My Pain is Yours

Author's Note: Merry Christmas to all of my readers, I hope you enjoy this chapter and I apologize for taking so long to write and get it out—hopefully there won't be that much of a delay with the next one! :D As always, thank you to everyone who reviewed the last chapter and enjoy this one as well!


Chapter 30: Massive Explosion

"You ready?"

"Yeah."

With a reborn smile on her lips, brunette hair brushed back and thrown into a bun, Aiko stood beside Hidan, hazel eyes overflowing with radiance heightened by an esteemed confidence. She adjusted the spare gray cloak she had brought along with her, tugging down on the sleeves and unbuttoning some of the buttons to make herself more comfortable.

Hidan rolled his eyes, yawning loudly. "Yeesh! It's noon already, let's get going!"

Beaming, Aiko flashed him a grin, "Don't be so impatient Hidan—trust me, I'm in no hurry to find Shinsei, we'll find her when we do." When Hidan looked at her smiling face, however, he could easily detect the hints of sorrow preventing her smile from achieving its full potential.

"Whatever," Hidan muttered, analyzing Aiko closer.

The weariness of her gaze was glazed over with a strong brightness enhanced by the sun, but it was not nearly as bright as the glinting Akatsuki ring she formerly wore hanging off a string that hung around her neck, weighing down on her chest with the Jashin necklace beside it. Hidan had thrown his ring away, deciding against keeping it, the night before and couldn't begin to understand why Aiko was clinging so tightly to that burden.

I had no idea she was so masochistic.

"Hidan?" Aiko tilted her head to the side, confused at his taciturnity.

Aware that he had been zoning out, Hidan quickly feigned interest in the forest they were about to enter. "What?" He shifted his eyes back to her, sensing her uneasy apprehension immediately. "Aiko, are you sure you want to do this? It might be better not to go and find Shinsei; it just means that you'll have to part with her all over again!"

This comment caused Aiko to flinch—it was almost as if she had been thinking similarly.

The brunette lowered her gaze from the sky, resolve softening. "I know."

Hidan sighed heavily, irritated. "Oh, for the love of Jashin Aiko!"

She looked up at him, mouth unmoving, lips immobile.

The silver-haired Jashinist grimaced. "Just stop."

Aiko tore her gaze from his face.

Glancing at her pale fingertips as a group of clouds cloaked the illumination of the sun, Aiko inhaled deeply, eyes struggling to hold back the wet tirade pushing at the corners of her glistening emerald orbs. She touched the ring resting upon her chest, forlornly rubbing it between her fingers. Hidan strode in front of her and clasped both her hand and the ring in his, convincing her to look up at him.

"Aiko, there is no end to any of this unless you make up your mind," Hidan growled tersely.

"I know," Aiko whispered, mirroring the lonely sound of those same two words.

Hidan gripped her hand tighter. "You have to get over this."

Fully aware of the fact that Hidan was undeniably right, Aiko sucked in a deep breath, willing herself to do as he said. She pressed her eyes together, tightly, shunning any images from view as she struggled to convince herself that by finding Shinsei and bidding her a formal farewell, that she was making a wise choice—Aiko would feel better about it if she did. Her eyes flickered open.

But was her decision right for both of them?

Hidan glowered at her, waiting for her response. "Well?"

Aiko pressed her wavering lips into a firm, decided line. "Let's go."

The silver-haired Jashinist blinked as Aiko reclaimed her hands from him.

Without a single word, Aiko shifted the strap of the backpack slung over her shoulder into a more comfortable position, and began walking briskly towards the dark forest. Hidan grumbled something about how at times he wouldn't and couldn't understand the way she behaved, and followed her into the woods. Just as they both vanished from the realms of the inhabited, the sunlight returned.


Trekking through the innumerous trees and grasses for hours on end, Aiko and Hidan ambled through the sometimes visible dirt path, often straying from it due to endless overgrown plants that seemed to halt them periodically. Mind and nerves on edge, Aiko ratiocinated in the silence, her thoughts becoming more of a plague than an aid.

