Chapter Text
Hashirama couldn’t remain clan head after he was elected Hokage. It was too much of a conflict of interest. And the obvious next choice, was Tobirama.
Except that Tobirama was an omega. Granted, a lot of people had forgotten that he was. Especially since his father had put him on suppressants the moment he presented. He hadn’t even had a heat.
Senju clan law forbid omegas from serving as clan head. The gray area was whether that applied to an omega who couldn’t emit pheromones, had no scent, couldn’t go into heat, and had no instincts. An omega that wasn’t an omega.
Tobirama argued that he was ineligible to serve as clan head, because he was still an omega. Even if he wasn’t a functional one. Hashirama argued that Tobirama had already been serving as clan heir as an omega, which was also against clan law, so why would clan law matter now if it hadn’t mattered before. The clan elders agreed. Tobirama may technically be an omega, but he wasn’t truly one. Therefore, he was eligible to serve as clan head, and was elected.
Tobirama had expected his life to change when he stopped taking his suppressants, but he hadn’t expected to become Senju clan head. He might have been dreaming about a certain alpha taking notice of him. A prime alpha.
But instead, Madara had not taken notice of him. And now they were equal in status, and everyone still thought that Tobirama was a beta.
The day after his promotion, he was in his office working though paperwork when Madara entered. Their offices were next to each other, and it was this proximity that made Tobirama notice the alpha.
Madara might throw a lot of temper tantrums. Yell at people. Scream and stomp. But he was also kind and thoughtful. He liked to know that Izuna was well fed and warm, and as he and Tobirama had grown closer, Madara had done the same to him.
Most days Tobirama would eat a bento prepared by Madara for lunch. The other man claimed that it was because Tobirama always forgot to eat. But Tobirama guessed that it was because no one else complimented Madara’s cooking like he did.
Their friendship had been quick. Once Madara realized that Tobirama just wanted the village to succeed. Wanted everyone safe and well taken care of and had quite the gift for administration and bureaucracy.
They became truly close after a long day of work early in the creation of the village. Tobirama’s vision had started swimming as he read reports and policies, and Madara had appeared to fare no better. That was when the man said they were going to get drunk. And they did. It had been so much fun to spend time with Madara in such a way. And then at the end of the night Madara had made sure he arrived safely back at Hashirama’s home.
It was after that evening that Tobirama really started to notice Madara as an alpha. How nice he would be as a mate. And then a few weeks later Tobirama had made the tough decision to stop taking his suppressants. Wondering what Madara would smell like… and what he would think of him.
But nothing changed. No scent. No heat. No smell. He had taken suppressants for too long.
Madara let himself into Tobirama’s office, shaking Tobirama out of his memories. His hair swayed as he walked, and his face was a grin. “I heard about your new job Tobirama. Welcome to the clan head’s club.” He dropped the bento box on Tobirama’s desk and took his seat by the desk. “We can go drink tonight to celebrate.”
Tobirama sighed. “I’m afraid I have too much to do. I couldn’t go out for drinks before, I doubt I can now.”
“That’s too bad. We could go spar if you wanted?”
Tobirama shook his head. “I have clan duties on top of my usual work load. But I’m sure anija could go to the bars with you.”
Madara laughed. “And piss off his wife? I’ve seen what she does to Izuna when she’s annoyed. I’d rather not suffer the same fate.” He looked up and considered Tobirama. “I remember your clan elders were the ones who ordered Hashirama to take a mate, do you think they’ll do the same thing to you?”
Tobirama laughed bitterly. “No. As a beta, there’s no pressing need for me to take a mate. I’m afraid that Hashirama’s pups are going to end up being clan head, even if they have to take over from me.”
Madara’s smile returned. “That’s my plan too. Izuna’s kids can take over once I retire.”
“You don’t want an omega?” Tobirama asked curiously. Knowing that the answer would only hurt him.
“Nope.” Madara popped the p. “I haven’t been found an omega I’m interested in. And I doubt that will change. So it’s the single life for me.”
Tobirama’s heart clenched. So even if Madara knew he was an omega… He wouldn’t be wanted.
He continued making halfhearted conversation with Madara until the alpha left.
A few nights later his friends did manage to take him out for a party. It was a nice evening with Hashirama, Mito, Touka, Izuna and Madara. Madara sat right next to him and Tobirama pretended for just a second that he and the alpha were something… more.
That evening he followed Hashirama and Mito to the clan head’s house. Once inside Mito headed to the room she shared with Hashirama, and the two brothers sat down in the living room.
“Congratulations Tobi.” Hashirama murmured as he poured tea for them. “Father must be rolling over in his grave.”
Tobirama sighed as he cupped his hands around the warm mug. “I never wanted this. You were supposed to be father’s heir. Not me.”
“I’m sure you’ll do wonderfully. And I’ll be there whenever you need help.”
Tobirama smiled. “At least you’ll be here for any mokuton emergencies.”
