June's POV (skim edit)

I curled into the couch I was sitting on and drew in a shaky breath. Serenity was okay but Ashton was MIA. She could be anywhere. Knowing her irresponsible logic she'd land herself into the nearest jail cell, but I had some faith in her.

Itachi curled his arm around me. "We will find Ashton. She can take care of herself too. There is a reason she has challenged Pein before and lived. Have faith in her," he whispered to me.

I nodded slowly. "Yeah, I will. She's fine, but I can't help but worry, you know what I mean. You'd worry if I was missing."

Itachi sighed. "I would, but that is different. Ashton is able to defend herself and she is not my responsibility."

"Are you saying I'm incapable, because if that is what you are implying mister I will have you know I am great at intimidation!" I scolded, snuggling further into him. I wouldn't say intimidating, but my observation skills is what made me intimidating at times. I saw things other people didn't and when I pointed it out people became nervous because I was not supposed to observe that about them.

"I'm teaching you self-defense tomorrow," Itachi murmured into my hair.

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, but only if you and maybe Kisame teach me."

"Of course-"

Kisame ran into the room with a grin on his face. I watched as he looked around anxiously before locking his gaze on me. "Wel speak of the devil," I muttered, rolling my eyes towards the swordsman.

He ran to me and lifted me off of the couch. "You need to hide behind the couch," he whispered, but his tone was mischievous. Before I could argue he pushed me behind the couch and told me to shut up, but politely nonetheless. He sat where I was seated and pushed Itachi away from him.

I heard voices down the hallway. They were chatting loudly and coming closer to us.

"I still don't understand why Leader called us all here. He said it was something important, hmm," the voice chuckled dryly, "like I believe that." I grinned internally, it was Deidara, I could see why Kisame wanted to hide me. He wanted to scare the crap out of the others.

"Leader has his reasons, Deidara." That would be White Zetsu. "So shut up and stop complaining." And that would be Black Zetsu.

A chuckle was heard. "I agree with the plant for once, so shut it Dei-chan!" Ah, that annoying voice must be Hidan.

Hidan yelped a moment later and yelled. A different voice spoke before he could. "Shut up, you're a nuisance." Our favorite miser has arrived.

The four walked into the living room and greeted Kisame and Itachi. "Hey guys, did Leader tell you what was going on?" Kisame questioned, draping his arm over the couch.

"No, not yet," Kakuzu answered, his voice seeming gruffer than last time. I assumed it was because he was yelling and scolding Hidan more than he usually did.

Itachi caught onto what Kisame was doing. "Pein has informed us we are to tell you what the news is."

The other four seated themselves across Kisame and Itachi quietly, except Hidan, he was an idiot. "So why did we have to rush out of our missions and come here, huh? What could be so important we had to fu-"

"SURPRISE!" I yelled, popping out behind the couch.

I believe Kakuzu lost a heart and I am very proud of myself. The miser flinched back and his eyes widened before he sputtered out my name. "June, what are you doing here!"

I walked in front of the couch and greeted Kakuzu with a side hug. He patted my head in turn. "I just was messing around and teleported myself here," I shrugged, "I'm living with you guys now."

Hidan stood up and pushed me lightly. "I don't believe that, I created those seals perfectly. There is no way you were screwing around and 'accidently' teleported yourself here. You're spouting bull crap."

"I love you too," I muttered angrily.

He rolled his eyes then let me hug him. He wrap his arms around me and picked me up much like Kisame. I kicked his shin because I did not want to be picked up at the moment. He dropped me then punched my shoulder and I kicked his kneecap in turn. Aren't we so loving to each other?

"Screw you, June!" But he gave me another bear hug and returned it. I was on the tips of my feet as I tightly wraped my arms around him. After another moment he let go so I could move on.

I strided over to Deidara, who was gawking like an idiot. Before he spoke I attacked his hair and started pulling on it. "Stop staring at me like an idiot, close your mouth before you catch flies."

