Chapter Six: Back to Kit
When Maggie left I turned back to the room full of the strange people, to be honest I only trusted Same. I guess Konan too even if I only talked to her once.
I gulped, "I-Is Maggie going to be ok with him?" I asked softly, thinking of what Hidan had done to me.
Deidara, I think, slung an arm around me, "she'll be fine hmm. The worst he could do would be to eat her. If Zetsu's back by tomorrow morning then we'll know." He smiled brightly; I put my hands to my face.
"No! No I can't let Maggie get eaten!" I tried to leave but was stopped, again.
This time it was by the one everyone had referred to as leader, "Stop trying to leave, it's fruitless."
I sat down on my couch and curled into a ball, "Everyone says you want to keep me around, but why!"
I received no answer so I put my head in my hands. Tension was rising in the room so I turned on the T.V. Some anime was on and I was about to change the channel when the leader said, "Wait."
There was a blonde haired kid with blue eyes who looked like he could be a relative of Deidara's. He was standing next to someone with pink hair who I immediately despised because I hate pink. The two were facing someone off screen and when the view changed I was looking at… holy crap.
I stood up and first looked at the T.V, then at Same who was sitting on my couch, "What? What! What's going on?"
Same was facing him and he said to someone who I now knew to be Itachi, "Can I cut off his legs? It'll be easier" Itachi made some noise and I fell onto the couch with a thud.
I clicked the info button, the show was called Naruto. I've heard of this show but I never watched it because I was too busy with my life. I quickly turned off the T.V.
"That was weird. Let's do something else?"
Everyone nodded very slowly.
In the end, we decided to go to sleep. When the morning light filtered in through my curtains I was suddenly aware of arms wrapped tightly around my torso. I looked down to see the masked man holding me tightly. I pushed him off lightly but it woke him anyway.
Tobi, I believe, followed me obediently around the kitchen while I made coffee. I made a lot because I didn't know how the others would feel about it or how much they drank, considering I'll drink two or three cups before my shift.
Movement began around eight and everyone shuffled in. I poured their drinks but only half of them accepted it. We sat around the living room and to be honest everything actually felt quite content.
That is, until he appeared out of nowhere.
Zetsu popped out from the floorboards and I felt tears prickle at the side of my eyes. Unconsciously, I rushed forward in an attempt to hurt him for eating Maggie.
"Why! Why did you do that! I thought they were joking!" the tears began to fall freely. Then, without warning, hands were placed on my back. I immediately curled into the warmth I was getting used to now known as Kisame.
"I didn't eat her; I just came to inform all of you that, until we get back, I will be staying with Maggie."
Everyone looked at him, "What?" I said, through tear-soaked eyes.
"You heard me, yes she is quite unique and I like that," he then turned towards to Same, smiling, "I know how you feel now." Zetsu disappeared through the floor leaving everyone mildly confused.
"What did he mean yeah?"
Same shrugged, but I suspected he knew exactly what he had been talking about.
Before anyone could say anything further I went to the phone and called Maggie's number.
"Hello?" answered a sleepy voice on the other end of the line.
I breathed a sigh of relief, "Oh thank the lord! Ah, I thought you were-" I stopped, trying to think of a way to make this sound less suspicious and crazy, "weren't getting along with your new plant and all."
I heard some rustling, "Nope he's awesome! Thanks so much Kit!"
I smiled lightly, "No problem."
We hung up and I turned towards the people in my living room. "Um…" I started, "we could go to the beach or something it looks nice out. We could also go the park if that's more your guy's style?" I really needed some fresh air.
"Why do you say that?" the leader asked.
I rubbed the back of my hand, a nervous habit, "I've been feeling very… um stuffy I would really like some fresh air and I'm sure the rest of you could use it too? Please, I promise I won't run."
The leader seemed to think it over before gesturing to the others.
"The park sounds nice yeah."
I heard other forms of agreement. I nodded and grabbed my shoes. I noticed though, that no one else had shoes.
Sure I had plenty of pairs of shoes because I guess it really is a girl thing but I know none of them will fit into my small, 6 1/2 shoe size. Surprisingly though, Konan could so we had to run out and buy everyone sandals. Well, not everyone, Sasori I believe said he didn't want a pair and also surprisingly Tobi could fit into a pair of my somewhat large converse.
We came back only to leave again right after. I just got everyone simple sandals because I couldn't really afford fifty dollar sneakers, for eight people.
Since it was nice and the park wasn't too far off, we decided to walk.
The park was called Greenbay meadows and it was my favorite place to go. Children were strewn about tossing Frisbees in the early morning sun, a slight breeze keeping the rays from being too hot. It was the perfect summer morning and the freshly cut grass smelled so clean mixed with the scent of the air.
I told everyone that they could do what they liked but pleaded for them not to hurt anyone and everyone wandered off, enjoying the day. I knew I should be sleeping so I purposely left my contacts at home and wore my glasses. So now, I'm sitting in the branch of my favorite oak tree and I took off my glasses and laid my head down.
I was about to fall into blissful sleep when a presence alerted me. I looked up and saw Itachi standing on a branch directly above me. He got up here fast; it usually takes me about ten minutes trying to climb the trunk.
Itachi gave me a somewhat curious look as he tilted his head, "You were wearing glasses today. Which indicates you cannot see very far correct?"
I nodded, "Yeah usually I wear my contacts but I wanted to catch some sleep before my shift starts."
"What are contacts?"
"Uh, they're like the lenses on my glasses. My prescription is programmed or whatever into these little lenses that go into your eyes and you can see without glasses. They're not fun to fall asleep with though I can tell you that."
Itachi fell silent and so did I and soon I was asleep.
-6-
When I woke the warm afternoon sun was streaming onto my face, I looked down to see the strange people under the tree, relaxing and smiling somewhat.
I jumped down from my perch, careful not to land on anyone, and Same materialized from nowhere and stood next to me.
Deidara jumped up and soon the others did as well, "So what's next?" I asked.
Everyone shrugged, "We should eat sempai! Tobi's kind of hungry."
I nodded, "Alright. Where would you like to go? It's Thursday and it's getting late so since we missed lunch we should go to that seafood restaurant-"
"Ew there is no way that I'm going to a seafood place!" Deidara suddenly burst out.
I looked at the ground and then back up at him, "W-why not?" I was scared that I may have insulted him somehow.
He then pointed at Kisame, "I blame the shark yeah."
I sighed, I didn't feel like that was a legitimate reason for not wanting to eat seafood but I guess I couldn't argue with that, "Well then let's go to Ruby Tuesdays. They've got a huge variety so hopefully you'll find something you'll like."
We agreed on that and I stole a glance at the time. It was five thirty and luckily I don't have second shift on Thursdays. Nor do I work at all on the weekends, however today I still had third shift later on, wonderful.
Just as we were seated, I got a phone call. I picked up my phone, "Hello?"
"So you're doing better then? You look fine," it was Jason.
"Yes I'm fine. And when did you see me?"
"Just now," I jumped and turned around at the voice. Jason clicked his phone closed and so did I. I smiled.
"What's up?"
"Oh nothing much I'm here with my friends, we're going to eat and then later we're going to head over to the main street and watch the fireworks."
I thought for a moment, "Oh gosh I totally forgot it was the fourth!"
He smiled and laughed then he waved goodbye and rejoined his buddies. I sat back down and Deidara said from across the table, "He said firework yeah? I believe you called me that when we first met animal to person hmm?"
I nodded, "Yeah the color of your feathers looked like the yellow from a firework."
"So then just what is a firework yeah?"
I thought for a moment, "Um I guess it's like a colorful explosion?"
Deidara suddenly smiled and he leaned back in chair, a smirk on his lips.
I heard someone groan from behind me and I turned to face the one called Sasori. "What?" I asked.
"Never mention explosions around this guy."
"True art is fleeting yeah! Makes you appreciate life so much more."
I saw Sasori roll his eyes.
