by: gamorasquill

Madara fought back an onslaught of tears as he looked over his younger brother, lying in his bed and still fighting the effects of the poison. Though he was no longer coughing up blood spasmodically he would writhe and groan in agony. The Uchiha King had never felt so much pain in his entire life. To be completely powerless as he watched his last remaining relative suffer the tortures of the damned...it made his very soul ache. 

 He felt a hand gently grip his shoulder and he resisted the urge to groan his annoyance. "Your Majesty please--" 

 "I've said it once and I will say it again Sakumo!" Madara angrily snapped, turning to cast a dangerous glare at the nobleman. "I will not leave his side!" 

 "Your Majesty please...you need to rest." Tsume quickly added, her eyes and tone filled with worry. "There is nothing more you can do for the Prince." 

 "I do not care! He needs me..." The monarch brokenly retorted, turning back to face his brother. His tears were on the brink of escaping now more than ever and he stubbornly blinked them back. "I will not leave him here to suffer alone." 

 Tsume and Sakumo shared a look but knew it was useless to argue any further. Their King was glued to his brother's side. Defeated and worn of trying to persuade the monarch from leaving, the two nobles retreated back to their seats. If they could not convince their leader to leave then they had no choice but to stay. After the poisoning of the Prince, their only heir to the Uchiha throne, Madara could not be left alone. Not with treacherous Senju snakes lurking around every corner. 

 With a soft breath Tsume reached over and took Sakumo's hand, getting his attention. He turned to her, his dark eyes filled with curiosity and confusion. 

 "What is it?" He asked softly. 

 "I fear our dear Izuna may not pull through." She murmured, careful not to let their King overhear her words. Her dark eyes moved to the grieving monarch before returning to the nobleman's face. "I have never seen any poison like this before."

 "We cannot afford to be pessimistic now Tsume." He gently scolded, turning to gaze at the sickly Prince. His skin was a horrid palish green and glistened with sweat. His face was twisted in agony, even as he slept. Blood was beginning to seep through his lips but the King quickly wiped it away. 

 He had known both the King and the Prince since they were children. He had been there guard when they were young. The man remembered when they would tug onto his clothes and climb onto him like little monkeys swinging from tree branches. How they grew into bickering but loving teens who would spar with him and horse ride with him. Their little smiles, frivolous laughter and big eyes were engraved into his mind...he couldn't imagine life without them. He loved them with a strength that was far beyond simple loyalty. 

 "Our King needs us now more than ever." He continued, turning back to Tsume. "Let us see how the gods work before we make assumptions. Perhaps the dosage of poison was not enough to prove fatal and he will pull through. Maybe there's an antido--" 

 Sakumo's sentence was cut off by the doors loudly swinging open. Both nobles leapt to their feet as Senju guards suddenly rushed in, their King quickly following behind them with an unfamiliar man dressed in common clothing. Tsume began to rush over to her King but was halted when he raised his hand to her. 

 "How dare you just...barge in here! After all that you have done!" The Uchiha monarch harshly snapped as he rose to his feet. "Get out!" 

 Hashirama raised his hands in surrender. "I only wish to see how your brother fares." 

 "Why?! Why do you care what happens to my brother?!" Madara demanded furiously. "Is this not what you and your people want!? To see me and my people destroyed!? I should have known all along that something like this would happen...my brother warned me that you and your people were no good but I didn't want to believe him. I wanted to believe that we could have peace but I was wrong and now my brother--!" 

 "Madara!" Hashirama exclaimed, grabbing the other by the arms. "Please, I beseech you, listen to me. I was not responsible for the poisoning of your brother. I swear it." 

 Dark eyes hardened and the Uchiha shoved his way out of the other's arms. "I do not believe you." He growled coldly. 

 "Then that is your choice but I am only here to help. This man is a doctor." Hashirama explained, motioning to the common man behind him. "He can help your brother, save him even." 

 "No!" 

 "If your brother does not see a doctor then he will die." Hashirama nearly pleaded. "The poison is acting quickly...he still bleeds does he not?!" 

