I'm so sorry this took like a month to get out. xx; It's hard to get time to write now because of school, and I get homework every day, which includes reading and making notes and then doing a page, etc.
I can't guarantee how often I'll update anymore, but I'll try and get the next chapter out as soon as I can.
Anyways, this first scene is right after lunch, but everything else is art.

Previous:

Pain sighed. "We'll just have to have someone check on him after history then."

"I don't need protection," Sasori protested, eyes narrowing.

"Stop acting tough, Sasori," Konan shot back. "If Orochimaru has found your weakness, we can't afford to let you just go around on your own. We need you against Orochimaru, and we care about you."

"…Fine. But Pain owes me."

"I'm aware."

Deidara rested his chin on his arms, vaguely remembering that Kimimaro mentioned having history with Sasori.

"I know something's wrong." I stared straight into his silver eyes, knowing that he wanted to avoid the subject as much as he could. "So tell me what it is."

"It's nothing. I've told you," He replied, averting my gaze.

"Don't try and feed me that crap, Sasori." I narrowed my eyes as he tried to escape out of the cafeteria. But before he could, I grasped his wrist, causing him to shoot me a dirty glare.

"Let go."

"You can't order me around."

"Ditto, God."

"You're not going anywhere until you tell me what the hell is bothering you."

"I can leave whenever I damn well please to!"

"You tell Itachi everything! And I'm pretty sure even Deidara knows! So tell me why I'm not allowed to!"

This made him stiffen, and he looked away again, managing a soft, "B-Because…"

"Because why?"

"Pain…you're the leader…you won't understand…"

"I'll understand, and you know it."

"…" Sasori's teeth ground together and his fingers curled into fists.

He was thinking deeply, I could tell. His eyes were narrowed and seemed to be glaring at nothing. Ever since I'd known him, every time he began to think about something deeply, his eyes would just stare at nothing.

I watched as his expression grew even more conflicted. "…Does it have to do with your parents?"

As if he had just been struck by lightning, he snapped his head towards me, eyes wide, mouth slightly open. And that was all I needed.

"Sasori, that's the only thing that I've seen that ever bothers you." I released his wrist, and as expected, he didn't try to escape. "Something's going on, and it's because you're still trapped in the past."

"…It…"

He was crumbling. I could see it clearly now, that inner self that was hidden within a shell.

"…Autophobia…"

"What?" I asked instantly, not believing what I was hearing. Autophobia? So Deidara had been telling the truth…? "How…?"

"I don't know," he admitted, "it…just happened…"

"And Itachi knows?"

"Yes."

"Deidara–"

"Deidara found out by accident."

"…Does anything happen when the autophobia strikes?"

"I don't know for sure…I always black out. But from what Itachi tells me, it's like…I start acting like I did when I was younger…"

There was an uncomfortable look on his face, but I couldn't just let him walk out without me knowing all I could. Not when I had gotten this far.

"Has anything been–?"

"Pain." He was the one staring me in the eye this time. "It's been several years. I don't think…anything…"

"…" I bit my lower lip briefly. "Ah…right, sorry."

And then those silver eyes were staring off into the distance once again.

"Sasori…" My voice was barely above a hushed whisper. I had never seen him like this before, never. As I approached him, he gave no recognition of hearing me until I was just a few steps away, when he turned to me with puzzled eyes.

"Sasori, we will protect you from Orochimaru…"

He froze a small bit when my arms wrapped around him, but then he tenderly lifted his own arms and grasped tightly onto my back.

"I want to go back to those days, Pain…" he mumbled. "When everything was…right."

"Everyone does," I replied casually, smirking when a heard a breath of amusement from him. "But if we went back, we never would've met Kisame or Konan, Deidara…"

"Deidara…"

I could feel his heart beat faster at the mention of Deidara's name, and that worried me to an extent.

"Heh, yeah…brat sure makes things interesting around here…"

"He does," I agreed slowly. "And he's a very good help against Orochimaru."

"Unfortunately." Sasori shifted, and I knew he wasn't used to much physical contact so this must've been awkward for him.

