Okay, I can do it. All I gotta do is just give it back to him. I mean, I've already spent a bomb by sending it to this super-expensive dry cleaning service, so I might as well not let my money go to waste.
I hugged the bag containing Itachi's blazer close to my chest, jogging up the stairs.
But, I really want to keep it! This is probably the only thing of his that I can keep... My hand paused at the door knob. Thinking back to two days before, and my face heated up like it was ablaze when I thought about the part when he dapped the towl on my head. Licking my lips, I just grabbed and twisted the knob, then pushed through.
Alright, I've just got to give it back! Heart thumping madly, I jogged out to the beautiful garden of the rooftop, waving the bag above my head.
"Itachi! I've got your-"
He's not here.
I blinked, then sighed. The bag flopped down as I dropped my arm limply.
"Oi, what's in that bag?"
My head swivelled to Deidara. "Oh, that? Its, uh... Um..."
"What?"
Okay, since Itachi isn't in school today, I might as well pass it to Deidara and get him to pass it to Itachi, right? I mean, its not nice to delay when he's done me a favour. And what if he needs it? Okay, that's a dumb assumption. Obviously he'll have ten more sets to spare. But still...
"Um, are you meeting Itachi later?" I bit the inside of my cheek, feeling a tug at my heart.
Deidara frowned slightly. "Why?"
"Because if you are..." I placed the bag in his hands. "Please return this to him for me, thanks."
The artist raised a blonde eyebrow, then lifted his hands to open the bag.
"Don't look!" I slapped his bicep, though I wasn't really sure why I didn't want him peeking into it either. He didn't say anything and just shrugged nonchantly. I gave him one last look to make sure that he wasn't going to try to open the bag, then returned to writing down notes from the teacher.
"Are you free this saturday?" I heard him ask.
I looked up from my notes to face him. "I've got work. Why?"
"There's an art exhibition at Akagahara, un."
"Yeah, so?"
He turned to me with a smirk on his face (which I nearly melted at). "Some of my pieces will be up, and you're coming to see them, un."
I was so taken by his charm that I just nodded dumbly before I even registered what he said. Wait a minute...!
"H-Hey, I can't! I've got work! And I-"
"Call a day off. What, you're gonna back out after saying yes, un?" Deidara raised his eyebrows threateningly, and I shut my mouth. Okay, so maybe Gen-san won't really mind if I miss out on work for just one day, and plus, I've never been to an art exhibition before! Those excursions from middle and high school don't count, since I was either zoning out or thinking of a way to stand next to my crush. But...
"U-um, Akagahara is that really, really, really high-class convention center, right?" I palmed the back of my neck.
"What kind of stupid question is that?"
"Then..." I started to rub my neck with increasing speed, feeling extremely awkward asking him. "Then, i-is there some kind of dress code to enter it?"
I apprehensively turned my head to look at him. The blonde sculptor gave an unrestrained chuckle before messing my hair up with his hand. "Just wear what you want, un." Then, he stood up and gathered his things and took off.
I pushed the buttons and held the receiver next to my ear, listening to ring.
"Hello? Gen-san?"
"Hai, Shiori-chan?" The high-pitched voice sang.
"Um, just wondering, is it okay if I take the day off on saturday? A friend asked me to attend something with him, and it was kinda impossible to say no..." My face scrunched up into an uneasy smile.
"Of course! You've never taken an off-day other than sick leaves anyway!" Just as I expected, Gen-san is so nice! "Tell me, are you going out with that handsome guy who came into our cafe?"
Handsome guy? "Oh! Nah, its not him, Gen-san! I'm not going out with Itachi, no!" A goofy grin broke out and I started twirling the phone cord with my finger, the mere idea of going on a date with Itachi making me dizzy.
"Is that so? Oh well! See you on sunday then!" I put the receiver back down after the tone.
In less ten seconds after I did, the doorbell rang. Puzzled, I walked to the door. Did my mom forget her keys again?
"Ah, Konan!" I greeted, a happy smile on my face. Its been long since I saw her! "What are you doing here?"
"I came to drop this off." I only noticed the long suit cover that she was holding when she unloaded it into my arms. "You'll want this."
