EVERYONE THANK MY BETAREADER: XxDarkSarcasm1010xX and thank my loverly, kakuhidahearts, and a few others, mainly friends and fans.
Hidan sighed, turning on his laptop and waiting for it to load. Kakuzu told him to be online again and Hidan refused to blow his second chance. Once it finished loading, Hidan opened the web cam chat. Not minutes after, Kakuzu had invited him to a conversation. He opened it eagerly just as Shithead leaped onto his lap. He could see Kakuzu was holding Dumbass as well, trying to avoid the hyper puppy's tongue.
"Hey, did he grow some?" Hidan asked.
"I don't know. I suppose. What about Shithead? He looks big." Kakuzu grunted, tossing the dog on the floor.
"I guess." Hidan laughed, stroking the Persian's long fur. "Itachi's moved in with Kisame now."
"I heard. Kisame called me earlier after he picked Itachi up from the airport. Lucky bastard." Kakuzu appeared to be pouting.
"I'll say..." Hidan mimicked his pout. "Are you done with work for the day?"
"More or less. I still have some extra work to do before college starts back up." Kakuzu explained. "What about you? Has sister given you any work?"
"No. She said she'll wait until I finish high school. Just one more year then I'm free baby!" Hidan hooted.
"Deidara told me someone took you to prom..." Kakuzu murmured quietly. "Who's the corpse?"
"He's not a corpse." Hidan huffed.
"He will be." Kakuzu growled darkly.
"Jeez Kakuzu, you're such a jealous bastard." Hidan paused. "It really turns me on."
"You haven't changed much." Kakuzu laughed, "Want to tell me where you were yesterday though?"
"Um, I don't know where I was. The details are fuzzy. I went to Orochimaru's party with Kabuto." He explained.
"Wait, you were with Kabuto and Orochimaru? What the hell is wrong with you? Are you forgetting that they were practically our enemies since elementary?" Kakuzu scolded.
"Well Kabuto's changed. We're friends now. He was the only one I could talk to that would listen to me, you prick." Hidan snapped defensively. "He's not that bad and Orochimaru isn't too bad either."
"Hidan..." Kakuzu sighed. "Just promise me you'll be careful..."
"I promise." Hidan sighed as well, "Can we change subjects now? I miss you."
"I miss you too." Kakuzu smiled. "So have you been well then thanks to Kabuto?"
"Yeah. He's really made high school better. He even said he'll visit me every day throughout my senior year." Hidan grinned.
"Hey Hidan, did you tell Kakuzu he also took you to the prom, hm?" Deidara smirked from the doorway.
"He what?" Kakuzu's expression turned hard again and Hidan groaned.
"Thanks a lot, Deidara." Hidan snapped. "I thought I told you my room was off limits today."
"Aw, but I wanted to go to the mall today." Kabuto whined, brushing past Deidara.
"Kabuto!" Hidan jumped up, temporarily forgetting his boyfriend as he went to embrace his friend. "I thought you were going to Missouri with Orochimaru."
"Eh, he actually crashed at my place." Kabuto replied, looking over to the computer. "Oh hey Kakuzu!"
"You're dead." Kakuzu growled.
"... Someone's in a bad mood." Kabuto laughed, elbowing Hidan. "Just what the hell kinda date is this? My dates are way better."
"Oh shut up Kabuto." Hidan flushed. "Dei, could you and Sasori go with him to the mall? Keep him out of my hair."
"But-"
"Please~?" Hidan begged, glancing to his laptop.
"Fine. But you owe me, un."
"Wait, when did you get a haircut?" Kakuzu asked, eyes squinted to see the blond on his computer. "Looks good."
"Hidan butchered my hair over in Japan, un." Deidara pouted, self-consciously petting his hair. "It's growing back too slow, un."
"Well I think you look fine. Kakuzu does too. Sasori hasn't had any arguments either." Hidan scoffed, pushing Kabuto out the door. "Now shoo."
"Fine, we're going." Deidara huffed, slamming the door shut.
"Sorry about that Kakuzu." Hidan sighed, going back to his seat and repositioning his laptop.
"It seems like Kabuto and you are more than friends." Kakuzu glared.
"Jeez, trust me, he's all for that snake bastard, Kuzu." Hidan growled. "Stop being so jealous. I fucking love you, alright!"
"Alright." Kakuzu sighed, petting Dumbass' head, "I love you too."
"So what now?" Hidan blinked.
"Not sure..." Kakuzu leaned back, looking intently at the screen. "I would strip but-"
"Do it!"