Hashirama scratched the back of his head. “Uh speaking of that… You see… Mito and I are going to be moving out of the clan head’s home and into the Hokage residence. They’ve just finished construction on it.”
Tobirama nearly dropped his tea. “Seriously? You’re leaving?”
Hashirama nodded. “I don’t want to. But it’s the right thing to do. If it’s a conflict of interest for me to be clan head and Hokage, then its surely a conflict for me to live in the clan head’s home. I’m supposed to be everyone’s leader, not just the Senju.”
“But we’ve always lived together.” Tobirama whispered.
“I know Tobi. I don’t want to leave you either. You’re my baby brother.”
It was customary for a single omega to live with an alpha sibling. And seeing as no alpha would ever want Tobirama, he would be single for life. But he wouldn’t get to live with Hashirama and Mito.
He wouldn’t get to stay with his pack. Which hurt more than he would have ever expected. Sure Hashirama was probably the most annoying roommate on earth, but was still Tobirama’s pack. His last brother.
Tobirama had looked forward to being in the same house as Hashirama’s cubs. But now he would have to watch them grow from afar.
He would be alone in the Senju clan head’s household. He hadn’t ever lived alone.
The next morning he watched as Hashirama’s wood clones packed up their stuff and took it to the Hokage residence.
And then he was well and truly alone in the clan head’s home. A home created for an alpha and his family, which was now occupied by one lonely omega.
He threw himself into his work. His lab work, his paperwork for the village, and his new role as clan head. Life continued like this for a few weeks, until things changed again.
“The Daimyo wants you to join him at the capitol for a month.” Tobirama told his brother.
Hashirama grimaced. “Really?”
“Yes.” Tobirama crossed his arms and looked between Hashirama and Madara. Both alphas looking rather uncomfortable.
“Tobiiii, don’t make me go. The capitol is no fun.” Hashirama whined. “Can’t you go instead?”
Tobirama shook his head. “Negative. He demands the Hokage, and no one but you will suffice. He also demands the village co-founder, Madara Uchiha to join you.”
Madara’s face contorted in anger. “There is NO legitimate reason for me to go! Surely Hashirama is enough!”
“Unfortunately not. Do I need to remind you two how important it is that we have the Daimyo’s support? Without him we won’t be able to continue our village.”
Madara huffed and stomped his feet as he made his way through the office. “I don’t see why I have to go though! You and Hashirama are the ones that are good at diplomacy! All I do is piss people off.”
“Actually, I will not be going with you. It’ll be you and Anija on this trip.”
Madara started to rage at that, and Hashirama whined even louder.
“Why do you get to stay? While I have to go with Hashirama! It’s not fair!” Madara shouted.
Tobirama shot water at him. It was only to shut him up, and not because Tobirama wanted to see him with a wet shirt. He wasn’t a pervert.
Eventually both Hashirama and Madara set off to gather their things for the trip to the capitol. Even though neither wanted to go.
The next morning Tobirama watched them leave. Mito was leaving with them, because she couldn’t bear to be away from Hashirama for so long. And Madara was traveling alone. Even though he had wanted Izuna to travel with them so he wasn’t stuck with the lovebirds. But Izuna wasn’t going to leave the village to Tobirama.
So Tobirama was going to be stuck with Izuna for a month.
Tobirama’s workload increased dramatically, now that he was filling in for his brother along with his other duties. But it gave him something to do to keep his mind quiet. To stop thinking about the empty clan head’s house waiting for him at the end of the night. To stop thinking about the alpha who wouldn’t even want him even if he were a regular omega.
A week into his tenure as clan head/temporary Hokage, he was attending the weekly Senju clan elder’s meeting when his life changed.
After someone had presented an update on their mission a woman stepped forward, holding a baby. “Tobirama-sama, someone left this baby in front of my home.”
Tobirama blinked. “Someone left their baby?”
“Yes sir. I believe it is somebody who couldn’t care for their child anymore, so they left her with us. As you know, there is a persistent rumor that our clan collects unwanted children.”
Tobirama nodded. A myth many believed about the Senju clan. Which caused many to leave their children with the Senju. Because of this myth, the clan had come up with a system in which the children were assimilated into certain families and sent out on any missions appropriate for the clan. Death came easy to these children, but they did have a roof over their head for a short time.
“Can you tell where she originated?” The woman asked.
Tobirama felt the child’s chakra. “She is from very far away. North of Fire Country. I believe her parents traveled specifically here to leave her, likely believing the myth about our clan and foundlings. We can give her to one of the clan families.” Tobirama stated easily.
“I am sorry sir, but none of the families in the Senju clan want to take in a foundling. They’ve all said now that we are at peace, they want to have children of their own and don’t want to raise a baby that has been left with us.”
Tobirama frowned. “None will take her in?”
“No sir. And until an orphanage is established, we would have to ask one of the other clans to take her in. The Inuzuka and Hatake have declined. But we have not asked the Uchiha.”
