Whew, chapter 30.
Long chapter…way longer than I had thought it would be.
Oh, yeah, in gym they're playing soccer. Lol, just so there's no confusion.
Well, anyways, it takes place next day.

Previous:

"…I'm…not asking you to forgive me."

"…Why didn't you ever tell me? This…could've all been…"

No…it couldn't have been… "…I don't know."

"…I love you, un."

"I'm sorry."

Deidara swallowed nervously as he stood in front of the health room, biting his bottom lip. Questions raced through his mind of what would happen to him, but most of all he hoped that Itachi was absent. Taking a deep breath, he entered the room with eyes closed. As they opened once again, his hopes fell as he saw the Uchiha glaring at him from his seat.

"Deidara-kun," Itachi stated simply as the blond walked over.

"I-Itachi-san," Deidara muttered in return as he took his seat.

"I haven't forgotten about what you've been doing."

Inwardly, Deidara winced. "I know."

"You won't succeed."

"Who said I was trying anything, un?"

Kisame blinked as he observed the scene. "H-Hey, Itachi-san, Deidara…what's going on? You two were really good friends before…now you're practically at each other's necks. I mean, you were being all friendly just yesterday!"

"Yes, that was before I found out that he'd been hitting on my boyfriend," Itachi growled, glaring at Deidara.

"What?" Kisame looked shocked, redirecting his gaze to Deidara. "Sasori-san? Deidara, you were really serious when you asked him out?"

"You asked him out?" Itachi's eyes flashed red, frown deepening.

"N-No!" Deidara stammered. "It was just a prank! And I didn't know he was with you! It's not like he ever told me!"

"You will leave him alone from now on. I do not want to see you near him again, Deidara-kun."

"…And what if he comes to me?"

Itachi's glare darkened, eyes narrowing. "I'll make sure he won't."

"Itachi-san…" Kisame protested lightly, glancing at the guilty look on Deidara's face.

"No Kisame. I'm not going to give into your ridiculous requests this time. What Deidara-kun has done is unforgivable."

"What–?"

"He kissed him. Twice."

The blue-skinned boy was shocked. "Deidara…?"

"No, not–!" Deidara protested at once, blushing at the memories. "He did it! The first time, he was the one who kissed me! And the second, but that one was Hidan's fault!"

"Liar," Itachi hissed, bristling.

"I'm not!"

"Itachi-san," Kisame hastily cut in, "Deidara isn't one to lie."

"Are you telling me Sasori has been cheating on me?" Itachi whirled from Kisame back to Deidara. "After all, he's apparently been doing so many romantic activities with Deidara-kun."

"Itachi-san, please calm down." Kisame tried to steady his voice as he spoke against the Uchiha. "Now…Deidara…did…" He swallowed, feeling the incensed red gaze on him. "Did Sasori-san…kiss you back?"

"Like I said!" Deidara fidgeted slightly. "He kissed me first! It…It only lasted a few seconds, and then he ran off, but–!"

"And it was all voluntary?" Kisame butted in before Itachi could comment.

"Y-Yes…but the second one was only because Hidan pushed him, and he ran off after that as well, un…"

"And what about everything else you did with him?" Itachi seethed, apparent that he was forcing himself to stay calm. "Do you have any excuses for them?"

Deidara swallowed. "No…I…don't…"

Itachi's eyes narrowed.

"Itachi-san…please…Deidara seems really sorry…"

"…You may talk with him. And that is all. If I ever find out something else has been going on, consider yourself in deep trouble."

The newest student opened his mouth, but was quickly silenced.

"He won't."

––––––»

"Yes…everything…he allowed me."

Kisame stared. "So…the holding…and everything…?"

"He never got angry at me…just blushed, and…said forget it or something close."

"I…" Kisame shook his head. "I don't get what's going on either, but…don't tell Itachi-san about this, alright?"

"Un…"

"Oi! Hoshigaki! Quit chit-chattin' and get back to your duty! And you, Deidara, you're a defense! So start defensing!"

"…Is that even a word?"

"I think she meant 'defending.'"

"But the ball's on the other side of the field."

"…Right."

"Heh, lucky we have Neji, right? He can keep the ball over there for the whole game."

"…Deidara, she's glaring at you again."

"She hates me."

"Why?"

"I don't know. I came in one day and she started yelling at me for no reason. And has been like this ever since, un."

"Deidara, what did I tell you–?"

"The ball's on the other side of the field! What am I supposed to defend the goal from? Air?"

"Hey! I don't want any backtalk from you, got it?"

"Yes, Mitarashi-sensei."