Deidara slapped my hand away and tugged on my hair. I tugged back at his hair again and yelped. "June!" Deidara yelled, letting go of my hair and crashing into me. I hugged him back fiercely and held him to my shoulder. He hugged me back for a moment before pushing me away, a faint blush adoring is cheeks.

He crossed his arms and I ruffled his hair. "It's not funny!" he scolded, slapping my hand away and growling.

I rolled my eyes. "I missed you too," I sighed lovingly.

"Aww, does Dei-chan want to hug June?" Hidan cooed, teasing Deidara effectively.

Deidara yelled at Hidan and I moved on to my next victim. Zetsu was in front of me and smiled. His White side rumpled my hair and half heartedly smiled. "Hey June," White Zetsu greeted.

I smiled. "I'm happy to see you too Zetsu." I gave him a side armed hug and he returned it. "I missed you and your conflicting sides."

Zetsu smirked. "Missed you too, kid," Black Zetsu chuckled, patting my shoulder. He gave me a knowing glance and leaned by my ear discreetly. "Did he talk to you?" Black Zetsu whispered, his voice mostly a hiss.

He was referring to Madara, Zetsu must have been conniving a plan with Madara. But this wasn't too surprising to me, Zetsu was Madara's soul confidant. The two must talk everything over since they have the "same" goal in common.

"Yeah," I whispered back. I punched him lightly on the arm. "That's why I'm living with you, weren't you listening dork?"

White Zetsu blushed and scratched his cheek. "I apologize, my mind has been elsewhere lately."

I patted him on the back and chuckled. "Me too, buddy."

I moved onto my favorite miser and smirked. I knew I scared the crap outta him, I hope he lost a heart. For all of the crap he gave me in our world he deserves to lose at least one heart, but the man did help me financially, so I couldn't wish such a fate upon him. Kakuzu cherished his hearts, he worked very hard to earn each cardiac organ.

He stood up from his seat and towered over me. His face was as stoic as ever but his eyes held some affection for me. I knew Kakuzu didn't love me, we were more than acquaintances though. More like partners in crime, respectable companions, fellow misers. Though I wasn't nearly as bad as him when it came to money. No one was more greedy than Kakuzu, no one.

"Don't do that ever again," he muttered before ruffling my hair.

I soaked up the attention the miser was giving me because displaying affection to anyone or thing, except his money, was a no. "You know you still like me."

He sighed and nodded. "How'd you get here?"

I looked back at Itachi, seeing if he wanted to tell the story. Itachi nodded and beckoned for me to come to him again. I sat down next to him and he pulled me close before speaking. "It was partially my doing. I left one of my summons who was able to travel back and forth between worlds to report the girls' status. My summon must have became irritated or impatient that June wasn't leaving the room so it opened up a portal for itself. June also found the seals to the portal," Itachi glared at Hidan, "may I ask how you could have forgotten such crucial evidence?"

Hidan scoffed. "What are you talking about?"

"I am saying you left behind the papers that stated the creation of the seals and hand signs needed to activated. Pein explicitly stated not to leave anything behind," Itachi scolded.

Kisame and Deidara coughed awkwardly, I remembered that both left behind an item. Hidan wasn't taking well to Itachi's accusation. "You left behind some dumb bird! I just left the chain to my necklace!"

"But you are not denying you left the papers," Itachi deadpanned.

I smacked his shoulder lightly. "Be nice," I scolded. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for those papers. So thank you, Hidan."

Hidan smirked. "Now that's the respect I deserve. Good blonde."

"Watch it."

"Screw you!"

I sighed. "So violent, even after I saved you from Itachi," I shook my head, "thanks Hidan, wow."

He mock growled at me before seating himself again. "Where are the other two?"

"That's why Pein-sama called you here, Ashton and Serenity went missing. We went to summon them here but they never came," Kisame explained, rubbing the back of his neck. "Pein wants us to go and look for them."

"That's troublesome," Black Zetsu hummed, rubbing is chin. "We'll get to work within the day."