Tobirama stroked his chin. Thinking of some of the things Madara had told him. “The most important thing for Uchiha parents is whether their child will develop the sharingan. Marriages are planned with the highest likelihood that children with the sharingan will be born. They would not accept a child who can’t.”
“Then we have no option but to leave the child to the elements.” The woman said. She began walking toward the door until Tobirama stopped her. She stopped and turned to face him.
Tobirama looked down at the baby. She was healthy. He could sense her chakra, it was strong and tinged with lightning. She would grow to be powerful. If she had the chance. He thought of his empty clan house. And made a decision.
“I will raise her.” He declared and held his arms out for the babe. “She will be taken care of with me. Raised as a Senju.”
Everyone gasped. The woman holding the baby had her jaw nearly on the floor. “You would raise this child? Tobirama-sama?”
“Yes.” He answered and took the baby from her. “I shall raise her as my own cub. I expect that the clan shall treat her accordingly.”
Everyone nodded as Tobirama cradled the baby in his arms. She reminded him of his baby brothers. He looked up at those gathered at the meeting. “I believe this concludes our meeting. I must take my cub home.”
He didn’t wait as he left the meeting. The baby remained asleep as he walked to the clan head’s home. His home.
Once home he set her down and looked around his home. He wasn’t really set up for a new baby. But it was better for her to be here than left to the elements.
Tobirama had created a formula for babies which would replace breast milk. It had come in handy for when children lost their mothers, and it would be invaluable now that he had a babe of his own.
He had just finished a bottle for her when the baby woke up. Soft cries echoed from his living room. When he walked in he saw arms flailing out of the blankets swaddling her.
“Hello little one.” He greeted as he knelt to where she was laying, in a chair. Her dark eyes considered him, and her cries quieted. She was lovely. Dark hair and dark eyes.
She gratefully accepted the bottle and drank the formula. And after he burped her, they sat together as he worked through his paperwork. She drifted off to sleep easy enough, and he settled her in a makeshift crib one of his shadow clones crafted while he had been holding her. That night he sat by her side and watched her sleep. His new cub.
She woke up several times throughout the night and cried. Each time he woke up and tended to her. She considered him with wide eyes, as he likely looked very different from her parents. Especially considering her dark coloring. He must appear strange to her.
The next morning, he woke and fed the baby then readied himself for work at the administration building. He didn’t have anywhere to put the baby while he worked, so he would have to bring her to work with him. One of his clanmates had left a package on his door step containing clothes for the baby, along with cloth diapers. He also received word that some of the clan would set up a nursery in his home for the babe.
He felt the ghost of a smile grace his face as he read the note. The clan had taken him seriously when he said he wanted his cub treated as one of them.
A hush settled over the administration building as he entered with the baby in his arms. Everyone seemed to stop and stare at him as he made his way to his office. Nobody had anything to say as he walked past and the baby gurgled as she looked around.
He set her up in his office so that she could keep an eye on anyone who entered, and he got to work.
Some time later, it was time for Hikaku to deliver his report. Several members of the Uchiha clan were responsible for border control around the village.
Tobirama had first wanted to task the clan with policing the village, but after Madara pointed out that that would sow discontent towards the clan, border patrol was chosen as their domain. Although many Uchiha worked outside of border patrol. Prior to the village creation, the Uchiha had the most robust defenses around their compound. It was a necessity to protect their dojutsu. Now they protected the whole village. And Hikaku Uchiha oversaw the entire border patrol. Once every day he provided a report to the Hokage. But in Hashirama’s absence, the man reported to Tobirama.
Hikaku stepped into his office and stared blatantly at Tobirama’s young charge. “Who is this?” He asked with wide eyes.
“This is my new cub.” Tobirama answered. “She will not be a distraction to my work. Please deliver your report.”
Hikaku straightened up. “Yes Sir.” He then delivered the report of the last 24 hours of activity. Which thankfully, had no issues to note.
Before Hikaku left he looked back at the baby. “If I may sir, what is your cub’s name? If she is your cub she will likely be in danger and must be protected.”
Tobirama was shocked to hear something so reassuring from an Uchiha. “She does not have a name yet. But I thank you for your concern over her wellbeing.”
Hikaku continued to look concerned. “You are the first village founder to have a cub. It is my duty to protect her as I would anyone else in our village.”
Tobirama nodded his thanks and Hikaku left. Once they were alone he returned his gaze to the baby. “I suppose you do need a name little one.” He murmured.
The baby reached for him and he let her yank his finger.
Later that day Izuna burst into his office and stared at the baby just as Hikaku had. “Holy shit Hikaku was right.” He muttered as he stared.
“Please use appropriate language in front of my cub.” Tobirama glared.
Izuna shook his head. “Why do you have a baby?”
“I adopted her. I expect you will treat her accordingly.”
Izuna turned back to look at the baby. “What is her name? And where did you get her? She almost looks like an Uchiha. Don’t tell me you stole one of our babies?” The last question was a joke thankfully.
