The way to your heart Ch.19
They ran swiftly being sure to keep as silent as possible not wanting to alert anyone to their presence. They gathered at the base of the rear wall hidden deep within its shadows. Silence and swiftness that was the key to getting inside, but as for what happened when they got there….right now they were just focused on getting inside. No words were spoken they'd gone over the plan so many times before it was thoroughly engraved into each and every one of their minds.
Konan gave the signal that it was time for phase one to begin…entry. In groups of three they all crept along the base of the wall making sure to stay within its shadows. It seemed that even after all that had happened the building still managed to stand. It was set for demolition shortly after the case had been solved but strange accidents with the demolition crew prevented such things from happening. Whether it was small things like the machines not working or huge things like accidents resulting in some of the workers lives being lost, after some time passed no team would go near the place and now it stood a permanent reminder to the horrors that took place so long ago.
First were Kisame, Itachi, and Pein moving in a light jog down the slight incline until reaching the designated meeting pointed not 3 yards from the very same entrance they'd used all those years ago. Soon after came Sasori, Deidara, Hidan, and finally Konan and Kakuzu bringing up the rear.
About 20ft above their heads was a small glass window a line of light shining through it signaling that the building was active. Located at the base of the window was a large stack of crates, they were piled high enough that if someone were to climb up them they just might be able to see in through the window. Before anyone else had a chance to say anything Hidan moved forward placing one hand on the boxes but just before he could lift up his foot and start climbing he was roughly pulled backwards.
"Why do you think you're doing?" Kakuzu hissed his hand still wrapped tightly around the strap on Hidan's vest.
"I'm climbing up there to see what the fuck is going on."
"Are you nuts? (Does he really even need to ask?) You could fall and get hurt!"
"Tsk, if I didn't know any better I'd think you cared about me."
Kakuzu looked like he was about to yelled at him but Konan suddenly stepped in. "Let him go, we need to know what's going on besides Hidan has enough skill and balance that he should be ok. All that time spent practicing stupid death defying tricks on his motorcycle has finally proven useful."
Needing no further encouragement Hidan started climbing, hand over hand, one foot at a time stopping every few second to test the next surface. Once deeming it stable he would then move on.
His team mates down below watched with worry he was already so high and he still had more to go. Deidara's eyes were wide with worry giving a slight whimper when Hidan's foot had slipped but only for a second before he was able to regain his balance. Sasori took the bombers hand giving it a reassuring squeeze, Deidara smiled he knew he needn't worry but still he couldn't help but worry about his friend, he was so high up!
Just a little further and then I'll be able to see inside, just…a little…further…dammit! Hidan mentally cursed there wasn't anywhere he could put his foot in order to climb those last couple feet. In one daring burst of strength Hidan jumped up, his knee colliding with the corner of one of the boxes, letting out a hiss of pain Hidan climbing over the top and for a second just stopped and rested getting his baring before continuing any further. A loud bang brought his attention to the ground. Shit! When he'd jumped the sudden force had knocked one of the boxes free and it now tumbled down free, making a loud banging sound whenever it connect with the other crates.
The other on the ground moved quickly the crate wasn't exactly small and if it were to connect with any of them….let's just say it would hurt…a lot. Just before the box had a chance to crash to the bottom two large arms shot out and caught it, if it had hit it would've no doubt alerted anyone nearby to their presents. Kisame carefully set the large box down wincing when he pulled a large splinter from his palm. Hidan gave him an apologetic look visible cringing from the death glare Itachi sent him, returning back to the task at hand one last step and he was finally close enough that he could see inside the small window. His eyes widened.
The room…the room…it looked completely normal! Hidan had come back a few days after the incident the place had been completely destroyed, the walls were pure black the fire had left nothing untouched and yet it seemed as if all that had happened, had never happened. The walls were the same old muddy brown with the smooth dirty concrete floors covered in the occasional scuff mark from the equipment. The machines were everywhere, standing large and proud gleaming as if they were new. The crates were even there dozens upon dozens stacked against the walls, some lined up next to the machines. Hidan couldn't tell what they held but anything having to do with this place couldn't be good.
Hidan's eyes scanned the room his line of sight becoming increasingly difficult for all the machines and boxes obstructed his view from those on the ground. Oh yes there were people but from what Hidan could tell there were only 4. A small group standing in what seemed like the middle of the building, one of them who had a clipboard in his hand was waving his arms around frantically as if trying to explain something very important. Although Hidan couldn't make out his words it seemed that he was telling them off. Guess they'd screwed up their job. The man seemed to be gesturing to one of the machines but he couldn't tell which one.
Suddenly the man walked forward gripping the collar of another man's shirt in his fist. He got in the others face giving him an expression that made it clear that in a couple of second he was going to do something.
BANG
Hidan looked on in astonishment the man with the clip board collapsed in an unmoving heap a large pool of blood already starting to form around him. The others merely stared at him a look of shock and horror upon each of their faces. Even the man who'd been getting yelled at was shocked spots of blood covered his face and shirt but he did nothing to take care of it.