"Thanks Zetsu. I owe you one," I sighed, feeling relieved he was going to work hard. "I'm really worried for them. Before you guys came I got off the phone with Serenity and she is somewhere in Kusa with Jiraiya. Ashton, well I can't get a hold of her. She just has seemed to disappear."

Hidan walked up to me and patted my shoulder. "She can't be dead."

"Wow, you're reassuring," I deadpanned. Though, I appreciated his efforts in trying to comfort me. Hidan could be sweet when he tried, but the when he wasn't trying he's a colossal jerk.

Deidara hummed in agreement. "Yeah, Ashton would fight off the Shinagami before he would take her soul. We'd hear her for sure, hmm."

Itachi nodded. "Deidara and Hidan are right. Ashton is fine."

I sighed and sank deeper into his arms. Why did Ashton always have to go missing? I remember when we were teenagers and she wouldn't show up on movie nights or nights we planned months before. She'd disappear and never answer her phone. A few days later she'd show up with a bruised jaw or a few broken fingers. It was so anxiety inducing knowing she could be hurt due to her idiotic gang! I hated them and now she was gone again. She could be starting fights or getting herself interrogated.

(In Konoha Ashton sneezed violently. She rubbed her nose before shifting her attention back to the silver haired shinobi sitting below her and continued to try and shove a bed mattress out the window).

"Pein wants you all to check in," Kisame said, understanding I was becoming more worried by the second.

Kakuzu was the first to leave and as he did he flicked my cheek. "Don't pout, its annoying. I'm going to find that devil."

I smiled up at him and nodded. "I'm keeping you to that Kakuzu, you owe me if you don't find her. I want 50% of your profits if you can't find her."

He grunted, but I could tell he was amused. "And I want some help collecting funds when I find her." He left the room dragging Hidan along. Deidara hurried closely and Zetsu disappeared to somewhere. I guessed to Madara, but the man was known to disappear to the most random places. Back in our world the farthest he's ever traveled was to Florida. Zetsu was gone for three days and I still don't know what he even did. I just remember getting a call from him while I was at work. He asked me where Florida was and how to get to Wisconsin from there.

"Rest for a bit," Itachi whispered to me. He lightly forced my head to his shoulder and held my hand.

I pulled away. "Can I get some time to think?"

"Hn."

I stood up and rubbed my arms. I was dressed in one of Itachi's shirt and Konan's pants all while wearing the cloak Kisame gave me. It was warm and the base was cold. Especially the hallways and I was planning on wandering them for a while to think. "I'm going to walk around to think for a bit, I'll be back in a bit, love."

Itachi nodded and Kisame started to talk to Itachi about whatever. I only heard him mention something about teasing Deidara but that was about it. I was too far down the halls. I traveled down the staircases and now was wandering the artists' level. It was so spacious and I thought it was slightly unfair they were given so much room, but the two were artists. They needs their space.

My plan was to wander the halls to think better but I soon discovered I was working myself up. I was in this world without an medication and could not return home for a week or two. I was cautioned about the unknown consequences of crossing worlds by Pein. He warned me there may be consequences to such acts. Pein said he'd try his best to find me some medication that matched up to my previous pills, but its been a week and I believe he forgot. I'm too nervous to ask again.

An idea suddenly struck me. Sasori was in the base still and I could go screw with him. Maybe scare him like Kakuzu, that would be entertaining. So I snuck down the halls and to his room. With a steady hand I slowly turned the knob to his door. His door was a smooth wood that was carefully painted with a beautiful cream. I could tell this is something Sasori would paint while Deidara's door was more... erratic.

I snuck into the room and the overwhelming smell of wood and metal filled my senses. I poked my head out into the halls again to gain a fresh breath of air before sneaking further into the room. The room was actually very wonderful and spacious. The floor was adorned by wooden boards and the room I was currently in branched out to two more. Each door was set up as traditional sliding doors, but the door was made out of a cream wood.

