Chapter 11

Things were going pretty great at work for Deidara. He had a couple new customers now, thanks to the few pictures Konan had posted on Silver's facebook page. Itachi's tattoo was on there, too; Deidara actually took a picture of it at his house last Sunday afternoon.

Now, almost a week later, more precisely Saturday, Deidara was practically bouncing around the store because he was so excited about going to the show with Itachi. It was at 8 pm so Yahiko agreed to let him leave early. Actually he'd also changed his schedule. Now his days off were Sundays and Mondays. Maybe he'd decided Deidara was 'sick' too often on Sundays…

Sasori hadn't tried anything since that time in the back store. He pretty much just glared at the blonde all the time now. Usually Deidara felt uncomfortable because of this, but today he just couldn't let anything ruin his good mood.

At some point the red-head asked, "What are you so happy about, anyway?"

He pointed at his Within temptation t-shirt. "I'm going to see them live tonight!"

Sasori snorted, "I don't like metal bands with girls singing."

Yahiko heard that last part as he came back from his break, "Now that's just sexist!"

Deidara shrugged and returned at the counter, where he worked on some designs in his sketchbook next to the cash register. He checked the time on the computer screen; 6:35. Only twenty five more minutes before Itachi came here to join him, and then they would go together. He was so excited about it that he had a hard time concentrating on his drawing. He just loved going to shows like this.

His hair was loose today, and it fell down to his lower back, naturally sleek. He wore his favorite black skinny jeans, with chains hanging from his silver belt, black converse shoes, and of course his Within temptation t-shirt with black arm warmers, and added to that was the necklace with the sword pendant he always wore, hidden under his shirt.

Deidara's arms were healing, and he wasn't cutting anymore thanks to Itachi. Talking to him every night on the phone did the trick. Actually he hadn't made any nightmares recently. But he still wore the arm warmers to hide the scars. Still, he could honestly say he was doing better.

When Itachi walked in the store, at 7 pm sharp, Deidara smiled and without thinking, threw himself in his arms. He had missed him so much, even though it had only been a week, and he just felt so happy.

Itachi chuckled as he held him back. But of course, Sasori had to ruin the moment.

"Just get him out of here. His hyperactiveness is getting on my nerves."

They pulled apart, and Itachi glared right back at Sasori, but didn't reply. Sasori seemed a little nervous because of the raven's harsh glare, and he walked back to his tattoo station.

"Good show guys, have fun!" Yahiko smiled.

"Thanks man! I'll see you on Tuesday!" Deidara smiled back as he went to get his black hoodie. He had forgotten it at the party last weekend, but thankfully Konan had given it back the next day.

"All right!" Yahiko exclaimed, watching them leave.

Itachi glanced at him sideways as they walked out of the store side by side.

"Hyperactiveness?"

Deidara shrugged helplessly, and just smiled as he took in Itachi's appearance; he was all in black, with his slim jeans and trench coat, he looked handsome as always. His raven hair was down and fell on his shoulders.

"I like music shows." He randomly said, "I like standing right in front of the stage, so I hope you're ready to trash a little. It's not death metal, but still…"

"I don't even want to know what death metal shows are like," Itachi chuckled.

Deidara laughed. "Let's just say intense… So hey are you excited? I know you're not as thrilled as me but you told me you really liked the band so…"

Itachi smiled, and pushed the door open as they entered the subway station. "To be perfectly honest, I'm really just glad I get to spend time with you."

Deidara frowned slightly, "You do like the band though, right? You didn't lie to me about that?"

"Of course not," he said teasingly. So Deidara was still kinda confused. Was he doing it on purpose?

They were silent for a few minutes as they walked quickly. Deidara didn't want to lose any time. They were almost there thankfully. Deidara could see the line up already. Oh damn, it looked like they were already opening the front doors.

"Come on," he grabbed Itachi's arm and urged him forward.

"I'm not running," the raven protested but, contradicting his statement, he followed him anyway, "Dei just calm down…"

"I'm calm," he lied. But he continued running until they got there, much to Itachi's annoyance.

Inside the theatre, the crazy fans already occupied most of the space in front of the stage. Deidara had to stand in the middle of the room, behind an already large and thick crowd of people. He pouted, disappointed.

"Is there a check room here?" Itachi asked beside him, as he took off his warm coat.

"Oh yeah, you'll be too warm if you keep that on. It's in the basement," he pointed at the stairs, right next to the entrance doors.

"Give me yours too," Itachi suggested. Deidara nodded and took off his hoodie, handing it to Itachi.

"Will you find me with all those people?"

He glanced around, "I think everyone here has black hair except you so you kinda stand out."

