Oh my goodness it's been a while…
This is just a story to get things into the Holiday spirit! A DeiHina, of course ;)
-:-
Dear Hinata,
It's that time of the year again, huh? Christmas. What did I give you last time? A key chain, right? Aah, what a horrible gift. I don't even live in a place that's interesting enough to have key chains. I got the one I gave you from the next town over. Haha, I love the scarf you sent me, though. It came in handy when my town got snowed in and I was stuck in my heat-less house for three days. Speaking of, I'm wearing the scarf now, as I write. It's snowing again, and I hope the post office sends this out before we get snowed in again… ;P We should really get email addresses, but unfortunately I can't afford a computer. Neither can my town library, apparently.
Well, this is a small token of how much I love you (As a friend, of course ;) I hope you like it!
From,
Deidara
-:-
Hinata opened the rather large box that came with the letter. I hope he didn't spend too much money… She thought uneasily as she opened the flaps of cardboard. It was a whole box full of art supplies – from paints and easels to pencils and markers. Hinata smiled widely as she examined each item. How could she ever thank him? This is exactly what she wanted!
She put all the things back in the box, trying to carry it to her bedroom. She squealed as quietly as she could in her room, dumping all of the box's contents onto her bed. Stacks of watercolor pallets and boxes of some of the finest brand colored pencils and charcoal pencils. The easels were wrapped in a protective paper which could easily be used as poster paper. In the corner there was a fancy glass case with a set of acrylic paint, each tube with its own brush and at the bottom was a large clean pallet for mixing.
She felt so lucky having a pen pal as great as Deidara. He lived all the way on the other side of the country – on the west coast – while she lived on the east coast, in New York.
It was a strange thing when they 'met.'
--
Hinata was walking down to the lobby of her apartment building to get her mail. One of the letters fell to the floor – it was stuck in between the locker's door and the wall, like it was stuffed in through the side. Confused, she picked it up.
To whom it may concern,
Hello! My name is Deidara, and I am a 22 year old who lives in the state of Washington. This may seem silly, but I am looking for a pen pal – that is, someone to send letters back and forth to. It can be anybody. If you don't want to write back to me, give this letter to someone you know will write back.
In your response, please include your name and your address (Or, if you're uncomfortable with giving me your home address, a PO Box of some sort.) Also, your age would be a nice thing to know. And your gender.
Thank you for reading this, and I do hope to get a reply!
Sincerely,
Deidara
Hinata looked from side to side, wondering if this was a joke. Then, smiling a little, she decided to write a letter in response.
Dear Deidara,
Um, hello. I am Hinata Hyuga, a girl of 21 living in New York City. Since I've no idea who you are, I've set up a PO Box like your letter suggested.
I'm not sure what to write in these sort of things, but I have been looking for a new friend to talk to. Could you be it?
Sincerely,
Hinata Hyuga
Then, every few days she'd get a response, and she of course would reply back.
That was two years ago. It's pretty amazing how they've managed to avoid each other all this time – only communicating through letters. It's like having an imaginary friend – only a little less insane and he's not in the least bit imaginary.
--
Hinata smiled at the memory. She began putting her things away, and right away she began writing her reply.
Dear Deidara,
Oh my god, thank you so much! I love it! Ah, I don't know how to thank you! Oh, maybe I'll buy you a computer or something like that! XD
I'm glad that scarf was useful! Sorry to hear you spent three days without electricity… That must have sucked! And I'll have you know that I like key chains, so it wasn't a totally lame gift.
Aah, I'm at such a loss for words – I love the art supplies you gave me. How'd you know? You aren't stalking me, are you? Haha… I couldn't thank you enough. You've brightened up my Christmas! If there's anything you want, just say the word!
Love,
Hinata
-:-
Deidara almost squealed in delight when he checked his mail box. Another letter from her! He loved her letters – she sounded so precious and genuine. He wished that his letter were more interesting. He's so lucky to have a pen pal like her.