 Madara angrily turned his onyx gaze to the ground. His fists balled at his sides and he moved back to his brother's side. He sat on the edge of the bed and watched as his brother struggled in agony just to take a breath. It ripped at his heart and left a pain inside of him that even he could not fathom. 

 Hashirama slowly approached the two, not wanting to provoke the Uchiha. His hands gently gripped the foreign monarch's shoulder. "I know you do not want to lose your brother. That is the last thing you want isn't it? Please...let me prove my innocence. Let me help you save him." 

 "If he dies...I will tear you apart with my bare hands! And that is no threat My King. That is a promise, I can assure you." Madara snapped, once again shoving the other away and stepping aside. "Very well...bring your doctor." 

 With an almost relieved smile the Senju monarch quickly waved the man over. He stepped aside quickly to give the man the space he needed to work. He attempted to guide the other monarch aside but as soon as his hands touched Madara, the Uchiha King harshly smacked his hands away. 

 The Uchiha returned to his subjects who welcomed him with open arms. Sakumo enveloped him in his arms and soothingly stroked his arms while Tsume ran her fingers through his long hair. Hashirama watched the spectacle with a light smile before turning back to the doctor. He was looking over the sickly Prince with focused eyes before unstrapping his pouch and quickly perusing through its contents. The Senju King could only hope that there was something to be done about the Prince's illness.

 ............... 

 Tobirama angrily stalked through the kitchen which was lined up with each of the servants and cooks. After the Uchiha Prince's poisoning the kitchen had been locked down and all of the staff rounded up. One of them had to be responsible...and he would find out who. 

 "I'll ask again." He announced, red eyes lowered with harsh cruelty. "Which one of you delivered the Prince's wine?" 

 He would have paid attention earlier at supper, should have paid heavy attention what with foreign enemies being present but he didn't feel the need too. Madara and his entourage's presence in their Kingdom was supposed to be kept a secret from his people but he should have known someone would find out. The nobles had spies stalking the shadows in every corner. Of course someone not very pleased with the Uchiha's presence found out and wanted them dead. Now, the foreign Prince laid dying and the plans for peace were in jeopardy. 

 Tobirama however never bothered with the help. They were trained to be invisible in the presence of royalty and that was exactly how he treated them. However his apathy towards them this time proved to be a nearly fatal mistake. Now his brother's plans for peace were at risk and while he may not agree with said plans...it was still his duty to see the King's wishes fulfilled in any way possible. 

 His fist slammed onto the wooden table beside him, making every person in the room jump in surprise. "I'll not ask a third time. If you force my hand...I will begin removing body parts and I assure you that they will be things you will miss." 

 "P..please Your Highness." A young girl with chocolate brown hair and eyes pleaded with a soft, shaky and broken voice. "I..I beg of you--" 

 "Your pathetic pleas mean nothing! There has been an attempt on a King's life tonight and now a Prince lies sick and dying. All of you were aware of said King's presence and knew of the harsh relations between our kingdoms. That's incentive enough for one of you to want the Uchihas dead...or fulfill the orders of one of the nobles who wanted the Uchiha's dead. One of you is the culprit behind this poisoning and will be punished accordingly but if no one will confess...then all of you will suffer." 

 The Prince unsheathed his sword and it glistened brightly in the moon's glow. "Now...would anyone like to confess before I begin my work?" There was an almost optimistic tint in his voice but it was gone the moment no one answered. "Very well then." 

 Tobirama harshly snatched a young kitchen boy by the neck and slammed him upon the table. He squirmed and screamed in absolute terror, his wide eyes focused on the sparkling blade looming above him. 

 "N..no, Your Highness please!" He cried, fresh tears staining his cheeks. "I beg of you please!" 

 His cries fell on deaf ears as Tobirama waved over a guard. "Hold him down." He demanded as he tugged up the boys sleeve. "One finger should do quite nicely." 

 A gut wrenching scream filled with agony pierced the air as the Prince swiftly severed the boy's pointer finger. Blood leapt onto the table and stained the Senju Prince's face and hands with crimson. Stunned and disgusted cries flew into the air as the others watched on in complete terror. Tobirama held up the disembodied finger before apathetically tossing it over his shoulder. A maiden shrieked in pure disbelief as it landed beside her feet and scrambled back. 