“I have not come up with a name. And she is not Uchiha. Her chakra is nothing like yours. She is from far away. But this is her home now.” Tobirama answered as he picked her up and rocked her gently.
“I never thought I would see you holding a baby like this. Peace is so weird!!” Izuna exclaimed as he left the office.
~~
A few days passed and Tobirama and the babe settled into a routine. His productivity decreased slightly, but he found a joy in spending time with her. She was curious and expressive. And trusting.
He was holding her in his garden one evening when he decided on her name. “Ikoma.” He murmured gently as he rocked her from side to side.
She cooed, unable to tell that her father had finally given her a name. But that was to be expected. She couldn’t talk yet, but once she could, she would know her name. Ikoma Senju.
That evening as he settled her in the crib her fingers refused to let go of his shirt. He frowned. But didn’t see the harm in letting her have it.
Once she had his shirt she curled her face into it and sniffed happily. As if the smell was soothing her.
But that couldn’t be right… Could it?
He raised his arm and sniffed his wrist. He smelled… Something sweet and refreshing. A scent he had not smelled in twelve years. Since he had presented.
Could he be… Scenting? He sniffed again and was met a second time with his own scent. He had nearly forgotten what he had smelled like. Before the suppressants.
Ikoma snuggled further into the shirt and he could sense that she was settled in a way that she hadn’t been before. She was soothed by his scent.
He laughed quietly as he left the nursery and headed to his own bed.
The next day there was a surprising lack of reaction to his new scent. He got a few looks but no one said anything.
Ikoma settled into her play pen set up in his office and cooed as he got to work reviewing reports.
Hikaku arrived for his morning report and diplomatically didn’t say anything about the new scent. As before, there was nothing of note in the border patrol reports.
The first person to say anything was Izuna.
“Why do you smell like that?” Izuna asked as he walked into the office.
“Always astute.” Tobirama noted. “I am an omega. But I’ve been on suppressants for years. Now that we have achieved peace and stability, I wanted to live as my true self. I apologize for the deception.”
Izuna narrowed his eyes. “It’s understandable. But you didn’t need to worry about the Uchiha treating you subpar for your status. We treat omegas as equals. Unlike your clan. Or so I thought.” He considered. “I never thought your clan would allow an omega to be clan head.”
“I will likely be removed from the position now that I am living publicly as an omega. And frankly, it would be nice to give the position back.” Tobirama admitted.
“I never understood why your clan was so against omegas!” Izuna yelled.
“Quiet yourself around my cub.” Tobirama glared as he picked up the fussy babe. “And the Senju clan has nothing against omegas. It is simply clan law that an omega cannot serve as clan head. Other than that, there are no other laws restraining us.”
“I still don’t like it.” Izuna huffed as he stormed out.
Tobirama shook his head as he allowed his scent to soothe Ikoma. She stopped crying and gave a few gasping breathes as she quieted. Her big dark eyes sparkled as she watched him. And he smiled as he set her down in her play pen.
Later in the afternoon Tobirama had committee meetings. The first was the safety committee. It met weekly to discuss safety of the village. It was comprised of members of the Uchiha clan, Senju clan and Hatake clan.
As he sat down at the meeting he noticed all eyes were on him. He raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”
“Your scent has… changed Tobirama-san.” Hiro Hatake mentioned.
Tobirama looked around the committee and noticed everyone else appeared curious as well. Except for Izuna, who was ridiculously pleased to be in the loop on Tobirama’s status.
“As many of you can tell, I am an omega. I have been suppressing my nature for many years. But now that we are at peace I have chosen to live as my true self. I apologize for the deception.” Tobirama said diplomatically.
“There is no need for apologies. I am glad that you feel safe enough to live authentically.” Sonoda Hatake replied. “It is good that our village has an omega clan head. It should attract others.”
Tobirama chuckled. Thinking of how fast the clan would replace him now that he scented like an omega.
After the meeting Tobirama returned to Ikoma, who he had left in the care of his shadow clone. She babbled nonsense as he picked her up and checked to see if she was well.
The rest of the month without Hashirama and Madara passed easily. He and Ikoma settled into a routine where he sacrificed some of his productivity, but in return he got to see her laugh and react to his scent. She was lovely. A perfect cub.
Hashirama returned right on schedule. Along with the rest of his entourage. The administration building lit up with excitement to have the Hokage back, and Tobirama breathed a sigh of relief knowing that his workload would reduce.
He let Hashirama settle into his office before going to visit.
After a few hours he summoned a shadow clone to stay with Ikoma and left to see his anija.
Hashirama was sitting at his desk and looked to be on the verge of tears at all the paperwork piled on his desk. But he straightened up and grinned brightly when Tobirama entered.
“Otouto!” He called. “I missed you!”
Tobirama grinned back. “Welcome back Anija. How did your visit to the capitol go?”
