I don't own Naruto.

I woke up to my name being called, and my door opening slowly.

I shot a glare at Salem, and my voice was raspy as I spoke.

''You do know that it's frowned upon to pick the lock on someones door, don't you?''

He smirked, and shrugged.

''Yeah, but I needed to make sure that you were up. We have to go to Aubry's in about two hours, and I still have to brush that rat's nest that you call hair. Where's your brush?''

I pointed to the desk, and sat up, so he could sit behind me.

''I hope that Gaara, can brush your hair. After the two of you get married, I don't want you running to me everytime you need this mess untangled.''

I winced as he began to seperate my hair into sections, pulling gently.

''Whatever, Salem. You know that you like brushing my hair. You just don't want to admit it, because you think that it's too feminin. And what do you mean, 'when Gaara, and I get married?' He's never even mentioned anything close to that.''

I felt Salem shrug behind me.

''Just because we don't talk about getting married 24/7 like you girls, doesn't mean that we don't think about it. Some of our girlfriends are worth marrying.''

I gasped indignatly.

''We don't talk about getting married 24/7. And what do you mean SOME of your girlfriends?''

Salem chuckled, and tugged at my hair, playfully.

''Well, there are some girls that guys date, that we have no intention of forming a relationship with.''

I shot him a glare over my shoulder, and he laughed.

''Don't look at me that way, little sister. Think about Yuki, and Suki.''

I laughed, and nodded.

''I guess. To each his own, I suppose. But you like Toru. And she's their sister.''

Salem groaned.

''I know. Trust me when I say that I'm not to happy about that. You should be glad that you will have Temari, and Kankuro as inlaws. I'd trade Yuki and Suki for those two any day.''

I laughed, silently agreeing.

/

Salem and I left our home as soon as I was dressed, and managed to make it to Aubry's on time. Misa and Mona were there, and Salem groaned.

''Why? Why am I being tortured with these people? They irritate me to no end, and I'm forced to be around them.''

I laughed, and reached up to pinch his cheek.

''It's because you're just so adorable when you're flustered.''

Salem smirked, evilly.

''Be careful, little sister. If I get closer to Toru, then you'll have to be around her sisters more. Then who will be adorably flustered?''

I wrinkled my nose at the thought.

''Still you, Salem. Because, I will have murdered them.''

Salem laughed.

''I'll hold you to that, Ria. At least if you kill them, I won't have to take the blame.''

I rolled my eyes, and pushed him towarde the bar.

''Go talk to Jagar, Salem. Maybe he can keep you away from Mona.''

He nodded, and I watched him move towards the bar, before I went in the opposite directin to sit next to Misa.

She looked at me, and I frowned as I met her red eyes.

''What's wrong, Misa? You look like you've been crying.''

She nodded, and reached over to grab my hand.

''I have been. Our house was broken into while we were gone. Nothing really importatn was taken. Just some of my clothes, and a pair of Mona's shoes.''

I stared at her intently for a moment.

''My house was broken into as well. What is going on around here?''

Misa shook her head, and shrugged.

''I don't know. Something weird. Do you know what they were looking for?''

I shook my head.

''No. But it must have been something important to risk the chance of me finding them.''

Misa laughed, and nodded.

''You'll have to get behind Mona, if your planning on hurting them. She's so angry right now, that I had to threaten her to get her to Aubry's today.''

I laughed.

''I can't see you being able to threaten, Mona. What did you say to her?''

Misa giggled.

''Oh, I just told her that if she didn't get up, that I was going to cook breakfast.''

My eyes widened, and I laughed.

''I could see how that would make her get out of bed, quickly.''

Misa nodded, and visably jumped as Aubry's shout echoed around the room.

''Everybody, shut-up! I have an announcement, and I want all of you to hear it.''

Every head in the room turned towards his voice, and from my seated position, all I could see was the top of his head.

''I want all of you to listen to what I have to say before you start shouting, your loud, and unwanted opinions at me. Know right now, that no matter what you say, I've made up my mind, and nothing is going to change it.

I've decided that I'm tired of running this place. It has taken over my life, and I'm tired of it. I'm not shutting down the place, just handing it over to new management...mostly. I'm still going to be around, making sure that everything runs smoothly. And keeping an eye on you elemental keepers. You guys are one of the reasons that I'm retiring. I need to keep a closer eye on you. I can't seem to do a good job of that when I have a club to run.

