They ended up in bed, but somehow the mood was cooled to simply lying beside one another. Sasori ran his thumb along Sumire's cheek, each stroke was slow against her flushed skin. Her fingers were lazily curled around his elbow that rested against the sheets between them. When the tip of his thumb neared her lips, she playfully nipped it.

She's beautiful.

He watched her lashes move with her slow blink. He studied the tiny hairs sprouting around her hairline and the curve of her cheeks leading down to her chin.

"I have two and a half years left after my finals, and then I can look for steady work."

"Intermedia arts."

"Yes,"

Though his face was in its usual dreamy state, she recognized a twinge of curiosity. He didn't ask many questions. Sumire placed a kiss on his nose and giggled.

"Why intermedia arts?" he asked finally.

"I wanted to get a career in stage crewing like Sasori-sama. I know there aren't that many jobs, but I knew once I'd get into it, I'd be secure, and I could live through the performers. I could help make sure it goes well, you know. I thought it'd be nice." she trailed the tips of her fingers up his arm. "But more than anything I wanted to be with someone nice to me. Someone I can have a family with. Who doesn't make me feel like I have to depend on him, but I can if I needed to."

They went quiet for a few moments, but she pushed:

"What about Sasori-sama?"

"To focus on my craft and make a living off of it," he said simply.

"Oh, cool." she drew out the word.

He chuckled:

"And to have a family."

"If we had a baby do you think they'd have your hair or my hair?" she asked quickly.

One of his eyebrows perked up.

"No idea."

"Hmm, I'd want them to have Sasori-sama's hair." she took hold of it. "It's nice, and it'd be easier to manage than mine. Mine is super thick."

He drew her close and kissed her slowly. Gentle and loving, he provided his silent approval of this conversation.

"They should have Sasori-sama's eyes too. They should just be a mini Sasori-sama. Then I'd have two." she tugged his strands. "I want to multiply you. As many Sasori-sama's as possible."

"I thought you couldn't stand me. How would you be able to handle more than one of me?"

"I'd take breaks. Go see my friends. Then come home to a house full of Sasori-sama's."

"You say ridiculous things."

"You like it don't you."

"Like what? You being ridiculous?"

"Uh huh,"

He scoffed.

"Tell me you like it."

"Is this how you usually are?"

"Hehe no," she rubbed her nose against his chin. "But I like annoying you."

His hands rushed to her waist, and his fingers teased her. She yelped and swatted at them, but was reduced to a giggling mess within seconds. Showing some mercy, he stopped and settled into another leisurely make-out.

Sumire did not notice much of an age difference between them. Sasori had a young face, but occasionally she'd recall he was in fact 13 years older. He was amid his career, he was financially stable, and he was secure in his wants and desires.

We're not in the same place. We're… how did Asami word it? The power dynamics… I think, are in his favor. I can't depend on him too much because then he'll… no Sasori-sama isn't like that. But what if something happens and I need to leave. I wouldn't be able to support myself.

"I told you my parents passed away when I was young." Sasori started after a few moments of gazing at her.

"Yes, you did."

"My grandmother did not tell me."

"What do you mean?"

"They were going on a research trip, to find new herbs to create new medicines. I was left with my grandmother. They passed away in a car crash on the way to the airport." he began. "My grandmother lied to me. She said I just needed to keep waiting for them to return. I figured out quickly that they weren't coming back. She continued to lie. She said nothing even when we attended their funeral."

Sumire's eyes were wide. What the fuck? How do you not tell your grandchild the truth and try to explain it to them? How does he just get taken to his parents funeral without being told anything? What? No wonder he doesn't like waiting. Being lied to and told to wait. He was forced to feel that feeling and then when he realized the truth, all that time was just spent in suspense when all along...

"I lived with my grandmother all through grade school. She introduced me to woodwork, and I quickly realized it was my passion. I started living on my own when I started at Suna University. I completed my degree in Art while working my way into a stage manager position at the multimedia hall in Suna."

