It's been about a week since the hypnotist incident and things truly were going well. When Zetsu heard what happened he sought out the piece of shit and caused him more injury than Tobi did.

For the mere reason that Tobi had slightly bruised ribs and what was attempted on Deidara. "Tobi, Zetsu didn't have to do that un."

The boy walked down the sidewalk with his crush and grinned, "Zetsu's always been protective of Tobi but Tobi don't mind. He likes it."

The blonde smirked a little, "Must be nice to have someone worry about you like that un." "You have someone too." The artisan furrowed his eyebrows, "Who un?"

"Tobi, and don't say you don't need him to worry, because he can if he wants to." Deidara walked a bit more slowly and muttered, "I wasn't going to say that believe it or not un."

Tobi took a quick glance at him but only smiled, walking the rest of the way to the blonde's apartment in silence.

*The next day, they were all at Hidan's place having a small get together. Hidan, Kakuzu, Zetsu, and Kisame were arguing on who could out arm wrestle who.

Tobi had his bet on Zetsu naturally and was about to get some more nachos when he overheard Itachi talking to Deidara.

Their voices were coming in from the bedroom and he eavesdropped. He knew he shouldn't but he heard his name mentioned so why not.

"Deidara please be reasonable." The blonde snapped, "What's the problem un!" The raven spoke in a serious tone, "I understand how you feel about Sasori but don't lose your virginity to him."

Tobi's heart skipped a beat. "Why not, he wants to be with me and I him." Itachi pursed his lips, "Not he doesn't! He's using you Dei, listen to me!"

"You're lying, he loves me un!" The raven's voice grew louder, "Oh really? Has he told you so? Has he shown he loves you that's not physical? What has he done to show that he even gives a damn?"

Deidara jumped up, "He's shy and keeps to himself! He doesn't have to come out in the open to say it. I'm going to do it un!"

Itachi glared, "Get a clue Dei! He's doing you like he did to me, trying to get into your pants. He's making you believe what you want to believe. I'm telling you this because I'm your friend and don't want you to get hurt."

Deidara grunted, "From what I understand you left him for Kisame un." Itachi got right up in the blonde's face and pinned him to the wall. Tobi was shocked to see his calm friend do something like that.

Itachi growled, "How dare you believe him over me, your best friend since childhood to some bastard that you've only known for a year. I didn't want to sleep with him but he kept pestering me about it until one day he grew drastic. If it wasn't for Kisame my first time would have been a damn nightmare!"

Itachi broke down to tears and let go of the blonde. Kisame barged in and took his lover in his arms, whispering soothing words as he led him out. Tobi was distraught over the disturbing news and failed to notice the others were in on the action as well, no doubt hearing every word.

Zetsu took this time to announce, "I think it's best if we all went home now." Kisame nodded and guided his upset lover out, while Kakuzu beckoned his own. "Come on Hidan." "Ok but hang on."

He grabbed Tobi and whispered, "Talk some sense into him and tell him how you fucking feel!" He roughly pushed him into the room with the blonde and followed Kakuzu out, leaving them the last ones left.

"Go away Tobi, I want to be alone un." He remained rooted to the spot and took a deep breath. "Itachi's right Dei, don't do it." Deidara snapped, "What the hell is wrong with all of you? I want to be with Sasori and you can't stop me un!"

He took a few steps closer, "Tobi knows that but please listen to what Tobi has to say." "I don't want to hear it, now get out un!" "Tobi not leaving until Deidara listens!"

The blonde tried to throw a punch at him but Tobi easily caught his wrist and spun him around to where his back was against his chest. "Let go un!" Tobi just wrapped his arms around him and murmured, "Why?"

"Why what un?" "Why can't you see that Sasori doesn't care for you like Tobi does?" Deidara went rigid and bit his lip, "What are you talking about un?" "Be with the one who truly loves you without a doubt. He's right behind you."

He gently let go of the blonde, hoping his words would pierce through that thick, stubborn skull. Maybe now he would see but then again, he might still be clueless. "If you need someone to be there for you, Tobi's door is always open. Good night."

He shuffled out with a frown, knowing he can't control the blonde's actions but still hoping he'll change his mind about Sasori. He can only do that much.

*It's been almost a week and no word from Deidara. He hasn't even seen him, let alone knows what's going on. The only info he got was from Hidan. He slumped onto the couch and recollected on Zetsu's words.