Something inside me is directing me to go to Shinsei, to see her and say a final goodbye to her. But, as much as I want to, maybe I really shouldn't. Hidan had a point when he mentioned that it might not be such a good idea—I don't want to part with Shinsei again. Aiko glanced behind herself to look at Hidan. Jashin, I can't believe he hasn't started complaining yet.

Hidan didn't notice Aiko's gaze, rather, he was glaring at the ground with an empty expression.

A guilty knife jabbed into her conscious and Aiko suddenly felt rotten about dragging Hidan along on her tedious excursion. The only reason Hidan wasn't griping was because he was too angry and too tired to summon the energy to fuss about the situation. He had stayed up throughout the night to keep an eye on her, and now here he was out in the middle of nowhere with her.

Aiko came to a stop. "Um, Hidan?"

There was no reply from the silver-haired Jashinist, who walked directly past her. Aiko was shocked, but not offended; he had every right to ignore her at this point. With an inward sigh, she trudged on, striving to catch up with him and make amends. When she was at his side, he refused to look at her.

Aiko tried again. "Hidan?"

He walked faster.

So did Aiko.

"Hidan?"

His pace continued to quicken.

Aiko struggled to keep up with him.

Extending her legs which were long, but certainly not in comparison to Hidan's, Aiko stole each step she could take, Jashinist necklace bouncing vivaciously against her smooth chest. The brunette clenched her fists, trying to keep her voice from cracking, endeavoring to put up a brave front.

"Hidan, I'm sorry."

This still didn't stop him.

If anything, he was walking faster.

Aiko fought harder, gradually catching up.

By the time she was close enough to him that she could catch a glimpse of his face is she tilted her head faintly to the side, however, she noticed that there was the slightest of smirks embittering his cruel lips. When Hidan confirmed that she had caught his simper, he stopped, causing her to come to a halt as well, puzzlement adorning her expression. She dropped her backpack to the ground.

"Hidan?"

"Stop talking."

"What? Hidan, I—"

Interrupting the babbling spouting from Aiko's lips with a hard, wet kiss, Hidan tackled her onto the ground. If she wouldn't stop herself from becoming a depressed drama queen, he would stop her himself. Hidan rolled onto his back, clutching Aiko's shoulders and dragging her squirming body on top of his, kissing her warm and wanting lips continually. He claimed victory when she gave into him, her mouth returning his ardent affection as she melted into him.

Something about Hidan and his impulsive, forcefully persuasive manner of going about problems he encountered, made Aiko love him even more. She couldn't concentrate when he was around her, when he was talking to her and touching her. For him, she would live an eternity—but only for him. The more he kissed her, the more effort she put into her response.

"Oh Hidan, Hidan," Aiko murmured between kisses.

"Mmm?" He slid his hand beneath her shirt.

Entangling her fingers in his silver hair, Aiko inhaled sharply upon feeling Hidan's prying fingers playing up her spine, forcing her to succumb to his whims as he slid his leg between hers to create a hard friction. Aiko groaned, mouth opening enough so that Hidan's tongue could slide into her mouth and tango with her own. As their tongue slid over each other, Hidan held Aiko close to his chest, and lifted her up, careful to keep the kiss intact.

When Aiko realized he was standing, holding her in his arms, she broke their kiss.

For a prolonged moment, neither of them spoke.

Aiko smiled softly, placing her head beneath Hidan's chin, whispering, "I love you."

Planting a quick, rough kiss on Aiko's lips, Hidan lowered her onto the ground, allowing her to pick her backpack up and sling it over her shoulders. The brunette was beaming as she inaudibly took Hidan's hand, both of them continuing to journey through the forest, making their way towards Amegakure.


"Dear Jashin!" Hidan exclaimed, scratching the back of his head as he and Aiko found a clearing.

"What?" Aiko turned to look up at him, hazel eyes displaying her reborn vivacity.

"How long is it going to take to get to Amegakure, eh?" Hidan muttered.

"I'm not sure," Aiko shrugged. "A couple days maybe?"

Hidan nodded, glancing at the map in her hands.

"Where'd you get that map anyway?"

