My Strange Family , The Akatsuki (continued)

Chapter one: birthday party!

(Seven Years Later AKA Present Day)

Reika's POV

It was dark, in the small enclosed space. The only sound was my own breathing, and the ticking of a clock somewhere nearby. I felt cramped, being stuffed in between two heavy boxes, filled with Kami knows what. Scratch that. I don't think even Pain knows what was in those things. And they reeked. Like old sweaty men.

I sucked in a sharp breath, as I heard something moving around beyond the darkness. The sounds moved past me, and I sighed with relief. So he didn't notice me, I thought smugly, smirking to myself. Idiot! It was so easy too! I mean, c'mon--

The door was suddenly flung open, flooding light into my tiny hiding place. Against the light, I could barely make out the bright orange mask hovering above, the swirl designs fading into the black shadows. Gray-gloved hands reached out for me... and I giggled.

"Tobi found Reika-chan! Tobi did it!"

Tobi, the man-child, and also my best friend, scooped me up and held me above his head, running out of the closet I'd been hiding in and racing through my room, into the hallway, and out into the living room space. All the while laughing and shouting, "TOBI BEAT REIKA-CHAN IN HIDE AND SEEK!"

I laughed and laughed, holding my stomach as Tobi ran, unable to stop myself. Tobi was known for throwing me into these hysterical fits of laughter a lot, way more than any of the other Akatsuki members.

Oh yeah. That's right. I live with the Akatsuki. They've raised me since I was five years old, saved me from being an orphan, actually. And I love each and every one of them. Just not at the same time.

"Tobi, shut the f*ck up!" Hidan roared, Tobi flying past him while he lounged on the oversized couch. As per usual, his cloak was unfastened, revealing his bare muscled chest. I say it's creepy, Tobi says it's "impressive".

Yeah, I don't have an answer to that one either.

Hidan's magenta eyes flicked to me, still held high by Tobi's surprisingly strong arms, still laughing my ass off. "He's not that damn funny," he muttered, scowling at me. "And stop f*cking encouraging him!"

I paused in my giggling only long enough to stick my tongue out at the silver-haired religious freak and say, "Put a damn shirt on you barbarian!" His eyes widened, then disappeared. Tobi had entered the kitchen.

"Tobi!" I cried, wanting to get down. "Let's go bother Itachi!" At this, Tobi threw me into the air, then caught me as I came back down, holding me bridal style. "Tobi loves that idea!"

Tobi grabbed a bottle of soda from the fridge then raced out of the kitchen, running for Itachi's room, which he shared with his partner, Kisame. Tobi tossed me the bottle, placing his hand on the doorknob and turning it silently. When the door was open, I shook the bottle as hard as I could, then unscrewed the cap and let it EXPLODE! Soda was promptly vomited all over the room, soaking into and staining everything.

Except Itachi.

"Damn," I muttered, snapping my fingers. "Stupid weasel isn't here."

"Tobi thinks Reika-chan should stop swearing."

"Why, Tobi? Does it bother you? Cause you don't say anything about Hidan."

"It doesn't bother Tobi, but Konan-sama doesn't like it!"

Ah, Konan. Yeah, she would be a little pissed off if I swore in front of her. But I totally blame Hidan! Every other word out of his mouth is a freaking curse!

"Anyway, we need to find Itachi!" I declared, raising both fists into the air excitedly. Tobi agreed, mimicking my actions, and dropping me unceremoniously onto the floor. "Ow, my ass," I hissed, rubbing my now bruised rear end.