All their faces turned up just as another figure came into view. Orochimaru walked over wearing what looked to be a dark blue business suit he was smiling as he lightly tossed a small hand gun on top of the dead man's body. With a quick snap of his finger the other men quickly set to dragging the body away. Orochimaru continued to smile looking around the room with a look of contentment on his face. How a man could look like that after killing someone Hidan will never know but he needed to get back to the others and tell them what he'd seen.
Hidan began his decent down hand under hand, one foot at a time. Then suddenly he was falling the last thing he remembered was his foot searching for something to step on but all he hit was air. He was too shocked to even cry out the air whizzing past his was like thunder to his ears, in another second he'd hit the ground and be dead. He awaited impact, but the thing is it never came. When he opened his eyes he found himself to be staring into those of another.
"KAKUZU! WHAT THE FUCK MAN!"
Kakuzu tisked. "I just saved your life and that's the first thing you say to me?"
"Oi! Put me down fucktard!" Hidan ordered squirming in the other mans arms.
"Fine."
"OW!"
"Enough playing around!" Konan snapped. "Now Hidan what did you see?"
Hidan frowned rubbing his butt and stood smoothing back his hair. "The place is active, sort of but the thing is it looks completely normal like what happened didn't."
"What do you mean?" Sasori asked him.
"I mean, do you guys remember how black and charred the place looked on the inside."
"Yeah."
"Well it's all gone not like a renovation crew came through and fixed it but like the fire never happened it looks old and used but still in perfect shape."
"They probably came by and fixed it."
"But why would they make it look exactly like it used to? Even the machines are there."
"All of them?" Sasori asked his face dark. Deidara glanced worriedly at the redhead he knew which machines he was talking about.
"Yeah but there's something else seriously messed up, I saw Orochimaru."
"You DID?"
"Yeah but just he appeared there was this guy yelling at some others, he looked pissed and got in one of their faces it looked as if he was about to kill him when he just suddenly dropped to the floor a pool of blood forming around the guy in seconds, next thing anyone knows snaky walks over and tosses the gun on the body."
"We need to go in there."
Konan nodded. "Itachi's right let move now we don't have time to sit around and find out if there are others for all we know Orochimaru may already know we're here, it's time to go."
"Ouuu! Where are we going?" Everyone jumped as the cheery voice sounded behind the group.
"WHAT THE-"
"HOW THE-"
"WHEN THE-"
"BITCH DON'T SNEAK UP ON US!"
Orochimaru smiled sweetly as if he were a small child being praised for doing a good job. "Hi ya."
Suddenly 8 guns were all pointed at one spot, or person. Each face was a mixture of shock, fear, furry, and regret.
"You know if you guys want to play there's plenty of room in my factory, it's getting rather chilly outside wouldn't you agree?" Orochimaru rubbed his shoulder as if trying to warm himself from the frigid night air.
"You're not going anywhere!" Pein yelled tightening his grip on his gun. Orochimaru smiled as if he found Pein's comment to be amusing…and then he was gone.
"Where'd he go?"
"Inside!"
"Are you sure?"
"Its clear by his earlier comment that he wants us inside so he's making us follow him."
"Are you nuts it's obviously a trap!"
"I know that but he probably knows that we know that so he most likely thinks we'll be cautious but if we storm in head first we have a better chance of catching him off guard."
"…what?"
"CHARGE ASSHOLES!"
"Hidan be quiet!"
The group ran inside guns still drawn, they went in through the side entrance stopping when they reached the boxes. With silent practiced precision they once again went in groups of three sneaking around each machine until they reached the middle of the floor. First were Kisame, Itachi, and Pein. Soon after came Sasori, Deidara, and Hidan…that's where everything went wrong. Deidara was too focused on keeping up with the others that he didn't notice the stray board resting on the floor so when the toe of his foot connected with it he was sent flying.
Sasori was by his side not a second later, his back to the blonde as his pointed his gun straight ahead. A heart stopping cackle answered any and all questions Deidara might have had about the red heads behavior.
"Stay back!" Sasori ordered.
"Awe my dear Sasori is that any way to treat an old lover?"
"I SAID STAY BACK!" Sasori backed up a little never once taking his eyes off the snake before him. "Deidara are you alright, can you stand?"
"Y-Yeah Danna."
"Good grab your gun and get ready to run." Doing as he was told Deidara picked up his gun which had fallen from his hand when he fell. Now he stood on his own two feet aiming his weapon at the man before him.
"You guys are so mean. I was just coming over to see if little Dei-Chan here was alright after all he did have a rather harsh fall and that bruise on his right cheek is rather nasty." Neither Sasori nor Deidara saw it coming, not even the other members of their team who where hastily running to catch up to their friends could stop the chain of events that happened next.
