An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Follow Up For: Day 9
Pairing: Madara/Tobirama
Rating: T
Word count: 527
Original Prompt: “Do you trust me?"
Follow the link or read it under the cut!
Madara is very aware of the fact that Izuna is only alive because Tobirama had spared him. It was that thought alone that had him agreeing to a ceasefire with the Senju, despite his brother’s protests. Assured that Izuna will make it through the night, Madara finds himself standing on the banks of the Naka River, remembering all his meetings with Hashirama so many years ago.
“I know you’re there Senju,” Madara comments, mind traveling back to that day in the cave, “I can sense you.” There is a moment of stillness before the pale figure appears across the bank.
“Then you know I mean you no harm.” Tobirama states, meeting the Uchiha’s eyes without fear.
Madara stares at the younger man for a moment before he nods and looks away, knowing how uncomfortable his eyes make Tobirama. “I wasn’t expecting to see anyone here, least of all you.”
“I haven’t been back here since the day I helped tear you and Anija apart,” Tobirama admits, sounding a little guilty, but not apologetic, about his actions, “and normally I wouldn’t have come to see you.”
“Then why?”
“The peace talks are going to fall apart,” Tobirama states with a frown, making Madara raise an eyebrow in confusion. “The elders don’t trust Anija’s assessment of your character; they intend to sabotage the negotiations.”
Madara wants to feel surprised, but he just can’t. Unlike the Uchiha elders, who may not trust the Senju but trust his judgement without question, the Senju elders are stuck in their ways like their fathers had been. “What will they do?” Madara asks instead, figuring it must be bad for Tobirama to risk warning him. The two weren’t friends and given how badly he’d hurt Izuna, there was a good chance Madara would try to kill him on sight.
“They are going to propose the highest ranking, unmatched members of each clan be wed,” Tobirama states calmly, even as Madara can sense the irritation in his chakra.
“They expect me to reject you and thus end the peace talks permanently,” Madara says, getting a quiet hum of agreement. “Won’t they be surprised when I accept.”
“Why would you accept a marriage proposal?” Tobirama still isn’t sure how he feels about that smirk. “It goes against everything you Uchiha hold dear.”
“Only when it’s a loveless match.”
“What exactly does that mean?”
“Did you know Izuna has a betting pool going on with my clanmates?” Madara asks, completely changing the subject and making Tobirama raise an eyebrow. “They’re betting on when I finally invoke the ancient rites to make you my bride.”
“I’m sorry, what?” Tobirama asks incredulously and Madara can’t help but laugh.
“Old Uchiha practice to kidnap people with red eyes,” he admits with a shrug, “some believed red-eyed brides strengthened the bloodline. Regardless, people are still betting on when I act on it.”
“I’m still confused, because it sounds like you’re implying you like me.”
“You’re supposed to be a genius,” Madara states, “figure it out.”
“But…” Tobirama’s eyebrows furrow in further confusion, “why?”
Tobirama's admin, what are your thoughts on if Izuna did survive? Do you think Tobirama will feel something like comfort but guilt?
//Fleetingly.
Izuna’s death - or in this case injuries - are the results of war and the struggle to survive. Tobirama did what he had to as the Uchiha had been enemies of the Senju. Izuna would have done the same if the situation were reversed.
I would imagine it would still be partially held against him anyway.
