too much

by Happii Haden

The next monday morning Sasori came to work looking exhausted as always. He was the first one to arrive, throwing himself into his office like usual. He worked nonstop, not even noticing that his coworkers had finally came in. He reached for his coffee only to grab air. His eyebrow arched in confusion. It suddenly occurred to him that Deidara had not stopped by.

2. Chapter 2

Deidara wasn't found as quickly as anyone hoped. Some considered him dead and some believed he had really just run off after all.

Sasori had rebuilt his wall of Deidara, only to tear it down again and again. Eventually he tossed all of the pictures but the one of him and Deidara. He framed that one and kept it by his bedside. It was the only thing that could keep him going each day.

Months had gone by and like Sasori had told his staff, the world continued to move on. Even though Sasori had said that, the man himself was no more than a shell of who he once was. He couldn't find himself to be anything but complacent.

Everything was so mundane. So lifeless without him.

Sasori stretched in his office chair, back popping and creaking at the movement. How long had he been sitting there? He didn't bother to keep track anymore. He took a sip of his water, finding coffee to be too triggering for him. He glanced over each manilla file with a heavy sigh. One from every worker - or there was supposed to be. A few were missing. He let out a soft groan at the prospect of having to pull himself out of his office. Why couldn't everyone just turn in their paperwork on time like he asked? Was it really too much?

Sasori stood from his seat, taking a deep breath to prepare him for socializing with his coworkers. He left the sanctity of his office and began traversing around the cubicles to find those who didn't turn in their paperwork. He went from cubicle to cubicle, collecting reports and speaking as minimal as possible.

He tapped on the side of one cubicle, catching the employee's attention. "Uchiha. Paperwork."

The raven haired male turned swiftly in his seat. "Ah, forgive me, Mr. Akasuna," the man gave the redhead a small smile. "I was just so eager for lunch that it slipped my mind." He dug around his bag and presented a folder over to the redhead. "Here you are."

"Thank you-" Sasori's voice caught in his throat.

"Something that matter?" Itachi asked, head tilting.

Sasori's eyes met the raven's quickly. "Ah, your suit is sullied with... hair… You have a pet?"

Itachi seemed flustered for a moment, eyes wide. "Oh," he started, looking down at his suit. "I didn't know it was so bad."

The redhead eyed the man's suit, the fur shining brilliantly against the dark material. "Well, make sure it stays uniform. We're having suit inspections today after all…" He reached over and pulled a stray hair from the jacket. Itachi stared at him oddly, face flushing. Sasori caught his eye and froze. "Sorry," he coughed, shoving a hand into his pocket. He straightened up, ready to leave. "Thank you, but please next time try to be prompt with turning in your paperwork. I usually do not tolerate tardiness."

The man chuckled with a sigh at the end. "Of course. I'll keep it in mind."

Sasori nodded and left curtly. He practically ran back to his office. He slammed the door shut and flung the reports on his desk. Throwing himself into his chair, he dug through his pocket. Surely, he was mistaken. He had to be! He pulled out a long golden strand. It couldn't be. It had to be a pet. A pet, he told himself. A golden retriever? A long haired cat even? It couldn't be… his… could it?

No!

But it had been months. It could've grown out. It seemed to be the appropriate length.

It was just a strand of hair! Why was he so desperately clinging to it? Trying to make it into something that it probably wasn't. Sasori wanted it to be true, but that'd be foolish.

He stared long and hard at the hair. Say it was Deidara's. That'd imply that it was one of his own coworkers who did this. Itachi Uchiha. That was that guy's name.

Sasori scooted closer to his desk, resting an elbow on it, chin in palm. He twirled the hair in his other hand. If he did do it… What reason would Itachi have for taking the blond? From what Sasori knew about the guy, he already had it all. Anything he wanted - money, women, cars, etc. Everything a rich kid would want. He was a prodigy, his family name well known throughout the business world. Itachi's only excuse for not taking an immediate CEO position was that he'd rather work for his position than have it handed to him. He seemed like a decent guy.

Sasori let out an agitated sigh. He was overthinking it. He had to be. There was just no way that that guy took his love. Just no way.

Right?

There was so much doubt in Sasori's head, and it was only because he wanted a reason for Deidara to still be alive and well. If it meant believing that a single strand of loose hair was his, then so be it.

