Lavander

Tobi, in Obito voice: No need for that, kid; I’ve got at least a hundred of ‘em. You’d better just pray I keep using the ones that don’t want to throw you off the side of a damn cliff.

Deidara: Oi, Tobi … I don’t know how to say this, but, when was the last time you washed your hair? It’s so — so stiff and dry, hm.

Tobi: It’s been a long time, Senpai. Tobi … Tobi doesn’t feel good to do things, when Tobi is sad.

Deidara: You’re sad? Can I ask why?

Tobi: Tobi doesn’t know. The weather, maybe. The cold. Going on so many missions every week. Everything.

Deidara:

Deidara: *takes Tobi’s arm and pulls him into the bathroom* 

Tobi: Senpai, what —

Deidara: *picks up the scissors* You need a little trim, too, hm. Turn around. I’ll do that, and then I’ll wash your hair for you. I just got some special moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, they smell really good so don’t worry. 

Tobi: Senpai, you don’t have to —

Deidara, putting a towel around Tobi’s shoulders: I know I don’t have to. Just relax, okay? And keep your head straight.

*Deidara works quietly for a while, effectively giving Tobi a decent haircut*

Deidara: Okay, hm. Now to wash. Er, it might be easier for you to lean back in the sink if you took your mask off. But only if you want to, hm. If not, I can work around it.

Tobi: *hesitates, then slowly removes his mask and lays it down*

Deidara: *tries not to make a big deal out of seeing his face for the first time; begins wetting his hair*

Tobi, in Obito voice: You can ask questions, you know. We’ve been partners for two years, and this is the first time you’re seeing me. You must have questions.

Deidara: No, hm. You’re my friend. You’re probably the only real friend I’ve ever had. I don’t need to know anything about you beyond that, hm. Now close your eyes while I rinse, please.

Tobi: *closes eyes; eventually tears start leaking out*

Deidara: Oh shit … I’m sorry! Did I get soap in your eye? Hold on keep the eye closed let me rinse —

Tobi: N-no. It’s just … nobody has ever … it’s been so long since …

Deidara: *understands what he means* It’s okay, hm. You’re okay. *finishes washing Tobi’s hair and begins rubbing a towel over the wet locks*

Deidara: There! What do you think?

Tobi: *looks into the mirror*

Tobi, softly: It looks so good.

Tobi: *turns around and gently hugs Deidara, before slipping his mask back on* Thank you, Deidara. This was the best birthday present I could ask for.

Deidara, surprised: It’s your birthday?!

Tobi: Yes, but, it’s not a day that’s worth thinking about or —

Deidara: *moves the mask to the side and gives Tobi a very timid kiss on the cheek* Happy birthday, hm!

Tobi:

Tobi, in Obito voice: Make it a kiss on the lips and I could die happy right now.

Hmmm…I don’t think depression is quite enough to describe what Obito has/has developed. There’s a clear and intense divide between the Obito ‘before Madara’ and the Obito ‘after Madara’, though I’d argue Obito already had psychological problems even before Madara got his claws on him – anxiety and an inferiority complex, to begin with.

Canonically we know he was an ophan raised by his “grandmother”, who proooobably wasn’t a shinobi herself. I headcanon grandma was a non-Uchiha civilian, who married into the Uchiha family, so she’s kinda frowny-faced-upon by the Uchiha as she’s 1) not Uchiha by blood, and 2) not a shinobi, and 3) not really a productive citizen anymore, since she’s, well, old and quite possibly senile.

So from a relatively young age, Obito ran around taking care of her and the small apartment they lived in because she wasn’t 100% up to taking care of herself. He loves her a lot because she’s his constant, nonstop emotional support – even as her mind goes she firmly believes in him and cheers him on – but that doesn’t protect him entirely from feeling ostracized and inferior and useless and eager to prove himself. He is VERY aware that his tiny family’s worth to the Uchiha Clan (and Konoha) rests on his sharingan developing, so from a young age he quickly developed a deep, DEEP anxiety about his eyes.