I opened one door to see a room full of jars. Each jar was on a shelf that surrounded the room and the only light was a bright ceiling lamp. As I looked closer I noticed each jar had some type of specimen in it. For example I observed scorpions, ants, and frogs. Each possessed some kind of poison. The other jars were full of chemicals and occasionally a jar contained a human organ. Each organ I saw I shivered.

Sasori, you're nasty.

I closed the door to this room and moved on. The other room was large and I couldn't see the end of it. The room was like a jungle, but not of vegetation, rather puppets and wood. Creepy puppets hung from the ceiling and I cringed at the sight of each puppet. They all seemed to be staring at me. Not cool.

As I traveled even further into the room and I couldn't help but noticed it was quite clean for such a stuffed room. Every object seemed to be a in a place for a reason. I marveled at the organization that must have gone into this room.

A bright head of hair was spotted from the back of the room. It was Sasori, who was focused on some task. I moved closer and I could see him better. He wasn't wearing a shirt at the moment and from what I could see he wasn't human anymore. He must have opted for his puppet body the second he came back. I rolled my eyes, personally I thought it was dumb. Sure it was a great offense and defense but it didn't let you enjoy life. Life was about feeling. The warmth of a hug, or the smell of morning coffee. Little things like that make life.

He was using a large, sharp saw to slowly cut away at his wooden hand. He was focused on make the wood perfect, but the giant saw seemed inefficient.

But it was perfect for me.

I slowly snuck up to the redhead. He was so concentrated I doubted he would notice me, plus, we had the same chakra. He'd only sense foreign chakra. I was right behind him and held in a snicker before I slammed my hands down on his shoulders and screamed.

"I'M BACK!"

He jumped and let out a loud grunt before whipping around. He looked at the ground and so did I. There was the hand Sasori was working so hard on to complete. He didn't look up at me, but only stared at the well crafted, wooden hand. A low growl admitted from him and I took a step back.

"Deidara, what have I told you about interrupting my work?"

I couldn't hold in my laughter any longer and let the tears stream down my face. I was giggling madly and holding my side. "Oh my god, you are such an idiot! How do you chop off your own hand? How did you think I was Deidara?"

He snapped up and glared at me. "June," he growled, taking a step forward.

I darted out of the room and into the hallway. Mid run I stopped to hold the wall. I was laughing so hard I needed a breath. "Kill me, go for it. I can't... oh my Jashin, please help me. I never knew you could be such an idiot."

Sasori grabbed my wrist then slapped me over the head and I covered my head. "That'd hurt more if you had a hand." He raised his good hand to hit me but I flinched. "Sorry, sorry."

I stood up and bit my lip, still shaking from laughter. "Do you need help Sasori?"

He nodded. "Actually, I do-"

"-because I'd be more than happy to give you a hand."

I sprinted away from the redhead before more damage could come to me. I could hear him running after me and that made everything scarier and funnier. I sprinted up the stairs and turned sharply. Sasori was going to murder me if I was caught. There was no doubt about that.

I turned back to Sasori and he was barley a foot away from me. I squeaked, knowing if I didn't do anything I'd be screwed. I decided now was the time to show off to Sasori. To show him what I have learned. I put out my hand and attached chakra strings to his leg. I had the element of surprise, he'd never see it coming. So when I jerked my hand up and he slammed to the floor face first I cackled.

"Sorry, I should have done that beforehand!"

I hurled myself into the living room and crashed into Itachi. I kissed his cheek and seated myself tightly between Kisame and him. "I want to tell you both I love you and please protect me." Before Itachi could say anything Sasori trudged into the room with a dark look.

"And he lives!" Kisame teased, throwing his arms into the air. "I thought you'd be in there forever."

"I would have been done if it weren't for June," he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I do not even want to know why you're here."

I grabbed onto Itachi's arm. "I apologize Sasori, though my behavior and sudden appearance goes," Sasori glared at me, daring me to go on, "hand in hand."

"That's it," Sasori marched up to me and grabbed my wrist.

