Author's note: uhh..it's been almost a year..so sorry! I was so busy with school :(

I do thank the reviewers/alerts though. Really. I LOVE YOU EVEN THOUGH IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME. ;-;

TrueGaaraRose: I also believe Dei would handle things under pressure. Well, maybe at first, but after pairing up with Tobi, I thought he got a bit more short-tempered..you know? losing to his annoyance/anger.. xD

BlackTitania Gem: yes, Tobi is cute. I miss his "SENPAAAIIII!" :')

Err..if you guys forgot what happened earlier, you can go back and read the end of the previous chapter. ;w;

I would recommend bringing a box of tissues for this chapter.

Disclaimer: Some parts of this chapter were taken from the Naruto manga chapter 328 volume 36.

Far Beyond The Truth

Chapter 13

Meiko enthusiastically skipped her way to the kitchen, humming the sound of a song that randomly popped in her head at that moment. She passed by the living room, and she couldn't help but notice the blond and the pink mixture out of the corner of her eyes. Stopping in her way and looking over, she found Ino crouching down next to the coffee table with a cloth in her hand cleaning it up. Something about her dull, slow, repetitive movements was off though; she kept scrubbing the same spot over and over that Meiko swore she saw a sparkle emitting out of it.

She walked closer to the girl, vaguely tilting her head in order to see her face. As Meiko presumed, the blonde was distracted. She waved a hand in front of her face, trying to snap her out of her thoughts. Ino just blinked, startled, and looked up at the young girl standing in front of her murmuring "hm?"

"Something wrong?" The kid started, making her way to the sofa and slouching down comfortably.

Ino paused and remained silent for a minute, then slowly shook her head without lifting her gaze off the table, her impassive face didn't alter the slightest.

"All good." She finally answered, moving her hand farther to reach a more distant spot.

The kid frowned at the received response that didn't seem to satisfy her. She knew exactly what was bothering the girl in front of her, it was as clear as the light blue sky outside, but she wanted the girl to talk about it herself in order to solve the problem. Even if she were no more than thirteen years old, she was way more mature than everyone her age. Sure, she may be, possibly, in a way, hyper. But she chose to be like that herself. She was no ordinary kid. Her life obligated her not to be one.

The dark-haired girl heaved a sigh, contemplating her surroundings so as to find a good way to bring up the topic and help the blonde. It wasn't as if she were a fan of hers; in fact, there was something that prevented her from even trying to like her. Every time she thought about actually befriending the Kunoichi, deliberations of her taking away Deidara –after he was completely healed- immediately rushed in her mind and disturbed her. She didn't want Deidara to leave. Because…because…

She shook her head, attempting to get rid of those negative thoughts. She wouldn't let her selfishness get in the way of cheering this poor girl up. Especially after her courtesy. Who would ever disregard their pride for the sake of a complete stranger?

Meiko looked away and smiled.

"Dei-chan can be so grumpy, ne? His injuries are really taking the best out of him."

Ino was somewhat puzzled at the young girl's statement. She didn't want to look so however, so she just looked up at her with an emotionless face, waiting for her to continue whatever she was starting.

Meiko on the other hand was still looking away; she couldn't see the blonde's expression. But she still wore that innocent smile of hers. That was what baffled Ino even more. What was she aiming at? It wasn't as if anything were of her business, she had absolutely nothing to do with it.

"I bet most men are like that; stubborn, cranky, unappreciative," She continued, closing her eyes and letting out a small laugh. "…but we gotta live with them, ne?" She opened her eyes and faced her again, her lips still curving up in a warm smile.

To say that the kunoichi wasn't shocked would be an absolute lie. However this time, she didn't try hiding it from her features and at noticing that, Meiko laughed even more and stood up, saying the following.

"All I'm saying is that never mind that baka, he has to thank you for what you have done for him eventually!" She walked next to her and crouched down, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Ino, still shocked about the whole thing, only managed to let out a "y-yeah". She couldn't even add anything else for when the kid had touched the redness on her cheek, she was too puzzled to talk.