“It was so boring Tobi! So many formalities, such tight clothing, and everyone was scared of me and Madara! We didn’t do anything—” He stopped suddenly and sniffed the air. “Otouto?” He stood up from his desk and stepped toward Tobirama. “Your scent. Is it back?”
Tobirama nodded nervously. “I stopped taking my suppressants.”
“Oh Tobi! That’s wonderful!” Hashirama swept him in his arms and squeezed. “I’m so happy for you. It’s so wonderful to be able to scent you!”
“Anija, there’s something I should tell you—” Tobirama began.
Hashirama pulled back and looked down at him with wide brown eyes. “What is it? Has someone made an advance on you? Does Anija need to kill someone?”
“No, nothing like that! You see while you were gone… I took in a foundling. As my own cub.”
Hashirama’s eyes got even wider. “A cub? You have a cub?” Wonder filled his face. “Where is the cub? I must meet them!”
“You can follow me—”
The door pushed open before Tobirama could finish his statement and Madara stormed in. “Can you believe this? I leave for a month and the clan gets to take out a band of robbers! Without me! This is unacceptable!”
He stopped his raging and smelled the air. Similar to Hashirama when he first scented Tobirama after twelve years. “What is that scent?” Madara asked. “I’ve never smelled anything like it! Is there a new omega working here?”
“That’s Tobi!” Hashirama answered with a laugh. “Doesn’t he smell nice?”
“It’s Tobirama?” Madara asked incredulously as he stepped closer. “But you’re a beta?”
“I took suppressants to hide my status as omega. But now that the war is over, I’ve decided to live as an omega.” Tobirama said awkwardly.
Madara looked like he had seen a ghost. “Why did you lie?! You could have told us you were an omega!”
“Growing up in our clan wasn’t always the nicest thing for an omega. Tobi didn’t have an option.” Hashirama said. “Oh Madara! Tobi was just going to take me to meet his cub! Why don’t you come with us?”
“A cub? Have you had a secret cub this whole time and not told me! I thought we were friends!!” Madara screamed.
Tobirama cringed and rubbed at his arms. “Anija? Why don’t you come with me to meet her? Madara seems too upset at the moment.”
Madara still looked incredulous and angry and he gasped. “Upset?! Of course I’m upset! You told me you were a beta! And now you have a secret cub! Do you have a secret alpha I don’t know about too?”
“Of course not. I’m sorry about lying but I didn’t have any options. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take my Anija to meet my cub. You can cool off.” Tobirama glared as he dragged Hashirama out of the office.
Seriously. Why the hell was Madara so upset about him being an omega? He thought that the Uchihas didn’t have the same prejudices against his kind as other clans. It hurt to see his friend change his opinion so strongly of him.
He let Hashirama into his office where a clone was watching over Ikoma. The clone dispersed itself once it saw them, and Ikoma gurgled at the loss of her guardian. “Hello Ikoma.” Tobirama sung as he led his star struck older brother to the baby.
Hashirama’s face shook as he heard the baby’s sounds. He stepped cautiously over to the playpen and looked down at the cub. Ikoma waved her hands up at him and babbled baby noises.
“Oh my. Tobi she’s so cute.” Hashirama’s voice was already tight with tears. “Hello little one.” He breathed as he reached out to her.
Ikoma reached her little hands out to Hashirama, cooing as she did so. “Can I hold her?” Hashirama asked.
“Yes, but you must be gentle. She’s still small.” Tobirama nagged.
Hashirama nodded and picked her up. She looked even smaller in his arms than normal. So small and dark next to Hashirama’s tanned skin. “Uncle is here.” Hashirama whispered as he rocked Ikoma back and forth.
Tobirama felt his heart settle now that Ikoma had been formally accepted by his pack alpha. His big brother. Ikoma reached up and yanked Hashirama’s hair, making the man laugh.
“Oh Tobi, you have to bring her over for dinner tonight. Mito will want to meet her. She’s perfect.” Hashirama said once he had passed Ikoma back to him.
“I will.” Tobirama promised. Hashirama left after he had ran his fingers through Ikoma’s hair one last time.
Tobirama looked out the window as he held Ikoma. She kept looking around for Hashirama, no doubt wondering where the fun one went. She refused to fall back asleep because she had finally met someone new. Someone brave enough to ask to hold his cub.
Tobirama was lost in thought that he didn’t notice the simmering chakra in his doorway. He turned and met Madara’s sharingan red eyes.
“Madara.” He gasped. Pulling his cub closer. “What is it?”
“I want to apologize for my behavior earlier. I know it was wrong for me to yell at you.” The alpha shifted. “I was embarrassed because I thought you had been lying to me this whole time. Laughing at me because I didn’t know your secret. But Izuna told me I’m being an idiot, so I’m sorry.”
He stepped further into the room. Eyes still spinning. “You adopted her while we were gone?” He phrased it as a question, even though Izuna had likely told him the truth.
“Yes.” Tobirama answered. “The Senju clan was going to leave her to the elements if no one took her in. So I did. She’s my cub.”