"No way, you need to block your door first." The older flushed.
"Ugh, fine." He grumbled, pushing a dresser in front of the door. "There, now take off that ridiculous bandana."
Kakuzu sighed, obeying him and untying the black bandana hiding his mouth. He then moved onto his tie. He had rushed home straight from work, not bothering to change out of his business suit. Hidan watched him in interest though it was probably the second time they have done something like this over their web cam dates. He slowly pulled off his coat, setting it neatly on the back of his chair then unbuttoned his shirt, one button at a time. Once the light shirt was completely unbuttoned, Kakuzu stopped, smirking at the computer screen.
He could tell Hidan was practically drooling, quivering in anticipation. He laughed shortly at that then pulled off the shirt, folding it then placing it on his coat. Stitches were still left across his torso and light scars stood out on his rough, tan skin. Hidan squinted his eyes, trailing them past his boyfriend's pecks and below his belly button where there was a faint trace of a 'treasure trail'. Kakuzu sighed and reseated himself, crossing his large arms.
"Happy now, Hidan?" He huffed, struggling not to blush.
"Very." He beamed, using the web cam to take a screen shot. "By the way... you know what this Friday is, don't you?"
"It's the day you become legal." Kakuzu winked.
"Not funny, but yeah." Hidan blushed. "I'm turning eighteen."
"I'll be working that day but I'll try to do something for you." He assured his young boyfriend. "I love you. Goodnight."
"I love you too, Kuzu. Goodnight."
–
"So Dei-chan, how are you and Sasori doing?" Kabuto inquired of the blond.
"Don't call me that, hm. And my relationship is none of your business." Deidara snapped.
"Sorry. Hidan is always calling you that so it kinda stuck and I was just curious. Sasori and I used to be good friends before he got jealous of Orochimaru." Kabuto sighed.
"I heard it was the other way around, hm." Deidara grumbled.
"Hey, Sasori, Orochimaru, and I all hung out together before you came along, pretty little rich boy. Orochimaru and Sasori were pretty good friends and they both took a liking to me, the new kid, and even invited me into their little friend group. The problem was that Sasori was a loner type and preferred just a few friends." Kabuto sat at a table in the food court.
"Continue..." Deidara sighed, joining him.
"Kakuzu was much closer to Sasori than Orochimaru and Sasori even looked up to Kakuzu. Of course, who didn't look up to that giant?" He laughed at his own joke, but continued his story after receiving a frown from his listener. "Anyways, Orochimaru wanted somebody to look up to him too and be his best friend. Sasori always played with Kakuzu over Orochimaru so he often felt left out. When I came, he thought he could make me his best friend. It kinda hurt me to see how lonely Orochimaru would get whenever Kakuzu came to play with Sasori. It got worse when that Kisame kid came. He replaced Orochimaru, in a way."
"So what, hm? You two decided to stop playing with Sasori and get nasty towards him because he found other friends? You two sound like the jealous ones, not my Sasori, hm." Deidara scoffed.
"You don't understand." Kabuto sighed. "He got nasty towards us first."
~Flashback~
"Orochimaru, I saved you a swing!" A little first grader grinned, holding a swing.
"I'll be there in a second, Kabuto." Orochimaru returned an innocent smile and looked around the playground. "I'm going to wait for Sasori."
"Okay."
Kabuto let go of the swing as Orochimaru approached to hold it for him. Kabuto swung high, taking advantage of the height to scout for their redheaded friend. He spotted blue under a tree and on the next kick up, he found Sasori talking with his two second grade friends. He slowed his swing and informed Orochimaru about their friend's location. Orochimaru sighed, settling himself on the free swing.
"Oh well. I'll just swing with you until he comes over." The second grader pouted.
"It's okay, Orochimaru, he'll come play with us sooner or later."
Kabuto continued to swing in time with Orochimaru though he went higher, being lighter than his companion. He caught a glimpse of Kisame moving and before he knew it they were at the swings. Kakuzu and Kisame flanked both of Sasori's sides. Kabuto looked over, finding that Orochimaru and he were the only ones occupying the swing set for three. The two swingers stopped their play in order to greet Sasori.
"Hey Sasori." Orochimaru murmured, eying his two classmates. "Wanna swing?"
"Not with you. Get up so we can swing." Sasori said coolly.
"But we were here first." Kabuto protested.
"He said move, you little brat." Kakuzu growled.
"C'mon, Kabuto..." Orochimaru hissed, "Let's go play on the slide..."