After we ordered our drinks I didn't have to order because Valery, our waitress, knew me and I always get the same thing, "Still the shrimp?" she asked.
I nodded; weary of everyone watching me, "Yes it's my favorite."
Everyone ordered various things and I sat there squished in-between Same and Tobi. Sairento, er Itachi, was sitting calmly across from me.
When dinner was done everyone fallowed me outside and back to the park where we had just come from. There were tons of people gathering and laying down on blankets and snuggling in the frigid night air. The eleven of us picked a spot far away that was up on a hilly area and we sat and waited for the sun to disappear.
When the first firework shot it looked beautiful. Climbing higher and higher until finally, it burst into a colorful array of lights. Deidara sighed contently and everyone else just watched. I didn't notice where the extra warmth was coming from until I found myself falling asleep on Same's shoulder.
When the show was over I looked at a clock and it was currently ten 'o' clock. My shift starts in an hour, the only problem was, what do I do about the strange people who have taken up residence in my home?
We walked back to my small house and everyone took a seat around the living room, "U-um guys?" I asked and everyone turned to look at me, "I have to go to work soon. So I'll be leaving to go… um what will you do while I'm gone?"
Tobi suddenly flung himself at me and I nearly fell over, actually I did but Same caught me, "Tobi doesn't want you to go!" he wailed.
I thought for a moment, "By any chance Tobi, were you that baby seal?"
He let go of me and began to clap his hands, "Yes! Tobi was the little seal, Tobi liked your friend!" I smiled softly and gently pushed the childish man off only for him to hug me again.
From behind me a voice spoke up, "One of us will have to come with. I do not wish to run the risk of you running away."
I turned to see that it was the leader speaking. I nodded in agreement because I'm pretty sure his word would word against mine.
"I'll go," I heard Same volunteer from my left side.
Everyone silently agreed and I turned to face him. I tilted my head, "You're blue though. How will we be able to conceal that?"
He smirked and I realized that I didn't like it. In a puff of smoke Same had disappeared and he was now sitting on my shoulder, in the form of a parakeet. I felt the edges of my world go blurry but then his hands steadied me.
"Careful there, don't faint. And don't worry it's a ninja thing, you'll get used to it soon. I'll be on your shoulder the whole time ok?" and just like that his hands were gone and a slight weight was on my shoulder once more.
The only thing I could really think to do was nod. I got into my car with Same still perched on my shoulder. It was so strange, seeing someone who was a shark, become a person, and then now a bird? Was there some overall big picture that I was missing? There must be because every time I turn my head to look at him, I nearly faint.
I parked and Max came out to meet me, "Finally decided to show up? Are you going to stay your whole shift this time or are you going to leave early again?"
I laughed along with him, "No I'll stay Max, and sorry for bailing the last two days, a lot has been happening."
He laid a hand gently on the shoulder that wasn't being occupied by a bird, "Its fine. Hey, I heard you got beat up? What's the whole deal with that?"
"U-um," I didn't know what to say, so I just stuttered out a random answer, "u-um me and a friend were out…"
"Wait, wait that's not what Jason told me," Max said with a grin, "you finally found someone?"
I felt my face heat up, "Uh well… yeah I guess you could say that… hey did you just ask to see if I was dating anyone?"
He smiled wider, "Yeah kind of."
I scoffed, "Thanks, I'm glad to know you care so much about my health."
He laughed and I began to walk away when he asked, "Hey what's with the bird?"
I stiffened, "Um… I'm taking care of a friends pet."
"Who's?"
I didn't know how to answer, "Uh an old friend. Sarah you remember her from high school right? She always had birds around, um; she said she was going on vacation for awhile."
I turned and saw Max nod. I breathed a silent sigh of relief and continued on to the aquarium section. The moment I stepped into the room filled with bright colors, and swimming fish, all the tension from the last few days suddenly vanished.
I slumped into my chair and I felt all the stress escape from my system. I breathed out and took a deep breath in. I smiled and reopened the eyes I didn't know I had closed. Suddenly hands were on my shoulder and I almost screamed but Same stood in front of me.
