Zeelee-vallen: I'm thinking of ending this story soon. It has been going on for years! Lots of the original reader's aren't even on this site anymore… Or at least they no longer read it. It makes us upset… That we've lost our touch.

We do not own Naruto.

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She awoke to the smell of earth. She giggled, sitting up. Itachi's arm rolled off her, landing on Mini instead. Mini cuddled closer to the boy, seeking warmth. She smiled gently at them, her blind eyes knowing exactly how peaceful they would look.

"Vallen, We…. Missed you." She looked up to where the voice emitted, the gentle smile still on her lips.

"I know, Zetsu." She pulled her mask on, hiding her expression.

"So these must be the two Madara was talking about." Zetsu said, nodding to the sleeping tro. "The little one looks yummy."

"Hush now…" She tilted her head up, testing the wind. She could smell the others too. Kisame and Kakuzu were not far off, tracking her. They must have set out for her despite Pein's orders.

That showed her just how much… they loved her. She slipped away from the sleeping pair, only to gallop into Zetsu's arms. The smell of earth filled her sences, making her giggle. She missed him so much. His smell… His feel… Just…. Him.

"Salt, pepper, I love you!" She clung tighter, hearing Zetsu gasp. Well, It was possibly the first time she said it out loud.

But it was true. She loved him.

Before Zetsu could grip onto her, she ran into the bushes toward Kakuzu. He was the closest, Kisame was still far behind. In an instant, she tracked him and tackled him from behind. He must of knew it was her, because he did not show any distress.

"Vallen." He stilled, stating her name.

"Kakuzu." She kissed his covered ear. "You're such a cute one, ne." She cuddled him for a moment more before jumping off and racing to see Kisame. Sasori probably wanted to come too, but was told to cover for them. Which he must have obeyed. Zetsu on the other hand could go wherever he wanted. Part of being the founders, it seemed.

"Short-stuff!" His sent was strong now, so she jumped at him. Sure enough, he caught her in his steel grip. He squeezed her tightly, his breath warm on her mask.

"Kisame." She cuddled into him, enjoying the warmth.

They all traveled so far to see her. They loved her…

She smiled gently.

She… Couldn't wait to be with them. They kept her so… Warm… So…

She coughed blood, the metallic smell trapped in her mask. Her head spun, then she was out.

"Vallen…! Valle…." Kisame's voice got fainter and fainter as she receded back into the darkness.

Oh… She used Chakra to see them, didn't she? What a… Silly mistake. She was just so excited, she didn't even realize it. Now she was paying for it.