That which we call a rose (Freakyfeline and b.lueeyes)

[freakyfeline]

What’s in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet.

 

Xxx

 

A young boy was squatting on the bank river, huddling his arms around his knees as he watched the river flow. The water soothed his mood, and being all alone in the forest, gives him ample space to think. He was troubled by the days event, and dragged himself out here with heavy heart. His father's words rung in his head over and over again. This was no way for children to live, but no adult would listen to him, he was still just a child after all. He had this deep-seated wish that he would grow to an adult as quickly as possible and became stronger. Yes definitely - this was the promise he made to himself. So that his father wouldn't turn deaf ears again, and his little brother would have lived. He tried to summon the strength and tried not to cry again.

[b.lueeyes]

Another figure seemed to almost float through the forest, not a sound coming from his footsteps as he walked towards the creek. He stopped for a moment, blinking as he saw another person down by the riverbed. Then, he gave a slight smile, and kept walking. It had been a while since they'd spoken, since there'd been a glimpse of him even. Then again, the land was in a midst of war, and the boy couldn't say he had been here all that often either. Things hadn't been anything near simple lately... He stepped onto the stones, still silent even against the uneven ground, and came up behind him, turning his head slightly. "Hey, long time no see." The boy said quietly, before he realized he didn't remember the boy's name. "Aah...."

[freakyfeline]

He pondered silently deeply into his thoughts that he didn't hear anyone approaching. His voice startled him and he looked as though he snapped out of it. He turned his head to find the familiar looking boy ' indeed' he muttered 'My name is Hashirama..' he smiled sweetly 'but unlike someone I remember the names of my friends' he muttered flashing a mischievous grin. Though they weren't able to share their surnames, it was the first rule for a shinobi, giving away your surname would mean to put your clan's to peril. This thought saddened Hashirama as a gloomy shadow passed over his eyes. He swung his head and gazed at the river, it was obvious that something was troubling him.

 

(btw I had in mind when we rp as them as young boys it would be flashbacks of them when they are older (in this case Hashirama remembering the time when they met after his brother's death) and so we sometims jump to the recent times when they are older)

[b.lueeyes]

(Yeah, that was what I was thinking! Awesome!)

 

Madara blinked as he turned away, and placed his hands on his hips, his hands bunching into the loose black hakama. This guy was even more sulky than usual... "What's up?" He asked simply, quietly, standing just a little behind the other boy, close enough that he could look straight down at his hair. "No need to be shy about it, I'm all ears here. Remember? This place is for venting, letting it out. You told me that yourself. That's why you come here...right? So...what's the matter..Hashirama?" He said after a moment of thought.

[freakyfeline]

He sighed 'I'm fine..I just felt like staying by the river, it's nice here isn't it' Hashirama dipped his hand into the flowing water, enjoying the coolness against his warm hand. 'Especially when you want to be alone and think..about stuff..this place is great for that' he cut off his own words and started circling his finger, forming ripples as they rolled out. 'It's nothing really' he muttered turning his head though tears were streaming down his face, and jutting his bottom lip.

 

(that's awesome xDD)

[b.lueeyes]

Madara's eyes widened for a split second at the tears streaming down his face, feeling more shock than anything else. He gave a shout and pointed at him. "Damn you!" He cried, his eyes wide with indignation. "Here I was trying to be considerate and understanding, you could at least tell me what's up! I'm trying hard here, y'know! So come on, spill your guts!" Madara could see the red ringing his eyes, and the tear stains on his cheeks. He'd been crying for quite some time, it seemed. The shinobi didn't know what to think...what could get him so worked up? He'd never cried, despite his personality, before; or, at least when he was there he hadn't.

[freakyfeline]

(I found that scene so adorable haha)

 

Hashirama tugged the edges of his yukata and dried his tears. He took a deep breath and pause for a considerable moment, than he spoke in a shaky voice 'My brother died in battle, he was only seven' To all shinobi clans were inflicted this kind of life, both Hashirama and Madara were born in it, the continuous life between short periods of peace interrupted by longer period of battles. 'I hate this, so many children are dying in a futile way' he turned and looked at him 'do you have siblings Madara?''

[b.lueeyes]

He gave a slight start, blinking at his words. A brother; killed. Madara's eyes gave the very slightest of softenings towards the boy's back, and he leant down to pick up a pebble. Madara knew what that was like, he knew it all too well. He huffed out a single breath before replying. "I have four brothers," he said as he bounced the stone in his hand, looking across the creek bed with a serious expression. "Or, at least...I had for brothers." He stepped a little closer to the riverbank, letting himself breathe in the air as he spoke still. It was...still a tough topic, even for him. "It's the shibobi way, it's what it means, I guess. Death's knocking at our door no matter which path we take, and one day, he'll find a key." He tested the stone once again, weighing it out between his hands. "From hat I can tell, though; children are dying without reason anymore. Only way to avoid that is to be up front and honest with the other side but, well...yeah, maybe forming an alliance with them. But, I mean, come on; that's just wishful thinking. Cause shinobi are just too proud to allow ourselves to be that vulnerable to our enemies. Who knows, maybe they don't hate each other as much as they think they do-" Madara pulled back his arm and threw the pebble with all the grace he should, his shoulder turning into it, the strength and speed just right.

