Author's Note:

Hi all!

I have decided to update a bit early as a late holiday gift to everyone for your support of this story. It's a bit fluffy, but I hope that's okay. Brace yourselves for Sora and company to go out on a mission soon! If you like the story please leave reviews and such, they motivate me to write. :)

Stay tuned! Side note, it's -10 degrees here, so stay warm!

Best

J.E

A hard knock on the bedroom door ripped me out of my incredibly deep slumber. With a yawn, I groaned and hoisted myself upright. "It's open."

The door creaked open before Deidara's sweet, boyish face peeked around the side of it, flowing blonde ponytail and all. "Hey, Sora!" He chimed, far to enthused for however early it was. I was absolutely not a morning person.

It is too damn early for this.

"Um, hi?" I croaked, my voice thick with sleep and confusion as I rubbed my tired eyes.

"I've got your breakfast! Itachi asked me to bring it to you. He said to make sure you ate before heading out to get some stuff with Kisame."

Awesome, I have breakfast and now I don't have to see him for a little while.

Grinning at him, my gaze dropped to the food in his hands. "Thanks, Deidara. I appreciate you bringing that. But I think I'll just eat it in the kitchen."

"Are you sure?" He questioned, lifting his one visible eyebrow in doubt.

"Oh, believe me I am. I have to get out of this bed, bro." I asserted, briefly tugging my lips into exaggerated frown.

He guffawed, sending my heart rate spiking as I watched the food narrowly avoid slipping onto the floor. "Ha! 'Bro'… Sure—it can stay. I'll see you in the kitchen. Just don't take too long or it'll get cold, my man!" With a cheeky grin, he disappeared, closing the door behind him.

He's quite sweet, just immature.

I smiled as he left, then threw off the blankets, stretching while letting my legs dangle over the side of the bed. Stretching my arms over my head, my mind drifted to the reason I'd slept so soundly. Itachi.

For as much as I tried to convince myself it was just a dream, I knew it wasn't. He had helped me. I literally attacked him, and he still helped me.

But, why? Soothing me to sleep isn't exactly part of the "babysitting" role.

While inhaling a cleansing breath, I groggily padded towards the bathroom, a familiar dull pain pulsed down my neck. The burning in my eyes had me immediately regretting flicking on the bathroom light it. With a whimper, I slammed my lids shut.

The overwhelmingly painful sensation coursing through my skull from bright light left me clutching the doorframe. It was all I could do to avoid falling over.

Pathetic…

Clenching my jaw at the swirling torrent of turmoil boiling my blood from my current physical state. As I slowly blinked my eyes open, letting my vision adjust to the light, I glanced up into the mirror.

I hardly recognized the woman staring back at me in the mirror. The long strands of blonde hair had become a tangled, frizzy mess. Dark circles formed under my horror struck eyes. The lack of body fat and how dreadfully devoid of color my already pale skin had become was unnerving.

Wow. You look truly awful…

I began untangling the knotted tendrils with my fingers, to no avail. With a frustrated huff, my arms fell in defeat to my sides. A decently sized shower and bathtub reflecting in the mirror drew my attention.

A loud rumble emanating from my stomach forced me to push the enticing thought of a bath to the back burner. With another thundering rumble, my hurried fingers fought to untangle my hair as best I could. After splashing some cold water on my face, my anxiety kicked in like a punch to the gut. But the hungery pit yelling at me to eat won that battle.

Heaving a sigh, I began making my way towards the kitchen. I rounded the corner with a yawn and headed straight for the green tea. I needed caffeine. Something, anything to make the grogginess and the headache piss off.

Scrunching my face in confusion, I observed Deidara seated at the table, intently painting his fingernails a shade of midnight black. A plate of eggs and hashbrowns resting beside him.

He glanced up upon my entering, "Woah… my man, your hair is a wreck, my man."

Giving him a harsh glare, I realized I didn't know where anything was. And having tea without something to drink it out of would be difficult to say the least. "Very observant. Do you barbarians have any mugs in here?"

