Really sorry for the long wait! I had a lot to do for school and all, so I had no time to write. Dx Stupid speech for LA...
Anyways, here's chapter 17. And yes, they use tattoos...because Tsunade doesn't allow anything over the uniforms...yet she doesn't mind if they get torn up...hmm...
"Wh-What, un?" Deidara blinked, surprise weaving throughout his words.
"You heard me. Join us," Sasori said again.
"Wow, Deidara, having Sasori-san ask you…" Kisame stared, looking around. "That's an honor."
"How?"
"When we choose people to join our group Pain-san, Itachi-san and Sasori-san debate whether the person is good enough. Sasori-san…has declined everyone who's wanted to join without hesitation, and hasn't asked one student to join. Having him ask you directly…" Kisame faded off, wincing from the glare he received.
"I am right here, Kisame," Sasori growled slightly before returning his attention to the blond. "Anyways. Join."
"Yeah, he was all pissed about me joining!" Hidan broke in, glaring at Sasori before continuing, "And he would've won, too, if it weren't for Uchiha!"
"Hidan, shut up," Sasori countered.
"Well, if it's such an honor, as Kisame says…" Deidara looked away, a faint blush marring his cheeks. "I…guess I can't refuse, un."
"I knew you'd see it my way." A small smile curled at Sasori's lips. "You need a tattoo, though…you wouldn't get in trouble for it, would you?"
"No…"
"Good. Any specific place you want it?"
"Not…exactly…"
"I'll…just put it on your right shoulder. That's where mine is, anyways. Now, I'll go see when I can talk this over with Itachi and–"
"No need, Sasori."
The redhead paused his conversation to look up and see the orange-haired boy and Itachi standing behind him and looking down at Deidara.
"So you've finally picked someone, huh, Sasori?" Pain asked, placing one hand on his hip. "Looks like he's that special to you after all."
"…That's none of your business." Sasori muttered, looking away.
"Are you…busy, right now?" Itachi glanced at Sasori. "We could talk about allowing Deidara-kun join outside the cafeteria."
Sasori felt a confused mask come over his face. "Itachi…you know Deidara?"
"I sit next to him in health," Deidara answered, head tilting. "He was the first student I met in this school."
"Is that so…"
"Sasori. Are we going?" Itachi asked, turning to leave.
Sasori nodded, standing up to follow Pain and Itachi. "I'll be back soon."
"Un…"
"…I still can't believe you got asked by Sasori-san…" Kisame muttered, a small tinge of jealousy tainting his voice.
"Who did you get asked by?" Deidara asked, ignoring the statement.
"Itachi-san."
"Yeah, so why did they have to leave to talk it over?" Hidan burst in, mashing his cheek into his hand.
"They don't usually, un?"
"No. How else do you think we know that Sasori never said yes to anyone?" Konan answered, walking over.
"So…I'm the first…?" Deidara asked. "Perhaps that's the reason?"
"Probably to make sure that Sasori hasn't smashed his brain…" Konan sighed, sitting down in Sasori's now-empty seat. "You should've seen him when they were debating over Hidan." A smirk crossed her lips. "He nearly lost it."
"Yeah, like hell he did!" Hidan snorted, slamming both hands down onto the flat surface of the table, morphing his voice so it was an imitation of the redhead's. "'Oh no, he can't join! He's an idiot, Itachi, and no, he would not be a valuable asset to the group! I don't give a shit if he scares away Orochimaru, he lacks brain! Pain, shut up; he's a Goddamn–No, he will not help us for the last damn time! All he does is stab squirrels, and I fail to see how that will help us! Itachi, just–I am not being stubborn! I just fail to see what's so great about him! I'll go take care of Orochimaru, so–He is not joining!'"
Konan laughed. "That one was pretty funny. Sasori was so flushed after that."
"I'm glad you found it so amusing."
She jumped slightly in her seat, slowly swiveling her head around. "S-Sasori…you're done so soon?"
"Maybe Deidara would like to hear some of your 'better' moments, Konan."
"S-Sasori, come on, it was Hidan–"
"Deidara. Did you know that Konan has a thing for Pain?"
"Oh God, not this one…" The girl buried her face in her hands.
"No…" Deidara shot a worried glance at a now beet-red Konan.
"She wrote a love letter to him once. When she tried giving it to him, she wet herself. In front of everyone. In the hallway."
"S-Sasori-san…!" Deidara exclaimed, reddening slightly.
"And you made it."
"Un?"
"You. Made it."
The blue-haired girl scurried back to her own seat, flustered.
Sasori sat down, smirking slightly. "It was a bit of work, since Pain kept asking me if I was alright or not and whether you were really worth it, but Itachi agreed, so you're in."
"Sasori!"
"Great…"
"Sasori, I thought we had agreed that we wouldn't speak of Konan's accident again," Pain growled, glowering at the ash-rose-eyed boy from the other end of the table.
"You should know I don't take private information being leaked very well, Pain."
