"So what are we going to do about him, Pein?"

"We're going to take him in, of course."

Konan stared at Pein in surprise. "That's unusually merciful for you."

The leader of the Akatsuki shrugged. "I'm in a merciful mood."

"So then where's he going to stay?"

"With Deidara."

"Why?"

"Deidara's been kind of out of it since he heard that Sasori died, Maru might cheer him up."

"Whatever, you're the boss."

Pein left his office and faced Maru. "It's been decided, you can stay." The little redhead didn't look very excited at the news. "I'll show you were you'll be staying." Pein started walking, but when Maru didn't follow him he stopped. Remember, he is a child. Pein reluctantly walked back and took his hand, leading him to Deidara's room. Once they were there Pein knocked on the door.

"What do you want, un?"

"Come to the door, Deidara."

There was a rustling sound as Deidara made his way to the front of his room and opened the door. "What do you want, un?" he repeated.

"Just came to drop this off." said Pein as he pushed Maru inside.

"What the-" but Pein was already gone. The blonde looked down at Maru. "So... who are you, un?"

"Maru."

"You know, you kind of look like..."

"Who?"

"Nevermind. Just... come on in, un." The boy walked in. "What, no belongings, un?" Maru shook his head, causing his red hair to fall out of place. "Well, uh, I guess you can sleep on the couch-"

"The couch? I think you could find a better place than that for me to sleep."

Deidara frowned. "Don't be a smart ass, un."

"Ass? What does that mean?"

"Uh," Oops, un.

"I'm going to keep saying it until you tell me. Ass, ass, ass, ass, ass, ass, ass-"

"SHUT UP!"

Maru smirked. "No. Ass, ass, ass, ass, ass, ass-"

Before Deidara realized what he was he doing his hand made it's way to Maru's face. Hard. "Ass. Donkey. Fool. Butt. It has several meanings, un."

The boy stayed silent, his cheek very red.

"Now, instead of sleeping on the couch I guess you can sleep in my bed, un." Maru still didn't move. With a sigh Deidara grabbed his arm and pulled him him into his room. Once inside he rummaged through his closet looking for some of his old clothes. "Here," he threw an old t-shirt and boxers at the redhead. "You can wear these to sleep, un." Maru hesitated before taking off his clothes and slipping on the bigger ones.

"Do I really have to sleep in the same bed as you?"

"If you don't want to sleep on the couch, un."

Maru frowned as he crawled into bed next to the man who had struck him. "Good night, Maru...kun." He grunted in reply. "Say good night back, un." Deidara's voice was stern.

"No!" Deidara pinched him. "Ow! What was that for?"

"Say good night, un."

"Humph!"

"Do it!"

"Good night, Deidara...sempai."