The Diamond Family
Chapter 2: Without
Perspectives: Konan, Deidara, Itachi, Sasori, and Kakuzu
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Konan's Perspective
I left Nagato's room. I sighed at the sight of Snow's empty bed. She's now been gone for a month and three weeks. I missed her. One of the things I missed most was talking to her almost every day. She always had something positive to say. I don't know how she did it with all she's been through.
All of us seemed to be affected on some level by her absence. The most affected was Kakuzu. He grew agitated at the slightest offense. His tolerance for others was almost nonexistent. The only time he speaks is when cursing out Hidan or someone else. Kakuzu rarely left his room, which made the hideout safer. When he did, it was only to go bounty hunting or to complete missions. Is he even eating properly?
It wasn't that we didn't know where she was it was that we could do nothing to help her. That was the most agitating part. It must be eating away at him. He couldn't protect who he loved most. It would weigh heavily on any person. I pitied him. What were we to do? Facing the Hidden Diamond Village and their allies would be suicide. Snow would have to find her own escape. She's smart enough to do it. Nagato joined me in bed. He squeezed my hand.
"You must speak with, Kakuzu", said Nagato.
"Why me?" I asked.
Kakuzu and I weren't the close. We gave each other space.
"He won't kill you", said Nagato.
"He won't kill you either, so why won't you speak with them?" I asked.
"This isn't a topic of expertise. I'd only make it worse", said Nagato.
It was true.
"I'll try but there's little chance of success", I said.
"It's a worth a try", said Nagato.
I made a meal for Kakuzu. If Snow and my situations were switched she would try her best to comfort Nagato. I knocked on Kakuzu's door. No answer. I turned the knob, but it was locked.
"Kakuzu, open the door", I said.
The door unlocked, creaking open slightly. I stepped into the room. The only light in the room was the dim lamp on his desk. Kakuzu sat in his desk chair. This was the first time I'd ever stepped foot in his room. It was an organized mess. Books lined the walls. There were stacks of paper on and next to his desk. His bed was made. He looked better than I thought. I couldn't read his emotions. One thing was clear. He was tired.
"What do you want, Konan?" asked Kakuzu.
"Nagato sent me", I said.
"Why?" asked Kakuzu.
"To check on you", I said.
"I don't need you checking up on me", he said.
"You should eat. Kakuzu you shouldn't do this to yourself", I said.
"Why do you care?" he asked.
"Snow would hate seeing you like this. Punishing yourself like this won't bring her back", I said.
"Leave", said Kakuzu.
He was straining to hold back his anger.
"She will come back, Kakuzu", I said.
"He will never allow her out of his sight. I should have never let her out of mine", he said.
"Snow loves you she will find you", I said.
"There no grantee she'll return. She could fall in love with him. He's a far better man than me. Eiji could give children and a life in a secure village that adores her", said Kakuzu.
He tossed me a newspaper. The title on the front page read: "The Event of the Year, The Marriage of a Guardian". There was an image of Snow and her husband on the front page. She looked happy and healthy.
"Have faith in her. She fell in love with you not him", I said.
"He's a beloved and respected leader", said Kakuzu.
"She loves you with every fiber of her being. She would put her life on the line to protect you. No, other man will ever mean that much to her", I said.
"How can you be sure?" asked Kakuzu.
How can he not see it?! Everyone here could see how much she loves him. My mind went back to that night.
Konan's Flashback
Snow's concern for Kakuzu had only grown throughout today. I sat across from her playing checkers with her in hope to distract her. It was one in the morning. She got up.
"Where are you going?" I asked.
"I want to try and sleep", said Snow.
As she left Nagato came out of hiding.
"How is she?" asked Nagato.
"Nervous", I said.
"She has to adjust to him not always being here", said Nagato.
"It isn't so simple for her. She's already lost so much", I said.
"Are you referring to the artist?" he asked.
I nodded.
"That was years ago", said Nagato.
"That doesn't mean the pain isn't there. I want to keep an eye on her tonight", I said.
"I understand", said Nagato before returning to his bedroom.
She was curled up in a ball in bed. Her eyes were shut in a seemingly peaceful sleep. That could change at any moment. I sat in bed, watching over my friend. She normally had a night terror once a week, which was a vast improvement. When Kakuzu left, this number grew. I never told or question Snow about what I heard, while she was asleep.
I learned never to touch her, while she underwent her more violent nightmares. She'd attack if I tried. Waking to her screaming was one of the worst things I'd ever waken up to. After an hour of watching her, I decided it was safe to sleep. I woke to her mumbling in her sleep a few moments later. This is how it starts. Soon the mumbles became screams. Her fear was so clear. I wanted to help her so desperately, but there was nothing I could do. I can only wait till she wakes.
"I'm so sorry", I whispered.
Her screams became whimpers. The best thing I can do for is to make sure doesn't harm herself or anyone else.
"No, master, please. Don't do this again", begged Snow.
This was the frequent topic of her nightmares.
"I will do anything you wish Master. Please don't hurt him", she pleaded.
"I will do anything you want master just don't hurt him", said Snow.
