Disclaimer: See 1st Chapter

Warnings: See 1st Chapter

Mild usage of Japanese Terms, such as: Chan, Danna, Sama.

This chapter was Beta by JJKMagic - Thanks

Hidden Underneath

Chapter 7 – Warmth and Rain

It'd been three days since Deidara and Tobi returned from their first mission as partners. And in three short days the Akatsuki hideout had gotten colder. Sure being inside a cave was bound to get cold – which it did but it went way beyond just cold as Kakuzu took to cutting costs. He'd taken to using very little heat, leaving it freezing during the night and during the day. It was certainly more tolerable in the daytime but at night… it was frustratingly freezing.

It certainly didn't help that it was snowing off and on, leaving about three inches of snow and gradually rising with each passing day. But no matter how much everyone complained, Kakuzu remained his greedy stubborn self and refused to allow the heat to run decently.

Deidara sincerely wished the floor in the room he shared with Tobi had a mat, walking barefoot on the cold cement was not fun. Perhaps he could weasel Kakuzu to let him get something for situations like this.

The ex-iwa nin sat huddled on his bed, his dark blue blanket wrapped tightly around him. His long blond hair hung down around him, hiding one side of his face. He'd taken his eye scope off and had settled onto his bed with intentions to sleep but unfortunately it was far too cold again, as it had been the last few nights.

Each member had one blanket and it wasn't very thick, and regrettably Deidara didn't have any warm clothes. Why? Deidara had never deemed it worth getting any, now though he was seriously contemplating buying (stealing if he had to) warm thick clothing to sleep in.

The door opened, stilling Deidara's thoughts as Tobi shuffled in, dressed all in black as usual. Neither male said anything as the masked nin made his way to his bed, it was late and both (Deidara more than Tobi) was exceedingly tired. The last few nights had been unbearably cold, the ex-iwa nin hadn't been able to sleep, much to his irritation and frustration.

Deidara watched tiredly as Tobi flung back his covers; also blue and settled under them snuggly, his orange mask still firmly in place. Despite being partners now Tobi still wore his mask, always, he even slept with it on. It made Deidara wonder what Tobi was hiding. Perhaps the other had a disfigured face? Whatever it was Deidara didn't particularly care, he just found it strange that the dumbass slept with it on.

Tobi was completely still and Deidara wondered if the idiot had fallen asleep already. For some reason the cold didn't seem to bother the dumbass and Deidara couldn't fathom why. Perhaps the masked nin was used to such weather. He didn't know nor did he really care. But it ticked him off that Tobi could be warm and sleep in this achingly freezing room while he sat here shivering.

Huffing Deidara fell onto his side in a vain attempt at sleeping facing the wall, his back to Tobi. He didn't know when they'd have their next mission and he'd rather not be overly tired. Tobi required a lot of energy. And it was never smart to start a mission already tired.

Deidara lay still, as moving would only cause him to lose what little warmth he had, and snapped his eyes shut. Unfortunately Deidara had to clench his mouth tight to prevent his teeth from chattering as it steadily grew colder as the night dragged on.

It didn't look like he'd be getting any sleep again tonight…

Damn cold, un. He thought as he pressed his face into his pillow.

Tobi listened to the quiet movements of the blue eyed teen as he kept his eye closed. It was the third night that the cave had become freezing, not practically ideal for sleeping. And it didn't look like the cold would be leaving anytime soon.

Which meant Deidara would not be getting any sleep at this rate until his body conked out from exhaustion.

Or Tobi could fix that. He knew that the blond would be far from thrilled with his idea but being able to get some sleep Tobi was sure would change (if grudgingly) the blond's mind.

He didn't like that his blond was suffering (even though it was just from the cold) and if it wasn't for the fact that the blond would have vehemently refused Tobi would have already done something to help. Now though it'd been a few days, and with lack of sleep, he was sure the blond would be far more willing to the idea.

Silently Tobi slid out from under his covers and stood, his gaze peering at the blond on the other side of the small room.

Deidara inwardly groaned, hating that Kakuzu was such a cheap bastard. Just because he was the Akatsuki's treasury, self-appointed, shouldn't mean that he got away with taking their heat. Pein was the Leader… then again if Pein was bothered by the cold as much as Deidara was then he was sure Pein would have the heat running on high. So perhaps Pein didn't care…

Maybe Deidara could convince Pein to let them run the heat, at least during the night. He wanted his sleep!

His thoughts derailed as he felt the bed dip. His eyes snapped open but he didn't turn around. It didn't take a genius to know it was his idiotic partner. Deidara furrowed his brow, strange that he hadn't heard the dumbass…

Disregarding the thought, Deidara figured it was due to his lack of sleep as he growled out, "What Tobi?" He was in no mood to talk to the masked nin.