Madara stepped even closer. “What’s her name?”
“Ikoma.”
“A lovely name for a lovely cub.” Madara smiled. His sharingan shifted back into its natural black color. “Can I hold her?”
Tobirama stared. “You want to hold her?”
“Yes. But only if you want me to. I’ll respect if you want her to stay with you.” His voice was calm and soothing. And now that he wasn’t so angry at Tobirama, his scent was calm. This was the first time Tobirama had scented him, and he smelled wonderful. Smoky and earthy and a bit sweet. A perfect alpha.
“You can hold her.” Tobirama breathed and held his cub out to Madara.
Madara smiled and accepted the small bundle. And perfectly replicated the way Tobirama had been holding her. Tobirama breathed a sigh of relief. Madara had only activated the sharingan so he could hold Ikoma the same way Tobirama had.
Tobirama’s instincts preened as he watched Madara hold his cub. He liked seeing his preferred alpha holding her so gentle. “Hello Ikoma.” Madara whispered as he cradled the baby. Ikoma babbled nonsense at Madara and then giggled loudly as the alpha tried to decipher what she was saying. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“I’m sorry you thought I was lying to you.” Tobirama murmured as Madara swayed. “It didn’t feel good to keep my status a secret. But I had lived so long as a beta, I wasn’t sure how to go about living as an omega.”
Madara’s dark eyes considered him. “I don’t fully understand. But I’m glad to know the truth. And I won’t let anyone treat you differently just because you’re an omega.” He promised.
Tobirama shivered at the promise. It was nice to have a prime alpha holding his cub and promising to somewhat protect him. It wasn’t like Madara wanted him as anything but a friend, but it was nice to have a good friend.
That evening once he had finished his work he gathered Ikoma to head over to Hashirama’s home, but instead of it being the two of them he had an extra Uchiha shadow. “Is there something you need Madara?” He asked as he set Ikoma in the sling on his chest.
“I thought I could join you and Hashirama for dinner. He did say I’m always welcome.” Madara said petulantly.
“That’s true. I just thought you would be tired of seeing Anija. You did spend a month together.” Tobirama asked as the two of them left the administration building.
“That’s true. But I haven’t seen you in a month.” Madara pointed out.
“Well who am I to stop you. If you want to see my brother again so be it.”
Later that week he attended the first Senju clan meeting since he had adopted Ikoma.
“Greetings all.” He began the meeting. “As many of you are aware, I have begun to scent like an omega. We had previously assumed this was impossible due to the amount of time I took suppressants. Now that the situation has changed, I believe it is necessary for our clan to find a new clan head as per Senju law. At our next meeting I expect than an alpha or beta will be selected as my replacement.”
He felt a thrill go down his spine at the idea that he could move back in with Hashirama. With his pack.
One of the elders spoke up. “I am afraid that is impossible, Tobirama-sama. We already conducted a search for a replacement for you. And no one wanted to step up. You’ve already commanded all of our alphas on the battlefield, so they have no issue with you remaining as clan head.”
Tobirama frowned. “But I am an omega. It is against clan law for me to serve as clan head.”
“This is not the same era as your father. Many things have changed. And we have decided that we will no longer adhere to that law.” The same elder spoke. “So you will remain as clan head.”
Tobirama looked furiously at the rest of the clan and everyone had faces of approval. Traitors. Touka even shot him a thumbs up.
The rest of the meeting was routine clan matters that was his new permanent responsibility.
He was still irritated the next morning when he arrived at his office with Ikoma in tow. Just because they couldn’t find another person to be clan head, they had rewritten the laws just so he could do the job.
His distress must have been in the air because Madara snarled when he walked in. “Who pissed you off?” He growled.
“The Senju clan.” Tobirama felt himself pouting. “They said I have to stay on as clan head. Can’t they see I’m busy?”
Madara laughed. “Really? They’re letting you keep the gig?”
Tobirama knew he was pouting as he took his seat. An unfortunate habit, and exacerbated now that he had his omega instincts.
Madara stopped laughing and put his hands on his hips. “You’re the first omega to serve as Senju clan head… And you’re not happy?”
“I never wanted to be clan head. It was always going to be Anija’s job, and after he became Hokage the position honestly should have gone to Touka. But she turned them down. And everyone else who was eligible also turned them down. So they’re stuck with me.”
Madara nodded. “I was never supposed to be clan head either. After my older brothers died, I had to take on the role. At least you still have Hashirama.”
Tobirama cringed. Here he had been complaining… And in doing so he had offended the one alpha he actually liked. “I’m sorry Madara. I just need to cool down. Some paperwork should get me back to normal.”
Madara didn’t appear too offended and instead was wiggling his fingers at Ikoma. “This little one probably doesn’t help you focus on your work.”
“I don’t have anyone who can watch her. Everyone in my pack has their own duties to take care of.” He rubbed his forehead.
