Chapter Text
To say Konoha was beautiful, would be an understatement. The village hidden in the leaves was home to a bustling community, overlooked from the north by a grandiose monument. The village hosted sparkling ponds, and vast forests filled with wildlife— at least…they used to be vast and full of life, until Madara Uchiha ventured on a month long mission.
In the clan-leader’s absence, his little brother, 18 year old Izuna, was left to his own devices, and had been the catalyst of two raging forest fires. He was hot-tempered and some would say downright rude, refusing to take responsibility for his devastating mistakes.
As a jōnin burst into the Hokage’s office for the third time in two weeks to report smoke and panicked villagers, Hashirama massaged his temples. At this point, the amiable man wasn’t sure how to approach his friend’s brother, having tried to speak to him reasonably about his lack of chakra control…and self-control in general.
He glanced over to his quiet, reflective brother, who sat like a statue in the corner of the room, his silver head moving slighty as he gazed out the window at the distantly burning woods.
“I hate to ask it of you, but could you please take care of the fire again, Tobirama? I’ll talk to Uchiha Izuna again, or better yet. . .maybe you should since my words are seemingly meaningless.”
Tobirama scoffed softly. His eyes had been transfixed in the distance of the forested areas since the first sign of a smoke trail had made itself visible.
He, or anyone else for that matter, was not at all surprised by the turn of events. Izuna was feral and hot headed, even more so when his brother was absent. Whenever Madara was away for business, Izuna would take such an opportunity to play the fool, a feat of which he could only succeed in when his older brother was not around to observe his every move.
Tobirama didn’t mind the chaos as much as his Anija, given it a much bigger headache for the Hokage rather than his simple advisor. But from the moment he’d been roped into the situation, given that his water jutsu was quite the handy tool in dousing the insane infernos the young Uchiha set off, he’d been more than a little ticked off.
He sighed and pushed away from his desk, giving Hashirama an unimpressed look, “Fine, but that idiot of a shinobi is beyond help. I say the next time Madara goes out of town, we lock him up for both the safety of the village, and for the sanity of our minds.” The younger Senju spat as he made his way out of the office.
Hashirama gave a nod of thanks. He knew that Tobirama didn’t have an overall love for the Uchiha clan to begin with, and he was thankful his brother hadn’t tried to drown Izuna yet. He wasn’t sure how Madara seemed to keep the young man in check so well, but each time he left, the entire village anxiously awaited his return.
-
Izuna stood, his hands on his hips, looking over his work. His inferno danced in his charcoal eyes. The popping and crackling of an open flame charring and eating at wood and leaves brought comfort to the young pyromaniac. He’d loved to set large fires from the very first time that his brother had helped him learn the fireball jutsu, when he was but a small child.
Since then, his affinity for the element had only become wilder and more dangerous, especially when his emotions were fragile, as they were this day. In an unexplained fit of frustration, he’d set nearly a mile stretch of wooded area ablaze. The sudden, intrusive thought of what Madara would do to him if he were there made his face burn, even more than the heat of his masterpiece.
The sudden approach of a familiar Senju pulled the boy from his thoughts.
Tobirama didn’t bother to suppress his chakra when he approached, it wasn’t like he planned to sneak up on the Uchiha.
“Ah. I see your brother sent you again. Good afternoon, Senju-san.”
Unlike the other members of the Uchiha, Madara excluded, Izuna wasn’t easily spooked by him. Intimidation and threats were a dead end and fruitless venture when it already seemed like the person of interest had a death wish for himself, and an even more concerning wanton desire for fiery destruction.
“Hmph, who else would he send? In case you hadn’t realized, with Madara gone, there’s no one else left to clean up your disastrous messes. How lucky of me to be blessed with such tasks.” He grunted in a sarcastic tone.
With a flick of his wrist, he was able to cast forth enough water to out the hungry flames that had consumed majority of the forested area there. In the wake of it all, burnt tree limbs and singed grass plains, leaving ugly unwanted blemishes everywhere that irritated the Senju. He’d honestly had enough of the flamboyant Uchiha, especially when it meant having to run behind him everyday to keep his chaotic plots in check. “Anija would like to have a word with you, I suggest you comply or it won’t be very pleasant for you.”