Ignoring the blond's question Tobi stated, "Senpai's cold." He sat at the edge of Deidara's bed as he stared at the bundled up blond. The dark blue blanket was the only thing he could see, he lightly tugged on it ignoring the warning growl from the younger male.

Deidara scoffed at the idiot's ridiculous words. "So what of it?" he bit out.

"Maybe Tobi can help!" Tobi chirped cheerily but his tone much milder then it usually was.

Deidara closed his eyes, partially hoping it would block the other's voice out, "No hmm." He didn't want to even hear how Tobi could help. He didn't need any help, not from any one, especially not from Tobi.

"B-but Sen-"

Growling Deidara snapped, "Go back to bed!"

Silence followed but Deidara knew the idiot hadn't left as he didn't feel the bed dip – which would signal the other getting off. His eye twitched and Deidara felt a headache starting to develop, just has he opened his mouth to shout at the dumbass again, his eyes snapped open in shock as arms wrapped around him and drew him close to a firm warm body, Tobi had clearly laid down.

"W-what the hell dumbass!" His body tense and rigid, his heart beating rapidly Deidara felt a small jolt of panic fester. Tobi was too close...

Tobi's arms tightened lightly around the thin frame, enjoying the feel of the other pressed against him. He felt a small prick of joy at being this close to his blond. Sure he hugged the blond but was always thrown off and then injured (by bomb or physical attack). It was such an incredible feeling; he didn't want this to end. He frowned lightly; he could feel how tense the blond was…

"Body heat, Senpai" Tobi murmured into the artist's ear earning a small shiver.

True to Tobi's words Deidara could feel the heat radiating from the masked nin and slowly filter into him. It was such a nice change from the cold, Deidara wanted to just close his eyes and sleep, really wanting to take advantage of the free warmth but it was Tobi.

Deidara had never slept this close to someone else… and with Tobi holding him firmly Deidara found it a bit suffocating. Tobi, he was too close

Deidara squirmed a little, hoping Tobi would get the hint and release him, unfortunately the other only gripped a little tighter.

"Let go." Deidara hissed, keeping his tone low.

"No." Tobi felt a jolt of pleasure flood his veins at the blond's squirming. If Deidara wasn't careful he'd brush over his lower anatomy… And he really didn't need a hard on right now. It was too soon to make that kind of move.

Deidara gapped, sure he hadn't expected Tobi to just let go but something in Tobi's voice sounded off… It wasn't like Tobi to talk back to him like that. He usually stammered or whined, ending up conceding, right then Tobi seemed different.

Feeling an unjustified fear grip him, Deidara struggled to keep his voice even, "Why not, un?"

Deidara felt Tobi's head shift slightly as he uttered just as softly as before, "Because you're cold, Senpai."

Deidara's forehead knitted together, not entirely sure what to say, he lacked his usual energy and the warmth from Tobi was making it harder to concentrate. His mind was telling him to just give in and sleep.

But he'd be damned if he let Tobi-

"Sleep, Senpai." Tobi cut through Deidara's thoughts. Deidara jerked but didn't succeed in moving the slightest bit, and realization swept over his face. Tobi wasn't letting go.

"Why are you so warm hmm?"

Tobi grinned from under his mask, knowing that Deidara had conceded. "Tobi dresses in layers, Senpai!" he stated as if it was obvious.

"Tch." The clay artist scoffed while closing his eyes.

Tobi felt the blond slowly relax and murmured quietly, "Night, Senpai."

He waited till he heard the blond breathing evenly signaling he was asleep. He pressed a little closer into the smaller body as he closed his eye. He couldn't wait till the day they were sleeping together… That had nothing to do with keeping each other warm – well not just warm. With a small smile at the thought Tobi drifted off.

~88

A blue eye peeked open, his blurry gaze settling after blinking a few times. Deidara noted it was morning, but was too warm and comfortable to move. Closing his eyes he pressed his face into the soft material of his blanket.

Exhaling softly Deidara's mind drifted lightly, thinking about fireworks and art until…

His eyes snapped open as a pair of arms tightened around him, his body tensing. Instantly the previous night slammed into him, how could he forget that Tobi had jumped into his bed and pinned him against the other. How in the world had he not felt… acknowledged the weight of the other?

Deidara felt Tobi press his masked face into him from behind, his face flushed lightly in embarrassment and from the closeness of the other. He'd never slept next to someone before, let alone been pressed up against them.

