I don't exactly remember how I've met Hidan, but I know it was at work. An annoying and shitty job... We both worked in a small grocery store as "slaves". Like doing all the cleaning and stuff... As well as being paid for damn peanuts ! And man... If he hadn't been there I'd probably have killed someone out of boredom. Or I'd have blown up the store. Yeah… Blown it up for sure ! Anyways... Even if we did not last long, since we did a lot of shit together, it was awesome ! This guy is truly my best friend !

A small alarm shapped like a bomb, produicing explosion sounds, rang through a dark room. Such an odd, better original, choice to wake up with. A ruined mattress was disposed on the ground, on which, a lying figure was gradually waking up.

"Whoa... Fuck man...", she stretched out, passed through the various objets scattered across the apartment, then half-opened the shutters.

It was a mess.

Then, she went to the bathroom, moisturized her face, and looked at herself in the mirror. Long blond and messy hair spreaded along her back. Her eyes, still adapting to the brightly white light, revealed a rare blue gaze. A deep and intense grey cerulean.

The figure bent towards her reflexion and touched her face. She noticed that small hairs started to emerge around her chin.

"(Great... I'm starting to look like a hobo... A good shave wouldn't hurt.)", before taking the blade, she smelled her armpits, "(Ew ! A good shower wouldn't hurt either. Hopefully there'll be hot water this time…)"

The name of the silhouette ? Deidara.

Not a very common name, nor very american. In fact, it's taken from the ancient greek "daidalos/daidala", which means "to forge/create/invent" or more simply "to make art". In other words, he one who is a craftman/artist. In addition to being an allusion to the legendary sculptor Daedalus.

A name that turns out to precisely correspond him since he happens to be an artist himself. In any case, he recognizes himself as such. In this case, he rather recognizes himself as a "misunderstood one" above all.

He currently works as a bomb maker and seller. In short, a sort of craftman. Despite it all, he struggles to make a big name for himself because of his specific vision of art.

Nevertheless, his name is known within the police. But unfortunately, not for the good reasons.

Let's say that he already spent months in jail, as a reward for his dangerous activities. The worst part is that he was not at his first try because he even went back several times afterwards !

Besides, before getting involve in his current activities, he started his "career" as an amateur fireworker. Which led him to cause a lot of public disorder, and so, to often being arrested. In addition to sometimes ending up to the emergency room...

These memories and events are, since then, etched on his body. Burn marks of various sizes on the arms. Fortunately for him, these wounds aren't too deep nor too painful.

And the most surprising thing, is that he proudly displays them to everyone's eyes. Almost as if they were the proof that his explosions are indeed an art.

It goes without saying that he has, obviously, retained nothing of this and has, absolutely, no regrets whatsoever. He is even proud of it. A true example to follow… It's not for nothing that Hidan is his best friend, idiots attract each other.

Once washed, shaved, and dressed, the blue-eyed man looked at the clock. It was almost 2 p.m. He still had the time to eat something before his meeting.

In doing so, he took few slices of pizza from his small frigde and reheated them into the microwave.

It's certainly not the healthiest food around, but that's all he had left to eat. And even if the texture was similar to chewing-gum, the taste of the pizza was pratically preserved.

Deidara's not a difficult person. As long as he has enough to eat decently, he is able to overlook certain formalitiesn such as appearence or taste.

Without warning, his phone began to ring. The same explosion sound as his alarm was emaneting from the device.

"Yeah ?", answered the blond man with his mouth full.

"Hey asshole ! I'm comingto pick you up after all. Move your ass and get ready ! I'm here in 10min."

"Alright. And don't worry, I'm already ready."

"Nice ! By the way, do you have a small booze can for me ? I'm thirsty as fuck."

"We had planned to go to the bar, remember ? Unless you changed the plans."

"No no no ! We'll go to the bar ! But you know how I am right ?"

"Sorry man but my fridge is as empty as your head."

"Argh ! Too bad !"

"Hey ! What did you say ?!"

"Nothing…"

"Yeah of course... Don't forget that I could easily kick your ass ! I'm a shaolin master !"

"Yeah and I'm Michael Jackson."

"Now you say it… It's true that there's something…"

"Oh yeah ?"

"Well, you already look more like him than me."

"Sure…"

"Don't get me wrong ! I didn't say you were his fucking double but you know... There's a thing. But I can't put my finger on it !"

"If you say so…"

…

"You know, it was a jok-"

"Yeah no shit !"

"Geez, hopefully."

"I still think you look like Michael Jackson though."

"..."

"By the way, I'm almost here."

"Ok I'm waiting for you."

As soon as the conversation ended, Deidara finished his "meal" and brushed his hair briefly. He was now ready to go !

While the car trip went smoothly, Hidan and Deidara arrived in front of the bar. Located in the "ill-reputed" district of the city and not far from Deidara's home.

They go out of the vehicle and faced the storefront of the bar. This one had a big pink neon sign where we could read "Immortal Heart". Or rather "Immoral Heart", since the "t" had been burned out for quite some time.

