The setting sun reflected the pond of the Akatsuki base, glaring the father Uchiha in the eyes. Birds chirped happily though Madara was in a mood far from happy. Three days ago Itachi was supposed to be back. Three days of waiting, not knowing the truth. Of course, Kisame had been gone as well, though he honestly was far from his mind it did provide slight hope. If anyone cared half as much as Madara did it would have to be the shark. Meaning it would be a better bet for Itachi's survival.
Though he still couldn't manage to think the worst. What if Itachi had passed away?He muttered internally. Giving up again for yet another day, Madara shifted to his feet, shaking his uncomfortably short hair back he slid his mask into place, assuming his undeserved role as Tobi. Obnoxious, hyperactive, ungrateful, the complete opposite of the man wearing the mask. Though the biggest bug of being 'Tobi' would have to be the use of only one eye. Sharingan or not his depth perception was officially shot, he was constantly running into things and over all it was a major head ache. Why he felt the need to only have one eye hole is now a complete and utter mystery. One of the biggest mistakes of his life.
Stretching his arms he relocated to a chair by the door, as he'd done for the past week. It was almost preferred to his bed, grabbing his blankets he curled up into a ball and closed his eyes. Minutes passed and he drifted off. Though the peace only lasted a few minutes as the to often heard voice of Deidara woke him again. "How do you sleep like that, un?"
His eyes drifted open, thankful that the mask hid his annoyed expression. Tobi time Madara, think...well, don't think at all. "How do you not sleep with one Deidara-sempai!?"He forced himself up with a light-hearted bounce. Opening his mouth to speak again he stopped, that sound. Approaching footsteps? But there's only...one.His heart soared and sank at the same time as he jumped up, pushing past Deidara who fell to the ground with a confused yelp.
Scrambling out the door he stared at Kisame, eyes filled to the brim with heartbroken tears. Itachi was slung limp over the larger mans shoulder. He had to say something, do something, but as he took his first step the blond mass raced past him. "Itachi! Is he alive!?" Deidara pulled Itachi from Kisame's arms and Madara just watched. What could he do? Innocent, playful Tobi, running to the aid of the man he wasn't supposed to know at all? It wouldn't add up, lead to to many questions. So he just stood there, bowing his head as quiet sobs broke from his lungs. A hand was placed on his shoulder but he didn't have to look to know who it was.
The only person who knew the truth, Madara's feelings for the young Uchiha, The one who'd help him take back his organization, trained him, cared for him. "Suck it up kid, not like there was actually anything there right?"The darkened half of Tobi's sempai said in a rusty growl. "I mean, you weren't technically together, it's nothing that can't be fixed, right?" though the lighter half was kind hearted it hurt just as equal as the dark. Madara wretched his shoulder from the grip of Zetsu who just sighed. "...And it's not like Tobi couldn't care about his fellow Akatsuki member, right?"
Madara thought on it for a moment, nodding in agreement, "Thank you, Sempai!" He forced a laugh, trying to keep up his act. Closing the distance between the two was a quick obstacle, pushing back Deidara he stared down at Itachi. "Deidara Sempai! He's alright right!?" Though Deidara remained silent, tears stripping his face. Madara stared at Itachi breathlessly, there was faint breathing, but barely enough to keep life in his former student. Shaking, Madara looked to Deidara. "No...No... No! Itachi! Don't leave me dammit!" Deidara choked on his tears, staring awestruck at Tobi for a split second before returning his gaze to Itachi. Madara growled, pushing Deidara back and scooping Itachi into his arms.
Deidara shouted protests but Madara ignored them, running Itachi into his room and slamming shut the door. He set Itachi onto his bed and ripped off his mask. Itachi's eyes glittered open, a dry cough escaping his throat. "Itachi! Your alright!" Madara half squeaked, looking around for any form of first aid he could possibly get his hands on. Bandages, disinfectants, needle and leather thread. He turned to Itachi again but dropped his things with a horror struck expression. "Y-your...eyes." His throat went dry, Itachi was... He couldn't...see...