Angel's Note: uhh...what can i possibly say to apologize for this awful delay? T.T i swear i had no time, being a pre-med student gives you no time at all. ;-; and i DID write in my little free time, i added a small paragraph every time i took a break. Dx summer is here though (even though i have summer courses) so i should update sooner this time! i have to admit it was stupid of me to start another story back then so now im stuck with two..but YOLOOO challenge accepted. Bl also i have to point out that the next chapter will probably be the last one in the first part, being the one with the clueless Ino. so brace yourselves children, shiz will get serious from now on. Bl

anoooother thing, i GREATLY thank the reviewers and alerts. i love you so much. they TERRIBLY made me feel guilty about not updating any time soon and well suhfurqsdhdu im so sorry again. ;-; but do not give up on this story just cuz im a terrible author, its not its fault. T.T

i wont blabber anymore, its 4: 31 am already (see i do care sniffsniff) so hope you enjoy the chap!

Far beyond the truth

Chapter 14

Deidara's fingers against Ino's hair were moving in a slow, yet soothing way as she rested silently on the side of the bed done with all the crying and shouting that happened in the previous hour. It hasn't been long since the sun had set, and since Meiko hadn't returned yet, Deidara assumed a patient was occupying her. He did not mind; not at all, he wasn't in the mood to see anyone anyways.

Deidara did not know why he was still doing that. It seemed to calm Ino down, at first. However once she fell asleep, it ceased to be mandatory. He did it anyway. Perhaps, he thought, it would be nice if she woke up to see someone was there comforting her after a bad dream, but then again, what kind of a dream would scare a supposed kunoichi?

He shrugged it off, focusing instead on steadying his shaky hand to stroke her creamy hair. The corners of his lips twitched, almost about to tilt upwards at the sight of the girl expressing a weak smile, that was until he caught himself in the act and immediately jerked his hand away. His mouth dropped.

Wh…what the hell are you doing?!

Deidara's eyebrows rose up in shock, his eyes followed suit. He looked down at his hand; those trembling fingers that were caressing the leaf ninja's hair as a support. At the thought of that, the artist gritted his teeth and clenched his fist tightly. It was only after he felt the pain coming from this gesture that he quickly loosened his grip, just in time without having his wound open for the third time. He would have a hard time if that happened again.

The blond swore under his breath and slowly propped himself up. He didn't care about the intense ache this sudden movement was causing him, he just wanted to get out of these four walls cruelly locking him up.

He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, still a bit numb but able to move nevertheless. He gave the sleeping Ino one last glance over his shoulder.

Che. He cursed furrowing his eyebrows. He turned around and stood up, immediately losing balance after doing so. The nightstand was the closest thing he could use for support; so though he was able to avoid the fall, he accidently knocked down the bowl containing the remainder of his noodles previously –stupidly, he thought- placed by the kid right on the edge of the table.

"KuSOO." Another curse escaped his lips as he checked the soup stain on his pants. He lifted himself up again, accustoming to his weight before trying another time. Looking around the room in search of something, his eyes landed on recognizable dark shirt and pants. Making his way towards the dresser was not hard as much as it was slow. He did not mind that as well, it was about time he got up, he couldn't waste any more time in there.

His mundane clothes were obviously washed, neatly folded on the dresser. His Akatsuki cloak was nowhere to be spotted though, he figured Meiko must have got rid of it since it was blood-stained and already torn; no one would wear that.

The blond lifted his unscathed hand and almost reached for his clothes if pictures of him comforting Ino hadn't played over and over in his mind. Therefore instead, he slammed his fist on the surface of the desk, eyes half-closing in aggravation.

What the fuck was wrong with you sympathizing with her back then?! He reprimanded himself, glaring at a certain spot on the dresser.

He gradually looked up in the mirror reflecting everything behind him. Nothing was much visible given that it was dark and the lights were off, but he was still able to make out the girl soundlessly resting on the side of the bed.