"That was hardly private. You were snapping so loudly, everyone in the room heard you; not to mention Hidan remembers what you said word by word."
"You believe I like being reminded that I lost my temper?"
"You do have a short one…Sasori…"
"Shut up, Itachi."
"So then…" Deidara broke in, biting his lip. "Konan…did Pain-san accept you, un?"
Pain's face burned pink for a second before he slammed his hands down on the table and snarled out, "Deidara! Watch your mouth, or I may reconsider your acceptance into this group!"
"Dammit, Pain!" Sasori snapped in return, covering for the speechless new student, as he stood up, "Leave Deidara alone! He asked a question, that's all!"
"I am the leader of Akatsuki, Sasori, not you!" Pain threw back. "So I decide who's in and who's out!"
"You're an unfair jackass, that's what you are!" the redhead snarled, meeting gray eyes dead on. "You're just sore that Konan rejected you after her accident, thinking all you would do was make fun of her!"
"Sasori!"
"Sasori." Itachi placed his hand on Sasori's shoulder, gently pushing him down onto his seat. "Let it go."
"Tch!" Sasori reluctantly complied, a look of pure annoyance plastered to his face.
"Sasori-san?"
"…!" Sasori blinked, settling down instantly. He turned back to Deidara, trying to force a tiny smile onto his lips. "S-Sorry about that…I need to go talk to that bastard now…he has something you need…just hold on for a second, okay?"
"W-Wait, un! Is that really the best–?" Deidara protested, but the other was already walking away. He sighed, resting his chin on the table. A hand came to rest on his back, and he looked at Kisame, grinning slightly in thanks.
Suddenly, a smack! resounded across the table.
Deidara was immediately alert, lifting his head and looking towards the head of the table.
Ash-rose eyes were wide.
"You act like a total jackass to me, and then you ask for this kid to join?" Pain scoffed, anger washed all over his features. "Give me one reason why I should let him."
"But you already–"
"I changed my mind."
Sasori reached up, brushing his stinging cheek, setting his narrowed gaze at the Akatsuki leader. "Pain…I really want him to…"
Pain sighed. "Sasori, he's killed you."
The redhead merely let his eyes fog over a little.
"…Fine." Pain closed his eyes, uncrossing his arms and holding out the cloud-print tattoo between his index and middle fingers. "But don't make me regret this, Sasori."
A snort was his answer as Sasori took the small piece of paper before striding away. "He won't."
"Damn you, you stupid ritual-obsessed-squirrel-killing idiot, un!"
"Deidara, calm down!"
"…What the hell is going on over here?" Sasori raised an eyebrow at the sight as he walked back. Deidara looked over at the redhead's voice, eyes widening. Sasori could see a distasteful brown splotch smack dab in the middle of the shirt.
"Hidan gave him the 'put-ramen-broth-in-a-spoon-and-fling-it-at-the-new-guy' welcoming ritual," Kisame explained, biting his bottom lip.
"What?" Hidan snorted, folding his arms over his torso. "I do it to all new member-guys!"
"That was still hot you Goddamned piece of–!" Deidara snapped, whipping his head around to send daggers at the silver-haired boy.
"Well look on the bright side, brat," Sasori smirked as he strode past to get a wet cloth. "At least it matches your pants."
Deidara stared as Sasori left, face scrunching up as he countered, "Un, thanks for reminding me, jackass!" He huffed, turning back around. Suddenly feeling eyes on him, he looked over to where the sensation was coming from, and stiffened.
Sakura was looking over, green eyes wide in horror and her mouth slightly agape.
Quickly, he looked away. He picked up the rice ball Kisame had said he could have and threw it right at Hidan.
"What the–!" Hidan spluttered as the food hit him square in the face. "What the fuck was that for, blondie!"
Kakuzu burst out laughing, pointing at Hidan with one hand while holding his stomach with the other.
"Oh, yeah, laugh it up, Kakuzu!" Hidan growled, wiping the mess on his face off. "You're lucky I don't chuck my ramen at you!"
"Deidara-kun…you sure are interesting…" Itachi spoke up, "I've never seen this side of you before."
"I've never had ramen broth shot onto my chest, either."
"Okay, okay! That's it, blondie!" Hidan interrupted, holding up his rice, "You're going do–!"
"And exactly what are you planning to do with that?"
Hidan froze, giving a fake smile while setting down his food. "Nothing…I was just going to eat it…"
Sasori tilted his head in doubt, flicking something at Hidan before taking his seat.
"Ow!" Hidan yelped, rubbing his forehead while finding the offending item. "What the–? Holy fuck, redhead threw a nail at me! Kakuzu! He threw a nail at me! Is my head bleeding? If it is, redhead, I'm going to skin you alive and–!"
"I wouldn't finish that sentence if I were you." Ash-rose eyes glared darkly into violet.
The silver-haired male held up his hands, then clinging onto the masked boy, whining out, "Kakuzu…!"
