A/N: Greetings readers!
I know it's a little slow getting into the romance and I haven't brought Tobi in yet, but I do have plans for him.
After this chapter the relationships are going to start blossoming, hope you can stick with it!
Enjoy :)
It was dark. Dark and gloomy. Dark and miserably gloomy. However, it was dry. And strangely warm.
Shuffling silently behind Itachi and Kisame, Akira had been taking notes on the two. Kisame was a peculiar looking human. His pale blue skin and small round eyes reminded her remarkably of that of a shark's. Oh, stop it. I'm sure he's perfectly normal when you get to know him. She mentally scolded herself for being so cynical.
Itachi was the opposite of his partner, much more human looking. But those eyes… She could have sworn they had been a deep red when she first saw him, however watching him now, lazily strolling down the dark corridors and only occasionally glancing behind to check she was still with them, his eyes were as black as night.
They rounded a corner and entered another stonewalled corridor, this one with a couple of wooden doors along the left hand side. Between the two figures in front of her, she could see a doorway at the end of the corridor with light squeezing through the gaps of the doorframe. When they were in front of it, Itachi disappeared behind it while Kisame beckoned for her to wait here.
'This is our leaders office. Itachi will do a mission report then we'll be called in.'
'Oh.' She wondered if their leader would look human. 'How many are there of you?' She asked, awkwardly trying to fill the silence.
'Nine at the moment.'
'Oh.' She bit her lip. He seemed to be concentrating very hard on the office door and appeared not to notice the awkward stillness of their situation.
'Enter.' A husky voice sounded through the door. They entered.
The office was surprisingly small, but unsurprisingly similar to the rest of the base – dark and gloomy. An orange haired man, with too many piercing to count, was leaning forward on his elbows with his chin resting on his hands. In the corner of the room, perched on an old and worn-looking couch was a pretty, blue haired woman with burnt amber eyes, which actually rather suited her.
Both perfectly human-looking Akira thought, frowning inwardly for assuming the worst.
'So, you're Akira Haiyuka that I've heard so much about. My name is Pein,' He turned to Kisame. 'You may be excused.'
'That I've heard so much about?' My reputation isn't that widespread is it? 'Erm… Please excuse my curiosity but how did you hear of me?'
Pein smirked. It wasn't a nasty smirk, just a vague expression of humour. 'A couple of my members heard of your interesting abilities whilst travelling through the land of the waterfalls. They've been pestering me for some new members for a while now.'
The woman suddenly laughed. 'To be honest, I think they just want some more women around the base… I'm Konan and currently the only female member of Akatsuki.'
She seemed very genuine, and Akira liked her instantly.
Pein turned to Itachi who was standing quietly beside Akira and they began to discuss the business of a mission she didn't quite understand. Konan had moved to the door and told her that she would be showing her the layout. It briefly crossed Akira's mind that she hadn't actually officially agreed to be a member yet, but she dropped the thought when Konan spoke up again.
'Pein and I will gather the members in the living area this evening so that you can be introduced. We've informed Zetsu about your arrival ahead of your introduction so that he doesn't get carried away if he mistakes you as an intruder.' I wonder what she means by carried away Akira gulped.
'This will be your bedroom, there is a bathroom just inside but it's nothing special. My room is opposite so if there's anything you need I'll either be in there or with Pein. I know it's a lot to take in so I'll leave you to unpack your bag and collect you later.
'Thank you, Konan,' Akira smiled as sweetly as she could and she left. It was nice to have someone explain things to her rather than just speak in tongues.
The bedroom really wasn't anything special. It had plain beige walls and a stone floor. There was a slightly larger than single bed at the back and a small wardrobe and drawers. The bathroom was even more bland.
The evening came quickly and Konan returned as she had promised. She led her to a large square room with a small window showing the kitchen next-door. There was a couch against all but one wall and a few chairs in-between them. Akira noted that there was also a small television in front of the empty wall. It was also empty of people.
'They'll be here in 10 minutes,' Konan said, noticing her confusion. She settled herself into one of the couches and signalled for Akira to join her and muttered something about Sasori probably coming early.
As she sat down, a bright-red-haired boy casually pottered in and sat down on one of the chairs opposite where they were sitting. Konan acted as though she hadn't even seen him.
How strange. Akira wondered if he was shy or really just wasn't interested in her at all.
The others soon filed in one by one until they were all seated.
Akira counted eight.
There was Pein, Konan, Itachi and Kisame, the red haired boy and three she didn't recognise. She tried desperately not to stare at them, but the one with a dangerous looking plant around his head was proving difficult to ignore. He was breathing loudly and sounded as though he was whispering something to himself.
'Damn, that Deidara,' the red-haired boy spoke. 'Always has to keep people waiting.'
At that, Deidara (she assumed) strolled in yawning with his hands on the back of his head. 'Sorry to keep you waiting, Sasori,' Then, as if remembering something, he scanned the room quickly before turning to Pein who was leaning on the TV wall. 'So where's the new guy?'
'New girl,' Konan corrected. All eyes flashed to Akira, who suddenly felt very small. She shrunk into the couch, fighting the urge to move closer to Konan.
'Yes, Akira Haiyuka. Not an official member yet but has joined us nonetheless,' Pein gestured towards the plant man. 'This is Zetsu, you already know Itachi and Kisame.' His gesture moved to a grey haired man with pink, raspberry coloured eyes and an older male sat next to him with his arms folded. His collar was pulled up but Akira could see pale green eyes staring out at her. 'Hidan and Kakuzu. Deidara is the blonde and Sasori is the impatient red-head.'
Sasori tutted and Deidara rolled his eyes, but they were both now peering curiously at her.
'Meeting adjourned.'
It took a minute for Akira to realise Pein had just dismissed the 'meeting', and she watched as the Akatsuki members slowly left the room. She turned to Konan. 'Was that it?'
Konan laughed. 'Yes, don't worry you'll soon be sick of seeing them all.'
Akira blinked, completely lost. What an unusual organisation! I hope it gets better than this…
A/N: Thanks again for reading! R&R please I love hearing your feedback :D x
