"So where are we going?" Deidara asks while he slides into Sasori's car.
Sasori smirks, "It's a surprise. Have some patience."
"Hm, a surprise? I don't know if I like surprises," Deidara says honestly, recalling some horrible dates from his past.
"You'll like this one," Sasori tells Deidara, zooming onto the highway.
A half hour later, they are pulling up into the parking lot of the local art museum. Deidara has star eyes, staring up at the building. He's lived in this city for several years, but somehow never had a chance to go to the art museum yet.
"We're going to the museum! I'm so excited!" Deidara squeals, forgetting for a split second that this date is technically just part of his mission as an undercover cop.
Sasori smiles, "I thought it would be appropriate, considering how we met."
Sasori is a true gentleman with Deidara, he goes around to open the car door for him and takes him by the hand up to the ticket booth and covers the expense. Once in the museum, Sasori lets Deidara take the lead, allowing him to explore to his heart's content.
Deidara is so enthralled by the art, and by Sasori's presence, that he forgets for a moment that he's an undercover cop. He forgets about asking Sasori questions about his secret group. He forgets even that he's playing a college aged girl, and he lets his true personality out. He simply enjoys the date, marveling at all the wonderful artwork in the museum and holding tight to Sasori's hand.
They look at some larger than life sized paintings first, holding hands, their breath taken away. "Wow," Sasori breathes, "that's amazing. True art. It's so big." He's looking up at a painting of a ship in tumultuous waters. The wooden hull is in chaos, being thrown around by the vicious, deadly sea. The ship's crew run around with panic stricken looks on their faces, fearful of their impending doom. The painting seems to come alive, and it's almost too eerie for Deidara to look at.
"I can't believe someone painted that by themselves…it's so scary," Deidara whispers. "All those people are going to die."
"Not necessarily. We are only seeing one snapshot of the story here," Sasori says, still in awe of the beautiful colors on the canvas that bring this painting to life. "See that guy there?" Deidara looks where he's pointing, "he's the captain, the commander of the ship. He looks calm despite the storm. He knows what to do," Sasori says.
"Wow, you have a good eye for art," Deidara compliments.
"Well, I am an art major," Sasori replies, causing Deidara to chuckle a little.
Deidara draws closer to the painting, he's sucked in by the thunderous waves and the pure chaos of it all. He studies the captain's face again, realizing that Sasori is right – he's at ease, with a poised determination, as though he knows exactly how to sail through this mess and bring his crew to safety. Deidara is a little jealous of the captain at that moment – how can someone be so calm under such pressure? He wishes he could be like that with Sasori. He wishes he could steer Sasori out of the storm that he knows is coming…if only he had that composed, steadfast fortitude of the captain in this painting.
Sasori breaks Deidara's downward spiraling train of thought, "come here Naruko, you have to see this woodcarving, it's absolutely amazing!"
Deidara follows him excitedly, but knows that the captain of that ship will haunt his nightmares.
…..
"Oh wow! Surrealism!" Deidara says excitedly when they walk into a new room about an hour later.
"This…is a little weird to me," Sasori admits, looking at the odd painting before him. It's chaotic, with a combination of melting fruit and tigers.
"It's transient," Deidara says admirably.
"How so?" Sasori asks skeptically, eyeing him.
"Fruit perishes. That's why it's melting un," Deidara says.
"Hm," Sasori says, taking a closer look, "I guess art is up to interpretation. If that's what you see Naruko, then that's what it is to you."
"Yeah, that's why art is so amazing," Deidara says, "I bet you'll be a great artist someday." Sasori blushes furiously, looking a little stunned by this compliment.
"I'm really glad I took you here. Are you having a good time?" Sasori asks, placing his hands on Deidara's waist. He kisses Deidara's forehead innocently, and Deidara does all he can to not melt into a puddle on the floor of the art museum.
"Yes, I am," Deidara says, "honestly, this is one of the best dates I've ever been on." And Deidara means that. He's never had anyone put such thought into a first date before. Sasori planned out a nice, unique day for them. Most first dates are just at the movies or bowling, but Sasori didn't cop out with a typical cliché date, he brought Deidara to an art museum, a place that he knew Deidara would truly enjoy. The only problem, of course, is that Sasori isn't on a date with Deidara, he's on a date with Naruko. Deidara feels his insides turn sour again, and he does all he can to ignore the bile that builds up in his throat.
"You alright?" Sasori asks. Deidara must have been making a face.
"Yeah, I'm okay. Just…I'm just glad that I'm here with you…but there's still so much you don't know about me," Deidara says, knowing he must sound a little silly.
Sasori chuckles, "well, that's why we're on a date Naruko, so I can get to know you better."
"What if…I have secrets that I can't tell you?" Deidara knows he shouldn't be saying this, that he should just enjoy the date. But he can't ignore the squirming, gnawing guilt.
