time of the day, and that for months straight, was something she simply couldn't do. Time to calm down, to rest, to think, to relax, that was something everybody needed in a while, and Madara needed that more than average.

He was the leader of the Uchiha clan, co-founder of Konoha, but he had spent a lot of his time holed up in his office, his home or in the Naka shrine, especially the few weeks before he decided to leave. Asami thought that being left alone too much was one of the reasons that Madara started to see it all in such a negative light. 

He was smart and thought everything through, but overthinking could be quite dangerous.

Asami sighed and turned back to Kouta, who looked quite dispirited after his father left in the middle of his story that he had been eager to tell every since he visited the village. Pursing her lips, Asami stood up and put her hands under his armpits, lifting him in the air.

Kouta wrapped his short arms around his mother's neck as Asami held him against her chest. ''Let's take a bath.'' She suggested, hoping that would enthuse him, and it did. He had always loved taking baths. Splashing the water into the sky and playing with the foam, filling the room with giggles and squeals was something he had always enjoyed. Asami started to grin when all traces of dejected left his face. 

''Shall we?''

Kouta hummed excitedly and nodded eagerly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Madara returned to the house, thinking Asami might get worried if he stayed away any longer. He had been very cautious during his stroll, making sure there was no one nearby and being careful not to leave a single trace of his presence.