Madara looked over, his expression thoughtful. It was obvious he had something on his mind. "You can tell me if something’s wrong. You know that, right?" Madara asked, his brows furrowed. A seriousness had replaced his usual levity.

Madara had no clue how wrong he was. Past experience had taught Rei that confiding in his successor was unwise. Hoping to steer the conversation in another direction, he asked, "What makes you think something’s wrong?"

Madara tilted his head as if he was some sort of stupid, confused puppy. The word 'cute' also flashed through Rei’s mind, but he quickly pushed the thought aside. The last thing he needed to do was give someone like Madara any false hope.

With a teasing smile, Madara replied, "It doesn’t seem like nothing to me." He playfully leaned into Rei’s personal space as he continued, "Pleaseee, just tell me what’s going on with you. I’d really like to know."

Why couldn’t Madara take his words at face value like everyone else? Rei knew he meant well, only wanted to help, but sometimes he only made him feel worse with his persistence.
"Nothing’s wrong," Rei said firmly, shooting Madara a pointed look and leaning away to put some space between them.

"You're such a fucking liar, Reisan," Madara suddenly said, a dark look in his eyes. He just couldn't relent, his mood changing entirely. "I’m tired of you always pretending everything’s fine when it obviously isn’t." He grabbed Rei by the arm, grasping hard enough to hurt, as he continued, "You can’t keep doing this. It’s obvious that you’re not okay. Why won't you depend on me?"

"Madara?" Rei asked, eyes wide in shock. He was familiar with Madara’s more menacing side, but it had never been directed at him like this.

"Madara?" Madara repeated, echoing what Rei had said only moments before.

Rei had made a mistake.

Madara wasn’t Madara. He was Mikejimakun and nothing more. He tried to apologize, but before he could, Madara grabbed him again, this time pulling him into a tight hug.

Rei didn't resist. He was too tired to try, instead taking a deep breath and resting his head on Madara’s shoulder. Rei had long grown weary of Madara's kindness, but he couldn’t help but return his embrace. Even if it hurt.

.

.

.

Eventually, after a prolonged moment that could never hope to exceed the length of forever, Madara broke the hug, leaning back to look at Rei. He looked so determined as he reached out to cup his cheek. He grinned in satisfaction, the determination in his eyes softening into joy.

Rei desperately wanted to share in his joy but, at that moment, Rei felt a rising sense of déjà vu. He hated the way it felt.