Don't you think just 'cause you're pathetically helpless I'm gonna give up my plan and leave you be, ehh Yamanaka? The missing-nin hissed, his squint eyes not budging off Ino's reflection in the mirror. I'm getting my Kyuubi whether you were saved or not, un.

With determination taking over his mind, the Akatsuki member took his eyes off the kunoichi and snatched his clothes, provoking a picture frame to fall on its front surface. Startled, Deidara turned back to check out what caused the previous ruckus. Noticing the only picture frame down, he raised it back up and was about to leave, if the picture hadn't stolen his curiosity. The blond narrowed his eyes as he grabbed the frame, trying to identify the two persons in the photo. He was easily able to recognize the girl with the blue eyes and matching hair. The other, standing behind her, seemed somewhat familiar but he couldn't put his finger on it.

Plus, he chuckled, this guy looks—

"What are you doing?" A brash voice spoke next to the door.

The unexpected presence of the young medic almost made Deidara drop the photo. He looked at her, eyebrows slightly arched upwards.

"I was just—"

"Dont—!" Meiko started, then paused for a little. "…don't touch that."

Deidara kept his gaze and stayed on his ground. After seconds of intense staring, he put the frame back down and gave her one last glance before dragging himself out of the room.

Meiko slowly made her way to the desk and contemplated the photo. She held it firmly between her hands then pulled it closer to her chest in a semi-hug.

"I love you nii-san."

Ino sluggishly propped herself up with her squinted eyes progressively opening up adjusting to the enormous amount of light facing her. She stretched her arms, remaining seated, then rested them on the bed in front of her. By the fresh blue color of the sky outside, it seemed to be a good day already. The blonde allowed a smile to lift her lips at that thought, then looked down, previous smile partly gone.

I remember having a nightmare yesterday night..something about Asuma sensei..but what was it? I can't bring myself to remember..

Having those deliberations occupying her mind for a short period of time, the girl shrugged it off and smiled again, leaving her chair in another body stretch. She did not exactly know why, but she was feeling whole lot better than the previous night. Maybe it was the effect of the sun and the refreshing breeze, but it did not matter, she was in a good mood.

Now that I think of it, maybe it's 'cause of Deidara's compan―

Speaking of which, where was the boy?

Startled, Ino looked around the room in search of the conceited blond. She walked further to take a look inside the bathroom only to find it empty. Noticing his clothes, once tidily folded on the dresser facing the bed, were no longer there, she absent-mindedly let out a soft gasp, heart beating faster than usual.

I-is it possible..? Did he...?

At that moment, the kunoichi found it hard to swallow the big lump of saliva forming in her mouth and choked, coughing excessively afterwards. She ran to the door and pushed it open, not caring about the loud bang the wooden door caused after it had hit the wall. Fingers starting to shiver, the girl's panic grew bigger at the sight of the deserted room and the killing silence that roamed the whole house.

"Otonashi-san? Deidara?" She half-called half-yelled, checking the other couple of rooms.

When no answer was received, the girl fell on her knees, despair and disappointment replacing her once-cheerful features.

"I knew it..." Ino whispered, tears beginning to form in her eyes. "I KNEW IT!"

To think I actually believed all what he had said..that he would help me go back home...that he would stay with me and protect me like...that time..

Ino sniffed, rubbing her eyes to prevent the tears from running down her cheeks.

Why did I have that much faith in him in the first place.. I knew he would leave me when he gets what he wants from the very beginning... Heh... Why did I have to hope this much...? I was counting on him.. no, depending on him.. My god.. what should I do now? Where should I go?!

Ino's weak smile dropped, gradually forming fists with her fingers.

"DEIDARA NO BAKAAAA!" She shouted, releasing all her abhorrence and anger in one, single scream.

Gasping for air after her dramatic shout out, Ino's attention got immediately diverted to the room behind her after the fleeing birds chirped their way out of their supposed nests on the trees and up to the endless skies. Soon enough, a fade "Fuck!" was heard, followed by: "What the hell did I do now, un?"