"He'll protect you, Sasori," I attempted to soothe him, "even if everyone else falls, he'll continue fighting for you. I can tell, just by his actions and the look in his eyes when you're in danger."

"Idiot. Of course he will." The amusement gradually faded, and I could practically see the smirk drip off his lips. "Pain, I…"

His fingers dug deeper into my shirt as he moved his mouth to my ear. And then, he whispered something I never thought I'd ever hear him say:

"…I'm scared…"

«––––––

Sasori was looking over at Tayuya again, a nervous glint in his eyes.

"…Sasori-san." Deidara glanced at the shorter boy, worried. "Tayuya's not going to do anything. Besides, I'm closer to her, and if she tries anything, I'll be here to stop it."

"They'll never forget…" Sasori replied quietly, redirecting his gaze to look at the other. "And you can't protect me forever."

"I can try, un."

Silver eyes narrowed and Sasori turned away, breathing out, "…Foolish…"

Deidara merely smiled and answered with a, "Work on the trees, okay? I can't draw those if I tried."

"…Brat."

"…?" Deidara blinked at the sharp retort.

"You expect me to do something that you can't?"

"That's why we're working together, isn't it?"

"We agreed that I painted, you drew." Sasori tried to get his mind off of Tayuya by arguing with Deidara as they usually did.

"Yes, but trees are hard to draw!" Deidara shot back.

The redhead stared at him in disbelief. "They're logs with fuzz on top. How in hell can that be hard?"

"Because if I want them to be realistic, I can't make the trees logs with fuzz on top!" Deidara defended himself. "If I seriously drew a stick with fuzz on top, would you paint it?"

"No, because I wouldn't be able to paint it!"

"My point!"

"Look, just draw the damn trees!"

"Why don't you?!"

"Because I don't know tree anatomy!"

"Do trees even have anatomy?!"

"I don't know! You can dissect one, so I'm guessing so!"

"Yeah, well you can dissect a sofa, but that doesn't mean it has anatomy, un!"

"What the hell? You don't dissect a sofa!"

One of Asuma's dark eyes twitched. Those two, Sasori and Deidara…always finding something completely ridiculous to include in their arguments. Before, there had been bouts of 'deflated eels' and 'Hidan beaver,' or whatever – Asuma really didn't care to remember all the insane things he'd heard. And now it was 'tree anatomy' and 'dissecting sofas.' These kinds of arguments always lead to…oh, yes, Asuma could see it coming just by the look on Deidara's face. Sasori smirked, and Asuma sighed, knowing that it would come in about three…two…one…

Crash!

"You stupid asshole, just draw the Goddamn trees!"

And just from that one statement, Asuma knew that this wasn't one of the days where they would be acting like puppies.

"Ha!" Tayuya spun around in her seat, "Look at those two shitheads! They're arguing about art again! Hey, you two having fun back there, arguing about your pansy art?!"

"Tayuya," Neji growled in response. "Shut up."

"You shut up, Hyuuga! Kimimaro! Hey! Get this loser to shut up!"

"Tayuya, you shut up."

"What–?! Oh, you wanna betray me, huh?!"

"We go through this every time."

"Yeah, well…!"

Asuma stood up, finally silencing the brown-eyed girl, and made his way, once again, over to the table in the back on the right. He really wasn't paid enough for this…

"No, you…draw the stupid trees…brat!"

"I can't! That's why…you're going to…!"

"Hey you two, quit it!" Asuma interrupted, causing the two boys to freeze. The sight of the position the two were in made Asuma want to hold his head, or maybe rest it against something and lightly bash it into whatever he had rested it against. Sasori had Deidara in what seemed to be a chokehold – though Asuma doubted it was too serious; Sasori did seem to be all…cozy and whatnot with the blue-eyed teen on other days at times – and Deidara had one hand on Sasori's head, over his left eye and tilting his head back. His other hand was oh-so-cleverly placed on Sasori's shoulder, where Asuma usually found it on anyways.

"Sensei," Deidara tilted his head at the dark-haired man. "You shouldn't be smoking in school."

"…Just get back to your seats." Asuma ignored the statement and sauntered back towards his desk.