"We all have secrets. You don't have to tell me things you don't want to. This is just our first date, relax," Sasori says reassuringly, rubbing Deidara's shoulder.
Deidara takes a deep breath, trying to take Sasori's advice. He does feel a little better, and he swallows down the guilt as best as he can. He has a job to do here, he can't let his emotions get the best of him. When all is said and done, there's just simply no way he and Sasori can ever go out on a real date, so he might as well enjoy this while he can.
Sasori walks Deidara around the last few exhibits and they hold hands quietly, observing the artwork in silence. Deidara admires everything he sees, and he soon forgets his worries as he stares at the beautiful paintings and sculptures.
When they exit the museum, Deidara is grinning from ear to ear again, "This was wonderful, thank you Sasori."
"Of course. And we're still not done yet," he chimes excitedly.
"Oh? Where to next?"
"Well, I thought we could get some ice cream if you'd like?" Sasori asks.
"That sounds wonderful!"
…
Deidara orders peach flavored ice cream, and Sasori gets chocolate cherry. Sasori laughs derisively at Deidara's flavor choice. "What?" Deidara asks, narrowing his eyes.
"You may not like me mentioning this, but don't you remember I called you peach once? You got so mad," Sasori says, recalling that particular conversation from class a few weeks ago.
"Yeah," Deidara sighs, "I remember it ya know."
"So, if I can't call you 'peach' or 'honey,' then what sort of nickname should I give you?" Sasori asks.
Deidara blushes furiously, "Why do I need a nickname?"
Sasori takes a lick of his ice cream and then answers bluntly, "because a cute girl like yourself deserves a cute nickname, don't you think?"
"Hm," Deidara doesn't have a response to that. He's flattered that Sasori finds him cute, although, again, it's for the wrong reasons…
"You can call me a nickname if you'd like," Sasori offers, wiggling his eyebrows. Deidara chuckles at his poor attempt to be sexy.
"Isn't it a bit early for that? This is just the first date after all…besides, I'm no good with that kind of stuff," Deidara admits, thinking back to all the horrible pet-names he's tried on his former boyfriends. Not one of them were amused.
"I'm sure you can come up with something, you are rather creative," Sasori says.
"Well…" Deidara blushes, not wanting to continue.
"Yes? Did you think of one!?"
"You won't like it…but, I always thought the word 'Danna' was kind of endearing…it means 'master,' but for some reason, I like that word…" Deidara hides his mouth with a big bite of his ice cream.
"Danna…I like that. I'm your master?" Sasori has a curious look on his face, and he leans in closer to Deidara.
Deidara turns red again, "No, you're definitely not my master! That's just one meaning of the word! Danna can also mean husband…but the meaning really doesn't matter! I just like that word!" Deidara cries frantically, trying not to put suggestive thoughts into Sasori's head.
It's too late though.
"Master or husband? I rather like this nickname," Sasori says with a smirk. "Now, what shall I call you Naruko?"
"Um," Deidara wishes he could crawl into a hole. Why is Sasori so intent on nicknames? No one's ever given him a proper, cute nickname before.
"Well, with those whiskers on your cheeks, and your feisty temper-"
"Hey, I'm not feisty!" Deidara yells, contradicting himself.
Sasori smiles, "Hm, there you go with that fire. I like that about you though, don't get me wrong. I think I'd like to call you foxy, or something like that."
"Foxy?!"
"Yeah, you're a foxy lady," Sasori says.
Deidara feels his temple pulse, he doesn't quite like that nickname. Before he knows what he's doing, there's a smattering of peach ice cream all over Sasori's chin. Deidara pushed his ice cream cone into Sasori's face. He quickly pulls it back, watching the ice cream drip down from Sasori's cheek and chin, holding back a laugh.
Sasori looks surprised for a moment, but then he laughs, sticking his tongue out to lick up the ice cream. "You brat," he says, although he doesn't sound mad. Deidara sighs in relief and joins in laughing.
"Hm, well, I think I'd prefer being called 'brat' to 'foxy,'" Deidara says, licking what's left of his ice cream cone.
"Alright then," Sasori says, still licking the melted ice cream off his face, "I'll call you brat." Sasori then swoops his arm up and rubs some of his chocolate cherry ice cream on Deidara's face. Deidara yelps and backs away, he should've seen that one coming.
"Argh, what did I get myself into?" Deidara cries, licking the sticky ice cream off his own face. Sasori is laughing at the sight, and his laughter is contagious. Deidara soon joins in, letting his annoyance disappear. He hasn't messed around with someone like this in a long time.
Sasori draws closer after laughing, placing his thumb on Deidara's cheek. "You're still covered in ice cream here," he says softly, before leaning in and licking it off of Deidara's cheek.
Deidara freezes for a moment. Sasori's soft, wet tongue against his cheek – it's sexy, and too much for him to handle. He's at risk of losing all composure, and his groin suddenly feels tight, as his member aches to be released from that damn gaff. Deidara backs away and turns his face to the side, escaping from Sasori's curious tongue.
