A/N: Okay, so not quite how I expected it to turn out but, eh. This is really just a transition fic because the next one is where the real plot bunny is. Lots of fluff and a nice long, sweet lemon. Damn, these boys are too sexy haha. Anyway, its a cutesy piece and I tried my best. I'd like to give a shout out to BlueGloves. Nepal, huh? That's awesome, I just have to say. Thank you so much for your review! *hands you cookie* alas, I think that NejixSai was the only one I'm probably going to write. Unless, of course, there's another mob of plot bunnies and then we'll have to see what new madness they bring along with them. o.O Seriously, those creatures are evil and just need to stay the hell away from me for a while or they might find themselves hopping around without heads *glares and whips out a shot gun*. I'm working one four other stories, not including the three chapter stories I have going *dies* anyway, I hope everyone enjoys this!


I can finally see
that you're right there beside me

I am not my own
for I have been made new
Please don't let me go
I desperately need you...

-Owl City "Meteor Shower" (the prettiest song I have ever heard and I collect pretty songs *swoons*)



The Meaning of Freedom

Sunlight.

So much of it and it poured down over him like some blessing from a deity that lorded over the skies. It was so thick and so rich, he could feel it brushing over his skin as he walked, could taste it, so sweet, on his tongue. He wondered if such a thing had the ability to seep into his skin and mark him, brand him with some kind of symbol of possession because he was sure that the light was trying to make him its own.

A sharp laugh pulled him out of his thoughts and he glanced up, through the veil of dark hair the strong wind insisted it toss in front of his eyes no matter how he tried to tame it and he smiled as he watched Deidara rush away from an incoming wave, the foamy water hot on the blonde's heels. The blond hair was even brighter in the amazing light, thrown all about the other man's head like some wild halo. It would be a mess later; both of them were going to have to spend close to an hour working the tangles from their hair but it was worth it, seeing that.

They had been wandering around on the beach for nearly four hours already and he still felt a little in awe.

Of course, considering the view he had from their bathroom, he had expected something spectacular but the truth of it nearly stole his breath. It did leave him speechless, the wide expanse of soft, golden sand, of the crashing turf that changed colors even as he watched, tipped with white foam. The shifting waters sounded like a hundred voices trying to be heard all at once but at the same time it was rhythmic, relaxing, hissing as it retreated from its most recent attempt to eat the land. All the while it glittered in the thick sunlight, writhing, moving, like it was alive.

Truly, he had never seen any place more beautiful than this, held in thrall of the sea's crashing, thunderous voice, of its ever changing moods, of its endless array of colors from a palette that he had not even known existed. Birds with loud, brash voices and bright colors wheeled overhead, swooping into the water, breeching the glittering surface to snag the fish that were lurking underneath. There was an assortment of strange little objects being washed up with each lapping wave that pinched when stepped on and glittering in all sorts of wonderful colors. Deidara had called them seashells and had found a whole pocketful before to bring back with them when they left.

One such object caught his eye, bigger than many of the others the blond had found and Itachi stooped to study it, half buried by the wet sand that shifted under his feet as he stooped. It had been the other man's idea for him to take his shoes off, claiming he hadn't lived until he felt what it was like to have the soft grains spilling over and between his toes. The Uchiha had wrinkled his nose at the notion but he'd done it anyway and he still marveled over the feeling. It was strangely satisfying, in a way he couldn't understand but the need for shoes had disappeared a long while ago. Now he dug his fingers into the sand dark from the water to pull free the shell.

The surface of it was rough, covered in rounded spikes of varying sizes, a light pink in color. He settled back onto his heels, studying his find with interest. When he turned it over, he found that the inside was smoother than glass and a deep, rich pink, the curve of it pulling his fingers deep into the damp recesses of the shell.

"Hey, you!" the shout caught his attention, recognizing the tone the blond was using and he suppressed a smile at the lack of name used. Deidara often did that, as he only used Itachi's first name when they were alone and while the beach was mostly empty, only a few people wandering along the golden sands, it was natural to fall back on what was comfortable, "The water's nice! Come for a swim!" The Uchiha just watched as a particularly enterprising wave overtook the blond, drenching him from the waist down and listened to the surprised shout. The shell was comfortable in his grip as he straightened, nearly choking on amusement when the other man shook his fist at the crashing waves before diving under the next one, disappearing in a flash of gold hair and dark pants.

For a moment he was glad for this small space in time, for this little gift of freedom that they had been given away from their normal lives. With the sun beating down on his dark head and his eyes glued on his lover surfacing once more, salty sea water running over the bare upper half of his body, he recalled that morning and the unexpected surprise it had held.

It seemed this would be the last day for a long while in which they would get to enjoy just being in each other's company.


-That morning…-

The sun was already shining brightly when dark eyes the color of coal fluttered open, calmly taking in the unfamiliar surroundings through the slight film of sleep still clinging to his eyelashes. The light was warm and welcome as it filtered through the gauzy hangings that covered the bed, like a warm hand gently shaking him awake. It was still very early, the light a little grey in its newness but it was rare for him to wake this late after dawn. For a moment he searched the rich colors that surrounded him, looking a little brighter in the morning light. They had never before slept in such a rich setting before and he found himself unconsciously letting normally tense muscles relax, sinking into the warm embrace of the plush pillows and the body curled around his own.

Moving slowly, he tipped his head enough so he could see the calm face of his sleeping companion. Deidara never woke early unless there was a solid reason for it, claiming that time in bed was meant to be savored, sleeping or otherwise. The otherwise, Itachi was inclined to agree with but he had never seen the value of lingering after waking. But right at that moment, he just lay still, taking in the way the golden curves of the other man melded with his own, pressed along his side, long limbs pinning his own in place. He liked the way the deep colors of the bed looked against the blonde's bright hair that was spread out among the pillows, catching along the threads of embroidery and tassels. There had never been an instance that he doubted his decision of being with this man and it was moments like these that reminded him why.

