Merry Christmas (Eve), everyone! I hope you all have a good one. :)
This is a long chapter; the ending seems rushed, sorry.
Takes place after the detention.

Deidara smiled lightly as Sasori snuggled closer, looking up at him with those wide silver eyes. He held him tighter, running his fingers through the messy red hair. Hearing the expected little mew sound, Deidara pushed his nose into the red locks, pressing his lips softly against Sasori's forehead.

They had exited the room before this had all happened…Kimimaro had left straight away to go meet with Jyuugo, and Deidara had wanted to speak with him more before he departed. He had told Sasori that he was just going to talk with Kimimaro for a few minutes and had tracked the white-haired teen down. The talk escalated into a full-blown conversation, however, when Kimimaro questioned him again on his relationship with Sasori…even Jyuugo had pointed out that he had noticed some more-than-friendly glances between the two.

When Deidara finally turned back to return to the redhead, it had been more than several minutes. He found Sasori sitting against the wall, legs pulled up by his arms with his forehead pushed against his knees. Shivering. Deidara had gone to him hastily, and put a hand on his shoulder. Instantly, Sasori looked up, eyes wide, and clung to Deidara, burying his face into the junction of the taller boy's neck and shoulder. His heart was beating fast, and Deidara could hear him breathing rapidly as he held him close.

The newest student still didn't know what had caused Sasori to switch into his mode. It usually triggered when Deidara tried to leave Sasori. But it didn't matter, because Sasori was in his state and Deidara had to help him out of it, and because Itachi had left earlier than Kimimaro and Jyuugo. Hidan was still in the room being reprimanded for throwing things at the opposite wall during the detention.

They had stayed right there in front of the door for a bit, before Deidara decided it was too dangerous. He had mumbled some words of comfort in Sasori's ear before moving his left arm down under Sasori's thighs and picking him up before walking towards the nearest exit. It had put a strain on his arm, and he had to pause every once in a while to adjust so Sasori wouldn't fall, but in the end he made it outside.

And so there they were.

"Sasori…" Deidara pulled back, brushing some locks back behind the other's ear.

Sasori met Deidara's eyes in curiosity.

"I'm going to be late for something…do you think we could get going now?"

"…" Sasori nodded wordlessly, blushing faintly as Deidara caressed the left side of his face.

"Alright then." Deidara smiled, gently slipping out from under the shorter boy.

He had decided to call the other 'Sasori' when in the autophobia state, as the redhead acted like he was younger and all. It felt weird…but Sasori had commented a while back on how it was weird to him on why Deidara kept referring to him as 'Sasori-san.'

Helping the shorter student to his feet as well, he grasped Sasori's hand for reassurance before he began walking towards the meeting area. Hopefully, Sasori would snap out of his state before they got there…

"…Where are we going?"

"I…" Deidara looked at the redhead, forcing a smile. "I just have to meet a friend, un."

"Is it really okay for me to go with you?"

"Of course." He gave a slight squeeze to Sasori's hand, the smile faltering as he continued, "I'm sure you'll…like him…a lot…"

"Really?" Curiosity laced onto Sasori's face. He edged closer to Deidara, grasping the blond's hand with both of his. "What's he like?"

"Er…" Struggling to come up with an answer, Deidara looked away from the shorter boy. "He's, um…"

Sasori blinked. "Is he nice?"

"What?" Deidara almost scoffed. He laughed nervously instead and replied, "Y-Yes, he's very nice…"

"…" Sasori was silent as he thought over the other's words. After a few minutes, he looked over at Deidara again, smiled a little, and asked, "Can you get me some candy before we get there?"

Deidara tilted his head a bit in confusion before smiling a bit back, reaching into his backpack and fishing around until he found his lunch bag. Shifting through all the things he had in there, he grasped his desired item and pulled it out.

"Here, un."

Seeing the lollipop, Sasori's face lit up. He happily accepted it, releasing Deidara's hand as he unwrapped it before putting it in his mouth.

The newest student allowed Sasori to take his hand again, and he briefly wondered if he actually brought candy everyday just so Sasori could steal it.