"Deidara…"

"Un, I know." Deidara stood up and moved to the side a little, allowing the other to rise as well. "I'll draw the damn things…"

Sasori sighed, brushing a hand through his hair as he saw Deidara return to his seat. "…I'll draw the first one, if it makes you happy. You can just copy from that."

"Heh, thanks." Deidara moved his chair closer to the other's as Sasori sat down and began. Deidara enjoyed seeing Sasori draw. He was always so graceful and quick; sure, earlier on Deidara had been a bit – just a bit – jealous of Sasori's skill, and therefore hated watching him do all this amazing work in such short time, but it soon changed into a fascination. Whenever Sasori was drawing, Deidara was right there next to him, watching with admiration. Of course, Deidara always thought Sasori overreacted whenever he erased something. The line had been nearly perfect, but no, it had to be exactly perfect for Sasori. And Deidara hated the fact of Sasori being too…cocky about his works. Yes, Deidara really enjoyed the redhead's art and respected it – the word loved nowhere near his thoughts – and it was good and all, but it wasn't any better than Deidara's!

And that's how Sasori acted.

Deidara sometimes wished they could go back to the days where they would argue that the other's drawing was better than their own.

"…There," Sasori announced, finally lifting his pencil and turning to the newest student. "Finished. Copy that."

The blond took one look at the tree, and immediately returned his gaze to Sasori.

"What? Too hard?" Sasori glanced back at his drawing. When Deidara nodded, his face screwed up into an impatient glare. "Give me a break. It's not that hard."

"Perhaps for you, but–"

"Oh, right, I forgot you draw with your 'explosive art' that is so simple and stupid–"

"It's not that! It's just…" Deidara turned away, flustered. "…You're too good."

"Tch." Sasori made a face. "Don't try and flatter me, brat."

What the hell are you saying? Deidara frowned. You love getting flattered, you pompous ass.

Noticing the unbelieving look Deidara had on, Sasori narrowed his eyes. "…Oi. What's with the face?"

"Nothing."

"…" Sasori paused. "…Whatever, just…try the best you can."

"Fine." Deidara glowered a little at the other boy before setting to work.

Sasori watched Deidara bite his lip in frustration of drawing the tree and sighed. "…Y'know, I could've asked Asuma to work by myself. But I chose to work with you."

Oh, that's helpful to know, Deidara thought bitterly.

"So you could at least put some effort–"

"Shut up, un."

A smirk played on the shorter boy's lips. He rested his cheek in his palm and watched Deidara work, intrigued, as his little comment seemed to have made Deidara get the trees done.

Time passed by, and it was if it had only been a couple minutes before Asuma called out, "Alright, class is over."

Deidara continued drawing for a few minutes until he finished, and then stared at it and sighed.

Silver eyes blinked. "What's wrong?"

"It looks…bad."

"It does not."

"If you say so…"

Stubborn brat. The ash-rose-eyed teen cocked his head and said, "I'll paint it all myself tomorrow."

"Alright…" Deidara picked up the sheet of paper. "Just go on ahead of me. I need to fix something." Seeing a flash of fear appear on Sasori's features, Deidara hastily added on, "It'll only be a second."

Sasori paused, as if he was thinking, before replying, almost bitterly, "…Fine."

The newest student nodded before heading off towards Asuma's desk with the paper.

"…" An uneasy feeling grew in Sasori's stomach, but he pushed it aside as he tore his line of vision from Deidara and made his way to the door. He sighed as he opened the door and stepped out. As he reopened his eyes, he was greeted by the grinning face of Tayuya.

"Well, well. If it isn't Akasuna!"

He stood there, stunned, as if his legs were bolted to the ground.

Tayuya's grin grew and she approached the boy. "Hey…is it true? Is it, Akasuna? That you just miss your mommy?" When she received no answer, she let out an ominous laugh.

"Look at this; the great and feared Akasuna, reduced to nothing from the mention of his mother!"

And then she advanced.

––––––»»

"…Akasuna?"

"Please." Deidara took a step forward, glad that Asuma had exited the room with the other students earlier, and there was no one to listen. "We've got him covered for everything else, but…"

"…Do you really believe this is wise?" Kimimaro asked.

