Chapter 7
"This is such a beautiful obi. The pattern is so detailed."
Hashirama compliment Madara's obi, trying to divert the conversation and to make Madara more at ease.
"It match your sharingan eyes."
Hashirama added, as he wrap the obi around Madara's waist, carefully trying not to touch Madara at all.
Hashirama move and stand behind Madara to tie the obi, as Madara lift up his messy hair.
"As i expected, you choose a dark color yukata"
Hashirama smiles again.
"You look good in dark colors, i think."
Hashirama continued complimenting Madara.
"It brings out your eyes and skin."
Hashirama added, as he wait for Madara reaction.
"...Thanks."
Madara mumbles. In reality, he was trying so hard not to fumble. He didn't know what to do, jump off from the window? Smack Hashirama until he stop talking? Madara can't handle compliment. Especially it's from Hashirama and his stupidly endearing voice.
But eventually he try to calm down, eventhough his heart is beating so fast.
"...You look great too."
Madara said shortly. As he facepalm himself. What kind of compliment is that? At least take a look at Hashirama's yukata first before you talk, Madara!
Madara curse himself and close his eyes from frustration.
"Thanks Madara."
Hashirama smiles wide.
"Do you want me to help you with the hair? or.."
Hashirama stand next to Madara in front of the mirror.
He knew Madara is overstimulated now, and he tried not to poke into Madara too much.
Madara glance at the clock, he was contemplating of just going without combing his hair. He know his hair is too thick and takes a long time to handle.
Hashirama smiles softly and speaks.
"How about we take our time and fix your hair?"
Hashirama looks around, he then bring two stools and put it in front of the mirror.
Madara just glance at Hashirama, following his movement. He is hesitant, does he sit down and let Hashirama do his hair? or does he need to man up and told Hashirama that he doesn't need his help, and brush his hair as much as he can, then left?
Hashirama wait for Madara to sit down, but then he start to doubt if what he is doing is right.
"Or you can brush your hair, and i'll wait outside?"
Hashirama asked again while smiling, he was afraid of making Madara explode again.
Madara look at Hashirama, truthfully he looks exhausted in Hashirama's eyes, and could need some help.
"I don't want to trouble you."
Madara eventually sit down and brush his own hair, while yanking his hair here and there.
Hashirama chuckle softly and sit down next to him.
"You're not troubling me, Madara. You helped me several times when you pluck the flowers on my head too, right? I think it's only fair if i help you fix your hair now."
Hashirama smiles and glance at Madara once again.
"...fine."
Madara give the brush to Hashirama. Their fingers accidently touching, Madara immediately retract his hand and look away.
Hashirama was also startled when he accidently touch Madara's hand. It seems like Madara is very sensitive now. Which is fine, but Hashirama was worried. Did something happen to Madara?
"Madara,.."
Hashirama called Madara quietly. He was conflicted whether he need to ask Madara about him being sensitive to being touched.
"What?"
Madara answer coldly. He didn't know why he is such a mess when Hashirama is near him. He didn't mean to be rude to Hashirama, especially when the guy is helping brushing his hair.
Hashirama gulps, he was scared of asking, but he did anyway.
"Did something happen? You're reacting everytime i accidently touch you."
Hashirama says gently as he start to untangle Madara's hair.
"No, nothing happened."
Madara grunts and shrug his shoulder. Truthfully, he was just scared. Hashirama's touch makes him feel things. Warm and fuzzy feeling, sometimes knot inside his stomach.
"You know you can talk to me, Madara. I will never judge you, nor tell about it to anyone else. Even Tobirama."
Hashirama says gently again, not daring to force Madara. He just want the Uchiha to know that he got his back.
"Well thank you, Hashirama. But really, I'm fine. I'm just grumpy, that's all."
Madara sigh and glance at himself in the mirror, hair being touched and brushed by Hashirama.
"Alright then. Or if i accidently hurt you or touch you inappropriately, i apologize. I never want to do such things, nor make you feel uncomfortable."
Hashirama added again, realizing maybe Madara avoiding his touch because of Hashirama's behaviour.
Madara raise his eyebrows. Seems like the senju get the wrong idea.
"You're fine."
Madara says coldly. Again, he curse himself for being so cold towards Hashirama.
"...I appreciate your concern. But i'm fine. Don't waste your time worrying about me."
Madara grunts and huff, trying to calm down but somehow he become even more grumpy.
Hashirama smiles softly and continue brushing Madara's hair.
"Glad to know that, Madara."
Hashirama looks at Madara's hair, he is only halfway done.
"Also, this might take a while because you're blessed with thick and lucious long hair."
Hashirama chuckle.
"Do you want me to keep talking to keep you entertained? Or do you want your tranquility?"
Hashirama glance at Madara's eyes through the mirror.
"I don't mind listening to you. But i might not be as chatty as usual."
Madara mumbles as he look at Hashirama through the mirror too.
Hashirama nods. He peek outside of Madara room the balcony. There was a small garden, with koi pond and a small waterfountain build with bamboo.
"Can i step out for a bit? i'll be quick."
Hashirama let go of Madara hair and he quickly gets out to the balcony and get down to the ground.
Madara ponders what Hashirama was doing, but he let the idiot do whatever he wanted.
Hashirama returned after few minutes, he smiles and continue combing Madara's hair.
"I turn on the water fountain, the bamboo one. Now it's not so quiet, right?"
Hashirama smiles as he part Madara's hair into section and continue brushing it gently.
"...Hm. You're right."
Madara nods. Both of them were quiet, no one said anything. The only thing could be heard was that bamboo water fountain, and some frog croaking.