[Deidara's Point of View]

At midnight I stormed into the Akatsuki base alone, completely furious. Curse that Tobi! He's done some stupid things before but THIS was the worst! He dragged out a mission that should have only taken a week to complete and turned it into a disastrous three week nightmare. He botched every instruction I gave him, accidentally gave away our position countless times, it's a miracle we weren't killed! I got so sick of his pathetic excuses and apologies that I threw a C3 bomb at him. I haven't seen him since then. I'll bet it blasted him to the next country over…it's only a shame that it won't kill him.

At least I'll be able to see Natsume again. I've missed her like crazy and hopefully the feeling has been mutual. But I had to get cleaned up first; I was covered in sweat and dirt from the long journey. I passed Itachi in the corridor but as always I ignored him.

"I must speak with you," he said quietly.

"I have no time for you, hm!" I said shortly and kept walking.

"It's about Natsume-san."

I stopped and slowly turned around. "What about her?" I asked suspiciously.

He gestured for me to follow him and I reluctantly did so. We walked down the hall in silence. Then he opened a door to one of the briefing rooms which are sound-proof so we couldn't be overheard. Kisame was waiting for us and I didn't like the worried look on his face. What's going on around here? Itachi locked the door behind us and gestured for me to take a seat. I remained on my feet. "Out with it already," I said impatiently. "I'm busy."

"Cool it kid," Kisame said abruptly. This surprised me so much that I remained silent.

"Natsume-san has been targeted by some unknown assailant," Itachi said bluntly.

I stared incredulously at both of them. "What are you talking about?"

They looked at each other for a moment. "Someone is trying to kill her," Kisame said softly. "By varying means totaling to five different attempts."

I stared at him open-mouthed. "You're kidding."

Kisame looked exasperated. "Why would I joke about something like that?"

Itachi shook his head sadly. "Truly your stupidity knows no bounds."

Normally an insult like that would have set me off but I was too busy panicking. "How can this be? Is she alright? Is she safe? Where is she now?"

"We've relocated her to your room so we can keep a closer eye on her," Kisame reassured me. "Since then all attacks have ceased, most likely because no one can infiltrate the base."

"Do you know anyone who would want her dead?" Itachi asked.

I shook my head in disbelief. This is impossible. This can't be happening…I sank down in a chair and held my head in my hands. The two were silent as I trembled, feeling nauseous with regret, panic, and worry. Who would want to kill her and why? I was on the edge of hyper-ventilating when Kisame placed a hand on my shoulder. "Take it easy now. We'll get to the bottom of this."

"You've known her for some time correct?" Itachi asked emotionlessly. Curse his methodical mind. I nodded. "Has she ever been targeted before?" I shook my head. "Then the logical conclusion is that your association with her is to blame."

I jumped to my feet. "Are you saying this is my fault?!" I shouted at him.

He didn't even flinch. "Perhaps not intentionally but yes."

"That's harsh Itachi," Kisame scolded gently.

"The truth is often harsh," he countered.

"This isn't my fault, hm!" I snapped at them. "None of this makes any sense!"

"No it doesn't," Kisame sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. "Especially since we still haven't figured out who's behind all this."

Itachi furrowed his brow. "Each attempt has been different and perfectly staged. And each attacker claims to be hired from some mysterious source. Now based on your information that nothing of this kind has happened before, there are two plausible theories. One is that someone is trying to keep her from you and the other is that someone is trying to keep you from her. Which sounds more likely?"

I considered this for a moment. I knew that Kazuhiko was very upset that I took her away…but he'd be more likely to kill me instead of her. Then Tobi's words echoed in my mind and all color drained from my face.

"What is it?" Kisame asked.

"Tobi said that Pein-sama was upset that I missed the briefing on this past assignment," I said as I swallowed with difficulty. "Do you think he's behind this?"

Itachi looked skeptical. "Not very likely. His attacks are not the kind that are easily diverted. No, if he wanted her dead she would have been long before now."

Silence filled the room for some time as we all tried to figure it out. But if these two haven't by now I wasn't likely to right now either. Besides they both knew more about each attack than I did. I was exhausted both by the journey and the terrible news so I excused myself and turned to leave. I hesitated at the door. "Thanks…for keeping her safe," I murmured. While I was grateful I didn't like the idea of being indebted to them. I wish that I had been the one to protect her…not them. Curse my job!