}}––––––»

"Dammit…"

"Should we go and get some ice for it? It's never hurt like this before, un…"

"No, it's fine. We're here anyways."

"But–"

"I'm fine."

"Stupid jackass, no you're not!"

Sasori scowled at the comment but pressed his forehead further into his hand.

A sigh broke Deidara lips. "Look, you're obviously not ready for some stupid lecture Pain-san's going to give us, so–"

"I can handle whatever the hell Pain throws at me!" Sasori snapped, striding past the other towards the entrance to the meeting area.

"That's not what I meant!" Deidara retorted back, chasing after Sasori. "You're so stubborn!" Sasori gave no answer in response, and Deidara growled. "Sasori-san!"

"Let's just get this over with, brat."

He sighed, glowering at the shorter boy. "Are you going to call Pain-san 'God?'"

"He has a God complex. Why wouldn't I?"

"Do you believe in Jashin, un?"

"No, Jashin is just a stupid figment of Hidan's idiotic mind."

"Better not let him hear you say that…"

"I really don't care if he does or doesn't. I can take that idiot."

"That's the attitude that's going to get you beaten up one day!"

"…" Sasori opened his mouth to answer, but quickly closed it, instead glaring at the person waiting on the other side of the area.

He was leaning against the railing, gray eyes meeting coolly with Sasori's sparking silver. Arms crossed across his chest, he detached himself from the cool metal as he saw the other two approach.

"Well?" Sasori asked as he walked towards the orange-haired teen. "What do you want to ask us?"

"Many things," Pain responded as Sasori came to a stop in front of him, Deidara moving off to Sasori's right. "But first…" He eyed Deidara. "…Tell me about Sasori's 'autophobia' some more."

"What?" Deidara looked surprised.

"Pain, I already told you–"

"Not in detail, Sasori."

"Ask Itachi then."

"Itachi's not here right now, if you haven't noticed."

Sasori scowled in defeat.

"So then." Pain turned to Deidara. "Tell me."

"I…" Deidara hated the pressure on him right then. He looked at Sasori for some assistance or approval, something that could tell him if he should or not.

Sighing, Sasori muttered, "Tell him."

The sound of the waterfall nearly drowned out the redhead's words, and Deidara took a moment to register what he had said. "…It…triggers when Sasori-san experiences a lot of emotion…or so he told me. Normally for me, it happens when I try to leave him without him wanting me to…"

"And what do you do when he turns into this 'autophobia form?'"

A blush heated up Deidara's face at the question.

"Why do you need to know, God?" Sasori growled, obviously uncomfortable and agitated. "It's not like it's going to happen around you anyways!"

Pain glared darkly a bit at the nickname as he ground out, "Oh? And what makes Deidara so special that it happens around him?"

"That–!" Sasori faltered, flushing a little.

Suspicion rose to Pain's expression as he raised an eyebrow. They're both…

The two looked at each other before looking away, Sasori narrowing his eyes in defiance and Deidara biting on his lower lip.

Seeing that he wasn't going to get any answer, Pain rubbed his forehead before moving on. "…Then what does he do in this 'state?'"

"He acts like a baby."

"I act like I did when I was younger," Sasori corrected, shooting a dirty glare at Deidara, receiving a barely held back chuckle in return. He turned back to Pain, his expression changing from irritation to one sort of like nostalgia. "When…you know…"

"Yes." Pain nodded at once, softening the tone of his voice.

Deidara watched as Sasori turned further away from him. What? What had they meant? Sasori's parents? His eyes widened in realization.

Noticing the tense air, Pain moved on. "…Let's talk about the real reason I called you here."

Both pairs of eyes returned to looking at him.

Suddenly, Sasori flinched, his hand shooting up and clutching at his forehead.

"Sasori-san!" Deidara immediately rushed over to the shorter male as Sasori growled softly. "I told you to get ice, un!"

"What's going on?" A trace of alarm found its way into Pain's voice. "What's wrong with Sasori?"