Izuna was unmoving, facing the silver-haired advisor for several moments and thinking about what he should say or do. The 18-year-old was a brave boy, or stupid, depending on who you asked, but he wasn’t quite courageous enough to deny the Hokage his presence if it was requested. As for Tobirama’s attempt at a threat, Izuna wasn’t worried. As long as Madara was gone, he had nothing to worry about.
“Hashirama-sama spoke with me only the other day, but if he enjoys my company that much, I guess I have a few minutes to spare.” Izuna said, heading off in the direction of the Hokage Residence.
The Senju rolled his eyes at the Uchiha’s tone, but simply followed behind him, ensuring the boy got there and hadn’t tried to take any detours on the way.
-
Hashirama received his brother and Izuna in his office, and the young Uchiha noted the man’s tired eyes and exasperated expression.
As they stepped through into Hashirama’s office, Tobirama stood a bit ways from Izuna and watched as the exchange unfolded.
“Uchiha Izuna. This is the third time I’ve had you in this office over the same incident. As much as I hate to say it, you’re becoming a thorn in my side.” Hashirama said. “Why is it that this behavior only rears its head when Madara is gone?”
Izuna shrugged. He didn’t have to explain himself to Hashirama, or anyone for that matter.
“I was just bettering my skills. Things got a little out of control. My apologies, Lord First.”
Hashirama was no fool, he knew when he was being dismissed. He pinched the bridge of his nose and exhaled, his gaze darting to the crimson eyes of his brother and pleading for back-up.
Tobirama was quiet, though his face stern and conveyed how exasperated he was over the entire situation. His irritation had steadily been growing since he’d been sent to fetch Izuna. It bubbled and boiled low and was filling beneath the surface, and it was only a matter of time before the Senju’s proverbial camel’s back broke.
He stood behind Izuna as both regarded his brother. As his eyes connected with Hashirama’s, he could tell the other was at a complete loss on how to handle the tiresome ordeal.
He could understand his Anija’s developing stress from it was his own now as well. He sighed in turn, “May I escort Izuna back home? Make sure he doesn’t get into any more troublesome happenings about the village?” Tobirama offered tiredly.
Hashirama considered for a moment, but ultimately agreed. “Yes, thank you, Tobirama. I appreciate your offer, and know you’ll make sure Izuna gets home without anymore mishaps.”
Tobirama nodded and bowed out with Izuna in tow.
Izuna was offended, but tried not to let it show. After all, he was 18 years old now; far too old to need a chaperone to walk home with. Nonetheless, he fell into step next to the Senju and soon they were arriving at the Uchiha compound.
“Thanks for walking me home, Senju-san. I think I’ve got it now. I doubt I’ll get lost between here and my front door.” He grumbled, gesturing toward the stone house that he and Madara shared.
The entire walk there was silent, and even though he had successfully brought the loud mouthed Uchiha home, Tobirama lingered despite Izuna trying to shoo him.
He glanced about. The great thing about their residence was, with being clan leader and second in command, Madara and Izuna were allowed the luxury of privacy, having their home a good ways from the other parts of the compound. Tobirama would use such privilege to his advantage.
With no one in sight, instead of turning heel and leaving, he grabbed hold of Izuna by the neck and forcefully pushed him backwards, until he had him up the porch steps and crowded up against the wall of his home.
Space was now very scare between them as Tobirama got in his face, both of them now sharing the same air, as piercing crimson eyes stared him down, a burning rage in them that would rival all the forest fires that Izuna had ignited over the weeks.
Izuna went straight into fight mode, his sharingan activating as his back thumped against the wall and he gave a small grunt. The teenager was completely caught off guard, not having expected to be manhandled. He shared a crimson gaze with the Senju.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” He gritted out. “You’re making a big mistake. Get your hands off me before you lose them.”
The young Uchiha was immediately grateful for the tucked-away home where he lived, beyond the eyes of his nosy clan-members who would have most likely loved to see the bratty, young man being put in his place, either by Madara or anyone else who dared.
“How about you quit running your little mouth?” He leaned closer, not at all intimidated by the red glare. He was tired. Frustrated over the chaos Izuna caused day in and day out and more importantly, the way he strutted around like he was the one calling the shots.