"You're my friend. Friends trust each other, right?"

Kimimaro said nothing for a few moments, before answering, "I can watch over him for as long as I can. But if Orochimaru-sama orders me to attack him in history, I will."

"…!" Deidara felt his blood run cold.

"Will that be acceptable?"

I… Deidara narrowed his eyes in frustration. "…I'm not going to gamble Sasori-san's safety, un…"

"Gamble?"

"If you're just going to attack him, I…"

"I told you. I won't attack him unless Orochimaru-sama orders me to."

"Is there anyone else from your group in your history class?"

"Kidomaru."

Deidara's teeth ground together. It was a double-edged sword. If he had Kimimaro protect Sasori, it would be fine and the problem would be solved. But then, if Kimimaro suddenly turned on Sasori…alternately if he didn't have Kimimaro protect Sasori…

"Can…" He inhaled, voice growing softer, "Can you protect him…without him knowing?"

"…I don't sit near him," Kimimaro watched, as Deidara's face grew more troubled. "But I could try."

"Does Kidomaru sit by him, un?"

"Closer than me."

"…Just watch him from afar. Make sure he's okay." Deidara could've sworn his voice had quavered.

"Alright," Kimimaro agreed, as some of the tension cleared from the blond's face.

"Okay then." A small smile curled Deidara's lips. "It's settled."

As he turned to leave, Kimimaro caught him by the shoulder.

"Deidara-kun," he said slowly, the tone of his voice having an odd ring to it. "…What is your relationship with Akasuna?"

"…!" Deidara looked back, eyes wide. "Wh-What?"

"Your relationship. The way you act around him, the way you look at him…are those just 'unintentional?'"

"Wha…" Deidara was stunned, and Kimimaro could feel his muscles tense. "I don't know what you mean…"

He wasn't going to get anywhere by just questioning Deidara. Kimimaro's grip tightened and he looked Deidara straight in the eye. "You love him."

Time seemed to stand still as Deidara felt like a claw came and dug into his stomach. He stared, mouth slightly open. "I…"

"Fuck!"

Deidara broke out of his trance at the outburst, and stood frozen for a moment as he realized that he had taken too long.

"That sounded like…" Kimimaro didn't get to finish his sentence as Deidara rushed off. He sighed slightly before slowly walking after the other, hearing the door slam against the wall.

"Goddamn…bitch…!" Hidan swore as he punched Tayuya's cheek and sent her back. Hearing the door crash open, he turned, his angry expression turning even more infuriated. "Oi, Deidara-chan! 'The hell were you doing?! It's your fucking job to protect redhead during this time, you know! Not mine!"

There were two things that were on Deidara's mind at that point, not including the fact of Hidan fighting Tayuya and yelling at him: that the music door was closed and he could actually hear the music blasting from the room, and…Hidan actually thought something out. That was new.

"Oi!"

He blinked, eyes widening again. Sasori-san!

Hidan made an exasperated noise.

"He's over there." He jerked his thumb over his shoulder and gave an opening to Tayuya, who wasted no time in connecting her fist to his face. "Ow! Goddammit!" He quickly kneed her in the gut before turning back to Deidara. "He wouldn't speak to me or anything before, little prick. So good luck to you."

"Why you…!" Deidara's expression turned into a dark scowl. But Hidan was once again busy holding back Tayuya, and Deidara shook his head and looked to his left, breaking out into a run as he saw the redhead.

Sasori was pressed back against the wall, ash-rose eyes wide, his arms wrapped tightly around his body as he stared at the floor.

"Sasori-san…" Deidara stood in front of Sasori, the feeling of guilt stabbing at his gut. "Hey…"

The widened eyes slowly narrowed down and Sasori's arms slacked slightly, his head rising. "…"

"Sasori-san…" Deidara felt relief wash over him as Sasori's eyes locked with his. He put his hand on Sasori's shoulder, murmuring, "I'm sorry, un…"

"…Deidara…" Sasori hooked one of his hands around Deidara's neck, pulling him in so their foreheads pressed together. "…You selfish brat…"

Kimimaro watched them from the doorway, slightly puzzled. Did Akasuna just…?