He couldn't go to the police for this. They'd think he was irrational - delusional even. And if Itachi caught on then who knows what he might do to Deidara - implying that he had him of course. It was then that Sasori decided to start his own investigations.

Months had eventually turned into a year. Sasori was now thirty-two. Deidara would be twenty-four. The redhead's investigation had ended him up with nothing. Itachi was clean as a whistle, but Sasori's rational side of his brain already knew this. His heart just didn't want to acknowledge it.

He had tried to kill himself at some point. It was a distant memory now, but he could recall it sometimes. The harsh material of the rope cutting into his neck. He hadn't even taken a step off of the chair, yet the rope burned his neck like fire. He chickened out at the last minute, unravelling himself to fall to the floor in a mess of emotions.

Sasori just didn't know what to do anymore. Everyday was torture. Any time he saw a head of golden blond hair, his heart would jolt. Of course, it was pointless. Deidara was gone.

He tried to live a normal life. He even became friends with Itachi - which originally was efforted due to his suspicions. The man was good company though. Instead of going to the bar, they could relax at Itachi's apartment. It was a nice change of pace, even if Sasori was buried in depression.

"You coming over tonight?" Itachi asked, stopping by Sasori's open office.

Sasori looked over his shoulder, slightly startled by the raven's sudden presence. He relaxed his shoulders, sighing, "Yeah."

The raven laughed quietly, "I didn't mean to scare you."

The redhead waved a hand over his head in dismissal. "No big deal. Just daydreaming."

Itachi casually leaned against the door frame. "That's very unlike you. What're you thinking about?"

Sasori frowned, "Nothing that concerns you. Don't worry about it."

Neither of them did. Sasori clearly didn't want to talk about it and Itachi wasn't going to press him for answers. They continued their plans like normal.

Sasori showed up at Itachi's house at his usual time. He was let in promptly. He raised an eyebrow at the raven's appearance. "Bad time?" he asked, slightly disappointed.

Itachi chuckled, "Not at all. I just discovered I was out of beer."

"Oh, you should've said something and I would've picked some up along the way," Sasori retorted. "I can come with you-"

"That's alright, Sasori," Itachi smiled. "Go ahead a make yourself at home."

The redhead frowned, "Are you sure?"

The other male nodded. "You bought the beer last time anyway. My treat. I'll be back in about fifteen minutes. Watch some tv or something."

Sasori agreed reluctantly and situated himself in the living room. He watched Itachi rush out the door and with a click, he was secured in the man's apartment.

He sat quietly for a minute, just staring at the empty television. It felt odd to do anything without the other man present. This wasn't his home after all.

Another minute passed and Sasori couldn't hold his sigh in anymore. Even just breathing in this place was weird. He stood from his seat on the couch, stretching slowly. He glanced around the room, fully taking in every little detail. It was amazing how little you could know about a place despite being in it so often.

He walked over to the sizable bookshelf. His hand ran over each spine, skimming over the titles. Itachi sure read a lot. He let out a soft sigh, turning away from the shelf. He wandered around the room for a bit, finding only a few interesting things here and there. It was just as he was about to sit down again that he heard a peculiar noise.

Sasori froze, unsure. It was muffled, but it definitely sounded like a cry of some type. A scream maybe? Where had it come from though? He listened again. Nothing. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Then it sounded again.

He scanned the room, trying to decipher where the noise was coming from. Maybe the neighbors? No, it sounded much too close. He glanced at Itachi's bedroom door. There? He took a few steps closer. He cupped his ear against the door.

Noise.

Sasori pursed his lips and checked his watch. Only ten minutes had passed. Itachi said he'd be back in fifteen. Should he really walk into someone else's room? He had already decided it seemed. He had one hand on the doorknob, already in the process of turning. Didn't even have the capability to be a decent friend.

Too late now, he thought to himself. Sasori pushed the door open slowly. The room was dark, the only light shining through coming from the living room. He walked into the room, approaching the source of the noise. It was a computer. It flickered as something on the screen played. A flash drive protruded from its side. A softer humming noise could be heard underneath the video noise. Itachi was burning something onto a CD it seemed. Intrigued, Sasori spared a look.

His blood ran cold.

His breathing quickened.

His body trembled.

He felt sick to his stomach. His mind couldn't even comprehend what it was seeing. He practically pressed his face to the screen, just to make sure it was really him.