The him she was talking of was most likely Takumi.
"Kakuzu, I don't know what to do", whimpered Snow.
She screamed.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Kakuzu", cried Snow.
She sat up in bed. Her breathing came in short rapid breaths. Snow frowned, looking down at her lap. I caught the smell of urine. She was trembling. Her mind seemed to be numb with fear. Snow allowed me to help her from bed. I turned on the shower. While the water warmed, Snow shed her clothes. I tried not to stare at the many scars on her back. She got into the shower. I gave her the privacy she deserved. She came out a few minutes later.
"I'm sorry you had to hear that", said Snow.
"You don't have to apologize", I said.
"I can't lose someone so important again", said Snow.
"I will always try and be there for you", I said.
"I love him", said Snow quietly.
"I know", I said.
Snow is willing to kill herself if it meant she would be with Kakuzu. Him denying how much Snow loves him made me angry.
"Kakuzu, you're so fucking thick headed! Do you know how many times I had to comfort her through the nights you weren't here? She'd scream for you almost every night. In one of her nightmares, she was willing to kill herself to be with you. That's how I know how much she loves you!" I yelled.
That really him got angry. He's barely controlling his anger.
"You won't be forgiven if you cause me harm", I said.
He calmed slightly.
"What if it's better for her there?" he said.
"That may be true, but she would refuse to accept it. She wouldn't want to see you doing this to yourself", I said.
Kakuzu grabbed me by the throat, slamming me against the wall. His grip wasn't tight enough to leave bruising.
"How do you know what she would want?" he said.
The pain in his voice was clear. I wasn't upset with him.
"Because I know her", I said.
He released his hold on my neck.
"You should eat", I said.
"If I eat will you leave?" he asked.
I watched as he ate. When he finished I took my leave.
Deidara's Perspective
Someone walked passed my door. My attention focused on the sculpture in front of me. A familiar face stared back me. All I could sculpt was her. Every piece I made was an utter failure compared to the original. They lacked whatever it was that made Snow so unique. I could never replicate. No one could. I glared at the wall across from me. How could the bastard be so cold? After losing someone so one of kind. How cannot be affected? Once again my attention went to the bust in front of me. I touched its clay cheek. It lacked all warmth.
"Return soon my muse", I whispered.
I pushed away from the table. I hate being in this state! Why must she rule my mind in such a way? I need fresh air. It will do me good to get away from this darkness. Creativity could never flourish in such dankness. The fresh air was a wonderful change from the stagnant atmosphere of the hideout. Why did I allow it to become my prison? I'm an artist freedom is of great importance to my work. A journey to the Hidden Diamond will only take a few days at full speed. No one will notice my absence. My hand chewed on a fresh piece of clay. A bird left my hand. I jumped on its back. In three days time, I made it the gates of the Hidden Diamond. It was truly a grand village. The wealth could be seen clearly.
Something coiled around my legs. Black threads! They yanked me down and into the forest. As I was tugged along the ground. The thread wrapped around my hands. Eventually, I met their source. He stared at me with cold red and green eyes.
"What are you doing here?" asked Kakuzu.
"I thought my reasons would be clear", I said.
"We were ordered not to come here. The Hidden Diamond Village is the most powerful of the six great nations. It's beyond idiotic to take a figure of such importance. They wouldn't rest until they had her again. And when they found us. They'd kill us all", he said.
"I'm not here to take her back only to observe her. You can't tell me you don't want to see her again", I said.
He glared at me with such rage. The bastard wouldn't be giving me such a look if I weren't right.
"Fine", said Kakuzu.
The threads around me loosened enough for me to stand.
"In the highly likely chance, this goes wrong you'll be the perfect distraction. Those of the Diamond have a long-term grudge against all those of the Land of Earth. They will love the chance to get their hands on you", said Kakuzu.
He would use me distraction to save himself. Not surprising at all.
"I won't release you yet. I can't take the risk of you doing something foolish", he said.
We crept to the heart of the village. A transformation jutsu kept us from being noticed. We found her. She stood alone on a balcony of white stone. She was dressed in a fine ivory colored silk nightgown. Sadness tainted her expression. On her finger glittered a large emerald cut sapphire framed in diamond. The band was a circle of diamonds.
The doors behind her opened. A tall man approached her. His long silver hair swayed as he walked. The man's mismatched eyes were focused on Snow. He gently touched her shoulder, drawing her attention.
"You'll catch I cold in this weather, Snow", he said as he wrapped a blanket around her shoulders.
"I don't mind the cold, but thank you", she said.
So kind and polite in such unhappiness. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. She leaned into his chest. A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
"You should have left by now, Eiji. Don't you have to discuss a new trade agreement with the Hidden Leaf?" asked Snow.
That's the feared Eiji I was told of as a child. Why would anyone fear such a man? What grand power could he hold?
"I had to say goodbye to my beautiful wife", said Eiji.
Wife?! I took a breath. He must have forced into such a horrible position. I looked at Kakuzu. He shook with rage but didn't follow it. Eiji raised Snow's chin and placed a soft kiss on her tender pink lips. It grew in its passion. Why is she doing such a thing? When he pulled away from her, there was a light blush on her cheeks.