"The autophobia state…" Deidara explained, slowly helping Sasori kneel down onto the ground. "Sometimes he gets small headaches afterwards, but this time it hurt more than usual…"

"Why?"

"…We don't know."

"I have ice in my lunchbox, if–"

"Could you get it?"

"I don't…need it–"

"Shut up! You're such a stubborn asswipe!"

"Goddamn brat…!"

"Look at your condition, stupid, you need ice."

"It's just a headache–"

"Yeah, one you're killing yourself over!"

"I don't haven anything to wrap it in, is that–?"

"Un, that's fine."

Pain's eyes widened as Deidara hastily grabbed the ice pack and pressed it to Sasori's forehead, ignoring the hiss of surprise. A half-worried half-caring look was on Deidara's face as he moved Sasori's hand to keep the ice pack on his forehead.

He seriously cares for Sasori… Pain thought in shock. The kid just met him this year, and already… He narrowed his eyes as he watched the scene before him. …Is this why Itachi's been so protective of Sasori these days?

"…Deidara."

Said boy looked up at the sound of his name.

"Answer me while taking care of him."

"…" Deidara pulled the ice pack off of Sasori's forehead. "U…Un…"

"Goddamn you…Pain…" The redhead muttered.

"You alright?" Deidara asked worriedly, wiping off the water left on the redhead's face.

"Just great."

"I understand," Pain interrupted, "that it was you who first became friends with Kaguya Kimimaro. Am I correct?"

"…Yes."

"How exactly…did it happen?"

"He saw him with Jyuugo, but Orochimaru bans relationships in his group…and he promised not to tell anyone and it grew from there…" Sasori answered, pushing Deidara's hand out of the way to rub his forehead. "Is that all, God?"

"And how did you become friends with him?"

"…He helped me rescue Deidara when Itachi let him get captured."

"Is that so." Pain's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Is he truly loyal to Orochimaru?"

"Yes." Deidara answered instantly. "I…asked him earlier on if he wanted to join Akatsuki, un…"

"You what?" Sasori stared at Deidara in disbelief.

"Sasori let him finish."

"But he didn't want to, because he said he owed Orochimaru…"

A sigh made it past the gray-eyed boy's lips. "Deidara, don't go around asking people to join. It's not up to you."

Sasori looked away. "Stupid brat…"

Deidara glared. "Stupid asswipe."

Pain rolled his eyes. "Enough."

When he looked back at the two, however, he was surprised to see them smiling softly at each other, like they had both told this inside joke. And what was that look in their…?

He coughed.

They both snapped out of their trance at once, turning their attention back to him.

"Back on topic. Deidara, you fought Itachi."

"…Un…"

"In place of Kimimaro."

"Get on with it, God!" Sasori snapped before groaning and burying his forehead into his hands. Deidara handed him the ice pack back.

"…Why?"

"I…" Deidara tensed, refusing to meet Pain's gaze. "I didn't want Kimimaro to get hurt…"

Sasori's lip curled slightly and he held himself back from elbowing the blue-eyed teen roughly.

"Even though he's with Orochimaru?"

"He's my friend!" Deidara bristled at the comment. "You expect me to just let Itachi beat him up, un?"

"Do you not trust that he can hold his own? You do know he's one of the ones causing us the most trouble."

"Pain, Deidara's stupid like this…he doesn't want to take any…chances…"

Another sigh. Pain brought his hand up and rubbed his temple as Deidara lightly punched Sasori in the arm for the 'stupid' comment. "Did you tell him anything?"

"No…"

"He knows nothing about the weaknesses of Akatsuki?"

"No."

"Is there anyone else?"

"…Mm…"

"Who is it?"

"Jyuugo."

"Thank you, Sasori."

"My pleasure, God."

"Sasori-san isn't friends with Jyuugo, un."

"…You're friends with Kimimaro but not his boyfriend."

"So?" Sasori snorted. "Is there a rule that says I have to be? I don't know Jyuugo."

"You make it seem like you would like to."

"He's not our enemy, Pain. He's just over there because Kimimaro is."

"So you want to know him?"

"No, I'm just saying." Sasori bit his lower lip and closed his eyes briefly.