I wonder what she looks like… He thought as he took a seat in his apartment's kitchen table. He looked at all the other mail before looking at her letter – he found it to be more rewarding to save the best for last. All the other envelopes were bills and advertisements anyway.
Dear Hinata,
Come to Washington.
Love,
Deidara
-:-
Hinata's eyes widened. Go to Washington? What a strange and sudden request, especially right before the holidays. Sifting through the rest of her mail, she found another envelope from Deidara. In it was about $500. In cash.
"Oh my."
-:-
Deidara looked out his window and observed the snowflakes piling themselves up on his balcony. I wonder if Hinata's actually going to come. He flinched in embarrassment as his thoughts of doubt raced through his mind. Maybe it's too soon? Oh, two years is long enough to get to know somebody, right? But I did send her $500 in cash. That's like, a good portion of my life's savings. And I gave it to some stranger (well, technically she's a stranger) across the country without a second thought. Augh, what kind of low-life am I? I'm barely able to pay my light bill, let alone house another human being under one roof.
Rubbing his head, he walked over to his kitchen table and began to write another letter.
"Dear Hinata," he spoke as he wrote. "I realize how awkward my sudden request was, and hope that it hasn't caused you too much trouble. Looking back, I suppose I owe you more information, such as where I live and how to contact me through a quicker medium than pen and paper." He had to admit, he was getting way better at forming thoughts in a coherent sentence and writing it down at the same time. "Uh… If you're still willing to come to Washington, (which you're not being pressured to do), here's my real address and phone number." Deidara wrote down his address and his phone number, then folded the letter and sealed the envelope. He hoped the letter would reach her in time.
Love, Deidara.
-:-
It had been a couple days since she found the money in her pile of mail. Is he crazy? Why would he trust a complete stranger (technically) with this much money? Hinata went down to her mail box again to find another letter from Deidara. She hoped this one would clear up this whole situation.
As she read, the more she realized that Deidara was serious about her visiting him in Washington. "Maybe I'll give him a call. Just because he gave me his phone number." She headed over to her phone, about to dial Deidara's number. But before she hit 'Talk,' she thought, How awkward would it be to suddenly be able to talk to him in person? That's basically what a phone call was, right? Talking to someone live, not through letters. Where you had to come up with topics to talk about on the spot. Truthfully, she didn't have many friends to talk to on the phone or in person. At work, at least, phone calls were about work. But this was real life – with a guy, no less.
Unknowingly, she pressed 'Talk,' and an unfamiliar voice spoke.
"Hello?"
-:-
Oh shit, what if she tries to call me? It's been a couple days since I sent that letter, right? She might've gotten it by now. What do I say if she does? What if she calls me while I'm in a bad mood, and I yell at her? Oh god, that would be so embarrassing. What if I miss her call? Deidara gasped dramatically – he was glad he lived alone in his apartment. What do we even talk about? Talking on the phone was basically human interaction, right? He wasn't too experienced in that department. What if she gets bored with me? What'll happen to writing letters to each other if we can just call the other whenever? Oh, have I jeopardized our entire relationship?
Deidara took a deep breath. Of course she wouldn't call me right away. Surely she has more sense than I do, and has enough sense to call me later on in the week or something.
Right?
Suddenly, the phone began to ring, and Deidara let out a loud yelp.
-:-
"Um… D-Deidara?"
Deidara gulped. Oh shit. It's her.
"Y-Yes? Um. It's Hinata, right?"
"Y-Yeah. Um… H-How are you?"
She sounded precious and genuine. Just like in her letters.
"I'm great. Uh... Did you get that letter I sent you?"
Stupid. Of course she did. How do you think she got your number?
"Yes, I did. I have the money, too… Are you sure I can have this?"