"...and if this red mark is still visible till tonight, I'm making one for him!" She shouted, raising a fist next to her face.

At her unexpected zeal –and support- Ino finally allowed a smile to lift her lips as she sighed through her nose and nodded, a simple gesture to show the girl she had cottoned on and she needn't to continue. Truth be told, she did. How could she be this ridiculous? What was she even sad about anyways? Over whom? Deidara? The absolute stranger who didn't know, and didn't even want to know anything about her? If not then whom? Herself? It got to be it. How many times did she have to remind herself that she and Deidara were not what it could be called: "the close of friends"? Even if she did see him as a friend, now that he had risked his life to save her own, he most likely didn't share the same consideration. All he saw in her was his route to cure. And as soon as he completes his part, that would be it. Farewell. Forever. He will never see her, and she will never see him. Of course he wouldn't care whether she began to remember or not. Of course he wouldn't care about her teammate. And admitting it to herself, she did indeed act childish. He was fagged out. Hurt. Last thing he wanted was some girl shouting in his ears something he didn't give a crap about. But the thing she couldn't fathom yet was why. Why did he agree to go through all of this for her? Agree to dice with death for her? As far as she knew, healing works on a living body. If he died, what was the point? What would have happened if that sand shinobi contrived to kill him, or if she could not make it to the medic? Did he have that much faith in her?

No. Utterly ridiculous.

Then why?

Why?

Why?

"...no? Ino?" Meiko's voice snapped her back.

Ino looked around her startled and noticed the blue-haired girl poking her head out of the kitchen door.

"I have a list of herbs I need to pick up from my garden, can you do that for me? It's right there on the table, thanks!" Meiko asked before disappearing into the room. "...I'll be busy for a couple of hours so don't interrupt!" Was heard from there, followed by "Ahh hot hot!" and a sound of a metallic object falling down.

"H-hai..Otonashi-san.." Ino managed to whisper, wondering if she should really go do what she demanded or just check up on her. When the blonde didn't hear anything unusual anymore, she shrugged in acceptance and looked back at the table in search of the note. It didn't take her a second to find it and have it between her hands.

Was this thing on the table all along? She wondered, feeling silly at not noticing it earlier. She let out a chuckle at her foolishness and stood up heading towards the door. She placed her hand on the doorknob and—

Wait what?

Ino must have been really distracted for she had absolutely forgotten what the kid had told her to do.

Focus Ino! Focus!

The kunoichi took in a deep breath trying to clear her mind before exhaling and taking her time to gaze at the slip of paper between her hands.

Aroe

Goudensiiru

Karendura

.

.

.

.

Ino blinked.

She was this close to break into hysterical laughter. What was this? Was Meiko doing some sort of joke?

She looked back down again at the note and re-checked the contents. How was she supposed to know which one is which?

She turned towards the kitchen. She needed to ask the girl. The blonde barely made it two steps closer, but a brash voice that exactly matched her own cut her mid-step.

How pathetic! Can't you do anything by yourself?!

Ino's bewilderment at her own voice inside her head caused her to think twice about what she was about to do. Did she really need to ask for help? It couldn't be that hard. Perhaps the herbs outside were labeled, otherwise Meiko wouldn't have asked her to do such thing. And if that was the case, interrupting her for something this silly would add nothing but more stupidity to her.

I'll go check them out by myself first. If I can't manage to do it then...

Only then she would ask for help. Great plan. Why don't we first try doing things on our own?

The blonde sighed in satisfaction and returned to the door. She couldn't help but smile at the little excitement that submerged her for this little task. It seemed fun. Not to mention it may be a good way to take her mind off the occurrence of the day.

You gotta be kidding me...

Ino stood still in her place, dumbfounded at the various kinds of plants grown in the young girl's backyard. She blinked several times, making certain that there was indeed no sign or any label whatsoever. She swallowed the big lump of saliva that formed in her mouth and shifted her gaze from one flower to another.