"I'm here for you now, aren't I?" Deidara answered as Sasori took his hand off his shoulder and held it, letting Deidara lace their fingers together slightly.

Tayuya stood panting as Hidan did the same. Her eyes suddenly caught sight of Kimimaro and a grin once again split her face.

Hidan, noticing, quickly looked to where she was, and his eyes widened.

"Hey! Deidara-chan, there's another one of them–!"

There was a blast of loud music and then a door slammed shut, causing Deidara to detach from Sasori.

Itachi quickly scanned the area, his eyes narrowing at Kimimaro.

"…What the hell, Uchiha?!" Hidan snapped, offense printed on his face. "I told you to stay in there until Kurenai-fucking-sensei let everyone out fifty Goddamn minutes late like she always does or until I went back in!"

"You were taking too long," Itachi replied, a tinge of anger in his voice. He quickly made his way over to where Sasori was and asked softly, "Are you alright?"

Sasori nodded in response, and Itachi turned his attention to Deidara.

"Guard him."

"U-Un…"

The Uchiha turned and started to where the jade-eyed boy was.

"Don't just go after Kimimaro!" Tayuya snarled, held back only by Hidan only a few feet in front of her. "I'm here too, shithead!"

"You're not threat to me," Itachi retorted before coming to a halt in from of Kimimaro.

"Was it you who hurt Sasori?"

"No."

"I should tell you that I don't take lying too well."

"You believe I'm lying?"

"I wouldn't expect someone of her level to be able to hurt Sasori."

"I'm honored you find me formidable."

The red-haired girl's fists clenched. "Don't forget, Uchiha, that I was the one that put your Akasuna in the nurse's!"

"It wasn't you," Itachi growled, not facing Tayuya. "It was someone else who started it."

Deidara winced as he was reminded of the past event.

"Don't worry about it," Sasori mumbled. "He's just angry right now."

"Did you hurt Sasori?"

"I already answered that."

Itachi's eyes became a dusty red. "Will I have to beat it out of you?"

"I've already told you the truth."

"You're expecting me to believe that she hurt Sasori?"

"I don't fight verbally."

"She does?"

"Yes."

"…Even so you're a threat to Sasori at this point."

"I haven't done anything to Akasuna, and I don't plan to unless Orochimaru-sama tells me to."

"I'm not going to trust your word."

"I didn't expect you to."

"…" Itachi's face morphed into a scowl. His fist clenched, and he brought it up, sending it forward.

"Don't!"

"…!" The dark-haired boy stopped, and looked over to Deidara.

"I…mean…" Deidara bit his lip and stepped back into Sasori.

"Deidara, you idiot…!" Sasori hissed, tensing as he saw Itachi start to make his way over.

"Wh-What do I do, un?" Deidara asked, pressing to Sasori a bit more.

"How the hell should I know?" Sasori spat quietly, looking away. "…I'll…help if it's needed, though…"

That seemed to soothe Deidara a little, even if it wasn't much. He looked away from Sasori to Itachi's ash-red eyes.

"Why did you stop me?" Itachi's eyes narrowed. "You do realize he's with Orochimaru, right?"

"Y-Yes, but…"

"But what?"

"Itachi," Sasori spoke up, seeing that Deidara was struggling: badly. "I thought we agreed that Kimimaro would be left for last."

"What?" Itachi questioned, suspicion and irritation slipping into his voice.

"Oi, oi, oi. What's going on here?" Hidan walked up while Tayuya went over to Kimimaro.

Deidara flinched. "Help, huh?"

"Just shut up," Sasori muttered.

Don't hate me for the cliffhanger. Dx
Mm, well, I asked my teacher about 'danna' and she said that 'danna' is the kind of master meaning like 'boss' (Not like teacher or because of skills; that'd be shishou, like what Sakura calls Tsunade and what Allen calls Cross in DGM). Like, the owner of a store like Wegman's would be referred to as 'danna' because he's the one in charge…uhm…sometimes husbands are called 'danna' because they're the 'boss of the house.' So, Deidara's calling Sasori boss, or sir, basically.

〜Arrina