"Yeah, the cabinet one to the left." He motioned with a jut of his chin. The immense amount of concentration Deidara was putting into applying the lacquer to his nails was entertaining. He was trying so hard. But I wasn't one to talk, considering I my own self had never done it.

A criminal organization that paints their nails? The fuck?

My curiosity won, I had to know the reasoning, "So… you all paint your nails then? What's that all about?"

"Something about being able to hide illness and, like, to identify bodies and such." Deidara's short reply was testament to his nail painting effort.

I shrugged, "I guess that makes sense," I poured my tea and took my place at the table. "And why are you in this group? What's your talent?"

Especially being so young… poor kid.

Holding up his hands, I fought back a gasp as two little mouths located on his palms stared back at me. "These guys chew up clay that I infuse my chakra in which lets me mold it into my art, because true art is an explosion, my man!" He chimed with an uncanny amount of pride before frowning. "If my fucking nails weren't wet, I would show you…"

"It's fine," I tried to chuckle to shake off how unsettling it was to see mouths in place of someones palms. "You can show me another time—that's interesting." I reassured with smile, sliding my plate closer and to commence eating my breakfast. With a grin, he chuckled and nodded in agreement.

Mouths on someones hands… That's not something you see every day.

"Where did Itachi and Kisame go?" I remained composed. I was only curious because I wanted Itachi to change my bandages again so I could finally wash my hair.

Deidara blew on his newly coated black nails. "I don't know. Itachi just woke me up, did his grumpy Uchiha thing and yelled at me to make sure you ate. And that they were going to be out for a little while, running some errands or some shit..." he smirked and cocked his head to one side. "Why? Mad your boyfriend isn't here?"

I practically choked on the bite I was swallowing and snorted a laugh. "Boyfriend? If you mean I want my babysitter to change my bandages to get rid of this rats nest," I held up a piece of knotted hair. "Then sure, bro. Whatever helps you sleep at night." I deadpanned.

The abrupt, boisterous laugh that exploded from Deidara left me giggling along with him. Deidara's fingers with his fresh black nails offered me something small and circular—a hairband. "Just put it up, it's what I do," He beamed as he got up from his seat. "Alright, I'm going out to train for a bit. Later, Sora!" He waved and bounced out of the kitchen, swaying blonde ponytail in tow.

Huh, that was nice of him.

I waved with my chopsticks in my hand, then scarfed down the rest of my breakfast. Being careful to not touch my wound, I gathered up my icy blonde hair to pull it into a ponytail. I had greatly underestimated the level of difficulty it took to avoid the plethora of linen dressings encasing my skull. No matter how bad it looked, it was nothing compared to my messy hair. It would have to do for now. Having food in my stomach left me feeling like a new human as I strode back to my room. That bathtub was calling my name.

After almost getting lost, I made it into my room and began readying the bath. Upon deeming the water an adequate temperature of nearly scalding, I excitedly stripped off the Uchiha crested shirt Itachi had given me. Studying it for a moment, I let out a stale breath and neatly folded it and set it down on the counter. My gaze unwittingly moved to the multitude of deep scars trailing decorating my skin, their whiteness sticking out all the more against the dark purple bruises covering me like leopard spots. It wasn't the worst I'd seen. I moved to shut off the water and stepped into the bathtub, letting the hot water seep into my sore muscles, relishing in the comfort and warmth.

Yep, this was a great idea.

When I noticed my skin was beginning to look more akin to a prune than human skin, I cleaned up a bit and got out. Humming to myself, I swooped a towel from the rack and dried myself off, wrapping the plush white towel around myself before leaving the bathroom. A shuffling sound coming from someone in my room halted my hand just before pushing the door open. Peeking through the crack in the door, I saw the raven-haired man about to set the items in his arms down on the unmade bed. With a sigh and a small smile, he fixed the blanket, then placed the items on it. That weapon of a smile made me push the door to the bathroom open a tiny bit with a shrill squeak. I froze and muted my chakra, praying that he someone didn't notice.