"D-"

"Deidara."

Itachi's voice startled the redhead immensely. Sasori gasped and turned sharply. He thought he had been hearing things. Unfortunately for him, he had not. Itachi leaned over him, smiling so widely it threatened to split his face.

"I-Itachi…"

Said man kept smiling, reaching over to mute his computer. He put one hand on the redhead's shoulder, rolling him back in the chair. "It's very rude to intrude in someone else's bedroom."

Sasori shook his head, "You… What did you do with him?"

Itachi backed off of Sasori. "I planned to show you eventually... When he was- ah, well would you like to see more?" he offered. "I can stream it onto the tv." He had to help Sasori out of his seat, practically dragging him back to the living room. He sat the man down, cracking open a beer and setting it in Sasori's hand. "Wait here," he smiled, giddy.

Sasori watched Itachi numbly, hand still clutching onto the sweaty cold beer. Once everything was set up, Itachi sat next to him. Calm as a cucumber. He had to fight every urge to reach over and strangle the male. To smash that fucking beer can right on his smug face. He was angry and sick to his stomach.

Itachi played the first clip.

The video was innocent enough. Deidara at the office. It was clearly taken with a phone at a low angle. As if it were in his pocket or beside him. The blond was just laughing and joking, having a good time like always. It was short and Itachi moved on with the next one.

None of the videos were sexual or even remotely bad in nature. In fact it was as if Sasori was just watching a documentary - snippets of Deidara's life. It was so odd. Sasori had been so used to seeing the blond at work that those little moments didn't matter, but looking back at it now - they were so precious and memorable. Itachi had been watching and recording for a long time. Almost as long as Sasori had, but he at least had the decency to respect his privacy.

Finally they made it to what had been the catalyst for everything. The proposal. It was perfectly recorded, not hidden or at weird angles like the first ones. It wasn't weird of course, several people had been filming after all. Sasori was surprised he hadn't noticed Itachi though. He could see himself looking on in astonishment. A quick flash of anger as he turned his head. It seemed Itachi had noticed his reaction, zooming in on his frustrated face.

Itachi paused it there and turned to face the redhead. "You were upset." It was a statement, not a question.

"I…" Sasori swallowed. "I didn't realize…"

Itachi nodded, "It's heartbreaking. You really love him, don't you?"

The beer can crushed underneath the pressure of his fingers. It's contents exploded from the top.

Itachi was calm and helped him clean up the spillage. "Don't worry, I don't think anyone noticed. They're not as observant as I am. I didn't mean to make you upset. Let's continue, shall we?"

Sasori was surprised to discover the night of the kidnapping. Itachi had been following them the night they went out. He had already been in the bar right as Deidara showed up and situated himself at the bar. From the angle, Sasori could tell that Itachi had been sitting at a table not too far from them.. He felt sick to his stomach as the camera zoomed in on Deidara's face.

It all backed out once the blond turned to talk to someone. That someone being Sasori himself. The redhead felt his cheeks heat up in embarrassment. Anyone could see just how flustered and nervous he was. He really couldn't control himself in front of Deidara.

"It's cute how excited you are," Itachi commented. He sounded genuine.

"Please…" Sasori whispered in embarrassment. In a way he was glad Itachi had recorded this specific event. Watching as a third party let him relive the memory with a twist. If it had felt like a date then, just seeing it now really confirmed his thoughts. It was like looking back in the relationship. The relationship they never really had. What could've been.

After the bar, things took a darker twist. He could barely see even with the brightest settings, but he knew the camera was focused on them outside. Of Sasori calling Deidara's fiance. Then of them driving away. The last shot was of Deidara's apartment building with Deidara stumbling inside.

The video directly after that was of Deidara asleep in a different bedroom than the one in Itachi's apartment. He looked so calm and angelic.

The next part was sickening. The man holding the camera pulled back the blankets, exposing the blond in women's lingerie and bound by some kind of cuffs. The blond only woke up once Itachi began slithering his hands up and down the length of Deidara's thigh.

Sasori barely could watch as the videos progressed. Each one exposing Itachi for the sick pervert he was. Sasori, of course, had the distant thought that it could've been him doing this to Deidara. Sasori knew he wasn't a good person either, but he prided himself with being better than Itachi at least. He grabbed the remote, stopping the videos.

Itachi looked at him expectantly.