[freakyfeline]

Hashirama's eyes widened as he listened to his friend, he understood these feelings all to well 'you are like me' he said bitterly 'loosing your loved ones just like that' he took a pebble too and looked at it as he continued listening to him, his eyes gleamed, never believing that there would someone who would think the same way as he did. He felt ecstatic and thrilled 'I thought the same too! if only all shinobi can understand what each others thinking and feeling, maybe our world wouldn't be so bad' he said with hopeful eyes 'I could never say these things I'm telling you to anyone, because they would think of me as a fool 'if only there was something we can do, to change things' He threw the pebble it slid over the water and reached to the other side.

[b.lueeyes]

Madara took a moment to look at Hashirama as he bent to pick up another pebble. The other one hadn't made it, despite how he'd been practicing. He wanted to catch up, even if it was in pebble throwing of all things. "Well, beats me," he said as he stood up straight, his eyes fixed determinedly on the other side of the bank. "But every time I come here, too, I give hope that someone will find a way." He pulled back his arm one more time, and let fly. The rock skipped four times over the river, moving fast and low. His eyes widened for a moment, just before it's last skip, and then there was the clack of the stone hitting the other side of the bank. Madara placed a hand on his hip, a proud smile set on his face. "Looks like this time I got one over," he said quietly. "Now you're not the only one who got to the other side."

[freakyfeline]

Hashirama woke up a little startled, he rubbed his eyes trying to clear his blurry eyes and dazed mind. It took him a few minutes until he realized that he was in his office, he glanced at the Hokage's hat which was sitting on his desk. He touched it and wondered where Madara was. Lately he had been very worried about him, he had grown very distant and gloomy. He knew him well, he knew how rash and run easily by his emotions. The Senju's hair was a little mussy and he yawned, covering his mouth with the palm of his hand. He was indeed a very different image from what people thought a Hokage would be like, but everyone in Konoha trusted him, unfortunately they didn't feel the same way about Madara. He was the only one who believed in the Uchiha.

[b.lueeyes]

It had been a long day to say the least. Doing the rounds, seeing over some construction, checking some odd ranks. He shoved his hands into his pockets as he walked, feeling the eyes of the clans on him. The village was beginning to take shape; but it was going to be a long and arduous process. Hashirama, he had to admit, was doing a rather good job of controlling the few clans they had integrated into Konohagakure, or what was the beginning of it. They were building not just a village...this was far greater. Uniting all of the clans to create a nation of peace and prosperity. Madara honestly wasn't sure if it was entirely possible, but...if anyone could do it, it was Hashirama.

 

Practically gliding through the street, he made his way towards the centre of their village, the Hokage building. He was finished for the day, he supposed. He had done all of his errands and assignments for the day. He swept easily across the floor, not even looking at the guards either side of the door to the main stairwell. He climbed to the top, spying the door, and let out a small amount of chakra, enough to let the Hokage know he was there.

[freakyfeline]

Hashirama stood up, smoothing his hair and clothes, trying to appear decent. He grimaced at the thought of being scolded by his brother. He was doing some paperwork when he fell asleep, the younger Senju wouldn't let him live it through if he found that he was procrastinating. It was a lucky thing that that he was busy on a scouting. Tobirama had the tendency to be his babysitter, watching him over, especially when he became a Hokage. This lack of freedom really was a heavy burden, the whole village's people and their future rests on his shoulders, on every decision that he makes. He usually is carefree, but he really starting to feel it, neck and torso felt sore.

 

Hashirama was going to sit back in his seat when he felt a familiar presence. The Hondaime walked towards the door and opened to find the Uchiha standing over 'you know you can just knock on the door like normal people' he said with a smirk as he stood on the doorway. He loved getting under his skin so much, and it his presence was relief to him.

[b.lueeyes]

Madara scowled, running a hand through his hair as he pushed past Hashirama with a roll of his eyes. "Why would I knock when you're the only one in here? We're Shinobi, it's meant to be an artform," he said as he gazed around the office. Just from the slightly disgevelled look in his eyes, and the unfinished stack of paperwork, Madara knew- "Fall asleep, did you?" He asked with a small smirk, turning his gaze back over his shoulder. "Half your paperwork ain't done."

