Warnings: Language, yaoi, sex in later chapter!

Written in honor of ItaDei Week 2015!

Chapter 2/5
The Dawn of a New Trial

...

"You have finally spoken to me after such a long time and this is what you ask from me?" Fugaku, the feudal lord of a small part of Japan, questioned and glared heavily at his oldest son.

"Yes," Itachi nodded, kneeling meekly in front of his father. His face hidden behind two bangs of raven hair.

Fugaku grunted, clearly displeased with the entire ordeal. "Your fascination by that man isn't meaningless and I can see why you may have faith in him, but what you're asking still dissatisfies me greatly," he said and with uneasy sigh stood up from a sitting pillow he had been positioned on.

Itachi bowed his head even further. "Father, please," he pleaded gently but with undying resolution.

Another broody look which Itachi couldn't see but still could feel pushing down on his back was sent in his direction. Fugaku wasn't a man who would be weak when it came to requests, not even from his own sons. He was tenacious and it took long hours to persuade him to do something he wasn't very fond of. Luckily for Itachi he did have a soft spot as it was easier to coax him at times when a joyful event happened to occur. His heir starting to speak again was one of those events.

Fugaku eased his tensed stance and for a brief moment the look in his eyes softened. "Have it your way," he uttered firmly. "But remember that he is now your responsibility and shall he fail, he will be executed nonetheless," Fugaku declared and was about to abandon the room when a question appeared on his tongue. "Do you truly believe that the man is able to cure you entirely?" he asked and stopped to turn around to see his still kneeling son.

There was a small - for some almost insignificant - pause before Itachi answered with silent. "Yes, I do."

No-one would know, not even Fugaku his father, what was really going through the young man's head. The thoughts stayed concealed in that little moment of silence, hidden deep behind Itachi's ever blank face. One thing was clear though. He might have just sealed Deidara's fate forever. And that Itachi knew.

...

Unpleasant yet familiar throbbing in the back of his head brought Deidara to consciousness. He felt as if awakening after a long night at a noisy club. His ears were buzzing, he felt dirty and his entire body was aching. Not to mention he was lying spread wide on a cold, unwelcoming ground and the sickening thirst ravaging his mouth was making his tongue sticky and insides nauseous. What a party that could have been, if only it was one.

Right after squinting his eyes at the stone ceiling, Deidara got a merciless reminder that all that happened to him in the last several hours definitely wasn't a dream. It was a nightmare! Nightmare which was painfully real. The only thing keeping Deidara sane was the belief that he wouldn't die or be killed anytime soon. It was more like an everlasting flicker of hope, because he had no insurance that he wouldn't be snatched the next minute and executed without any proper explanation. However, something in the back of his mind refused to admit such fate. Just as before he refused to believe in defeat! He managed to keep himself alive for this long. He wouldn't give up now!

His stomach growled loudly and reminded Deidara that no matter how much he would want to live, he wasn't going to survive without food or water for long. He wanted to speak up and call for someone's help. Or at least to gain the information on where he was and what was going to be done to him. But he feared to open his mouth for he worried that the disgusting feeling inside his orifice might even heighten.

His surroundings were gloomy and Deidara also noticed that wherever he was it smelled of wet stone and iron. So they had imprisoned him after all. Tough luck. He should have known that kissing the arrogant jerk wasn't a good option. He could bet that the oldest son – whatever his name was – was the one who ordered to lock up Deidara. He didn't have to open his eyes and look around very thoroughly to realize that. He highly doubted that these were chambers for honorable guests... who sexually assaulted the heir, but that was beside the point. And he did make him talk!

The air was stiff and quiet, only here and there a small drop of water fell from a tree or a roof. The rain was over, leaving the vegetation lush and fresh. Under normal circumstances Deidara would enjoy the cool breeze coming through the tiny window right under the ceiling, but now it only brought him an irrepressible tremble. He was cold and he was going be ill for sure.

Damn… everyone!

A rustle of cloth caught his attention and Deidara raised his head with a hurt groan, his sight was spinning for a while before it focused on the figure standing right behind the bars. Tall and static. Deidara frowned at the man partly hidden in shadow and noticed his consciousness softly whispering 'Go fuck yourself.' Unfortunately for him it would have very low effect since he somehow knew that he was still very much lost in the weird place where everyone spoke Japanese and acted like they lived in medieval times.

The tall figure looked to the side and nodded. Steps were heard and what seemed like a guard clattering with keys came into Deidara's view. He stuck one into the lock and turned. The door squeaked loudly when it was opened, then silence again.

Deidara's eyebrows curved up. Was he being released? Was he free? Or was it a trick?

