Two Days Later

The Akatsuki members were all lounging about the living room, watching Criminal Minds, and totally bummed out by the fact that they had no luck in locating Hizashi. Itachi and Kisame had successfully made it back to the base in what they considered record time. They had even delivered their report to Pain already, who was more depressed than angry. He seemed to be depressed quite a lot lately.

They were about halfway through the episode when they heard the door open then shut. They looked up to see who had walked in and were suprised to see Hizashi standing there grinning at them like nothing was wrong. Needless to say they were ecstatic and asked where she had been.

"Well," she said," after my argument with Pain, I decided that I needed some time to cool off. So I left."

"Were two weeks really necessary to cool off?" said Pain skeptically.

"No, but neither was tipping off the other villages to the fact that you guys might appear in the Land of Waves." she replied as she gave a smug grin.

"YOU DID THAT?!"shouted Itachi.

"Yes. I didn't want to be found. That was the only way I could think of to keep you away."

"MY BABY'S BACK!" shouted Konan as she nearly tackled Hizashi with a hug.

"Yeah, I'm back, but there is something that I want Pain to do." said Hizashi as she looked at Pain. She was completely serious now.

"Depends." was all he said. Everyone went silent.

"I want you to acknowledge that I am almost an adult and can make my own decisions. I realize that while I live here that I must abide by your rules, but I refuse to be treated like a mere child." she said, the tone in her voice showing that she was willing to fight about it if necessary.

"To an extent I'll agree."

"Which brings me to my only question."

"Which is?" he asked skeptically.

"Can I go on a date tonight?" she asked pleafully.

Pain thought about this for a minute. He still remembered the hatred in her voice at the end of their last argument. While he might not want her to go on a date, he certainly did not want a repeat of that event. After a few more minutes he finally agreed. His approval was met with Hizashi, Konan, and Tobi cheering from excitement and everyone else wondering what had gotten into him.

Thanks to powerdown, who has pretty much become my official co-planner. And thanks to all readers. There will be no updates until Sunday due to an Acadec competition. Wish me luck!!!!