"Sasori-san!" Deidara snatched the ice pack from Sasori's hand, pushing it suddenly to his forehead. Sasori flinched at the freezing contact, trying to pull back from it but to no avail.

"What are you doing?" He scowled, shooting his hand up and grasping Deidara's wrist, pulling it away from his face.

"You've got to keep it on your forehead, asshole!" Deidara answered, trying to tug his arm free.

"It's cold, shit!" Sasori shot back, tightening his hold.

"I don't care–!"

"Deidara."

The blond halted, looking back at Pain.

"Let him be." Pain ran his hand through his hair, sighing. "He'll be fine."

"…! But–!" Deidara started to protest.

Gray eyes narrowed.

"…" He closed his mouth, dropping the ice pack to the ground.

"Stupid overprotective brat…" Sasori swept his hand across his wet forehead and bangs.

"Back on subject…again," Pain intervened as he leaned back against the railing, "how long have you been friends behind our backs?"

"…I met Kimimaro before I joined Akatsuki. I became friends with him before Sasori-san asked me to join."

Pain remained silent, thinking over what he should do.

Growing impatient fast, Sasori growled out, "So what's your decision, Pain?"

No answer. Pain's gaze was directed at the ground, right index finger curved over his lips, thumb underneath his chin as he thought.

Sasori rolled his eyes. Pain always took forever to make a decision.

"…I'll let this slide as a warning." Pain let his arm fall back to his side, his frown twitching downwards slightly. "But only that. If I find that you have lied to me then I will kick you out."

"But what about Orochimaru, un?"

"What about him?"

"Sasori-san…he…" Deidara glanced nervously at the shorter boy.

"We'll deal with that when it happens." Voice cold and hard, Pain flicked his hand, a signal for the two to leave.

"Pain." Sasori stood, but instead of leaving, glared slightly at his leader. "I need to speak with you."

"But Saso–"

"Leave without me, Deidara."

"…" Deidara glanced at Pain, receiving a nod. He hesitated, but ultimately complied with Sasori's request.

When Deidara was out of the area, Sasori turned back to the other, hissing, "Tell me, what's with all this 'Itachi can't protect me' bullshit?"

"Sasori, you know how he is around you," Pain replied coolly, folding his arms across his chest. "I believe Deidara is the better choice."

"Do you know how Deidara–?!" Sasori cut himself off, freezing in shock before turning away.

Suspicion lined Pain's face at the unfinished sentence. "…Look. Sasori. Itachi isn't the right choice."

"I…" Sasori ground his teeth together as he failed to come up with an answer.

"He will protect you."

"I know that!"

"Then what's the issue?"

"…!" The redhead clenched his fists.

Pain tilted his head a little. "Do you…have an issue with Deidara? I thought you two were good friends."

Friends… "We are, just…"

"Just…?"

"…I'd feel more comfortable with Itachi."

"And not with Deidara?"

"…I…yes, but Itachi…I've known him longer and because of that."

"…Right." Pain nodded in understanding. "However. I'm telling you that Deidara is just as good, if not better."

There was a long pause. "…Why are you sticking up for him?"

"Why are you demeaning him?"

"I'm not, I'm just used to Itachi…"

"Alright, enough." With that, Pain rubbed his forehead. "We're not getting anywhere. Just accept Deidara."

"…" At those words, Sasori's face heated up slightly. He promptly picked up the ice pack, spun around and stalked off. "Tch!"

"Sasori?" Pain was confused by the silver-eyed teen's actions.

"I'm leaving," Sasori announced, getting closer to the entrance. "I'm not ready for one of your ridiculous lectures."

The orange-haired teen exhaled deeply, watching Sasori go. That boy…he's so unpredictable.

Pressing the ice against his forehead, Sasori drew back a little at the coldness. Stupid Pain.

He took it off again, wiping off the water as some of it dribbled down the bridge of his nose. Eyes closed, he ghosted his hand up to his forehead and pressed it there, pushing up his bangs. Accept Deidara…accept Deidara…his grip tightened. What a stupid thing to say!