"Good. Now go help out Hyuuga!"

"But the defense isn't supposed to–!"

"Go!"

Deidara sighed before running over to where Neji was practically dancing with the ball to keep it from Karin.

"Go away, kid!" he snarled as the blond approached. "I don't need your help!"

"I only let one person call me brat, kid, shit, dumbass or anything of the sort," Deidara growled as he gave a good kick to the flitting soccer ball, getting it right in the corner of the opposing goal. "And he's not you!"

Neji snorted, pearl eyes narrowing. "You got a lucky shot. That's all. Defense."

"Hey, you!" Karin stood with her hands on her hips in front of the newest student. "Don't interfere next time, okay?"

"Go back to your stalking of Sasuke-kun."

"I do not stalk Sasuke!" Karin rejected at once, flipping her red hair. "I merely keep a close eye on him to make sure no one tries to give him trouble, and that no one tries to hit on him that he doesn't like: day and night."

"Which is, in other words, stalking." Deidara prevented himself from rolling his eyes. "You're a disgrace to redheads."

"Eh?" Karin blinked. Slowly, a smug smirk began to form on her lips. "Oho? I take it you like a redhead then, hun?"

He twitched at the nickname. Like Orochimaru. Only worse. Because it's coming from a stalker. Of Sasuke. "None of your business."

"Huh, now let me see…" Karin tapped her chin with her pointer finger, rolling her red eyes skywards as if to think.

Neji gave a look of disgust before strutting off.

"Ah! I know! It's Gaara, isn't it?"

"No."

"Tayuya?"

"I hate her."

Karin gave a stumped expression before her face lit up. "Is it me, butter-biscuit?" She moved into a provocative pose. "Acting all sour and all: it's just to hide your true feelings, isn't it?"

"You talk like some old hag and your face instantly makes me want to find the nearest toilet to puke into," Deidara spat before spinning around and striding off towards Kisame.

"What?!" Karin spluttered as she stomped her foot down on the ground, then shouting out, "Fine then! Y'know what, honey-dearie?! If it's Akasuna, consider yourself screwed!"

Deidara halted.

A grin spread across Karin's face. "It's him, isn't it? Well, that's too bad, hun. He's already been bedded!"

"…!" Deidara whirled around, eyes wide.

"That's right." Karin chuckled.

"No, it's not," Kisame broke in sternly as he walked up. "Don't listen to her, Deidara. They haven't done that yet."

Deidara swallowed and began walking off, not knowing what to think.

Kisame glared at Karin. "I'd watch my mouth, if I were you. 'Akasuna' might come after you."

"Psh!" Karin rolled her eyes. "As if! He only cares about your Uchiha. Blondie over there is nothing to him."

"I wouldn't be too sure," Kisame warned, before mimicking Deidara and walking away.

––––––»

Sasori-san…Sasori-san and Itachi-san…they couldn't have…Kisame said they didn't, but still…c-can I be sure…? The thoughts swirled around in Deidara's mind. Karin's words had deeply unsettled him, even though Kisame had denied anything had happened, and he seemed to be the person who knew Itachi the most…disregarding Sasori.

But Deidara still couldn't get over Sasori. He knew Sasori was with Itachi, and hell if Sasori was going to dump Itachi for someone like him…but still…getting over him…getting over Sasori…it was like telling the wind to stop blowing, or the world to stop spinning. It was impossible. Deidara had tried so many times already, and he just couldn't.

"Hey."

Deidara blinked out of his thoughts and turned his head to his left.

Sasori smiled a little and cocked his head. "The science test is easy. It's just like that paper we did in our after school lesson two days ago." His eyes narrowed slightly. "You studied it, right?"

Look away. Look away from that stupid seductive, flirty look… Deidara willed himself to do as his conscience told him, and mumbled, "Un."

"…" Sasori's face quickly changed to an expression of puzzlement. "Is…something wrong?"

"…Have…" Deidara struggled with his question, his voice unnaturally low. "Have you and Itachi-san…"

"Have we…?"

"…Done it?"

"Done wh–?" Sasori's cheeks reddened as he glared. "That's none of your business."

The blond's eyes narrowed. "…I see."

Silver eyes gained a veil of worry. Sasori threw away his glare as he approached the other more closely, gently moving his hand to hold softly onto Deidara's wrist. "Look. Just…tell me what's bothering you…what's wrong now…not what's wrong…y'know…over all."

Refusing to meet the Sasori's gaze, Deidara managed out, "Karin…"

"Karin?" Sasori repeated, his body suddenly becoming tensed. "She did something to you? Tell me!"