I unzipped the cover curiously, and gaped in awe and surprise when it unveiled an absolutely stunning strapless black dress. If worn, it should probably end just above my knees. "T-This..." I stared wide-eyed back at Konan, who was smiling ever so softly.
"The Sandaime Hokage's party on tuesday. You should attend it." Wait, how did she know?
She must have sensed my confusion because she immediately answered. "Everybody knows about it. Us alumnis are invited too."
"No, I meant, how did you know that I-"
"I know you, Shiori." There was a certain light in her eyes, and I would have hugged her if I didn't had to keep the dress straight and crease-free.
"Thank you so much for this, Ko-chan!" The side of my mouth quirked up in an awkward smile. "But, I don't think I'll be going after all. I mean, I'll stick out like a sore thumb! And this dress must be really expensive! I can't-"
"Don't worry about it." She turned to leave. "And give the party some thought. I've got to go meet Pein now, see you soon."
She was gone before I could even say "Goodbye."
Argh, even if Deidara did say that I could wear whatever I want, I can't possibly turn up at a place as exquisite as Akagahara dressed like I was out on a weekend stroll around the mall! But even so... Looking around at the guests, who are all clad in Armani suits and Chanel gowns, I felt incredibly out of place in my floral print dress. Damnit, I should have just said no to Deidara!
"So you came, un."
I swivelled around to face the young sculptor who was donning a sleek dark grey suit with a black shirt and silver tie, he looked so dashing that I swore I would have swooned at his Italian shoes if I wasn't feeling so awkward. He stepped towards me and I instinctively brushed at my fringe.
He stopped in front, and eyed me up and down. Oh God, I feel so self-conscious right now. "You don't look too bad."
Really? I tried to act like it doesn't matter, but I can't stop the grin that was attempting to take over my face, so I settled for a topic change. "Where're your works?"
He smirked. "I'll bring you around to the others first, so you can see for yourself how they pale in comparison to mine, un." Then, he smoothly turned and walked ahead.
That arrogant little bastard! I tottered faster to catch up to him, but bumped into his back when he suddenly stopped.
"You know Sai from your sato?"
I rubbed my nose where it hit his back. "Yeah. That really white, pretty guy?"
"This is his debut piece." I looked past his shoulder and saw a strikingly beautiful calligraphy painting of two shishi. I stepped around Deidara to take a closer look.
"Its really amazing!" I marvelled at the drawing. How can this be done by a seventeen-year-old? The two lions were growling at each other, one on top of a rock and the other below. And the whole painting's only in black and white!
"Hmph. True, its not bad." Deidara acknowledged. "But he still has a long way to go."
"You're just jealous or something!" I chased after him when he abruptly left again.
He gave a loud scoff. "Come, I'll bring you to see the others, un."
And so we toured around the galleries, with me amazed at every single art piece, be it a painting, sculpture, mural, or whatever, and Deidara telling me information about them that wasn't written in the placard, the artists that made them, and his views. Okay, so his views bordered on criticism most of the time (especially on the pottery and clay works), but he did acknowledge and praise those that deserved to be. I could tell that he was really very passionate about these things, and something in me enjoyed the way his eyes light up whenever he talks about art.
"So when can I see your works?" I asked eagerly. After all, they are mostly the reason that brought me here!
"Wait, un." He shot me another smirk.
"Can't I see it n-"
"Sasori-no-danna!" He suddenly walked ahead with no warning to talk to his redheaded senpai, who was looking as bored (and so effortlessly charming) as usual. I tentatively walked over to join them.
Deidara was telling something enthusiastically to Sasori, who interrupted him when he saw me. "This is the commoner?"
I nodded shyly. Oh my God, he's even more gorgeous up close! He's got these brown eyes that could instantly melt butter straight from the fridge, and he is such a doll. Seriously, its like his face was sculpted or something. And its even more fitting since he's a sculptor himself. He gave a me smirk before casting his eyes into the crowd. What's with the Akatsuki and sexy smirks?
"Deidara, this is Kurama Murakumo." The redhead languidly gestured to an approaching middle-aged man with a moustache, then to an elegant woman next to him. "And his wife Kurama Uroko."
