It was hard to sleep that night. Reiyana spent the night thinking about what Itachi had just told her, and he was thinking of what she just told him.

FLASHBACK

"When I was young, I wanted to meet as many people as possible. I introduced myself everywhere; the only thing I didn't say was my last name.

So, one day I saw a boy my age by the swings with no one to play, and I don't recall meeting him. I went over, and introduced myself. I asked for his name, he told me, but leaving out his last name.

I asked him if he had anyone to play with, he said no, I asked him if he wanted to play with me. He instantly lightened up, saying that I am his best friend."

Reiyana was surprised at this. This scene also reminded her of a certain red haired Kazekage she met before on a mission. It was hard imaging Tseto as a pure and innocent boy, harder imaging Itachi as sweet and friendly.

When he talking about his past, there seemed a distant and soft look to Itachi's black eyes. He somehow felt safe around this woman, as if he was sure she wouldn't harm him.

END OF FLASHBACK

Reiyana finally heard the soft breathing sounds of Itachi, and wondered if he really trusted her. The two were back to back, sleeping on the edges of the bed, with Itachi hogging the blanket, but Reiyana with his cloak, that had his scent all over it.

Finally, she fell aleep.

The next morning, there was a knock at the door. Reiyana awoke, surprised at herself for awakening this late. She could hear the shower running, which meant Itachi was in there.

So, Reiyana went to the door, annoyed and ready to rip someone's head off.

She flung it open, and there stood a young male hotel attendant. His jaw dropped, and his eyes glazed over when he saw her. She was so mad, she reached a shaky hand out to his neck, he snapped out of his daze.

"Please don't kill me miss, I'm only here for room service!"

Just then, Itachi came out of the bathroom in only shorts and a towel around this neck. The perverted hotel attendant got the idea that the beautiful miss in front of him must have rented it for reasons with that other man…and he blushed.

The hand on his neck twitched, and all the color drained from his face. She kicked him aside, then noticed on the corner of her eye another person down the hall was looking at her wide eyed.

Reiyana turned her head to that person, and they immediately shut the door, bolting it too. This caused a satisfied smirk and she slammed her own door, to face Itachi, with an amused smirk.

She went into the bathroom, and locked the door. She needed a cold shower to cool off her morning anger. As she got into the shower, she closed her eyes and just let the water drip down.

She felt cold hands slip around her waist, and whipped her head back. Nobody. Her breathing uneven, she turned around. After a while, nothing happened, and she calmed. When she came out of the shower, she saw her oldclothes neatly folded beside the sink.

Her first thought was that Itachi had her clothes the whole time? He was keeping my clothes the whole time so he could see me in that pink nightie? He dosen't look like a pervert…

But when she picked the clothes up, her stomach did an enormous lurch. It was Tseto's scent, she was sure of that. Reiyana put a hand on the counter to sturdy herself, then she leaned over the sink and splashed her face with water.

Reiyana did not fear him, but every time she thought of him it hurt her. She hated him to an extreme extent; usually bloodlust would cure really bad migraines. After a while of staring at the marble counter, she finally dressed in her old clothes. It felt comfortable to back in usual attire, but at the same time uncomfortable that Tseto had his scent all over.

When she came out of the bathroom, Itachi gave her a confused look.

"I found them on the sink counter" She whispered, "It was Tseto"

Reiyana went over to the bed and sat down, looking through her black traveling bag. She came out with a little bottle of pills. She took one out, and swallowed it dry.

"You know what, Itachi, I'll goback with you"

Itachi was surprised. "To Akatsuki?"

She nodded, then coughed. She put on her black cloak, then strapped her katana she got from Tseto.

They were taking the road, walking side by side, in distance. Itachi noticed she still hasn't healed from the drug Tseto gave her, and mentally noted to himself to let the medic at Akatsuki give her a check up once they get to the head quarters.

Occasionally Reiyana coughed, until she stopped walking and coughed up blood. Sherubbed to her temples, then closed her eyes. Her other hand left the tree, and she fell into Itachi's arms.

Itachi arrived at his destination one hour later, and quickly reported to the leader.

He held her in his arms and walked hurriedly to the 'mini-hospital' at Akatsuki. When he arrived, the medic specialist got to work.Itachi went back to his room, only to be greeted by Kisame and Deidara along the way.

There was an almost 'help me' look in Kisame's eyes.

"Guess what, Itachi?" A long haired blond asked.

Itachi didn't bother to answer.