"Isn't Suna really far? The city I mean."

"It's an eight-hour train ride."

"So your families pharmacy that's only forty-five minutes away…"

"It's just a branch of it. It's not the headquarters."

"The headquarters is in the city?"

"Yes."

"When did you come to Konoha then?"

"I was scouted by Konan and offered a higher paying job with fewer hours at the Akatsuki Concert Hall. I've been there for nearly a decade now."

"And you and your grandmother…"

He grunted. She frowned. They didn't really develop a relationship, did they? I can't imagine so, considering how he reacts to me mentioning her. But who could blame him? She lied to him about something so important and literally scarred him. It would take a really long time for him to get over that.

"Now that I've told you this, I'd like to make a request."

"Oh! Okay."

"I don't like sleeping alone. When you come home late, and I'm in bed already, I'd like you to join me."

She pursed her lips:

"That sounds more like a demand to me."

Sumire waited for her jest to sink in then asked:

"Why don't you like sleeping alone?"

It took so much to explain it all, to confess everything so far. Would she see him differently? Would she think he's childish? Would she suddenly find him unattractive and strange? He didn't know, but his instincts told him to take the bet.

"Growing up, until their accident, my parents and I would sleep in the same bed."

"Oh, I see." she wiggled her way higher on the pillow.

Her hands squeezed his cheeks.

"Okee dokee, I'll keep my Sasori-sama warm at night. You know I didn't know you'd be this cuddly."

He hummed while hooking his arm over her.

"I like it a lot."

Just as they were getting comfortable the rare sound of Sasori's landline echoed through the apartment. She chuckled at his irritated grunt and reluctant release of her. He slid off the bed and walked down the hall to the phone set up in the living room.

He returned a few minutes later with his knit brow relaxed.

"Who called the great Sasori-sama?"

"A representative of the Suna University."

"Oh really?"

She sat up a little as he climbed back onto the bed and settled face up on the sheets beside her. He blinked at the ceiling in silence.

"What did they want?"

The suspense was killing her.

"To request I participate in their newest art lecture series."

"Whoa! Really? Like, you'd get to do your own guest lecture?"

"Yes."

"That's amazing! What did you tell them?"

"That I'd think about it."

Sumire propped onto her narrow elbow.

"So what do you think about it? Do you want to do it?"

"I'm not sure."

"It is a lot." she scooted over and snuggled against his chest. "I've always hated presentations, but you're going to get to talk about your puppets, right? You'll get to talk about what you love, I think you'd really enjoy it."

"Maybe,"

"Did they give you a number to call back?"

"They asked me to speak to them in person. We scheduled a meeting for Monday."

"That's so soon. Isn't the concert hall busy this weekend? What with all the winter concerts?"

"It is."

"Busy busy."

She tugged on his shirt.

"Won't you have to stay overnight?"

"They offered to pay for a hotel, for the meeting and for the lecture itself."

"They must really want you to go."

"I suppose I will."

"Yes?" she lurched up in excitement.

He let out a soft laugh:

"Yes."

"Yay!"

She bounced up on down, causing the bed to jostle Sasori. His pupils rose upwards, and he groaned. Sumire continued to excitedly jump until he launched himself at her. She screeched and giggled as he pinned her to the bed.

"You just love pushing my buttons."

"I do, hehe."

They'd gone between short conversations and periods of kissing for such a long time, that their mouths were rubbed raw. It felt natural to talk about their lives, divulge all they'd overcome, then express those swelling emotions by connecting their lips. He settled back, and she mumbled:

"Do you want to do it?"

"Not tonight."

"Okay."

He let go of her wrists and sat up with his back against the headrest.

"Glee club is tomorrow, isn't it?"

"...it is."

"Are you going to tell your friend?"

"...yeah."

"When?"

"Soon."

"Shall we call her?"