He hesitantly got into a seated position and massaging the back of his head he blinked at the guard, then at the other man. He seemed familiar, or maybe it was the absence of spoken word that seemed familiar to Deidara. It must have been the mute guy.

A voice caught Deidara's attention. "What are you looking at? Get out of there!" the guard barked and it took quite a while for Deidara to realize that he was once again listening to Japanese.

Deidara's head hurt too much to form a proper sentence and so he barked at least something back. "Why?" his throat pinched at the sudden strain.

The guard snorted and promptly reached for a dangerous looking stick stuck behind his belt, the motion making Deidara twitch badly, his insides instantly beginning to hurt before the wave of dread gradually floated away as no hit was delivered. Only after additional blink Deidara noticed a hand of the heir straightened in front of the guard, forbidding him from continuing any motion. What was the guy's name again? Deidara was sure he heard it before, but couldn't remember it no matter how much he tried.

The heir nodded at the guard and he immediately stepped away, making it seem as if the lord's son had some magical telepathic powers. Very quietly and gracefully he marched inside the cell. He appeared more like floating through the air than actually walking. It wasn't normal for a person to move so fluently all the time. There was this weird elegance and peacefulness in his motions that made Deidara very suspicious. Everything about the guy was suspicious. Even his annoying calmness. Deidara measured him warily and observed as the heir stretched a hand towards him, offering help to stand up.

"My name is Itachi," he introduced himself, the tone of his voice steady and soothing, perfectly matching the manner in which he was moving.

Deidara narrowed his eyes, glaring not very nicely at the man whom he had so foolishly kissed before. "Deidara," he responded caustically.

"I'm pleased to know your name," Itachi said and bowed ever so slightly, which earned him one of many iffy looks from the blond prisoner.

They both remained still. Deidara glaring up in distrust and Itachi gazing down with serenity. The hand hovered in the air, waiting for Deidara to grab it and be hoisted up. But the stubborn man wasn't going to do it. Instead he got himself up, heavily collecting his body to a standing position. "What do you want from me?" he snarled. No matter how hungry, thirsty or tired he would be. Deidara would never foolishly believe an unknown person. Regardless of how gently they would behave.

"This is not the place nor time for talk. Please, trust me," Itachi spoke quietly and even though his tone lacked emotion there was still the vibe of haste concealed somewhere deep.

As far as Deidara was concerned, he was presented with two options. Stay in prison and die of exhaustion, hunger and thirst or put faith into this man who seemed to be oh so generously saving his ass. Either of them could end badly, and he didn't really plan to trust this Itachi guy any time soon, but getting himself out of the cell seemed like a good idea. Maybe he could make a run for it later.

"I'm not kissing you again, just so we're clear," Deidara spat, but from his eased stance was visible that he reluctantly agreed to whatever the heir might have in mind for him.

There was a brief moment of odd silence, Itachi being either shocked or amused by Deidara's comment. In the end he uttered simple 'follow me,' clearly glad that he wouldn't have to speak more. And Deidara followed, doubtfully trailing behind Itachi who marched forward with firm steps. Deidara was still shaking and his head was throbbing, but at least he was moving somewhere. To remain stuck in the prison would eventually drive him mad.

The echo of their feet resounded through the hall. It was narrow space for only one person and it seemed that there was a single lonely stone cell at the very end of it. Deidara couldn't understand how the structure of the building worked, for now it seemed like a tunnel through some kind of a mountain. When they finally got out, Deidara briefly glanced back and learned that his theory was indeed true. The small hole at the base of the rocky hill was almost invisible in the gloomy dusk. There was one entrance and right when they left and got to a path made of slippery stones, two guards closed the iron door that had been held open for the heir to walk through.

Itachi didn't slow down nor he turned back to check whether Deidara was strolling behind him or not. He simply continued to make his way through what seemed like thick yet trim garden. Deidara didn't even notice when the vegetation disappeared and their feet touched a wooden floor. A rather wide porch with wall on one side and beautiful carved railing on the other guided their way now. It was lit by a simple paper lanterns hanged from the roof and candles placed in bowls by the wall, presenting a lovely yet haunted atmosphere. Deidara kept looking around, searching for some other living soul, but the mansion of the feudal lord seemed as empty as it was huge.

They arrived at the end where the house made a turn and continued in right angle to the left. The porch finished here though and so Itachi slid the last door on his right and then took off his shoes. Deidara instinctively copied him and also left his dirty boots forgotten outside. He stepped inside and was met with a square hole full of steaming water embedded in the floor and smell of food placed on a small low table right next to the typical Japanese bath. His chin fell down.

