The Diamond Family
Chapter 10: Who Are You?
Perspectives: Snow, Deidara, and Kakuzu
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Snow's Perspective
I kissed a stranger for the simply because he so resembled the man I once loved. I backed away from him. Once over the shock, the full brunt of the physical it hid came rushing forward. What had I done to earn such punishment? Where's Master? How did I get here? And who is this man?
"Who are you?" I asked.
"Deidara", said the man.
Is he my master? No, he's too young. A fellow slave maybe? With the way he looks, he's most likely a sex slave. Did we escape together? Can I trust him? I lost control of breath. Can't breathe! The stranger embraced me.
"Shh, breathe", he said.
His words didn't get through to me. This is too much!
"Come on deep breaths. It will pass", said Deidara.
I slowly regained control over my breathing. I pulled away from him, not sure if I could trust him.
"Why do you call me, Snow?" I asked.
"It's your name", he said.
A new name, yet it felt so familiar. Something must have happened. Why can't I remember?
"What happened?" I asked.
"Let's start with you last remembered", said Deidara.
I nodded.
"Master throwing me into his safe", I said.
Deidara flinched.
"How much time has gone by since then?" I asked.
"A great deal", he said.
Deidara lifted me and placed me in bed, pulling me into bed. He tucked me in.
"Thank you", I said.
"No problem", he said.
"Who are you? Are you master's newest slave?" I asked.
"No, I'm a ninja", said Deidara.
"So are you my master?" I asked.
"No", he said.
"You aren't a slave. Snow you are a free woman", said Deidara.
Free? That was such a strange concept to me. It can't be right, can it? The idea only left me with more questions. Like why I was traveling with him.
"Where are we?" I asked.
"The land surrounding the Hidden Waterfall Village", said Deidara.
Master must be searching for me. He won't quit until he has me once again in his possession. A shiver traveled through me at the idea. I was brought out my panic when Deidra took my hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. His ice blue eyes held such concern and care for me. No, it was more than care. It was love. I'm safe with him.
"Master?" I said.
"Dead", he said.
He's dead. What does that mean for me? It doesn't matter I'm free of that man.
"How?" I asked.
"Decapitated by assassins", said Deidara.
That was too quick a death for such a horrid man. My hands fisted. I wish I were the one to take his life, but I wasn't strong enough. Rubies fell from my eyes. He wasn't shocked at my ability he knows, but he made no attempt to gather them.
"Please, don't cry", he said as gently brushed away my tears.
I must be something to man for him to care me in such a way. Why else would he treat me with such care? My abilities don't seem to matter to him. I moved closer to him and brushed his bangs away from his face, revealing a youthful handsome face. A scope covered one of his eyes. Looking at him was a mirror to my past.
"You look so much like him", I said.
"Who?"
"It doesn't matter now", I said.
I sighed.
"If Master didn't cause me this pain who did?" I asked.
"You were injured in battle", said Deidara.
"Battle?" I said.
Saying it aloud didn't make it sound any more believable. I'm a slave what would I be doing in battle?
"What I can't fight", I said.
"You are an extremely capable fighter and one of the most powerful, kunoichi I know. We were sent on a mission and you injured. It must have affected your memory", said Deidara.
"Kunoichi?"
"A female ninja", said Deidara.
"Me a ninja? That can't be right", I said.
"Yet it is", he said.
What did I do in my life to end up as a ninja and free? What happened after Master locked me in that safe?
Deidara's Perspective
Her memory loss isn't all bad.
"You gaze at me with such compassion, Deidara. What are you to me?" asked Snow.
I leaned closer and kissed her. My tongue ran across her lower lip. She allowed me entrance to her mouth. The old bastard was right she does taste wonderful.
"Does that answer your question", I said.
She blushed.
"My lover", said Snow.
I never thought I would hear her say that. I wanted to hear it over and over again. I have to make sure there's no trace of him on her mind.
"Do know a man named Kakuzu?" I asked.
"Should I?" she asked.
This is perfect.
"Pain is expecting us", I said.
I helped her from bed, but she was unable to support herself. I caught her before she hit the floor.