“I can see if someone in my clan can watch her for you. I’m sure having a few hours to focus a couple times a week would lessen the burden.” Madara offered.
Tobirama felt a thrill in his heart. Madara wanted to help him… “Are you sure members of your clan would watch after a Senju baby?”
“Oh of course. I’ll make sure that they do. Nothing will happen to this little one.” Madara said sweetly, and his words were directed at the baby and not Tobirama. “I’ll ensure that she is safe.”
“I want to meet with whoever would be watching her though.”
Two days later, and Ikoma had a babysitter three days a week for a few hours. A young beta woman who was studying to be a teacher at the Ninja Academy, but in the meantime was watching children. Even though Ikoma was a Senju cub, the woman adored her. Tobirama could sense it in her chakra.
Madara was right. Now that Tobirama had a few hours every week without having to tend to Ikoma, his productivity increased to its original level. Only he was even more productive because he had a cub of his own and wanted to do his best to make the village a nice place for her to grow up.
His evenings were spent either eating dinner at Hashiramas home, or eating at his own. But something curious was that most nights Madara followed them home and cooked them dinner. He had gotten mad when he found out about Tobirama’s bad habit of eating only ration bars for dinner.
Ikoma certainly enjoyed having Madara around. She giggled when she saw his wild hair. And shrieked in joy when he flailed around Tobirama’s house.
Things continued in this way for a couple weeks. Life was peaceful, and it was nice to have this much of Madara’s attention. His inner omega was continuously preening. Such a prime alpha wanted to spend this much time with him and his cub.
One morning he woke to a fever and pounding in his head. Unfortunately, founders weren’t able to afford sick days, so he gathered Ikoma and headed into his office even though he just wanted to curl up in his nest.
Once in his office, Ikoma took her usual spot in the play pen. But every time he tried to go to his desk she began to cry and reach out to him. Which was odd. She wasn’t a clingy cub, so it was odd that she didn’t want to be parted from him.
It was midmorning and he set his head down on his desk. His headache had gotten better, but he was still fevered. He felt hot and sluggish, and he just wanted his nest. He figured he might be able to wheedle Hashirama for the afternoon off, but it felt wrong leaving when he was still desperately needed.
Madara stepped into the room a few minutes later. His face contorted in shock when he sniffed the air. “Tobirama!” He yelled when he spotted him.
Tobirama lifted his head. “Is something wrong Madara? Do you need me?”
Madara hurried over. “Tobirama. You smell—You smell like you’re going into heat.” He breathed.
Tobirama sat up straight. “Heat?”
Madara nodded. “You shouldn’t be here. You should be at home.”
“But—” Tobirama began to protest until he breathed in Madara’s scent. His eyes shot wide. “You smell nice.” He whispered.
“Oh god.” Madara slapped his forehead. “Tobirama, I only smell good to you because I’m an alpha. You don’t actually want me.”
Tobirama blinked and tried to clear the fog in his brain. Distantly he remembered, Madara didn’t like omegas. Surely he would be very uncomfortable with one coming on to him… Tobirama’s mother didn’t raise a pervert, so he was going to have to get himself under control.
But he could tell that he was soon going to be incoherent. So he got up from his desk and staggered over to Ikoma. “Madara, I’m going to… Take her home and wait this out.”
But Madara grabbed his arm and it sent a jolt up Tobirama’s spine. “You can’t take care of a cub while you’re in heat!” Madara cried, clearly scandalized.
Tobirama blinked at him again and knew his eyes must be wide and glazed over. “But, I have to. I can’t just leave her.”
Madara stepped closer and held onto his hand. “I’ll watch her while you’re indisposed. That way you don’t have to worry about her. Just take care of yourself.”
Tobirama gasped. “You would watch my cub?” He whispered quietly.
“Yes. I’ll protect her for you. Keep her safe.”
Tobirama’s instincts had him shivering in pleasure. Madara promising to protect his cub was… very nice.
He looked down at Ikoma who was reaching out to him. She was crying and clearly wanted her Daddy. She must like his smell since it was stronger with his heat.
But Madara picked her up instead. “I promise Tobirama. I’ll protect her. Now, do you have guards in the Senju compound?”
“Guards?” Tobirama asked curiously.
“To protect you. In case some alphas try to surprise you. You won’t be able to defend yourself.” Madara warned.
“I’ll have to.” Tobirama frowned.
“I’ll send the omega division to protect you.” Madara promised.
“Omega division?”
“Uchiha omegas. Their job is to protect omegas in heat. They’ll make sure no one gets in to your house while you’re in heat. No one will touch you.” Madara placed his hand on Tobirama’s shoulder. “Now fly home. The omega division will arrive soon. And Ikoma will be with me.”
Tobirama stood there like an idiot smelling Madara and looking at the way he was holding Ikoma. Then he shook his head and pulled on the hiraishin marker in his room, arriving a moment later. Once alone in his house he all but collapsed into his nest.