"She…told me that you and Itachi-san had…" Deidara shook his head. "Kisame said you haven't, but still, I…!" He bit his lower lip, hands forming into fists. "I want to hear it from you…!"

"Deidara…" Sasori tightened his grip. "Deidara, listen to me, brat. We haven't."

"But you could just be saying that to make me feel better, a-and then–!"

"Idiot!"

Deidara flinched.

"Stop being so hypocritical!" Sasori snapped, eyes narrowing. "You want to hear me give you the answer, but when I give it to you, you think I'm lying!"

"I…"

"Look at me." When Deidara made no move to comply, Sasori released the wrist and put both his hands on either side of the taller boy's head, brushing the hair obscuring his left eye away and forcing him to look directly into dead-serious ash-rose irises.

"We…" he calmed his voice down, never breaking eye contact, "have not done it, Deidara. I'm telling the truth."

"U-Un, okay…I believe you…"

"Good." Sasori sighed and released the other, placing his hands on his hips. "Are you going to be okay now?"

"Yes…"

"…Why were…would you be so disturbed if we had done it?"

Because if by some miracle, you two break apart and you come to me… "It'd be…awkward."

"Uh…huh…"

That would mean that Itachi-san would've been the one to… "I-Is that strange?"

"Kinda, yeah."

"Sasori."

He turned, blinking. "Itachi?"

"What are you doing?" Itachi asked, walking over to the redhead.

"Talking. Is that a problem?" Sasori cocked his head.

Itachi's dark eyes narrowed at how close Deidara was to Sasori. Hastily, he took hold of one of Sasori's wrists and dragged him away, right into a tight embrace. "Of course not."

"Itachi…" Sasori's face was red as it was pressed into the Uchiha's neck. He shivered slightly as he felt Itachi start to nuzzle the top of his head. "Itachi!"

"There's no one here, Sasori. It's fine."

"No, it's not! Deidara's here! Stop!"

"Sasori…"

"Itachi! Stop!"

The black-haired teen frowned a little at hearing Deidara's name, but complied. "Alright, if that's what you want, Sasori."

"…Go."

Itachi blinked. "What?"

"Go." Sasori pointed off to the distance, face still red. "I want to talk with Deidara now. Alone."

"…" Itachi nodded slowly before complying. "Alright."

Another sigh made its way past Sasori's lips. "Sorry about that…"

"It…it's fine…" Deidara mumbled, trying to erase the images from his mind. "…S-Sasori-san…"

"Mm?"

"Why is everyone in a relationship…like that?"

"Like what?"

"Like…one person always wants to do something for the other, and is willing to do anything for them, un."

"That? Hidan and Kakuzu's relationship isn't like that…why? Who else's is like that?"

"Kimimaro and Jyuugo's…"

"Really now…huh, dunno. Maybe it's a common way to show affection." Sasori paused. "Though it's kind of screwed up if it's like that…"

"Why does Itachi-san do it then?"

"Huh?" Sasori blinked. "Itachi? I don't know, actually. He's always been like that…I've just gone along with it."

"Right…"

Sasori tilted his head. "Sorry…I think we should get going, though…before we're late. I've delayed you long enough."

"No," Deidara protested at once. "You haven't, really!"

"…Deidara…" Sasori turned away, his voice quiet. "…Don't try and suck up to me. I'm flattered and all, that you care, but…just don't."

"I'm not trying–"

"Don't."

Then why did you let me before? Deidara nodded hesitantly. "Okay…"

Sasori nodded back. "…Then…I've got to get to history. I'll…see you later."

"U-Un…"

––––––»

It was lunchtime. And Deidara felt like complete and utter crap. Itachi was seriously stalking him or something, because each and every time he and Sasori had some alone time in the halls, Itachi would come out of nowhere and start 'claiming his boyfriend for a quick stress reliever.'

He walked over to his old table, an almost sad look crossing his face. His friends had the right to know about Sasori…right?

"Deidara-san? I thought you were over with them!" Ino exclaimed at the blond's return. "Did they boot you out?"

"It's Sasori-san," Deidara said as he took his seat. "Sasori-san's the one."

"Sasori?" Sakura blinked. "What about him?"

"He's…Itachi-san's boyfriend," Deidara clarified, before crossing his arms on the table and burying his head into them.

Ino gasped, eyes widening. "Him? No way!"

Deidara nodded into his arms.

"Deidara-san…you look so miserable…! I mean, yes, it's a huge shock that Sasori is Itachi's boyfriend, but…" Ino commented, beginning to reach out and touch him but stopped herself. "Is there something wrong with that? With Sasori and Itachi?"