"You haven't hurt him, have you?" Sasori asked seriously. "If you hurt him…"

The raven smiled, "I'd never harm him. I love him just as much."

The redhead clenched his jaw.

"Jealous type?" Itachi chuckled.

Sasori took a deep breath. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't go to the cops." He stood up, anger consuming him. That initial shock was wearing off real quick. "Give me one damn good reason why I shouldn't beat your fucking face in."

The raven grinned wickedly. "So lively! You'd never expect to see it from someone like you. If only everyone at the office could see you now…"

Sasori grabbed Itachi by the front of his shirt. "You're not giving me a reason, Uchiha."

"Would you like to visit him?"

His eyes widened. His grip slackened.

Itachi removed the man's hand and straightened out his shirt. He helped eased the redhead back into his seat. "Would you?"

Sasori's brow furrowed. "I… can see him?"

"That all depends on you, Sasori."

He'd be a fool to say no.

It had been decided in an instance. Sasori demanded to see Deidara immediately. Itachi agreed, only allowing Sasori to drive with him. He took several twists and turns, passing many open fields of farmland. It was secluded. The closest resident being farmers several acres away. Deidara would've been impossible to find.

Itachi led the way, not giving Sasori much of a chance to look around. It was a family home, Sasori discovered. It didn't surprise him. The Uchihas were wealthy and could afford multiple homes. He just couldn't understand why he'd chose such a mundane one though. A simple home out in the country. Then again, if itachi had bought this house with a specific use in mind…

"Through here."

Sasori nervously pressed on. Itachi unlocking the door and letting him through first. He slowly walked into the bedroom, eyes trained on the large bed and the boy who lay in it.

"Isn't he just beautiful?" Itachi asked, closing the door behind them.

Sasori frowned. "Why is he dressed like that?"

Itachi cocked his head to the side. "He has such a feminine build that it makes him look so pretty. You don't like it?"

The redhead stepped closer. "He's still a man," he muttered. "He doesn't need to look like a woman to be pretty."

The other male sighed and muttered something about not being able to appreciate real beauty.

Sasori crouched down, face to face with the sleeping blond. It was really him. His hand ached to reach out and run his fingers through the golden locks. It had grown so much within a year.

"You can touch him," Itachi encouraged. "In fact, I can leave if you want to be more intimate."

The redhead looked over at the raven, bewildered. "You touched him… in that way?"

"Well, of course. Every man has an urge."

Sasori shook his head, voice raising. "Having an urge doesn't give you a right… a right to…" he couldn't even say it. "You kidnapped him. Held him hostage for your personal needs. What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Itachi smirked, "Getting all self righteous even when you're just as messed up as me. You're not any better Sasori. I bet if I hadn't done it first, you would've. Keeping him as your prisoner. Violating him."

Deidara woke with a start. Although his head was still reeling from whatever Itachi had given him, he tried to sit up the best he could. He could hear a commotion at the foot of his bed. He pulled himself up using his elbows and was surprised to see someone other than Itachi present.

What surprised him even more was the angry man that had given Itachi's head one last good slam against the wooden floor before the raven went limp.

"Sasori…?"

It was barely a whisper, but Sasori's ears picked it up just fine. His body tensed, head whipping around to look at the now awake male. He got off of the raven in a hurry and held up his hands in defense. "Deidara, I-I can explain-"

"Is he dead…?"

Sasori relaxed, arms dropping to his side. He glanced down at his so-called friend. "He's unconscious…" He didn't let Deidara know that he could easily snap his neck if that's what the blond wanted. He had to remind himself. He wasn't a murderer or a kidnapper. He was better than Itachi.

"Why are you here, y-yeah?"

The redhead frowned, "He… He told me about you. I wanted to save you - ahem, help you." He corrected himself, feeling embarrassed about his slip up. "Come on, we should get you out of here before he wakes up."

Deidara frowned, looking away in shame. "I-I can't walk…"

Sasori approached the blond, pulling back the covers to reveal the blonds legs. They were still intact, but at his ankles they were deeply bruised and twisted. He could feel his anger rushing back. "Alright. Wait just a moment."

The blond nodded, silently watching as Sasori walked away. He grabbed the raven haired man and dragged his unconscious body out of the room. What he did after that Deidara didn't know. It was ten minutes later when Sasori had returned. He didn't approach Deidara yet. He worked in the small area that he and Itachi had fought, cleaning up small amounts of blood and other things Deidara couldn't see. He didn't really understand, but he didn't say anything.

