Madatouka, Bracelet
It was a relief when Tobirama had asked him to join him for tea. He knew it was an excuse to discreetly pass along the gift he had asked for help with. The gift he was aching to give. He was greatful when the younger man didn't draw things out, setting the small pouch down at the same time as the tea.
"Apologies for the wait, Madara. I wanted to test it properly before it was given."
A wave of affection washed over him and he smiled.
"Since you're giving it to me I suppose there's no need to worry."
He resisted the urge to open the pouch and look, instead reaching for his tea. Tobirama was smiling, pleased with his response and his show of trust. It was amazing how far they had come. Amazing the difference he could see now that he knew the man better. He slipped his tea, thinking of how this had all come about and feeling greatful beyond words.
"Thank you, for helping me with this. It means a lot to me."
He saw the pleased look the younger man always got when he was able to help someone. He used to think it was the Senju being smug but now...
Touka had a way of seeing her little cousin that seemed to rub off on him and what once was a smug, superior expression had turned into nothing more than a softly pleased look.
"It was no hardship. Touka is worth the effort."
That was the first thing they had ever agreed on. The common ground they had needed to form the first tentative stages of friendship. He was glad for it, and he was certain Tobirama was as well.
They passed their break in quiet companionship before going their separate ways.
***
When Touka returned from her mission all she wanted was to wash away the grime of the road and then to curl up with her lover.
The mission wasn't hard, but it was long. Protecting merchant caravans was always like that. Long and boring, going at a snail's pace. Keeping her from home, from family and friends and Madara whom she had grown to love so dearly.
She smiled as she slipped into his house, knowing he wouldn't mind if she helped herself to his furo and one of his yukata.
If she was lucky she could get a good soak in before he came home to find her. If she was really lucky, he would come home early and join her. She lost herself in those pleasant thoughts as she scrubbed herself clean and slipped into the furo. With a groan of relief she let the hot water relax her and ended up nearly falling asleep before eventually climbing out and wrapping herself in a soft dark purple yukata that Madara used for relaxing.
By the time he came home she was curled into the cushions in his living room, reading a book with tea set out and waiting. She hid a smirk behind the book as she looked up at him, pleased with the look in his eyes. Something between awed and possessive. It took him only a moment to find his voice.
"It suits you well. Perhaps you should keep it."
Lowering the book Touka smiled playfully. Before she could say anything he was kneeling before her lifting her hand and pressing a kiss to her palm.
"My heart, welcome home."
Shifting her hand to cup his jaw, she let the playful mood slip away and leaned forward for a soft kiss. They stayed close for a moment, resting their foreheads together and just breathing each other in.
"I'm home."
Madara hummed softly, pleased and content as he shifted to settle beside her on the cushions, lifting an arm so she could rest against his side. She did so instantly, happily leaching his warmth and feeling truly settled.
"I have a gift for you, if you would accept it."
Leaning up a bit to give him room to move she watched him pull a silk pouch from his sleeve. Her breath caught a bit as a simple silver band fell into his palm. He tilted it so the light hit just right and she could see the seals etched on the inside.
"You said you worried about running low on chakra during long missions. Tobirama tested this. It will store a bit of chakra each time you use it."
Her heartbeat picked up a bit and she held out her hand, shivering as Madara gently slid it in place. It fit perfectly and was slim enough to be able to cover with a simple wrap while on missions. Madara pressed a kiss just above where it rested on her wrist.
"Please, move in with me. I want you to always come home to me."
She had her things moved in by the end of the week.