Just then a servant slipped into the room, eyes on the floor, the only sound she made the soft whisper of her kimono. The new presence in the room brought the blond to full wakefulness instantly and the girl paused, arms full of what looked like clothing, when she realized she was under the considering gazes of two ninja. Of course, she may not have realized the danger she had been in when their muscles had tensed at the intrusion, as all she had seen was how they were both not wearing a stitch and were still tangled with one another.

"I'm sorry to wake you," her voice was soft, the same one from the girl that had lead them from the door the night before, her hair falling over to obscure her flushed features as she bowed gracefully. Itachi felt Deidara relax at his side, falling back into the pillows with a sigh, keeping his thigh in its place where he had wound it around the Uchiha's waist, "but I was directed to bring you new clothing and to request your presence with my Lord for breakfast," Frowning, he tracked her movements as she laid the bundle of clothes on the first step in front of the bed, her dark eyes still averted. Well, he supposed it could have been worse. At least the pillows and Deidara covered their more private places.

"Thank you," his voice sounded light a slice of midnight after her light, dulcet tones and he twitched when the men next to him stirred, groaning into the pillow his face was buried in.

"Ugh, it's too early to play that game, un," the words were muffled but it seemed the servant girl had heard them for she halted her retreat from the room and lifted her eyes to the bed, once more drawing Itachi's attention.

"I'm sorry, but he just wants to see you this morning," and she pointed to Itachi, gaze surprisingly direct for all her earlier shyness, "He asked that you come alone," this caught the blonde's attention, who was sitting up a second later, scowling darkly, bright hair falling wildly into his face. His unruly appearance made the dark haired girl giggle behind her hand, giving the Uchiha a moment to snatch a pillow so he could shove it in his lover's crotch before doing the same for himself. Deidara may not think so but modesty was important.

"Why only him, un?" the blond demanded, voice still a little rough with sleep and Itachi ignored the pout, following the blue gaze to watch the servant shrug, face once again serene if still a little flushed.

"He would not say. He just told me to relay his request," and then she was gone, leaving the two shinobi to themselves. Deidara was growling softly to himself, unconsciously picking at the pillow that was the only thing covering him. The dark haired man ignored it, slipping from the bed to investigate the clothes, wondering how it was known that they would need new ones.

"Huh," the sound was more of a grunt and dark eyes flickered up while he pulled on the dark, loose pants that have been provided, seeing how the sapphire gaze was caught among the draperies, narrowed with annoyance. It was an expression that the Uchiha didn't often see on his companion's face, the way the handsome features darkened, knowing the look to be jealousy. It made him feel inexplicably warm, knowing the man would feel such for him, "I don't like it. Why can't he talk to both of us, un? I mean, I may not be as smart as you but at least I'm willing to talk! I'm not some chilly ice berg that has no business being around people," the summery of his traits made Itachi pause, hearing frustration in the husky tenor and he pulled the light blue shirt over his head, settling the long, loose sleeves before stepping in front of the blond, forcing the man to look up into the Uchiha's face.

"Is that what you think of me?" he asked, already knowing the answer but hoping to ease the blonde's shadowy expression. The blue eyes glared up at him, slender arms crossed over his chest before they turned away.

"Not me but other people do, un," Itachi had to bite back a smile as he reached out and drew his fingers over the curve of one sharp cheekbone, running them through bright strands of the softest gold before stepping away.

"Perhaps that's why he wants to talk to me, then," he made to walk out the door before pausing, almost smiling at the disgruntled expression the blond still wore as he watched the Uchiha walk away, "Don't make that face, Deidara. He invited me for breakfast and a talk and that is what it will remain. I'll be back in a bit," it was satisfying to see those worried shadows lift from the bright gaze, even just a little.

Itachi was fastening the pouch around his thigh that held his kunai and reaching for his katana that he never went anywhere without when he heard the blond grumble darkly from the other room,

"Yeah, un, but now what am I going to have for breakfast?" and the thought of the lovely pout that was no doubt gracing those full lips had him grinning as he stepped out into the main hall of the palace.

Despite the many turns they had made the night before, he found his way back to the big hall easily enough, ignoring the bewildered and most often wary stares he received from the servants as he went. He had forgotten to tame his dark hair but he supposed that didn't matter as he was well acquainted with how quickly gossip spread in places such as this having experienced it when he was younger. The whole palace probably knew by now that the two ninja that had arrived the night before were lovers. Or maybe it was already known, as the room they been given had only one bed. Curious that.

He remembered to bow respectfully upon entering the hall when the light, familiar voice bid him entrance after he announced his presence. It was stiff and formal, completely disregarding that the young Lord had asked he not do such the night before and when he straightened, the green eyes were watching him amusedly from the middle of the room. A small, low table had been brought into the room and surrounded by big, thick pillows meant for lounging. Upon the table were all sorts of food, from fruits and breads to fish and salads, all of it looking delicious and easy to the eye. He was greeted with a nod of a dark head and an appraising glance that made him think on how Deidara seemed to think this young man was interested in the Uchiha for…other reasons.

"You look quite good in blue. You should wear it more often, Uchiha-san," the dark haired man jerked, nose flaring in surprise. He wouldn't gape but it was hard to keep such a violent reaction hidden. The green eyes seemed to notice and they glittered in amusement even as his own dark gaze flattened, turning into a deadly glare.

"How do you know my name?" he growled, losing the pretense of icy calm. He and Deidara had never once given their real names to an employer so while their reputations may have preceded them, there should not be any names attached. And yet, somehow, this young Lord knew his. Those sharp jade eyes that seemed to see everything narrowed as the boy smiled, sweeping his hand out to indicate the table at which he sat, a clear invitation for the dark haired shinobi.

"Please, do sit down. You can relax, I mean you and your…partner no harm," Itachi didn't like the way the boy paused at the word partner yet he really had little choice but to do as was requested. His posture was stiff and face expressionless as he finally folded himself onto the soft cushions, those green eyes always on him from across the table that seemed much too small for his liking. Maybe he had been right when he had said he'd seen no malice in that sly smile but there was something there and he wasn't sure he liked it. Once he was settled, keeping his katana at his hip, he met the bright gaze, not even looking at the food in front of him.

