Author's note: Thanks so much for the reviews and pm's! For those who asked, yes I will continue this story. I know I take such a long time updating, but I suffer from having so many stories in my head I have to swap sometimes. But I always come back to this one!
Even if it takes me months to write one chapter, I definitely will.

So thank you so, so much for those who have stuck with this story! I hope you enjoy this next chapter as well, a long one as an apology for the long wait.

-.-.-.-

Itachi looked at his perfectly set table as he straightened the tablecloth some more.

There were candles, his good silverware and plates a small vase with some flowers.

He had also gone all out with dinner.

This wasn't for nothing. It was a special day, because Itachi was going to ask Deidara to be his boyfriend.

They had been dating for a month and Itachi figured it was unavoidable.

Deidara had mentioned to him that he already considered them together, but Itachi still wanted to do this for real.

It would be his first relationship. And hopefully also the last, because he couldn't see himself with anyone but Deidara.

He heard the doorbell ring and quickly fixed his shirt. He had dressed up just a little and had told Deidara to do the same.

Deidara had smiled at him knowingly, but hadn't addressed the matter.

Itachi was glad, because he was just going to pretend it was a surprise, even though both of them knew where this was going.

Itachi opened the door and was met with this ravishing good looking blonde.

Deidara always managed to exceed his expectations. Tonight was no different.

He was wearing a light blue shirt, that made his eyes pop. His hair was in a loose ponytail.

He probably did that on purpose, knowing Itachi loved it.

A big grin was plastered on Deidara's face.

"Hi!" He said excited and kissed Itachi as he walked in.

"Hey." Itachi greeted back and closed the door.

They walked into the dining area and Deidara suddenly stopped.

Itachi smiled when he saw his face.

"You're joking yeah?" The blonde said in shock.

"No. It had to be special."

"I've never seen a table look this good."

Itachi figured that. Deidara was here, in this country, all by himself and he knew the blonde didn't have much.

He probably never went out to eat or anything like that.

"Sit down." Itachi said as he pulled up a chair.

Deidara smiled broadly and thanked Itachi when he pushed the chair under the blonde.

He left to the kitchen for a second, only to come back with the first course.

"Oh come on yeah!" Deidara said when Itachi put it in front of him.

Itachi chuckled.

"You really went all out." Deidara laughed. Itachi could see how grateful he was.

"That I did." Itachi sat down as well.

They ate dinner, Deidara telling Itachi about his day.

This was part of a routine Itachi was getting used to. Deidara coming home, telling him about the day.

Itachi would often not go to school these days, because Sasuke and his mother were more important.

And he was doing fine anyway. Also, he was lucky he was smart or he would fail all those tests he now easily passed with just a little studying.

Most of the time now the two of them would eat dinner, kiss, sometimes make out and watch a movie.

Then they'd go to bed.

Something Itachi really had to get used to was Deidara sleeping in the same bed.

The blonde was very affectionate. Itachi liked their moments together, he did.

They were pretty intimate. But he wasn't ready for anything but making out.

Especially not with Sasuke and his mother still in the hospital. Somehow that didn't seem right.

As the two had eaten the main course as well, Itachi put desert on the table.

But before Deidara could dig in, Itachi cleared his throat, catching the others attention.

"We both know I didn't ask you here for nothing." Itachi started, and suddenly he was a little nervous.

Not a lot. He knew Deidara's answer after all. However, this was the first time he had been so serious about someone.

He just wanted to do this right.

Deidara stayed silent, looking at him patiently and waiting for him to continue.

It made Itachi feel a little more comfortable.

"I honestly can't think of anyone I would want to ask this other then you Dei." Itachi continued.

The blonde smiled.

"You made me fall head over heels, something I thought pretty much impossible."

A small chuckle.

"So Deidara. Would you officially be my boyfriend?"

Deidara's smile grew wider and even though he had obviously expected it, Deidara still looked touched.

"Of course I will yeah." He said.

Itachi now smiled too and they leaned over the table to kiss each other.

A simple, soft kiss. But one of the most special ones. Because this time it was his boyfriend he was kissing.

On this day they officially decided they were a good fit and would try to stay together.

Itachi had wanted this for a long time, maybe longer then he himself had even realized and now it was coming true.

They had become so comfortable around each other that even now everything seemed perfect.

Being with Deidara was just right.