"Okay well I'm staying right here," he chuckled.

He waited for Itachi just a few minutes, and when he came back the crowd had already thickened even more. But Itachi took his hand, and led him forward.

"What are you doing?" Deidara asked.

"You wanted to be in front of the stage, right?"

"Yeah but there're way too many people, they won't let us…"

But Itachi squeezed his hand, and dragged him along towards the stage. It seemed Itachi was intimidating enough for people to let them through. Impressive, Deidara thought.

And two minutes later they were standing almost right in front of the stage.

"Thank God I'm not claustrophobic," Itachi said half-teasing.

"Yeah," Deidara agreed, "But thanks, this is awesome!"

They were standing really close to each other, but they didn't exactly have a choice.

"No problem," Itachi smiled at him.

Deidara noticed for the first time he was wearing a black t-shirt which seemed too small for him. It had abstract, gothic patterns all over it.

"Nice shirt," he said.

"It's Sasuke's," he admitted, "I figured I might as well try to blend in, y'know, with all the… emos… or whatever they're called."

Deidara burst out laughing. Well, that explained why it was a little too small. He still found it hot, though.

When the show started, Deidara was really glad to be with Itachi; of course he enjoyed his presence as always, but also, he was protecting them both from crazy fans trying to force their way and steal their spot.

The band was too awesome for words. This was Deidara's first time seeing them live. The female lead singer and the rest of the band were full of energy and passion. And they were so talented, creating such beautiful symphonic metal music.

Deidara didn't know all of their songs, but sometimes he was singing along. It wasn't like anyone could hear him, anyway. The raven kept glancing at him and smiling, and it made Deidara incredibly happy. Music shows were always awesome, but being able to share the experience with someone made it so much better.

Sometimes Deidara made little comments about the songs, and the band, and he smiled, pleased, whenever Itachi commented back, saying things such as, "Yeah I really like this one too!" This only proved that Itachi shared at least some of his tastes in music.

When the show was over, the crowd cheered for more songs, so the band came back on stage to perform one of their most recent hits, actually. Evidently they expected to do an encore. Deidara enjoyed it as much as the rest of the show, and when it really was over, he was disappointed and glad at the same time. Disappointed because he didn't want it to end so soon, glad because he didn't think he could withstand this crazy, thick crowd of fans for one more minute.

They made their way towards the check room and waited in line to get their coats back.

"It was so awesome!" Deidara whispered dreamily. Itachi just smiled.

"Yeah it was pretty great…"

They finally grabbed their coat and hoodie after that, and they made their way outside. They didn't put them on right away though; it had been so warm inside so the cold, refreshing air was welcome. They walked together, and this time Deidara was walking rather slowly and lazily. He was still dazed by the show, the great music, the rush he'd felt standing in that crowd, and a smile lingered on his lips.

Deidara eventually stopped at a bus stop, but Itachi took his hand and led him further down the street.

"What are you doing?" The blonde asked.

"I'll drive you back home, silly."

"Oh… thanks," he blushed. Itachi's hand was neither warm nor cold, and he was squeezing gently.

Before getting in the car, Itachi offered the keys. Deidara's eyes widened as he looked up.

"You want to drive?" Itachi asked.

"Hell yeah!" He laughed disbelievingly, taking the keys and running to the other side.

Itachi chuckled as he took place in the passenger seat. It took a bit of adjustment for Deidara to remember how to drive the manual transmission car properly, but after a few minutes he was driving pretty much perfectly well. They weren't listening to any music for once, just enjoying the silence and this moment together. They had just been to a pretty intense music show after all. They kept exchanging glances and smiles.

"Next week it's my turn," Itachi reminded him when they were halfway to Deidara's place, "I get to bring you to my favorite place to go out."

"A gay club?"

"Not just any gay club. It's a great place, you'll see."

Deidara forced a smile, but he was a little nervous at the thought. He brushed it away though; he didn't want to be anxious right now. He wanted to enjoy what was left of his time with Itachi.

The taller male probably noticed his sudden uneasiness, because he dropped the subject. Actually they remained silent for the rest of the drive, but it wasn't awkward, and to Deidara, it felt comforting just to be with him. He enjoyed driving, also, and he felt glad and privileged to be trusted.

After parking in front of his apartment complex, he got out of the car, leaving the keys in the ignition. Itachi stepped out as well, but instead of walking around to the driver's side, he followed him to the door.