Yep that was a problem.

How was she supposed to know which one to pick up?

She needed Meiko's help after all.

The blonde sighed at her uselessness and spun on her heel towards the door of the house. She couldn't help but get curious at the fade giggling sound that suddenly made itself audible however. Narrowing her eyes concentrating at the source, she examined the place around her before her eyes landed on recognizable dark blue and blond. Both Meiko and Deidara –whose flashy hair could be identified within miles- were apparent by the window of the room her blond companion was placed in. The giggling belonged to Meiko, of course. Unless Deidara did turn out to be a female after all. She was holding something which Ino guessed were chopsticks between her fingers. She was feeding Deidara. And seeing Deidara's back, she guessed he was..shaking?

Ino blinked.

Was Deidara actually laughing? Maybe he was teasing the girl, but if he were she wouldn't have been all happy about it either.

What could it be that was making him this joyful? Unless he was like that with everyone except with her.

Could it be that he was only mean to her? Why? What had she done?

Furthermore he wouldn't even thank her. Even though her help was limited but she did try her best. So far she was only making up excuses for him. But she had it. He should have appreciated her attempts, not treated her like trash.

Okay...I'm exaggerating, but still!

Ino turned her back to face the garden again and walked away forming fists with her hands. She was beyond pissed. She let herself fall down on her knees and gazed at the several kinds of plants in front of her.

It wasn't like she was jealous of Meiko. It was just..unfair. She was the one who deserved that treatment not the kid.

At that thought, Ino grabbed the stem of a flower and snatched it out of the ground, glaring at it as if that plant were the cause of everything.

How. can. he. be. such. a. jerk!

Ino took hold of another flower and seized it, and another, and another, and another. She collected the plants in a small bouquet and stared at it, narrowing her eyes then throwing it aside. She folded her arms and looked away in an attempt to calm herself down. Her blue eyes landed on a rose swaying gently with the wind; its purple petals stood out from the red and green field facing her.

Ino held the bouquet firmly between her hands and walked to the front. She carefully set it down on the counter to examine her work; it was another masterpiece. Laying her elbows on the table and resting her cheek on the palm of her hand, she allowed a mischievous grin crawl on her face and looked up at the man in front of her.

"Who are those for?" The blonde asked raising an eyebrow while still keeping her smirk.

The man avoided making an eye contact with the girl and looked away, a hint of a fade blush was visible.

"Oh...umm...no one in particular." He said taking the bouquet then turned around to make a run for it before he gets showered with questions.

"Say Hi to Kurenai sensei for me will you!"

The cigarette that the guy had between his teeth was about to leave his mouth as his lips opened up in shock.

"Wha..what for?!"

The blush couldn't be missed.

Ino blinked several times and checked her surroundings, she was still in that girl's yard and that was nothing but another daydream.

"A-Asuma sensei...?" She whispered looking down.

She noted the list between her hands and the number of flowers scattered next to her.

"Oh c'mon open your mouth!"

"No!"

"But you can't eat by yourself lemme help you!"

"I can if you give me the bowl, un!"

"Nuh uhh. Now open."

"I will not op—"

And Deidara's lips were shut by chopsticks stuffing his mouth with a considerable amount of noodles. Meiko giggled when she saw the difficulty he was having with chewing and swallowing that quantity and the coughing fit he suddenly fell into.

The young girl held the bowl with a hand and the chopsticks with another, waiting for him to recover for his next dose.

"Do that again, one more time, and I'll shove them up your whiny little ass, un. You got that?"

The girl giggled again and rolled her eyes.

"You're just looking for an excuse to touch my butt."

"Hey don't project your fantasies on me, un!"

He tried avoiding the other batch of noodles, but unfortunately all he was able to move properly was his head.

"So what if they were." She stated, taking the chance of his pause to stuff more noodles in his mouth.