Aiko hesitated. "Kakuzu."

Hidan paused. "Oh."

Holding tight to her smile, Aiko kept the conversation going, trying to avoid sinking into a depression that might not allow her freedom. "I disassembled his briefcase and have that in my backpack too, along with his money and maps and such—just in case. They might come in handy." Hidan nodded and Aiko beamed, elevating herself to peck his cheek lovingly. Hidan returned the gesture.

"So," Hidan grinned, "where are we now?"

"Hm," Aiko ran her fingers over the lines of the map. "Hold on."

Stopping to find their location, Aiko gazed carefully at her surroundings and then back to the map. She assumed from her assessment that they were far beyond the boundaries of Konohagakure and getting close to Sunagakure. Hidan slid behind her, wrapping his arms around her body and hugging her waist tightly. She smiled as he nuzzled his nose into her neck, waiting for a response.

Suddenly, Aiko flinched against Hidan, startling him.

Hidan tensed and drew back. "What's wrong?"

Aiko's eyes grew wide. "We aren't alone."

Hidan was incredulous. "What?"

Gaze darting around the visible perimeter, Aiko couldn't manage to hold back the gasp collecting in her throat as an echoing detonation sounded just a little ways away. She immediately jerked her head to where the cacophony had come from; more explosions followed.

"What the fucking hell?" Hidan exclaimed, lavender eyes flashing.

Drawn by curiosity and a probing inquisition, Aiko bolted towards the continuous booming. Hidan chased after her, yelling at her to stop. But Aiko didn't listen. For some reason, she was almost positive that she recognized the feel of the chakra producing the raging incendiary. She took to the trees, ignoring Hidan as he shouted after her.

"Aiko! What the fuck are you doing? Stop!" Hidan panted out his commands as he leapt after Aiko.

"Come on Hidan!" Aiko turned her head as she nimbly bounded through the trees.

"What?" Hidan's amethyst orbs filled with bewilderment. "You idiot!"

"Just come on!" Aiko urged as they approached the altercation.

I know this chakra! I know I do! It has to be him!

Begrudgingly, Hidan followed, although he was overcome with relief when Aiko stopped upon a leafy tree bough that provided them with the ideal view of the commencing battle. When Aiko noticed the pair of men wearing red-clouded cloaks, Hidan heard her breath catch. Disgust filled his eyes when he figured out why, understanding once she whispered, "Oh my Jashin, it's Deidara and Tobi."

Another bang split through the air and Aiko shielded her face as debris flew everywhere.

"Oh, fuck!" Hidan swore, throwing his arm in front of his eyes. "Shit, shit, shit!"

Carefully prying her arm from her eyes, Aiko looked out at the battlefield, taking note of Tobi who was farthest from them and yelling at Deidara, who had taken to the sky. Aiko's eyes wandered toward the target of Deidara's attacks and found a young man defending against a never-ending barrage of attacks. When Aiko saw the young man's Sharingan, she mistook him for Itachi.

"Hidan—what's going on?" Aiko whispered. "Is Deidara fighting…Itachi?"

If he was, Aiko knew that Shinsei had to be close by.

Hidan killed her hopes. "No, that can't be him."

Aiko squinted harder. "What? Why not?"

"Because he's way too young."

Before Aiko could do another visual analysis, she was shielding her eyes from incoming rubble and was finding that the explosions were coming one right after the other in a direct line—she and Hidan were in the way of that. With a startled cry, Aiko toppled off backwards, Hidan groping blindly for her, and Aiko found herself landing hard on top of another body and soaring back into the air with a lurch.

Her heart and head were pounding simultaneously.

Lucky to escape the fate of having a concussion, Aiko found herself staring dazedly into the rapidly approaching blue sky, eyes shedding tears from the increasing wind. Trying to throw herself into a sitting position to find out what was going on, Aiko abruptly found herself looking at another man. Her heart skipped a beat when his ice-blue eyes flashed open and their gazes locked.

"What the hell, hmm?" The deep, masculine voice paused. "Wait—Aiko?"

