Drowned | Sasodei |

Chapter 3

Asahi was being a complete dick! Why would he show up at the bar with his boyfriend? Sasori had made it clear to him earlier in the day that he had no intention of celebrating his birthday with him. Since their break-up, Sasori had only been with one other guy, and it had been awkward and miserable. After the event, he'd thrown himself into work, taking more "on call" shifts, even when he'd maxed hours for the week.

He knew Asahi still cared and worried about him, but he could get really crappy when it came to dolling out his opinion. Asahi called it playing "Devil's advocate." Sasori called it the epitome of douche baggery. He didn't even want to think about what Deidara thought at this point. He hadn't had this kind of chemistry with anyone in a very long time. Not since Asahi.

He could smell the bourbon on Asahi's breath. His friend had started early on the drinking, something he rarely did. A drunk Asahi was an unpredictable. He didn't want his craziness to spoil his date. Not when it was starting so well. "Look. I know you're worried about me, but don't. Deidara isn't a serial killer or anything nutso."

His stomach fluttered as he remembered how perfectly Deidara fit against him when they'd kissed. "I really like him," he said, following Asahi, who was making a bee- line for Deidara.

Asahi was a gym-freak. He had an incredible body-one he liked showing off. Tonight was no exception. He had on a tight black T-shirt with a deep V-neck tucked into his very tight mid-rise jeans. His boyfriend intertwined his fingers with Asahi's. Staking his prior claim.

Asahi smiled at his boyfriend and kissed him. He wrapped his free arm around Sasori shoulder and steered the three of them toward the booth.

He stepped away from him. "Don't blow this for me, okay? You have your boyfriend, remember."

"I'll be nice." His words held a slight slur. "Promise." He crossed his heart. "But I'm not leaving until I've at least met this Deidara of yours. I want to be able to describe him to the cops if they pull your body out of the Missouri River."

Sasori rolled his eyes. "I don't know how your boyfriend puts up with you."

Asahi leaned over and whispered in Sasori's ear. "Well, my friend, unlike you, he's a very dedicated bottom."

Sasori cringed and stepped away from him. "Asshole."

"Yes, a very willing asshole."

"You're insufferable!" The subject touched a nerve with Sasori.

Now he really didn't want Asahi talking to Deidara. His ex was in a mood, and he was going to ruin yet another night for Sasori. When Sasori had made the date, Asahi had said all kinds of stuff, about why a young guy might want to date someone so much older. A serial killer or looking for a bank, had made the top two on Asahi's list of reasons. Asahi had convinced himself that the young man only wanted a sugar daddy.

Was it possible? After all, Deidara was nineteen and still working as a bartender. Yes, it was possible, but Deidara hadn't been faking the attraction between them when they'd kissed.

By the time they'd reached the booth, he'd made up his mind to nip this disaster in the bud. "Deidara, this is Asahi and Boku. Can Boku hang out for a minute? I need to talk to Asahi alone for a minute. Is there some place private we can go?" Deidara looked startled and a bit confused, but he nodded. "You can use the office."

Deidara guided Sasori and his friend to the office. So this was Asahi. This was the dude who'd called and texted all evening.

"Sasori's a nice guy, Deidara," Asahi said, quietly, and way too close. Asahi took the position behind Deidara. A hulking barrier between them.

"I think so."

When they were going through the storage room, Asahi said a little loudly. "You'll love his fully loaded, heated leather seats. Gives you a nice warm ass while you're fucking that ass."

"Goddamn it, Asahi!" Sasori shoved him to one side, pushing him against the wall. "I'm really sorry, Deidara. Can you give us a minute?"

"What, baby? You don't want your new date knowing what a smooth ride you have?"

"What is up with you, Asahi? Fuck!"

Deidara threw his hands up. He wanted to hit Asahi in his chiseled jaw, but a man that size would pummel him. The anger in Sasori's eyes made his face so intensely good-looking-like an action hero in the those of battle. It made Deidara think a beating might be worth it. Instead, he walked away from them, giving the two "friends" space to hash it out.

He didn't go far, just to the door of the office, and watched.

From behind, Asahi wrapped his arm around Sasori's neck. He leaned in, staring directly at Deidara, making sure he had his attention. He whispered something in Sasori's ear. Deidara winced jealously. God, he wanted to smack him in his smug face. Asahi knew Deidara was watching, but he could tell Sasori didn't know.