"Holy shit," he breathed out in English, which made his – apparently now host – turn around and grant him an empty glance. Deidara couldn't read what was hidden inside those peacefully staring eyes, but at this point he didn't give a crap.

Itachi watched him for a moment and then pulled out a scroll that had been hidden somewhere in his clothing. He handed it to Deidara without a word.

Deidara frowned and measured the rolled up paper. He honestly didn't care what was in it. All he wanted was to hop into that steamy heaven and stuff his face with tasty food. "What's that?" he uttered and not so gently snatched it from Itachi's fingers. He didn't wait for permission and unrolled it. With an annoyed sigh Deidara scanned the page and the rather fair amount of Japanese signs. This would take him hours to translate!

Damn…

"Do you have an English version somewhere there too? Or at least a dictionary?" Deidara nodded towards Itachi's attire, partly expecting him to fish out another scroll. This one hopefully in Deidara's mother tongue. He could speak some Japanese. He had lived there for few years and learning to communicate through spoken word was almost like an obligation, but he had never learned to properly read. All the signs seemed way too complicated for him. Now he wished he had done it though.

Wordlessly observing him Itachi mildly shook his head once, then softly spoke up. "You shall contribute your decision at dawn," was all he said before turning around and leaving Deidara to enjoy the hospitality he had been just granted in peace and privacy.

And Deidara would! Tonight he decided it was better to forget about all the troubles and let his senses be pampered by the luxury that had been provided to him. What was behind all this care would be decoded after a nice bath and a proper meal. The thought that no lord would show him such comfort if he would want to get rid of him was going to get him through the night and hopefully allow him few hours of undisturbed sleep.

...

Shocked yelp sliced the chilly morning air. "What?!"

Door was slid abruptly, making a sharp sound against the frame. For a second blond head peeked out before the man marched out on the porch wholly. Looking from left to right he frantically searched for any living soul, face deformed with rage and sheet of paper crumbled in his fist.

It was just after dawn, the breeze soft and calm. The temperature was a pleasant mean to bring one's brain to life after a good long sleep. Silence was settled around the house, its servants used to work quietly like mice. Their hasty and deft steps could be heard as a mere rustles when one would hold his breath and listen closely.

Deidara didn't have time to eavesdrop on servants though. He had much bigger problem. His steps echoed heavily through the house, making the whisper of workers still completely and nervous silence rise within the walls. "Where is he?! Where is that damn jerk?!" Deidara roared as he thudded his way along the wall with many slid doors. "Itachi!"

Another door was opened merely few stops in front of the angry man and Deidara stormed into the available room, clutching the person in the door by the neckline of his kimono. "You!" he growled glaring at the man without actually registering whom he was attacking.

Itachi blinked in surprise and staggered two steps behind, moving back so Deidara wouldn't barrel right into him with full strength.

"What is this shit?!" Deidara yelled and stuffed the damaged scroll under Itachi's nose. "Is it some kind of a sick joke? 'The offender have gained the privilege to live but he has yet to merit his freedom.'?" he quoted the text and shook with the paper in front of Itachi's eyes. "Are you people nuts?! I didn't do anything! I already am free person! I have rights! You can't take away my rights! I want to talk to my lawyer!" he ranted, holding a staring contest with the lord's oldest son who observed Deidara's enrage ever so calmly.

Itachi mildly quirked an eyebrow, but other than that stayed mute and thoroughly confused by Deidara's choice of words.

Which irked Deidara immensely. "Don't look at me as if I'm the crazy one here! I'm nobody's slave! I'm nobody's fool! Is this a joke?! Because it's not fucking funny! Is it some kind of twisted reality show? Hm? Is there a camera hidden somewhere?! A set up?! People laughing at me?! I'm warning you I-"

Lips landed on Deidara's, cutting off his sentence in the middle. The blond's lids grew wide, his heart missing a beat and stomach spinning like a Ferris wheel. So soft… He felt a hand gently holding the back of his head, making sure he wouldn't move away. But before he could count one and one together and actually make an attempt to push the heir away, Itachi parted, going one step back for safety.

Deidara's hand with the crumpled scroll descended down. "Why did you…?" he breathed out, too shocked to muster more words. It wasn't just about the kiss, it was about the tingling that stayed behind. And also about the unquestionable fact that Itachi was one hell of a handsome man, which Deidara might have noticed before, but didn't really ponder about since he had other things to worry about.

Strolling his eyes thoughtfully over Deidara's tensed form Itachi smoothly spoke up. "You compelled me to talk though a kiss. I fathomed it may work the opposite way as well."

Deidara blinked mutely and parted his lips only to close them a second after.

"I see… It does," Itachi whispered.