"Oh, sorry," Sasori says, "I-I know we're supposed to take things slow. I shouldn't have done that." He backs away, looking ashamed, and biting his lower lip.
"It's okay," Deidara says, wiping the rest of the ice cream off his cheek with a napkin (being careful and mindful of the fact that if he wipes too hard, the penciled in whiskers will begin to fade). "I-I didn't mind, really, I was just taken aback a little," he adds in honestly. In another time and place, Deidara would've let Sasori lick him all over his face…and other places as well probably. He shakes his head, trying to rid himself of those dirty thoughts.
Sasori grins, "That makes me happy…but I think you're right, that for now, we should take things slow…I don't want to rush anything after your recent break up with Sasuke."
"Yeah," Deidara agrees, grateful that Sasori is being so kind about everything. His heart swells and then tightens uncomfortably – Sasori is really a nice guy. He hates that he's playing him like this, tricking him into falling for someone that he thinks is someone else.
"We should get back anyways," Sasori says, looking at the time. It's still early, but Sasori wants to bring Naruko back at a decent time for their first date.
Sasori takes Deidara's hand and they walk together, back to Sasori's car. They are almost there when Sasori jolts and stops in his tracks. Deidara looks at where Sasori's eyes are glued, noting that he spotted a woman with purple hair.
"Sasori?" the woman asks, as though she's surprised to see him out and about.
"Konan," Sasori says, "What are you doing here?"
"Hello," she responds curtly, ignoring his question, "I see you're out on a date, that's sweet. But I expect I will see you tonight, right?"
"Yes, of course, I know. I'll be there," Sasori says in a hurried manner.
"Good, I'll text you the address," Konan says before turning around and leaving without so much as a goodbye. She didn't even bother to introduce herself to Sasori's date.
Deidara's eyes narrow with suspicion, and there's something funny boiling in his stomach, "Who was that?"
"That's Konan…she's part of that, um, group," Sasori says awkwardly.
"I remember you mentioning her to me when you were drunk the other night. You said you found her attractive," Deidara says scathingly.
"Oh, are you jealous?" Sasori asks with a chiding grin. Deidara pouts and turns his face away, recognizing that tiny monstrous feeling inside his chest. It's definitely jealousy, and he doesn't like it. He shouldn't be feeling jealous, he should be focusing on the fact that he's found another member of this elusive gang – Konan had a matching ring as well, he had just barely caught a glimpse at it before she walked away.
"Naruko," Sasori squeezes his hand tight, "You don't have to be jealous, she's just a friend, that's it. We just have a meeting with everyone tonight, sort of like a business meeting."
"A business meeting with your drug dealers?" Deidara asks with one eyebrow raised.
"Shh," Sasori places a finger on Deidara's lips, "don't be so loud. As I said before, mind your own business when it comes to this."
"Hm," Deidara scowls, "I guess you have your secrets too…" He knows defeat when he sees it, and Sasori definitely won't tell him anything about this upcoming meeting.
So when Sasori opens the passenger car door, Deidara pries Sasori's phone out of his pocket. He does it quickly, and slyly, so that Sasori doesn't notice. While Sasori walks around to the driver's side, Deidara has just enough time to peek at Konan's text. He records the info in his mind, memorizing the address in a matter of seconds before Sasori slides into the car. While Sasori backs the car out of the lot, Deidara carefully places the phone back into Sasori's pocket, but while doing so, has to feign that he's simply placing his hand on Sasori's thigh. Deidara blushes at the tiny surprised sound that emits from Sasori.
"Oh," Sasori says, noting Deidara's hand on his thigh, "you must get jealous easily."
"Shut up," Deidara says, looking out the window as the car drives by lush green trees.
Sasori wraps his hand around Deidara's, "You don't have to worry. You're the only person I'm interested in."
Deidara turns red and chances a look at Sasori. His eyes reveal the truth. "Did you enjoy the date? I hope I wasn't too forward with you just now," Sasori says, still holding tightly onto Deidara's hand.
"It's alright. I really did have fun," Deidara says honestly, flashing a smile back at Sasori. He can't help but smile when he's in Sasori's presence, despite the inner turmoil.
…
When Sasori drops Deidara back off at Sakura's home, he doesn't try to kiss him. True to his word, he holds back, taking this date one slow step at a time. They agree to text soon about meeting up for their project, and then for a second date. Sasori is over the moon with happiness when Deidara agrees to go on a second date with him.
Deidara watches longingly as Sasori drives away. He wishes that this scenario could be different, perhaps in another universe and time, where Deidara could be himself fully.
He sighs, composing himself again. There's still work to be done.
He rushes indoors and frantically writes down all the information he was reciting in his head on a piece of paper. Konan's text said they were meeting at 9:30pm, and it gave the address of an apartment. This is Deidara's perfect opportunity to really get involved and find out what's going on.
