The Living Doll || Sasori

Ch. 10 - Happy Birthday

"I returned the key. We can leave if you're ready." Shizuka smiled as she walked towards Sasori and Deidara. It was the day after their night at the motel and it was time for them to continue on their journey. Orochimaru was on his way to the Hidden Sand so it would only be a matter of time before they would cross paths and ambush him.

Soon, the trio was flying in the sky on Deidara's clay bird. No matter how many times they traveled on it, Shizuka would never get tired of it. To be able to see the world under her feet was truly an experience.

So much had happened the night before. She had told Sasori about her condition and even gave him her final request. To be honest, she was just grateful that he would grant her wish. Of course the additional expression of feelings that came afterwards was a bonus. Stealing a glance at Sasori, she wondered if he would ever tell her how he actually felt about her.

"What?" Sasori's voice startled her. Shizuka automatically looked back out at the clouds and rubbed the back of her neck absentmindedly, hoping the quickened pace of her beating heart would slow down.

"I-I... Your cloaks!" She cleared her throat and turned back to Sasori. "You and Deidara-kun are wearing the same cloak and he mentioned that you were his partner before. It's a pretty pattern, so I was wondering if it has a special meaning or something. It looks familiar..."

Deidara turned around and tilted his head. Given her past and personal connections, he assumed she had known. "You don't know about the Akatsuki?'

"Akatsuki? I've lived underground for almost 10 years, Deidara-kun." Shizuka answered truthfully. "I really don't know much about what went on after the war."

"Oh. Well, those who wear this cloak are part of the Akatsuki, a group made to bring world peace, hm." Deidara grinned, stretching his arms out to the side in emphasis. "Only the top of the top can be initiated in, hm. Personally, I don't really care about all that stuff but they said I can do whatever I want, hm, so it works out."

Shizuka thought about the group with interest. World peace? It was a far-fetched idea, but it held the premise of hope. She couldn't help but think of how different everything would be if her village hadn't been struck by war.

"There are more of you in this group?" The snow haired female asked, genuinely interested.

Deidara nodded. "Of course, hm. They're all really strong too, even though I don't agree with everyone that was chosen." The blond began to scowl as he thought of a certain raven-haired male. Confused, Shizuka turned to Sasori for clarification.

"Don't mind him and his personal vendettas." The red head rolled his eyes inside Hiroko.

"You're one to talk, hm! We're only here because of your personal vendetta with your old partner." Deidara crossed his arms. Shizuka's eyebrows raised in surprise as the connections started to click in her mind. So, Lord Orochimaru was once Sasori-san's partner, which meant that he was also a part of the Akatsuki at one point in time.

Sasori glared at the blond. "We're here on a mission by the leader. Nothing more, nothing less."

"I understand now." Shizuka nodded at Sasori. "I understand why you were so angry that night by the river. Did he do something to you?" Her mind drifting back to the cruelty she had seen in the Kusagakure hideout, she sincerely hoped Sasori wasn't an experiment as well.

Deidara raised an eyebrow with a knowing smirk. "The river? Did you two go on a date or something, hm?"

"Mind your business." Sasori warned.

"Who?" Deidara and Shizuka asked.

"Both of you."

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