This a modern day AU, ObiDei pairing, smut and lemons in later chapters.
I do not own anything Naruto related.
Chapter one
The atmosphere in the tiny apartment was heavy. It seemed dark and cold, despite the warm sun shining through the windows. Sasori and Deidara stood across from each other. The redhead's face contorted in disbelief and anger, while the blonds was a mix of sorrow and determination.
"So this is it then?" Sasori's voice came out strained and simmered with rage. "This is how things are going to end."
Deidara remained silent with his eyes cast to the floor. The ticking of the clock sounded thunderous in his ears.
"After all this time, you're going to me the finger and walk away?" Sasori accused.
"It's not like that and you know it, un," Deidara snapped back. His hands clenched by his sides as he made eye contact.
"We have one fight and you want to call it quits!"
Deidara flung his arms out in exasperation, "we have been fighting for months!" He struggled to keep his voice even, "I don't know what to do anymore you refuse to talk about our problems, un."
"The only problem is that you feel the need to whine and complain about everything," Sasori snapped back.
Deidara couldn't believe what he was hearing. There was no way Sasori actually felt like that. He can't actually be okay with the way things are.
"So wanting to talk about what's wrong in our relationship is whining? un." Deidara asked incredulously.
"Stop being so dramatic."
Frustration was mounting inside the blond, "I'm not being dramatic!" The redhead offered him a flat look when he stomped his foot. "You're closed completely off to me now. I can't connect with you at all anymore, un."
Sasori let out an irritated sigh as he raked a hand through his tangled locks. "This old argument again, how many times do I have to tell you? I am not a touchy-feely person. I never have been and I never will be, get that through your dumb blond head!"
A muscle in Deidara's jaw ticked. He hated it when Sasori called him that! "Screw you I'm not a dumb blond! And just because you're emotionally frigid doesn't mean I am! un."
Sasori snorted, crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, closing his hazy brown eyes. He tried to reign in his temper. When Deidara next spoke his tone had also softened, and he could detect a hint of weariness in his words.
"You never say I love you anymore ... Not unless we're fucking that is, un." Deidara's words came out hushed like he wasn't even talking to him at all.
"And? Is that a problem?" Sasori cracked open an eye.
"Can you for once not be a sarcastic asshole? un." Deidara sank to the couch cradling his head in his hands.
Sasori crossed the room in three quick strides. He knelt in front of the blond, grasping his wrist with one hand and cupping his warm cheek in the other. He felt a pang in his chest when Deidara looked up at him. When had those bright blue eyes become so clouded?
"Dei, we can work this out. Maybe if we take a little time apart then, " Deidara cut him off.
"It's too late for that Sasori. We're not the same anymore, and I don't think there's anything left for us." Deidara's voice trembled.
"Please don't do this." Sasori gazed at him earnestly, holding his breath hoping that there was still time to fix this.
Deidara swallowed hard, his stomach twisted and an ache penetrated his heart. He wanted to say it was all going to be fine, that everything would get better, but deep in his heart he knew it was a lie. There was nothing left for them.
He gently, but firmly removed Sasori's hands. "I'm sorry, Sasori, it's over, un."
There was a moment of silence as the redhead processed what he was hearing. A rush of emotions swept through him before leaving him feeling cold and hollow inside.
"Fine ... Fine!" Sasori yelled as he roughly shoved the younger blond away from him. "I don't know why I waisted my time on you, you've done nothing but hold me back! You're just a burden."
Angry tears pricked at the corner of Deidara's eyes as he jumped back to his feet. "Get out, get the hell out! un."
"You're a needy, immature, and selfish brat!" Sasori continued to lash out. He was angry and hurting; he wanted Deidara to feel the same way.
"I hate you!" Deidara stepped up to yell in his face.
"You know what Deidara? I hate you too, and you can take your pathetic excuse for art and shove it up your ass."
"I don't ever want to see you again, un." Deidara was trembling as tears fell from his eyes in fat droplets.
Sasori snickered, "look at that we've finally agreed on something."
Deidara swayed slightly on his feet suddenly feeling completely drained of everything
"Just leave, un." He turned away not noticing the look of anguish as it crossed over Sasori's face.
Without another word Sasori snatched up his belongings and stormed out of the apartment. The slam of the door echoed in Deidara's mind. He felt something rip from his chest as his longtime lover walked away.
Two years later.
"Here you are, one mocha caramel latte and a large black coffee." A friendly waiter placed the drinks down on the glass table.
"Thank you," Obito said as the waiter left.
