Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters in this story… if I did chaos would ensue.

Warning: contains some boyxboy (I'm warning you now so don't complain)

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Kakuzu strolled into his first hour class and sat down in his desk. 'English,' he thought 'who ever thinks this class is worthwhile should be shot.' (1) He fed hismp3 earphones through the sleeves of his dark green sweatshirt, and leaned his head against the earphones in his hand. This was one of his many tricks to outwit the teachers, and it always worked. Just as he started listening Hidan walked through the door. From the neck down he looked like the same old person. Black t-shirt with a red Jashin symbol, black skinny jeans, and black converse high tops was his outfit of choice. (2) But from the neck UP he looked very different. For one his hair wasn't plastered to his skull, so his hair almost looked normal. Almost. The fact that it was completely white didn't help him fit in, but the look in his eyes almost made Kakuzu gasp.

He looked dead, like a walking zombie. His eyes had a red ring around the edges that made you think he was crying but he kept his mouth in a stern frown. Hidan walked down the aisle and took his spot next to his bewildered friend. For the rest of the class he didn't speak or even acknowledged the fact that Kakuzu was even there. As soon as the bell rang Kakuzu grabbed Hidan's arm, making the other jump. "Are you okay?" he asked. Hidan gave a small smile.

"I'm fine man. Relax." Then he walked off, leaving behind a very confused Kakuzu. The rest of the day went smoothly enough and at the end of the day he went to Hidan's locker to ask him about staying over. Surprisingly he said no.

That was very strange for Hidan. Usually he would take any excuse for hanging out with his friends. Kakuzu told Pein so he called Konan and told her to get the rest of the Akatsuki together at the park again. Within an hour everyone was there, save for Hidan of course.

"Alright" Pein began "plan A has obviously backfired. What's plan B?" The rest of the group gave him a quizzical look.

"There isn't a plan B," Sasori replied.

"WHAT?!?! Why not?"

"I think we all assumed that plan A would work so……"

"Okay," he paused and thought for a few moments. "We're gonna need a plan B now right?" Konan rubbed her temples. Pein was a good leader but sometimes she wondered if all the piercings affected his brain.

"Yeah babe, we need a plan B. Anyone have any ideas?" You could practically hear the crickets chirping in the background. Sasori and Deidera were looking at each other in that lovey dovey way that makes most people sick, Tobi was pulling apart a flower, Zetsu was eating……. something, and Kakuzu was staring into space while listening to his mp3 player. Itachi and Kisame were the only ones actually paying any attention. "I'll take that as a no. Come on guys Hidan is our friend and he's obviously in some sort of trouble, so we have to help." Everyone looked up. Usually the only one Konan cared about was Pein. Sasori broke the silence.

"I've got an idea but I'm not so sure it'll work." Pein looked up.

"Share it." The red head shuffled around a little bit then spoke in a quiet voice.

"We could go over to his house and just ask him outright. I mean it might be something small and trivial that we can help him with." No one really said anything after that. They were in an unspoken agreement that they would try Sasori's plan.

Hidan's POV

I knew she was there but something made me turn down Kakuzu's offer that day. For some reason I wanted to go home that day and just listen to her. She was probably fucking with my mind and shit but I saw it in a different light. I thought that if I played along with her little game I would be able to outsmart her in the end.

As soon as I entered the house I felt a chill down the back of my spine. She was here. I set down my stuff, took off my shoes, and set off for the living room. Usually she would wait until the late hours of night before coming but something seemed off today. Like there was a rush. "I'm home," I called. Another faint trace of air touched my back. "You gonna come out and play or do you just want to fuck with my senses?" The wall next to me shook and was enveloped with shadows, and a figure appeared.

"Oh Hidan, why are you so angry at me all the time? You're the one that wanted me around … right my darling little boy?"

Who is this strange person? What does she want with Hidan? And do piercings affect brain function?

Ooh I love a good cliffhanger……… remember to review ^^