"Well, it was originally because I wanted you to come here to Washington, but…" Deidara trailed off lamely and mentally hit himself for it. She was silent for 24 seconds, he was counting. "I-I see. Well, I'll think about it tonight." Then came the dreaded silence that both weren't looking forward to. Should they say good-bye? But what if the other finds something to talk about right before they say good-bye, and they both speak at the same time, and then stop? What if the silence drags on for too long and they just hang up?
"D-Deidara?" Surprised, Deidara shakily replied, "Yeah?"
"Um… I really do want to go and see you." D'aw. She sounded adorable. "I-I'm glad to hear that, Hinata. I really want to see you, too." Before another silence could set in, Hinata said, "Well, Um, I have to go pack. I'll… talk to you later, kay?" Deidara smiled, even though she couldn't see. "Okay. G'Night…" She bid him good night as well, and both hung up.
Well, she did. Deidara held the phone to his ear for a couple more minutes after. It took him a minute to register that he was very excited for Hinata's visit.
-:-
Gosh, it sounds like we're trying to make a long-distance relationship work. Hinata sighed as she set the phone down. Looking around her apartment for a bag, she thought about how long she was planning to stay. She guessed about a week or two, and she figured that Deidara had a washing machine so she could wash her clothes if needed. Of course, she packed the letters Deidara had sent her.
She hated to admit it, but having Deidara's letters nearby to read cheered her up when she felt a little down. The stories he told never got old – they always made her laugh. Sometimes he'd doodle in the margins and they'd be just the cutest things in the world.
Her heart made an unfamiliar jump, and her breath hitched in her throat. She observed this sudden action as excitement. She was really looking forward to seeing Deidara for the first time. She wondered what he looked like… the two never thought about sending pictures of themselves to each other before. In fact, they never thought about advancing their relationship at all beyond letters. She wondered why hearing his voice wasn't as big a deal as it should have been.
His voice… Now she could match the letters he wrote and the things he said together. She took out one of his letters and read it, smiling a little now that she could imagine what he sounded like. She wondered if he thought the same thing.
-:-
He did.
-:-
Hinata called Deidara one more time before she decided to buy the plane ticket with his money. She told him that she was going to spend Christmas with her family, and then spend the day after and New Year's with him. Of course, either way would have been fine with him. He was glad to have gotten another call from her in general. After she called the first time, he made sure to write her number anywhere he could (within reason) so that he couldn't forget, even if he tried.
Deidara, after Hinata hung up, decided to make himself a cup of hot cocoa. He never got used to the bitter taste of coffee and much more preferred the sweet taste and aroma of hot chocolate.
As he was getting out the cocoa mix, there was a knock at the door, soon followed by the ka-chack of someone picking the lock. Sighing, Deidara walked over and opened the door, earning a small grumble from the fellow who was crouched down in front of the lock.
"Hello, loser." The man greeted.
"'Sup, fart-face." Deidara replied hastily, stepping aside to let the man in.
The man's name was Sasori, for those who didn't know, and he lived in apartment #42, directly across the hall from Deidara's apartment #41. They've been friends ever since they both won the interview to the same job about 3 years ago. Well, friends in the terms that they were both in the same boat: Socially Awkward Men Living in Poverty. Since neither had any friends or immediate family to see or rely on, they decided that they were to depend on each other for everything one could emotionally need in another human being. Part of their friendship was based on the fact that both thought this at the same time, as well as other thoughts like, 'Why doesn't anybody know who the person who created underwear is, even though he created one of the best inventions of all time?' and, 'What would happen if everyone in the world jumped at the same time?'
Sasori couldn't help but notice that Deidara's apartment was cleaner than usual. Taking a look into Sasori's inner monologue, he came up with two conclusions that were both very likely. 1, Deidara finally realized that cleanliness was next to godliness (Or whatever the higher being is in this case), though he couldn't figure out why Deidara would want to be like a god. Or 2, someone other than him was coming over, in which case this would be a big freaking deal. People rarely visit Deidara, and when they do, it's usually because the socialite upstairs gave them the wrong apartment number again.