Reopening his eyes to the entrance, he walked through, lowering his arm. Pain was such an idiot. What the hell was that supposed to mean, anyways? It was just like Pain to add in some stupid second meaning to his words. So, what was it this time? Accept Dei–

"Deidara!" His eyes widened.

"…!" The blond froze at Sasori's voice, and he tilted his head, giving Sasori a good look at both of his eyes.

"Deidara, you…" Disbelief soaked Sasori's voice, "You waited for me?"

"…Un…of course." Deidara stared, pulling away from the wall. "Why?"

"…I didn't expect it."

"Wouldn't you wait for me?"

"Tch, no."

"What?" Deidara blinked in shock as Sasori strode past him. "Wha–You wouldn't–?"

"You know I hate waiting."

"Yes, but–!"

"No buts, brat!"

"Ungrateful–!"

"Quiet."

"Stop cutting me–!"

"No."

"…You're doing this just to piss me off, aren't you?"

"Perhaps."

He was smirking. He was so smirking. Deidara could tell, just from that amused ring to his voice.

"You make me want to hit you. So hard."

"Heh. Try it."

Deidara ground his teeth together, clenching a fist. He wanted something hard. Really hard. To either hit himself with or Sasori: either one would work.

Or he could just revert back to his old ways – which really weren't that old, come to think of it – and pounce on Sasori. He shrugged. It couldn't hurt.

But he'd have to get next to Sasori, seeing as he didn't want to actually hurt the redhead, and if he tackled him from behind Sasori would land face first on the dirt path.

"…I don't want to," he replied, speeding up his gait a bit. "Since, you're…" A pause. "…So misguided in art. I wouldn't want to catch your disease."

"What?"

That got him.

Sasori turned his head to glower at Deidara, eyes narrowed. "Who's misguided?"

A smirk played along Deidara's lips as he twisted a strand of his hair around his index finger. "You?"

"Naïve brat!" The silver-eyed boy whirled around and stomped a foot, sending a cloud of dust into the air.

Deidara merely shrugged, his smirk growing.

"Art is eternal, you idiot," Sasori growled, earning a surprised look from the other. "Everyone knows that!"

Deidara's smirk slid off his face. "Jackass, fine art is fleeting!"

"Fine art is eter–!" Sasori suddenly broke off and held his forehead, kneeling down.

"You idiot…!" Deidara rushed forward as Sasori pressed the ice pack to his forehead.

"Look who's talking…shit…" Sasori retorted sharply.

"Why is this happening?" Deidara asked, lowering himself down.

"I don't know…" Sasori ground out, pulling the cold object away for a few moments. "Maybe because of all the stress…or I just have a cold or something…"

The taller male pressed his cheek to Sasori's wet forehead, unaware to Sasori's slowly reddening face.

"…You do have a slight fever…" he told him, pulling back. "I'll help you to your house."

Sasori nodded slowly, eyes widening as Deidara suddenly started to take off his uniform jacket. "What are you–?" The jacket was draped over his shoulders and he was hoisted up, one arm across Deidara's shoulders. One side of the jacket started slipping off, but Deidara quickly put it back on Sasori's shoulder.

"Colds get better when they warm, un."

"…You're such a woman, brat…" Sasori turned away, to which Deidara merely smiled slightly at. "…Aren't you cold?"

Blinking, Deidara looked down at his white t-shirt and shook his head, returning his arm to around Sasori's waist. "Not really."

Ash-rose eyes narrowed. "…Why do you do this? Itachi never…"

"…?" Deidara tilted his head. "Un?"

"Nothing."

They began walking, Deidara reminding Sasori to put the ice on his forehead every so often. But other than that, they didn't speak with each other. Deidara looked ahead while Sasori looked off to the side.

"…I'll get Orochimaru back for all he's done to you, un."

"What?" Sasori looked at the blond at the sound of his voice.

"I'll get him back." A determined light shone in Deidara's eyes as he turned to Sasori.

"…Idiot." Sasori looked away again. "You can't beat Orochimaru."

"I can try."

"Trying doesn't mean anything."