It was only after Sasori had finished cleaning that he completely drew back the blankets and reached out for Deidara. "Tell me if I hurt you," he said softly. His hands slid under Deidara's neck and knees, picking him up in one swoop. He was heavy, but not quite as heavy as Itachi had been. His heart nearly burst out of his chest when the blond wrapped his arms around his neck. He had to remind himself that it was only because Deidara was afraid to fall and that it was perfectly normal to hold onto him in such a manner. Perfectly normal that Deidara buried his face in the crook of his neck. Perfectly normal that his grip tightened on the man.

It was so good to have him back.

Sasori sat the man in the front of the car carefully, making sure to avoid hurting his already injured ankles. He got in the driver's seat, the car already have been started.

"Where is he?" Deidara asked quietly.

The redhead shook his head. "Don't worry about it. You're safe. I'll take care of everything," he murmured. "Just do me a favor."

The blond nodded.

"You didn't see me. I was never there. You escaped on your own."

Deidara furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. They were driving away now. "What about-"

"You don't know," Sasori said truthfully. "You ran away before he could come back."

"I can't even walk though…"

The redhead pointed to a farm up ahead. "I'm going to drop you off there. You tell them that you've crawled all the way there."

Deidara frowned. He couldn't understand why Saosri didn't want to take credit in finding him. For rescuing him. He didn't question the man any further. Instead he patiently waited until they were just outside the farm's long driveway. It was when Sasori was pulling him out of the car he heard a sickening thump coming from the trunk. He didn't question that either.

He let himself be carried up to the door. It was dark, so no one could really see them. Just before he left, Sasori apologized and covered the boy in dirt and scuff marks. Making his cover story more believable. He laid Deidara on his stomach and instructed, "Wait until the car is out of sight. Then knock. Tell them about what happened to you. Tell them where you were."

Deidara nodded and waited until Sasori was long gone down the road. He knocked at the bottom of the door, longing to go home.

The next few days for Deidara were absolute hell. He was the center of attention. His friends and family crowded him much like the media that tried to get answers and interviews out of him. He wasn't able to go anywhere due to his condition. They told him it would be a long time before he could even think about walking again. He lay in bed for weeks, immobile and left with his thoughts.

There was no word on Itachi. There was a man hunt for him, even his own family confused and desperately trying to find him. Deidara could only wonder what Sasori had done, but he wouldn't say a word.

There was a commotion once Deidara was able to return to the office. Sasori could hear the excited squeals and chatter of their coworkers as they no doubt crowded around the blond. He didn't leave his office. He didn't go see the blond. Yet, he still smiled to himself. Deidara was back. Deidara was safe. A knock at his his door startled him. He answered it, not expecting the person visiting.

"Morning, yeah," the blond smiled.

Sasori stared. There was Deidara, coffee and breakfast in hand. If you took away the fact that he was now in a wheelchair, it was like the past year had not happened. He had to snap out of it. "Kurusu," he greeted with a clear of his throat, "morning." He held the door open, allowing the blond in.

"It was much nicer when you called me by my name," Deidara admitted as he sat the items on Sasori's desk. "It almost feels weird to hear you call me that. It feels weird to be back actually."

Sasori nodded, closing the door behind them. "Uh, yeah." He nervously straightened out his tie. "Welcome back," he tried. "What can I do for you, Kuru- ahem, Deidara?"

Deidara gave a small smile at the man's effort. "You can call me by whatever makes you comfortable. I just… Anyways, I was wondering if you could help me, yeah? It's been so long. I'm still relearning a lot of things. You trained me after all, so I thought why not have you help me again?"

The redhead chewed the inside of his cheek. "I, uh-"

"If you don't want to, that's okey."

There was disappointment in his voice. Sasori was weak to the tone, immediately giving in. "I can help," he replied. "It's the least I can do," he muttered. He ignored the confused look Deidara gave him. Deidara stuck to him like glue for the following week. Their coworkers looked on in confusion. Sasori had been so cold following Deidara's disappearance, yet he was so welcoming once he was back. They did everything together.

Even though this should've been the best thing to ever happen in Sasori's life, he felt nothing but guilt. Guilt for the thoughts and feelings he had for Deidara. He was disturbed by everything that had happened and having Deidara clinging to him somehow made it all worse. It was someone's sick form of punishment. Deidara's confession didn't help matters.