Aiko's blood ran cold. "D-Deidara! Oh my…oh my Jashin!"

Neither Deidara nor Aiko received the opportunity to react before they were tumultuously blasted by the interference of yet another bomb. A scream was ripped from Aiko's throat as she and Deidara were hurled through the air, causing Aiko to curl instinctively into a ball beside Deidara. When they crashed into the ground, Aiko felt her head rebound hard against the clay back of the bird she was riding upon, and painfully struggled to retain her consciousness.

A hard voice fettered her to reality. "What the hell are you doing here? Hmm?"

Aiko twisted around, head throbbing painfully, to see Deidara staring almost angrily at her. Her mouth fell open in surprise and she immediately reached out to touch his face, almost in a manner as to confirm his existence. "Deidara! What's going on? Who are you fighting? Where's—!"

"Hold on a second!" Deidara exclaimed, exasperated. "You're alive?"

Aiko nodded, confusion riling her eyes. "Yes, yes I'm alive!"

"But Leader-sama said you, Kakuzu, and Hidan died!"

"No," Aiko murmured, calming herself.

"Then does that mean that—!"

"Hidan and I are alive."

"Hidan too, hmm?"

"Yes."

Breathing as erratically as her heartbeat was thumping, Aiko watched as Deidara difficultly tried to accept the truth set before him. "Only Kakuzu died, but you and Hidan didn't? Hmm?" He pondered the thought for a moment before the sounds of explosions and shouting diverted his attention. "Oh, shit—Aiko, I have to go protect Tobi; we're trying to kill Uchiha Sasuke."

"Uchiha Sasuke?" Aiko knew she had heard that name before but wasn't sure where.

"Listen," Deidara murmured, "get out of here, hmm? And don't go back to the Akatsuki either."

Mind whirling and throbbing painfully, Aiko held her hand to her head in absolute mystification, shocked when she discovered a warm wetness that was blossoming throughout her hair. Deidara carefully put the slightly panicked kunoichi back on the ground, cupping her cheek and shaking his head unbelievingly at her, convinced that everything he saw was a trick of his mind.

More bombs were still going off in the background.

The blonde looked as coolly as he could at the wide-eyed brunette who was activating a medical ninjutsu to heal her head. "Aiko," Deidara breathed, voice deepening, "everything's getting crazy in the Akatsuki, and you don't want to go back." He smirked weakly, almost playfully. "I won't tell Leader-sama you're alive either. Your best bet is to go a different route rather than return to Amegakure."

Aiko nodded, smiling. "Thanks, but Hidan and I aren't going back to the Akatsuki."

Deidara narrowed his eyes, unperturbed by the continual explosions. "Hmm?"

Aiko took in a deep breath. "We're looking for my friend, Shinsei."

Deidara nodded sagely, replying, "I wouldn't if I were you."

Aiko tensed, "What? But she's my best friend!"

"She's also convinced that you're dead."

The implied truth in Deidara's words rang throughout Aiko's mind and she nodded in silent agreement. The blonde Akatsuki member looked behind him, able to hear Tobi crying out his name. He turned back to Aiko, the believed-to-be-dead kunoichi, who was now smiling sadly at him. She gestured in Tobi's direction, stepping away from Deidara's bird. "Deidara, go to your partner, I have to find mine anyway."

Deidara nodded resolutely, his arrogant smirk returning. "Yeah, I guess so, hmm?"

The kunoichi winked, fixing her hair into a ponytail. "Sadly."

As she walked away, hips swaying, Deidara loudly called after her, "If you ever break up with Hidan, you'd better come find me, hmm?" A flattered blush fell upon Aiko's cheeks, although she was more embarrassed by his words. Unfortunately for Deidara, Aiko knew innately that she would never stop loving Hidan, but as Deidara rose into the sky behind her to return to his battle, Aiko got the feeling that she was going to miss him.

Goodbye, Deidara.

Turning away from the sight of the destruction caused by Deidara's beloved art to search for Hidan, Aiko heard Tobi yelling into the billowing waves of smoke, "You did die a death by bombing after all! Deidara you fool!" Of course, Deidara's response was quick to follow as he rejoined the fray upon his bird, flying back into action.