In an almost inhuman burst of speed Orochimaru charged forward his fist connecting violently with Deidara's face sending him backwards past a stunned Sasori. Just before the red head had a chance to help him Orochimaru put two fingers to his lips and let out a shrill high pitched whistle.
In seconds they were surrounded it seemed as if for every 1 member of the Akatsuki there was at least 12 thug type men there. They would need a miracle to get out of this alive.
"Do you think I'm an idiot or something?" Orochimaru sneered walking over to a nearly unconscious Deidara and lightly tapping him in the side with his foot.
"STAY AWAY FROM HIM!" Sasori roared, but he didn't dare move he needed to look at things logically before he did something stupid and got everyone killed. If he were to try and attack Orochimaru now then chances are that blasted snake would take him out in a second he'd be no use to the team if he were dead.
"D-Danna…" Deidara whispered his eyes full of fear as they stared up at the menacing figure before him.
"Don't move Deidara I promise I'll get you away from him." Sasori growled he was seeing red if he didn't move now Orochimaru might kill Dei, but if he did move and got killed then Deidara might get killed later. DAMN! What the hell am I going to do?
"Hmm always the noble one my dear Sasori but answer me this just how exactly are you going to do that?" Orochimaru smiled gesturing to the dozens of men that surrounded them. "You move one muscle and my men will shoot you down." Sasori mentally cursed himself he knew things would turn out this way. "And beside not only will you be killed should you move but I'll take it upon myself to end the life of our lovely Dei-Chan here." Orochimaru bent down reaching a hand out to gently run through the blonde's hair.
"MMMMM!" Deidara had to bit his lips from crying out as Orochimaru roughly took a fist full of his hair and pulled him to his feet.
"Deidara!" Sasori almost cried at the sight there was nothing he could do, he risked a glance at the rest of his team mates but it was clear they wouldn't be able to help him they had more pressing matters at hand. "I thought you were above taking a hostage."
"Hmm, normally I would be but Deidara here is just so cute that I couldn't resist." Deidara was still struggling to stay awake so when Orochimaru bent down to kiss the blonde's cheek he had no power when it came to trying to push him away. The snake even laughed at the blondes poor attempt, Deidara put both his hands on the snakes chest but all his strength had left him, it seemed that there was no way he could get away. I could always use…NO! It's not time for that yet, it would be of no use to us if I used it now there must be another way. Deidara's thoughts raced through his mind but every option he came up with turned out completely useless.
"Orochimaru I've finished the latest batch." A voice called a figure stepping into view seconds later. He had long silver hair tied into a pony tail at the nap of his neck and wore big round glasses. He seemed young probably no older than Deidara or Itachi.
"Good job Kabuto now would you mind helping me with the problem at hand?"
"Of course." The man name Kabuto answered.
"Keep watch on these people while I and little Dei here take a walk." Sasori's eyes widened. He wouldn't! He can't! I've got to stop him!
Sasori charged forward not caring if he was shot down, they'd have to blow him to pieces before he let Orochimaru take Deidara away.
"Don't shoot!" Orochimaru ordered most of his men had already taken aim another second and they'd have fired. Sasori kept moving there was a great length between him and the pair almost 10 yards how that had happened the red head didn't know but he was about of close that gap if it killed him.
Two people were moving one fell to the ground. Dozens of eyes stared but less than half of them cared. The one who fell fought to breathe while the other whispered words of silence to him.
Sasori struggled to catch his breath Kabuto had come out of nowhere and punched him right in the gust effectively knocking the air out of him. He hadn't regained enough strength yet so when Kabuto bent down to whispered in his ear he couldn't move away.
Sasori fought to not show the surprise he now felt, did he really just say…things were about to get much more interesting. He broke away from Kabuto, shoving him away as he retreaded back a safe distance.
"Sasori!"
Said red head turned his face in the direction of the call, his eyes connecting with Konan's. She him a fierce look mouth two words…'You're call.'
He'd been friends with Konan for years longer than anyone else in the Akatsuki, they trusted each other and understood each other. That's why Sasori was able to understand the whole message between just those 2 words. We're making this your call do we surrender? Or do we fight? You know both options are high risk and there's a chance we won't survive either but we trust you Sasori, we know you'll make the right choice.
Sasori's head was bowed his face hidden in shadows, when he looked up he was smirking. This wasn't over, not by a long shot. Pulling his gun out of his holster he pulled the trigger one of the thugs fell to the floor and lay still.
"I don't even know why you're bothering to ask when you already know my answer."
Konan smiled. "You're right how foolish of me, FIRE!" In less than a second the entire room was filled with a barrage of bullets. Orochimaru's inexperienced thugs didn't stand a chance against the expertise of the Akatsuki but they had numbers on their side so things weren't over yet.
Orochimaru bent down so his mouth was level with the blonde's ear. "Just look at your team mates, they're stone cold killer firing wildly at my men without care for their lives, they're just like me."
"Hehehe."
"Hmm? What's so funny you little brat?" Orochimaru growled not at all liking how Deidara was laughing at him. The next second Deidara brought his leg up and in a perfect split allowed the toe of his foot to crash into Orochimaru's face.