Eyes lightening up at the familiar voice, the kunoichi stood up at once and ran to the room she was sleeping in earlier, stumbling a couple of times while doing so. As soon as she arrived to the doorframe, the resentment and hurt that once filled her were replaced by genuine relief at the sight of her blond friend leaning against the outer side of the window, aggravated as always. She smiled widely, feeling her eyes watering again as she rubbed her eyes multiple times making sure her mind wasn't playing tricks on her. When she confirmed what she was seeing was real, and this, in fact, was not another dream, she made her way to the window and threw her arms to his neck, knocking him down on the grass in a tight hug.

Deidara's reaction, you ask?

.

.

.

Insert very big colorful cuss words.

It was not Ino's hug that made him utter those improper words. Well, he did not like physical contact too much either, but the intermittent pain her actions had caused upon him was unbearable. Ino on the other hand, had forgotten anything that had to do with his injuries –given she had only seen his head and a bit of his shoulders poking from the window- so she only noticed the blunder after he had gritted his teeth and twitched in pain. And no, his cursing did not give it away. She got used to his uptightness.

"I-I'm so sorry Deidara!" She exclaimed, getting off him and helping him sit up. "I-I just thought that y-you left me so I got pissed and scared a-and—" She swallowed her pride then continued. "It's not the same without you, I'm just so happy you're still here!" she pulled him again in another hug. A warm, gentle one this time.

Deidara's lips, once open and pulled in infuriation, closed shut after her second embrace. He did not know how to feel about that. She truly wanted him around her. He never went through this feeling of need before and to be honest, it was not a bad feeling. It was true the Akatsuki needed him to catch the tailed beasts, but it is not the same need. Her need was authentic.

Shaking those insignificant thoughts and sighing through his nose, he grabbed the girl's shoulders and pulled her away, wincing while slowly standing up. She joyfully watched him with ease as he got used to his body weight again.

"Don't get too much attached to me, Yamanaka," he uttered casually, dusting his pants. "…It's not far till each goes his way, un."

Saying that he walked to the opposite direction, carefully bending down to pick up the shurikens he once used for his practice. Ino on the other hand, looked down taking in his previous disheartening words. Was she dangerously getting too much used to him? It had only been several days with him, yet his companionship had already been part of her current life. Before she could think further about it, Deidara's voice interrupted.

"…And I can't believe you still doubt me Yamanaka, after all this," He turned around and pointed at his bandaged torso with both his hands. "…I'm hurt." The male blond faked a sad face.

Ino rolled her eyes and opened her mouth to reply, but Deidara once again interrupted her.

"I don't break my promises, un. If I say I will take you home, it means I will take you home." He affirmed, walking further to the tree to pick up his rebounded kunai.

But how, when and after what won't be my problem, un.

Hearing these words turned the girl speechless. Her glee resulted by two thoughts; the first being the actuality that she will make it home to meet up with her friends and family. Even though she could not really remember them much, she missed them terribly. She missed having someone to take care of her and have fun with. Not to mention that being alone in this deserted place without knowing anything was driving her crazier and crazier every day.

The second reason was the fact that it was the first time Deidara seemed to be this honest with her. She couldn't describe it, but something about his last words warmed her heart. It was about time he treated her fairly and with respect. Plus, she thought, maybe when all of this ends, they can remain in touch and hang out every time someone passes by the other's village. Well, knowing Deidara won't, she can stop by his village to say hi and see how he is doing. Why can't she?

Where did he come from again..?

Ino looked up towards the blond to ask him only to become startled by the scene in front of her. In spite of his unhealed injury, Deidara's fast, unrestraint movements were unbelievably fast and..well..unrestraint. With every turn and throw Deidara did, Ino winced instead of him. As much as she wanted to rebuke him because he wasn't giving his body some rest, she did not want him to stop. He appeared very professional.

After he landed several meters away from the practice dolls he made himself with tree logs, Ino stood up and walked towards him, flashing an extra wide innocent smile. Deidara only raised an eyebrow.