"Pleasure to meet you." Mr. Kurama held his hand out. Maybe its just me, but the Kuramas seem to have a haughty air around them. Deidara must have thought so too, because he just took the hand without saying anything. But then again, its kinda in his nature to be like that.
"I saw your art piece, very nice, I must say, though there are some problems. Shall we take a look at it?" I'm starting to dislike this guy. Criticism is definitely fine, but the way he said it has some kind of undermining tone to it.
"Certainly, Kurama-san, un." Deidara said, and I could hear the edge in his voice.
We walked to the adjacent gallery, and the first thing that captured my attention was this breathtaking sculpture of a Kirin. It wasn't exactly elaborate, but the beauty lied in the simplicity of the structure, totally of Deidara's style. I unconsciously walked closer to it, drawn by its majestic build.
"Like I said, very nice." I could hear Mr. Kurama start from behind. "But, there's a lack of... experienced feel to it."
"Experienced feel, sir?" Deidara queried, and I bet you anything that he asked that with a tilt of his head.
"Yes." I was imagining Mr. Kurama to be stroking his moustache. "You're still very young, boy. Sasori too. You cannot achieve the intricacy and sophiscated aspect that is required of art that only the seasoned artisans can. Unless of course, you have exceptional talent, -not to brag-, like my daughter. And with such a plain piece, it is as though you didn't put in effort into making this!"
What? Art doesn't need to be intricate or elaborate to bowl over! Deidara's works are literal proofs of that! And so are abstract art! This kid in my middle school splashed a few paint pots over some canvas and it got framed up. Some parent even paid 6000yen for it! Okay, so that is a really far cry from this, but still! And this isn't even about Deidara's talent anymore. Kurama is just belittleing him just because he's young! And no effort?
"Take my advice; wait a few more years to hone your skills, and change your style into something more elaborate. Everybody prefers something with substance in them. Take for example, would you rather date a plain, simple girl or one who has taken the effort to dress and make herself up?" Alright that's done it.
"Um, can I say something?" I turned around and started impulsively before I could even stop myself.
"Sure, of course!" Kurama said with a nod of his head. I swear to God that he's judging me already. My eyes darted to Deidara, who was scowling at the moustached man. I'm very sure that he's refraining himself from punching the guy.
"I-I'm no art expert or anything, in fact, I'm pretty much just a layman myself, but I don't believe that what you said was right." Oh my God, what am I doing? I've just challenged someone in their own game, and I don't even know half the rules of it!
"I think Deidara-san has that exceptional talent that you speak of, if not, even exceeding it. If something so simple design can be so grand, then imagine what it would be if he added those minute details." Okay, I'm completely missing the point! Deidara's works are meant to be simple! But whatever, I just have to shut that douchebag of a Kurama. "And its much more easy on the eye to see something neat and clean than a cluster of..." I gestured lamely, trying to find a word. "Of whatever. And beauty lies in simplicity."
"Furthermore, Deidara-san has already shown such promise at such a young age, as you say. So when he's ol-, I mean, in later years, he must be a legend, then." I had to bite my bottom lip to stop myself from sticking out my tongue, even though I think that I'm totally barking up the wrong tree. I feel like a kid trying to explain to her parents that dinosaurs are real, if not they wouldn'tbe able to film Jurassic Park.
To say that the Kuramas looked shocked would be an understatement, Sasori was amused, and I don't even dare to look at Deidara. Mr. Kurama quickly composed himself, and I readied myself for it.
"But, my child," Damnnit, I'm not a child, and I'm definitely not your child! "It is the details that tell the stories and convey the messages. Have you ever heard of a blank paper that scored full marks?" He looks smug. Then, he opened his arms and gestured around. "Alright, give me one example here where something elaborate is not as beautiful as something simplistic."
Crap. The truth is, I myself like works that have details in them, and the works around the gallery that really astound are those with a shitload of stuff added around. I gulped, then pointed at a random painting. I'm so sorry, unknown artist, but I've got a pride to defend! "You see that painting right there in the corner? The one of the Hokage monuments?"
"Which-" His eyes found it and widened in surprise.