However this time, Deidara couldn't handle the unwanted food forced upon him and choked, spitting some of the food on the little girl's clothes.

As they both realized what had just happened, Deidara's lips were pulled back in one of his trademark smirks while the other's opened up in disbelief.

"Eww noo!" She snapped putting the bowl on the nightstand next to him and standing up from her chair. She kept staring at her stained dress with disgust.

At her outburst, the artist's smirk grew even bigger and was accompanied by a wicked chuckle.

"Hahaha, you totally deserve this, un!" He mocked following her gestures with his eyes.

Meiko glared hard at him and pulled her fingers in fists.

"This is not over yet! I'll be back!"

And with that she turned around and headed towards the door. By the time she opened it Deidara had already said "Not after a shower you won't, un!" and continued to laugh.

The blond soon brought an end to his childish amusement as soon as Meiko had left the room. He sighed in exasperation and laid his head back on the pillow to stare up at the sky. He tried to relax and clear his mind, but it kept going back to the same annoying thoughts.

Yamanaka...

He gritted his teeth.

Damn it Deidara...when did you get this short-tempered..?!

At that idea, an image popped in his head.

Tobi..

Deidara's annoyance made him close his eyes shut and slam the surface of the white clean bed sheet hard with his clenched fist, without forgetting to curse, of course.

A sudden burn made him open his eyes again and look down at his hand, only to see it bleeding. He cursed another time and moved his arm away from him so the blood would fall on the floor. Staring at the wound with disgust and waving his hand to get rid of the red liquid, something clicked in his mind as he immediately tried to lean over to look at the floor.

There it was.

The Bingo Book.

I-I have to hide this away from her...

The artist gritted his teeth as another attempt of sitting up failed. He grunted in pain as he shakily extended his arm and gathered all of his power to lean in. Moving his bloody fingers over the surface of the floor, his frown was replaced by a little smirk when he felt the cover of the book touch his skin. After a couple of unsuccessful tries to lift it up, he finally allowed a sigh of relief when he brought it up to him and dropped it on his lap to rest a bit. That substance inside his body was finally beginning to wear off, but that also meant that he was going to feel pain.

Waiting until his heavy breathing steadied, he gradually lifted it and shoved it under his pillow, letting himself relax and heave a big sigh of relief.

Now that this was taken care of, all there is now—

"...hai Otonashi-san." He heard a girl say.

Deidara's eyes soon widened as he saw Ino open the door and slowly make her way towards him.

He gulped.

Ino opened the front door and looked around in search of a particular person. She sighed and looked down at the plants she gathered between her hands; she wouldn't let the ones she picked out of anger go to waste, so she decided to give Meiko the herbs and tell her she couldn't do the task.

The female blonde made her way to the kitchen and poked her head inside to get a glimpse of the room. When she saw no one was in there, she headed to Deidara's room. Meiko must have still been there.

"Do that again, one more time, and I'll shove them up your whiny little ass, un. You got that?"

Ino blinked.

"You're just looking for an excuse to touch my butt."

"Hey don't project your fantasies on me, un!"

The Yamanaka raised her eyebrows at the noise coming out of the room in which she was heading to. It didn't seem any of the persons inside were by any mean happy which contradicted her previous theory.

"Eww noo!"

Ino almost stumbled back at Meiko's sudden outburst. What was happening in there? Should she enter? Maybe it was a bad idea and she should just wait until Meiko comes out. Not to mention that she was in no mood to see Deidara at all or else he might need a longer stay in this clinic.

She sighed and rubbed her forehead, a headache disturbing her thinking. She looked up and was surprised to see Meiko closing the door behind her all the way while mumbling incoherent –and apparently not friendly- words.

"Ugh that Deidara! Huh, Ino?" The kid wondered, shifting her gaze from the stain on her dress to the girl in front of her. "..that was quick."

