"Life is a tragedy for those who feel, and a comedy for those who think."
La Bruyere
Every day, Deidara sees Tobi. He sees everything Tobi hides. All of Tobi's scars when he strips and dresses into something more comfortable. It makes Deidara think. It makes him think very hard as he stares at Tobi's body, then gazes into his face. Every day.
His eyes shine, even though they're dark like his hair. The scar on his face doesn't prevent him from smiling. A pure, innocent smile. His smile irks Deidara's inquisitive expression into one of frustration.
Tobi asks him, unadorned, what's wrong. Every time Deidara replies curtly, "Nothing, un."
It has been causing a lot of animosity for Deidara, so he finally gets curious enough to ask.
"What's wrong?" Tobi asks again.
"You have so many scars, un, why aren't you a dull, merciless ingrate like me?"
Tobi stares at him. Then he laughs. "You aren't dull, senpai!"
"Okay." Deidara sighs, annoyed. He tries not to lose his temper. "How come you aren't a jerk? Your past shapes you for the future, un." That was true for Deidara, anyway.
Tobi crosses his arms and stares at Deidara again. This time, Tobi is thinking. Then he smiles again. His true, guileless smile.
"I was happy when I got these scars! I don't quite remember what I was doing... but... I know I was happy. But if these scars were representing something painful, I wouldn't let it bother me. The only way to reach true happiness is letting go of the pain and highlighting the joy."
Tobi continued.
"Life is a tragedy for those who feel, and a comedy for those who think."
Deidara didn't say anything. He thought for a moment. Was that supposed to mean he i feels /i ? Well, an artist does feel, and Deidara is an artist. It's neccessary to feel. But there was something to what Tobi said that made his stomach churn. It churned nicely, like a spark of hope flickered inside of him. Tobi... he... made Deidara smile.
Deidara smiled a genuine smile.