"We wouldn't have to if you'd bothered to place safeguards for her before you left," Itachi said simply.

I bristled at this and stormed out of the room, letting the door slam behind me. Oh how I hate the fact that he's stronger than me! I would have loved to have blown him to pieces! I raced down the hallway, pumping my arms as I ran. I had to make sure that she was really ok. I had to see her with my own eyes. I burst into my room and paused at the sight. She was fast asleep in my bed, her body curved beautifully with her hands resting up over her head. She looked like a vision. As I drew closer I noticed her eyelids tremble slightly. Those beautiful soft lips were slightly parted. I leaned down to kiss her. She stirred awake and saw me. "You came back," she murmured as she cradled my face in her delicate hands.

"Was there ever any doubt?" I chuckled as I knelt over her. I savored the taste of her sweet mouth. Oh the memory hadn't done them any justice. I started to kiss her harder as I eagerly pressed a hand against her breast. "Oh how I've missed you," I whispered along her neck. I enjoyed how her body arched against mine.

"Show me," she challenged in a breathless tone as her eye shone with seductive glee. And I did just that. Over the next several minutes I kissed her passionately, caressed her soft body, and made her groan with pleasure. She's my girl and only I can satisfy her. In return she made my body scream with desire. Her touch was expert and thorough. By the end we both panted softly and stared deep into each other's eyes. She kissed me again, her soft lips nibbled on my bottom lip. "You're getting better."

"I'm learning from the best," I teased as I ran my hand through her hair. "Mmm you're incredible and all mine."

She grinned from ear to ear. "You better believe it." I hesitated for a moment as I remembered what the others had just told me. She noticed my change of expression and tilted her head curiously to the side. "What's wrong?"

"Is it true?" I asked fearfully. "Is someone trying to kill you, hm?"

She made a face and groaned. "They told you, didn't they?"

"Of course they told me," I said defensively. "Are you saying that you wouldn't have?"

"I wasn't planning on it no."

I glared at her. "I deserve to know! Especially if it's my fault!"

"I wasn't going to tell you because it isn't your fault," she said firmly. "Look I don't know what's going on any better than you do but this isn't your fault."

"And what if it is?" I asked whispered.

She snuggled close, her body pressed deliciously into mine. Her arm wrapped around my neck as her fingertips caressed the back of my neck, sending an exciting thrill down my spine. I closed my eyes as I sighed with pleasure and felt her lips against mine. "It doesn't matter. We're together again so I don't care about anything else."

I groaned softly as I ran a hand down the length of her back. Her skin felt warm and silky beneath my fingertips. I couldn't stop myself as I kissed her back. I've missed her so much, especially after all the lonely nights without her by my side. She smiled as her hand ran down my chest. "I love you Dei-Dei. I've made a lot of mistakes…but you were never one of them."

"But I can't let you risk your life by staying here."

"You want to send me away?" She asked in mild surprise.

I sighed as I ran my hand through her hair again. "I know that I should…but I can't."

She grinned. "Good because I'm not going anywhere."

"But I'm serious-" I started to protest.

"That's a change of pace for you," she teased with a wink. I frowned and she sighed. "Look I know what you're going to say. You're going to blame yourself; complain about how you weren't here to protect me, and all that other crap."

"It's not crap!" I snapped but she clamped a hand over my mouth.

"I wasn't finished," she said seriously. Then her expression softened sympathetically. "If I've learned anything it's that life is short. And I'm not going to waste it worrying about some mysterious killer."

"Does your life mean nothing to you?" I asked worriedly.

She regarded me thoughtfully with a sweet smile on her lips. "You are my life Dei-Dei and I'll spend it with you for however long I can."

"Then marry me already," I smirked.

She rolled her eyes. "You're not going to give up on that are you?"

"Nope, not until you say yes," I chuckled as I cuddled her. "So give in already."

"Not a chance," she giggled as she tweaked my nose.

"Oh c'mon!" I pouted. "Don't you want to have kids one day?"

"Not really," she admitted.

I blinked in surprise. She looked completely serious. I wonder if it's because she's worried that she'd be as bad as her mother was. Then an idea hit me and I grinned wickedly. "For someone who doesn't want to have kids, you don't mind having sex."

She laughed at my cheeky remark. "Three words kid: birth control pill."

"There's still a chance though," I pressed.