 With a sigh, the Prince wiped his cheek of blood before turning to the other servants watching in terror behind him. "Now who would like to go next?"

................... 

 Hashirama watched Madara with an almost longing gaze. The other monarch had not spared him a single glance or word since his doctor had examined Izuna. Luckily, the dosage of the poison was not large enough to be fatal and there was even an antidote which had already been administered. The doctor informed them that even with the remedy the Prince would still be weak and in a bit of pain for a few more days but should recover quickly. 

 Upon the doctor's departure, the Uchiha monarch rushed back to his brother's side. He gently comforted his younger brother as he laid asleep in bed, wiping his sweat sheeted brow and whispering words of comfort. His two court members were also at the Prince's side. Both looked immensely relieved at the news that their Prince would recover. The feral looking woman laid on the opposite side of Izuna, running her fingers through his hair while the white haired nobleman knelt beside his King. He had his arms around his monarch's torso, holding him close as he comforted his brother. 

 Hashirama watched the spectacle silently, amazed at the amount of love they all seemed to hold for each other. It nearly made him envious. He couldn't even get his younger brother to give him a hug, Mito was much too concerned with appearances to even hold his hand and he would honestly rather die than touch Danzo. 

 The King's thoughts were interrupted as the door was thrown open. He leapt to his feet as his brother stormed inside, his clothes stained with blood. Two guards filed in after him, holding a young and frightened servant who's face was stained with tears. 

 Near panic, the Senju King approached Tobirama and worriedly looked him over. "B..brother!? What happened--" 

 "Calm down." The white haired Prince replied, slapping away his older brother's hands. "This blood is not mine. In fact, I'm not quite sure who's blood stains my clothing now since this blood belongs to more than a few people." 

 Hashirama's mouth fell open and his eyes grew wide. He looked the young boy held captive by his guards before moving back to his brother. "Tobirama...what have you done?" 

 "I merely interrogated the servants and the cooks." He stated simply with a shrug. "One of them had to have delivered the poison and I've discovered who it was." He motioned to the boy behind him with a harsh glare. 

 The Senju monarch moved over to look at the young man. He had medium length silver hair and black eyes covered with a pair of circular glasses. His face was slightly bruised and more tears still leaked from his eyes. He clutched his right hand close to his chest and it was then that Hashirama discovered the boy was bleeding. 

 "What did you do to him?" The King inquired, turning to his younger sibling. 

 "Nothing he didn't deserve. Many more innocents suffered because he refused to come forward and confess. He only chose to admit the truth when I moved to question him probably thinking it would spare him some pain." 

 "But...what did you do to him?""I simply cut off a finger...or two." 

 "Tobirama!" 

 "The boy deserved it." Madara suddenly stated, rising from his spot next to Izuna and approaching the two royals. His harsh onyx eyes settled on the silver haired boy before he harshly slapped him across the face, sending him crashing to the ground. He gave the boy no time to recover, kicking him roughly in the gut before yanking him back to his feet. "I should cut you down where you stand you pathetic and insolent worm!" 

 He shoved the boy away before glaring at Hashirama, crossing his arms expectantly. "Surely, he cannot be the mastermind behind this plot." 

 "My thoughts exactly." Tobirama added. "He's much too soft to be a schemer...he had to have been ordered by someone to poison Prince Izuna. The question is, by whom?" 

 "I have a feeling that we already know who ordered him to do this." Hashirama murmured, his eyes lowering and hardening. "There is only one person who knew of the Uchiha's arrival and was not incredibly pleased." 

 "Impossible." Tobirama quickly replied. "Danzo isn't even here. You sent him away to prevent something like this from happening." 

 "Just because he is not here does not mean he has no influence. Danzo has spies just like every other noble in this kingdom." Hashirama looked to the silver haired boy. He seemed to have visibly paled just at the mere mention of Danzo's name. With a frown the King turned towards his guards. "Take him to the dungeons and be sure to keep him heavily guarded. I do not want anyone trying to aid him in escaping. We will keep him there until Lord Danzo returns and be sure to keep Prince Izuna well protected also. I don't want any more attempts on any of the Uchiha's lives, go now." 

