This is the thirteenth chapter of Getting Freedom. I figured I might as well make it sort of a filler and set the stage for some future events. Also this one will have a little more of romance action but no lemons, Ruri is injured after all. ;)

Disclaimer: I still don't own Naruto just in case you were wondering

OO00OO

"Gaara you need to stop doing paper work and eat your lunch," Maikaia lectured. "You skipped breakfast too."

"These documents need to get finished otherwise we won't be able to eat dinner together," Gaara stated. "Just let me do this."

"As much as I love to monopolize you, your health comes first," Maikaia said. "I even went through all this trouble to make a bento." Maikaia took a small crimson box from behind her back; Gaara saw the tinge of pink on her face.

"It can't be helped," Gaara muttered. "Come sit down." Maikaia did as she was told and sat across from Gaara. She placed the bento on the desk and opened it. It was filled with delicious food as always.

Since Ruri had left Gaara had come to cherish the girl's presence. She was always calm, cheerful, and had an elegance to her. Gaara liked the mature feeling he got from her more than the playful feeling he got from Ruri. Not only that the girl was completely devoted to all of her duties. For about the past month and a half she had been his new secretary. There were absolutely no problems she did her work flawlessly and effortlessly.

The only thing Gaara wasn't thrilled about was her lineage. Maikaia came from a very well established family and was also the heir. Although she had two younger brothers it would be hard for her to get out of family affairs. That was troubling to Gaara; it meant that in about a week he would have to give up the best secretary he had ever had. Not only that but he was sure that he was dating her. Well they spent a lot of time together and his family liked her, so they must be dating right? The whole dating thing confused Gaara but neither of them had said it outright.

"Maikaia when we go to Konoha I would like to meet your father," Gaara said before taking a bite of rice. The girl turned three shades of red in a matter of seconds.

"Uh…" she stammered. "You really don't have to. I will explain everything to father when I get there. Since this whole situation is my fault. I even knew my illness was showing up again and I still got angry."

That's right her illness Gaara thought. It comes up in times of extreme stress now. Ever since she was young she's had a fairly weak immune system and it causes her body temperature to spike to dangerous levels. It doesn't help that her family naturally has a higher temperature than most. Suna was pretty hot compared to Konoha it could make her nervous.

"Do you feel safe here?" Gaara asked. Maikaia knew that if she looked into those jade eyes it would undue her.

"Of course I feel safe here Gaara." Maikaia sighed. "I doubt I could ever not feel safe in Suna. I mean everyone here is so kind and you have an almost constant watch on me."

"If that's true I would like you to stay here." Maikaia chocked a little on her mouth full of omelet. "I want to ask your father permission to pursue a romantic relationship with you."

Maikaia was stunned to say the least. Gaara was known for not wanting to do anything formal and serious when it came to relationships. Not only that being his secretary she knew he hated formal situations and meeting her family was definitely one of those.

"Gaara I thought we were already in one of those," Maikaia said barely audible. Gaara couldn't help the handsome smirk that came across his face. When she noticed it she blushed an even deeper shade of red. "I would like to stay with you very much but I'm the heir to my family."

"I'm aware of that but I would like to start my own family with you," Gaara said simply.

"Eh!" Maikaia shrieked. She couldn't remember ever feeling this embarrassed.

"Not right now and only if you want to of course. I'm sure your father and I could work something out. I am a very hard man to refuse after all." Maikaia giggled a little at that comment, it was very true.

"Well then I will once again leave myself in your care." Gaara smiled he loved her laugh it was absolutely pure.

"Maikaia!" Temari called as she barged into Gaara's office. "This arrived for you from Konoha. It's an urgent message from the Hokage." She walked over to her and presented the letter.

Maikaia carefully opened the letter. She was wondering what it was about. It must be important if it couldn't wait for a few days.

"Oh my word," Maikaia whispered. Her eyes rescanned the letter, it couldn't be right. Gaara could see the complete look of disbelief mixed with disgust.

"Are you alright?" he asked quickly. She just handed him the letter.

"You two what is it?" Temari questioned once Gaara had a surprised expression across his face.