Itachi stood up and grabbed Sasori's wrist in turn and jerked him off of me. I shoved myself in between the two and raised my hands defensively. "Chill Sasori. Itachi." I push Sasori back. "Sorry, Sasori. I am so sorry you're such an idiot. I didn't mean for things to get this out of hand."

He punched my shoulder and I hissed in pain. "Ow!" I whined, batting away at him.

Itachi pulled me close and glared at Sasori. "What are you doing out, Sasori? I thought you were working on your arts and crafts." I covered my mouth and snorted. Itachi being sassy was the best thing. He rarely was, but when he did act up it was always hilarious.

"Excuse me." Sasori put his arm to his chest, feigning offense. I held in more laughter considering his hand was missing. Itachi was holding my head to his shoulder and I was burying my face in his shoulder to keep from laughing. Sasori's remarks make me have a heart attack.

"I am not doing arts and crafts. I am working on complicated blueprints and applying perplexing techniques that can only be done by the finest of artisans. I am recreating the human anatomy through woods and metal, but better. Though I do not expect you to understand what I am talking about. You wouldn't know anything of art or hard work. You can simply copy everything with those eyes of yours," Sasori commented, waving a dismissive hand.

I moved from Itachi to Kisame. "I can't breathe!" I whisper yelled, tearing pooling in my eyes. The two were like a bickering couple with relationship issues at a therapist. Sasori was the nagging wench, complaining about his perfection. Kisame chuckled and patted me head.

"I have worked very hard in my life. I am no puppet and cannot be controlled while you are the epitome of a puppet," Itachi retorted, crossing his arms. He was ready to end the conversation and turned away from Sasori.

"Says the one named after a weasel," Sasori muttered.

"Names have nothing to do with this, scorpion."

"And yet you just called me one," Sasori deadpanned.

Itachi sighed deeply and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Just leave us, puppeteer. I will talk to June, I am sure she meant no harm."

"I was actually hoping he'd cut through his leg," I commented, finally calming down.

Itachi turned around the me and shook his head. "June," he sighed, he looked very done with this conversation. He looked ready to yell in frustration but his Uchiha pride would not allow such an action, so he settled for rolling his eyes and a small grunt. "You may deal with Sasori."

I bowed my head to Sasori. "Oh Sasori-sama, forgive me for my past, but not so long ago, transgressions against you. What can I do to please you?"

"First you can stop being so bratty and secondly come help me. I need my hand," he snapped, running his hand through his hair.

I nodded and turned to Itachi. "I'll be back soon. If I don't come back in under forty-five minutes look for me. Sasori is probably turning me into a puppet."

Itachi nodded in turn. "Sasori would not even think of it. He's not that idiotic to do so."

Sasori growled. "Please, June is too horrendous looking to be considered art," he retorted, silently trudging away with me in tow. I followed him back to his room and helped him reattach his hand. His anger finally faded after a few minutes and he calmed down. I could tell by the way he was talking and he'd give the occasional chuckle. He even allowed me to examine his arm. It was quite interesting, how the mechanics of it were so complex. Certain sections of the wood would open to reveal some type of weapon or poison. I laughed because it was like him to store weapons everywhere.

"Can you still feel?" I questioned, holding his hand still so he could smooth it out. He was using sand paper at the moment and shaving away any uneven areas.

"I don't know what you mean," he replied, not looking up at me but continuing to work.

"Like physically or emotionally," I clarified, handing him a new piece of sand paper.

He hummed, thinking of an answer. "Not quite physically. I know when something is touching me. Chakra is laced through this body, giving it the appearance of a chakra system. Anytime anything touches me the chakra in my body alerts my heart of the touch. This all happens within the same second, even less. The only thing that can feel is my heart, even then it is preserved in a container. So if I wanted I could feel with my heart, but I keep it contained so no harm comes to it," he explained, putting the sand paper down and twisting his hand onto his wrist. It clicked in with a loud pop and he moved his hand around, clenching and unclenching it.

"That's why you put your heart in a Pringles container."