"Don't think for one second my team is anything like you." Deidara said once he was free, his hair had come free from its pony tail so it now hung freely around his face. He raised his gun which he pulled from a second holster on his belt and fired once into the snake's leg.
Orochimaru moved the bullet stopped just at the base of his foot missing him by inches. Instead of skidding off the floor it stopped, not moving as if being held there by some unknown force. Curious he picked it up having a little trouble at first, it was as if part of it was imbedded into the ground. He now held it in his hand his eyes widened it seemed as if it'd broken in half and sticking out of the tip was a small needle less than half the size of his pinky.
"What is this?" Orochimaru demanded.
A second bullet whizzed by his face cutting through his hair just barely missing his skin. "They're tranquilizer bullets, all the power of a high grade tranquilizer but with the small convenience of a regular bullet courtesy of one Itachi Uchiha." Sasori smiled never once removing his eyes from the man before him. "After this is all over and your men are all taken into custody we'll have them interrogated, you're done."
Needless to say Orochimaru looked pissed he started to reach behind him. "FREEZE DON'T MOVE!" It was an intense stare down, while chaos raged all around them they were in their own little world. Two on one they knew that odds were one of those sides wouldn't be coming out of this.
Orochimaru kept moving. "I said freeze!" Sasori yelled again but he was ignored by the snake.
BANG
"He said stop, un!" Orochimaru's arm fell limp the tranquilizer already taking effect but because the injection site was only in his hand all but his arm would remain mobile.
"Orochimaru!" Kabuto yelled going to his boss's aid.
"Don't move or I'll shoot you to, un!"
"DEIDARA GET DOWN!" Sasori yelled roughly tackling the blonde to the floor. At the time he'd been standing next to one of the large wooden crates and the second he hit the floor it exploded causing a shower of splinter to rain down upon them. He should have known this would happen they were in the middle of a war zone it was only a matter of time before the fighting caught up with them. It was sheer luck that allowed them to get his far.
Deidara looked up, Orochimaru and Kabuto were gone guess they'd taken advantage of the distraction and ran. "We'll worry about them later right now we have to subdue these guys."
"Right, un!" They opened fire taking out as many as they could, when one would run out the other would back them up until they could finish replacing their clip. They were an effective team.
The tranquilizer bullets really were effective. Itachi had been brilliant with the idea, they knew that Orochimaru would probably have a small army protecting him so to prepare themselves they switched all their normal bullets with these specially made tranquilizers. They didn't actually going through the skin the second they were released from the barrel the top flew off allowing the needle to imbed itself in the targets skin, less than a second later they would drop as if they were dead. They didn't want to kill, they weren't the bad guys here so if they could avoid unnecessary bloodshed they would. Sadly they were limited only about 3 or 4 clips per person each clip holding about 12 bullets they'd have to shoot with perfect accuracy to get all of them.
"How ya doing over their Deidara?" Sasori asked firing off another 3.
"Alright but I'm almost out, I've got about another five, un." Deidara answered dodging a punch one of the men tried to send his way. He cursed when he lost his balance landing flat on his back on the rough concrete floor. In an instant the man was standing over him, he raised his leg high Deidara narrowly avoided being stomped on rolling to the side but he just kept coming, if he didn't get some footing soon he'd either be stepped on or shot.
"Oaf!" The man was heavy, he'd fallen on Deidara almost knocking the wind out of him.
"Sorry." Sasori said quickly pulling the man off. When Dei sat up he could just barely see the small bullet like needle that stuck out of the others back.
"Ah…no…problem…un." Deidara gasped taking a minute to regain his breath. Although the minute didn't last long for already they were being surrounded, they opened fired Deidara running out in no time.
"Danna I'm out, un."
Sasori cursed. "So am I Dei."
The men standing before them smiled knowing that for the pair it was all over. Sasori and Deidara didn't dare move to refill their guns instead they walked backwards so they were back to back everywhere they looked they saw a face twisted into a smile of maniacal terror. Deidara felt a little better when Sasori took his hand giving it a comforting squeeze.
"Egh that's disgusting they're holding hands!"
"The fags! They must be lovers."
"Just one more reason to blow their brains out."
BANG
BANG
BANG
"Honestly if you actually consider using the phrase 'blow their brains out' I highly suggest you do it rather than say it." Itachi said a bored look on his face.
"He's a little sensitive when it comes to people who are homophobic." Sasori said to Deidara as they watched him shoot the men standing before them.
"What are you doing?" Itachi yelled. "Hurry up and replace your clips!" They didn't need to be told twice in less than a second they were back in actions. Now you'd think with the odds being highly stacked against them they would have been shot and killed by now, well they had indeed been shot multiple times but luck was on their side and it seemed that every bullet that managed to hit them hit them in the vest there was the occasional graze but thankfully nothing to serious.
