Finally, after over a year, I got a chapter up!! I'm so sorry it took me so long! I didn't know where I was going to take this, or even how, but I didn't want to give up on this either! But I got a chapter out. I'm going to try and work on this as much as I can; college is crazy! But I will do my best not to disappear with this chapter for another six months.
I wonder if anyone's even following this story anymore?
In any event, enjoy!
Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.
Deidara never liked Paine's eyes – not only were they strange, they were cold and calculating, and reminded him mercilessly of Uchiha Itachi. At least with the leader of Akatsuki, he could tell more or less what the man was feeling, even if the only thing he could see were his cold, grey eyes.
Currently, those grey eyes held a glint of annoyance, and Deidara wouldn't have been surprised if he had his hands folded up in front of his face, watching him like a predator.
There was a very long and heavy silence that had settled in the room before Paine actually spoke up. "You know Itachi and Kisame are assigned to capture the Kyuubi," he said, tone condescending.
"They should have captured it by now," Deidara blurted, without actually meaning to. He bit his tongue, as he had noticed Paine's narrowing eyes.
"Itachi knows Konoha the best out of the rest of Akatsuki. He is best suited to infiltrate the village," the leader replied.
"I didn't come from Suna, and I still managed to capture that Jinchuuriki without much trouble," Deidara shot back, just as calmly.
"The Kyuubi is the strongest of the Bijuu. Kisame's strength coupled with Itachi's Sharingan should be enough to capture Uzumaki Naruto without any issues."
"I defeated the One-Tailed beast unassisted. I lost an arm in the battle, and even with that limitation, I still defeated the Jinchuuriki in Sasori's old village, without his help or even much of any advice."
Paine's impassive stare changed to one of scrutiny. It was a long, torturous pause in which Deidara fought desperately to fidget under the leader's piercing gaze.
Finally, the leader spoke. "Why do you really want to attempt to capture the Kyuubi, Deidara?"
Deidara was lying on his bed as usual. He tried to avoid moving or going anywhere. His childish logic led to the theory that if he was difficult enough, they would deem him too troublesome to keep in this stupid Akatsuki. They would let him go, and he could continue to do what he wanted and express his beautiful art to those that would actually appreciate.
Unlike Sasori; no, he was much more offensive about his art. It was partially another reason why he was sulking in the room in the first place.
"You call that art? How idiotic and immature; don't even talk about it anymore. It irritates me."
Deidara gritted his teeth; just thinking about the asshole pissed him off! He was so arrogant! So condescending; the prick had the guts to talk down on him like he was better!
The door to the room opened, and the blonde immediately scowled. Well, well, speak of the Devil…
He glared at a corner in the wall as Sasori stalked in, pointedly ignoring the senior Akatsuki member.
"Deidara," he heard the Suna shinobi say, "Go get something to eat. Rei-sama will not tolerate you starving yourself out of spite. It's childish"
Spitefully, Deidara rolled over without saying a word. Of course you would think that, Danna, he thought angrily.
"Deidara," there was a warning spike of chakra, "Brat, you had better not be disrespecting me."
Still, the blonde didn't respond. Abruptly a hand tightly grabbed his shoulder, almost to the point of painful, and wrenched him over to face Sasori, who looked more than just enraged.
"I hope you didn't forget what I told you about ignoring me, brat," Sasori growled. His green eyes were almost glowing with anger, "At the rate you're going, the only way you're going to be leaving this organization is if I kill you."
Deidara was barely able to suppress the shudder, but he managed to hold his defiant glare. That was quite the wave of murderous intent. The blonde could feel his soul freezing under Sasori's glare.
"I don't see why I should have to listen to the likes of you, hm," he snapped in reply, secretly grateful he could muster up the anger in his voice in the first place (the redhead was just that intimidating) "You, who isn't decent enough to even accept my opinions! You don't give a rat's ass what happens, you ignorant bastard! Just wait; you, along with the Uchiha prick, will taste the wrath of my greatest art yet! Just wait and fucking see, hm!"
Sasori's eyes narrowed – Deidara didn't even think it was possible for him to look any angrier – and shoved him harshly. "You can plot to kill me all you want," he snarled in reply, "But an order's an order. Go get something to eat or I will feed you with force."
"It's not a plot; it's a promise."
Sasori wasn't taking anymore than that. He yanked Deidara off the bed by his blonde hair, pulling him into a head lock.
"Let me go, or I'll blow you up right here!" Deidara managed to choke out after gagging. If Sasori was actually listening, he sure didn't show it, and proceeded to drag Deidara down to the dining area.
Paine stared at Deidara evenly. It was very clear that the leader of Akatsuki didn't approve of Deidara's intentions.
"I will not tolerate failure, Deidara," Paine replied calmly, "Not for this motive of yours."
"You won't get failure."
I can't believe it was so hard getting this chapter out. But like I said, I'll do my best to update this a bit more frequently. I hope you liked! Hearts! - G