"Say, Deidara, can you teach me how to fight properly? And how you do these cool things with that?" Ino pointed at his clay bags placed under a tree next to his folded shirt.

Deidara turned to where she was pointing at and, at recognizing his clay, burst into hysterical laughter.

"You do realize no one else can pull this off right?" The smell of arrogance filled the air. "I have a unique Kekkei Genkai that requires these—"

Deidara lifted his hands up showing the mouths on his palms. Expecting another repulsed reaction but only receiving a curious look, Deidara's eyes widened a bit giving her his full attention.

"You know, it's not as bad as it looks." She stated, bending down to poke the middle of his palm.

Deidara stumbled backwards as he took few steps back.

"Hey, don't touch my babies! I need them for my Art, it's bad enough one was sliced open, un!"

"Yeah but how do they work? I mean don't you feel weird having a hole in your hand? Have you looked inside or did you ever put your fin—"

"ENOUGH!" Deidara yelled embarrassedly, interrupting Ino's blabbering. "..Leave me with my work."

The artist walked past her and pulled a Kunai out of the tree bark. He turned around and was startled at Ino standing right in front of him.

"Pleaaaaaase Deidara! Just the basic things I need to know I'm sure I'll remember them all once I practice a couple of times! I'll be a good student I promise!" She held her hand with the other, blinking through her puppy eyes. Feeling she needed to add another thing, she said: "I wanna learn from the best!"

Deidara frowned, not liking where that was going. Especially because he was actually considering her demand. He shifted in his position once, twice, trying to think of an excuse to turn down her request.

Well, why not? Why not giving her a couple of lessons and show her what an Akatsuki really was? When it came to pride, Deidara could be placed at the top of the Akatsuki list. It was not as if she would be a threat or anything, perhaps it will make escorting her back home an easier task.

Noticing she was still waiting for an answer –her cheeks must have cramped because of her extended wide smile- he heaved a long sigh and scratched the back of his neck, mumbling an inaudible agreement. It did not go unheard by the kunoichi for she was anticipating for his answer, so she only cheered and pulled the blond in another hug.

Deidara let a chuckle escape his lips as he took a step back balancing himself. He soon pushed her away and eyed her up and down, then jumped several meters away replacing his smile with a serious glare.

"I'm gonna have to test your capacities first, Yamanaka. But before that change into more flexible clothes, un, you can't pull a fight with such attire."

Ino looked around her confused as for what to do. She didn't feel like going back indoors to change so the first thought was to tug her dress inside her shorts and work it out. However when she noted his dark top lying on the ground, she grinned and ran to take it, earning a 'what the fuck?' look from Deidara.

"I'm borrowing this!" She exclaimed, snatching it off the ground and hiding behind the tree. After less than a minute, she stood out dusting her new shirt, which hung over her light gray shorts.

Instead of reprimanding her –he surprised himself as well by not doing so- the male blond looked shocked, or rather, amused, which only made Ino laugh longer than what she should have. Training the girl just turned 100 times harder. It made it more difficult for him to aim at her chest, now that it was explicitly filling his supposedly loose top.

"Wow, my shirt actually fixed your look, un!" He shouted, gaining a death glare from the Yamanaka. She did not have time to respond.

"Try to dodge my attacks, un! Ready or not here I come!"

Before Ino could know it, Deidara was already behind her, and a heavy kick sent her flying ten meters away. By the time she opened her eyes and became aware of what was happening around her, a cry of pain escaped her lips –along with some blood- as another kick pushed her away making her clutch her stomach even tighter. When she hardly opened her eyes, she saw Deidara's silhouette coming at her from above, so she rolled on the ground away from his punch, though she was not fast enough to evade his next kick.

Ino gasped for dear air, unable to keep up with her body's fast need for oxygen. Perhaps it was too much for her as a first try? Maybe. But she could not take any of that anymore. Therefore when Deidara launched another attack on top of her, she covered her face with both her arms and screamed, turning the whole place silent afterwards.

"That was a lot worse than what I had expected, un." She heard the blond say from above.