"I…" Deidara started, before trailing off. "No, never mind. You don't need to know…"

"Deidara-kun…we're your friends…we can help," Sakura continued for her friend, voice quieting down.

"…I…" Deidara started again, lifting his face out of his arms with a faint pink shade tinting his cheeks. "I like Sasori-san, un…a lot…"

He what?! "Deidara-san, maybe…" Ino looked in sympathy at her friend, putting a warm hand on his shoulder. "Maybe you should just let him go…" Before he kills you!

"I can't…that's just it. I've tried to, but…"

"What are his bad points?" Ino asked, looking at Sakura before continuing. "Or rather, what has he done to make you feel this way?"

"He…" Deidara's face flushed darker, "he kissed me…"

"…This is getting really weird," Naruto commented, scratching his head in confusion. "So, let me get this straight…Sasori is Itachi's boyfriend, and has been for months probably, yet he kisses you?"

"He told me to forget about it…"

"W-Well then…obviously he has some feelings for you, as well." Ino tried to reassure him. "But he's probably just…uncertain. He's with Itachi, right, and has been for a while now, but suddenly these new feelings just appear for someone else. He's probably really confused, and is going to try and stick with Itachi to see if these foreign feelings will disappear over time."

"…Why are you helping me?" Deidara asked warily, eyes narrowing slightly. "I thought you all hated Sasori-san."

Sakura's eyes softened as she stated out, "We might be angry at Sasori for what he did, but you're still our friend, and we'll help you if–"

"Deidara. What are you doing over here?"

She stopped talking to glare on instinct.

"Sasori-san…" Deidara lifted his head, turning to stare at the redhead.

"Come on, Deidara." Sasori gently took a hold of the other male's arm and tugged him off his seat. "…Kisame…is lonely at the table without you."

"U-Un…"

Silver eyes caught sight of jade ones glaring their way. Sasori smirked. "You're just asking for a bloody nose, you know. And I'd be more than willing to give you yet another one, Bitch-san."

"Sasori-san…!" Deidara hissed, glancing worriedly at the pink-haired girl.

"Why you–!" Sakura snarled, standing up with her fist raised.

Ino quickly stood up as well to hold her friend back.

"Sasori-san–!" Deidara started.

"Oh, that's right." Sasori released the other student, slipping a hand into his pocket. "I forgot earlier, but I remembered it now."

Deidara blinked, gazing in confusion. A deep blush spread across his face as Sasori brought out his hand, opening it to reveal the crystalline bird Deidara had been looking at. "B-But Sasori-san! How–?"

"I conned the money out of Grandma." Sasori smirked, chuckling slightly as he saw the look of disbelief and anger on Deidara's face. "But she caught me after she had bought it and laughed at me. Though, she was a bit suspicious, as she thought I was trying to cheat on Itachi after I told her it wasn't for him."

"Why did you get it for me, un?" Deidara asked, gingerly taking the glass bird from Sasori's hand.

Sasori shrugged. "I don't know what you like yet, but I saw you looking at that and I decided 'Why not?' I thought you needed something…to make you feel better."

"Th-Thank you…"

"You better like it." Sasori averted his eyes. "You know how hard it was keeping that safe in my pocket all day long? I'm surprised it didn't break."

This…is the same Sasori…who hit me? Sakura gaped, before shaking her head and resuming her commanding tone. "So, Sasori. You're the boyfriend who prevented Orochimaru from going out with Itachi?"

"Yeah. What of it?" Sasori asked, redirecting his attention to the pink-haired girl.

"Why did he keep it a secret?"

"He kept it a secret?" He looked confused.

"When we asked him, he kept replying, 'It's none of your business,'" Ino answered, sitting back down.

"Maybe you're too low for him?" Sasori smirked at the furious glare he got from everyone at the table. "Oh, and girl?" The Yamanaka ceased her glare to a curious look. "Stop copying Deidara's hair style, okay? It makes you seem more pathetic than you already are."

"What?!" Ino screeched, slamming her hands down on the table and held back by Sakura.

"Sasori-san, stop–"

"Come on, Deidara." Sasori took the other's arm again and dragged him towards his table. "Kisame, remember?"

"…I don't get what Deidara-san sees in that guy," Ino huffed as she sat down, watching the two walk away. "He's a complete jerk."

"But you saw how he treated Deidara-kun, right?" Sakura asked, glancing at the two. "It was like he was a completely different person."

Naruto blinked. "But, Sakura-chan, why?"

"Who knows," Ino snorted. "He's Sasori after all."