“I suggest you undo the wards on the door so we can go in, unless you don’t mind the idea of someone walking by and seeing you submit to me of all people.” He grit his teeth.
Izuna tried his best not to show his intimidation. Having the normally calm and listless Senju take control of him like this was embarrassing and frustrating. He quickly undid the wards and allowed them both entry into his home, eager to escape the public and the possibility of an audience.
Izuna’s mind raced. Submit to him? What could that possibly mean? The teenager was beginning to regret his carelessness, though only because he found this whole situation humiliating. He didn’t dare lash out physically at Tobirama, though he could have. After all, he was the advisor and brother to the Hokage.
“It’s uncouth to invite yourself into someone else’s home.” He muttered, once they had closed the door.
“You’ve forfeit every right to decide what’s deemed appropriate or not, considering today’s catastrophe. You should be grateful Anija is so merciful and lenient with you, honestly I believe he only does it because your Madara’s brother. I know if it was up to me, you wouldn’t be so fortunate, I’d make you sorry for your transgressions.” He threatened as he backed the Uchiha up upon entrance of his home.
He surveyed the area before him, it was the first time he’d ever step foot in their abode despite the many times Hashirama had attempted to drag him here. He sighed.
“Honestly, I don’t understand why you’re like this,” he turned to regard Izuna again. “Short tempered, loud mouthed, and an overall nuisance at the moment, however once Madara returns you’re as quiet and mindful as a simple sheep. Hm, maybe I should take a page out of his book in order to get you to act accordingly.” He quirked an eyebrow.
Izuna listened wordlessly to Tobirama’s fierce scolding, taking in the man’s words, though they didn’t really change his outlook.
Honestly, Izuna was nearly tuning the Senju out until the mention of Madara’s name caught his attention. His face colored pink and he glanced away for a moment before glaring at Tobirama.
“Take a page out of his book? I don’t know what you’re insinuating, Tobirama-San, but you’re out of line. Madara-niisan has no voice when it comes to my behavior; I’m not some child.” Izuna defended hotly, his temper rising.
Tobirama noticed the obvious shift in demeanor and mannerism from the other, “Oh? Is that correct? I was under the impression that Madara was the boss of you, given how you act around him. I must have misinterpreted?” He smirked widely, briefly breaking eye contact to look around again.
“So? Are you not going to offer me to stay for afternoon tea?” Normally he wouldn’t even considered such pointless pleasantries but he couldn’t deny his burning want to annoy the young Uchiha and even take advantage of a practice of common courtesy upon having guests in one’s home. Besides, he couldn’t skip over the evident fact that Izuna wasn’t hard on the eyes either.
Izuna burned with ire. He was a grown man, and nobody was the “boss of him”. Though, something about seeing cool, collected Tobirama become angry and demanding made the smallest bit of fear stir within him.
He wanted the man to leave, but he also didn’t, and he couldn’t explain why. Perhaps it was because he could hardly take his eyes off the Senju; his chiseled jawline, his strong physique that made Izuna’s figure look small and lithe in comparison.
“Since you barged your way into my home uninvited, I see no reason to invite you to stay. If you want to, you will.” Izuna sighed with annoyance. “Sit. I’ll make the tea.”
Tobirama’s gaze held mirth, “Well, I guess I shall stay a while. Do you know how to make tea?” He questioned. It was all in an attempt to tease and taunt the Uchiha. It wasn’t the first time he’d made quips regarding Izuna’s life skills, always teasing that he was more of a prize to look at and sit pretty, not that he was admitting attraction to the other—of course not!—rather than a person of substance, a tad bit more insulting than he would have wanted to let fall, but he had to keep up the facade against his rival. How would it look if he was suddenly sweet as sugar towards him? Everyone would think he’d gone mad.
He got himself comfortable, slowly seating himself at the table, legs crossed where he sat on the cushion, glancing in the direction Izuna went, unable to help his gaze from falling lower, tracking the tempting curve of the punk’s ass.
Izuna could practically feel Tobirama’s eyes on him. He did his best to ignore him, and tried not to take the bait when he made rude comments, busying himself with making the tea. Soon, he returned with two steaming cups and placed one in front of Tobirama.