There was a flicker of something Deidara could only call an amused smirk before Itachi turned around and slid the door in order to close them again. Deidara felt the rage growing inside him once more and he almost started screaming again, but then he caught a change in the stance of the heir. His shoulders inched down as if in surrender and sadness. Facing the wall Itachi hesitated with his hand placed on the door handle and Deidara could hear a sorrow sigh before Itachi turned back to look at him. "Have you studied the entire contract?" he asked quietly.

Deidara glanced at the sheet, then back at Itachi who was awaiting the answer with strange tincture of grief in his onyx orbs. "N-no? Only the bits I could understand," he explained hesitantly. Something told him that he should have read the stupid contract more thoroughly, because there was obviously something he had missed. "Why? Who wrote it?" he questioned.

"It was written by me. I persuaded father to allow me to bestow you this contract. I'm truly sorry if it offends you in any way, but it was the only mean to release you from the prison. Father is a cunning man. He never intended to present you with the freedom that you deserve. By forcing me to speak you have indeed gained the right to live, but you have never requested the permission to leave.

Father would let you rot in the cell; torture you with lack of nourishment and drive you mad with almost no supply of water. Eventually you would die of exhaustion or commit suicide. Father's consciousness would stay untouched, because he had given you the opportunity to redeem yourself.

I have been inquiring father for many hours before he finally permitted me to give you the contract. It is another trial and it may not give you the freedom you desire, but it has gotten you out of the prison and made you our honourable guest. For one whole month you will live here like a noble man, shall you meet the requirements in that given time, you will be free," Itachi ended the exhaustive speech and looked worriedly at Deidara who was standing there tensely the whole time. It was a miracle that he didn't interrupt the heir, but Itachi's voice was somehow unable to stop. It flowed so softly and yet firmly. It made Deidara want to listen and actually perceive what was being said to him. Also because it concerned his further fate.

But now Itachi has finished talking and it was Deidara's turn for a change. "So what is in the contract? What do I have to do?" There were many queries that ran through his head, countless of unanswered questions. He had no choice but to sort them one by one. To know what he would agree to do – or attempt to do – was one of the first things he wished to know.

Deidara would swear that Itachi had to push away the urge to cringe before he began to explain. "It is quite easy. Be my companion and make me laugh. Should I laugh only once, your contract is fulfilled."

"And that's it?" Deidara questioned in disbelief. As crazy as it sounded, he was oddly relieved. Of course he still couldn't fully trust this guy, but he could reread the contract thoroughly and fully one more time to make sure Itachi wasn't by any chance lying to him. Yet to Deidara's surprise Itachi actually seemed like a trustworthy man, not to mention he was also the one who apparently saved his ass from rotting in that damp cell. Deidara had made him talk rather easily before, he was sure that making him laugh would be just as effortless.

"Yes," Itachi nodded, steadily going back into his silent mode.

Deidara thought for a while, then knelt down on the floor and straightened the sheet there. Skimming through it again. "What would happen if I fail?"

"You will be executed." No sugar coating. Itachi was as emotionless as a cold winter night.

Deidara glared at him, not happy with the outcome. "What if I refuse to sign?"

"The same."

He should have expected as such. Deidara was reckless and rash most of the time. He had been called a daredevil more times than he could count, but when it came to his life he could act responsibly and think about this just a little more.

The fact that he was out of the prison, in clean clothes and after a nice bath and meal which had been followed by a peaceful sleep in modest yet comfortable bedroom was undeniable. Itachi probably wanted to show him that he is safe and sound in the house. A nice gesture, not everyone would take the trouble and prepare everything for Deidara to feel good in the foreign environment. They could have made him sign the contract with force as well, if it was really that necessary. Or threaten him. Or just murder him. Why bother, right? But every generosity comes with a price. This time it was the risk that should Deidara fail, his life would be taken.

Deidara glanced up at the heir who was observing him with empty expression. He wouldn't mind seeing a smile on that pretty face. He grinned widely. "Just tell me one thing and I'll sign. Why me? I didn't do anything that special." Giving it a second thought this might have interested Deidara more than before. When all the other troubles were out of the way.

Itachi watched him mutely for quite a while, Deidara staring right back, awaiting what would be said to him. He honestly didn't expect much. This entire ordeal was one hell of a crazy ride and he didn't hope there might be a logical explanation to any of it. And then a brief reflection of a gentle smile flashed in Itachi's eyes and he spoke up. "It is because you are special."

A/N: Mainly for Uchan382... Thank you for the review and for your observation. I could have done research too, but I was simply too lazy, so I've solved it like you've seen at the beginning. Sometimes it's better to be safe than sorry. :)