"Where'd you get the nail?" Deidara asked as Sasori pushed his right sleeve up.
"I found it on the ground." Sasori smirked, placing the tattoo on the shoulder and pressing the warm, wet cloth over it. "I thought he'd be trying something when I came back…and if he wasn't, I'd throw it at him anyways."
Deidara was surprised at the other's touch: it was soft, gentle, like a cool breeze. He laughed quietly, stating, "You're very unique, un."
"Is that so?"
"Un!" Deidara smiled, trying to ignore the shocked gazes from his old table. "Definitely!"
––––––»
"Temari!" Deidara called when he saw the girl, sprinting over.
"Mm? Oh, it's you." Temari sounded unimpressed, hands on her hips. "What do you want?"
"How did you know Sasori-san laughed?"
The dirty blonde's eyes widened, a grin splitting her face. "I heard it when I passed the nurse's one day. Isn't it just the cutest Goddamn thing ever? It's like glass, really, isn't it? Isn't it!"
"U-Un…" Blue eyes blinked, the boy backing up.
"Oh, you're an Akasuna fan too?" Temari's face lit up as she approached the newest student. "For real? We should start a club now! The Akasuna Club! Yes! It'd be amazing! He deserves one, doesn't he?"
"I…I guess–"
"Oh my God, you're so awesome!" Temari almost squealed, reaching into her pocket and drawing out a picture, shoving it into the blond's hands. "Here! It's a picture of him smiling; I snapped it one day when I saw him near a meadow. Isn't it just adorable?"
"Um, Temari?" Deidara felt a blush heat up his face as he saw the picture of Sasori covering his mouth, an evident smile underneath his hand. "How did you get this–?"
"You're the best, Deidara! I can call you that, right? Well, anyways, yes, let's start the club! The only other fan he has is Tenten, but with you there'd be three members!"
"Wait, Temari–!"
"Let's talk about him! Like…his face! Oh my God, his face! It's just like a doll's, isn't it? It's so young and handsome!"
"W-Well–"
"Oh, and his eyes! Simply gorgeous!" Temari had her face uncomfortably close to Deidara's. "Where do you get those eyes, seriously? Such a wonderful–!"
"Stop harassing Deidara, you."
Temari blinked as she was pulled back. Suddenly she smiled, exclaiming out, "Akasuna!"
Sasori rolled his eyes before sidestepping to avoid getting hugged. "What would Shikamaru do if he knew you were flirting with me?"
"Psh." Temari huffed, pouting. "Nothing, that lazy ass! He really doesn't care!"
"Well then go find him and make him care."
"You're such a bum, Akasuna!"
"Does it look like I care?"
"Fine then, I'll leave." Temari then turned to Deidara, grinning. "I'll hold you up to creating the club, okay?" Without an answer, she flipped around and paraded off.
The redhead sighed, turning to the other. "She didn't murder you, did she?"
Deidara shook his head, stunned.
Sasori sighed again. "Annoying woman…she and that girl Tenten have been like my personal stalkers since forever…"
"S-Sasori-san…" Deidara slowly recovered from his shock, holding out the photo. "She gave this to me…and, well…"
Tilting his head, Sasori took the picture. A slight blush found its way onto his face, and he handed it back, looking away. "Keep it. I'm sure she has countless others…"
"Un…" Deidara retrieved the picture, slipping it into his pocket.
"Oh, right." Sasori turned back. "That tattoo only comes off with alcohol or something like that, so it's okay if you get it wet."
"Okay."
"Hey! Deidara-kun! Sasori!"
"Dammit, now what does she want?" Sasori muttered, a glare situating in his eyes.
Konan ran up, a smile dancing on her lips. "You got your tattoo on your shoulder, huh, Deidara-kun? Just like Sasori?"
"He insisted…" The blond protested, answered with a glare.
"Are you saying you didn't want it there?" Sasori growled softly.
"No, of course not!"
"Wanna see where mine is?" Konan cut in, and without an answer, began to lift the bottom of her blouse.
"Konan! Konan, what in hell's name are you doing?" Pain shouted as he stormed up.
"I'm not trying anything with them, Pain!" Konan argued, lifting up her shirt some more until her stomach was revealed, a red cloud on it. "I was just showing Deidara-kun my tattoo!"
"As if I'd want to steal your little girlfriend, Pain," Sasori scoffed, placing his hands on his hips.
"Sasori!" Pain and Konan growled simultaneously.
"Sasori-san, we need to get to art!" Deidara interrupted nervously, tugging at the redhead's arm.
"Yeah, I know." Sasori spun around and began his way to the art room.
Deidara smiled awkwardly in apology at the other two students before going after Sasori, letting out a sigh.
He has the sharpest mouth ever. He's really going to get himself in trouble for it one day…
Temari and Tenten are Sasori-stalkers. Yes. o-o;
And Deidara's in Akatsuki now...he's going to have a lot of explaining to do to his friends...
～Arrina