-.-.-.-

After dinner, Deidara had showered and he and Itachi had gone to bed.

Not to sleep obviously. Because as soon as Deidara laid down on the bed, Itachi hovered over him and covered his mouth with his own.

Soon they were completely lip-locked and Deidara held onto Itachi, grabbing the back of his shirt.

When they had first started making out, Itachi was anything but good at it.

He hadn't told Itachi that of course, and Deidara had actually found it funny how inexperienced he was.

But man was Itachi a quick learner.

Whenever he kissed him now, Deidara felt so overwhelmed and sometimes Itachi did things with his lips or tongue or mouth that send Deidara down a slippery slope.

Just like now, Itachi did something with his tongue and Deidara let out a moan.

Why was this guy so fucking skilled in such a short time?

What was his secret?

Deidara didn't really care though, because this guy was now completely his.

His boyfriend.

That realization alone could drive him crazy.

So Deidara decided to spice things up. Surely this time Itachi wouldn't be able to resist his advances.

They could finally go further.

Thinking about all the things they could do together, Deidara moved his hands under Itachi's shirt, feeling those very appealing muscles.

Itachi sure had a great body.

But as soon as he did it, Itachi pulled his hands away and Deidara was once again disappointed.

He may have been going a little faster then Itachi before and he had respected that. But after a month of dating and on the day they were officially together, Deidara had expected a little more.

Stubbornly he tried again, but his hands were once again caught.

"Dei." He heard Itachi huff out.

"Come on yeah." Deidara said, his voice sounding huskier then he anticipated.

He felt Itachi shiver. Served him right.

Trying a little more bold move, he pulled one hand free and moved it down Itachi's body. He wondered what that particular part of Itachi's body felt like.

But before he had the chance his hand was swiftly caught and put above his head.

"I'm serious Dei."

Ugh. Well so was he. But since this was their first day as a couple, Deidara decided to let it rest.

He didn't want them to fight, especially not over something like this right from the bat.

"Fine yeah." He said, then tugged at Itachi's shirt. "At least kiss me."

Itachi smiled at him and God did he look good.

Why Itachi didn't want to have sex was beyond him, but he would just have to settle for kisses.

Incredibly deep, passionate, crazy kisses that made him loose his mind.

Definitely good enough.

For now.

-.-.-.-

Itachi helped Sasuke get up from his bed, his brother leaning on him heavily.

His arm was still in a sling and his leg still in a cast, but other then that most of Sasuke's injuries had healed pretty well.

His head was doing better as well.

Despite that, Itachi had been reluctant.

He sat Sasuke down in a wheelchair carefully. His brother sat himself down a little more comfortably.

Sasuke had gotten a clear from the doctors a few days ago, that he could be in a wheelchair. They had thought it would be good for him.

Itachi though knew, that as soon as he told Sasuke, there would be only one thing on his mind.

"Ok let's go." Sasuke said, proving Itachi's point.

"Are you sure?" Itachi hesitantly asked, though he knew it was futile trying to change Sasuke's mind.

He wanted to see their mother.

It was something Itachi knew had to happen at some point, but had wanted to prevent as well.

"Just take me there." Sasuke said, slightly irritably.

After Itachi had finally told him, Sasuke had been a little mad at him. He had confessed that he had already known for a few days after all.

Of course, he could have known Sasuke wouldn't take that too well.

But instead of getting angry or start yelling, Sasuke had just become more determined, nearly crawling out of bed himself.

Itachi knew then he had no choice.

He sighed and took his place behind Sasuke's wheelchair.

All the while as they were walking towards their mother's room, Itachi felt his heart clench more and more.

He had tried to prepare Sasuke as much as he could, telling him about the wires and monitor's and that their mother didn't look like she used to.

But he knew it would still be a giant shock to his brother.

It still irked Itachi to look at his mother after all, even after all those weeks. He could only hope Sasuke would be strong enough.

As they reached the door, Itachi looked down at Sasuke. He had his fist clenched and Itachi could just see how tense he was.

Even though he was trying to act tough, Itachi knew Sasuke too well.

He couldn't fool him. He was scared.

Itachi opened the door and was met with that tenacious beeping again.

Then he rolled Sasuke up next to their mother and waited. There was nothing he could do now but study his brother's reaction.

Right now, there was little except for the pained expression on Sasuke's face.