"Why are you so pushy?" she sat up as well.

"If I don't make you call her, you won't tell her at all."

A pout formed on her face and she glared at the bedsheets. I will tell her… eventually. When… I mean. I… I'll…

"Sumire,"

"Why is it so hard?"

He took a handful of her hair and ran his fingers through it slowly.

"You're afraid she'll be angry with you."

She nodded. The longer he stared at her, not with his usual condescending look, but with concern and firmness the heavier her chest felt.

"W-will you stay here with me while I do?"

He nodded. Sumire retrieved her phone from the nightstand and dialed her best friends number. Asami answered on the third ring with a happy tone, but as Sumire described what had happened with Haruki Asami yelled loud enough for Sasori to hear:

"I knew it! I knew that skinny, slimy cretin would try to put his hands on you!"

Sasori's eyes met Sumire's, and he mouthed the word "slimy." Sumire watched in awe as her stoic boyfriend's shoulders shook with his snickers.

"Oh my god, Asami."

"What-what-what?"

"You've-" Sumire's lips parted. "I've never seen Sasori-sama laugh this hard. I am in shock."

He faced away from her, covering his mouth to muffle the sound.

"You broke my Sasori-sama."

"Well, I'm glad he's amused I guess, but are you okay?"

"I'm okay now." she watched Sasori roll away, climb off the bed and exit the room. "Sasori-sama talked me through it and comforted me. He's gonna help me find a different job."

"Okay, good. Get the hell out of there. I'm so sorry. Do you want me to go kick his ass?"

"No, it's fine. I'll just stay away from him…"

"So that means?"

"Yeah… I'm sorry. I'm gonna have to quit the glee club."

"Fuck,"

"I'm sorry."

"Are you sure I can't do anything? I can't kick him out of the club, but I can try to keep him away from you. I know how much you love being with us, it's not fair you have to give it up over some asshole."

"No it's okay, thank you. I don't think I could've handled it anyway. I have finals coming up too."

"If you ever change your mind, let me know… is he in the room?"

"Who? Sasori-sama? No, he walked out."

Asami reduced her voice to a whisper:

"Is everything okay with him? Is he treating you okay?"

"Yeah. If it weren't for him, I probably wouldn't have called you in the first place."

"He made you call me?"

"Uh huh."

Asami nodded her head. He's not trying to cut her off from her friends like Hisashi did. It doesn't mean he's perfect, but that's still better than what she had before. I hope she… no. Sumire is going to live her own life. I just have to support her and be there for her if things go wrong. I hope it stays this way.

"We tease each other, but he doesn't try to know everything that I'm doing. We actually talked about it, believe it or not."

"About what?"

"About, you know. Him feeling possessive. We talked about it, he told me he does feel that way, but he's working on it. I trust him Asami. He's changed a lot already."

"I'm glad as long as you're happy and safe."

"I am really happy. Thank you."

"Well call me if you change your mind, okay?"

"I will."

"See you soon."

"Bye."

Just outside, lingering in the hallway with his back pressed to the wall, Sasori listened to Sumire's half of the conversation. With each passing sentence his chest twisted with emotion he could hardly handle. He could be sure, logically, he wanted to be with this woman, but the sudden heat, the rising sensation, was overwhelming.

"What are you doing?" Sumire appeared in the doorway beside him.

His shoulders leaped in surprise, but he managed to calm his features.

"Nothing."

"Why are you just standing there you weirdo?" she giggled. "I'm going to brush my teeth and head to bed, are you coming?"

"Ah."

Sunday Early Morning

Sumire awoke to the sound of clatters. Sasori's red hair was in a mess, and he stood near his dresser. He frantically chewed a piece of toast while hiking up his pants to his waist. Sumire glanced at the clock and saw it was nearing six a.m.

He woke up late.

Sasori threw his head back and groaned a curse.

"What's wrong?" Sumire moaned sleepily.