"Where are we ?"

"At the bar duh."

"I know ! But I've never heard about this place before."

"Normal."

Without a break, Hidan led his friend inside the... "bar"…

"Wha- Where have you brought me ?"

"At the bar stupid !"

"You can see it's not just a bar... It's a fucking strip-club !", astonished the artist while pointing at one of the many dancers in small clothes that he could see dancing on a pole.

"Yeah and ? You've never seen stuff like this before or what ?"

"Hidan listen up. I didn't come here to see whores and to fuck them !"

"Same. We're here to drink I know, I know."

"So why the fuck didn't we, just, go to a normal bar for normal people ?!"

"Oh god... stop bitching ! I know this place and its owner. Chill out !"

"Yeah whatever..."

Per chance, they found some unoccupied seats at the counter and went to sit there.

"Oh... It's you...", grumbled a long-haired man with an impressive physique.

His tan skin, severely wouded, was facing the duo. And his bloodshot green eyes squinted at the view of the silver-haired man.

He didn't seem happy to see him…

"Hey Kakuzu ! My ol' pal !", exclaimed the eccentric one, waving his hand in his direction.

"You know him ?", asked the blond.

"And not just a little ! Ahem... Kakuzu, I present to you Deidara. My dumb friend."

"Hey-"

"Deidara, I present to you Kakuzu, the grumpy old man, owner and bartender of this place."

Following this presentation, Kakuzu muttered an "Imbecile..." while cleaning the glasses.

"Anyways ! I can give you a little tour of the place if you want ?"

Deidara wasn't too keen at the idea of seeing more, but he accepted the proposal anyway. It's not like he had a choice...

-At the same time at Path-

Sasori, having not quite recover from yesterday, still felt numb and weak. And without much of surprise, Pein noticed that his friend's health was deteriorating day by day.

He was obviously very worried... That's why he offered him, exceptionally, to finish his day earlier than planned so that he could go home and recover.

It was the best he could do to help him recover.

Once the tour was over, Hidan and Deidara both started their drink.

"So, finally got some chicks ?"

"You bet...", affirmed the blond, staring at his beer mug, "Even two."

"NO FUCKING WAY ! YOU'RE FUCKING WITH ME RIGHT ?!"

"Nah man."

"AND WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE ?!"

"They're bombs heh."

"TELL ME MORE !"

"Well, one is composed of RDX, adipate, and PIB and of other things you probably don't know. And the other is made of amatol, of-"

"Dude…"

"What ?"

"When I said 'chicks' I meant… CHICKS ! REAL ONES ! NOT LITERAL BOMBS !"

"I don't give a fuck about hot chicks hm ! I already have some at home."

"Don't tell me you're already drunk ?"

"And even if it was the case, it's just alcohol."

"In that case... Yo Kak' ! A new round of beer !", Hidan was ready to drink his third glass. He hold his liquor pretty well.

"I'm not your dog !"

"Yeah yeah... See if I care. By the way Dei ! You still haven't told me about your appearance on motherfucking TV !"

"Believe me or not but I managed to promote myself ! Like I said yesterday, it was the chance of my life !"

"And how'd you do it ?"

"Honestly, I didn't do much. I just stood in front of the camera."

"Eh ? That's all ?"

"Well yeah but you know, that's enough for me. Like, people have certainly taken the time to remember my face. That way, when I'll gain in popularity and finally get recognition, the people who saw me that day will recognize me and my popularity will triple ! See ?"

"Whoa... (Even if I didn't understand everything) You're one hell of an ambitious bastard !"

The grumpy bartender served them.

"Thanks old man."

No response was heard from him, only a cold look with a grunt.

"Of course~", replied the blue-eyed one as he began his second glass.

(One and a half hour later)

"Come on Dei ! One more at least !"

"I don't know…"

"Come on ! Don't be a pussy and go ahead ! I know you can do better than that !", amused the grey-haired enthusiast by giving a slap to his mate's back.

"Okay but this is the last one... Hic !"

"You idiot ! Can't you see that your friend is done ?! He's already at his fourth !"

"Bullshit ! You don't even know him you ape ! I know how a bro's doing better than anyone !"

"Little fucker…"

"Also Dei. You haven't told me about that redhead of yours yet !"

"I don't have a much to say- hic about him to be- hic honest... I barely saw him."

"What ?! Is that all ?! You were more talkative about him yesterday."

"I just talked about his car- hic... That's the only thing I care about."

"Liar ! You also said you wanted to, like, play with him or something !"

"Only if he challenged me."

"Dude... Do you really think it's gonna work ? Businessmen aren't dumbs you know !"

"That's the point ! The more he's smart, the more it's gonna be difficult ! And I want to be the beeeest-hic !"

"And what if he just calls the po-po ?"

"It's ain't a big deal."

"If you say so...", said Hidan finishing his beer. Even if he wasn't drunk yet, his cheekbones were starting to redden.