"I've got ya", I said.
I lifted her. Her eyes squinted as the sunlight touched her face. I jumped onto my bird.
"Is this yours?" asked Snow.
"Yes, I made it myself", I said.
"Amazing", said Snow.
I sat with Snow in my lap as we flew through the air. She shivered against me.
"Cold?" I asked.
"Don't like heights", said Snow.
"I won't let you fall", I said.
She huddled closer to me.
"But I'm cold too", said Snow.
I took off my cloak and wrapped it around her.
"Thank you", she said.
Her voice was tired. Soon she was asleep in my arms. I caught a glint of silver. Her locket. I can't let her keep it. I carefully took it from her.
"Mmm, Deidara are we there?" asked Snow.
"Not yet", I said.
How would Kakuzu respond? Heh, it doesn't matter. Snow will be on my side this time. The boulder slid away from the hideout entrance. We landed inside. I helped Snow off the bird. She tightly grasped my hand. The mouth on the palm of my hand gently kissed her. Snow smiled.
"SNOW SNOW YOUR FINALLY HOME!" yelled Tobi as he ran over and hugged Snow tightly.
Snow's Perspective
A boy in an orange mask came running toward me. Instinct told me he wouldn't intentionally hurt me. His powerful hug further damaged my ribs. I whimpered.
"I'm really sorry Snow. I didn't mean to hurt you", he said.
"It's okay it was an accident. Who are you?", I asked.
"Your little brother, Tobi", he said.
"I don't have any family", I said.
He seemed so hurt. I felt horrible for hurting him, but I answered the question honestly. I had no intention of hurting his feelings.
"Sorry, I can't recognize you", I said.
"Do you remember any of us?" asked a blue-haired woman.
"No", I said.
"What did you to her, Deidara?!" growled a tan tall man.
The taller man charged at him. Never had I seen such speed. Deidara dodged the attack. He charged toward Deidara again. I can't let this happen. Before I knew what was happening I'd caught the taller man's fist. How did I do that? I've never moved like that before. My skin turned to diamond. This is too much! My heart raced. Can't breathe!
"Breath", he said.
His voice was relaxing. He wrapped a protective arm around me, pulling close me. I could breathe again. When he touched my skin, it returned to normal. I became dizzy. My legs lost their strength. The man behind me caught me before I could crash to the ground. I coughed. When I looked at my hand it was covered in blood.
"Kakuzu, care for her", said the man who seemed to be the leader.
He nodded and walked away with me in his arms. I cuddled closely to his chest. He didn't mind. The infirmary doors opened. He placed me on a nearby bed. I tried to relax, but couldn't. I focused on Kakuzu. His large cloak hid most of his body, but I saw the stitches around his wrists.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"Fine, why do ask?" he said.
"Your stitches", I said.
"It's part of my jutsu it causes me no discomfort", said Kakuzu.
"Who am I to you?" I asked.
"A conservation best save for another time. I rather not take the risk of overwhelming your mind. The focus should be on your recovery", said Kakuzu.
"Okay, I'll try to limit my questions", I said.
A mask hid most of his face from view. What's underneath it.
"Why do you wear a mask?" I asked.
"I thought you said you would limit your questions", said Kakuzu.
"Sorry, I can't help but wonder why. For some reason I don't like it", I said.
"You've never liked it", said Kakuzu.
"So we've met before", I said.
He nodded. I shouldn't even be interested in what's underneath. Deidara is my boyfriend. There's no harm in looking. His eyes were his most stunning feature. They were beautiful green and red coloring.
"You're staring", said Kakuzu.
"Sorry", I said.
"Haven't lost your curiosity", said Kakuzu.
"Why do you want to know what's under my mask?" he asked.
"Curious, that's all", I aid.
My face hot.
"That's not all", said Kakuzu.
"I shouldn't say", I said.
"I won't tell", said Kakuzu.
"I think you're hiding a handsome face underneath it", I said.
My face went a shade darker when I realized what I said.
"You think I'm hiding a handsome face?" asked Kakuzu.
The outlines of a smile appeared on his mask.