He directed his gaze back to the blond sitting across from him. Deidara was using his finger to sample some of the whipped topping from his latte. It was an early Autumn morning, and the two decided to stop at their favorite café before going to work. They sat at a table outside under one of the little umbrellas.
Obito picked up his own cup and took a long sip; he studied the blond over the lid of his drink. He and Deidara have dated for a little more than a year, and recently he asked Deidara to move in with him. He knew that Deidara was nervous about the idea at first and honestly he had a few worries himself, but so far it has worked out well.
Obito smiled as Deidara continued scooping up whipped cream.
"So how's it coming in the studio?" He asked.
Deidara looked up at him as he licked his finger clean.
"Great!" He said with a smack of his lips. "Everything's coming out exactly as I'd hoped. I'll definitely make my deadline. Well so long as nothing disastrous happens, un."
Obito smiled, "I'm sure nothing bad will happen. How much left do you have to do?"
"I just need to finish," Deidara clamped his mouth shut mid sentence. His eyes narrowed, "nice try, you almost go me too! Un."
Obito sighed, "you're really not going to let me know are you."
" Nope, not until the art gala. I told you I want it to be a surprise, un." Deidara grinned before diving back into his cup.
Obito surrendered, he has tried for months to get information about what his project is, but so far he's learned nothing. A few months ago Deidara received an invitation from the producers of this year's art gala. He will be exhibiting his newest art, whatever it may be, as well as performing his live art show as part of the events entertainment.
Obito remembered when Deidara had called him at the office to tell him the news. He was shouting and talking so fast Obito had thought something terrible had happened. Eventually, he had calmed Deidara down enough that he was able to understand what was going on. They went out to celebrate that night and ever since Deidara has worked tirelessly in the studio. Obito couldn't be happier for his lover Deidara definitely deserved this opportunity.
"Oh, before I forget," he said suddenly. "I'll be coming home late tonight. There's something I need to do after work."
Deidara, who was watching a flock of pigeons peck at some bread crumbs an old woman was scattering, glanced at him absently.
"Okay, what are you doing? Un."
"Something," Obito shrugged.
This captured the blonds attention. Deidara's gaze snapped to him as his eyes turned to slits.
"Like what? Un," he asked suspiciously.
Obito only smirked and took another sip of his coffee. He couldn't help teasing the blond; it was all too easy to get him riled up.
"You're planning something ... Is it a surprise? Un," Deidara asked.
"Maybe."
"Is it a surprise for me? Un."
Obito chuckled, "Dei, who else would I be planning a surprise for?"
Deidara sat up straighter his curiosity piqued. "What is it?! Un."
Obito gazed across the table at his younger lover, the blonds ice blue eyes glittered. He loved being on the receiving end of those eyes.
"Well if I tell you, it won't be a surprise, will it dear?"
"Give me a hint, un."
"It's something you'll love."
"That doesn't help! Give me another one, un."
"No," Obito crossed his arms.
Deidara folded his hands like he was praying. "One more, pleeease, un."
How could he refuse? Obito held up one finger to indicate this was the last thing he was going to tell him.
"It's something you've always wanted to do."
"But there are so many things I wanna do! Un." Deidara threw his arms out wide.
"Well then I guess you'd better narrow down the list," Obito said with a shrug.
Deidara sat back with a glare. Obito wasn't sure if Deidara was trying to look serious or cute, but with his bottom lip jutting out he was definitely leaning towards the latter.
"I'm gonna go mad thinking about this you know, un."
"Aw, baby what's wrong? Don't you like being kept in suspense?" Obito smirked. "That's what you get for not letting me see what you're working on."
Deidara's mouth popped open before he turned his head away with a scowl.
Obito chuckled, "now let's finish up I need to get to work soon."
After they had finished Obito paid for their drinks, and they walked to the parking lot. Deidara was still puzzling over the mystery; Obito could tell by the slight furrowing of his brow and the pucker of his lips. He felt an urge to kiss those rosy lips.
They stopped beside their cars, Obito gently grabbed Deidara's chin with his thumb and forefinger. He swooped down to place an affectionate kiss on his mouth. Deidara looped his arms around his neck pulling Obito closer and deepening the kiss. The lingering tastes of caramel and chocolate clung to the blonds lips. Obito flicked his tongue across, lapping up the flavor. When they broke apart the blond blinked up at him.
"I love you, un," Deidara said softly.
Obito stroked his cheek. "I love you too, Dei. I'll see you at home."
With one last affectionate peck they got into their cars and went there separate ways.