"Ano..you see Otonashi-san..I didn—"

"Oh that's great!" The dark-haired girl interrupted, completely forgetting about her outfit. She walked closer and took the bouquet between her hands, examining the constituents.

"Uhuh..yeah..Aroe..karen..yep that's good! They're all here! Thanks!" She cheered placing the plants on the table and heading to the bathroom.

"Wh-what..." Ino stood still in her place dumbfounded. She quickly turned around to call for the petite. "..you serious?"

Was it luck that made her pick the right ones?

"Umm..y-yeahh..?" Meiko answered confused. "..oh, I'll have to ask you one more thing. You see, your friend here won't make me feed him, and the anesthetic is still in his system so he won't be able to move much. I'd appreciate it if you do it instead of me since he may agree and go along with you."

"What? But Otonashi-san—!"

"I'll go take a shower, good luck!"

and with that the girl disappeared behind the bathroom door.

Ino didn't know what to do. She was so not ready to face Deidara, yet she couldn't refuse Meiko's request...

"…hai, Otonashi-san.."

Taking a deep breath, she placed her hand on the door-handle and pushed it open.

Deidara was speechless when he first saw Ino enter. He wasn't expecting such thing so he couldn't forbid himself from expressing the shock on his face. It disappeared as soon as it came to him however and turned his face to the other side, as if he hadn't done anything wrong.

"Oh my god..how did you..?!"

Before Deidara could know it, Ino was found right next to him on the bedside, holding his bleeding hand and examining it carefully.

"You need to go easy on your injuries baka! You just had them healed and they could easily open up again!" She yelled putting his hand down on the bed and covering it with both hers. Soon after it a green light enveloped their hands.

The whole thing startled Deidara to the fullest. Why was she still doing that, didn't they fight few minutes ago? She managed to forget it that easily?

The artist watched her carefully as her worried, narrowed eyes returned back to normal after a couple of minutes. She then stood up and walked to the drawers, fumbling with the items inside.

All was Deidara able to do was staring. Silently staring. He just couldn't fathom her actions at all.

"Why are you doing this, un?" He finally broke the silence.

The girl paused for a moment then continued her searching.

" 'cause that's what friends do?" She answered. A sigh was heard and she reached for an object then turned around.

The boy didn't understand her smirk until she lifted her hand up showing the item she held.

"The last bandage-roll." She uttered, walking back towards him.

Narrowing his eyes to get a better look at the thing, they snapped wide open again as he looked back at Ino.

"No. No fucking way, un." He warned, trying to move back.

"I'm not asking for your permission dobe." She sneered, reaching for his arm and missing.

A grunt escaped Deidara's lips as he slowly rested his hand away from hers.

"I'd rather bleed to death, un."

The girl rolled her eyes. That guy had some serious ego problems.

"Don't be such a baby! You wanna abandon your Art because you're too immature to agree to have a childish bandage on?" She questioned seriously, holding the pink flowery bandage in front of his eyes.

The male blond eyed the cloth suspiciously, as if it may blow up on him any second. Without forgetting to send her death glares, he hesitantly lifted his hand up until it became visible to her, along with the injury sign cutting the middle of his palm.

Ino immediately grabbed his hand and moved it closer. Her quick, sharp actions were too sudden, adding a little painful, so the boy let out another pained grunt.

They both remained silent as the girl was wrapping the cloth around his hand, while the boy was facing the other direction, aggravated.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you, un?"

Ino could tell by the tone of his voice that he was pouting.

"More than what I am supposed to be." She replied, smiling.

The Akatsuki member stared at her out of the corner of his eyes.

He finally let himself smile.

What happened earlier that day was completely forgotten.

"…this…this is it for me…even I know that much…"

All the members of team 10 surrounded the man badly injured on the ground. He was laying on one of the members' lap; the one with the dark spiky hair pulled back in a messy ponytail. "…heh…you all...should know that as well…"

"Shut up! Just be quiet!" The dark-haired boy shouted, slightly moving to the side allowing the female member to take the needed space. Said-girl instantly sat on her knees and placed her trembling hands on the wounded man's chest as a green light enveloped them.