They were at the copier when it happened. Deidara was helping Sasori this time around. He copied while Sasori organized and separated each paper into different piles. Sasori was becoming comfortable enough with having Deidara around. Then he spoke.

"Sasori," he started off casually, "I have a confession to make."

Sasori's hands froze up at the words. A confession sounded terrifying. He couldn't fathom what kind of confession Deidara would make. "Yes?" he asked, it sounding almost like a sigh.

Deidara continued to make copies and hand them to Sasori like this was nothing strange. "I remembered you."

"You remembered me?"

Deidara nodded. "It sounds strange, but I mean it, yeah. I remembered you when… when I was gone."

Sasori swallowed, "That's… nice, I guess."

"It was hard to remember things," Deidara frowned. "But you we're a constant, yeah."

"What about your fiance? Family?" Sasori asked.

The blond nodded again, his stare lingering. "I thought about them in the beginning. I thought about how I'd never see them again. It made me sad. I wanted to die." He leaned back in his seat, sighing, "I started to forget though. It was too painful to remember, yeah."

"But… me?"

Deidara smiled, "You were easy to think about. It wasn't that I tried to think about you." His face flushed a light red. "You just popped up really. Whenever he was with me, I tried to escape, yeah. Mentally, I mean. I had to go somewhere else and the only place that brought me any comfort was… well work. It sounds stupid. Who would think of work in that kind of situation?"

"It is odd…" Sasori agreed.

"Even so, it was comforting," the blond admitted. "At first, it was just me. Working. Nothing special. Then you showed up. You ordered me around, just giving me jobs to do around the office, yeah. Sometimes we just talked. You were good company. Even if I made it all up in my head."

Sasori could feel his heart beating erratically. The confession made him happy, yet sad at the same time. Happy, because Deidara thought about him. Sad, because he wasn't that important to the blond. Deidara couldn't bare to think of the people he loved because it hurt. Deidara didn't love Sasori so it didn't matter if he thought about him or not. He probably just remembered him because he was his boss. "I was a bit shocked to hear you say my name that day," Sasori admitted.

"I was shocked to see you," the blond chuckled. "I thought I was going crazy there for a moment. You just so suddenly popped out of my head and was there. Although, it was different seeing you in casual clothes, yeah." Not to mention beating the shit out of another man, but neither of them bothered to bring that up.

Sasori flushed and broke his gaze from Deidara's. "Ah, yeah. I had been hanging out with Itachi that night…"

The air went silent as the name left his lips. Sasori cursed himself and muttered an apology.

"Can I ask?" Deidara asked.

Sasori shook his head, "It's better if you don't know."

The blond bit his lip and nodded, "Alright."

Deidara didn't ask again, which Sasori was glad for. He also didn't bring up his time spent with the man anymore. Life continued on like normal. Kinda. It was different. Sasori was slowly wedging his way into Deidara's personal life. They were becoming friends. Sasori's obsession had not dulled - in fact, it only grew stronger the more time he spent with Deidara. He scolded himself for the things he did at night to the thought of the blond. The man was still just as vulnerable as he was a year ago. Still just as traumatized and yet he allowed another monster into his life unknowingly.

"You'll come won't you?" Deidara asked, leaning against the breakroom table.

It was just the two of them in the small space. Sasori sitting in a chair across from him. Deidara still in his wheelchair.

Sasori raised an eyebrow, "Hm?" He sat up a bit straighter. "Sorry, I didn't catch that."

Deidara pouted, "You're such an airhead sometimes, yeah." He huffed, "I asked if you were gonna come."

"Where?"

Deidara rolled his eyes, "To my place, duh! For dinner. Remember?"

The redhead's eyebrows raised. "Ah, right. I had completely forgotten." He gave a small sheepish smile. "Forgive me."

The blond sighed, "Rude. I forgive you though. I keep telling you to stop working so much, yeah. It's frying your brain."

Sasori chuckled, "I'd beg to differ." He waved a hand in the air, "What time?"

"Six, if that's alright?"

He nodded, "I can work with that."

Deidara beamed, "Good! Wear something comfy, yeah!"

"Plan on keeping me there for a while?"