"The odds aren't in your favor."

"Don't be so sure," I whispered as my eye-lids drooped closed. My former exhaustion was beginning to catch up to me again. "I feel like the luckiest man in the world with you in my life."

I was dimly aware that she replied but I fell fast asleep. The next morning I woke up to see her coming out of the bathroom wrapped in towel. She must have just taken a bath. She smiled warmly at me as she sat down to dry her hair with an extra towel. "Morning Sleepy Head."

I sat up and yawned. Looks like it's my turn to finally get cleaned up. I kissed the top of her head as I walked past. She playfully snapped me with her towel and laughed when I jumped. "Smooth reflexes there Master Shinobi," she said sarcastically.

I stuck my tongue out at her. "I'll get you for that, you'll see."

I really looked a fright when I gazed into the mirror. My hair was sticking up like crazy and there were bags under my eyes after all those sleepless nights. I took a long bath and when I came out to get dressed there was a knock at the door. "Who is it?" I asked through the door.

"It's your faithful sidekick Senpai!" Tobi's annoying voice trilled. "It's time to give Pein-sama our mission report."

"Yeah, yeah I'm coming, hm," I grumbled but quickly dressed. Natsume pulled me in for a good-bye kiss. "I'll be in the cafeteria."

"Can't you wait for me?" I asked worriedly.

"Nope, I'm starving. Don't worry about me. Kisame-san and Uchiha-san keep a very close eye on me," she scowled a little and I bet she's given them a hard time about this protection thing.

"They just don't want to face my wrath should anything happen to you," I grinned wickedly as I sneaked in one last kiss.

I opened the door and we both walked out hand in hand. Tobi perked up. "Ah Pretty Girl-chan! Tobi didn't know you were here."

"I'm just visiting," she reassured him. Then she walked down the hallway without looking back. She looked pretty at ease. I wonder how long she's been here. Tobi and I watched after her.

Then he poked me in the side. "Don't get distracted again Senpai."

I nodded and turned to follow him. The meeting with Pein went worse than I thought. He was too forgiving of Tobi's disobedience and gave him a minor lecture on respecting his superiors. "You're part of a team now. And in order for the team to be effective you must prove yourself reliable and dependable."

Tobi bowed his head in shame. "Tobi is very sorry."

Pein nodded and that settled the matter. I was furious! He not only jeopardized the mission several times but nearly got us both killed! And this was his punishment? But there was no talking back to Pein, his word is absolute. So instead I bit my tongue so hard that it bled as I struggled to keep my temper in check. Tobi was excused and I was asked to remain behind. That wasn't good. Pein silently made a few notes in the mission folder and then rose to put it away. "Why were you not here for the briefing?" He purred inquiringly.

Now I was going to hear it. "I was in Nakashima."

"I see," he said softly. "I also understand that you disappeared the day before that as well."

I swallowed nervously. "Yes."

"You are aware that you're expected to remain in the base a majority of the time in case you are needed?"

"Yes Pein-sama," I blurted out.

"And I understand that each time you left you were not alone." He slowly turned towards me, those Rinnegan eyes narrowed shrewdly. "But with that girl."

I nodded as I started to wring my Akatsuki robe in my hand, unseen from under the table.

"The girls provided are for pleasure…not for personal relations." He said sternly.

"But she's not a prostitute!" I objected.

He blinked in surprise. "She isn't?" Oops, I realized too late that I shouldn't have admitted that. But it's too late to take back my words now. His expression grew flinty. "What is she then?" His voice startled to rumble angrily. I don't think he appreciated being tricked into thinking she was one of the girls.

"My girlfriend," I said softly.

"WHAT?!" His voice boomed like thunder. I cringed down in my seat as he towered over me. He just glared down at me silently for several seconds. "You dare jeopardize our organization by bringing an outsider here?" He asked scathingly.

"B-but she d-doesn't know a-anything! I-I swear, hm!" I stammered. I swear that my heart forgot how to beat.

He paused as he decided whether or not to believe me. If he didn't she could be killed over this. Then at last he spoke. "I will be the judge of that. Understand this Deidara-san: your place is here and her's is not. Personal ties to the outside must be severed to maintain professionalism. I trust that you know what to do now." I nodded vigorously. He considered me a moment longer. "Then see to it. You are dismissed."

I jumped to my feet and barely remembered to bow before hurrying out of the room.