Swallowing thickly Deidara debated on what to do. He'd had no luck yanking free from Tobi last night, would he manage now? If Tobi was asleep maybe… but it felt like he was awake… If he was, he'd be up and hyper so perhaps the dumbass was sleeping still.

Deidara gripped his blanket tightly while glaring.

Tobi smirked behind his mask, the blond had tensed the second he'd moved but he had yet to say anything. And Tobi was going to milk this as long as he could.

Closing his eye contentedly as the blond idly squirmed, a thought struck him causing him to frown. Inwardly Tobi sighed; now would be a good time…

"Ne, Senpai?" he murmured quietly, causing the teen to still.

Sucking in a deep breath of air Deidara tilted his head slightly, trying to look at the masked nin. How long had Tobi been awake?

When it was clear that Deidara wasn't going to respond Tobi spoke up, "Why do you keep skipping meals?"

Deidara's brow knitted, of all the things the dumbass could have asked it was about his eating? Why did Tobi worry about that so much?

Shaking his head briefly, Deidara bit his lip, debating, before sighing lowly. Since the idiot was being so persistent Deidara figured it'd be smart to just tell him. Maybe then the dumbass would shut up about it.

"It's a waste hmm."

Tobi blinked confused, "How is eating a waste… Senpai?"

Deidara scowled, he'd answered damn it! Tobi should be satisfied… never mind this was Tobi he was talking about.

"It takes time to eat, un. Time I'd rather spend doing useful, important things." Like working on his art Deidara thought with a fleeting grin.

Tobi's arms tightened almost painfully around him, causing Deidara to squeak as he jerked mildly attempting to get free. Tobi had never hurt him before but as of late Tobi had weird changes in demeanor and actions, however slight it was. Deidara found it disconcerting.

"Senpai…" Tobi spoke, closing his eye for a moment to contemplate the best way to sink the 'eating is necessary' into the blond's head. He honestly couldn't believe the teen was being this stupid… He had been figuring that the teen was depressed about something…

"I know you love working on your art a lot, Senpai, but eating is a necessity. If you don't provide food for your body you'll get sick. It's-"

Tobi cut off as Deidara jerked, growling, "I'm not stupid! I still eat, un!"

"Not enough," Tobi stated calmly.

Deidara gritted his teeth, seething; it was none of Tobi's damn business! And he sure as hell didn't need a lecture from the dumbass! The way Tobi was talking was unlike him, he sounded… smart.

Growling Deidara hissed, "It's none of your business!" He repeated from the other day.

"Yes, Senpai, it is." Tobi murmured quietly despite Deidara's growing rage.

Deidara jerked again, shifting, trying to turn around so he could push Tobi away. He had little luck; Tobi's grip was vice-like. "Let go!"

Tobi ignored the other's demand, "Please, Senpai! Tobi's only worried about you! You may not regret it now but if you keep foregoing meals you'll regret it for sure later!"

Deidara stilled in trying to shove the other away, Tobi's concerned voice penetrating the haze of anger. Breathing deeply Deidara frowned. Why does Tobi care so much?

No one had ever cared about him, not back in Iwa, not before joining, not even as he became a member of the Akatsuki. So why…? Why does Tobi care? This was a question he'd been asking a lot recently… and he still couldn't come up with an answer.

Tobi had tried to get close to him ever since they first met; no matter how cruel he was in return Tobi always came back, always vying for his attention. What did Tobi see in him? He, who was a freak…,

Pursing his lips Deidara sighed, before blandly saying. "Let go, un."

Deidara felt Tobi jolt slightly as he frantically shook his head, "B-but Senpai-"

Fed up Deidara slammed his elbow into Tobi's stomach earning a small 'Oomph'. Yet Tobi kept his arms firmly wrapped around the artist.

Deidara scowled, his anger crawling back, just as he opened his mouth to snap at the idiot Tobi beat him to it, "At least consider it, Senpai, please?"

Huffing Deidara closed his eyes but none the less nodded. If it stopped Tobi from pestering him about it he'd give the other's words some thought.

At the blond's nod Tobi slowly, reluctantly removed his arms from the teen, who quickly bolted away and sat up dragging his blanket with him, making sure it was around him tightly.

Before Deidara could shove Tobi off his bed, the masked nin sat up and stood. Deidara blinked warily as Tobi stared at him quietly. Just as Deidara was about to grab some clay and throw it at the idiot, Tobi stated, "Tobi's going to take a shower."

As Tobi disappeared into their shared bathroom Deidara deflated slightly, it was unnerving how Tobi was behaving. It wasn't much of a change but in all the time he'd known the masked nin, he had never seen him be… serious.

Closing his eyes Deidara sighed heavily as he ran a mouthed hand through his lightly tangled hair, as he waited for Tobi to get done so he could shower.