That lasted for a few minutes until Sasuke finally spoke.

Itachi didn't miss the slight raise of his voice.

"Are we allowed to... touch her?" He asked hesitantly.

"Yes. As long as we're healthy."

Sasuke nodded and pushed himself forward a little.

At first, Itachi wanted to stop him, because he knew this was painful and he didn't know what Sasuke was planning.

But when he saw Sasuke reach out to his mother's hand he stopped himself.

He felt something gnaw at his heart when he heard Sasuke speak.

"I'm sorry."

He said it so softly and it was so full of sorrow Itachi had wanted to squeeze Sasuke and never let him go again.

But seeing how that would lead them nowhere, he settled for putting a hand firmly on Sasuke's shoulder and squeezing that ever so lightly.

"It wasn't your fault Sasuke." He said. He had told Sasuke before and every time he hoped it had gotten through to him.

Every time he was disappointed.

"Just let me." Sasuke wasn't having it.

Itachi just sighed. He figured it would just take a while before his brother could see it wasn't his fault.

He just hoped it would come soon.

For now, all Itachi could do was be by Sasuke's side as he came to terms with everything. Starting with the reality of their mother's state.

So he kept his hand firmly on Sasuke's shoulder, indicating he wasn't alone in this.

And Sasuke silently let him, all the while holding onto his mother's hand until it was finally too much and he asked Itachi to take him back.

Itachi heard the quivering in his voice and saw the wetness in his eyes. But he said nothing, seeing Sasuke trying to keep himself together.

His brother was just barely managing.

Itachi took him away from their mother, back to his hospital room in hopes it would make this heaviness go away.

It didn't.

And so after Sasuke was back in his bed, Itachi stayed close by. Because even if Sasuke didn't speak about it, and he didn't, he would at least know his brother was there for him.

Every step of the way.

-.-.-.-

Neji was walking through the hospital, a tray of food in his hands, as he made his way to his friend's room.

Sasuke had been in therapy for about on hour now and Neji knew he was going to be hungry once he made his way back.

Therapy had been hard on Sasuke's body, because some of his muscle tone was gone and walking was impossible without something to hold onto. And even then it took quite a strain for Sasuke to even be upright.

As Neji entered the room, it was still empty and Neji just put the tray down on the bed, sitting down beside it.

This hospital room nearly felt like home now. He had been there so many days, so many hours he lost count.

But it was worth it. He was always worried about Sasuke one way or another, being around was just easier.

If he wasn't at the hospital, he made sure to keep in contact through text, just so he would know if anything was up.

He knew it seemed like a lot to do for a friend. In all honesty, Neji knew it was weird.

Some said he was just being a great friend, but he knew there were also people who thought it was something else.

Something more. Sasuke's friend Kiba, who was at the hospital often as well, and Tenten especially seemed to question him on this.

And when Neji had thought about that properly, he himself figured it might be something more as well.

Although he wasn't quite sure what it was, he was certain he had more feelings for Sasuke then just friendship.

But was this love then? Wasn't he supposed to know that?

He hadn't really been in love before. He had been attracted to people, but never in love.

And even though Sasuke was a very attractive individual, Neji saw that the moment he laid eyes on the boy, he had never thought these attractions were anything more than that.

Physical and mostly trivial. They became friends and that was that. Except since the accident, it wasn't that simple anymore.

He had even asked Sasuke's brother for advice. And even he said he had just simply known. So why didn't he know?

He was awoken from his thoughts by the door opening. Thinking it was Sasuke, he got up to help.

But it wasn't.

Blonde hair came into view. Deidara?

"Oh hey Neji."

Yes.

"Hi." Neji said a little confused. Normally, wherever Deidara was, so was Itachi. But Neji had texted him. He was still in school.

They texted each other just to make sure there was someone by Sasuke's side nearly all the time.

So why was Deidara here?

"Ah." Deidara laughed a little. "I just came to pick up a textbook I left. Forgot it yesterday and I really need it yeah."

That explained it.

"I already wondered who's it was." Neji said nodding.

"Sasuke's still in therapy?" Deidara asked him as he grabbed the book. He turned to Neji.

"Yeah, but I think he'll be back in a minute."

"That's good. See you've got him all taken care off yeah." Deidara gave him a grin.

What was that? A knowing grin? He was definitely not just making fun of Neji.