"What can Tobi do Zetsu? Deidara shut himself off from everyone and won't talk to anybody. Tobi wants to know if he's ok."

His friend rubbed his hair, "Give him time Tobi. Deidara's going through that puppy love phase and naturally can't see the guy he's crazy about isn't for him. He'll see reason eventually."

Tobi bit his lip, rather too hard, "What if he goes through with….." Zetsu grabbed a tissue and wiped the small amount of blood from his lip, "There's nothing we can do about that Tobi." "BUT!"

Zetsu covered his mouth and gave him a fixed stare, "You know very good and well you can't force him not to. That's reality Tobi. I don't want to accept that fact either, but that's his decision not ours."

Tobi hung his head and hugged his friend, "Tobi just don't want him to get hurt." Zetsu gave him a soft smile, "I know but if anything, keep your friendship with him alive. Don't lose him if you love him that much."

Tobi sighed and smirked a little. "Zetsu's so wise and good to Tobi. The only family Tobi ever had." He slid off the couch and headed for his room since it was time for bed. He'd make things better tomorrow.

*A faint sound was heard and Tobi sleepily opened his eyes. "What's that?" The noise grew louder and he groaned as he sat up. "Sounds like a knock."

He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and waited until he heard it again, even louder than before. He crawled out of bed yawning, than glanced at the clock. 2:00 AM. "Why is someone here now?" He half whined it but finally made it to the door, peeking through the eyehole.

He got a glimpse of blonde hair and gasped. There's only one blonde that it could be, he hastily unlocked the door and there stood his crush. The sight of him made Tobi sad.

The blonde hair was all messed up, his eyes all puffy and red from crying, with tears still shining on his cheeks. "Deidara what's wrong?" The artisan sniveled, "Tobi I….Sasori un…."

Tobi's stomach did a flip and feared the worst but blocked it out of his mind. No need to jump to conclusions. "I..I need to….talk to someone…and you said un."

Without hesitation Tobi took the blonde in his arms, leading him inside to the bathroom. "Wha…" Tobi ran cold water on a washcloth, ringing the excess water out before pressing it gently to the blonde's face.

"You're eyes are all puffy, this'll make it feel better." Deidara nodded and took the cloth to do it himself. "You're not going to ask me why I'm crying un?" Tobi grabbed a brush he had and started to gently work on that beautiful hair. "Tobi don't want to rush you into it."

The blonde smirked softly but didn't say a word until he was completely groomed. "I'm so stupid un!"

Tobi knelt down and cooed, "No you're not." "You and Itachi were right! He….He….doesn't love me un." Tobi frowned and led him to his room, with the washcloth as well. He sat against the headboard and embraced the blonde to his chest. "Tell Tobi what happened."

The blonde fidgeted with a mutter, "I can't un." "Yes you can Dei, Tobi not going to lecture you. He's here to listen and help you feel better."

Deidara choked back a sob, "I went over to his place and we were going to do it but I….was so nervous. After we made out a little I changed my mind before going any further. I wasn't ready yet and asked if he could wait a little longer until I was but…."

Tobi's pulled him closer more firmly, dreading to hear those next words. Deidara shed a few more tears, that Tobi tenderly wiped away, "He…he wouldn't take no for an answer. He tried to...force himself on me….I only got away because he got aggravated from my crying and struggling. He told me to get the hell out; he didn't have time to wait around for me."

Tobi let out the breath he was holding, happy that the worst didn't happen after all. "He doesn't love me at all, he just used me! Why? All I want is for someone to love me for who I am and not some damn booty call un."

He broke down and Tobi just lifted him up higher to where his head was against his neck, dabbing the cool cloth to his eyes. "Tobi sorry that happened to you but it's going to be ok. He won't let anyone hurt you again….if you'll have him."

The blonde sniveled some more before glancing up into those dark, yet passionate eyes of the one holding him, "Tobi un?" He didn't answer except place a small kiss on his forehead, "Let's get some sleep."

Tobi scooted down so he could lie on his back before falling asleep with the blonde in his arms.

The artisan was indeed tired and snuggled closer. He really needed to be in someone's arms and Tobi felt….warm and safe. Maybe he'll finally ask him that question in the morning.

To be continued: