| Love And War | Akatsuki

Chapter 13

Last chapter:

Hidan takes hold of his scythe and you quickly glance around, not finding Kabuto, Sasuke or the girl anywhere in sight.

Kakuzu takes a threatening step forward.

Deidara reaches his hands into his bag of clay.

Pein stands his ground, gaze firm and strong.

Orochimaru smirks and his hold on you becomes tight again.

Oh no.

___

You wiggle a bit, not comfortable in such a position, especially when you can barely move.

“Hey, hey, hey. No fighting. How about I decide on whether I want to stay or go? I mean, I do have a right to do so.” You say, catching everyone's attention. If there's one thing you're good at, it's being cocky.

You feel Orochimaru tense up behind you. “My dear, why would you want to leave?”

“Oh, I'll tell you why. I thought you were my saviour, but turns out... You'll just end up killing me.” You spit out. “Besides, you were just going to use my power to your advantage.”

“You're quite smart, aren't you?” Orochimaru chuckles, releasing you as he takes a step back. As if predicting what he's going to do, you jump forward, narrowly missing the blade of Orochimaru's sword.

Pein steps towards you, grabbing your wrist before pushing you behind him as his body becomes like a shield for you.

Pein slowly raises his hands, glaring at a grinning snake-man. Realisation pokes at you and your eyes widen.

“No!” You call out, grasping the back of the Akatsuki leader's cloak.

Orochimaru takes this chance to lunge forward, swinging his sword. Pein got a bit distracted and reacts slowly, but Hidan jumps in front of the two of you, his scythe successfully blocking the attack. A grin makes its way to Hidan's lips as he begins swinging.

“Kakuzu, come join me!” Is what your brother yells, earning a grunt from the larger male as he walks forward, beginning to remove his cloak.

You jump when you feel yourself being picked up. Looking up, your eyes lock with a pair of blue ones.

Deidara lets out a little chuckle, scanning your face. “Same old [Your Name], hm.” He turns around and runs into the opposite direction of where you just were and you catch a glimpse of Pein going into the fight.

The blonde bomber jumps up onto something and you see that it's just his clay bird. Gently sitting you down, the bird slowly rises up from the ground. You put your hands down on either side of you to steady yourself.

Deidara sits down beside you, his arm pressed against yours as he straightens his posture, looking straight ahead into the distance.

“I— We... Missed you, and we were really worried...” He mumbles, using his other hand to rub the back of his neck.

A bit skeptical, you glance up at Deidara, his hair flapping around, and his eyes still focused ahead.

“Really?” You ask, leaning on the man next to you.

Deidara smiles and takes this opportunity to wrap his arm around your shoulder as he holds you close.

“Yes,” he starts. “But don't get me started on Hidan, hm.” Deidara finishes off with a light chuckle.

You stay like that and wonder why you even thought for a second that Orochimaru was your saviour. What were you trying to leave, when there wasn't anything to leave in the first place? Sure, Pein scared you, and his actions confused you beyond anything, but every member of the Akatsuki – except for Hidan – is like family to you, well, despite the feelings you may have developed for some.

You just wish that you could find out what Pein's true intentions are. Although, for that, you really need luck.

Before you can process anything, your eyes flutter before closing and your temple meets Deidara's shoulder very gently and you feel his arm supporting your body so that you don't fall off.

***
“Mmm... Hm...” You groan, feeling yourself laying on something soft as consciousness starts taking over. Your eyes flutter open but you blink a few times, something that helps you wake up on some days.

You crane your head to the side and see that you are in some type of room and you're laying on your back. It dawns on you that you're laying on someone's bed and you're about to sit up and get out, but the door opens, stopping you.

Squinting at the figure, you smile.

“Tobi! Come here, I missed you!” You cry out dramatically, opening your arms.

________________________________________
Well, I didn't really think of how this chapter was supposed to go, so yeah, that's that.

I decided to do something for you all.

And that is...

To make a Christmas special!

Don't worry. It'll be below all of this.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter and enjoy the special.

Also, I hope you all enjoy your Christmas. Please take care!

-T.

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Christmas special:

“Itachi... What are you doing?” You question as you walk into the living room, taking note of the Uchiha standing on a stool next to the Christmas tree.

He grunts and continues with what he's doing; putting decorations on.

“You're ridiculous. Just ask Kisame or Kakuzu.” Walking past him, you get the mistletoe from the table so you can hang it up.

“I don't need their help, [Your Name], and you know that.” He shoots back, adding the last decoration before turning to you. “Could you please hand me the star?”

You roll your eyes, holding the mistletoe in your hands. “No, no, no. You can get it yourself since you don't even need help. It's Christmas Eve tomorrow and you only set everything up now? Help would have been great.”

“Seriously, [Your Name]? You're going to try to be smart now?” With a scoff, he gets off the stool, all while being cautious so he doesn't fall.

You smile and watch as he gets the star before getting back onto the stool. Seeing him start to put it on the tip of the tree, you walk over to the wall behind the tree. Just managing to hook the object onto the nail, you step back and fold your arms in admiration.

“Don't worry about the food, by the way.” You say and turn to the raven-haired male, a grin dancing on your lips.

Itachi eyes you weirdly, stepping off the stool. “What did you do?”

“Huh? I didn't do anything. I just made the meal, that's all.” You giggle softly at the stern look on his face as you walk by.

Not long after, everyone else arrives from a long, busy day out as they all rush into the living room, hurrying to get a seat before someone else does.

You walk to the living room, carrying trays of food; everything being a variety. You're grateful that Itachi offered to help you serve.

After the meal, you all stay seated, looking at one another, until Kisame speaks up. “Was that the meal that we were supposed to have tomorrow or the day after?”

“No, you silly fish. I have everything prepared, don't you worry. I just hope that no one forgets about the mistletoe.”

“Seriously?” Hidan questions.

“Yes. Now, let's go and wrap up presents.” You cheer, getting up and pushing your chair in before darting to your room, hearing the sounds of chairs scraping on the floor, followed by rushed footsteps, although Sasori, Kakuzu and Pein won't be running anytime soon.