Hidan shot another one of the thugs who fell back wards into a stack of barrels causing them to tip over the lid popping off the second they hit the floor spilling it contents quickly and thoroughly there wasn't anywhere the Akatsuki could move without stepping in the substance.
"What is it?" Kisame asked bending down to run his fingers through the sticky mess. "It doesn't feel or smell like gasoline."
"Whatever it is I don't trust it, anything from this place cannot be good news." Itachi replied taking out another 3 thugs.
"Do you think it's possible that this stuff spilling everywhere wasn't an accident, un?"
Itachi looked questioningly at the blonde. "Why do you think that?"
Deidara's face scrunched up as if he were trying to solve a difficult math problem. "I don't know it's just…don't you think it's a little weird that when that guy fell he just happen to hit those barrels and they just happen to fly open making this stuff go everywhere, un?"
"Deidara this may be Orochimaru we're dealing with but I don't think you need to be quite that paranoid." Pein said.
"I know but still…" Deidara jumped up on a nearby box so that he no longer stood in the black mess. "…I'm staying out of it."
"Fine just be careful." Sasori warned. "There are still quite a few of Orochimaru men running around, keep an eyes out."
"Tsk I don't think we really need to worry about them these guys are pussys it's like today is the first day they've picked up a gun."
"Hidan don't antagonize them!"
"I'm just sayin' that maybe if these fuckers actually aimed before they shot they might actually stand a chance."
"Hidan would you shut your-GET DOWN!"
Hidan grunted as he was roughly tackled to the ground by Itachi. "Eh! Damn weasel get off me...Itachi?...SON OF A #$%$"
"H-Hidan you baka! Pay attention!" Hidan was at a loss for words the sight of Itachi kneeling on the floor next to him clutching his bleeding arm that was limp at his side, he felt something like…remorse?
"I-Itachi I-I'm sorry I-I should've-"
"Itachi!"
"Relax Kisame." The raven soothed as he winced in pain. "It's just a flesh wound."
"Just a flesh wound? Itachi there's a huge gash in your arm and its pouring blood."
"Thanks for describing it to me I was trying not to look."
"S-Sorry."
"Guys pay attention to your surroundings this battle isn't over yet." Konan yelled running over."
"Itachis been shot and it looks bad."
"Again Kisame…thanks."
"Sorry!"
"Kisame take him some place where he can hide, everyone else finish these guys up!"
"That won't take but a minute these guys are so easy it's like Orochimaru planed it that way!" If the air hadn't been filled with the sound of gun fire you could've heard a pin drop. "Dammit!"
"We should've known!"
"Where is he?"
"I don't know but we have to find him now!"
Suddenly all movement ceased. "Well thankfully you won't have to look far."
"Orochimaru!" There at the top of one of the machines stood the reason they were there.
"Yessss~?"
"Hold on one second you bastard as soon as we take care of your goons here we're coming after you!"
"My dear Jashinist I thank you for your offer but there's really no need you're my guests so I'll take care of the work for you."
Out of nowhere another round of gun fire sounded, only this one was different…louder? More…deadly? One by one the remaining thugs dropped to the ground a lovely spot of red appearing on each and everyone one of their chests.
"Good work Kabuto that's~ my boy."
"Thank you Orochimaru it's an honor to hear you praise me so." Kabuto said coming into view a rather large and bulky hand gun in his grip.
"What's with this guy is he from the middle ages or something?"
"Hidan shut up!" Konan hissed. "Why did you kill your own men?"
Orochimaru smirked as if the answer should be obvious. "Simple my dear blue hair they're usefulness ran out. Now that all preparations have been completed I no longer needed them."
"What preparation?" Pein demanded.
"You know normally in a situation like this it would be customary for the villain to brag about his plan thinking that the hero's are about to die by his hand but I'm not going to do that for the reason most good guys make a big comeback and end up winning in the end is because the bad guy brags. I mean really this isn't some low grade block buster movie I'm not going to underestimate you guys because I know that you still stand a chance of killing me which is why *dramatic pause* I'm going to kill you all right here and now."
"You do realize you're bragging a lot about not bragging right?" Hidan smirked.
Orochimaru smiled. "Kabuto!"
"Yes sir?"
"Activate the trap."
"Yes sir."
There was a pause through the group. "What trap?" Konan yelled a look of pure rage upon her normally beautiful face.
"Hmmm…" Orochimaru looked down on them as if he were a king on his thrown. "You know what skip that trap it seems another one has already been sprung."
"What are you talking about you pedofreak!" Orochimaru acted as if Hidan hadn't said anything.
"To my dear friends I say a due on your tombstones I'll be sure to have them put that you all went out in a blaze of glory."
"Orochimaru you-"
"What have you all yet to notice?" Kabuto asked digging around in his jacket pocket.
"What's he talking about, un?" Deidara asked confused.
"I don't know…" Sasori answered "…but it can't be good."
"You know." Kabuto started in a seemingly bored tone. "If you want to figure out what were up to why don't you just trying coming up to find out?"
