Counting the Stars [SasoDei Fanfic]

Twinkle Twinkle

"Oi brat, what are you doing?"

"Have you never done this before, Danna?" Deidara glanced upwards to look at the puppeteer who raised an eyebrow. He chuckled and patted the grassy spot beside him, motioning for the latter to join him.

"Just answer the question," the redhead snapped impatiently.

Deidara frowned at his partner's attitude. "Star gazing," he smiled as he turned his attention back towards the sky. "You've never taken your time to admire them?"

"Once before," Sasori said softly whilst laying down next to the blond and resting his arms behind his head. "Just once."

"You're pretty boring, hm," Deidara mused. "Ya ain't got any hobbies other than those damn puppets, and despite being eternal and all, you still don't take your time to smell the roses."

Sasori tilted his head slightly to glare at the man beside him but let it slide. He remained silent and stared at the twinkling lights high above them.

"They're so far away, but they still captivate our attention so well. Pretty artistic, I'd say." Deidara sighed and closed his eyes. "I wonder what makes them glow so brightly. Do you know, Sasori no Danna?"

The redhead blinked his eyes slowly and gently brushed his bangs away from his face, leaving his hand to rest on his forehead. "There was a story my mother once told me," he replied. "I don't remember it all that well though..."

"That's fine, hm. Just tell me whatever you remember."

There was a moment of tranquil silence before the story was told.

"During the day, the Sun gives life to those on Earth. At night, the Sun gives life to the heavens - the stars.

Every star that shines brightly in the sky is one lovely soul. On a cloudless night, you'll be able to see and admire everyone's purity and goodness.

Those who accomplished great things will shine brighter than the others. But the stars that shine the brightest are the ones who have good friends with them. They form the constellations and work together in the afterlife to please each other and have fun... Because feelings can transcend lifetimes."

Deidara looked dreamily at Sasori who had his eyes fixed on the velvety blanket above. "Do you know anyone up there, Danna?"

"Ah," he said simply. "Many of them..."

The silence returned as they laid on the soft mildewed grass. The breeze rustled the blades around them as they lazed on their island of dreams. "That was a lovely story, hm. But I've got a question."

"What?"

"What happens to lovers? If friends get to play together, then what do lovers do?"

Sasori swallowed with his eyes wide. "Dunno."

"I was told that lovers get reborn as twins, but that's pretty cruel, doncha think?" the blond gave a playful smirk while Sasori felt his chest hurt.

"Dammit it's that feeling again..." Sasori grimaced to himself while grabbing the fabric of his cloak over his heart.

"Danna?" Deidara rolled over onto his stomach and peered confusedly at the puppeteer. He raised an eyebrow and tilted his head. "Is that...?" Deidara leaned towards Sasori and placed his hand on top of the older man's slender fingers.

"As I thought," Deidara smirked. "You're not dead after all." He kept his hand where it was and listened to Sasori's rhythmic heartbeats. The puppet laid there, eyes wide at what had happened.

"Was my jutsu undone by this brat? Impossible..." And unknowingly, he allowed the blond's fingers to intertwine with his.

But when you shine so bright, there will only be a time when you combust.

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