Kouta was enthusiastically telling Asami and Madara about what he saw, did and ate yesterday, sometimes stumbling over his own words. That didn't stop him, though.

Asami was overjoyed to see him so excited. Nothing could bring her more happiness than her son's cheerfulness. And not only was he exhilarated by yesterday's visit to the village, but he was also curious and eager for more. Asami had lost count of how many times Kouta asked her if he could go again.

While Asami listened closely, Madara simply stared at the wall, pretending to listen. Sure, he was glad that Kouta was happy, but he wasn't really interested in his story. It was rude, but it simply didn't matter to him.

A warm hand suddenly covered his gloved ones. ''Madara.'' Her soft voice murmured, sounding concerned. ''Are you okay? You've been spacing out.''

Madara looked at their hands and then moved his gaze to Asami, who was waiting for a reply. He simply let her know he was fine with a single nod of his head and pulled back his hands before standing up. The legs of the chair scraped against the tiled floor, creating a noise that made both Asami and Kouta flinch. Madara put the chair back, this time silently. ''I'm going for a walk.''

As he walked away, he heard Kouta calling after him, saying he wanted to go with him, but Asami called him right back. He was grateful to her at times like these. She knew that he needed some time alone, and she also knew when needed or wanted that, just like now.

~~~~~~~

Asami had her lips pressed together while she watched Madara leave the room as he headed for the front door. It was already visible on his face; the inconvenience. He probably didn't even notice it himself since he was spacing out, but Asami saw it as soon as it appeared.

It bothered her, but she understood it as well. Madara needed some time alone, and she respected that. It happened to Asami sometimes as well. Even though she loved Kouta with all her heart, being around him every time of the day, and that for months straight, was something she simply couldn't do. Time to calm down, to rest, to think, to relax, that was something everybody needed in a while, and Madara needed that more than average.

He was the leader of the Uchiha clan, co-founder of Konoha, but he had spent a lot of his time holed up in his office, his home or in the Naka shrine, especially the few weeks before he decided to leave. Asami thought that being left alone too much was one of the reasons that Madara started to see it all in such a negative light. 

He was smart and thought everything through, but overthinking could be quite dangerous.

Asami sighed and turned back to Kouta, who looked quite dispirited after his father left in the middle of his story that he had been eager to tell every since he visited the village. Pursing her lips, Asami stood up and put her hands under his armpits, lifting him in the air.

Kouta wrapped his short arms around his mother's neck as Asami held him against her chest. ''Let's take a bath.'' She suggested, hoping that would enthuse him, and it did. He had always loved taking baths. Splashing the water into the sky and playing with the foam, filling the room with giggles and squeals was something he had always enjoyed. Asami started to grin when all traces of dejected left his face. 

''Shall we?''

Kouta hummed excitedly and nodded eagerly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Madara returned to the house, thinking Asami might get worried if he stayed away any longer. He had been very cautious during his stroll, making sure there was no one nearby and being careful not to leave a single trace of his presence.

Upon opening the door, shrieks of laughter reached his ears, which somehow relieved him. He thought that leaving Kouta while he was so enthusiastic about telling him about his experiences might have made him feel sad. And even if it did, he sure wasn't feeling like that anymore.

Slowly, he entered the living room, seeing Kouta lying on the couch, twisting and turning as he tried to escape from Asami's hands that were tickling him on his stomach. A playful smirk played on her lips as she kept prodding him, knowing exactly what spots she needed to touch in order to make him laugh.

It was when he walked closer that Asami noticed him and she stopped, letting Kouta catch his breath and wipe the tears that had escaped his eyes. A soft smile graced her features. ''I was already wondering when you'd come back.'' She spoke, relief clearly visible in her bright eyes, and she got off the couch. ''Do you want to drink something, Kou?''

Kouta simply shook his head, still too out breath to speak properly. Asami chuckled and ruffled his hair before turning to Madara. ''What about you?"

He thought for a few seconds before shaking his head as well. ''No, I'm fine.''

Asami frowned at him before she let out a sigh. As she walked past Madara, she stopped for a moment and placed her hand on his shoulder. ''Are you feeling better now?" She asked quietly, looking him straight in the eyes. She tried to read him, but Madara wasn't showing much for her to see.

''I'm fine.'' Was his simple reply.

Asami wasn't really convinced, but decided to leave him be. 

For now.

~~~~~~~~

Asami looked up from the book when the door to the bathroom opened, revealing a tired Madara. He was wearing a simple pair of black boxers and had a towel tossed over his shoulder. He didn't say anything as he sat down on the edge of the bed, his back turned to Asami, who felt troubled by the weird behavior he has been showing this day.

Her eyes fell on the drops of water which were running down his toned back. With a roll of her eyes, Asami put the book aside and crawled over to Madara. ''Just how many times do I need to say it?" She murmured, somewhat amused, as she slipped the towel off his shoulder and started to dry his hair properly. Even though she was always complaining, Asami actually secretly enjoyed doing this; pampering him.

Neither of them said anything during the next few minutes, but that was fine. The silence was far from awkward.

When Asami was done, she simply threw the towel at the chair that was standing near the desk before wrapping her arms around his neck. She placed her chin on his shoulder and pressed a quick kiss to his neck. ''So what has been bothering you today?" She asked softly.

Madara unconsciously leaned a bit against her. ''Nothing.''

Asami wasn't going to pry. If he didn't want to talk about it, then that was fine, she'd respect that. Asami also had a few things she'd rather not share, or found difficult to share.

Madara stared at the wall. He didn't want to offend her, so he decided to keep it to himself. Every since he was a child, he had a goal, something to work towards. At that time, it was to become strong, to become the leader of the Uchiha clan. Later on, after a few encounters with Hashirama, another dream was added to his list.

He realized them all.

After this, everything went downhill. By Hashirama becoming the Hokage, the Senju got more dominance, which was unfair to the Uchiha clan. Hashirama's idea of peace also differed from that of Madara.

No one would listen to him, so he was going to use force. His next goal was to challenge Hashirama.

He lost.

Ever since then, he had a new objective; creating peace, for real this time. He still didn't have a concrete plan, but he was working on one. Having a goal in mind kept him going, and Madara thought that telling Asami this might make her feel like she wasn't important enough. Like she wasn't enough, which was untrue.

He didn't just live for the plan, but also for her and Kouta.

He wasn't sure what he would have done if Asami hadn't told him she was conceived. Would he still have taken her with him? Was it just a feeling of responsibility that made him make the decision to let her come along just before his departure?

Madara tried to get those thoughts out of his head. It didn't matter anymore. He regretted a lot, but not the choice he made that day.

Asami rubbed his shoulders before giving them a gentle squeeze. ''You know that you can always talk to me whenever you feel like it, right?''

Madara nodded curtly, placing on of his hands over hers. ''I know.''

He'd never regret that.  

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Next up is the epilogue!

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