"We got our person!"

Itachi slammed his door. He fell right on his bed, and slept for three hours. When he awoke, he decided to visit Reiyana to see how she is. When he arrived, the medic nodded to him, and went over.

"Itachi-san, she is—"

He was cut off when the leader appeared beside Itachi.

"Continue" The leader said.

"Y-yes. As I was saying, she is suffering from a very strong drug, only found in Toriseigakure, village of mountains. I gave her a special medicine to heal, but she can only be fully healed in three weeks of time."

"Dismissed" The medic scurried away, and the leader turned to Itachi.

"Well done, Itachi-kun, that was a very difficult feat and you managed it."

Itachi remained emotionless.

"I understand there is an empty room beside your's, and she would move in after she is healed."

The leader disappeared.

The next day

Reiayana woke up to white lights. She took time to think. I coughed up blood…I'm in some kind of asylum…I told Itachi I would come to Akatsuki…

She got up, and felt great. Nothing hurts.That was honestly breaking news.This is probably some kind of check up Itachi put me though…

Reiyana found her clothes by a counter, while she was dressed in a white shirt and pants. She took her clothes, and proceeded to the door. It opened, just like that. She looked around, and saw…a fish.

This is a dream…I'm dreaming of over-sized fish disguised as red clouds…

But, she wasn't dreaming.

The 'fish' saw her. "Who are you? Are you new?"

This fish knows how to TALK? Something about the fish was annoying. "Where's Itachi?"

"Ohhh, you must be that girl Itachi recruited. Well, hi. My name is Kisame. What's your's?"

"Where's Itachi?" She repeated, there was defiantly something annoying about this fish.

"Ok, he's down the hall the second last door on the right."

Reiyana was in front of the door already, and she kicked it. "ITACHI! GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE!"

Deidara came out of his room and stared at his wide eyed. "Hey missy, you don't want your life, but I do! Don't you realize he is Uchiha Itachi? My room is right next!"

She turned to him, annoyed. Deidara's face paled. "F-forget what I just said."

Itachi opened the door. His eye's almost popped out when she saw her like this.

"Your supposed to heal. For a week."

"Hell no I'm gonna spend my time healing. I feel great, for your information"

He sighed, and rolled his eyes. "Fine, none of my business. I'll show you around and if you collapse again I'm not carrying you back."

"Fine, it's not like I need you to."

Itachi came out of his room, and led her to the room beside his, the end of the hall.

He went in, and turned the lights on. It was a well furnished room, with a queen sized bed, black sheets, white walls, a desk, and two closets.

"Your cloak's in the closet, along with some minor weapons."

Reiyana settled down, after she took a shower. Clearly the Akatsuki had no shortage of money, their surroundings were quite luxurious.

As she dried her hair with a towel, she began planning an order of events. Firstly, she had to fully heal. When full health is restored, she needs more training in order to get her sword back. This was no easy thing, for Tseto was very strong, as much as Itachi or her.

After she retrives her sword…well, she can probably stay at Akatsuki for a while.

--

The past week Reiyana didn't have Itachi's company because he was onsome sort of missionand she was 'presumed' to be healing, but she made a new 'friend'.

She guessed she could call Tina a friend. She was a new Akatsuki member, the person Kisame and Deidara recruited.

On the first day of that week, Reiyana woke up to find herself in a situation where she was hungry. So, she got up, dressed in grey pajama pants and a black netted tank top.

Reiyana went out her door, looked around, then walked into the direction she remembered was the way to the kitchen. When she arrived, she saw another girl by the stove, frying something in a pan.

Reiyana was not used to communicating with people, but she had to try, and at least, this was a female.

"Good morning" The grudgy and raspywords sounded awkwardly when they came out of Reiyana's mouth.

The other woman's head whipped around, and broke into a warm smile. "Good morning!" She chirped from the stove. "I didn't even notice you were here! Would you like some eggs? You sure do look tired and hungry!"

Reiyana was taken aback. This cheerful woman was so nice, even if her voice was a bit annoying.

"Umm, sure. So, what's your name?"

The cheerful woman beamed. "Well, my name is Tina. Here are your eggs. What about your name?"

"Reiyana."

"That's an interesting name." Tina smiled and went over with both plates. She wore a light blue skirt above her knees and a black netted shirt. Her soft willowy brown hair was combed and ended at her waist.