 The two men bowed in respect before harshly escorting the boy out of the room. Hashirama watched them go with a deep frown. He wanted to lash out and break something but there was nothing within his reach. Besides anger would get him nowhere though he should have taken more cautious steps to prevent Danzo's schemes from coming to fruition. Izuna wasn't going to die thank the gods but had he been more careful... 

 "This is not your fault brother." Tobirama chimed, seeming to read his brother's mind. "Do not blame yourself. We all know Danzo to be quite a treacherous man. We all should have been more careful and attentive." 

 "Who is this man you speak of?" Madara inquired, brow furrowing in confusion and curiosity. 

 "Lord Danzo. He was apart of my father's court. He's old, bitter and holds nothing but contempt for both you and your people." Hashirama explained. "He would rather die than see our people at peace and that is why I sent him away when you announced you'd be traveling here. It would seem that is not enough to keep him from scheming however." 

 "Why poison my brother?" The Uchiha monarch demanded. "Why not poison me instead?" 

 "The poison was probably meant for you." Tobirama answered. "It could have been given to Izuna by mistake...the servants are not familiar with your people or your royalty. They have no idea who you are or what you look like." 

 "Not to mention you share a remarkable resemblance to your brother." Hashirama added, looking towards Prince Izuna. "There's really no way for anyone who has never seen the two of you before to be able to tell you apart." 

 Well, that certainly did nothing to improve Madara's mood, if anything it made him feel worse than he did before. Frowning deeply, he turned away from the two Senju and moved back towards the bed. It should be him laying sick and near death not his little brother. He had had the same thought before earlier on that evening but now he knew it to be true. The target was meant to be him...and he deserved it too. After all, this was all his doing. He was the reason they came to the Senju kingdom and Izuna was the one who practically begged him not to come but he refused to listen and now... 

 "Your Majesty, I think it is time we retire to our rooms. You need rest." Tsume softly spoke, looking up at her King. 

 Madara frowned at her and rubbed at his temples. "I will not leave my brother." He stated for perhaps the hundredth time that night. 

 "Your Majesty--" 

 "Your Lady is right. You do need your rest." Hashirama intercepted, approaching Madara and taking his hands. He was surprised to find that the other monarch didn't slap or shove him away. "I will have my personal guard stay here and watch over your brother." 

 "And what makes you think I will put my trust in your men?!" The Uchiha snapped, glaring into his eyes. 

 Hashirama simply tucked a stray strand of hair behind his ear, smiling when his cheeks tinted pink at the gesture. "They are loyal to no one but me and are under oath. They will not harm your brother, I swear it. In fact, they won't even know who he is. I will tell them that he is a noble in my court that is under fear of assassination." 

 Madara lowered his eyes but nodded softly. He opened his mouth to speak but Hashirama spoke before he could even utter a sound. 

 "I know...if any harm comes to your brother, you will tear me apart with your bare hands." He repeated almost teasingly with a small smile. 

 ....................... 

 "Sakumo?" 

 The white haired man looked over at Tsume, who sat on her bed. Her wild hair was pulled back into a tight braid and she had exchanged her gown for a simple white nightdress. All traces of cosmetics had been wiped from her face and she looked sullen and worn but strangely intrigued as well. 

 "What is it Tsume?" 

 "Do you think...it's possible for the two Kings to fall in love?"

 Sakumo frowned at the sudden question. Why the curiosity about such a thing? It was a strange question to ask and he wasn't quite sure himself about the answer. "I..I suppose it is. Love is an unpredictable thing. Why do you ask?" 

 "It's just...the way King Hashirama looks at our King Madara. The way he speaks to him, reassures him and even touches him. He's so tender and caring towards him, it's almost as if...as if he wants to fall in love with him and even wants Madara to love him in return." 

 "Well, if they are to be married he probably does not want their union to be simply out of obligation. Perhaps he does want to love our King and who could blame him? A loveless marriage has to be a painful and dreary one." 