The most important reason, however, and I know that I'm going to get some shit from you guys because of this: My wife is tired of not seeing me.''

There were a few laughs, and I was able to pick up, Salem's and Jagar's voices mixed with a few others. They silenced almost instantly as Aubry continued.

''Laugh all you want. You're all just jealous that I have a loving, caring wife.

But back to the matter at hand: choosing my replacement. I've hidden the deed to half of the club in one of the old houses, I own. I know that someone has tried to find the deed already, by breaking into other peoples homes. To you, I say if I ever find out who you are, I will not hesitate to break your necks. Plus, you will be disqualified from this competition.

The deed is not in any inhabited house.''

I smiled at his threat. No matter what Mona, and I could plan, Aubry would do a MUCH thourogh job of torturing them.

''Now, I'm finished. Let's hear what you have to say.''

It seemed like everyone began yelling at once, and it was Jagar's voice that rose above them all.

''The name of the club is, AUBRY'S. That's how it's been known for years. You might loose most of your clients if you change the name.''

I saw Aubry's head move from side to side.

''We wont change the name. I will still own, half of the club. Does anyone else have a question?''

It was silent for a moment, before Aubry spoke again.

''Good. Then I'll give you the rules of our game. (1) You can look for the deeds in groups. Though if you do, then you will have to share the reward.

You are not allowed to swendle information out of the people who know. I believe that my wife, and myself are the only one's that know.

No, trying to get rid of your competition...Jagar.''

There were some quiet snickers, and I could just imagine Jagar's grin. Aubry continued after the laugh's died down.

''And (4) As soon as you fine the deed, I want you to come straight to me. I don't want there to be ny fights over this.''

Everyone nodded, silently agreeing.

''Now. I want all of you to get ready for tonight. It's going to be hectic.''

Aubry jumped from the stage, and moved through the crowd, moving towards the bar. The rest of us moved to our stations, preparing for the night.

/

Mona and I were upstairs, running around like crazy, trying to keep the crowd from turning into a mob. It was hard, kepping their drinks filled, and remmebering what they had ordered.

As the night progressed it became quieter. The louder, and more exuberant people, becoming tired, and going home to their beds.

It was when most of them were gone, that Aubry's main clientel came in. These included people like the Akatsuki. People that were considered viscious, and wanted criminals. They would use Aubry's as a meeting place for some of their more...skitish customers.

Most of these men were placed upstairs, away from the loud music, and earshot of unaware civilians. We had some regulars, that had their own reserved tables. Dolly, and Die being two of these.

I was hoping silently, that maybe Dolly would make an appearance. It would be nice to see him. Though I doubted that he would.

I walked passed Mona, and stiffend slightly as she grabbed my arm. I turned towards her, and she smiled softly.

''On your next break, go find Misa. She has something to give you.''

I nodded, and moved towards the stairs. Mona had everything handled for the moment, and it was past time for me to take a break, anyways. So I figured that now would be the best time to find Misa.

I found her sitting at a table, slumped in her chair. I smiled as I took the seat across from her, and she returned my smile slightly.

''Hey, Ria. How's it been upstairs?''

I groaned.

''Crazy. Mona told me to come find you.''

Misa nodded, and pulled a small brown package out of her apron pocket. She handed it to me, with a smile.

I ripped at the brown paper, and pulled out a silver bracelet, with a small charm that looked like a flame.

I cooed at it soflty, and Misa beemed, holding out her wrist that had the same bracelet, but with a cloud charm.

''I bought them in Suna. I got Mona one too. Her's has a mountain on it. I saw them, and knew that we had to have them.''

I smiled at her, and moved around the table to give her a hug.

''Thank you, Misa. I love it.''

Misa nodded, and I turned to look up the stairs, where a noise came from.

''I should probably get back. I don't want to leave Mona alone for very long.''

Misa nodded.

''No. That's probably not a good idea. She's not in a good mood after last night.''

I nodded, and gave her another quick hug.

''Thank you again, Misa.''

Misa grinned.

''You're very welcome, Ria. But, go on. I need to get my section cleaned, so I can go home.''

I nodded, and made my way back towards the stairs.

I made my way back up the stairs, and after asking Mona if everything was alright, went back to my section.