"That's right, slither away you snake." Kakuzu murmured to Kisame, pulling a laugh from the new kid.
Kabuto frowned but gave up his swing, following Orochimaru. He made sure to bump against Sasori on his way and utter an insult. Luckily he only got a glare from his classmate. The insult went unheard by his 'bodyguards'.
"I didn't know Sasori was such a jerk. What did we do?" Kabuto whimpered, grabbing Orochimaru's hand for comfort.
"Don't worry about him, Kabuto. We still got each other. We don't need him."
~End Flashback~
"Sasori would never do that, un." Deidara frowned, appearing unsure.
"Well he did. He's an asshole, just like Hidan says he is." Kabuto scoffed.
"Did you tell Hidan this story too...?" Deidara inquired hesitantly.
"Yeah. Why?"
"Because he hates Sasori and he really hates that I'm dating Sasori, hm." He murmured.
"Yeah, he does hate it a little. But don't worry." The silver haired boy smiled. "Hidan knows you're happy with Sasori and won't interfere until he sees a tear."
–
"Happy birthday, Hidan. Sorry that I won't be able to do anything more than this for you. My second job is swamped. Hope you can understand and forgive me."
Hidan sighed, closing his phone after checking his voice mail. Kakuzu had only left him messages for his birthday. None used the 'L' word. He tossed his phone aside again and pulled Shithead close, nuzzling the Persian's soft fur. He was home alone for the day too. Aoi was working and Deidara was helping Sasori babysit the triplets. He just hoped Kabuto would come by and save him from his worst birthday since the accident. Not soon after he recalled the event that left him orphaned with his sister, there was a knock at the front door.
He carried Shithead downstairs with him and opened the door to reveal Kabuto and Orochimaru, both holding presents. Instantly a smile broke out across his face and he invited them in. He saw a package on the doorstep too. He set his cat down and examined the package before grinning wider, taking it inside. Kabuto quickly made himself at home while Orochimaru hesitated, waiting for Hidan to enter the living room. Shithead was glaring at him.
"What's with the package, Hidan?" Kabuto inquired.
"It's from Itachi and the others over in Hawaii." He replied, setting it on the coffee table with the other two gifts. "Kakuzu's sister sent me a present too but she's keeping my fan mail and shit. Apparently my birth date was leaked to the fucking press and some of them sent me some weird presents..."
"What about Kakuzu?" Orochimaru asked innocently (-cough-not-cough-).
"Oh. He's working..." Hidan murmured then quickly cheered. "But fuck him, I got you two. While I'm at it, fuck Deidara too. Damn whore, helping fire crotch babysit instead of spending time with me on my birthday."
"Did you bake yourself a cake?"
"Nah. But mom bought cupcakes. Want one, Orochimaru?"
"Sure." Orochimaru nodded and joined his boyfriend on the couch once Hidan was in the kitchen. "Kabuto, I'm going back to Missouri next month. Jiraiya worries when I'm gone too long."
"Oh. Alright. When can I move out there with you?" Kabuto inquired, leaning on the snake lover.
"I dunno... I'll rent an apartment eventually then I guess you can move in then. I'm struggling at college though..."
Hidan returned with a container of cupcakes, ceasing the couple's conversation. They each took a cupcake and then opened presents once the cupcakes were annihilated. Hidan started on Kisame and Itachi's package first. There were four individually wrapped presents in the box. Apparently, Zabuza and Haku had also sent their regards. There was a new pocket knife from Kisame and Zabuza had given him a kit to care for said knife. Itachi sent along a very nice lighter and Haku had sent the fluid for said lighter.
Orochimaru handed his gift over once the opened presents had been pushed aside. Inside the box was a snake skin and a few odd types of jewelry. Hidan nervously thanked him and was surprised when Orochimaru informed him of another present for another time. Kabuto smiled then and gave him a book on relationships. Hidan glared at him and Kabuto laughed.
"I put some cash in there too since that seems to be the best thing in his relationships." He joked.
"You suck." Hidan whined.
"I'm also spending the night." Kabuto winked.
"Why?"
"I'm driving back to Missouri from here... It's an hour's drive from here but from Kabuto's it's a bit farther. And let's face it, gas is cheaper in Missouri." Orochimaru laughed.
"Tch. Fine. But you're sleeping on the floor."
–
"These kids are so cute, hm." Deidara squealed, nuzzling Konan.
"I guess..." Sasori shrugged, feeding Nagato.
"Don't you like kids, danna?" The blond blinked.