 "Hm...do you think King Madara will come to love him in return?" 

 "Perhaps. Only time will tell..." 

 ...................... 

 Madara laid awake in bed, unable to get any rest. Hashirama laid beside him, surprisingly already fast asleep which the Uchiha was somewhat thankful for. The man had been painfully awkward as they prepared for bed, stealing shy glances at him and being hesitant in even entering the bed with him. 

 The Uchiha monarch tossed and turned until he finally ended up on his side, facing the other King. He blushed as he awkwardly watched the other sleep. Hashirama looked...much more stern when he was asleep, which came as a bit of a shock. Madara had begun to wonder if the King was even capable of looking stern at all. Although he had only known the man for a day, a smile was always tugging at his lips and he always seemed so bright. 

 "Are you still awake?" 

 Madara nearly leapt out of his skin when the other spoke, bolting upright with a gasp. His onyx eyes widened in surprise and he gripping the front of his robes. He watched as Hashirama followed after him with an embarrassed smile, awkwardly rubbing the back of his head. 

 "I apologize. I didn't mean to startle you." 

 "I thought you were asleep." 

 "As much as I would like to be, I can't seem to get to sleep." The other monarch explained with a shrug. "I suppose I'm just not used to having someone in the bed beside me. It's actually quite a rather strange feeling." 

 Madara raised a brow at him. "I could leave if you'd like." 

 "N..no!" The other shouted a bit louder than he intended. "No." He tried again, his voice softer. "I meant no offense to you I've just...never had another person in my bed before." 

 "Hm...well, neither have I but I don't think that's the reason for my insomnia." Madara replied, lying down once again. 

 "You're still worried about your brother." Hashirama guessed, following after him. 

 The Uchiha sighed but nodded, not meeting the other's gaze. "Yes...I am." 

 "The doctor said he would recover soon with much bed rest and water. No one except myself will be able to enter that room since he's guarded like a fortified fortress I assure you Madara, no one is going to hurt him." 

 Madara nodded though Hashirama knew he was still not convinced. Concern was still etched onto his face and a few emotions sparkled in his dark eyes. 

 "Come." The Senju monarch beckoned softly, wrapping his arm around the other's waist and tugging him closer. "Let's get some rest." 

 Red flushed through Madara's cheeks and he was grateful the room was dark so the other could not see. He tensed up as he was pulled flush against the other man but slowly managed to relax. A soft sigh escaped him as his eyes slipped shut and he listened to the sound of the other man's breathing, trying to slip into slumber. 

 ................... 

 Tobirama crossed his arms as he stared down the doors to Izuna's room. His brother had stayed true to his word. Dozens of guards stood alert outside the door and he guessed there were more inside. He didn't know why he was here instead of asleep in his bed but he felt...strangely compelled to watch over the foreign Prince himself and make sure no harm came to him. The fact that he himself failed to understand his own feelings angered him more than anything but he shoved the anger aside and made his way into the room. 

 His earlier prediction proved to be correct. A dozen more armored men were stationed all about the room, watching intently for any sign of danger. They all reached for their swords when the door was opened but relaxed when they saw who approached. 

 The Senju Prince ignored the strange glances cast his way and closed the door behind him. He made his way to the bed and took a seat beside the sleeping Prince. A frown tugged at his lips when he noticed Izuna had begun to bleed once again. Tobirama removed a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed at the other's bloodstained lips. 

 Izuna stirred in his sleep but didn't wake. He shifted until he was lying comfortably on his side, facing the Senju. He looked so peaceful while he slept it was almost hard to believe he was in any pain at all. 

 Tobirama crossed one leg over the other, watching the other sleep with lowered eyes. Now, the Prince looked more like an embodiment of the moon itself than anything else. His pale skin bathing in the silver of the moon's glow and his dark hair splayed all over the bed behind him. It was quite the sight to behold and Tobirama was surprised to find himself entranced by the other. With a low growl in his throat he crossed his arms and turned away, ignoring the strangely warm sensation growing in his chest.