He felt two chakra natures arrive at his doorstep, likely the omega guards. Now that he was safe he felt himself relaxing fully. As relaxed as one could be in heat.
He spent an uncomfortable three days writhing in his nest. His first heat. Ever.
On the third day he sat up and realized it was over. Thank goodness that heats only happened once a year, and in the meantime he would be able to prepare a drug that would ease his heat.
Once he had bathed he set out for the Uchiha district. Two omega Uchihas followed him, and he remembered Madara sending them to protect him. He felt a slight blush at the thoughtful nature of his friend.
Nobody dared stop him as he made his way into the Uchiha compound, and let himself into Madara’s home. He was an esteemed village founder. And his cub was in there.
Izuna answered the door, and the deep dark circles under his eyes told him that Ikoma had not been on her best behavior.
“Where is my cub?” Tobirama asked.
“This way.” Izuna muttered.
Voices were in one of the further rooms. Or more specifically, one voice was speaking and the other was squealing.
Madara was seated at a low table, holding Ikoma up in the air and she was exclaiming with joy and waving her arms.
“Fly Ikoma-hime! You’re flying just like your daddy!” Madara cheered the baby.
Tobirama stopped in the doorway and stared at the scene. It was positively domestic. But his cub had been decked out in Uchiha gear. She had an uchiwa hair clip on her head, her little shirt had the Uchiwa, and she clearly had Madara wrapped around her finger.
“Did Ikoma behave for you?” Tobirama asked as he stepped into the room.
Madara and Ikoma both turned to look at him. “You’ve returned! How do you feel?”
“I feel much better. I apologize for my inappropriate behavior before my heat. It will not happen again.” Tobirama promised. “Thank you for caring for my cub. In my absence.”
“Ikoma was a very good cub for me. Weren’t you?” Madara held Ikoma up in the air again and the baby squealed.
Tobirama hurried over and took her out of Madara’s hands. She scented strongly of Madara, and the man must have scented her several times during her stay. He liked it that she had Madara’s smell, was marked as being under Madara’s protection.
“I guess I should head home now.” Tobirama murmured. Now that he had walked the entire way to Madara’s home, he felt tired and shaky. He would normally use the hiraishin, but he didn’t want to risk it harming Ikoma.
Madara seemed to notice his dilemma. “How about I walk you home?” He offered.
Tobirama considered. “That is acceptable.”
Madara began gathering toys around the room and packing them into a bag. Once completed, he gestured for Tobirama to follow him.
“What is all that?” Tobirama asked as he pointed at the bag.
“Toys for Ikoma-hime. She really liked them during this stay.” There were enough toys in there for multiple children… What one little cub was going to do with them all was a mystery.
Madara must have seen the shaking in his arms. “I can carry Ikoma?” He offered.
“I can handle her.” Tobirama huffed.
Madara rolled his eyes and held an arm out. “You’re shaking like a leaf. I’ll carry her.”
Tobirama finally relented and let Madara take the cub. Together they walked side by side back towards the Senju compound. Tobirama felt his instincts preen as several of the Uchiha omegas watched him walking with Madara. Fresh off his heat, his scent was still sweet. And Madara carried his cub. There was jealousy in several chakra signatures.
Not that there was anything to be jealous of. Madara didn’t like omegas, and Tobirama was just a friend.
Once they arrived on Tobirama’s front porch Madara handed the cub over, but he set the bag of toys within. Before leaving, he ran his fingers through Ikoma’s hair, scenting her. Then he rubbed the side of his face against Tobirama’s, scenting him. His instincts twirled at the thought that Madara wanted others to know that he and Ikoma were under his protection.
Which was ridiculous. Tobirama was one of the strongest omegas in the village. He didn’t need protection.
But it was nice.
Madara left after he forced Tobirama to promise to eat and rest some more.
Tobirama had a lot of work the next day. A lot to catch up on. And pleasantly, Hashirama called a meeting to discuss a new clan wanting to enter the village. Tobirama was on the entrance committee, as was Madara. The rest of the committee consisted of Hashirama, Izuna, and members of the Inuzuka and Aburame clan.
The committee had been working over proposals from 2 of the trinity clans. The Yamanaka and Akimichi wanted to join the village. But the Nara were holdouts. It had been difficult to figure out what they wanted in the village, and they weren’t particularly forthcoming. But Hashirama must have made a breakthrough while Tobirama was on leave.
He took his seat at the meeting, next to Izuna who gave him an unimpressed look. He must still be worn out from watching Ikoma. The Inuzuka and Aburame members took their seats, and finally Madara and Hashirama arrived.
Once seated, Hashirama began. “Members, we have had a development in our plan for the trinity clans to join the village. I know we have all been frustrated with the lack of progress, but we finally have a sign that the Nara want in.”
“Get on with it!” Izuna whined.
Hashirama looked pointedly at Tobirama. “The Nara clan head wants to join our village, but only if Tobirama agrees to mate his younger brother.”