"I already knew you were in there, Sora. There is no point in hiding." Itachi's ever composed, silken voice forced me to jam my eyes shut in embarrassment. I'd been found.

Damnit. Sneaky bastard.

I uneasily pulled the towel tighter around my body, ensuring I was properly covered and ambled out of from behind the bathroom door. Keeping my vision glued on the items resting on the bed, I inspected them. It looked like clothes and a few other items I couldn't make out. After a tense moment of silence, I glanced over at him and pointed to the bed. "Are those… clothes?"

"Yes. And a few other things I presumed you would need." He responded stonily.

Directing my gaze back over to the bed for a moment, I swallowed and willed myself to look Itachi. Heat surged to my face as I watched his eyes flicker over the many scars and bruises adorning my skin.

I hugged myself a bit tighter and stared down at the marble floor. "Thanks. I appreciate you doing that. You really didn't have to."

"It's not anything special. I was merely being sensible." Itachi monotoned while striding to the exit and opened the door.

Before I could register the words coming from my own mouth, they spilled past my lips. "Oh! Wait a second," Itachi gave me a confused look as I spun around and speed walked into the bathroom. Snatching his folded shirt from the counter, I warily ambled over to Itachi's towering form standing in the doorway. "I wanted to give this back to you. Oh, and thank you for breakfast." With a hint of pink still lingering on my cheeks, I smiled up at him, hoping it would convey my appreciation.

As Itachi took the shirt out of my hands, his gaze dropped once more to the pale scars plentifully decorating my skin. Itachi clenched his jaw, then nodded in acknowledgment and took his left. While leaning against the door to support my weak knees and erratic heartbeat, I heard him heave a breath.

Sora. Pull yourself together and go see what he bought.

I inhaled deeply and let it out as I sauntered over to the bed to peruse the neatly folded stacks Itachi had placed there. The items consisted of one black and one light navy T-shirt along with two pairs of jeans, some sweatpants, socks, a hairbrush, a toothbrush and toothpaste plus some shampoo and conditioner. I blinked hard and erupted with color over my face as I noted a few pairs of underwear and two bras. A bright red garment under the jeans caught my attention. It was a kunoichi qipao. It was stunning.

Holy. Shit. Itachi and Kisame seriously bought me all of this? They thought of everything.

I was floored. Happiness and awkwardness churned while I stared blankly with my mouth agape at the objects. Swiftly throwing on the undergarments, the navy t-shirt, and jeans, I was amazed how Itachi had guessed my size perfectly. The kunoichi qipao would wait for whenever I was able to go out on missions. Even though the thought of going on a mission for a criminal organization filled me with dread. I snatched the hairbrush and carefully commenced ridding my lengthy, tow-head hair of the vast quantity of tangles. After deeming myself presentable enough, I headed out the door in search of Kisame and Itachi to thank them. I didn't have to look far. Just as I took a step out of the room, I slammed into what felt like a brick wall. It was Kisame.

"Shit, sorry kiddo," he apologized, sniggering at my dazed glance as I nearly rebounded off of him. Looking me up and down, he smiled. "Damn, of course Itachi was right about your size. I don't know how he does it. Maybe his Sharingan helps or something. It sure is nice to see you in normal clothes though, Sora-chan!"

I blushed slightly at his remark and shook my head up and down, "I was actually coming to thank you two. It was really nice of you guys, and you definitely didn't need to do it."

"Psh, come on. You really think we were going to let you out on missions in only Itachi's stupid shirt?" He lifted a brow at me and snickered.

I chuckled softly back and then responded, "To be honest, I haven't ever had people who are holding me captive show me much humanity or kindness. So, forgive me if I don't seem... appreciative right off the bat," the corners of my lips pull into a weak smile. "I'm just not used to it is all..."

"Not used to it" to say the least.