Already Deidara was ignoring this entire incident. Sharing a bed with Tobi was going to be just a dream, a forgotten, distant dream.

And if Tobi ever mentioned it, he would bomb the idiot into oblivion. Dropping his hand with a sigh Deidara frowned.

So much for going back to sleep…

~88 (Time Skip)

Deidara sighed, brushing the fringe of hair from his face only to have it settle back in place, causing a small frown to form.

"Aren't I good, Senpai? I took care of the Sanbi all on my own, in one hit!" Tobi boasted as he skipped, waving his arms frantically to his words.

He's still going on about that? Deidara thought agitatedly.

Deidara scoffed, irritated, "My art is what took care of the Sanbi hmm. All you did was whine and run around like a coward!"

Tobi stopped skipping as he swung around to face his Senpai, "Tobi helped!"

Deidara raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming as he stared into the hole in Tobi's orange mask, "Helped? You just said that you beat the Sanbi in one hit all by yourself, un." He often, in times of down time wondered what Tobi's eye color is, but no matter how many times he looked into the eye hole of the mask he couldn't see anything but darkness. Maybe the reason Tobi was such an idiot was because he could barely see out of that thing and banged his head a lot…

Tobi jolted visibly, he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly as he waved off the blond's words. Deidara gave Tobi a scrutinizing glare before closing his eye with a sigh.

It had been nearly a year since Tobi became his partner and although Tobi was still as aggravating and annoying as he always was he had to admit that it was a nice change from his previous partnership with Sasori. With Tobi he was the one bossing around someone and the mood was more relaxing then it had ever been with Sasori.

One main downside to having Tobi as a partner though was that he never stuck around during a fight. It got to the point that Deidara had Tobi as mild support. If he needed something planted, say in the ground, he'd have Tobi do it. He'd taken to training the dumbass somewhat, usually in lectures. Somehow, Tobi had wormed his way under his skin… Deidara cared about Tobi… kind of. But still cared… mostly it was worry. During a fight he'd make sure that the other was out of the way and after, that he was okay…

It was odd that after all the years of hating and finding the masked nin annoying and such, he now that they were partners, cared for the idiot if only a little.

Deidara scowled, crossing his arms; he had never cared about another human being as he did for Tobi. With Sasori, it had been mostly about respect; besides the puppeteer had been able to look after himself. With Sasori they talked constantly about art, Tobi didn't understand a thing about art, making it hard to have a decent conversation.

It left an odd feeling inside him… worrying, caring about someone else… and he wasn't sure what to make of it. He couldn't decide if it was a good thing or not…

"Ne, Senpai?" Tobi asked. Breaking into Deidara's musing. "Hmm?"

"Shouldn't we get going?"

It'd been several weeks since the sealing of the Sanbi and Pein had 'requested' a meeting. Usually they'd use their astral projections, which enabled them to all be present even if no one was near each other. However since the date of the meeting wasn't for a few days, Tobi and Deidara had decided to head back to the hideout were the meeting would take place. If they didn't get there before the scheduled date they'd use the jutsu required.

Nodding Deidara turned from the masked nin, who was staring quietly at him, and headed into the dense forest. Shaking his head Deidara scowled, Tobi had been doing that a lot lately, just staring at him. It made him wonder what the other was thinking. It was unnerving, often Deidara thought the dumbass was mocking him, he couldn't see the other's face and at times like this it was infuriating. It pissed him off…

"Wait for Tobi, Senpai!" Tobi squealed and was entirely ignored as he chased after the disappearing blond.

~88

Night had fallen; having been walking the whole time Deidara and Tobi finally made it out of the dense forest and were now trailing down a dirt road. The sky was steadily growing with clouds; it looked like it might rain.

Tobi had caught up to his smaller partner and was now walking beside the teen chattering away about this and that. To Deidara, it were mundane and pointless things.

Tobi tilted his head toward the sky as a rain drop hit his mask. The clouds had darkened and were now starting to rain. In seconds Deidara and Tobi were drenched.

Deidara sighed heavily with a scowl as Tobi squealed, "It's raining, Senpai!"

"Shut up hmm." Deidara growled; his patience had long since evaporated. He had been debating which creature to make to bomb Tobi with… but now that it was raining, he'd have to wait… Tch.

Tobi ignored the pissed blond as he skipped ahead of the other waving his arms, enjoying the rain.

Deidara pulled his cloak tighter around him, he hated the rain. Not as much as snow but he hated the feeling of his clothes sticking to him.

Thunder broke out, causing Deidara to stop as his eye drifted to the sky, a small grin etching across his face. He loved thunder, lightning. They were just like his art, fleeting.