Tina sat down at the table Reiyana was sitting at, and got up again to get two forks. When she came back and handed one to the messy black haired bed head, that was when the 'messy haired bed head' was startled about her thoughts.

"Oh…thanks." Again, the word 'thanks' was very awkward.

Tina cocked her head sideways in curiosity. "You seem distracted. Wake up on the wrong side of bed? Is it me? Would you rather not have me here? You know, I could lea—"

"No. Don't."

Tina frowned in concern. "Then what's wrong?"

Reiyana tried to hide the sadness in her eyes with her hair. She tried to smile. "I don't want to talk about it."

Tina's frown disappeared, but there was still concern in her voice. Then she said softly, "its ok." Then her face quickly broke into a big loving smile. "Since you're the only other female, we can be friends! You know, you can never make friends with one of the males. Their probably all perverts!"

Reiyana laughed in agreement.

How can we become friends, When you will be killed? How can I ever find a friend? Or a lover? Tseto was lucky. If I stayed with him any longer, He would surely be killed by…This godforsaken dark seal. I can't fight it. I'm weak. I don't have what it takes. But, if I overcome it, I can have friends. And lovers. Will anybody love me? Am I able to love anybody? My hope is doubtful, My faith is limited. I need someone, Someone to start a fire. At the end of the tunnel there will be light. I'll start again, Start fresh and new. I'll forget the past, And look up to the future. But when I look back, I'm broken, I'm fading. I'm slowly and painfully falling apart, Until the last piece of me

Crumbles…

That won't happen.

Itachi walked through the streets of the village of the mist, beside Kisame. They were on a mission to gather information on the village for the ambush.

So far, he only found out that there were only a total of five ANBU squads and only a few Jonin.

Kisame was looking around, his eyes misted with memories of when he was small. He stopped by a deserted alley, and looked inside, staring into space. He remembered this was the place the Seven Swordsmen of Mist would always meet. He had looked up to the leader. He was highly respected and liked. He was almost Kisame's Idol, until that day he killed himself with his sword. Now, the sword Tsukanra, resides in his old estate, staying in its shaft. Thieves can't steal it. It only recognizes him, just like Samaheada.

As Itachi walked into a street that was very crowded, his eye caught something. He walked over to the jewelry stand, and stared at the interesting piece. It was actually a necklace that was beaded with black onyx beads, a zodiac jewel.

Itachi's mind instantly pictured Reiyana wearing it.

"Are you gonna buy it or not?"

He looked up, and saw an old man who was very fat.

Itachi took out a few bills, and the old man accepted. Once Itachi had the neck safely tucked in his cloak pocket, he went to find Kisame.

"Hn, that's very pretty." Reiyana murmured, studying each necklace in Tina's drawer.

Tina studied her. I'm so happy to have a friend in Akatsuki. I thought everybody in the organization would be like Deidara, not that I mind much, because he's so cute, ah! I shouldn't be thinking about him! This girl must have a sad past. But right now she's so happy, just to have a friend.

"Reiyana"

She looked up. "Yeah?"

"Do you want to have some tea later? I know we're really close to the rice village."

Her features instantly lightened. "Sure."

"Ok then, go change and then we'll meet in the lobby in five minutes."

As Reiyana made her way back to her room, she was overwhelmed with the peace she felt in her mind and soul.Once she changed into her normal black everything, she saw Tina waiting for her down the hall.

Tina rushed over then took a look at her.

"Reiyana! We're going for a tea party! Not some assassination mission! Although I love your boots."

"But, I don't kno—"

"I'll help you pick! She stepped into Reiyana's room, and took a look inside. It was very messy. Panties and bras were everywhere, and the bed was unmade.

Tina sighed, then picked up some undergarments and tucked them neatly in the bedside drawer. In another second, the bed was made.

"How did you do that?" Reiyana asked, admiring Tina's skill of folding blankets.

"Long story. OK, let's see what you have in your closet."

Tina opened the door only to see one color. Black.

"Ok…" As Tina sifted through, delight to see something other than black, white.

A white tank top.

"Hm, you can borrow some of my clothes, then I'll take you shopping after tea."

So, the two women instead went to Tina's room.

One look at Tina's room and Reiyana almost gone crazy. Everything was so neat, blue, calm, relaxing. Tina opened her closet, and picked out an outfit for Reiyana.

A ruffled light denim mini-skirt and a yellow and white striped tube top. For shoes, Reiyana wore a pair of cute white high-heeled sandals. Since the two women's bodies were almost the same, Reiyana could fit into everything. The only thing Reiyana didn't take off was her choker.