"I would know how it is that you know my name," he started, hating the underhanded feeling of being at a disadvantage. The young Lord smiled slowly around the apple he had just taken a bite from, eyes never once flinching away from the Uchiha's icy gaze.

"Ah, you are not one to mice words, are you?" there was a twinge of regret in the boy's voice, as if he had hoped for lighter conversation before the real reason he had called Itachi there was discussed. Though, he must have known his audience and Itachi was never one to waste a breath, "Very well, I shall tell you but I ask something of you in return," the dark haired ninja remained impassive, thinking in a flash of annoyance that he had already given something to this young monarch unwittingly. Gritting his teeth, he accepted with a gesture for the younger man to continue and was rewarded with a fleeting smile that did not quite manage to crack the ice in the jade colored eyes, " I have a proposal for you that I would like for you and your blond companion to think over," well, this was not at all what Itachi was expecting but it didn't seem like such a terrible request.

"Very well," the deep voice held nothing in it, nothing that would give him away, wondering if he should be hesitating. The way that little smile seemed so satisfied, he almost wished he had.

"When I first thought of hiring you, I had not realized that you were once a member of the infamous Akuski," here Itachi jerked, fingers tightening against the material of his pants, hating the unexpected reminder of his shadowed past. It was his only reaction but some of those shadows must have showed in his eyes, because the younger man tipped his head, a thoughtful look entering his sharp gaze, "Oh, yes, even here we were well aware of the organization's movements. You were a very real threat to every country, not just those with shinobi because you were unpredictable," again the older man clenched his fists, but if it was seen, this time there was no acknowledgement, "Anyway, some time more than three years ago two of their more well known and prestigious members just up and disappeared. Imagine my surprise when I heard a rumor of who you and Deidara really were," If Itachi had been bothered by having his own name spoken, it was nothing to the burning anger of hearing his lover's, especially from this little upstart who thought he was all knowing but really knew nothing at all.

"You cannot believe every rumor," he said stiffly and this is where that sly smile curled at the corner of the young man's lips who had used the pause to continue eating his breakfast, using elegant fingers rather than the chop sticks laid out for him. The dark head tilted, long hair that was set loose that morning, only a string of pearls curling through the black strands brushing over his shoulders.

"Of course not, which is why I made sure to become well acquainted with your abilities before you ever set foot here. Deidara, the famous bomber who uses his art to create his blasts and you, Itachi Uchiha, Sharingan user," and widening of that smile, like a predator that knows it had honed in on its prey's weakness, "Am I correct?" Those jade eyes glimmered as the boy chewed innocently, seeming to be very confident despite the fact he had a very pissed off, very dangerous ninja sitting across the table he sat at.

"You are," Itachi's voice was sharp. He knew when he was caught and while he might be a missing nin and a S-class criminal, this boy wanted something from him, which made him that much less of a threat. The bright gaze seemed to light up as the younger man sat forward, suddenly excited.

"Would it be rude of me to ask to see it?" the boyish anticipation in his voice was a drastic change from the cool, calculating person he had been a moment before and Itachi was taken by surprise. But then it shouldn't have been so surprising as the young monarch probably had next to no experience with shinobi and had probably grown up with just tales to listen to. With a resigned sigh, the dark haired ninja coaxed a small flow of familiar chakra to build behind his eyes, their onyx depths bleeding out into a crimson, three-pronged wheel. The color was bright in the shadows of the room but instead of fear, the boy blinked then grinned, eyes lighting up.

"How do you do that?" he breathed, not even flinching at the power in the gaze that was fixed on his own. Itachi wondered if it was bravery, naivety or something else that kept the jade eyes from shying away. Perhaps the kid just didn't realize the gravity of it. Whatever it was had him sighing silently again, some of the tension releasing from his shoulders as he let the prickling heat of chakra die away, eyes fading back to black.

"It's a blood trait, passed down through my family. You know about me but you didn't know that?" he asked, voice holding a hint of inflection this time because this boy seemed to know quite a bit more than Itachi would have liked. The slender shoulders shrugged easily as he seemed not the least bit put off by the question.

"Well, there's no way of knowing everything if I don't ask the questions, right?" and then the younger man gave him a bright grin that had the dark haired shinobi glimpsing perhaps just a little of what Deidara had meant about the boy being good looking. Itachi conceded the comment with a small tilt of his head, deciding that as shrewd as this young Feudal lord may come across at first, he was still nothing more than a teenager. A curious one at that. When the smile faded, though, the bright green gaze was still sharp even as dark, slender fingers controlled a pair of slim chopsticks over his plate, "And now I have a request. I am well aware that you have no place that you call home, that you move from place to place as the missions you acquire dictate. That is, I am guessing, because of who you are. You can't because you're afraid you'll be found by the wrong people, correct?" Itachi didn't even grace that question with a nod, keeping his gaze level but he hated the stark ache those words produced. He had a home once and every day he wished he could go back. But he was who he was and he did what he did and he had just started to accept it, "Then how would you feel if I were to offer you a place here, in my country?" he blinked then blinked again. Shock fizzed like electricity through his veins and all he could think was, 'is this some kind of joke?' the resulting pause was heavy, filled with doubt and a burning bubble of hope that he wanted to deny even existed.

"Perhaps I misheard—" but a slender hand cut him off as did the expression swirling in the eyes that had finally looked away, shifting their attention to the view out the wide doors behind the dark haired ninja.

"You did not. I am offering you a place to come back to, if you so wish and in return, I ask to obtain your services exclusively. You will be at my disposal should I need your particular skills. This how it is done, correct, with your particular leader?" he was only able to nod, head spinning at the sudden change of events. Of all the things he had come in here expecting, this was not one of them. And the part that was confusing him the most was his reaction to it. It sounded so good, the prospect a welcoming breath of air in the tiring cycle their lives had become. But the boy wasn't done yet, apparently taking Itachi's silence as a negative reaction, "Of course, you will be under my protection and I will work to see that your names are erased from the bingo book. You and your partner will be free to move about as you wish," this time his bewilderment must have shown on his face because the boy smiled again, a kind like he had not yet seen, the corners of his full lips easing gently, "I do not need to hear your answer now. I expect you wish to talk it over with your partner. Think on it as long as you need, I just hope that I have made an appealing enough offer," the kid really had no idea just how quite appealing it did sound. If it was just him alone, he would have accepted already but he could not speak for Deidara, though he had a good idea the blond would be on the same page. They were both getting tired of the constant traveling, of not knowing if they would find a safe place to sleep at night. And he had served under harsher masters than this boy could ever be.