"No, I don't but I promised Itachi I'd help and Pain and Konan did so much for me..." Sasori murmured.
"Brother home?" Yahiko inquired, tilting his head.
"No, not yet. In a few years kid." Sasori sighed.
"Sasowi," Konan squirmed in Deidara's arms. "Potty."
"Again?" Sasori groaned. "Dei, you think you could take her to the bathroom for me?"
"Sure... when's their nap time?"
"We can put them down after lunch. Why?" Sasori blinked.
"I wanted to discuss our plans after..."
"Oh. Right, that... we should plan later, you're not even a senior yet."
"But danna, it's important, hm." Deidara huffed, stomping his foot.
"Ugh, you sound like a woman. Don't tell me you'll be wearing a dress to that too."
"I thought you liked my dress, un!" He snapped, the triplets forgotten.
"Dresses are expensive!"
"You sound like Kakuzu, un!"
"You sound like a bitch!"
–
"Hey Itachi. Thanks for the gifts, hope you and Kisame are faring well. Same for the other bastards too."
"Jeez, if that's you giving thanks, I might never get you anything again." Kabuto interrupted Hidan's phone call, lounging back on the bed.
"Oh shut up and get the fuck off my bed." Hidan grumbled, hanging up. "The bastard didn't even answer the phone."
"Hidan, their time is five hours behind us. He's probably napping. I heard he's nocturnal." Kabuto laughed, sitting up as the front door slammed open.
"Hidan! I'm home, hm! Get your ass down here." Deidara shouted.
"Why the fuck should I, bitch?" He shouted back, hanging out his bedroom door.
"Because I'm pissed and need to vent, hm!"
"What did asshole do now?" Hidan groaned, marching downstairs with Kabuto on his heels.
"We got in an argument over my—What is he doing here, hm?" Deidara glared at his brother's friend.
"Um. Birthday sleepover?" Hidan offered.
"You're lucky I lost Kakuzu's number, un." Deidara grumbled.
"Tch, you don't have the balls. Now what happened, bro?" Hidan sighed.
"Nothing. Forget it, hm. You wouldn't like it." Deidara murmured, brushing past him. "It was just a stupid little tiff, nothing serious, un."
"Damn... now I'm curious." Kabuto laughed.
–
"Happy birthday, danna." Sasori winked, kissing Deidara's cheek.
"Danna!" Deidara started. "What are you doing here?"
"It's your birthday, babe." Sasori shrugged, "And we are dating."
"But how did you know I would be at the mall, hm?" Deidara inquired, hiding a book behind his back. "And in the bookstore and in this section of the bookstore, hm?"
"Your brother told me... don't ask me how he knows..." Sasori laughed, smiling at his boyfriend. "What's that behind your back?"
"I-It's nothing." He stuttered, slipping the book back on the shelf and grabbing another without drawing attention.
"Bull." Sasori scoffed, easily snatching the decoy book from Deidara's hands. "A book on homos?"
"I-Itachi recommended it, hm."
"Oh... Well forget it. I'm taking you to our shop. I have a surprise for you."
Sasori set the book down and proceeded to drag Deidara from the mall to his car. Deidara remained quiet during the ride, curious about his surprise. There was not much at Sasori's family antique shop that Deidara liked. Sure there was plenty of art, but the style was lasting and old. Nothing new and short-lived like Deidara's preferred style. The blond continued to ponder until the car came to a stop at the front of the store.
Sasori got out first, helping Deidara out of the car. Sasori soon put a blindfold on him, promising it was temporary. Blue eyes rolled under the black cloth but he followed the redhead regardless. He was carefully led past the various wooden clocks and puppets and into the back of the shop. However Sasori did not stop in the workshop, instead leading Deidara up a hidden staircase. He took off the blindfold and stepped back from Deidara.
The blond gasped at the sight. It was a romantic dinner set up in the store's attic. Sasori had set up fancy candles and even some flower petals and the glass figurines they had bought so long ago—as it seemed to them—were neatly and decoratively positioned all over the room. Sasori handed Deidara a lighter and led him to the table, sitting in one of the wooden chairs he himself had made. Deidara also noticed the table had been made by Sasori as well. He moved the candles and plates aside, staring in awe at the scorpion and bird carved into the table top.
"Danna...?" Deidara blinked; his eyes were watery.
"Do you like? I was thinking it would be perfect for after you graduate..." Sasori trailed. "I'm taking over this store in a few months since I'm older now."
"Will we live here, danna?" Deidara wondered.