Deidara nodded eagerly. "I've been wanting to watch this movie for so long, but Kuro doesn't really want to. It came out last year and… ah well, I just kinda wanted to watch it with someone and you're really my only friend, yeah. You don't have to, but-"

Sasori hid his smile behind his hand casually. "I don't mind."

"Awesome!" the blond chirped.

The redhead watched the blond squirm in his chair excitedly. He imagined that if he could walk he'd be jumping around the room. He knew Deidara was a rather excitable guy, but he would've never known how child-like he was if he hadn't gotten so close. The blond really was a brat. A sad thought occured to Sasori. Maybe that was Deidara just coping. He was a grown man after all. He shouldn't be compared to a mere child. People dealt with pain in different ways.

When six o'clock rolled around, Sasori stood nervously in front of Deidara's apartment. He dressed casually like requested, wearing only a hoodie with a t-shirt under it and a pair of jeans. It was something he'd wear out to get groceries. Only a small step up from his at home look. It felt odd. He rang the doorbell, hoping his anxiety would ease.

Kurotsuchi opened the door. She seemed surprised at first, but she welcomed him in. "You must be the one Deidara has been talking about. Sasori, right?"

The redhead nodded, too nervous for words. That last part was interesting though. Deidara talked about him?

"Deidara's in the kitchen cooking. You can rest in the living room if you'd like."

Sasori contemplated, but his decision was made for him when Deidara wheeled into view.

"Sasori! Hey, right on time!" He grinned. "Well, kinda. It's not quite done yet," he laughed lightly. "Sorry."

The redhead shook his head, "It's alright. Need any help?"

"You don't have to."

"Really," Kurotsuchi added.

Sasori shrugged, "I don't mind." He rolled up his sleeves and joined the man in the kitchen. It was intriguing to see how Deidara cooked with his inability to walk. Most of the ingredients were low enough for him to reach and he only struggled with the stovetop.

They had to stop momentarily when Deidara ended up burning himself. From what Sasori could see, the blond did this often. His arm was littered with the same burn mark from his stovetop. "Clumsy," He sighed.

Deidara huffed and allowed the man to bandage his arm. "This is why we need an electric stove, yeah."

From there Sasori was allowed to take over stove duty. Dinner was ready in no time. He helped Deidara set up the table, praying that he wouldn't drop a plate or something that would make him look foolish. It was odd sitting at the table with Deidara and his fiance. He felt like he didn't belong there. To see Deidara and Kurotsuchi laughing and chatting away about things Sasori didn't know made him feel uncomfortable. He could barely eat, but he didn't want to be rude.

Sasori tried to help Deidara clean up, but the man had shooed him away. He claimed that he did too much and that he was a guest. Sasori was forced to sit down in the living room. Kurotsuchi had already darted upstairs.

When Deidara finished, he joined the redhead - switching the lights off in the process. He pulled up next to the couch and with all of his upper strength, he lifted himself onto the couch. He pulled his legs up, folding them carefully.

Sasori tried to not seem so obvious about it, but Deidara had already caught his staring.

"It sucks, but I'm lucky it's just my ankles. It'll heal eventually."

Sasori nodded and averted his gaze. He let the blond control the tv as he tried to find the movie. There was a fair amount of space between them, but if Deidara were to move over just a bit more they'd be touching. Sasori could almost wrap his arm around him. He shifted uncomfortably.

He tried to watch the movie, he really did, but he found watching Deidara to be so much more enjoyable. The faces he'd make during different parts of the movie. It gave Sasori life really. And when Deidara would catch him staring, their gaze would hold just for a few seconds. Deeply staring into each other's eyes until Sasori would quickly look away. His heart would beat like he had just ran a race. He'd side eye Deidara until the blond was sucked back into the movie. Too distracted to notice Sasori's blatant staring.

Scenarios played over and over in his head. Reaching an arm over to pull Deidara close. The man cuddling into his side, burying his face into his neck like he had that one time. A soft tickle of the blond's lips against his neck. Sasori wouldn't resist, turning to give Deidara more of what he wanted. Getting so into it that he'd end up on top of Deidara, the man's hands tangled in his hair. Pulling Sasori down for another kiss. Then another. And another. Until Sasori pushed further, going lower with each parting gift.

Sasori had to stop himself. "Bathroom?" he piped up, hoping Deidara didn't hear his voice crack.