"I shouldn't have said that", I said.
"Why? I appreciate the honesty", said Kakuzu.
"Because Deidara is my lover", I said.
His fists clenched.
"Did I upset you?" I asked
"No", he said.
He leaned closer. Kakuzu brushed my hair away from my face. He's so close. I wanted to pull down his mask. At that moment the infirmary doors opened.
"What a shame I would have loved to feel your lips on mine", Kakuzu whispered in my ear.
How did he know? Kakuzu didn't seem to care about Deidara seeing us in this kind of position. Why does it feel so natural being with Kakuzu?
"Leave before I lose my temper boy", said Kakuzu.
"Would you really kill me in front of her?" asked Deidara.
He moved so he stood next to me.
"Would you?" I asked.
I could almost hear Kakuzu's teeth grit as he tried to control his rage.
"Not today", he growled.
Deidara pressed a gentle kiss on my lips.
"How are you feeling un?" asked Deidara.
"How do you think I feel Deidara?! I'm coughing up blood and all bones feel like they are broken", I growled.
"Get out I need to examine her", said Kakuzu.
"I'm not leaving her alone with you", said Deidara.
"You don't have a choice in the matter", said Kakuzu.
Tension built in the room. If this went on any longer a battle will erupt between the two of them. If I were a betting person I would put my money on Kakuzu. I don't want them to fight. Deidara won't win against him.
"I'll be okay on my own", I said.
"Are you sure?" asked Deidara.
"I'm sure", I said.
"Yell if you need me", said Deidara before he left.
"I will", I said.
I'm kinda glad Deidara is gone. Kakuzu looked at me with caring eyes. His eyes were so cold just a moment ago and now they hold such warmth.
"You're staring again", said Kakuzu.
"Sorry, it's just your eyes", I said.
"What about them?" he asked.
"They're pretty", I said.
"That's your second compliment today, but we should get to work", said Kakuzu.
"Okay", I said.
"Remove your clothes", said Kakuzu.
I pulled my knees to my chest. I winced. Why do I hurt like this? Could the battle have been so intense? Exposing myself to a stranger scared me. I don't want him to see my scars.
"I've seen your scars, Snow", said Kakuzu.
"You have", I said.
"I've tended to your injuries before", he said.
"Can you help me undress?" I asked.
He nodded. I hissed in pain as he tried to take off my shirt.
"It will be less painful for if I cut them from you", said Kakuzu.
He carefully cut away my clothes. His gaze didn't linger on my scars. Kakuzu's attention went instantly went to my abdomen. It was dark purple and swollen. I nearly screamed. Diamond trickled down from the corner of my eyes.
"Shh, I know it hurts", said Kakuzu.
"How am I alive?" I asked.
"Another time Snow. But promise you won't die", said Kakuzu.
There was confidence in his voice. I'm missing something.
"Where is it?" I asked.
I tried getting out of bed, but Kakuzu stopped me.
"Calm yourself. Stress will only exasperate your current state. Tell me what you're looking for", he said.
"I don't know!" I cried.
"Take a deep breath and think", said Kakuzu.
"A necklace", I said.
"Your locket", said Kakuzu.
"Yes, that must be it", I said.
"I'll find it for you later, but now your health is my only concern", said Kakuzu.
Kakuzu's Perspective
Her stomach was swollen. Blood was pooling her abdomen. If this were anyone else they'd be dead. She must be self-healing on some level. I examined the rest of her body. Her breathing grew shallow. Soon she struggled to catch her breath. Panic seeped into her expression. I put a breathing mask over her mouth. She calmed. I placed stethoscope against her chest. She jolted.
"What is it?" I asked.
"It's cold", she said.
Her heartbeat was weak. In this state, she shouldn't even be conscious. Snow has lost far too much blood. I started a blood transfusion and IV. I need to get a better look at the damage.
"I need to take an x-ray", I said.
"What's that?" she asked.
"Its a machine which allows me to see inside you without cutting into you", I said.
"Okay, can you carry me. I don't think I can walk", said Snow.