Aiko promptly took her leave.


Holding his bleeding head, grumbling about what a horrible idea it was to find out what was going on, Hidan emerged from a row of trees just as Aiko arrived around another corner, immediately running into his arms. "Hidan!" Aiko sprinted to him, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace. "I found you! I finally found you!" She kissed his neck in greeting, glad that he was, for the most part, fine.

Taken aback, Hidan staggered. "Yeah, yeah…listen, I want to get out of here. I don't like the idea of blonds fooling around with explosives, unless I'm far away." Aiko nodded, letting go of him. She then noticed the blood running down the side of his face in a thick rivulet of red and reached out to heal him; Hidan caught her hand. "Hold on, I'd rather get far away from here first."

Aiko made a face. "Are you so worried? We're immortal, love."

Hidan cocked an eyebrow. "It's better that we leave."

Realizing that arguing with Hidan wasn't going to get her anywhere, Aiko nodded, and the two of them took off into the forest. The sounds of explosions would ring throughout her ears for a long time to come, but Aiko was finding that the farther away they got, the closer they seemed to achieving their goal, or rather, to her goal. Soon, she would find Shinsei and the mess would be all but forgotten. Aiko and Hidan quickened their pace, hastily gaining speed as they zipped through the trees.


Entering a bustling town just as the sun started to go down, Aiko and Hidan had only just left the scene of the battle between Deidara and Uchiha Sasuke. Aiko wondered what had been happening in the Akatsuki since she, Hidan, and Kakuzu had been deemed dead. As she was walking, however, she walked by a pink-haired girl that she could've sworn she'd seen before.

The girl accidentally bumped into her. "Oh! I'm sorry!"

Aiko flushed, looking directly at her, "No, it's okay, really!"

The girl paused, looking Aiko over. "Do I know you?"

Then, the pink-haired girl gasped, recognizing Aiko as the Akatsuki member she had once met. Aiko realized the same thing as well, remembering the girl as Haruno Sakura—she had attacked her. Hidan raised both eyebrows at the girl who had bumped into Aiko. "Watch where you're going bitch!" Sakura's jaw hung open, appalled at Hidan's discourtesy, and immediately disregarded Aiko.

"That's awfully rude!" Sakura exclaimed, voice shrill.

"Whatever!" Hidan muttered, flipping her off as he began walking away with Aiko.

Just as they were about to blend into the crowd and escape Sakura's vengeful gaze, a bright light in the shape of a rising star abruptly detonated in the distance around where Deidara had been fighting Sasuke a little while earlier. It was an enormous, massive explosion with a radius of about ten kilometers. No one in the vicinity where Deidara formerly was would have survived.

Aiko's breath hitched and she choked, beginning to run forward, but Hidan grabbed her arm and slowly began ushering her away. "No!" Aiko whispered. "It can't be, not Deidara, no! No!" She shook her head obstinately, unable to cope with the thought that Deidara could have been killed so quickly and so easily. From where she was earlier, she was sure that Deidara had everything under control.

Hidan muttered, "I'm sure he was fine, don't worry about it Aiko."

Glancing over his shoulder, Hidan pinpointed a hotel and pulled Aiko into it, dragging her away from the petrifying sight. He quickly booked them a room and took a key, all the while the owner was staring outside at the area where the explosion had occurred. Hidan took Aiko up to their room for the night and sat her down on the bed, slipping her backpack off her shoulders. She began trembling, tears stinging at her eyes.

"First Sasori, then Kakuzu, and now Deidara and Tobi?" Aiko whimpered.

Burying her face in Hidan's chest, Aiko struggled to hold back her tears, restraining her sobs. Hidan lay down, willingly accepting Aiko into his warm embrace, holding her close. If this was what the pain of immortality meant, losing all of one's friends because they were merely mortal, Aiko wasn't sure whether she could bear an eternity of life.

The thought that she might never see Shinsei again reassured her of this feeling.


Author's Note: Reviews, anyone?