"I will think on it," he conceded finally, breaking the silence with a nod and he had to admit, he liked the way those green eyes eased, just for a moment. If this young man could cling to his humanity unlike most men in positions of such power, then he had the potential for greatness. The dark head nodded calmly but he could see the glimmer of excitement in those bright eyes, making him wonder just what this boy had planned should they accept.

"Thank you. That is all I ask," and Itachi felt something in his chest constrict. He might be sharp but he would be kind.

"Is that all?" he asked, mind still jumbled. He didn't like feeling like his feet had been kicked out from underneath him, so he was unsteady, grasping for balance. There was a lot for him to think of, a lot of things to be discussed and he suddenly wanted nothing more than to find his way back to that room full of sunlight and pillows to bask in Deidara's warm presence. He was on his feet and half way across the room before the younger man even stopped nodding but was brought up short when the dark haired Lord called out, "My name is Katsura, by the way," the green eyes were smiling when he turned back to look at the boy, "Yuu Katsura," and Itachi decided there was something in that smile that he liked as he bowed before turning away.

When he returned to their room, Deidara was curled up on one of the couches in the main sitting room, wearing nothing but a robe and the sight of him, blond hair in disarray while sucking honey from a spoon as he glanced up from his breakfast eased the knot of anxious tension that had knotted in Itachi's stomach. The smile that greeted him was beautiful.

"I'm back," he said softly, dropping his katana to the floor with a clatter and slipping onto the couch to draw his lover into his arms, breathing in the familiar smell of sunlight. The blond eyed him warily as he reached down to dip the spoon back in the pot of honey on the tray that was still almost nearly full of food.

"Welcome back," the other man responded, scowling when some of the honey dripped from the spoon and onto his wrist, "What happened, un, that you're acting so weird?" Itachi sighed, avoiding the bright inquisitive gaze and just caught the other man's wrist, licking the trail of sticky sweetness from the tan skin.

"I'll tell you later," he murmured, and set about pouring more honey on the blond so he could lick it all away. In that moment, all the doubts and hopes that had arisen from that morning were swept away. This, right here, was his home and no matter where they might be, as long as he was by Deidara's side that was perfectly fine.


Clear, salty water dripped down honey colored skin, drying in the intensity of the sunlight as the blond ninja gracelessly flopped onto the sand next to the Uchiha, his grunt sounding satisfied and careless. It may have been late in the year but even as the sun was about to slide away behind the horizon, it was still warm, warm enough for them to have been fooling around in the waves for a few hours. Dark eyes remained on the deep blue of the sky, watching as the color slowly bled darker, head pillowed on his hands. His hair was still a bit damp, curling around his forearms in dark, snaking strands.

This time of day was always his favorite, with the sun still beating down upon the earth, warming it gently but with the shadows of night creeping up around the edges, making everything softer. It was when the day's activities were winding to a close, the time when thoughts of lighting lamps began to surface. Always it would bring him back to a time, a time before he had experienced pain when he would come home from training, hair dripping sweat and his little brother badgering him as he followed Itachi like a shadow. It made him think of the kitchen in which he would sit while his mother cooked dinner, teaching Sasuke the complicate rules of shogi or reading at the table while his brother concentrated on his homework. And even as his heart longed for those days even still, it eased the darkness just a little bit.

He had tried teaching Deidara shogi but the blond had been abysmal, even after practice and with the Uchiha going easy on him. The other man had just laughed, claiming he was better at the blowing stuff up rather than strategizing the attack. It was then the dark haired man had learned the blond loved to draw. It shouldn't have surprised him, really, as Deidara used art in his explosions but it had taken him aback to realize just how good the blond really was. Though he didn't do it often, sometimes the other man would break out his little leather bound sketch book and settle down wherever they might have been staying, scratching away for hours. Turned out, the blond had already had quite the amount of drawings and Itachi had been shocked to find they were mostly of himself. When questioned, Deidara had just shrugged and offered the dark haired ninja his little lopsided smile.

"What can I say, Uchiha? You're just too pretty a subject to pass up," He had just snorted dryly at the pretty comment, as he was positive Deidara was "prettier" than himself but every time after that he when he had seen the blond pull out that book he was careful to subtly strike a few poses, often smirking at the pink flush that worked over the tawny cheekbones.

Speaking of his sketch book, he had noticed last time that it was getting towards the end. Perhaps he should dip into their considerable funds and get the blond a new one. A nice one, with a softer cover and thicker paper…

"What are you thinking about, un?" the light baritone broke into his thoughts easily and he breathed in the salty air deeply before lazily turning his head, eyeing the blond who was stretched out on his side next to the younger man, his chin propped in his palm with his elbow buried in the soft sand. It wasn't often that the Uchiha felt like this, relaxed enough that his body felt heavy and unwilling to move. Even in sleep he didn't relax this much. It wasn't that he was tired for he was as alert as always. He just was enjoying the sunlight seeping into his skin, warming him down to his bones, the waves crashing loudly a few feet away and looking into eyes bluer than the sky.

"Hmm?" the golden eyebrows drew down in a frown at his questioning hum, as if he had not heard the other man's question. Which wasn't true, he'd heard Deidara quiet clearly. He just decided it was too much of an effort to actually open his mouth and form words.

"I hate when you get like this, un. It's like trying to talk to a rock," knuckled rapped against his forehead none to gently as the blond leaned over, trying to catch his full attention, "I said, what are you thinking about? I can practically hear those wheels turning," Itachi smiled slightly at the imagery before turning his head back to stare at the sky.

"I was thinking about you," he said, deep voice lazy and there was a snort before the blond was leaning over him, moving into his line of vision so he could see the incredulous look in those deep, sapphire eyes, half hidden by a wild tangle of golden hair that brushed casually over pale skin.