"Come to think of it but do you have the time ? Hic !"

"Why ? Don't you want to stay a bit longer ?"

"Dunno. I'm just asking."

"5 p.m.", the patched man announced calmly.

"Oh already ? Sorry but I think I'm-hic I'm gonna go."

"Why ?!"

"I've got an order on the go and if I keep farting around, I don't think I'll have time to-hic finish it anymore."

"Ugh... okay then. And do you think you'll make it ?

"I'm an artist and-hic I can defend myself."

"I thought artists were fragile and sensitive little pussies."

"Oh shut up !"

"And how you gonna get home 'artist' ?"

"I think I'll take the bus hm."

"Okay buddy, good luck !"

"Thanks.", the artist left the club.

Like a lost child, Deidara wandered the streets in search of bearings. And the fact that he was drunk made the slightest movement a real challenge to overcome.

Thus, on his pathetic advance, the artist was noticed by all. Where normally he would have enjoyed being the center of attention, here he was almost ashamed of himself. It must be said that being stared at by the neighborhood was not the most rewarding experience.

Passers-by looked at him as if he was some kind of freak.

"(Damn... I feel dizzy and it's hard to stand up straight... I think I… I drank too much... But hey ! As long as I can manage myself, it's ain't a big deal-hic...)"

As he struggled to navigate between the streets, a sudden thought crossed his mind.

"(Hehehe... I wonder how the redhead's car's doing… Last time he arrived around 6 p.m or something, so logically, I have time to pick up few things from him in a hurry !)"

It was time for Sasori to go home.

Instead of finishing at 6 p.m, as usual, this time he finished one hour earlier. He wasn't very excited to work at home, but he couldn't really refuse Pein's proposal, since he really needed some rest and coziness. Nevertheless, he still felt like a living dead.

Resigned to having to leave, he took his belongings and left the office.

Along the way, he felt that his legs were about to give out on him at any moment. Fortunately for him, his car was not too far away and the sunlight kept him awake

The sky was at its twilight. Golden rays of light illuminated Sasori's face.

He likes when the sun goes down. It is as comforting as it is pleasant to look at. Unlike the zenith, which attacks the eyes with its intense blinding light.

As his eyes roamed the street, he distinguished the parking lot in which his vehicle was parked in the distance. The closer he got to his car, the better he saw something near it. Until the moment when he finally reached his destination.

A blond man was lying on the ground next to his car.

At first, Sasori didn't know to react. Maybe was he a homeless ? Or maybe a dead body ? In order to verify is theory, the redhead crouched near the man's body and took his carotid pulse. He is alive. As expected. On the other hand, he did not expect the body to respond him so quicky with an annoyed moan.

Not only had this guy fallen asleep next to his car, but on top of that ! he didn't seem motivated to move.

Such boldness, not to say nerve. And who did he think he was anyway ? Such a behavior, with such a nonchalance, finally set off Sasori's nerves :

"If you don't get the hell out of here in the next ten seconds, I call the police !"

"The police-hic... ? I don't wanna see the cops. I wanna sleep..."

"Then get the fuck out of here ! (There's no doubt. He's fucking drunk... )"

All the wretch could see was a red figure with abstract features. From his state, he couldn't decently identify anything. However, since his eyes were exposed, Sasori stared at them. He stepped back, visibly disturbed.

It was the same from his dream.

"(No way ! What is wrong with me ?!), the puppeteer covered his face to confront his thoughts.

(Tell me it's a dream ! Those eyes... Are they real or I am losing my mind ?!)"

It only took a short moment for Deidara to fall back to sleep almost instantly.

Sasori didn't know what to do anymore. Was it the same man than yesterday ? On one hand, he wanted to call the police, but on the other, he wanted to know more. And first of all, why was he so obsessed with his blue eyes ? What was so special about them? Alas, these questions remained, for the moment, without answers.

Finally, the redhead decided to bring the blond with him. It was certainly not the best decision of his life, but his thirst for answers was unstoppable. Then the opportunity was too good to be missed.

Thus, Sasori took advantage of the fact that the stranger was asleep to carry him and place him in his trunk.

When he arrived in front of the residence, he had to transport the unknown with him. For that, he put his fatigue aside to reach his apartment as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The sleeping man was put on the back of Sasori, like a potato sack. Luckily, the potato sack in question was rather light. Everything was going well until he was afraid of meeting some peo-

"Oh Sasori ! It's been a while since I haven't seen you around ! How are you..."

"(Shit !)"

The old woman who greeted him is his next-door neighbor.

"W-", before the woman could even formulate a word, Sasori answered her curtly :

"Don't mind him. He is a friend."

The old lady looked at his "friend" with a worried look.

"Is he alri-"

"Drunk."

"Oh I see... I guess I won't waste any more of your time."

Sasori nodded and faintly smiled back at her. Thenn he headed towards his apartment, searched and found the keys and... mission accomplished.

He finally went home.