The blond looked over at him and then pointed up. "To the left upstairs, yeah," he smiled.

The redhead nodded and hurried to the bathroom. He wasn't aroused… yet, but he definitely needed a break. He looked around the upstairs, just checking out the area. He already spotted the bathroom. He assumed one of the other rooms was Deidara's. He looked on at the closed door longingly. Perhaps just a quick peek?

He put his hand on the door handle, twisting it slowly. A small push and the door cracked open. He only wanted a small peek, but he ended up getting more as the door opened further. His eyes widened as he got a good look inside. For whatever reason, it didn't occur to Sasori that Kurotsuchi might be in the room. She was his fiance after all. It would make sense that they'd share a room.

What didn't make sense though was the other man on his back, thrusting up into the woman furiously.

Kurotsuchi eyes widened as she gasped, attempting to cover herself.

Sasori averted his gaze, still shocked. How in the hell did they not notice that guy sneak in? Was he here to begin with? Did… Did Deidara know?

"Sasori…" The woman started. She climbed off of the male, approaching the redhead slowly.

The redhead chewed the inside of his cheek. He couldn't believe this. Being caught peeking into someone's room was one thing. Catching someone on the act of pleasuring themselves was another. But this...

"You…" Saosri started.

Kurotsuchi took a deep breath. "You have to understand. He was gone for so long and… even now it feels like he isn't here."

The redhead crossed his arms and kept his gaze in the hallway. If he were to look at that man too long, he might've tossed him out of the window. "You're cheating."

"I didn't…" she sighed. "I didn't plan to meet someone else, it just happened. I didn't think of ever seeing Deidara again."

"He's back now," he frowned. "You're his fiance. He… he loves you." How could they do this to Deidara?

"I know! And I love him too, I really do…"

"Then?"

Kurotsuchi shifted uncomfortably. "Our relationship isn't the same anymore. He's not the same. I want a relationship. Intimacy. Since he's been back, it's been like taking… taking care of a child."

Sasori's eyebrows furrowed. "Then end it. Tell him."

"I just told you, he's like a child. And- And he's so vulnerable right now-"

Sasori finally turned to face the woman, not worried if he could see her revealed body. Not like it interested him in any way. "Well no shit," he snapped. His eyes glared over at the frozen man on the bed for a mere moment. He snarled. "He was kidnapped and held hostage for a little over a year. Tell me you wouldn't be traumatized. Maybe he's a bit intimidated by intimacy, but he has a good reason to be. He's not a child, he's a victim."

Kurotsuchi scowled lightly. "I-I'm aware of that…"

"Then tell him," Sasori retorted.

"I can't-"

"Then I will." The words had left his mouth before he could even think about what he had just said.

The woman started at him in shock for a moment, then stood in anger. "No."

Sasori matched her expression. "There's no yes or no to it. I'm telling him."

Kurotsuchi held her ground, coming closer. She wasn't even worried about how naked she was. "Why do you even care? This has nothing to do with you."

"You're right. It has nothing to do with me. It has to do with Deidara. How can you say that you love him, but then go behind his back and… and…" Sasori's mind and heart were racing. "You don't deserve him. If I were lucky enough to have him then I'd never let him go. I'd give him my heart and soul if he asked." It had slipped out before he could even realize it.

Kurotsuchi caught on almost immediately. The words settling into her brain. "You…" she shook her head. "Disgusting," she scowled. "Absolutely revolting. A man falling in love with another man. As if he'd ever love you."

The man in bed snickered at that.

Sasori's hands balled into fist.

"You're not going to tell him," she decided. "Not if you don't want him to know about you."

He was at a loss. He couldn't bare to lose Deidara again. "Fine…" he gritted out.

Kurotsuchi nodded, "Glad you agree. I'd hate to see Deidara lose his "friend"."

Sasori scowled. It'd be so easy to just get rid of her too. He turned on his heel, intending to head back downstairs and return to the movie with Deidara.

"You're no better than Itachi."

The words made Sasori's neck hair prick. Forget the movie, he had to leave. Now. He marched down the stairs and ignored the blond's confusion. He grabbed his hoodie and left briefly, door slamming.

In his car, he banged his fist against the wheel in frustration. There was no way he could hang around Deidara any more. Kurotsuchi was right. He was no better and it was only a matter of time before he did what Itachi had done. Or worse, do what he did to Itachi.