Series: Naruto
Setting: AU
Prompt: 15. Storm
Rating: K
Word Count: 1, 171
Warnings: None
Summary: Even the strongest of people have fears.

Bonus Writer Notes: Ummmm none… sorry -hangs head-

Crash Boom Bang

"Tachi! Tachi! Look how deep I can go, un!" the ecstatic blonde called out, waving his arms wildly about catching the attention of the one he was calling out to at the other end.

Deidara happily waded around the pool, now the perfect weather for swimming with Summer taking its effects, facing the muggy temperatures of the days that bring the forecast of rain for later in the evening. Little legs frantically kicked about wanting to get deeper into the water but he was told not to go out too far by the supervisor watching over them, a nodding agreement saw him paddling back to shallow waters, held above the water surface by the bright yellow duck looking floaties around his arms. While he could go that deep as he had been, Deidara couldn't yet swim, only managing the somewhat doggy paddle splashing water everywhere from the little legs kicking about, fighting to make sure his head didn't drop into the water. He was proud of what he could do but Itachi was far more skilled at everything that he done, he could make it up to the deep end and he didn't require floating devices.

The answer received was only a quick nod at the way Deidara was swimming about, unfortunately he was never one for words of praise or even speaking in general. He was a very quiet child. The call out was made by his mother to come inside and have a bath to get ready for dinner, it was getting late and she was responsible enough not to leave the boys in there for too long to catch the chills. One by one they were ushered out, dripping trails of water through the house followed by small footprints up to the bathroom, stripped of their clothes and bathed, back down stairs for a warm dinner and the promise for a stay up late night to watch a movie. National Treasure was the one of choice tonight with the pair content with the decision because it had adventure and things to learn about. The movie was only half way through when the heavens opened up in a downpour, the soothing sounds of the rain beating against the roof top drew the blonde over to the window, pressing his face against the glass in awe at the sight. He loved the rain and there was one thing that he loved even more.

First cracks of thunder and lightening sounded causing chaos at the window from the boy running back and forth insanely excited, pointing at the fading colors of purple , blue and yellow for his friend to come and view it with him. "Huwwee huwwee you'll miss it" he waved his friend over, turning his head to look at him just in case he went unheard but there was nothing but an empty space and a pillow occupying where Itachi used to be. He must have needed to go to the bathroom, they did drink a lot of juice.

Twenty minutes of intently watching had him on a high, how he wanted to go out there and run around under the cold beads of water, spinning around in circles watching the display up close. Itachi was really missing out on something… wait a minute where was Itachi? It has been a long time since Itachi returned so curious Deidara had to investigate, sneaking from room to room, ducking and weaving between furniture like he was a secret agent on a mission to catch the bad guy. Bad guy one spotted in the nursery nursing the crying baby that had been woken with the first thunder strike, bad guy two sitting in the study doing some adult stuff but his secret agent partner was still missing. Dropping to the ground on his belly, Deidara crawled along looking under each door that lead into the bedroom until he got to Itachi's, propping to his knees shuffling into the room. Bright eyes looked at the roof when the loud bang sounded giving a small bounce wishing he was outside to watch it but there was another sound in the room, a whimper from behind a sky blue door that was to his right. Scuttling over to the direction an ear was pressed against the thin wooden surface, listening to see if the sound was made again. Another loud crack, louder than before and so was the strange noise coming from behind.

Slowly the opening door revealed a pair of ruby glowing eyes behind the veil of midnight peaking up shaking in fear from the huddled up arms they were hiding behind, curled up in the corner was the missing child quivering visibly. "Don't tell Deidara" he pleaded, thinking that it was his mother than had come in to check on him, not the one he didn't want to see him like that who crawled inside the walk in wardrobe, tugging the door closed behind him.

Crouching down in front of Itachi giving a confused tilt of his head to the side, asking curiously "Why don't you want Deidei to know?" His bottom lip extended in a pout wondering if it was something that was about him that was the problem. "Are you afwaid, un?" shuffling in closer to his frightened friend.

The thunderous crack directly overhead explained it all perfectly for Deidara, hearing the yelp of fear that balled tighter up to cover his ears, pressing against them hard trying to prevent a cry out for his mother to come and save him. He didn't want to be a coward in front of the younger one, he would laugh at him for being so weak but every time the loud rumbles echoed from above it shook the room, feeling like the walls were going to collapse in on him. "I hate thunder" Itachi confessed in a whisper.

Gentle warm arms wrapped around him resonating the feeling of being protected like his mother was holding him, keeping him safe while singing sweet lullabies to him to help ease his mind, feeling his tense muscles loosen under his embrace. "I will protect you, un" Deidara told him, putting Itachi's mind at ease, allowing himself to gently close his eyes, not so much afraid as he was before.

Mikoto had found them sleeping peacefully together hidden away in the cupboard, saying a silent sorry to her eldest for not being there for him of his time of need but it seemed that someone else had some to his rescue instead. One by one she picked the boy's up putting them into bed with each other and pulling up the covers, placing a tender kiss on each forehead wishing them sweet dreams for the night. The noise outside had dull down to a soft grumble, each one still made Itachi jump unconsciously instantly responded to by Deidara, snuggling into his chest to remind him that he was there. With Deidara at his side facing the storm was not that bad, he was his tiny guardian.