"I've forgotten to pack my suitcase."

"The train to Suna leaves tonight at midnight, doesn't it?"

"Yes."

The concert finishes thirty minutes before his train leaves. He won't have time to come home and pack before then.

Sasori grumbled while slipping the buttons of his overshirt into place.

"I'll pack it for you and bring it before the concert starts." her drowsy voice was slow. "I'll make sure to put in everything you need okay. I'll take care of it, so just go to work."

Still too incoherent to be shocked by his quick turn and approach, she barely registered the feel of his lips on hers.

"Thank you," he whispered.

"Uh huh,"

Sumire let her head fall onto the pillow again. She didn't notice his smile as he briskly walked out of the room. When she heard the front door click, she yawned and nuzzled back into the pillow.

She awoke a few hours later into a lazy stretch, then stepped out of bed. I feel bad he had to rush but, Sumire bubbled with excitement, it means I can put my surprise for him inside his suitcase without worrying about him knowing! She skipped to her room and retrieved the item she'd picked up only a few days ago.

After tending to her basic needs, she carefully packed a small dark red suitcase with a couple of changes of clothes, his dress shoes, and his sneakers. In the corner, she left space large enough to place her gift which she prepped and set inside gingerly.

X

The Konoha University campus was dark, with lights spread evenly. She headed directly to the concert hall where a few people were lingering outside smoking cigarettes. The sounds of a crowd floated out through the wide-open double doors.

It's been over a month, but it feels like I was working here yesterday. I wonder how the boys are all doing.

Just as she entered the foyer she heard someone exclaim:

"Well look who the fuck it is?"

"Hidan-s-"

His hand landed on the top of her head, and he roughly tousled her hair. He then hooked his arm around her neck and lightly ground his knuckles into her scalp.

"Let me go already!"

"Alright alright."

He slid his arm away.

"So what the hell do you want?"

Sumire scowled at him while rubbing the tender part of her head:

"I'm bringing Sasori-sama his luggage. Geeze. I didn't ask you to attack me you jerk."

"My bad, I got excited. It's been awhile."

"Where is he?"

"He's busy with the performers backstage. I can take his shit to pretty boy up in the lighting booth."

"To Itachi-san? How is he and everyone else?"

"Same shit, different day."

"You cuss too much."

He showed her his trademark grin:

"You know he's getting hitched?"

"Hitched, you mean married? Who is?" Sumire's words came out quickly. "Itachi-san?"

"Yeah. Apparently, he was arranged with someone from his clan. Hearing about those things is fucking weird. Damn Uchiha's think it's the Edo Period still."

"Whoa."

I wasn't expecting this today. Gosh, so much has changed so fast.

"The stupid concert is gonna start soon, so I gotta go. Nice seeing you short-shit."

"Bye."

Wow, really? Some people do still do arranged marriages. I don't know if I could ever agree to marry someone I barely know. Gosh. I guess when you're from a famous family it kind of… intense. I should congratulate him. Sumire pulled her phone from her pocket and send Itachi a text message.

Itachi-san! I know it's been a really long time since we last talked. I just came to the concert hall to bring Sasori-sama some things. Sorry I couldn't stick around to say hi. Hidan told me you're engaged! I wanted to say congratulations! I wish you good health and happiness!

X

Deidara glanced to Itachi who was seated beside him. With his phone in his hand, Itachi's features took on an air of sadness.

"What's the matter with you, hm?"

"It's nothing."

He replied a quick thank you and put his phone back in his pocket. A long sigh left his thin lips, causing Deidara to narrow his eyes, but he didn't care enough to question him further.

The Following Day

Sasori arrived at his hotel around noon, exhausted from the previous evening and the long train ride. As soon as he'd exited the train his face was hit with dry air. He recognized this hot, oppressive feeling as he'd grown up with it. The district of Suna was landlocked on all sides but was an enormous expanse of land with the city and university as far west as possible.