[freakyfeline]

Hashirama gave him a look as though he was just caught red handed. He gave him a little pout and looked at himself as though, his appearance gave him out. He let his head hung down 'Ok fine you caught me' he said with a gloomy atmosphere around him, but then a little smirked reappeared on his lips 'but I am betting that you are skiving from work too'

[b.lueeyes]

Madara stiffened slightly, half turned away from him, a slight cringe coming across his face. Then he rolled eyes eyes, pointing at him with a playful expression. "At least I've done more than you! You need to get out of this office, it's killing you, seriously; you're practically dead already!" He turned fully towards him, placing a hand on his hip, his brow furrowing with a low smirk. "I think I need to have a word with Tobirama if you're stuck here all the time."

[freakyfeline]

Hashirama pouted indignantly 'that is just rude' he crossed his arms pretending to be offended. 'I don't think it's a good idea to talk to my little brother, unless you want to turn into a crisp' It wasn't a secret that the younger Senju hated the Uchiha, especially Madara. A smirk played on his lips, as though something mischievous come to his mind 'If you care so much for my well being why don't you my company for a little while?' he confidently stepped closer to the other male.

[b.lueeyes]

Madara's back straightened at the smooth words and he blinked at Hashirama once, then twice, before he rolled his eyes and gestured to his desk. "You'd rather have Tobirama yell at you than be stuck up in this stuffy office all day?" He gave a trademark smirk and shook his head, starting towards the door. "Alright then, come on. Where'dya wanna go?"

[freakyfeline]

Hashirama let out a frustrated shrug 'he's such a slave driver' he muttered under his breathe and crossed his arms. He cocked his head to the side, his eyebrows furrowed in deep thought. 'Maybe somewhere out of the village? it would be nice to have a walk in the woods, stretch one's legs and have a breathe of fresh air' he felt a little excited at the prospect.

[b.lueeyes]

"Right," Madara said, rolling his eyes a little as he walked out the door, looking over his shoulder once to see that Hashirama was following him. Truth be told, he wanted to spend a little time out of the village too. He had been far too cooped up lately, too confined here. As much as he found himself happy that the village was becoming whole, he couldn't help but need to be away from it... Madara walked down the stairs two at a time, his hands stuffed into his pockets as he did so. "Seriously though, Tobi-baka works you too hard."

[freakyfeline]

'I know a secret path' Hashirama took Madara by his wrist and stealthily walked out of the Hokage's building. He walked way around it headed through a passageway out of the village. It was heavily vegetated, that they had to cut through the branch but it led to an opening through the walls of Konoha. Hashirama seemed enthusiastic, he felt like when they were children, sneaking to the forest when they get the chance. 'Isn't this awesome?' he said with a wide grin plastered across his face, he really was like a little boy sometimes.

[b.lueeyes]

Madara stumbled a little behind him as his wrist was grabbed, but followed nonetheless, walking a little faster so he wasn't dragged. "Tch, Hashirama, you're such a kid." He shook his head, but truthfully he couldn't help but be excited about this. The two of them did not have much time for each other lately, despite the fact that they were practically building a village together. "Come on, let's get outta here, before we're caught." He said, his own hand coming round to grab the wrist of the hand that had grabbed his, the two of them practically holding onto each other. Madara led him out through the opening, looking around the forest for a moment, before he sighed. "Where'd ya wanna go?"

[freakyfeline]

The two walked out of the village and headed deep in the woods that surrounded the leaf village. 'why don't we go to the river we used to meet when we were children?' Hashirama muttered as he carefully pushed the leaf branches that sprouted and blocked their pathway. It came back to his dream, the reminder of that forsaken river, it was along time ago, but it felt longer than it really was. Many things happened that made time more fleeting, but on the other hand, there was a whole future ahead now the prospect of a village building anew, so there was no better place then the river to pause in between and take some time off. The Hokage took the usual path that led to it, unlike everything else, the river hasn't changed one bit.

[b.lueeyes]

Madara followed the Hokage down the well worn, if a little overgrown path. He had walked this path many a time, it was almost like clockwork to him. "Good idea," he said quietly, moving up to walk next to him, his dark eyes falling over Hashirama, before returning to the path. As they moved across the stony path towards the creek bed. Despite the landscape being changed time and time again over the past few years, the village raised, the mountains torn into, what few trees felled that they dared, and some rivers redirected, this place seemed to be transcendent in time. Unchanging.

 

Madara ran a hand through his hair as he stopped at the treeline, looking out over the place he had met this man. "It's been a while since we came here, ha'n't it?"

[freakyfeline]

'It's been a while indeed' Hashirama took a deep breathe, inhaling the fresh scent of water, and he felt deeply nostalgic and he seated on the same stone he used to sit when they were children. He looked at the ever flowing of water, and randomly thought of the pebbles that Madara and he exchanged which ended up falling at the bottom of the sea. A deep sense of loss overtook him, even though he didn't really know why. He looked a little sad as he glanced that the river. He looked up calling the other male's name ' you know Madara, we aren't children anymore' he said in a serious tone, it was one of the rare occasions where he sounded genuinely serious.