"What for? I'm sitting right next to you, un," onyx eyes rolled in exasperation and then there was a loud yelp as he snatched the blond so the other man was sprawled over him, his weight comfortable and familiar. The man growled at him, snarling something about the damn Uchiha and his demon like speed and Itachi decided the best way to shut the other man up was to kiss him. Which is what he did, slowly, making it deep and long so that when they finally pulled apart, his blood sang with a familiar pleasant heat and the bright eyes had darkened as they looked down at him. The full lips now reddened slightly curled upwards and the blond shifted on top of him, straddling his hips while leaning his chin on hands he had folded on the Uchiha's chest, "You just wanted to shut me up, un," Itachi mirrored the other man's expression.

"Perhaps," he conceded, carding his fingers though golden hair that was drying a little stiffly from the salty water. Deidara leaned in to kiss his chin, eyes glittering behind the shadows of desire.

"That's not really fair," he breathed, breath ghosting over pale features before lips met softly again, the contact easy and light. He could feel the heat curling lazily within him was beginning to head in a certain direction, fueled sharply when the blond sighed into their kiss, opening his mouth and letting Itachi to sink into that wet heat, the other man's tongue like velvet as it curled around his own. He tasted of salt and sunshine and honey and it was always so wonderfully good, every time. Slender hands fisted in raven colored hair and the dark haired shinobi lifted his hands, slipping them up around the bare torso, reveling in the feel of the blonde's bare skin. He wished he hadn't put his own shirt back on so he could feel the delicious glide of silky warmth against his own torso. It always felt so good, like he was touching smooth fire, the kiss turning into a forceful battle of fiery wills. And when Deidara rocked his hips forward, he caught his breath, hardening cock pulsing at the feel of a firm thigh dragging along his length, "hmm," the blond finally lifted his head, eyes glassy and lids heavy, glancing around at their surroundings before he dug his fingers deeper into the other man's hair. Hips ground against his own, revealing the other man was fully hard and he bit back a groan at the feeling, heat racing through him, pooling in his lower belly. "It's a good thing we're alone, un, because I don't think I can wait until we get back to the palace," and with those words, his entire body was on fire.

Itachi dragged the older man down for another heated kiss, heart catching with the familiar way the slender body covering his own felt as the man settled his full weight into him. Hands pulled on his hair gently so he was forced to tilt his head more, the angle deepening the contact. Tongues and wills battled for a moment and while he usually took control, it seemed the blond was putting up more of a fight today. Well, if that was what he wanted, he could go with that. Allowing the other man to invade his mouth, gasping at the slick muscle that found every last place to touch upon, he managed to maneuver his legs so his hips were no longer being straddled. Then using his superior reflexes, he flipped them over, swallowing the startled grunt the blond made as their positions switched. Blue eyes were shrewd when they broke apart for air.

"Here I was thinking that I was going to have to do all the work, un," Deidara said breathlessly and the dark haired shinobi couldn't help but smile. Using his newly acquired leverage, he rocked his hips forward, mirroring the other man's previous teasing and drank in the way the bright gaze flared at the sudden friction. Itachi shook his head, shifting his weight onto one hand so that he could run pale fingers over full lips swollen, following the sweet line of them before dipping into the wet heat. Another bolt of desire crashed over him as the blond lifted his head just enough to suck his fingers deep into his mouth, making Itachi shiver as a gentle pressure was added when the man sucked on them. Breath beginning to come short, he shrugged easily, trying to remain unaffected. He always did and it never worked.

"Perhaps next time," he murmured, pulling his hand free and trailing it down to circle around one of the blonde's nipples, taking in every beautiful reaction as the other man gasped, arching into it. The motion brought their groins into contact once again and he fell forward, bracing himself on either side of the blonde's head as the steady throb of heat pulsed through him. Tan, slender fingers tugged at his shirt was they continued their gentle rocking motion, trying to free him from the concealing material. Every moment he was not connected with the other man made him ache all the more, fire burning hot.

As soon as he was free of his shirt, he found the closest patch of golden skin to taste, using one had to tip the blonde's head back to he could tease every last little elegant dip with tongue and teeth. There were a few spots, like just behind Deidara's ears, that would have the man bucking into him, his little needy sounds like gentle strokes to the younger man's erection. It was always like this, this pounding fire that melted his icy control. This was the only time when the racing of his heart and subtle shaking of his hands was acceptable; only when he was with this man, only like this. Another grind of their hips had them both groaning and he needed, wanted in such a way that always left him wondering if he would die if he couldn't complete this moment he had right here.

"Itachi…" the way the blond whispered his name had bolts of electricity flooding his nerves, sucking harshly on the nipple he had his lips wrapped around before sitting back up. Dark eyes regarded the heated expression on the other man's face, the flushed cheeks and hazy eyes, wanting to hear his name spoken again, in that tone with that expression. The way the older man was breathing meant he was already experiencing that tightening in the pit of his stomach that meant impeding completion. Itachi himself was already at that point. It didn't usually happen this fast for either of them anymore but when it did, it was always the best.

Leaning down he caught the blond up in another kiss, the movement of their hips as they rocked in time with the waves still crashing in the back ground bringing them ever closer to that bright, terrifying end. There was no stilling the sounds he had begun to make, eyes shut tight against the swirl of pleasure, the pressing heat of the sun nothing compared to this bright fire of passion. And finally, when he could take no more, he pulled away, forcing his movements to halt. The sudden lack of friction nearly stole his breath and Deidara whined under him, canting his hips in hopes of finding it again. His name was said again, this time in desperation and he forced his eyes open, forced himself to focus past the bright sunlight and see the wanting expression on his lover's face. The air here must have been lacking because once again he was unable to find where his breath had gone to.

"Kami…p-please…" another loud groan as the golden head tossed against the sand, strong fingers digging into the skin at his waist. Itachi took one steadying breath, then another before leaning down once again, bushing several soft kisses over strong cheek bones and fluttering eyelids, the light eyelashes like silk against his lips.