He had just enough time to check into his hotel, grab some food, and head over to the university. He sat with educators he was familiar, but none that he was particularly elated to see. It was a thirty-minute pitch requesting he participate in a lecture about his work. Afterward, they provided a short tour of the newly renovated art museum.

"We actually still have a few of your pieces on display. We can change the contents of the rest of the museum to accommodate any new pieces you'd like. They will be available for viewing starting from the Sunday before the lecture and the day after we will have them returned to where you specify."

Sasori silently stared at a canvas set behind a glass wall. Sand was painstakingly designed and set, detailing a cityscape. He stepped a bit closer as the men spoke to him. The time this must have taken.

"Does it interest you Sasori-sama? This is a piece by a second-year student. Most of the work he's produced revolves around sand, and it's versatility."

Sasori withheld a chuckle. Appropriate for the location.

"He's being praised as a prodigy, much like yourself."

"Hmm."

"You might be interested to know there is a third-year student crafting puppets. He's been begging the art department head to get a hold of you since he started."

"Hn."

"They're brothers actually. We have an interesting batch of art students. But anyway, is this arrangement satisfactory to you? Did you have any questions for me?"

"I do not."

"Then we will be in touch about the exact dates soon."

"Of course."

They shook hands, and he told Sasori to take his time in their art museum. He perused the last few aisles and studied the installations, and when his curiosity was sufficiently satiated, he left the university. Just down the street was a dessert shop he'd frequent during his school days.

The door opened with a familiar crisp ding and a female voice greeted him only to be followed by a gasp.

"S-Sasori!"

Behind the counter was a young woman with bobbed black hair. Her pale face tinted red at the sight of him and she glanced away bashfully.

"It's been so long,"

Sasori approached the counter without a word.

"When did you come back to Suna?"

"This morning."

"Are you going to be visiting for long?"

"I'm leaving tomorrow."

"Oh," she fiddled her fingers. "Well next time you should let me know so we can get some coffee and catch up."

"Hm."

"Would you like something?"

"A large coffee," he answered in monotone. "And a package of the caramelized chestnuts."

"Whoa, when did you start eating sweet stuff?"

Sasori blinked slowly, letting his eyes greet her subtle excited gaze.

"My girlfriend likes sweets."

"Oh," he heard the lilt in her tone.

Disappointment formed in her expression.

"I hope she likes them," she said it in almost a whisper.

She finished packaging his request and pouring him a strong cup of black coffee. When he paid, and she passed them over, he said, in the kindest tone his naturally harsh voice could muster:

"Thank you."

Her eyes widened, and she mumbled "you're welcome" as he turned away. Sasori is… She watched his back as he exited her families shop. He's changed, hasn't he?

X

Sasori returned to his hotel. Short of collapsing on his bed, he lifted his suitcase onto the mattress. Seeing someone from his past put him in a bit of a stupor. Sumire and Minori do look similar. I guess I have a type. He unzipped his luggage while undoing the buttons of his shirt. Sumire would probably look fantastic with short hair. It's strange being… he paused to consider the thought before it fully formed. Home. I suppose this was a kind of home. I wouldn't call it home now. Maybe when I'm older and have had enough of my current job, I'll…

He spotted it right away, tucked into the corner. He wrapped his fingers around the cushiony head of the dark brown teddy bear and lifted it out. His left hand gripped around its torso and his brows knit at the sound of a more recent, more familiar voice:

Sasori-sama, I hope you settled in okay. I know it's not very big, but you can pretend this teddy bear is me for the next night and keep it in your bed. Don't work yourself too hard and make sure you have a cup of coffee. You'll get a headache if you don't! I think I made this message too long I'll probably run out of room. Anyway, goodnight my Sasori-sama. I'll see you when you get home.

Two lives of emotional and physical displacement brought together by coincidence. In a moment, Sasori knew where his home was.