"…If it's for you, it does."

Immediately, a scarlet veil draped over Sasori's cheeks. He turned to stare at Deidara, seeing a similar light red blush on his face.

"Y…You're so sappy and stupid!" he snapped, trying to pull away. "Stop saying such idiotic things!"

"…! Sasori-san, stop, you're going to–!" Deidara cut himself off as Sasori hissed softly and returned the ice to his forehead. He sighed, shifting the arm across his shoulders. "You're so impulsive…"

"Ow–" Sasori grit his teeth together. "You're going to pull my arm off, brat!"

"My bad." Deidara released the limb a bit, letting it lay more relaxed over his shoulders.

"Idiot…" Sasori sighed, water trickling down his nose.

"Let's hope that this doesn't happen again, un." Deidara pulled Sasori closer just a tiny bit.

Sasori looked away. "Yeah."

}}––––––»

"What?!" Sakura gaped in disbelief at her friend. "Are you kidding me, Ino?!"

"No, I'm not, Sakura," Ino sighed, opening her eyes to look at the pink-haired girl. "He's really not as bad – or ugly – as you think."

"Excuse me?!"

Naruto bit his lip, not wanting to get in the middle of the argument by saying something.

"Now it's my turn to ask you: have you forgotten all the names he's called me and how many times he's hit me?"

"You really can't hold that against him, Sakura…"

"I'm not, but…!"

"Look." Ino raised her chin from the back of her hand, "He's really nice once you get to know him, as shown when he's around Deidara-san. And he's kinda cute. If you get past the fact that you hate him, you'll see."

Sakura was at a loss for words for a few moments. "S-Sasori? Cute? Ino, how could you–?"

"He is, Sakura. He isn't bad looking in the slightest. I can honestly say I understand why Temari likes him."

Taking a deep breath, Sakura willed herself to calm down. "…Okay. I can admit that he is soft at times, and that he has the right to call me names as I call him names at times as well. But he is not cute."

"Suit yourself." Ino shrugged. "Honestly, I think every guy in the Akatsuki is good-looking in their own way."

"I-Ino!" Sakura stammered in shock. "That's going way too–!"

"Hey, Idiot Brigade."

Ino turned, her lips forming a smile as she exclaimed, "Sasori-san!"

Sasori gave her an odd look before continuing, "You have any clue where Deidara is?"

"No, we don't," Sakura spat out curtly.

A scowl grew on the redhead's features. "Whatever then. I'll find him myself."

"You should've done that in the first place." Sakura glared, receiving a glare back in return.

"Sorry about that, she's just in a bad mood." Ino laughed in a fake way, lightly punching Sakura's arm. "G-Good luck finding Deidara-san, Sasori-san!"

"…" Sasori looked away, an awkward expression on his face as he backed away before turning around and walking off.

"Ino!" Sakura exclaimed, facing the blonde. "You're going to get beaten one day if you keep that up!"

Naruto nodded, speaking up. "Yeah…Ino…playing around with Sasori isn't very smart."

"Oh, he won't do anything," Ino argued. "I saw that look in his eyes; he was just embarrassed, that's all."

"More like freaked out." Naruto shrugged.

"You guys just don't know a good guy when you see one," Ino snorted, crossing her arms across her chest.

"'Good guy…'" Sakura rolled her eyes. "Right, Ino, he's such a great guy: he just has this little problem of mauling people."

"So he has some anger management problems." Ino huffed and looked away. "You do too, you know…"

"Are you saying you prefer Sasori over me?" Sakura asked in suspicion, her eyes narrowing.

"No, of course not, Sakura." Ino sighed. "I'm just saying–"

"He's not cute at all!" Sakura interrupted, frowning. "His eyes are the color of dirt, and his hair's just unkempt, nothing special! He's constantly angry, has no sympathy towards anyone other than himself, is violent, cruel, infuriating and mean–" She listed off facts one by one. "–And? He's always frowning, never smiling, he has no redeeming traits for beating people up, plus he's so ugly…Ino, what makes him 'cute?' Because I don't see–" She froze, eyes widening as she finally felt the presence next to her. Turning slowly, she trembled softly. Her green eyes stared in slight fear and shock at the sight of Deidara, his eyes narrowed dangerously, fists clenched tightly.