A few short minutes later the artist arrived at his private studio. The studio is located on the third floor of a beautiful building overlooking his favorite park. The large windows offered a picturesque view of the treetops and the pond that glimmered in the sunlight. Deidara always dreamed of having a place like this where he could create his art. For years he collected his meager savings in hopes of finding a decent space to rent, but most were out of his price range.
One day Obito brought him to see this place and asked Deidara what he thought of it. Deidara loved it, but he knew without even asking the owner that the rent for it was beyond his budget. Obito bought it for him on the spot. Deidara protested telling Obito it wasn't necessary, but he wouldn't hear it.
After hanging up his jacket he sat down at his desk to continue working. He has three months left to prepare for the art gala and he has plenty of work left to do. The gala is a monumental event, it attracts a vast crowd every year, even celebrities show up there. The art being showcased can be bid on in both live and silent auctions; the proceeds of which go to various nonprofit charities. In addition, the entertainment for the evening includes live art performances, and live music.
Deidara has never attended the event before because the tickets are always expensive, but he's dreamed of the day when he could go. So when he received the offer he nearly lost his mind. This was the prime opportunity for him to showcase his talents and to get his name as an artist out there.
For months he has labored over his new sculptures. Deidara has a distinct style of art and he sticks to it religiously. The details of his work are usually kept to a minimum. He sculpts the outline of feathers, fur, or scales, but leaves out any of the finer details. Not out of laziness but because to his eye the simple designs look better. Another trademark of his is that the eyes of every creature are left empty and hollow.
Despite the simplicity of his work a lot of thought goes into his art. He takes care to make each piece special. The proportions are always exact and flow smoothly from head to tail. There is never a lump or crack found. His work is flawless.
Much of what he creates is inspired from nature. He loves animals, birds in particular are his favorite; that's what he decided to exhibit for the event. So far he has made an owl, an eagle and a pair of small dove like birds. Fantasy creatures are another thing that he loves so he's also sculpted a phoenix and a large bird with four wings. All of the sculptures are life size; some of them are simply standing while others appear to be in mid flight.
There is one last piece that needs finishing, an exceptionally large and very heavy dragon. Once finished the dragon will stand at about five feet tall, measure in length at six feet, and will tips the scales well over two hundred pounds. He's worked on this beast for a solid three months now. Putting extra time and effort into what he hopes will be the star of his collection.
Everything in his collection will still need firing in the kiln, and a glaze applied. Time was running out, but Deidara's confident in his ability to finish by the deadline. And oddly enough he creates some of his best work when under pressure and working down to the wire.
He turned on the little stereo sitting in a corner of the room. Music flowed from the speakers as he unwrapped the massive sculpture resuming where he left off the night before. Pulling out his tools, he got to work quickly becoming absorbed in the task of smoothing out the wings of the dragon. Manipulating them into the shape and position, he wants them in.
This dragon isn't especially fierce to behold, in fact it has a rather cute and gentle face. It has squared off teeth with an almost pig like snout, and rounded horns atop of its head. Deidara smiled as he worked, he likes this dragon, it reminds him of a gift Obito gave him on one of their first dates.
They were at a festival and as they walked by a game booth Obito had looked up to see a giant white plush pig. It was all round with stubby little legs and a fat nose. Obito remarked on the similarities between it and Deidara's art. Initially the artist had taken offence to the comment, ranting about how such a silly creature could never be comparable to his art. Obito won the pig and presented it to Deidara with a wide grin. He knew that deep down Deidara thought it was cute. Deidara refused to hold it so Obito carried it instead; though he caught the blond sneaking peeks at it throughout the evening. As he drove Deidara home that night, the pig sat snug in the blonds lap with his arms wrapped tightly around it. Deidara would never admit to it, but he slept with the pig every night for weeks afterwards. It now sits in a special spot near his work space at home.
Feeling nostalgic and inspired he powered through the rest of the day. Finally, at six o'clock he was ready to call it quits. He made a lot of progress and felt pleased with the results. With a yawn and a stretch he twisted his spine and rolled his shoulders. The thought of falling face first on the couch sounded mighty appealing, however, he really wanted to stop by one of the local galleries today. An artist from Japan has recently moved to Konoha and was gaining in popularity. The gallery is displaying his work, and Deidara just had to see what all the fuss was about! So with everything cleaned up and put away he switched off the lights and locked the door.
It was a short drive to the art gallery, just a few blocks over from his studio. He parked outside the building and jogged across the street to enter. He sped past the exhibits in the front; he's seen them plenty of times and found what he was looking for in the back of the room.