"I do." Neji politely said, but he could feel his own eyebrow being raised. What was Deidara implying here?

"Good. That's good yeah." Deidara walked towards the door. "I'll be off then. Tell Sasuke I said hi."

"When did you know?"

The words were out before Neji could think about it. That rarely happened and he despised it when it did.

Now was no different.

Deidara turned to him again, looking confused. How could he not be. That was the most random question and Neji didn't even specify it.

It could be about anything.

"I... I mean, with Itachi. When did you know you liked him?" He could always ask. Although with Deidara, he felt like that guy knew more then he let on.

Itachi always seemed pretty oblivious to anything remotely social. It had felt a lot safer asking him, then asking his blonde boyfriend.

"With Itachi? Pretty much immediately. At least attraction. And then when we started talking I knew I was probably going to fall for him. I'm not wrong about that often." Deidara chuckled.

"Ah.. I see." Neji said, a little disappointed. Again, love at first sight. So was it not love he felt for Sasuke?

"However."

There was more?

"With my previous boyfriend, I only realized when he was in trouble that I knew how much I cared. Much more then a regular friend. I guess every love is different." Deidara continued.

He only realized when his friend was in trouble that he felt more.

When he heard Sasuke was hurt, that was when this wash of emotions came over him.

So this could still mean that he was. That Sasuke was the person he was in love with.

And when he thought of his friend some more, he felt his heartbeat race.

There was no denying it. This was the truth.

"Thanks." Neji said a little absentmindedly.

"You're welcome. And Neji, don't worry about it too much. I'm sure he likes you too yeah."

Neji stared at Deidara as he earned a wink from the slightly older guy and then he left, leaving Neji to over think this.

He likes you too.

When did Deidara become so all knowing?

Not long after, Sasuke came in and it took every ounce of Neji's strenght to try and get rid of his nervousness.

He felt like everyone could feel his sped up heartbeat even though he knew that was impossible.

It was just him hearing it. The constant reminder of what he now knew to be true.

He had feelings for his best friend.

-.-.-.-

Deidara was laying on the bed he shared with Itachi. He was busy playing a game on his phone when Itachi came in after a shower.

For a while, neither spoke, Deidara too into his game, Itachi drying and combing his wet hair.

Then Itachi spoke.

"Are you still playing that same game?" He asked.

Deidara looked up for a brief moment, before returning to his game.

"This one's different yeah." He answered.

"I don't understand why you would want to play a game on your phone, honestly."

Deidara chuckled.

"I can't believe you only use your phone for texting and calling." Honestly, Itachi might as well have an old nokia.

He didn't understand the apps at all and how they were fun or useful. He seemed like an old man, but Deidara only found it funny.

"That's what it's for."

"In 1990 yeah." He smirked at Itachi, who shook his head in amusement.

"Are you telling me I act like an old man?" He sat down on the bed next to Deidara.

"You sure as hell do." Deidara now put his phone away. Talking and teasing Itachi was more fun anyway.

"What does that make you?"

"A virtues young gold digger, only after your money."

"Hmm, that doesn't sound right. I'm pretty sure you're in it for my amazing body."

Deidara rolled over to Itachi so that he was now laying on his legs.

"Oh right. I forgot about that yeah." Mainly because he had never fucking seen it, but Deidara wouldn't mention that.

Even though it was kind of getting to him.

Honestly, was he that physically unattractive already?

Itachi was about to say something again, but they were interrupted by Itachi's phone.

A text, Deidara knew, because there was no ringtone. Itachi still had one, that weirdo, but only for incoming calls.

Itachi looked at his phone and Deidara couldn't quite read his response.

The raven haired man stayed silent as he reread the text.

"Sasuke's allowed to go home as of tomorrow." He said.

Now Deidara understood.

Itachi was going to be reluctant about that. He was so protective over his brother. If it was up to Itachi, Sasuke would be in that hospital for another year.

"Sasuke texted you?"

"No my dad."

Ugh. Itachi's father. Deidara still thought he was an asshole. Mainly because that man still ignored him, no matter what he did.

Bastard.

Apparently, his face showed his feelings, because Itachi responded to it immediately.

"I think I should talk to him about us."

Deidara thought about that. He wasn't so sure. When he had tried talking to his parents, they had ignored him as well.

Pretended he wasn't speaking and asking him to do his chores and such.