"D-Deidara-kun…"

Oh, God, how much did he hear? Ino was staring as well across from her, and she saw him tighten a fist even more.

Deidara said nothing, and just glared at the pink-haired girl for what seemed like an eternity. Without a word still, he whirled around and stormed away from the table and out of the room.

"Sakura!" Ino exclaimed after, turning to her friend as she lowered her head down onto her arms. "What came over you?"

"I…I don't know, Ino…" Sakura whispered back, her voice barely audible.

"I thought you were okay with Sasori! You even stated one day that he wasn't so bad!"

"I know…"

"Why would you…?"

"…" Sakura swallowed, unconsciously bringing her fingers together a little. "…Maybe I was just…a little jealous…"

"Hm? What was that?" Ino blinked.

Sakura lifted her head, refusing to meet the blonde's eyes.

Naruto looked at her in worry, mumbling out a "Sakura-chan…"

"…It was nothing, Ino."

}}––––––»

"Sasori-san!"

Sasori turned, surprise taking over his features for a moment before he scowled. "Deidara, you little shit! Where were you?"

"Sorry…I was talking with Kisame." Deidara glanced away.

Kisame… Sasori's lip curled briefly.

"…Sasori-san, Sakura…" Deidara stepped closer to the other. "…Sakura was saying insulting things about you, un…"

"…Tch." Sasori leaned against the wall, the wind ruffling his hair. "I wouldn't doubt it."

"…You're not ugly."

A small smile graced Sasori's lips.

Deidara flushed slightly, arriving at Sasori's side. "So…you wanted to see me?"

Sasori blinked, looking away before answering, "…Ah, I just got a bit…" He paused, biting his lip for a second. "…Curious to why you weren't at the table."

"And you came looking for me?" Deidara smiled a little when Sasori nodded. The smile faded, however, when he asked, "Sasori-san, did you…do something to Sakura? I mean, she was fine with you before, and…"

"All I did was ask them where you were."

"Are you–?"

"That's it."

There was a slightly offended tone to Sasori's voice, and Deidara figured it'd be best if he stopped accusing.

"I called them the Idiot Brigade and that's all. The bitch got all snappy at me while the blonde was…hitting on me. That Naruto kid kept silent."

"Un? Ino?" Realization suddenly hit him. "Ah…right, sorry about that…she's come to like you…I dunno why."

"Tell her to stop."

"Why? You don't have many female friends, Sasori-san, so…"

"Because women are…they just can't be trusted. I don't like them."

Sympathy washed over the newest student's face. "Sasori-san…"

"…I only really need one person…" Sasori said. "And that's…the person I feel…secure with…"

He had mumbled the last part, and Deidara could only guess what he had meant.

"That's not true." He moved over so their shoulders bumped together. "You need a lot of friends to grow up…nicely, I think the word is…"

Sasori cringed away a bit at the contact, but replied, "No, I…I just need one person…"

At this, Deidara felt his eyes narrow down, and he swallowed.

"I just need…"

Itachi. He turned to leave, not wanting to hear the confirming words for real. The only one he needs is… A hand attached itself to his wrist, preventing him from moving any further. He looked back in surprise, seeing that Sasori was averting his gaze.

"…Don't leave."

"But Sasori–"

"Don't jump to such conclusions, brat."

"…!" Deidara could only stare. But he couldn't mean…

Seeing the somewhat surprised look on Deidara's face, Sasori bit his lower lip, his cheeks warming to a barely visible pink. That…came out wrong… "L…Let's go back, Deidara…"

Deidara blinked out of his trance. "You just said–"

"I changed my mind."

"Un…"

"I'm sure you'll see something amusing when you get there." A bit of a smirk played on the corners of Sasori's lips.

"…" Deidara tilted his head. "Like what?"

"You'll see when you get there."

"…Did you do something wrong?" Deidara crossed his arms over his chest.