"Deidara," and he loved the look in the sapphire eyes when they opened to look at him, the adoration there, the desire but most of all the absolute lack of fear or rejection in all that swirling color. Pale, slender fingers twisted into locks of purest gold and his lips brushed against tawny skin when he spoke, "I'm going to ride you…" the beautiful moan was all the answer he needed.

Unsteady fingers worked on their remaining clothes and they were both so far gone already that even if a whole crowd of people had come onto the beach right then, he doubted he would be able to stop. Perhaps it was that added thrill of getting caught that had the adrenaline surging extra bright, the possibility of someone seeing them loving each other making his heart beat that much faster. All he knew was the warm air washing over his bare, heated skin as he worked his pants down over his thighs, not caring when the material caught on one of his ankles. He was throbbing, the need to feel the other man inside of him almost painful. The blond had already freed himself from his own pants, engorged cock flushed and dripping onto his golden stomach. Itachi nearly groaned at the sight, feeling curiously empty and he knew that void wouldn't be satisfied until he was filled. Normally he wasn't the one to bottom but sometimes, like now, it was imperative. Blue seared him when Deidara took one of the dark haired man's hands and lifted it to his lips.

"Prepare yourself," the blond demanded once each slender digit was carefully slicked with saliva. The Uchiha shivered at the fire behind the order, liking the feeling of sharing the control with his lover before leaning back, spreading his legs wider so the blond could see everything he was about to do to himself, keeping his eyes locked on Deidara's. Supporting himself on the blonde's raised knees, he wrapped his hand around his leg and circled a slick finger over the sensitive skin around his entrance, stomach tightening in pleasure. He kept his dark gaze on the blonde's face, mouth drying at the lust in the darkened blue eyes as they watched hungrily when his first finger breached the tight ring of muscles.

There was a slight sting but he worked past it, biting his lip at the feeling of his own finger stroking the hot, velvety walls. Another finger added with a little more pain but it was easily ignored so that soon he was grinding his hips into his hand, stretching away the tightness. Only once he had three fingers inside of himself did he hunt for the little nub that would bring waves of bright fire, taking away the last uncomfortable twinges. A sharp hiss escaped through his teeth and his head fell forward, pleasure crackling along his veins. He always forgot just how good that could feel, normally being the one to give the pleasure rather than take it. A few more strokes and it would be all over but he couldn't help it, indulging in the sparkling fire as he continued to work his hand, throwing his head back with a groan.

Then hands were on his hips, stilling their movements and if he had been the type to do so, he would have voiced his disappointment. But the way the other man's eyes seemed to be trying to devour him stilled any protest and he let his hand slid free with a wince. Deidara licked his lips, face flushed a dark pink and for some reason, the Uchiha couldn't seem to catch his breath again.

"Damn, Itachi…" and the dark haired man knew what he meant. He had never seen the blond so hard before, to the point where he was sure if he had kept going, the man would have come prematurely. Swallowing thickly, he allowed himself to be positioned, letting the strong hands on his hips guide him. Kami, he ached for it, so much so that he had to grit his teeth against his orgasm when the blunt tip of the older man's cock pressed to his entrance, slick with pre cum and so hot against his skin. Splaying one hand against the tawny chest, right above where the blonde's heart beat a frantic tattoo, he eased himself down the thick erection, groaning at the feeling of finally being filled.

"Ngh, fuck, yeah," Deidara sighed, closing his eyes when Itachi was seated completely. Even with the bright sting, his need only flared that much hotter. He couldn't even keep his eyes focused because that pulsing heat was clenched in the tightness of his body. His world was narrowed to that single connection, that sweet, aching completeness, the pounding thud of the blonde's heartbeat under his palm making it that much more real. Then those warm hands were squeezing him, bringing him back to reality and when he opened his eyes again, he nearly lost it with the expression he found on the older man's face. It was desperation, a stark, primal need, "I need…please, I gotta move…" he rolled his hips, watching the way the blue eyes disappeared again behind heavy lids, only a sliver of white when the color was lost somewhere in the back of the man's skull.

"Yes…" he hissed, flexing his thighs as he lifted himself up a bit before dropping back down. The movement drew a satisfied groan from the blond so Itachi did it again and again, once again succumbing to the heat curling in his groin. He could feel his release shimmering at the back of his consciousness and he might have been ashamed at his complete lack of control except it just felt too good for him to really care. Besides, the way the blond was snapping his hips upwards to meet every one of the Uchiha's thrusts, sharp cries making the sound of the ocean seem distant, he knew it would be over pretty fast. The sand under them shifted with each of their movements, clinging to skin dampened with salty sweat.

"Fuck, baby," the sound of the sex roughened voice went straight to the already tightening coil in his stomach, burning under his skin. Deidara only called him that when they were making love and he'd come from just that many times before. As it was, he was just barely holding himself back, wanting to come from the feel of the other man coating his insides with his release.

An angle adjustment of the way their hips were connecting and he threw his head back at the blaze of white, molten heat, soft cry lost in the sound of crashing waves. Harder, more and fingernails dug into pale skin even as he raked his own down the golden chest, unable to catch his breath, to ease the burn of his racing heart, to hold back his voice every time his prostate was slammed into. In those last couple of moments, he opened his eyes, focusing past the haze of pleasure to find the blue gaze fixed on his face. Moaning his lover's name, he leaned forward, the change in position bringing even more fiery pleasure, capturing the blond in a deep, searching kiss. And as he kissed Deidara, he clamped down on the man buried in him, slamming down his hips as hard as he could to bring him as deep as he possibly could.

The blond tore his mouth away as he screamed, arching up into Itachi's heat and the dark haired man shuddered at the feel of the sticky warmth filling him, splashing against his prostate. At the feeling of the other man's cock releasing inside of him, he finally gave into the tightening coil of heat, body bowing as he let go. Normally he was relatively quiet throughout the entire session but this time his own cry painted the oncoming evening, echoing his lover's, shuddering through the blinding waves of pleasure as they ripped through him.

Then, as he slumped forward, shaking and weak with the force of the aftershocks, his whispered those three little words into a fall of thick blond hair, just like he always did.