Kisame brought an enormous blue hand to my shoulder. "Hey, don't worry about it, we may be a band of S-class criminals, but we know that everyone has basic needs," he brought his arm back to his side. "Plus, you'll be sent out on missions soon and you'll need to be at your best, which also means you needed clothes and things." He shot me a toothy smile—I was beginning to adjust to his many sharp teeth.

"Well, thank you, it means a lot," I beamed back at him genuinely, "Do you play shogi, Kisame?"

"I do. Why? Do you want to play later or something?" I could tell he was trying to stifle his excitement.

He actually seems excited to play a game with you. Weird, but kind of awesome.

"Yeah, I haven't gotten to play in a long time, but I'd love if we could play a couple of games."

"Sure thing then, kiddo, count me in! I won't kick your ass too hard since you haven't played in a while." He chuckled.

"Yikes, if that's your attitude then it will be even more rewarding when I kick your ass," We both laughed—Kisame and his sharp toothed grin were beginning to grow on me. Another question popped into my head, "Hey, Kisame, could you ask Itachi when he was planning on changing my bandages?"

Kisame's grin grew cunning as he folded his arms, "Why don't you go ask him yourself?"

I guffawed and then spoke in a deadpanned tone, "Tell me, Kisame, why would I do that?" I rolled my eyes blatantly and rested a hand on my hip.

Kisame smiled connivingly, "May I come in for a minute?"

I said nothing and simply stepped to the side of the doorway as I motioned with my arm to welcome the hulking blue man into my room. He strolled in and casually took a seat on my bed, patting the spot next to him and gesturing me to sit beside him.

What is happening? Are we…chatting?

I quizzically raised an eyebrow at Kisame as I cautiously walked over and plopped down next to him. "So, what's up? And why have you been smiling like that?" Kisame's sharp-toothed mischievous smile had lingered since it first appeared.

"Well, I happened to notice a certain someone coming out of your room very early this morning—"

Wonderful, Kisame knows now.

I scowled as I cut him sentence short. "Nothing happened, if that's what you were wondering." Crossing my arms over my chest, I directed my gaze to the floor, hiding the dusky pink blush staining my cheeks. It wasn't helping my case.

"Hey, hey, that's none of my business anyway," Kisame replied, putting his hands up in surrender. "It's just so obvious that you two have a thing for one another."

"A thing? Kisame, please—" I scoffed.

"Sora-chan, he's kind to you. And, believe me when I say, Itachi is very rarely outwardly kind to anyone." He grinned with a chuckle.

A hand on my shoulder forced me to glance up, noticing how the purple nail polish suddenly seemed more apparent to me. "I know you're still new to the whole 'people not wanting to fuck you over' thing. But I can promise you, he's not someone to fuck you over. Especially if he's doing shit like whatever did happen last night." He shot me a sly wink that had my eyes nearly rolling back into my head.

After what he did to Sasuke, I don't want to be nice to him.

What a terribly selfish thought. I bit my lip and stared down at the balled up fists resting in my lap. "But, it makes me feel so weak—and vulnerable… I hate that feeling, Kisame. Every time I put the past behind me, someone comes to press rewind."

Kisame brought his enormous hand to my chin and lifted it to meet his gaze, "I understand that more than you know. You gotta remember, it isn't a bad thing to feel like that—it's human. In order to find the people you trust with your life, you've gotta be willing to give them the chance to prove it. Explain themselves. Help carry some of the burden, like helping you to sleep better."

I closed my eyes and let out an exhausted sigh. "Okay. I'll try..." Removing his hand from underneath my chin, he pinched my cheek and smiled.

Wait... how did he know about helping me to sleep?

Narrowing my gaze at the realization, I tilted my head to one side. "What did he say to you while you two were out?" The only way he would know that is if Itachi had told him. Kisame remained silent, a mischievous smirk pulling at his lips as he headed for the door. "Kisame, tell me what he said. You can't just insinuate shit like that and leave." I chided grumpily, folding my arms over my chest.

"Secrets don't make friends, but friends make secrets." He taunted, sending me one more devious smile before slipping out the door without another word.

Hehe. Kisame might just be one of my favorite people in this place so far.