"You look happy."
I calmed and looked at him then at the water-filled tanks, "I am."
He pulled up a chair next to me, "I'd like to know something."
I turned to face him, "Yeah?"
"When we first met human to animal, what compelled you to get into the water with me? After all, I could've killed you in a second."
I thought for a moment, I had never really truly given it much thought before. Perhaps it's because he came to me or maybe because it was the second time in my life that I had seen a real living great white? No, I knew the real reason why I had done it; I looked up and into Same's eyes, "I wanted to."
Suddenly he turned back into a bird and landed gracefully on my shoulder, a second later Max appeared with a tub of ice cream and two spoons, "Hey Tim gave this to me want some?"
He sat down next to me; I saw that it was mint chocolate chip… my favorite.
"Sure," I took a spoon, "thanks."
We ate together in silence for awhile until Max asked, "So really though how did you two meet?"
I thought of something that would make Same on my shoulder laugh hysterically, "We both have a common interest in sharks," I heard Same tweet from my side.
I smiled and Max sat back, "Interesting. You know to be honest; I never thought you'd find someone."
I frowned, "What?"
He quickly held out his hands, "No, no, no! It's just that you're always so busy I just thought you know… Look no I didn't mean it that way Kit I promise. Trust me, you're beautiful, it's just… you've never actually looked you know?"
I opened my mouth then closed it. Even though I didn't want to admit it, he was right. I've never actually looked for someone before. Well, not that it really matters now apparently I'm with Same.
"Yeah I guess," we fell back into silence eating the ice cream until it was gone. Max left after the container was empty and when he didn't come back Same turned back into himself.
He sat in the seat that had previously been occupied by Max and after a few moments he said, "He likes you."
I quirked my head, "What do you mean?"
Same looked over at me, "That Max guy, he likes you."
I had never thought about that before. I thought about it for a moment, I guess it made sense. We both love where we work, we both like working the night shift because it's quiet, but I had never thought that he liked me more then a friend. I'm sorry to say though, that he's stuck there in the friend zone.
Max has been my best friend ever since the first day of high school. The two of us met when we became biology partners. At first we were just acquaintances, we truly became friends when we had to dissect a frog and he was too chicken to cut it open and I was too chicken to touch it without gloves. Ah, friendship.
I thought for a moment longer, taking in his overall appearance. He had a tall, skinny frame, with thick wired glasses that were always falling down his nose, but in a cute, regal, sort of fashion. He seemed more fitted to be a boss in some high tech, wealthy, office building. Someone that you should look up to, he has a respective air about him. He has the kind of face that should be on the cover of Forbes weekly. Not at a zoo taking care of the animals.
Then again, he did always used to say he thought I was more suited for the high life as well. Apparently to him I looked like the kind of girl who had the face for fame. A face fit to be a singer, or an actor, someone who could do anything and get away with it. And to be honest, I do. I do a lot of crazy things but I've always gotten away Scott free. I've always believed it was because he's always looking out for me, which is probably very true.
Same disappeared again and Tim showed up out of the blue, "Hey there Kit. I was just wondering if you know what happened to that shark we just got. I'm really concerned that it just up and disappeared, I mean, sharks don't just jump out of the water and walk away."
The one on my shoulder does, I thought to myself.
"No sorry," I shrugged.
"Well, I'm going to have to call the police to investigate then. This is really bad if ten animals just disappeared. Kit you may have to stay a little longer then usual but it shouldn't be anything much to worry about."
I nodded, "Alright."
He gave me a look, "What's with the bird?"
I shrugged, "Watching him for a friend."
"Hmm, well keep it away from the other animals alright? Have a good night," half an hour later a police officer appeared to ask me some things. I told him everything I could without giving away the strange people because I knew they could kill me in less then a second.
When he left Same appeared, "What's going on?"
"Police are just investigating to see what happened to our animals that were lost."
Same regained perch on my shoulder and eventually, I fell into a deep sleep.
