The Secrets We Keep *COMPLETE* (Sasori x OC? / Itachi x OC?)

Acceptance

 Three tense days after meeting, the four finally arrive at the base. Along the way, Maeme learned their names. Itachi's identity was fairly obvious, but she learned the blue tinted man was Kisame. Most of the journey was spent with Maeme and Kisame continuously butting heads, leaving Sasori and Itachi to watch in disapproval. The fighting wouldn't have been such an issue if it weren't for their opposing chakra natures, Maeme's earth and Kisame's water. They all ended up soaked and covered in clumps of dried mud.

Kisame breaks away from the group when they enter the base, leaving Itachi to lead them to the Akatsuki leader. Maeme feels a little relieved that Itachi is the one that stayed, knowing Kisame would likely order her execution on the spot. As they follow the raven haired man into the room Maeme moves closer to Sasori so she can easily defend him if needed. Maeme fidgets with a kunai as her eyes study the room from under her jacket hood. She tenses as she feels the leader's eyes on her and her hands start to shake, something she hides by crossing her arms over her chest.

"We've retrieved the new recruit." Itachi says, breaking the silence.

"Who is she?" The man's deep voice startles her.

Sasori goes to speak but she cuts him off by stepping forward and bowing at the waist.

"I am terribly sorry for the intrusion. My name is Maeme Takahashi, I am Sasori's subordinate. I would very much like to stay with my Master, if you will approve it. I will assist him with any missions that he is assigned."

"You two, leave us."

Maeme straightens as Sasori and Itachi leave the room. Sasori briefly glances at her before looking away as he closes the door. She quells the unease bubbling in her stomach and lifts her gaze to meet the leader's. His face is hidden by the shadows cast by low-lit torches on the walls but she can tell his eyes are boring into hers.

"Why would you willingly follow your master into a potentially deadly situation?"

"My loyalty lies with my Master. Anywhere he goes, I will follow, ready to do whatever it takes to be useful to him." She replies, hating that she has to call Sasori her master.

The man is silent for a moment leaving her to wonder if she's going to die in this room.

"Very well. If you prove to be useless or interfere with my operations, you will be killed. You will be loyal to this organization as well as your Master."

"Yes Sir."

After following the man's directions, Maeme finds herself entering a large room with a few pieces of mismatched furniture scattered throughout. The Leader informed her that it was where a few of the members tended to gather. He also told her that Sasori has been assigned as a partner to a member named Orochimaru, so she would likely meet him soon. Her gaze falls on Sasori who is leaning against a wall talking to a woman with long black hair. The redhead's eyes leave the woman and move to Maeme, scanning her quickly for signs of injury. A small smirk ghosts across his lips as he notices her grey eyes glaring daggers into the person beside him. When Maeme reaches them, the third person turns to face her and her eyes widen slightly. The 'she' is actually a very pale, serpent-like man, Sasori's partner. The man grins at her as she suppresses a shiver of disgust in response to the creepy vibe oozing off the man. She then chooses to completely ignore him and return her focus to Sasori.

"I am permitted to stay as your subordinate. I will accompany you on missions and help with any tasks assigned to me by their leader, but I am not considered an actual member."

"So, Sasori, who is this beautiful little morsel?" Orochimaru asks, the s's coming out as slight hisses.

"I am none of your concern." Maeme cuts in before Sasori can speak.

Orochimaru chuckles before reaching out to pet her head like a child. Before his hand can get within a foot of her, a chakra string wraps around his wrist. Maeme looks up at Sasori in mild surprise considering his general nonchalance regarding her.

"I would appreciate you not touching her." Sasori mutters, meeting Orochimaru's gaze.

Orochimaru snatches his hand away from the string and smiles.

"Of course." He hisses before leaving the pair alone.

"So, you wanted to leave Suna for that freak?" Maeme chuckles halfheartedly, staring after the man as he disappears into the depths of the base.