Strongly considering conclusion #2, Sasori asked Deidara, "So who's the lucky person that gets to visit you during these fine times of Holiday cheer?" Deidara couldn't help the little blush on his cheeks and sheepish smile. "You know how I've been writing letters to someone for the past two years? " Sasori nodded, not really liking where this was going. "Well, this Christmas – Well, this Holiday Season – I offered for her to visit me. She lives in New York – " At this, Sasori scoffed and rolled his eyes. " – and she said that she really wanted to come see me." Deidara's smile faded a little when Sasori said, "Well, there's not much to look at."
Deidara huffed, dismissing Sasori's comment.
"Okay. Well, when is she coming?"
"She's going to fly here the day after Christmas."
"Oh. That's a 5 hour flight, you know. And it's already Christmas Eve. How can you prepare her for two weeks of entertainment in a state as boring as Washington?"
Deidara thought a moment, and one word came to mind: Seattle.
-:- Christmas Day -:-
"Washington? D.C.?" Hiashi, Hinata's father, said in slight disbelief as they sat around the living room. They had just opened all the gifts under the tree. "No… Washington on the West Coast, Dad." Hinata said shyly. She wasn't exactly one to have friends in places as far off as the west coast. She barely had any friends here, in New York (Which was sad, since New York has many, many people to befriend). "Which is even stranger. What's in Washington?" Neji chimed in.
"Well, I've been writing letters to a friend," She blushed from embarrassment when her family started whispering to each other. "And we've been writing for roughly two years now… So we decided to actually meet each other in person and spend the holidays together…" Before her family could say any smart comments about romance and relationships, she added, "As friends." They visibly pouted.
"That's great, Hinata. Visiting friends for the Holidays. I'm glad you decided to spend Christmas with us!" Her mother said, smiling. Hinata smiled back at her. "I'm heading out tomorrow… my flight's at 7 in the morning." She explained. "Oh my. Where did you get the money?" Her mother asked. "Oh… My friend sent me money for a ticket… I'll be staying at his place until after New Year's."
Her family seemed to be uneasy, but pleased with the situation. It was almost late in the evening, so with their goodbyes they told her small tidbits of information and gave advice to her.
"Don't drink and drive."
"I heard it rains a lot in Washington – Bring your umbrella."
"If something happens, don't hesitate to call us. Or the police. Either one."
"Don't get married without inviting us."
"No, stupid! Don't get married at all!"
"Or pregnant!"
Hinata laughed softly to herself as she backed out the door and into the yard.
"Are you nervous about this? Let's send Neji to watch out for her."
"No, that's not necessary…"
"Egad, that's just crazy enough to work. Neji, do you approve?"
"Of course I approve! I can't let some scumbag take Hinata all the way across the country!"
"Good thinking, Neji! I'm so proud of you!
"Thanks, Dad!"
"I love you, son!"
"You too, Dad!"
By now, Hinata had backed away enough to be able to walk down the street unnoticed. Also, by the time her family noticed, she was in the car and driving away. She stopped in front of the house to wave good-bye to her mother, who was really the only one who noticed her leaving.
Hinata sighed, closing her eyes when she reached a red light. Her family was always supportive, but she sure wished she had other friends to laugh and joke around with. She wondered if Deidara had a lot of friends. He probably does… I mean, he's so cool and everything. Who wouldn't be his friend? She unknowingly smiled, then jumped when the car behind her honked. It was suddenly a green light, and she slowly moved forward, then merged with traffic to head back home.
-:-
"TWA, what are you doing? You can't handle another story."
"Yeah, I can! All I need is to BELIEVE."
"But you have another story going! Remember? Rich Girl?"
"I know, but I need an idea dump… this is it. And it's holiday related! Look, Deidara and Hinata have no friends except themselves! Pure gold!"
"You're stupid."
"I know."
Soo… yeah… Merry Christmas! I swear, this'll be a quick one! :