Tobi pulled to a stop when he realized that Deidara was no longer walking behind him, he swiftly turned to find the blond gazing up at the sky, eyes intensely focused and a small, loving, genuine smile on his face. He looked stunning, beautiful.

Tobi felt a small pang of jealousy shoot through him feeling mildly depressed. Why couldn't Deidara look at him like that? Even after all this time being partners he'd still made little progress…

Sighing inaudibly Tobi spoke softly yet loud enough to be heard, "Senpai?"

Deidara blinked, a frown instantly taking over as his gaze landed on Tobi. The masked nin stood still, quietly several paces ahead. Walking towards the other Deidara ignored the idiot as he focused on finding an inn to get out of the rain.

Tobi deflated slightly before bounding after the other, cheerful as ever.

As the pair grew closer to the village, a rather run down one from what was visible Tobi shifted his attention to the quiet ex-Iwa nin.

"Senpai?"

Deidara grunted not sparing the masked nin a glance, his thoughts focused on getting to the village and inside a nice warm room.

"Do you miss Sasori?" Tobi asked gently, cautiously.

Deidara blanched as his feet came to a stop on their own. What the hell? Where had that come from? He glared furiously at his idiotic partner who had stopped walking the minute Deidara had. Tobi was wringing his hands together, his posture clearly nervous.

"What kind of question is that?" Deidara shouted. In all the time since Sasori's death and being paired with Tobi, not once had Tobi asked him that. Sure he mentioned Sasori but that was as far as it went.

Tobi jerked back slightly bringing his hands up placatingly, "It's just… the way you acted about Sasori's death…" Tobi paused as Deidara's eye narrowed dangerously; if it hadn't been raining the blond would have already thrown a bomb at Tobi, putting an end to the conversation.

"Did you love him?" Tobi asked instead, forgoing his pitiful explanation. His tone was curious but held a dangerous tint to it that went unnoticed.

Deidara wasn't sure how Tobi came to that conclusion, or why he'd think he'd loved Sasori. He respected him… had and that was all there was to it. After being abused he'd felt nothing but hate for the other, only holding a respect for the other's art.

Turning from the masked male Deidara sighed, "Don't be stupid hmm. I respected him, that was it." Not wanting to spend any more time on this subject or hear what else Tobi had to say, he sped forward the last few paces to the village.

~88

Deidara flopped backward onto the bed, having just got out of a warm shower, closing his eyes in content. The bed wasn't all that comfortable but it was better than sleeping outside in the rain. Rolling over Deidara pulled back the ugly yellow comforter and settled underneath.

The bed dipped and Deidara's eyes shot open, he sat up swiftly with a glare. "Fuck no, un!"

"Aw but Senpai, there's only one bed!" Tobi whined from where he sat at the edge of the bed dressed in black, his orange mask ever-present.

Deidara growled, "Sleep on the floor for all I care!"

Tobi grinned under his mask knowing Deidara couldn't see as he leaned forward, "But Senpai we shared before, why not know?"

Deidara gapped at Tobi, his eye twitching as his face flushed lightly before anger spread through his veins and he glared furiously at the other, "Shut up hmm!"

Tobi titled his head with a small chuckle at the blond's reaction, "Why?"

Deidara clenched his fist, fed up he quickly went for some clay but before he could grab any Tobi bolted forward gripping his wrist, "N-no wait Senpai! If you blow up the room-"

"I don't care about the room!" Deidara roared, yanking on his arm but unable to free it. "Let go hmm!"

Tobi sighed inwardly at the blond's stubbornness, "Please let Tobi, Senpai. I'll stay on my side! Promise!" Tobi pleaded, dropping the damage costs.

Deidara glared angrily at Tobi for several moments before closing his eyes and breathing out slowly, "Fine. You better."

Tobi dropped the teen's wrist with an ecstatic squeal, "Yay! Thank you Senpai!"

Before Deidara could blink Tobi launched himself forward, glomping the pissed ex-iwa nin. Deidara jerked back slightly at the added weight as he scowled, the hug lasted all of a few seconds as Tobi then proceeded to lay down while pulling the ugly yellow blanket over him.

"Night Senpai!"

Deidara twitched before cooling down, he leaned over and switched the light off and lay down. Closing his eyes Deidara tried in vain to ignore the dumbass only inches away.

~End

Note – There is a mistake in here that I decided that I did not want to even try to fix. They had their 1st mission then it jumped into Sanbi and a whole year going by… Just imagine that there were other missions between the 1st and Sanbi.

It's really not major to the plot which is why I'm not going to bother with it.

Posted: 03/16/2012