Sasori ignored me and continued his explanation. "And yes, I can still feel emotionally," he chuckled, but for the first time I noticed his voice was more hollow, "not as much as I used to, but I can still feel as you saw from my... demonstration with Itachi."

I felt a bit confused because the Sasori I knew wasn't the most emotional person but he got angry and irritated. He would laugh at the pain of others or at stupid, but witty jokes. He was expressive when talking but art and loved to drink coffee. He liked to critize dumb shows and sleep in on afternoons. It was weird seeing him like this, not as expressive.

"That's enough of that now," Sasori rubbed his hands together to get any excess dirt or dust off, "I think I will go to Pein now. He must know my body is stable and I will be able to start missions in a month. It takes a month for my chakra to recalibrate in this body properly." He gestured for me to start leaving and he followed after me as soon as I start walking away.

"I am also aware of your predicament. I have already sent messages to all of my spies occupying Kusa to find Serenity and protect her. As we speak my other spies are getting a message about Ashton." The both of us were out of his room now and standing in the hall way. "Do not worry June, the brat and Ashton are fine."

He awkwardly patted my shoulder. "Anyways, thank you again for your assistants, even if you were the reason for the delay." He walked back into his room, probably to dress in more appropriate attire to meet up with Pein. I stared at his door for a moment. Everything about him seemed slightly off and it bothered me. Sasori wasn't acting like his usual self and it was because of his new modifications.

I ignored the thought and walked back to Itachi and Kisame. Zetsu, Deidara, Kakuzu, and Hidan were in the living room now, all talking. Everyone was standing, looking as if they were going to leave. I began to worry, hoping I wouldn't be left alone. If I was I'd be with Konan the whole time. I do not want to get stuck in this building alone with Madara.

"Hey June, were just about to leave!" Kisame said, waving his hand at me.

I frowned. "Really?" I questioned, the disappointment in my voice audible. I made my way to Itachi and hugged his arm.

He sighed loudly, knowing I didn't want him to leave. "Kisame," Itachi wrapped an arm around me, "I would prefer to stay here. I promised June I would teach her some self-defense. Would you be okay if you left without me?"

Zetsu chuckled at this. "I was notified this might happen," White Zetsu commented, still chuckling quietly to himself. "Pein has told me Itachi is allowed to stay. Kisame and Kakuzu are to be paired and Hidan and Deidara."

"Before you ask why, Hidan and Deidara because they will be deployed in Kusagakure right away to find Serenity. The two may have a better time finding her then Hidan and Kakuzu. Kisame and Kakuzu are going to follow some leads Sasori and I will provide to find Ashton," Black Zetsu explained.

I smirked. "Thank you Pein," I murmured. Though I felt mildly offended he expected this out of Itachi.

Kisame chuckled and patted me on the head. "Okay kids, you win. You'll be good here then, right Itachi?"

Itachi nodded. "I will, you?"

"I can last a week or two without you watching my back. Kakuzu is a reliable man, I'll be fine," Kisame patted Itachi's shoulder, "see you, partner."

"Goodbye, Kisame," Itachi said, dipping his head. Itachi looked to Kakuzu, dipping his well but conveying a silent message: watch Kisame's back... or else.

Kakuzu nodded back and said his farewells before walking away with Kisame in tow. Kisame waved goodbye and disappeared down the hallway. Soon Hidan and Deidara left, bickering about something unimportant. Zetsu disappeared, Itachi nor I even seeing him leave the area. I trusted they would find Serenity and Ashton. They had to find the two, they were the Akatsuki after all.

Sasori knew of June's presence within the base the first day but was not given a reason. He sent out messages to his spy network right away as well and the man behind the bar counter is one of Sasori's spies.

Fun Fact- Ashton was the first to get her drivers license but flunked the course once. Despite June being to young for driving at the time she helped Ashton learn how to drive.

A- Saitama from One Punch Man, Yuu from Charlotte, and Madara Uchiha.

Q- Best breakfast?

Well, till next time!