It had been so annoying Deidara had eventually given up. He had gone on with his life.

"Dei?"

He looked up at his boyfriend. That 'Dei' sounded different than usual.

"What's up yeah?"

"Do your parents know? About... you know."

Ah. Well. They had barely talked about his parents before. And for good reason.

Itachi hadn't really asked. He knew where he came from, but parents. Not really a subject Deidara was going to bring up himself.

So Itachi never really asking about them was totally fine with him.

"They know."

Itachi nodded. "How did they react?" He asked.

Deidara sighed. Did he really want to talk about this? It would probably help Itachi, maybe even their relationship.

But this still bothered him and he didn't want to show it. He'd much rather forget that part of his life.

"Still in denial I think yeah." He answered bitterly. Might as well tell him.

"You think?"

"I haven't spoken to my parents for a year." Deidara truthfully said and sat up. He didn't want Itachi to see that this still made him upset.

He knew he was an emotional guy and his face gave everything away. That didn't mean he wanted people to know everything.

"Why not?" Itachi asked and it annoyed Deidara, even though he could have seen that question coming.

Deidara sighed.

"My parents and I were never really on good terms. And then I left without saying anything yeah."

He shrugged a little. Honestly the only thing he had told Itachi was where he came from, when he left and how life had been after that.

Rough mostly. He had told him about finding a job, then getting some money saved to get an apartment and move out of the homeless shelter.

That place had been terrible, but a hundred times better then the streets.

After he had gotten his own place he had saved some more money and then gone to school.

That's pretty much where he met Itachi. It had taken him a year to get his life on track from the day he got to this country.

His parents would have only ruined that.

"What were they like then?" Itachi finally asked him.

Deidara thought of the right words to describe them.

What could he say? Junkies? Deadbeat parents? Broke ass, unemployed idiots?

All those things would describe them very well.

"Drug addicted people who selfishly had a child without money or a safe home to raise it in yeah?"

Deidara could feel Itachi's stare in the back of his head.

He hated talking about his parents. They had never done anything right. They had never taken care of him, used him as a tool.

Deidara doubted if they ever even loved him at all.

But he never wanted sympathy over it from anyone. He had moved on from that. All he wanted now was to get his life in order.

"I can't imagine having parents like that." Itachi said and Deidara smiled a little.

Itachi had always been pretty understanding. And even though he sometimes said or did the wrong things, Deidara always felt better because at least he was trying.

He wasn't ignoring him, he was always trying to comfort him and make him feel happy.

And Deidara really appreciated that. But he couldn't honestly never know what it was like.

"It's ok though yeah. I don't need them."

Deidara then felt two strong arms wrap around him. He relaxed into Itachi's chest.

"You don't. However, it's still kind of sad."

"I guess it is." Deidara sighed. "And to prevent that from happening to you too I also guess it's good if you want to talk to your father." No matter how much Deidara already despised that man.

He felt Itachi nod.
"After I take Sasuke home tomorrow."

Deidara had to hold back a chuckle, because Itachi sounded a little horrified.

"You know he's going to be fine right? The doctors surely know when he's good to go yeah."

He felt Itachi place his head on his shoulder.

"That doesn't mean I'm not worried."

Deidara smiled and patted his boyfriend's head.

"You're just a worrywart."

He heard Itachi snort.

"Thanks."

"I'm just hoping your dad will listen to you yeah." Deidara turned around and wrapped his arms around Itachi's neck.

"Because I'm getting pretty tired of him pretending I'm a puff of air."

Itachi smiled at him apologetically. Even though both of them knew it wasn't his fault.

Itachi had been rather forward with it all, much to Deidara's surprise actually. He had half expected Itachi to stay in the closet for a lot longer.

His bofriend's family wasn't one where being gay was easily accepted he could imagine. Apart from Itachi's mother that is.

"I'm sure I can get him to see reason."

Deidara wasn't so sure, but he gave Itachi a reassuring smile nonetheless.

It was futile to worry about things that could happen. He had experienced one of the worst possible reactions.

He could only hope that Itachi's father was better then that after all.

-.-.-.-

Author's note part 2: So I guess this story is also taking a Neji and Sasuke route. The main focus is still Deidara and Itachi's relationship, however I didn't think it was right if I left Sasuke and Neji's story out of this.
Also, with everything happening I think it'll give the story more depth. Hope you liked it!