I lifted her from bed and placed her on the examination table. She needed a full body x-ray. I don't want to miss anything. She fell asleep on the table. I brought the film to the light. The damage was extensive and severe. Her skull was shattered. There must be countless shards of bone digging into her brain. Just the damage to skull alone would enough to kill someone ten times over. The shatter damaged continued through her four of her cervical vertebrae. How is she not paralyzed?
Her every rib was broken. The image of her ribcage was clouded, because of internal bleeding. Her spine was another source of concern. At least half it was crushed. How bad would the damage be if it weren't for her skin? According to the x-rays, the fractures were a few weeks into the healing process instead of only a few days. I'd only witness one person heal like this and that was Hidan. I'd ever been more thankful a curse. Without her immortality, she would have died. I would have lost my most precious treasure.
"Kakuzu?"
She slowly sat. It was obvious she'd grown weaker. Her eyes widened.
"Are those mine?" asked Snow.
"Yes", I said.
"How am I alive?" asked Snow.
"You have a gift that runs in your bloodline, which keeps you alive even under the most extreme circumstances", I said.
"I don't feel, so good", said Snow.
Her face paled. I knew what was about happen. I held back her hair as threw up blood. It covered her mouth. Blood flowed from her nose, eyes, and ears. This was her body's way of getting rid of the excess blood that built up within her abdomen. The arteries that had broken to cause it must have already been healed by her body's ability. Emerald fell from her eyes. I pulled her close trying to calm her.
"What's happening to me?" she whimpered.
"This is your body's self-healing abilities taking effect. It's a good sign", I said.
"Throwing up blood is a good thing?" asked Snow.
"In this case yes", I said.
She's terrified.
Snow's Perspective
Kakuzu's arms wrapped around my small frame. Never had I felt so safe. I don't want this feeling end. He ran his fingers through my hair.
"Snow, I know this must be scary and unpleasant for you, but this part of your body's healing process", said Kakuzu.
I loved the way he said my name. I groaned. Kakuzu swept me up in his arms and placed me in front of the toilet. I threw up for what seemed like hours. The whole time Kakuzu held back my hair and rubbed my back. I raised my head.
"Done?" he asked.
"I think so", I said.
"Do feel somewhat better?" asked Kakuzu.
"Kinda, but I'm cold", I said.
He disappeared for a few seconds and returned with a heavy blanket. Kakuzu draped in around my shoulders.
"Thank you", I said.
My voice was weak. He went to the sink and returned with a wet cloth. Then he wiped the blood my face. I must look terrible. He placed a breathing mask over my mouth. Kakuzu put his hand on my forehead. My face grew warm. The taste of iron filled my mouth. Kakuzu easily lifted me from the ground and placed me in bed. As soon as I touched the mattress tiredness swept over me. Then he connected wires to my chest monitor my heartbeat. He pulled heavy blankets over me and made sure I was kept plenty warm. Kakuzu left as my eyes started to close.
"Don't go", I begged.
"I won't leave you", said Kakuzu.
"One more question", I said.
He nodded.
"Why do you hate Deidara?" I asked.
"He stole something irreplaceable", said Kakuzu.
"What was it?" I asked.
"You've already asked your question. Now sleep", he said.
"One more please", I pleaded.
"Only one", said Kakuzu.
"Why are you being, so kind to me?" I asked.
"You remind me of someone I care deeply for. Now sleep", said Kakuzu.
The sternness of his voice left little room for argument.
Kakuzu's Perspective
I added morphine to her IV drip. There's work to do. Some of her bones needed to be reset, so they would heal properly. Even with the heavy blankets she still shivered. I placed heating pads underneath her. I joined her in bed. She curled against me. I should never let go on that mission.
"Kakuzu, I love you", murmured Snow in her sleep.
It was only her subconscious mind speaking.
"I love you too Snow", I said.
The door opened. Tobi was staring at me. He wasn't a threat, but he was an annoyance.
"Why are you in bed with her?" asked Tobi.
I ignored Tobi's question. I got up from bed.
"I need you to watch her. Are you capable of doing that?" I asked.
"Yes indeedy", said Tobi.