As they stood outside in the cold night, facing each other, Deidara swallowed hard, suddenly nervous. Itachi lifted his fingers slowly to caress Deidara's hair. It was slightly wavy now; because of the craziness of the crowd during the show the air had been a little wet inside the theatre. Itachi replaced the thick blonde locks behind his shoulder, and placed his hand behind his neck. The reason for Deidara's nervousness was that Itachi clearly wanted more than a hug this time.

Sure enough, Itachi leaned closer, tilted his head slightly, and placed a soft kiss on his lips. Deidara closed his eyes, and kissed back, tasting Itachi's delicious, full lips. The raven slid his other arm around his waist, flushing their bodies together. He continued kissing him, more intensely now. He licked Deidara's bottom lip, and then entered his mouth, exploring it briefly.

Deidara moaned through the kiss, and wrapped his arms around the taller guy as well. He entangled his fingers in silky raven hair as he deepened the kiss even more. Their tongues were battling now, fighting for dominance. But Deidara chose to just let Itachi lead the kiss. It felt so damn good. He hadn't kissed many people in his life, but Itachi was by far the best kisser. He didn't want it to stop.

Itachi was running his hands all over his back, caressing his hair, as he bruised his lips with this intense and long kiss.

When they finally pulled away, they were breathless. Deidara looked up at Itachi, meeting lustful, beautiful onyx eyes. They were still holding each other, neither wanted to move. Deidara felt like his legs would fail him. He felt even more dazed than after the show now; his heart was thumping loud, and as he looked at Itachi's now darkened full lips, he couldn't help but want even more.

Reading his mind, Itachi leaned in for another sweet kiss. The raven tasted delicious, and his lips were so soft. Their thin bodies fit perfectly together. Deidara's hand was still entangled in raven locks, messing them up but it didn't matter.

After this second lavish kiss they were panting, but smiling. Itachi finally let go of him, and for a moment Deidara felt like his legs would indeed give in and he would fall down, but he managed to hold his ground. He chuckled as he glanced at Itachi's hair. He proceeded to put some order in the messy raven locks with his hand softly.

Eventually Itachi just took his hand to stop his movements, and brought it to his lips to kiss his folded fingers. Then he gave him one last, soft kiss on the lips.

"I had a great time," he whispered in his ear.

"Me too," Deidara breathed.

Itachi pressed their foreheads together for a brief instant, caressing his blonde hair some more, and then he spun and walked over to his car.

Deidara watched the black car as he drove away, until it disappeared at the street corner. He shook his head briefly, almost disbelieving what had just happened. It had felt so amazing; he couldn't even find the right words to describe it. Could he finally be ready to try to be in a relationship with a guy? For the first time, instead of immediately thinking that no, it wasn't possible, well, he couldn't find the answer. Maybe, just maybe, if that guy was Itachi, then it would be okay.

…

The following week was incredibly long. Regular training sessions at the gym, spending some time with his family, and most of all school, homework and studying kept Itachi busy of course, but still, it seemed Saturday just wouldn't come. With Deidara they'd decided to go to the club on Saturday evening, since he conveniently had Sundays off now. Itachi made a note to self to thank Yahiko for that next time he saw him.

So on Friday night when Deidara called, just like every other night, Itachi answered at the first ring.

"Were you waiting by your phone?" Deidara asked teasingly.

"No, it just happened to be right next to me at this very moment…"

"Yeah right."

Itachi smiled but didn't continue arguing, instead he asked, "What're you doing?"

"Working on a tattoo design for a new customer."

"So you have customers now, huh?" Itachi said, smiling.

He was really happy for Deidara. He was talented, passionate, and he deserved it. Itachi had already started working on the website. All that was left was for Deidara to lend him his sketchbook so that he could scan and upload some designs.

"I guess I do!"

"What's he getting?"

"Oh it's a girl actually. She's getting angel wings on her back. She wanted it to be really unique though, so we discussed it together. There's gonna be lots of shadings, with some violet, dark blue and black. It's gonna be wicked."

Itachi agreed, "Sounds bad ass."

"Yeah, and Yahiko said my pay checks would get bigger soon, so it's pretty sweet."

"Great! Maybe you'll finally buy a decent winter coat."

"My hoodie is warmer than it looks okay?"

Itachi laughed, and then changed the subject. "My mom keeps asking me when you'll come over for dinner. I told her maybe Sunday. If you sleep over after the club, you could stay and eat with us."

"Um… okay," Deidara replied. He sounded a little nervous but Itachi ignored it.

"Perfect! She'll be ecstatic, and she'll probably make enough food for like twenty people."

Deidara laughed lightly, and then it was his turn to change the subject. "Hey what should I wear for the club?"