"Yeah, that one. Like I said, I'm no art expert, but that painting, though very realistically done, is no different from a photograph. I cannot feel anything from it" What in the freaking world am I babbling on about? "And the Yondaime Hokage's nose looks distorted. Deidara-san's Kirin is grand, and one can feel its majesty. Obviously Deidara is the better artist, and has shown that simplicity triumphs over complexity."
Kurama looked utterly gobsmacked, and I continued, this time shrugging as though I was some master just trying to give a humble opinion (which is completely not the case at all), "Well, but then again, art is all a matter of perspective, eh? But just saying, if an artwork cannot even reach to a layman like myself, then what chance has it to the seasoned critics?"
I felt like crossing my arms to end it off, but decided not to. Kurama glanced around, disconcerted. Then, he suddenly took out his mobile phone and looked at it, then back to us. "You have a point, young lady. Well, I'm sorry, but you'll have to excuse me and my wife, we have somewhere to rush to." They disappeared before I could even say 'liar.'
It was the moment when they left that I felt the impending consequences of my speech. I stood around awkwardly around the other two. Oh my God, I must've been such a joke. I didn't even make any sense in my argument! I don't think I'll ever be able to look at Deidara in the eye anymore. I don't even want to start on Sasori.
"Um, r-really nice piece you've got there." My head jerked to the Kirin, just to break the tension.
Sasori started chuckling softly before looking at me with half-lidded eyes. "Good job. That painting you talked about? Its done by Kurama's daughter, Kurama Yakumo." Holy fuck! "Anyway, I've got to go too. See you later." He said the last part mostly to Deidara, then sauntered off into the crowd.
There was a few moments of silence (or cricket chirping, though there aren't any around) before the blonde artist started to speak.
"So...'Deidara-san', huh?" I could practically hear the smirk.
"S-Shut up! That guy was just being an ass, okay?" I looked away, face burning. "I didn't even know what I was saying, alright?"
"Some parts made a little bit of sense, un. The rest are just plain bullshit." I heard him exhale. "But, thanks, anyway, I guess. Though I didn't need a girl, or anyone for that matter, to stick up for me. And that Kurama doesn't even know anything about art. Sasori-no-danna introduced me to him just to show how much of a fraud he was."
My eyes shot to him. "S-So, you're saying that I just made a joke out of myself for nothing?"
"It wasn't completely for nothing. I," He took a few steps towards me. "I think I'm starting to like you more and more, un." He gave this utterly dazzling grin.
I tore my eyes away from his, though I could feel a smile forming on my face. Deidara then walked away, and I trailed after him, a lighter spring in my steps.
I laid my cheek on my arm, inhaling and exhaling out deeply. To be honest, now, I really, really, really want to go to the party, but if I do, I'll look so out of place. Yeah sure, I already have a gorgeous dress, but what about the other things like makeup and stuff? I've never applied anything on my face before other than the basic facial products. If I did my own makeup, I'll most probably end up looking like some Kabuki play.
"Is there something wrong, Shi-chan?" I looked behind my shoulder to see Gen-san peering at me from the kitchen.
"Nope, nothing!" I waved my hand dismissively.
"Hmmm." The skinny, bandanna-headed man raised an eyebrow, before clapping his hands together. "Oh and by the way, are you going for the Sandaime Hokage's party?"
What? How come even Gen-san knows about it? Don't tell me he got invited too! Yeah, I mean, I know that the five Kages have some kind of influence even outside ShinoGaku, but still! "Uh, no..."
"Oh my God, why not!" He leaned forward, incredulity all over his face. Is the party really so important that I must attend it? "Come on, Shiori-chan! You must go! I want to do your makeup for you!"
Wait a second... what?
"My... makeup...?" I turned fully to Gen-san with a skeptical face.
He nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Haven't I told you? I work part-part-time as a freelance makeup artist."
I gawked at my co-worker. Since when has he been a... freelance makeup artist? But wait, if he said that... "You'll do my makeup for me?"
"Yes! It'll be so fun! Come on, Shiori-chan! Please?"
I blinked.
Its late in the afternoon on tuesday, and I'm starting to have second thoughts about letting Gen-san do me up. I mean, he's dropped the brushes at least five times now, and sprayed himself in the eye when he was experimenting with a can of hairspray.
