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No one said this job didn't have it's dangers.
When apart of an organization like the Akatsuki, danger was a guarantee whether it was the members bringing it or they were facing it from the enemy. There was never a day off from it even in the moments they reside in the base when missions aren't being assigned. There was always a chance no matter how much they try to prepare or cover their tracks.
What made the missions harder for him was that he was trying to figure out how to work with Deidara. Granted he wasn't the worst person he's ever had to work with, but there were times where he almost breaks character to yell at him to stop being such a smartass and try to at least approach things with a sense of seriousness. He understood that he saw his jutsu as a form of artistic expression but sometimes it takes a lot of Tobi's patience not to snap.
He liked the blonde, he really did. However right now Deidara was not his favorite person to be around.
Mainly because one of his 'art' pieces has caused a cave in and now had to try and make their way through the cave system to get out. Granted thanks to Zetsu he was able to navigate however there is only so much Tobi can do as he had to use an oil lamp to make their way through. Due to the fact that they didn't know what to expect while in here Tobi was more focused on getting them out than trying to talk.
"You're being really quiet, un."
Tobi stopped when he looked at the rock around them trying to focus on finding any signs of danger. He can feel those blue eyes glaring into the back of his head when he stays quiet and takes a left turn.
I swear when the time comes, I'm going to rip him a new one, mark my words... Tobi huffed as he looked back and forth.
"Don't tell me you're mad at me. I didn't know that there would be a cave in, you can't be mad at me for that, un!"
Tobi tightened his grip on the lantern, grimacing behind his mask as his partner moves in front of him and is now walking backwards. He could see the scowl on the blonde's face and it just reminded him of a cranky kitten if he was honest. It was almost cute if not for the fact the blonde's recklessness almost got both of them killed in the process. Well, actually almost got Deidara killed, Tobi was sure he would have been able to escape however he knew the Iwa missing nin was important for his abilities and to complete the rituals concerning the Jinchuriki.
"Well? Aren't you going to say something, un?! Come on Tobi, as your senpai-"
"Senpai," He spoke and for once his voice shifted to his more natural tone, and pitch, "Tobi doesn't want to hear your excuses. Tobi just wants to leave this cave as soon as possible. Understand?"
He took satisfaction in the surprised look on Deidara's face. He knew he needed to watch himself but he needed Deidara to really understand the serious of their situation as he moved past him to see the opening ahead. They needed to get out of here and get out of here fast.
"...What the hell man?!" Deidara moved back in front of him, walking backwards since this time Tobi refused to stop, "Isn't it enough that I said sorry back there? It's not like I planned to be trapped in this damned cave with you! They were really swarming us back there, un!"
Tobi sighed, just continuing as he watches him walk back. Maybe if he just let's Deidara run his mouth he'll tire out and shut up.
"Tobi come on, don't be angry with me, un. I know it was a stupid move but you can't just ignore me when we're trapped here, un! I really didn't mean to trap us in here, can't you just-"
He hears it before he sees it; they both had stepped through the opening into a large cavern that looked to be an old mine. Then there was a loud crack of rocks breaking when Deidara took another step without thinking. He watched as the blonde suddenly was tilting back and his arms are now flailing, blue eyes widened in surprise and fear when he starts to fall backwards.
The world seemed to slow down as Tobi dropped the lantern. He reached out his gloved hand as he scraped across the bed rock chest first and closed his fingers around the other's ankle, grunting when he's pulled forward a bit so he was hanging over the edge slightly.
Deidara? Deidara found himself dangling. His blue eyes are wide and for once he felt overcome by cold fear that spreads through him.
"Sage, Senpai, what the hell have you been eating?! You're heavyyyyy..."
He doesn't respond. As his eyes adjusted he found himself face to face with a sharp spikes of rock; one was inches from his eye and another was almost poking his throat. If Tobi hadn't grabbed him when he did...
A sense of pure dread fills him, his breathing shaky as his hands twitched by his side. He could almost imagine just how gruesome this would have turned out. He swallowed as his vision begins to blur in and out of focus.
"Heeeeave Ho!" Tobi wheezed as he pulled him back over the edge, breathing heavily behind his mask.
Once he had fully pulled him up, the masked shinobi flopped back with a quiet wheeze, staring up at the ceiling of the rocky cave. The lantern's light was still going behind them, casting a soft glow in the darkness around them as they catch their breath.
As he came down from the sudden scare, Tobi blinked when he noticed Deidara hasn't let go of his hand since pulling him back up. He slowly raised his head to look at him and sees Deidara is breathing shakily beside him. The masked shinobi had half a mind to just pull his hand free and tell Deidara to get a move on. The sooner they found an exit, the sooner they can find a spot to camp and try to make another plan.
Instead, Tobi squeezes his hand and gently rubbed his knuckles without another word as the artistic missing nin gave a weak squeeze back.