"Whatever you want, babe. We can sell whatever art pieces we want as well. Even your clay figures and fireworks. This attic makes a perfect bedroom and there's a bathroom downstairs. In the basement is a kitchen and another bedroom." Sasori fidgeted slightly.
"Danna..." Deidara smiled, lighting the candles. "It's perfect."
"Not quite..." Sasori flushed, fishing something out of his pocket. "I didn't do it properly at the dance and you know I'm old fashioned so..." He clutched something tightly in his hand.
"I already gave you my answer, you don't have to... un." Deidara blushed.
"I know. But I want to... Besides, I wouldn't mind doing this everyday if I have to. I love you and I always will. I know we're probably rushing but-"
"That's my style, un." Deidara giggled.
"Exactly."
He held out his hand and slowly uncurled his fingers...
–
August tenth started Deidara and Hidan's senior year. Something Hidan was not quite as excited about. He moped on his way to class, upset that Kakuzu was busy with college once again. This time he could not meet with Kabuto between classes. However Deidara would be able to meet him now that Sasori was gone. Once they reached their homeroom for introductions, the two brothers sat at an art table towards the front.
They had both been put in Ashley's homeroom since Konan passed on and Pain quit work for their triplets. The boys' first day of senior year went by quickly. At lunchtime they both split a lunch Hidan had made and packed. Hidan spoke of the theater club and Deidara of the art club. They reminisced about the old days and soon started discussing their future plans. Deidara did not say much though, simply stating he would become an artist and possibly go to college.
At the end of the day, they felt closer than they did in Junior year but still not as close as Freshman year. It seemed time really changed them; it changes everyone.
Review Responses:
sasodei awsum: I realize SasoDei is popular... but in my opinion, it's too popular and there's so many conflicts about it so I tend to keep my distance. I write what I wanna write. Sasori and Deidara aren't the main characters and I apologize if I didn't make this clear enough. As this story is still in progress and has so many couples and pairings, I have been changing the characters so fans of all sorts of the pairings featured here could find this story. Once the story is completed, the end characters chosen to help people find this fiction will be "Akatsuki".
As for Dei wearing a dress, I justified it a bit. Besides, it was totally fan service. XD It's not happening again anyways... Sorry that I offended. People like feminine Dei and some like masculine Dei. I couldn't care one way or another and try to please both sides. This is the whole reason I try to avoid the pairing. XDD As for making him more masculine... I have. He's still just a kid. Give it time. He just got a traumatic haircut too. How's that for masculine? No more pretty, girly locks... until after graduation... but if you want him to stay masculine, fine. I can keep his hair short. D
Back to there not being enough SasoDei. If you paid attention to my author notes, you would see that I was struggling with that. I was asking for ideas and such but none were given so I did what I could think of for the time. SasoDei is just so popular and overdone that it bores me... But I love it still and try to think up new, original things to write with this couple.
(Sorry that I'm rambling. It's a nasty habit of mine. I prefer reviews like this to be ones I can send a PM to but I like anonymous reviews a lot.) Oh, and KakuHida = my OTP and ftw.
Some dickhed: Lol. But yeah, same thing as above. I'm sorry if Deidara's a girly kid. He was his mother's dress up doll back in preschool so what did you expect? And Sasori did kind of come out of the closet but don't worry. I promise Sasori isn't ashamed of Deidara. He was just suffering from shock that his boyfriend cut his beautiful hair. I think in the last chapter I made it clear that they had made up... In fact... -hint to a spoiler- they're probably more lovey-dovey now than any of the other characters.
So, the gist of these two reviews: SasoDei isn't the main pairing and is a very controversial issue! It is very dangerous to write SasoDei. Note to self: Write less SasoDei. (Joking. XD I'll just have more trouble writing SasoDei, inevitably prolonging the whole story. That or I'll just write them however I feel like writing them.) Thank you both for your reviews. I really appreciated hearing your true opinions. I like getting constructive review like your guys'.
Personal News That Affects My Stories: Okay, I'm going through another rough patch. Might end up on the streets again. Possibly going to a new school district which really stresses me out and puts me through depression. When I am depressed, I have no energy to move, eat, go to the bathroom, talk, or type. I just lie there. So if I suddenly become inactive, you'll know why... If I sound snippy to anyone, I don't mean it, honest. I'm just so tired of life. (I'm not suicidal.) I feel like hibernating~ -heart-
Thank the new fans: hMLS335, KanameAngel, 3vilrainbowponyy, and XrcasxDarkSam1010xX. Another special thanks to my beta-reader.