"Ino…" The third member whispered to himself when he noticed the urgency and worry on the girl's face.

He's been struck at four vital points…Ino thought trying her best to keep her composure. There's nothing more that can be done…

Shikamaru's eyes widened when he saw Ino's surrendered face lower down as tears began to form in her eyes. Another drop of sweat slid from his forehead down to his temple, he closed his eyes shut listening to what his sensei had to say.

"I think I finally understand…the things…the third accomplished…until now…I finally think I get it…" Asuma chuckled lightly. "…I am always too late…"

Asuma tried to smile, but the blood forcefully leaving his mouth made it a difficult task. They carefully put him down on the ground as he looked up at them.

"One last thing…" He coughed. "…Ino…Chouji… Shikamaru…there's something I want to say…to you all…"

"Sensei! You shouldn't be talking right now—!"

"..Chouji!" Shikamaru yelled to his comrade. "…you too Ino…" He whispered, aforementioned girl looked up with tears flowing down her cheeks "…these are Asuma sensei's last words…listen closely…" Shikamaru said, despair showing in his narrowed eyes.

"Ino…" Asuma whispered smiling.

"..yes..?!"

"You're very confident, but…you know how to take care of yourself…Chouji and Shikamaru…these guys are kind of clumsy…so take care of them…"

"Yes…" She answered, wiping her nose.

"…and…don't you lose to Sakura…in ninjutsu or in love…"

"..Yeah!" The blonde closed her eyes and hid her face with both her hands, weeping silently.

"Chouji…" The man tilted his head to look at said-student. "…you're a gentle guy who thinks of his friends' feelings… that's why…you'll become a stronger ninja than anyone…always believe in yourself…"

"Yeah…" The chubby student smiled weakly, wiping the tears from his cheek.

"..that and…you could go on a small diet.." Asuma smiled, while Chouji used the sleeve of his shirt to rub his eyes.

"That's pushing it a little, but I'll try my best…"

"Heh..and you Shikamaru…" Noticing he was directing his talk to him now, Shikamaru lifted his teacher's head up to meet his gaze."…you have a sharp mind, and your sense…of ninja, is good…these abilities might even make you…into a hokage…well…to a complainer like you..." He coughed. "…it might be too much of a pain…you know…I never once managed to beat you in Shougi…" Saying that, he paused. "..oh yeah..and on that talk about the "king"…"

Shikamaru's eyes widened.

"So…do you know who the "king" is? I'll tell you…who it is…come closer…"

And that was what he did. The man whispered in Shikamaru's ears who quickly sat up and stared at his sensei.

"Asuma…you…that's why—"

"I'll leave it up to you…Shikamaru…but…that's enough on that…those cigarettes I quit smoking…are in my pouch…I just want one last smoke…"

Shikamaru took a cigarette and placed it in Asuma's mouth. He lit it up with the lighter and watched his sensei inhale his last smoke, before he slowly closed his eyes and the tobacco roll fell down to the ground.

"..SENSEI!" Ino screamed falling down on his chest and sobbing along with her brown-haired teammate.

Thunder was soon heard before heavy rain descended freely over everyone's faces.

"Like a shinobi…till the end…" Shikamaru murmured clenching his fists. His tears got mixed with the water falling down from the sky.

"…Yamanaka! Yamanaka wake up!" Deidara shouted shaking the blonde girl by the shoulders. She was sleeping on the bedside with her arms nesting her head.

"..s-sensei..A-Asuma sensei..!" Ino kept sobbing. Still asleep or awake; he had no idea.

Deidara stared down at the blonde with worried eyes. He didn't know what to do, for she suddenly began crying in her sleep. It must have been a nightmare.

"There there…" He comforted, gently stroking her hair. "…everything will be alright, un."

Please review friends! You get a kissu~?