“I’ve been able to make tea since I was 5. See if it’s to your liking, and if it isn’t don’t bother telling me.” Izuna grumbled. “After all, your brother sent you to escort me home, not bombard me with unwanted company. Perhaps I’ll have to talk with your brother about your poor manners.” He threatened.
Tobirama sat quietly and allowed the Uchiha to place the cups. He took his own gently into his palms, “Thank you.” He slowly sipped the steaming liquid after a few tentative blows beforehand to cool it. He didn’t state any particular love or hate towards the tea blend but the fact that he continued to consume it was answer enough on Izuna’s tea skills.
After taking in the words spoken towards him, the Senju swallowed half of his tea by then, smirking around the rim of the cup before placing it onto the table to speak. “Hmph, unlike your situation, Anija doesn’t have any say or protests against my behavior. If anything, it’s the other way around, but if you feel so inclined to, by all means, tattle on me.” He smiled softly before taking up his cup again.
“Hmm. I find that unlikely. In fact, according to Madara, Hashirama puts you in your place on a regular basis.” Izuna said casually, lifting his cup to his lips.
Tobirama’s eye twitched in irritation, his grip on his now empty cup was tight enough that he white-knuckled. He finally scoffed, “Nothing I can’t handle.”
Though they weren’t being particularly amiable toward each other, Izuna was somewhat enjoying the Senju’s company at this point. He drained his cup and then collected Tobirama’s cup as well.
“Ah. Well. As much as it saddens me, it looks as though our afternoon tea party is over. I’m sure you know the way out. I’ll see you soon. Probably tomorrow, if you’re still up for fighting fires.” Izuna smirked. When Tobirama didn’t show any amusement, the young Uchiha sighed. “Only joking, Tobirama-san. It’s okay to have fun sometimes.”
He allowed his cup to be taken, though he hadn’t stood to leave once dismissed by the shorter Uchiha. In the wake of Izuna’s carelessness and complete disregard for the lesson he should have learned, Tobirama frowned and finally stood, closing the large space between him and where Izuna had gone off to attend the cups to wash.
Even when made aware that it was merely a joke, it didn’t stop him from crowding the Uchiha in the kitchen, pushing him and boxing him into the counter as he leered down at him. Izuna’s lower back bumped against the countertop as he was uncomfortably crowded.
“Your and my definition of fun are two completely different things it seems. Jokes aside, I highly suggest you keep your flames of destruction to yourself this time.” They were close, dare to even say intimate in a way, how they shared the air, and Tobirama even chanced a lower look again, eyes catching the small dust of dirt against the corner of the Uchiha’s lips, no doubt some soot and smudge from all the fireballs he’d spat earlier.
Tobirama’s warning sent a chill down his spine, but he told himself the man was bluffing. Tobirama couldn’t really do anything to him.
The 18 year old caught the crimson gaze that flicked downward to look at his lips, the air between them was electric with intensity. He brought his hand up absentmindedly and brushed away the bit of soot from the corner of his mouth, staring into the Senju’s eyes.
“I’m not hard of hearing; so there’s no reason to get so close to speak.” Izuna said, desperately trying to break the tension. “Unless you were looking for a kiss?” He teased, hoping the man would recoil and pout as he did when they were children.
Tobirama leaned down more but not in an indication that he was taking what was being offered, even in a taunting manner. His hand pushed against Izuna’s chest, grabbing a fistful of the fabric and pulling the Uchiha even closer, laying on a heavy set, angered glare. “Like I’d ever waste my time with you, you wouldn’t even be able to take me, Uchiha.”
Izuna felt goosebumps prickle across his skin as he was roughly pulled forward. He wanted to say something in response, or tell the Senju that he didn’t intimidate him; but the boy couldn’t form a thought, much less a sentence.
Tobirama let him go with a shove, and extracted himself from the other.
His heart thumped excitedly. Maybe there had been some level of effect that Izuna’s words had on him, but he’d be damned to allow it to show.
“I’m leaving. Mind yourself, or next time I’m throwing you in the jail to rot away until Madara returns, lest you step out of line.” He let the threat linger in the air as he turned to exit.
He watched as Tobirama turned and disappeared through his door, leaving him in silence. The rest of Izuna’s evening was spent thinking of the Senju with equal annoyance and infatuation.