"If there's any change in her condition get me", I said.
"Yes, sir", said Tobi.
"Don't allow Deidara to touch her", I said.
"Will do, but won't she be upset when she sees you aren't here", said Tobi.
"Distract her", I said.
"Okay", said Tobi.
Deidara was outside his room.
"Give it to me", I said.
"I don't know what you're talking about", said Deidara.
"The locket, idiot", I said.
"Don't have it. Must have gotten lost in the explosion", he said.
He's lying! I'll kill him! Deidara took to the air. Taking flight gave him little advantage in our enclosed surroundings. He had little room to move. The advantage is mine. My threads wound through the air chasing after him. He won't be able to keep this up forever. I finally brought him to ground. I was about to finish him with Pain blocked my path.
"I've let this foolishness go on long enough. There a way to settle this without you killing him, Kakuzu", he said.
That may be true, but whatever way he has planned won't nearly as satisfying.
"He stole from me", I said.
"I thought you were intelligent, Deidara. Even Hidan isn't foolish enough to steal from Kakuzu. Your mistake is easily amended. All you must do is returned what you've stolen", said Pain.
Deidara glared at me. He tried breaking free of my threads, but the effort was pointless.
"Where is it, boy?" I asked.
He spat in my face. I will not kill him, I will not kill him. Pain said couldn't kill him, but he didn't say that couldn't hurt him.
"Deidara, how much do you care about those hands of yours?" I asked as my threads tighten around them.
The pain didn't seem to bother him. I commanded my threads to go into his hands.
"What is an artist without there hands they are nothing", I said.
"Fine, it's in my pocket", said Deidara.
I took from his pocket. It was covered in ash, but undamaged.
"Bastard!" growled Deidara.
"You're not the first or the last to call me that. To I'm her lover", I said.
"Release these fucking threads", said Deidara.
"No",
As I walked I felt his eyes on me.
"Glare at me all you want I won't combust", I said.
Snow's Perspective
When I woke Kakuzu was gone and Tobi was in his place. At least I'm not alone. Kakuzu must have good reason for breaking his promise
"Are you angry?" asked Tobi.
"No, disappointed", I said.
"Since Kakuzu isn't here", said Tobi.
I was extremely uncomfortable. My arms were braced.
"At least I have you to keep me company", I said.
"We can play a game", said Tobi.
"I can hardly even move what game could we possibly play?" I asked.
"Ticktacktoe or hangman or maybe even go fish", said Tobi.
We played a few rounds ticktacktoe. I couldn't help being curious about what was under his mask.
"Tobi, can I ask you a personal question?" I asked.
"Sure", said Tobi.
"Why do you wear a mask?" I asked.
"I have bad scars on my face", said Tobi.
I looked back down at ticktacktoe board and quickly drew an x which won me the game.
"Aren't you going to ask how I got it?" asked Tobi.
"No, I understand not wanting to talk about your scars. I don't like talking about mine. It would be unfair for me to ask that of you", I said.
"You cheated!" yelled Tobi.
"I didn't cheat it was my turn", I said before I stuck my tongue out at him.
I laughed. He never seems to have anything negative to say. It's nice to have a person like that around. The infirmary doors opened and Kakuzu walked in. Tobi left without a word.
"Why weren't you here?" I asked.
"How do you feel?" asked Kakuzu.
I turned away from him.
"I didn't attend on breaking my promise, but I've found what you lost", said Kakuzu.
I turned to face him. There was locket hanging from his hand. He found it!
"Forgive me?" he asked.
"Yes, can you put it on for me?" I asked.
"Sleep, your body needs it", said Kakuzu.
"I'm not tired", I said.
I couldn't stop myself from yawning.
"It looks like you are", I said.
Kakuzu sat in the chair near my bed. He's too far away.
"Kakuzu, do you want to sleep with me?" I asked.
He gave me a curious look and a cocky smiled appeared on his face.
"That's not what I meant. Forget about it", I said.
He climbed into bed with me. His arm wrapped around me. I rested my head on his chest.
"Goodnight", I said before I fell asleep.