"You make it difficult to leave", said Eiji.
"Sorry", said Snow.
"There's nothing to be sorry for I enjoyed", said Eiji.
He lightly connected their lips again.
"Such purity", said Eiji as he gently touched her cheek.
"You make me blush", said Snow.
"And what a beautiful sight it is to behold", he said.
"You really should be leaving. I'd hate to make you late", said Snow.
"I love you my dearest", said Eiji.
He kissed her on the forehead. Snow pulled away.
"I can't say those words. I care deeply enough for you not to give you false words. My heart still belongs to another", said Snow.
"I'm a patient man", said Eiji.
He placed one more kiss on her lips before leaving. Snow opened her locket. Her sadness grew more apparent.
"Why couldn't you place an image of yourself in my locket. I never thought I'd need one. I miss you so greatly", she said.
She closed her locket. Snow froze in her tracks. She stared directly at me. There's no way she could have spotted me. She shook her head.
"Pretend he's Kakuzu easier said than done, Mari", Snow said to herself.
Her focus left her locket. A diamond kunai went zooming past my ear.
"What a fool you are Deidara. Hiding your chakra so unwell, while in this village. If my guards spotted you they'd interrogate then kill you. You put the entire organization at risk by doing this", she said.
She held such worry for me, yet she calls me a fool. Can't she see how deeply I care for her?
"I wish you were another", said Snow.
Sapphires flowed from her eyes.
"Leave now. My guards will patrol soon", said Snow.
She returned to her room. I was left with a feeling of bittersweet. The woman I hold so dearly craves another.
"We must leave. Unless you want to be the prisoner of the Hidden Diamond Village", said Kakuzu.
With that, he left without even turning back. I forced myself to leave. It only took us two days to return.
Itachi's Perspective
Kakuzu and Deidara entered the hideout. Them being together without trying killing each other was odd, to say the least.
"Where were you?" I asked.
"Nowhere of importance", said Kakuzu.
I knew better than to ask more of him. I saw it in his eyed. He'd seen her. Kakuzu was clever enough not to be caught. What my mother said all those years ago still holds true. Even the coldest of men can be warmed by the gentle affection of a woman. I left the quiet peace of my room.
Snow will have to free herself of this cage. I wanted to break her free of her family like I wanted for Sasuke. I can't help her as much as I craved to do so. She'd already made clear we were family
Itachi's Flashback
It was my turn to train with Snow. She was overjoyed to reach to tie in our race. The girl has improved greatly. She came from a powerful bloodline.
"What do we do if we have a tie? Do we get what you want to eat or what I want?" asked Snow.
She earned a reward.
"Ramen", I said.
She smiled. So innocent. I bought her a bowl of ramen. She started eating.
"Itachi, aren't you going to eat?" asked Snow.
"Not hungry", I said.
"You have to be hungry after a long day of trying. Have some of my ramen", offered Snow.
Rare, Snow doesn't share her ramen often. Worry was clear in her eyes. She wouldn't drop the subject until I ate. I ordered myself a bowl. Why she's so protective and caring for me I do not know.
"Is this your boyfriend, Snow?" asked the owner of the ramen shop.
Snow's face turned, so pink.
"He's my older brother", said Snow.
I lost interest in my food.
"Forgive me. There isn't much of a family resemblance", said the owner.
How did I earn such affection? I'm not worthy of such a title. I can it hold without guilt. She took my hand and led me to the forest. We sat underneath a tree.
"Are you upset with me?" asked Snow.
"No, it's been a long time since anyone has called me brother", I said.
"Do you not consider me that?" she asked.
"Yes, but I don't know how you can possibly consider us family", I said.
"Almost all my entire life I've only known cruelty. This organization has shown me such kindness how could I think them family", said Snow.
"You're aware we've committed horrid crimes against the innocent. How can you consider me and the others such a thing?" I asked.
"I've already told you", said Snow.
"You are truly one of a kind", I said.
She blushed.
"I forgive you", said Snow.
"For what do you forgive me for?" I asked.
"Your kiss", she said.
"You heard us", I said.
She nodded. What she must have heard.
"I'm younger than you.", I said.
"You may be younger, but you hold a maturity I lack", said Snow.
I was brought out of my thought when Tobi bumped into me.
"Sorry, Itachi", said Tobi.
Snow's absence has had a great effect on him. He's no longer his happy go lucky self.
"Tobi, you should get some rest", I said.
"Do you think Snow misses us?" asked Tobi.
"I know she does", I said.
Kakuzu's Perspective
The image of Snow on the balcony keeps running through my head. The sad longing look in her eyes made me want to comfort her in my arms. I hate seeing Eiji touching my Snow. She forced herself to pretend that man was me. I need to shower. I hate admitting this, but Konan is right Snow wouldn't want to see me unhealthy. I got into the shower. The night I made Snow mine came back to me. The images of that night caused an ache between my legs. I ignored it and eventually my lust settled. I turned off the water and dressed.
"Come back soon my Snow", I said to the photo.