"Don't think we won't!…huh?"
"Hidan shut up and pay attention to your surrounding!" Konan snapped.
"I-I'm stuck!"
"What?" She asked confused.
"M-My feet I can't move them…their glued to the floor JASHIN DAMMIT!"
At first Konan was speechless, he couldn't be serious but when she went to lift her foot she found she could not move as was as if it in fact had been glued to the floor.
"It's rubber cement." Itachi spoke up, he stood cool and firm but he had a tight grip on his still bleeding arm.
"Rubber cement? Dammit!"
Orochimaru smiled and clapped his hands. "And the best part about it is…" He held up a single unlit match "…it's highly flammable."
The Akatsuki knew they were doomed it showed on each and every one of their faces. How could they have been so stupid as to fall into a trap so basic? They always had tricks up their sleeve, always had a way out, and always had a way to win but this time….nothing. If only they could get free, if only they could somehow stop them. They could always try tranquilizing him but if they missed or didn't hit a vital enough spot to spread the toxin he could drop the match and then it'd be over, if only…
"I WON'T LET YOU HURT MY FRIENDS!" A blonde blur suddenly shot out at the snake roughly tacking him to the ground.
"Deidara!" Sasori cried struggling violently to get free but it was not use if he wasn't careful he'd fall over and then the rest of his body would be stuck, the mixture wasn't completely done drying but it was now strong enough that anything that touched it would not be coming lose anytime soon.
"How did Deidara get up there?" Kisame asked watching his friend worry clear in his eyes.
"He'd been paranoid enough to climb onto one of the crates before the cement solidified, he must've snuck around." Itachi answered, the way he spoke made it clear that he wished he'd thought of that.
"We have to help him!"
"Sasori calm down!"
"How can you say that Konan he's up there alone with Orochimaru and his assistant he doesn't stand a chanc-"
"He's not alone."
"…What do you mean?" The red head asked.
"Just watch and you'll see but for now keep calm and try not to draw to much attention to yourself."
Giving a rough growl Sasori obeyed struggling to keep his cool as he watched his love fight the deadliest man he'd ever met.
Orochimaru hadn't seen the blonde until it was too late so when Deidara connected they fell to the floor both making a loud 'oaf' as they hit. Immediately Deidara raised his fist prepared to beat the snakes face in when a hand roughly grabbed him from behind and flung him into the railing, if it hadn't been there then the blonde would have fallen a near 10 feet to his possible death.
Deidara struggled to focus, his head had connected with the metal bar forcing him to see stars. He could barely even register Sasori calling out his name. Deidara opened his eyes coming face to face with a pair of deep midnight eyes seated behind a pair of black glasses.
Deidara tried to speak but Kabuto silenced him. "Do not move, do not speak, and do not try to signal to the others. If you want to live I suggest you follow these instructions…very…carefully."
All Deidara could do was nod something was way off it didn't seem like he was being menacing to the blonde but that, he was trying to keep him safe? Why would someone who worked for Orochimaru try to protect him?
"Good now stand up." Deidara took the hand that was offered to him slowly rising to his feet still a little disoriented from the blow to the head. "Ok now stand next to Orochimaru." Kabuto must've seen the hesitation behind the blondes blue eyes for he pushed him forward knocking him into something tall and unmoving.
"Good boy Kabuto." Orochimaru smiled as his arms encircled the blonde's waist. Deidara tried to push himself away but a sudden throb in his head forced him to groan and go limp. "Ah you were to rough on the boy, you really need to try and be gentler with people."
"My apologies." Kabuto said giving a small bow. "You all down there throw away your weapons!" he said addressing the group. Just like with Deidara he could see the hesitation in each of their faces pulling out a gun from his jacket pocket he pointed the barrel straight at the blondes head. "Do I really even need to say it?"
With a fierce scowl on each Akatsuki members face they stripped of all weapons throwing them to the floor making little to no sound as they each sunk into the thick goop that held them prisoner.
"Good! Now that we have everything we need we can begin, Kabuto are the cars all packed and ready to go?"
"Yes sir all preparation have been made we can leave as soon as your ready."
"That's my Kabuto!" Orochimaru's attention was now on the small group below. "I'm sorry I can't stick around and chat but I've got a previous appointment that I really must keep." He stared to turn around but stopped with his foot still raised. "And don't worry about little Dei-Chan here I'll be sure to take good care of him. Kabuto now!"
"Yes sir." Lifting up a box of matches Kabuto struck a match against the box the blaze was lit, the Akatsuki members looked on in horror they were stuck and there was nothing they could do to keep from being burned alive.
"Goodbye my friends we will not be meeting again."
"No we won't." Kabuto dropped the match but instead of throwing it over the side he threw it on Orochimaru's pant leg.
"Ahhh! What do you think you're doing?" The snake yelled throwing Deidara to the ground as he viciously slapped at the flames. Without wasting a second Deidara jumped to his feet flinging himself over the side to land in a neat crouch on one of the crates below. The others stared in awe as he raced across the now fully hardened ground.