There were a few moments of incoherence as he lay on top of the blond, feeling warm hands running over his damp skin, gently soothing, the touches returning the meaning of those words. Their heartbeats steadied slowly as the haze that had fallen over him lifted away. He turned his head to press his lips against the shell of the blonde's ear, pale fingers playing with golden strands of hair darkened with sweat. Their connection was too warm, skin sticky and sensitive with the lingering tingles of completion but he couldn't bear to pull away just yet. There was a solid kind of peace listening to Deidara just breathing, feeling the rise and fall of the strong chest he lay on top of, of the hissing waves behind them, of the undisturbed calls of the birds that had been their only witnesses. It was then he realized that it would be a shame to leave such a place permanently.

Moving slowly, he lifted himself up, catching the sated look in eyes the color of the clearest skies before his mouth found the blonde's, the full lips warm and soft under his own. It was slow, nothing more complicated than the need to kiss, to taste, to dip into the essence that was Deidara and memorize it all over again. The little smile that curled against those lips when he pulled away was the best part of all. With a grunt, he pulled off of the other man, curling into his side. Itachi didn't really need physical contact after sex, though he supposed he didn't mind very much yet the blond loved being able to hold the Uchiha, usually snuggling up against the older man for the remainder of the time, either until they started again or fell asleep. But this time he pressed into the older man's warmth, breathing in the salt and sunlight on the tanned skin. The silence was long but comfortable as they had become accustomed to each other, not always needing words to know what the other was feeling. Again he was struck by the feeling of contentment, something he didn't experience often. It made him think of that morning, and the hope that had been offered to him, to them both.

"What would you say to calling someplace home again?" his voice broke the peaceful ease that had settled over them, startling his companion and he could tell the bright eyes were staring at the top of his head where he had settled it in the crook of the blonde's shoulder. A telling pause had him choking on a sudden flutter of anxiety, wondering if he should be worried over the man's reaction. Fingers threaded through raven colored hair and he could tell Deidara was thinking about what had prompted such a question.

"I have never really called any place home before. There was never a need to, un," the fingers stilled for a moment before moving again, this time slower than before. Itachi just waited, knowing there was more, watching a large grey and white bird hopping across the sand a few feet away, "Does this have anything to do with this morning?" the blond had not asked again after that first time in the room about what the young Feudal Lord had spoken with Itachi about but the dark haired man knew it had been bugging the blond for a while.

"It does," he answered softly, long, pale fingers stroking the firm curve of one of the blonde's pectoral muscles. There was another pause and this time he could feel the tension as the other man thought.

"It…it sounds like it could be…" another pause and Itachi lifted his head, looked at the blond as he hesitated, bright eyes shadowed with doubt. They wouldn't meet his own onyx ones and he felt a pang at the pain the subject seemed to bring, "What's it like, having a home?" Time seemed to still at the forlorn question, like the older man had something once, a very long time ago but could not quite grasp the full emotion that was buried somewhere in his memories. Itachi ached for it because he did remember what it had been like and it had been wonderful. But Deidara couldn't recall it at all and he wondered which was worse. For a moment he was at a loss, wondering how he could put the concept of home into words.

"It's…it's absolute contentment to be somewhere, where the world can't touch you and you never want to be anywhere else. It's your place, where you can be anyone you want…or nothing," he trailed off, remembering a time, as a child, when those words had been real. There had only ever been one other instance in which he felt like that and it was during times like these, alone with Deidara because while he was encircled in the blonde's arms, the rest of the world no longer existed. He was no longer a cold blooded killer, hunted, hated, forgotten. He wasn't a prodigy, a genius or an Uchiha. When he was like this, right here, with nothing more than the sunlight as clothing and pressing his nose into skin the color of honey, he was just Itachi. This was his home, his truth and no matter where he was, as long as he was with this man, he was home.

"You seem to have given this a lot of thought, un," the blond chuckled softly, giving the dark haired man still using his shoulder as a pillow a sideways glance. Itachi returned the smile with a softer one of his own, watching his own fingers brushing over his lover's skin. His heart skipped a beat as words came unbidden to his lips and for a moment he hesitated. There had been times before he had thought of telling the older man the depth of his feelings but besides the three words he always whispered, breathed, cried when he came, he never really made the truth of it concrete. But his hesitation was fleeting. Shifting, he curled closer around the strong, slim body still half under him and tucked his dark head under Deidara's chin.

"It's how I feel when I'm with you," he said softly, fingers finding an errant strand of golden hair caught by the breeze and watched as he wound it around one pale finger. The blond seemed to still, turning completely silent like he'd been carved from stone. Even his breathing seemed to cease. But under his firm, smooth skin, his pulse jumped, beating frantically with an emotion Itachi couldn't see. The hand that was curled around the Uchiha's waist tightened, blunt nails digging into his skin and he forced a wince off his face, ready to accept the other man's lack of response. But, true to form, Deidara once again surprised him.

"It took you long enough," the man finally grumbled. Dark eyes blinked in surprise. It wasn't like he never said anything. And the blond had never really put what he felt for the Uchiha into words before either. It was usually expressed mostly by actions but he supposed that was to be expected as his lover had always preferred to do rather than say, "I guess when you put it like that I suppose having a place of our own wouldn't be so bad. But how could we? We're criminals, un," Again he felt that pang, a subtle tightening in his chest where regret constricted his heart. It was his turn to tighten his grip, winding his arms around the other man's slim waist and pressing his nose into warm skin, breathing deeply. He could still taste salt and the warmth that was reminiscent of the sun that still beat down upon him. It was lower now, touching upon the horizon and if he tipped his head enough, he could see how the reddish light dyed the water a golden orange. He was glad for that, strangely happy it was not red. When the sun set that color, he was always reminded of blood and he had seen enough of that to last four life times.

"We are to be given sanctuary here, if we agree to work for Katsura-sama exclusively," there was a soft hum of acknowledgement that told him the blond was thinking over what he had said. Deidara was right; it would be nice to have a place that they could call home. But if it didn't come to that, than he knew that was okay too.