Ino opened her eyes again, adjusting to the sunlight reflected by Deidara's yellow hair. He was crouching on top of her, twirling a kunai between his fingers.

"Rule number one, un, if you wanna block an attack with your hands, don't do it with your palms, if they succeed in slicing your wrists; Checkmate."

The artist helped the girl up, who stumbled forward and collapsed. Deidara noticed just in time and held her between his arms, turning her over to make out her face.

"Let's just stop Yamanaka, un." He told her, seeing she was still conscious.

"Y-you were too tough, baka…" She muttered, blinking her eyes open.

A brief moment of silence passed, each staring at the other.

"KYAAAAAAAAA"

Both taking notice of the blue-haired girl by the window who quickly hid behind the wall, they looked back at each other in confusion then immediately looked away in embarrassment as Deidara dropped the girl in surprise.

"W-we're done here, un." Ino could hear the frown on his face after he walked away from her.

"Let's try again! Please! Just be a bit softer!"

"I haven't even used any weapon and you couldn't handle it, Yamanaka!"

"I will this time!" She yelled, wiping the blood off the corner of her mouth. "I'm ready this time. I promise. It would be helpful if you tell me what I need to do beforehand though." She mentioned, grinning at her own remark of his lack of competence in teaching.

Unlike what she had imagined as an answer, the boy smirked as well.

"You're gonna need so much to learn, un."

Meiko giggled after she had disappeared behind the wall, fangirling at the scene she happened to walk into and obviously mistaking it as one in a Shoujo she had previously read. After peeking another time at her couple, she decided to leave them having their moment and sat down on the bed, heaving a long pleased sigh.

It's a good thing they made up! She thought, dangling her legs over the edge. She looked down and smiled, mentally laughing at her own girliness. Although when she saw the droplets of blood on the floor, a question mark popped above her head. Another one appeared next to the first when she spotted a faint crimson trail on the bed sheets, leading all the way down under the pillow. Raising an eyebrow at this whole thing, the girl moved the pillow away only to be shocked by the presence of a book. The Bingo book to be precise.

Why is this…?

Meiko turned the book back and forth, wondering why Deidara would be reading it in the first place.

Perhaps…vengeance…?

Eight-year-old Meiko eagerly sat in front of the door, waiting for her step-brother to come back home after yet another mission. It had become a tradition to greet him as soon as he steps through that door, alongside the cup ramen that she was only able to make. That mission was oddly late, the girl had been waiting for three hours more than the expected time of arrival, but she did not mind, she never did, he was the only one left from her family.

The kid slowly fluttered her eyes open, immediately realizing that she had fallen asleep while waiting for her brother.

"Nii-san!" She exclaimed, addressing to the person who had woke her up.

But no. That was not the blond, long-haired brother of hers. They were three men.

"We have some unfortunate news." One of them stated.

Of all the things they had said, the only part she had heard was: "Your brother was killed by the Akatsuki."

The young medic shook the painful memories out of her mind as she tried to focus on the book in front of her.

What brought those up again?

Oh yeah. The Bingo book.

Many of the shinobi in her village used this book as a guide for vengeance. Even though she had her own brother die by that infamous organization, she never had the slightest thought of learning ninjutsu as a way to accomplish that task. She found the whole concept useless and well, non-profitable. That was why she went for medical studies. Healing people will help them more than killing others ever will.

I wonder if I will find anything about them… She pondered, flipping the book open.

As much as she heard about that organization abducting and killing people, she had never attempted to look them up, or find out anything about them for the least. She threw everything behind her. But now that she had somewhat moved on, she was a bit curious.

A couple of pages were enough to lead her to the first Akatsuki member. Giving a quick glance at the description, she read through three Akatsuki members until she reached the fourth.

The one who had flashy blond hair and sky-blue eyes.

The one with the abnormal mouths on his hands.

The one who greatly reminded her of her brother.

"I-Impossible…this can't be…" She stuttered in disbelief.

*coughs* review *coughs* you know you want to. u.u