"This stuff is fully solidified get out of your shoes and get out of here!"
"Deidara are you alright? What about Orochimaru?" Kisame asked undoing his laces.
"Forget about him, un! Zetsu's got things under control!"
"Zetsu! What the hell are you talking about?" Pein cried.
"Pein!" Konan said putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I'll explain later but right now we have to get out of here, Deidara did you set it?"
"Yeah we're got less than 3 minutes, un."
"Alright let's go!" Konan yelled picking up a couple of the still unconscious thugs and running out with them they had to save as many lives as they could. Following her example the other Akatsuki members each picked up as many bodies as they could carry immediately running outside.
"Deidara!" Sasori yelled running to the blonde's side. "What the hell is going on what do you mean Zetsu's got things under control where is he?"
"Up there, un!" Deidara pointed to where Orochimaru and Kabuto were having it out although Orochimaru seemed to be at a disadvantage because of his still limp arm.
"Zetsu...is…Kabuto?" Sasori yelled as realization struck.
"Yep how else could I have gotten away, un?"
"And what do we have less than 3 minutes for."
"Oh that?" Deidara said picking up one of the more heavy set men throwing him over his shoulder like he was nothing. "I planted a bomb on Orochimaru the detonator is set to go off really soon so I think I would be a good idea to get moving."
"E-"
"Now, un!" Deidara yelled grabbing the red heads hand and pulling him out with him.
Orochimaru had heard every word they'd said so when he got a fist full of 'Kabuto's' hair and ended up pulling his whole face off he wasn't surprised to see the black and white face of one green haired Zetsu.
"Hey snaky long time no see." Zetsu smiled.
Orochimaru growled throwing the torn remains of Zetsu's mask to the floor. "Where's Kabuto?" He demanded.
"Same place your about to be." Without another word Zetsu preformed a perfect back flip landing gracefully on his feet where he immediately took off running scooping up the last two thugs on his way out.
Orochimaru could only stare in furry and confusion what did he mean that he was going to the same place as Kabuto?
BOOOOOOM
Zetsu knew he only had seconds the exit was in his sight now all he had to do was make it out in time. He almost cried out in triumph when he made it outside to see all the ambulance and police cars waiting just a few more feet….
BOOOOOOM
The blast was strong so much so that it knocked Zetsu right off his feet…no the blast wasn't what knocked Zetsu off his feet something heavy pinned him down it suddenly sounded like it was raining, when he looked up he saw an unconscious Itachi lying on top of him. Zetsu sat up gently lifting the Uchiha off him when he pulled his hand away it was stained red.
"Itachi!" Kisame yelled running over immediately picking up the raven bridal style and running him over to the waiting medics. Zetsu managed to catch a glimpse of his fellow officers back his eyes widened no wonder his hand was covered with blood Itachi entire back was covered in large shards of glass, that would explain the sound of raining he'd heard earlier Itachi must've saved him by pushing him to the ground and taking the blows for him.
"Zetsu!" Said green haired man turned to the source of the call only to see Deidara, Sasori, and Pein running hastily towards him. "Are you alright, un?"
"Y-Yeah." Zetsu said taking the hand that was offered to him. "Come on we better get away from here." Zetsu started to walk but suddenly lost his footing just before he could hit the ground two strong pairs of arms shot out and caught him. Together Sasori and Deidara helped to walked Zetsu over to where the others waited.
They sat him inside one of the ambulances medics tending to his wounds thankfully it wasn't anything too bad he seemed to have gotten a few nicks from where a few pieces of glass had managed to get him. He looked over at Itachi, he was being laid on his stomach it looked like he'd woken up for it seemed that every time his body was moved in some way he gave a small groan of pain.
"Just hold on Itachi." Kisame soothed taking the Uchiha's hand a gesture that was meant to be comforting but resulted in him hissing in pain. Kisame immediately released the hand choking back a sob at the thought that he had caused his angle any form of discomfort.
Deidara stood off to the side his heart breaking at the sight. It must be so hard to see your one and only love in so much pain for the second time.
"K-Kisame." Itachi wheezed trying to lift his head only for it to flop back down in defeat.
"What is it?" Kisame said hurriedly. Itachi spoke but his words were so soft Kisame had to put his ear right next to his mouth. When Kisame pulled away he looked wary. "Are you sure?" Even thought Itachi was hurt he still managed to give the shark a look that sent him running, next thing anyone knew Zetsu was standing by the weasel a winded shark panting next to him.
"Zetsu…I…"
The plant man held up one hand silencing the other man. "I know what you're trying to say and you don't have to I owe you my life, a debt I know I won't ever be able to repay thank you Itachi."
Itachi blinked once a small gracing his lips. "Hn."
Zetsu smiled. "I know buddy, I know." With one final smile and Itachi's eyes closed finally slipping into a wonderful unconsciousness.