Tina herself wore ablue tank top, dark blue denim mini-skirt, and light blue high-heeled sandals.

The two girls went out, walking on the road. In this outfit, there was nowhere for Reiyana to put weapons, so she stored some stealth ore shurinken in her choker. On the outside, it just looked like decorations.

As they entered rice country, Tina led the way to a teahouse. Once they settled in a room that was concealed, they started talking.

"So Reiyana, who was your recruiter?"

"Uchiha Itachi"

Tina's features turned into shock. "U-uchiha Itachi?"

Reiyana nodded.

"Then you must be strong, for someone like him to be assigned to recruit you. Well, my recruiters were Kisame-san and Deidara-san."

Reiyana noticed Tina blushed when she mentioned Deidara.

"Is Deidara the blond-head?"

"Yeah."

"So, why did you join Akatsuki?"

Tina replied. "Well, you see I was 'accused' of trying to kill the kage of rock village. I grew up there, but I'm an orphan. After that, they were going to kill me, but I managed to escape and end up in the woods. They've been chasing me for months, but when Deidara-san and Kisame-san came to fetch me, I was more than happy to go. What about you?"

Reiyana was still deciding whether or not to tell Tina. She took a sip of her tea, and Tina noticed her uneasiness.

"If you don't feel comfortable talking, Reiyana, you don't have to. But you know, once you say it, you'll feel much better."

"Ok." Reiyana took another sip of tea.

"I, lived the seven years of my life in village of mist, then, I ran away. I was took in by…a ninja, and trained. Afterwards he died, I found another sensei, then he died also. Then, Itachi came."

Reiyana laughed. "I still laugh at the face he made when he realized I could counter his 'Mangekyou Sharingan'"

Tina's jaw dropped and her lavender eyes turned to big purple grapes. "How do you counter the Mangekyou Sharingan?"

"Counter or defense jutsu. In this case, a strong one to counter a fully mastered one such as Itachi's."

"So then what happened?"

"Well, he tried to take me by 'force', but that didn't really work out. I was captured by somebody, he rescued me, and I decided to join Akatsuki so I can train."

Tina nodded, and looked at her in admiration.

After their tea, the two friends went shopping.

Two days later, Itachi came back. It was in the afternoon, so he took a shower and went to the rec room.

The rec room was a large room with sofas, TVs, play stations, and computers. The Akatsuki Leader didn't particulary care, so Kisame and Deidara together made the place in their taste. The walls were lined with wall paper that had fish and birds on it. A miracle, since most wallpaper doesn't have designs of fish and birds together. Not really a miracle, because Deidara and Kisame had actually spent a whole day drawing on the walls. They probably wasted around 80 packs of 64 crayons that day.

The rec room got it's name because, 1) rec is short form for Recreational 2) rec sounds like wreck because the room is one. 3) it's an abbreviation of Really Excessive Cursing because there is a lot in the room.

When Itachi went in, he saw Reiyana curled up on the couch, watching TV and playing with something on her wrist.

"Hey"

She glanced toward him, then returned her attention to the cuff on her wrist.

"Hi. How was your mission?"

"Fine. How was your healing?"

"Fuck healing. Like my new outfit?"

Itachi took at look at her black tube top and pink shorts.

He sat down beside her on the couch. "You wear pink?"

"I went shopping."

His head whipped at her. "When?"

"The day before yesterday"

"With who?"

"Does it concern you? Well anyways, I went Tina, this other girl."

It almost calmed Itachi to know that she just made a friend, not another man. He tried to hide his relief by saying something else.

"You were supposed to heal."

"I don't hell give a shitload. Ya like this chain?"

There was a long thin chain hooked form her black choker to her black hand cuff.

Very sexy.

"Very nice".

Their attention went back to the TV as Fear Factor came on.

Afterwards, another commercial.

"Reiyana"

"What?"

Itachi reached into his pocket and took out something that was concealed with his fist. "For you"

Reiyana's hand reached out, and took the necklace from Itachi's hand. It was more beautiful than any of Tina's necklaces. It was big enough to fit her head through, so she did. The necklace ended just below her ribs.

She fingered it, studying it. She looked up to his beautiful black eyes. "Thanks Itachi."

She leaned forward, and pecked him on the cheek.

Poor Itachi. Even his bangs couldn't hide his light blush. Reiyana laughed, slapped his thigh and returned to watching the TV.