In the silence that followed, during which the sun slipped away to take its rest behind the bright line of the glittering horizon, he came to realize that there was something new between them, another connection that threaded them together; their hearts, their lives, their souls. Whatever would come, they both had something for which to live. Finally, Deidara's broken heart was completely pieced back together and Itachi no longer needed to hide away in his solitude. They needed each other to be complete but more than that, they needed each other to be.

Maybe they would accept the chance at starting over, at accepting a home, maybe they would find another place, some place far away where their names and faces were no so infamous. Or maybe they would just disappear. Whatever the choice, he had found the true meaning of freedom and finally, after so many years, it was within his grasp.


When they were summoned to Lord Katsura's quarters, they were wearing clothes similar to their old ones (kindly supplied by the palace servants), ready to travel, to compete the job that they had accepted. The treaty had been finished and the scroll sat on the small table at the young Feudal Lord's elbow. Jade eyes watched them enter, noting their calm expressions. They were expressions that held no evidence of decisions that had been made. And it was true, they still were not quite sure whether they wished to accept the request or not. It almost didn't matter to Itachi anymore. Certainly, it would not be the end of their traveling days. They were ninja, it was what they did; they were made to carry out missions for people that had employed them, no matter what the job might entail. He had no doubt staying here would amount to the same thing. Yet they would still have a place, their place, where they could be just themselves.

"Did you think any more on my proposal?" those bright green eyes held a spark of hope and Itachi was once again struck by just how young this boy was. For all his icy masks and important airs that surely came with his position, he was still just a kid, with worries far heavier than any teenager his age should have to contend with. But their decision could not be made for this reason. Besides, who knew if this child could make good his promises? Deidara bowed, his voice oddly void of expression and Itachi wondered if the blond had been watching him more than he realized.

"We did, un, thank you, but as of yet, we have not come up with an answer. We will deliver the treaty for you, as promised and by then we will have come up with a decision," there was a sigh as Deidara straightened and the Uchiha saw the young, dark haired man bow his head, long fall of hair half hiding his disappointed smile.

"Very well. Then good luck. I hope to see you both again very soon," Itachi accepted the scroll as it was handed to him, tucking it safely away in his pack and he caught the appraising look once more before they were both bowing again, getting ready to take their leave. They were at the door when the younger man spoke softly behind them, his words taking the Uchiha by surprise, "Maybe if you come back, you can teach me how to be a shinobi too," Black eye widened in alarm, meeting the bright blue of his companion.

Deidara just threw his head back and laughed…


-The Decision-

The stars were very bright as they glittering in the velvety back drop of the night sky, voices quiet in the stillness. It had already started to get cold at night, colors touching upon the leaves of the trees and it seemed winter was eager to wrap its arms around the world again. He had wished for a few more weeks of warmth but the cold season seemed to be greedy like that. Their trip to Suna had only taken a few days and it had been a bit tricky delivering the scroll without revealing their identities. What was worse was there had been a diplomatic envoy there from Konoha and avoiding them had set his nerves on edge. His time in the village in the Land of Fire seemed so distant now, so long ago and buried deep in the past. There was no place there for him anymore, even if his truth was discovered and his name was cleared.

They had continued North after the negotiations had been completed. The new Kasekage seemed a sensible and reasonable young man, with his lack of expression and deep red hair. Itachi liked him immediately, especially after seeing the dedication of the people that surrounded the younger man. It reminded him of someone they had recently met, eyes the same color jade but with hair and skin of deepest chocolate...

"Under the still moon/In the gentle silver light/ When the day was so far away/ You held my hand…you asked me to stay…" the strong, husky baritone broke through the silence in the aching tones of a song the blond had learned while they were in a small village outside of Suna. Dark eyes flickered to his companion who was sitting perched on the cold ground, arms wrapped around his knees and staring into the sky, face shadowed by the night. It was one of the saddest songs Itachi had ever heard and he was a bit surprised the blond had bothered to learn it as he was usually more interested in the happier, more upbeat songs. But he could hear the longing in the other man's voice as the feeling was swept away in misty clouds of warm breath, "That night/ Under that cruel light/ I found my heart again/ And took your hand…I wanted to say yes…But when the morning broke/ When silver turned to gold/ When I called your name/ There would be no answer…Because it was you who could not stay…Because you had gone away…" Itachi frowned as the last note died away.

"I really hate that song," he growled, breaking the blond out of whatever reverie he seemed to be lost in and his companion laughed softly at his abrupt tone. It was the first time the Uchiha ever really said anything about the other man's singing but he couldn't bear to hear him sing more of it with that look on his face.

"Would you have me sing something else, un? A love ballad, perhaps?" he couldn't see the teasing smile from where he sat but he could hear it in his lover's voice and it made him feel just a little better.

"If you wish. Just not that one," his deep voice seemed out of place after the silvery tones of the blonde's singing but Deidara didn't seem to notice. He just laughed and tipped his head back again, shadowed eyes on the sky again.

"I've been thinking, un…" Itachi blinked, his full attention caught. He knew that tone, the one when the blond had figured something out but wasn't sure his dark haired companion would agree, "I don't think it would be so terrible to accept Yuu's proposal," the dark haired man blinked again, staring at his companion. He had told the entire story of his meeting with the young Feudal Lord to Deidara a few days ago and ever since then, the older man had been a little subdued, learning that song and keeping his eyes on the sky. He wasn't usually someone to brood; that was the Uchiha's job, or so he had been told. The younger man just wished the blond had bothered to say something to him before this.

"No, it wouldn't," and that was all.

When they curled up together to finally get some sleep, Itachi wrapped his arms around the blond, the scent of sunshine and honey that swirled around him like another comforting embrace reminded him of crashing waves, of impossible golden light and of finally understanding what it meant to be free.

The next morning they changed directions and headed south, headed home…

~Owari~

To be continued in Moonlight…

So, I'm not sure if I spelled shogi right . probably not...eep. And like I said, pretty much a fluffy excuse to give Itachi and Deidara a sex scene on a beach teehee *waggles eyebrows*. Please, reveiws are much loved! ;D...
p.s., sorry for any mistakes! Not beta'd...