Hidan stood off to the side staring at the fire before him with a blank stare on his face even thought Orochimaru was finally gone he couldn't help but feel…incomplete.
"Hidan." Came a deep voice but the Jashinist didn't turn around instead he remained focused on the giant bon fire seriously debating about hunting down a bag of marsh mellows. "Hidan I know you can hear me."
"Yeah but does that matter?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Nothing, that's all it's ever been to you is nothing."
"Hidan you're not making any sense."
Hidan frowned and started to walk away. "Whatever Kakuzu just leave me alone, have you been checked out by the medics because you look a little beaten up to me-"
"I LIED!"
"…..What?" Hidan stopped midstride but still faced away.
"Hidan I know you won't believe me but I lied, about everything. Since the beginning if you'd just calm down a second I'd like to talk-"
"Oh well thanks for letting me know, it's bad enough that you had to rip my heart out by telling me you didn't love me anymore but now you're telling me that you never even loved me in the first place that's a great way to get me to calm down."
Suddenly Kakuzu was standing in front of Hidan blocking his path. "Move jackass!"
Kakuzu wrapped his arms around the Jashinist so tightly that it was clear he wasn't about to let go. "Not about that you idiot I'm talking about in the hospital I lied when I said I didn't love you!"
Hidan's body froze and he fought back tears. "Shut up….shut up…shut up…shut up….SHUT UP! Let me go or I swear to Jashin I'll shoot your ass."
"Fine."
Hidan stopped squirming. "What?"
"I said fine shoot me I don't care, if that's what makes you happy then fine but just wait until I say what I have to."
"…fine you have 30 seconds."
Kakuzu could see that the man was serious, he words came out rushed but to the point. "I've always known you were right about Orochimaru ever since the beginning I knew there was something seriously wrong with him but I never stopped him for fear that you would get hurt."
"But-"
"I still have 26 seconds let me finish." Hidan remained silent. "I knew that if I tried anything against him then not only would he retaliate but he might very well try to destroy the very thing I cared most about, and that's you it's always been you."
"That's a-"
"19 seconds!"
"Hmf."
"The night we found out and everyone got hurt, I realized that that was exactly what I'd feared all along and Orochimaru had gotten away and we didn't know when he'd be back.
"…"
"…"
"What?"
"Sorry it's just been a whole 5 seconds before you interrupted me."
"14 seconds jackass!"
"So in the hospital I made a decision, I knew that that time I'd been lucky even though I'd been taken to the brink of death it could have been worse. I saw how it tore you up inside to see me like that even though I was still breathing."
"And your decision?"
"To protect you by destroying me."
"What-"
"I knew that if Orochimaru came back I could very well end up dead so to protect you I became a cold heart less shell of a man. Breaking it off with you in hopes that you would grow to hate me and when my death finally came then you wouldn't hurt nearly as much as you would have if you'd still been in love with me." Kakuzu breathed a sigh of relief as if a huge wait had been taken from his shoulders.
"I don't believe you."
"WHAT? How can you not believe me I just told you that for the past few years I never stopped loving you, that every cold stare, every harsh word was a lie."
"How do I know that this isn't a lie?" Hidan whispered barely able to control himself as a light sob broke past his lips.
Kakuzu knelt down in from of the Jashinst taking both his hands in his. "Because you know me Hidan, you've seen past my charade since the beginning and even now you can see that I'm the old me, the caring me, the me that has loved you since I first laid eyes on you."
"Shut up."
"Hidan please I'm telling you the truth I know I have no right to ask for forgiveness, and I don't expect you to ever forgive me but all I'm asking for is for you to believe me…please Hidan."
"Shut up."
With a knowing nod Kakuzu stood up and turned his back on his love, it didn't seem like he'd believe him…ever. Giving a sigh of defeat Kakuzu stared to walk away but a light tug on his sleeve stopped him. He turned around to see Hidan staring directly into his eyes, his own were slightly red a river of tears cascading down both his cheeks.
"You never listen."
"Hidan I-" The Jashinist held a hand up stopping Kakuzu's protest."
"And you never let me finish. I said shut up….and kiss me."
In less than a second they were in each other's arms their lips connected with a fierce passion that exploded from the years of separation.
"I'll never let you go again."
"You better not."
"I'll tell you I love you every day!"
"You better!"
"I love you."
"I love you too you jackass I love you too."
Deidara smiled at the scene turning his heard away to give the lovers some privacy. His gaze turned to the burning building before him relishing in the warmth it gave him it was finally over all the worry, the fear, the sleepless nights were all over. He could finally breathe easy knowing that nothing was going to tear him and Sasori apart.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Said red head smiled coming up to sit next to the blonde from his place at the back of the ambulance.
Deidara smiled leaning against his boyfriend as the red head looped an arm gently around the blonde's waist. Together they stared up at the burning building. Normally something like a burning building would be worrisome but right to the young lovers, it was calming. It was all over and as long as the other stood nothing was going to tear them apart.