"Maybe…" Sakura argued softly, "maybe he isn't as bad as we think…"

"What?!" Ino stared at her friend in disbelief. "Are you serious, Sakura? Have you already forgotten how many times he's hit you and called you names?"

"No, I haven't, Ino. But there's something you don't know."

"Sakura-chan!" Naruto's eyes widened. "You're going to tell her?"

"…Tell me what?" Ino relaxed her stiffened muscles.

Sakura took in a deep breath. "…Ino. Before you came, I…was a totally different person. And during that time, I hurt him. I hurt Sasori, and caused him to be what he is today. And even now, he still hasn't recovered from what I did." She paused to take in Ino's bewildered expression. "I damaged him emotionally. And all the physical attacks in the world can't add up to how much an emotional attack hurts. So I say that Sasori…Sasori has the right to hit me and call me names." Inwardly, she smiled. Deidara-kun…looks like your fairness has rubbed off on me…

––––––»»

Deidara sighed as he took his place next to Sasori at the table.

"Is…something wrong, Deidara?" Sasori questioned, head cocking slightly.

"Nothing, un. I'm just a bit tired." Deidara replied, yawning.

An almost concerned look crossed Sasori's face. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

"You're lying."

Deidara's eyes widened. "U-Un–?"

"Let me help you if anything's wrong."

"But nothing's–!"

"Something is."

"…It's nothing you can help with."

Sasori winced a bit. "I…"

"You can't. It's just…impossible…"

"I…can try…"

Deidara looked over at the other tenderly, almost afraid-like.

"Let me. Just let me…try." Sasori extended an arm and brushed it through golden locks.

Blue eyes widened as the hand swept some stray strands of hair back behind his ear.

Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly. "…Sasori."

"Yeah?" Sasori turned to his other side, only to have his lips captured by the Uchiha's. His eyes closed partially as he mumbled out, "…Itachi…"

Kiba stared for a few moments before shouting out, "Whoa, Akasuna's getting it on with Uchiha!"

Every head turned.

"Get. A. Room," Sasuke muttered, looking away uninterested. "Damn Itachi…"

The cafeteria was an uproar with whispers and wide glances.

Deidara stared in horror as the kiss became deeper. He saw the Uchiha slip his tongue into the redhead's mouth, thanked with a small moan. The blond's head spun as he watched the scene, and he stood up abruptly, turning to go.

"Deidara, you don't have to–!" Kisame started.

"I-I just need some fresh air. It's just too stuffy in this place," Deidara lied, straining a smile as he left.

No one saw the smirk that curled at Itachi's lips as the blond departed.

––––––»

Deidara leaned against the wall of the school, letting a gust of wind flutter his hair. His eyes were narrowed, dull, and his legs felt like they'd burst out from under him at any moment.

"Deidara-kun?"

He turned, eyes now wide. "S-Sakura?"

The girl took in a deep breath, looking in sympathy at the other. "I'm sorry, Deidara-kun. I'm sorry, I didn't know…that he was with…"

"No, it's alright…I…" Deidara pressed his full weight against the wall, wanting nothing more than to just slip right through it into nothing. "I…"

"…He got mad at Itachi, if that makes you any happier."

Deidara's eyes widened.

Sakura connected her hands uncomfortably. "Sasori did. He was all flushed and angry…" She put on a small smile and laughed weakly. "He got so irritated…'Itachi! I told you I don't like attention in public!'" The smile slipped off her lips. "And he's coming to see you right now, just so you know. He looked so scared…" She took in another deep breath. "Deidara-kun, I…I think he likes you. It's just…Itachi was there first. His face, Sasori's…when he saw you leave…Itachi held him back, and he was distracted briefly by that, but…he was worried. He was worried about you, Deidara-kun."

"…" Deidara was silent for a few moments, before uttering out, "…Thank you, Sakura…"

Sakura nodded, turning to depart. "I've got to go, before he comes, Deidara-kun."

Deidara nodded back.

"Deidara!"

He looked the other way towards the voice, the sound of Sakura's feet rapidly hitting the grass informing him of her hasty leave.

"Deidara!"

Blue eyes widened again.

More footsteps were heard, fast, running. The one who was making them soon came into view, looking around.

And then it happened.

Ash-rose met with blue.

There was a step.

"Deidara…"

He felt his breath catch in his throat, never once unlocking gazes with the silver irises.

"…Sasori-san…"

Karin knows about Sasori and Itachi because Orochimaru told her… -shifty eyes-
Aah, mean Itachi! D:
Silly Sasuke. They don't need a room if they're just kissing.

〜Arrina