"Okay, Shiori-chan, ready?" He looked at me through the mirror. I nodded uncertainly. Okay, if it really turns out disastrous or something, I'll just go home! As easy as that! But I'll have to keep that from Gen-san if not he'll be hurt.
"Alright, just close your eyes..." I did as he told.
After a flurry of powdering, blushing, eyelash-curling, hair styling and blow-hair-drying, and some other things that he did which I couldn't see, I pried an eye open, bracing myself for the worst.
Oh-Oh God... Oh my God.
"Quick, go put on the dress!" Gen-san pushed me into the small toilet of his apartment excitedly.
I stepped out, my full party ensemble ready, and took one long look into the mirror.
What is this? I can't even recognise myself!
"I used very little makeup, because you're already so pretty, Shi-chan!" He took a step beside me. "But I did a good job, eh?"
I nodded blankly. He's done my hair into a side bun in a stylishly-messy way, and used a light, natural take on my face. I cannot get how different I look, but at the same time, I still look like myself. How is that even possible? That and coupled on with the dress that Konan lent me, which came with a black fur wrap too, I actually look...
"You look fantabulous! Like some beautiful high-class rich girl!" Gen-san clasped his hands together near his face.
I tore my eyes away from my reflection and looked at him, nodding in happy agreement. He has got to be my fairy godmother. Okay, more like fairy godfather (though its starting to seem more like godmother now- okay, shut up).
I gave my endearing co-worker a hug, nodded to him, and got out of his apartment, trying to flag down a taxi.
Now to get to that party.
Author's Note:
Woah, long chapter, eh? :D Haha I was totally whacking it at the art gallery scene. I don't really know much about art, though I do have an artist friend, and I know I re-used lots of the same words over and over again. X So I'm really sorry if it made you go 'WTF? WHAT RUBBISH IS SHE TALKING ABOUTZZZZ?" ._. But then again, both Shiori and Kurama don't know anything about it either, so I guess that kind of helps it! Oh and if anybody finds the Kuramas familiar, yep, they are filler characters in the anime. I don't hate them or anything, but I reaaaallly disliked the filler eps before Shippuuden. Why? They freaking delayed Deidara and Sasori's anime debut. Grrrrr. And haha, I know, its so Deidara-heavy these few chapters. Don't worry, Team Itachi, he'll get his part soon enough! (I'm actually on Team Itachi, who's also secretly rooting for Team Deidara LOL).
UchihaLove: Aww, gee, thanks! :D
Tsukiyomi Zakuro: Haha Hidan would probably enjoy the pain anyway! 8D IKR! Deidara is just so...flexible! He fits into almost any situation! Haha even though Shiori's too much of a virgin to flirt with him (or any guy for that matter), its just so fun writing scenes about them together. *w* Haha even if Itachi is jealous, I doubt he'll show it, eh? B] And how can I not pay attention to your rants, my dear? XD
Ninja Trio's Best: Haha me too! But I kinda want her to be with Itachi (okay I've said that a thousand times already x_x)
HMOrange216: HEY! THANKS FOR YOUR LOYAL SUPPORT MAN (okay, GIRL!) Don't worry, I'll try to even out the odds between the two guys soon enough to give you a harder time. D
alicelouise'x: AWW THANKS AND SHIORI LOVES YOU TOO! 8D Haha yep! Its because everybody loves cliches that's why they're overused and become cliches right? XD
Raining-skye23: OMG I KNOW RIGHT. Whenever I type out a chapter I would be like 'OH GOD WHY CAN'T I BE SHIORI DAMNNIT!' Lol I'm like jealous of my own character!
Akatsuki's Bitch: Haha I'm actually telepathic, don't you know? 8D Haha great that you can relate to her! And noooo, I can only dream of living in Europe. *_* Haha I live in Asia. And what were you doing at 6am in the morning? ;]
Alright, that's all for this one! And I've got to stop eating fried potato. I've seriously piled on a lot of weight recently X_X
Oh and just a random question which you can answer if you're bored: Should I go for my own prom? Or should I be hipster with my friends and skip it?
Okay I'll shut up now. SEE YA GUYS NEXT TIME (in the reviews, hint hint ;D)!