"…No…"

A blond eyebrow rose skeptically.

"What?" Sasori frowned. "What's with the look?"

"What did you do."

"Nothing."

"Well you seem so eager for me to see it, un…"

"Because you'll…like it."

"…"

"Why do you suspect me of doing anything?"

"Because. You had this smug expression on your face for a second there."

"That doesn't mean anything."

To this, Deidara sighed. "Fine. I guess you always have a smug expression…" He looked over Sasori's shoulder, and stared for a few seconds. "…Tobi?"

Sasori visibly tensed at this. The once content, complacent air around him quickly turned into one of hostility and darkness. Anger and something akin to jealousy flashed in his eyes.

"Deidara-senpai!" Tobi smiled as he ran up behind Sasori. "Ah, you're with Sasori-san again."

I have to be. "What are you doing out here?"

"Oh, I come out here sometimes."

"Really. I've never seen you out here before, un."

"…Maybe you've just been having too much fun with Sasori-san?"

"…" An annoyed veil shrouded Deidara's face at the comment. "Oi, are you trying to piss me off?"

A somewhat smug look returned to Sasori's expression.

"What? No! Of course not, Deidara-senpai!" Tobi ran past Sasori up to Deidara.

"…!" Sasori's eyes widened as Tobi came in between him and Deidara. The shock turned into irritation easily, however, and he glared venomously. "Why you–!"

"So what's your favorite color, Deidara-senpai?" Tobi ignored Sasori, instead continuing his verbal assault on the other.

"…Why…do you need to know, un?" Deidara backed up a little.

"Well, I'd like to know more about you. You're interesting." Tobi cocked his head and smiled.

"Did you steal that from me?" Deidara questioned, recognizing the statement from what he had told Sasori.

"No, it's just what I think."

Another sigh. "…Fine. It's…" He looked away. "…Silver…"

Sasori looked at Deidara at this, before turning away in embarrassment.

"Silver…?" Tobi repeated, looking back at Sasori. He frowned as he saw the color of Sasori's eyes, and returned his line of vision to Deidara. "…I see."

"Wha–N-No, because…" Deidara fidgeted a bit at the implication, "Because it's a…fleeting color…"

"Oh." Tobi seemed to brighten a little at that, while Sasori scoffed quietly.

"…I don't have time for this." Sasori strode around the dark-haired teen and past Deidara, eyes narrowed. "I'm going back to the table."

"…" Deidara watched as Sasori departed, and started after him, calling back, "Sorry, Tobi!"

Tobi merely stared in confusion.

"Sasori-san…" Deidara mumbled as he caught up to the ash-rose-eyed student, "I didn't mean…I mean, I like silver because it's a pretty fleeting color, but I also like–"

"Hey…"

He stopped, looking up from Sasori's now halted shoes. "Un?"

"What do you think of him?"

"Him? Tobi?" It was such an abrupt and unusual question…Deidara glanced away. "He's…annoying most of the time…I can stand him at others, though…"

"Heh. And…if I were to die…how would you feel?"

"I would feel horrible, obviously. Why?" Realization suddenly struck Deidara. "…! Sasori-san, are you thinking about your–?"

"Sometimes…I wish I were something like a puppet…you know, something that couldn't feel…" Sasori looked over his shoulder and smirked.

Blue eyes widened. Deidara stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Sasori's shoulders, pressing his nose against the side of his head. "Why…?"

"Idiot." Sasori chuckled softly and relaxed back into Deidara's hold. "Because then I wouldn't have to feel any pain, obviously…"

"You're the idiot…" Deidara gently nuzzled the red locks. "Because I'll take your pain away any day…"

Tobi watched from afar, before running off.

Sasori's going over to the Deidara side!…slowly.
Lol, in EX3 Hidan is creepy. You defeat him and he starts laughing. It's weird. (He either laughs or screams "JASHIN-SAMA!") And Kakuzu is hard to control, since he attacks with his detachable hands. And Ino is still the only one of the Rookie Nine people you can't play as…oh, but you can play as Baki. Lol.

〜Arrina