A series of portrait paintings depicting beautiful women in various poses. Some are partially nude while others are not. Each piece featured vivid floral patterns, used in the background and incorporated into the designs on the women's clothing.
Deidara tilted his head and tapped a finger to his chin as he examined the paintings. All in all he thought it was beautiful work. He looked for the artist's name, Sai, he'd try to remember that. Perhaps they could meet some day and have a chat. He continued to gaze over the new collection, not realizing someone was standing behind him.
"Magnificent work isn't it?" A voice asked gently from behind.
"Hm, yeah." Deidara replied absently not paying any attention, until something registered in his brain.
He knew that lazy drawl ... it couldn't be right?
His heart thumped once.
He spun around.
His breath caught in his throat as his eyes landed on a man with a mop of unruly red hair. Sasori gazed back at him. Deidara blinked rapidly, I'm dreaming right? I fell asleep in the studio, and this has all been a dream. He tried to convince himself of this, but he knew it wasn't true. He wasn't dreaming, Sasori is really here standing in front of him!
Deidara couldn't find the words to say anything. He stood there with a dumbfounded look on his face and his mouth gaped open in disbelief.
"Hello Deidara, it's been a long time." Sasori spoke in that same low and lazy tone.
"S-Sasori?" Deidara stuttered in disbelief.
"How are you? You look well." The redhead looked him up and down, eyes lingering in a way that suggested they had once been more than just friends.
"Sasori?" The blond repeated himself.
Sasori tisked, "is that all you're going to say?"
"I ... it's just ... I mean ..." Deidara sputtered trying to come up with a coherent thought.
"Yeah, I know, I'm probably the last person you expected to see today." Sasori laughed softly as he ran a hand through his hair.
"What are you doing here? un," Deidara finally managed.
"I moved back here," Sasori said with a casual lift of his shoulder.
"You what? When?! un." Deidara's eyes popped out of their sockets.
"A few weeks ago ... I had a feeling I would run into you here soon enough."
Deidara continued to stare at the redhead still unable to truly believe what he was seeing. His mind was swirling so fast, he couldn't focus on any one thought, it jumped from one to another.
"What's the matter Dei? Won't you talk to me?" Sasori asked with a note of worry in his voice.
Deidara realized he hadn't really said much yet. "I don't even know what to think right now, un."
Sasori nodded. "I understand. It's been two years since we've seen each other, and I get it if you don't want to talk ... Though I have to admit, I was rather hoping we could catch up."
There was an odd tickling sensation in Deidara's stomach; he tried to ignore it.
Sasori wants to catch up, and he's been hoping to see me?
"Perhaps we can go out for a drink?" Sasori's question cut threw his mind's chatter.
"Um, I don't know, un."
"Just a drink or two? For old times sake?" Sasori peered at him earnestly.
Deidara opened his mouth to answer, but his phone buzzed in his pocket, he wrenched it out with a trembling hand. A text from Obito lit up the screen, he quickly read the message, Obito would be leaving work in about an hour.
"I have to go, un." He muttered rushing past the redhead and straight for the door.
"Wait!" Sasori called out hurrying to catch up, he stepped in front of the blond blocking the exit.
They stood face to face only a few inches separated them; the feeling in his stomach returned and his heart skipped a beat as well.
"Will you think about it?" Sasori asked.
"I don't know, un," Deidara bit his lip.
"Please?"
Did Sasori just say please? Yeah, this has to be a dream.
"Okay, I'll think about it. Un." The words escaped on their own, Deidara wasn't sure why he had just agreed to it.
"Good, thank you." The redhead smiled with relief. "Here let me give you my number," he said starting to take out his phone.
"I still have it, un." Deidara blurted then clamped his mouth shut while mentally kicking himself.
Why did I just say that?!
Sasori smirked hearing the admission. "Good I still have yours too. I'll see you around Dei."
"Yeah ... Okay, un."
Deidara rushed past Sasori and threw open the exit doors. Once outside he gulped down the fresh air steadying himself with a hand against the brick of the building. He glanced over his shoulder to make sure his ex hadn't followed him out. After a moment he pushed away from the wall and crossed the street to his car.
Once inside the vehicle he sat for a few minutes, processing the sudden turn of events. Sasori's back and he wants to go out for drinks together. Is that a good idea? Should I go out with him? Deidara drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. I would like to hear about what he's been up to, and it could be fun to hang out for a little while ... What will Obito think, though? He probably won't like the idea; he hates Sasori after all.
He might have sat there lost in thought all night if it weren't for a loud car that sped past, and jolted him back into reality. Obito would be home in a little while so he started the engine and took off.
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