"Hmm…"

Itachi actually took his time to think about it, changing the question slightly; what did he want Deidara to wear? The blonde's selection of clothes was pretty limited – some skinny jeans, band t-shirts of course, a few tank tops… and that was about it.

"We should go shopping," he finally said.

"… But I'm working tomorrow."

"When's your lunch break? You have an hour, right?"

"Yeah… I usually take it at 2 but… is an hour gonna be enough though?"

"Yeah I know what I want."

"Hum…" Deidara said hesitantly.

"Don't be scared. Knowing your style, you'll probably like the clothes I choose."

"We'll see."

"Don't be like that!" Itachi chuckled, "Anyway see you tomorrow then."

"All right…"

"Hey Deidara wait!" He exclaimed before the blonde could hang up, "I wanted to know, do you still… have those nightmares?"

"… I didn't… cut…" Deidara eventually answered in a low voice. He'd seen right through Itachi's question.

"I'm glad," he said honestly.

"It's all thanks to you I mean… when I feel the urge to do it I think about you and I just… don't cause… I know you'd be pissed."

"I would be very pissed."

Deidara laughed lightly, "It's like, 3 am. I should probably go to sleep if I don't want to be too tired tomorrow night…"

"You're right. I'm gonna let you sleep now."

"Good night!"

"Night," he said back, and then hung up.

A smile curled around his lips as he thought about the clothes he would buy for Deidara.

…

Punctual as always, Itachi walked in Silver at 2 pm sharp. Deidara didn't throw himself in his arms this time, but he might as well have. He was smiling widely and his blue eyes were almost glowing. Itachi couldn't help but smile back.

"Should we go?" Deidara asked as he put on the stupid hoodie that he used as a winter coat.

When they would have more time, Itachi would buy him something warmer too. But for today, he just wanted to get him a sexy outfit to go out.

"Yeah."

He was tempted to kiss him, but with Sasori glaring at them from across the store maybe it wasn't the best idea.

Besides, if they kissed, he might get carried away again, and time was precious. Thing was, Deidara was a damn good kisser; it was addictive But they could save all that for later tonight… And maybe take things a little further. Itachi thought he'd waited long enough already. And by the way Deidara had kissed back the other night, he was certain he wouldn't have any objections.

They walked quietly as Itachi led them to one of his favorite men clothing store. It was just five minutes walk from the tattoo and piercing store. Itachi came shopping to the small boutique sometimes with Sasuke.

"Those clothes are like, way too expensive…" Deidara said as soon as they stepped inside. He checked some of the price tags and made a face.

"Who said you were paying?" Itachi asked teasingly.

"Itachi, I told you already, I don't want you to buy me stuff!"

"It's also for me, since I'll be the one seeing you in that outfit all night," he teased.

"…Fine," the smaller male gave in.

Itachi smirked as his dark eyes scanned the new clothes selection quickly. They had a new collection, and he happened to like it a lot. First he chose pale, almost white, skinny jeans. They were ripped in some places, but in a stylish way.

"Why would you wanna pay so much for ripped jeans?" Deidara asked.

"Cause it'll look sexy on ya."

Deidara went quiet.

The raven then chose a slim dark blue button down shirt with half-long sleeves.

"Try this on."

"I'm not your slave," Deidara replied.

He smiled at the thought of Deidara being his slave. The blonde seemed a little scared by said smile, but he went to try the clothes on anyway.

The man currently working in the store came to ask if they needed some help, but Itachi declined.

When Deidara tugged at the curtain and walked out of the stall, Itachi checked him out appreciatively. He looked damn good, the shirt's color made his blue eyes stand out even more. And the clothes flattered his body; sure he was a little skinny, but he looked hot, and the tight clothes hugged his hips and waist nicely. When Itachi looked up, he noticed Deidara was blushing slightly. Just the cutest thing…

Then he noticed he wasn't wearing the arm warmers for once. Itachi stepped closer and took his arms to look at the insides.

"It's getting better but it's still…" he made a face.

There were a lot of tiny scars, with some cuts that were still healing, but all in all it wasn't that bad.

"Believe me, no one's gonna notice tonight," he reassured him.

Deidara hesitated, and then nodded. "I kinda like those clothes," he admitted in a shy voice "It's not my usual style but it looks…"

"Really sexy," Itachi interrupted.

"I was gonna say nice, but…" He chuckled, but then his face became serious again. "They're really expensive though…"

"I don't care. Now get changed if you don't want to be late."

"Stop ordering me around, jeez…" He complained, but again, he did as he was told anyway.

As Itachi sat on a sofa in the small waiting area, he couldn't help but smile, already anticipating that they would have a really good time… He'd been waiting for this for nearly three months after all…