"Ruri is…" Maikaia started. She swallowed before continuing, "Ruri is a member of the Akatsuki."

Temari's eyes widened and her mouth fell open. There had always been something off about Ruri but she never imagined it would be this. Ruri had actually been close enough to kill Gaara and she had saved his life. This is ridiculous.

Gaara stood up to hug Maikaia as she burst into tears. Temari knew that was her signal to leave this must be hard on her. Maikaia had put a lot of faith in Ruri but this had to be heartbreaking for her. Her best friend was now in a group that sets out to destroy everything she might hold precious.

"Everything will be all right," Gaara cooed as he stroked her back. "Ruri has reasons for everything she does. I doubt this is any different."

OO00OO

Yukiko walked down the streets of Konoha trying to ignore the whispers behind her back. The whole town had been buzzing with absurd rumors about Ruri. Some were even saying things like she planned the Kazekage's assassination, the only thing true was that Ruri was in the Akatsuki.

Yukiko wasn't surprised the Ruri would risk this much to complete her mission but the Akatsuki was extreme for her. Not only that, but her reputation was undoubtedly ruined. She wasn't too popular before but now it had to be worse than after the chunin exams.

"Hey look isn't that Ruri's old teammate," a girl said. Yukiko glanced to her side it was a normal village girl but she was standing with a shinobi, specifically Ino.

"Yep," Ino answered. "I can bet that she even supports Ruri. Only trash like that would ever join the Akatsuki. I doubt she ever had Konoha's best interests in mind."

Yukiko tried to contain it but it didn't work. Yukiko laughed harder than she had in years, the irony was just killing her. All these people would talk about Ruri but they had no idea that the girl was saving their asses from total destruction. In a way it made her sick to her stomach, but somehow she was only able to laugh.

"You think what we're saying is funny," Ino asked. Yukiko looked at her still smiling and not really listening. "Your trash of a teammate betrays the village and even tried to murder me!"

"Oh no, Ruri didn't try to kill you," Yukiko replied.

"She tried to rip out my fucking heart," Ino yelled. The two girls had now gotten the attention of a few of the wandering citizens passing by on the streets.

"Wouldn't that be what you did to her? It's kind of poetic," Yukiko said. "I mean you did steal her boyfriend away right after she died, but she was never really dead. So she knew everything you did to her and she never tried to kill you before. I know Ruri didn't try to murder you because you would have been dead. Compared to Ruri you're a speck of dust that doesn't even deserve her time."

"How can you say those things about a trader!" Someone demanded from the now large audience.

"I can say those things because I know her, and I know what she has done for Konoha. That includes probably saving half of your ungrateful asses. Not only that I as a shinobi know more of what she has done than you. Keep in mind the great lengths Ruri put herself through after that incident to make sure that everyone in Konoha was safe." Yukiko turned to leave through the crowd.

"I'm sorry but I don't consider you a Konoha ninja anymore," Ino called out. "Those who defend monsters like her don't deserve to have a place in this village."

Yukiko's self control snapped as she charged and punched Ino. Although Yukiko wasn't quite as strong as Haruno Sakura she knew how to throw a chakra laced punch.

"Bitch, say that again and see if you live!" Yukiko spat at her face. It was clear that she had at least broken Ino's nose but if she dared to repeat that it wouldn't be the only thing broken.

"Enough!" a male voice yelled. Yukiko found it familiar and turned around to see an all too familiar face. It was Kiyoshi the man who had managed to capture Ruri. Every time she saw him her stomach churned slightly, and not even because she hated him. It was because she couldn't hate him. The man was good to shinobi even though he was a noble.

Yukiko would even admit that he looked damn good, but she would never forgive him. His light blonde hair and golden eyes were just a ploy tempt women to him. He acts dumb but is extremely intelligent in other words he's that perfect boyfriend you don't want.

"I believe that you have no place to be insulting another shinobi miss," Kiyoshi said offering a hand to Ino who still was on the ground. She was just staring at him like every other girl. "Didn't you freeze up and were unable to help your fellow shinobi when she arrived? That is hardly commendable; you should choose battles more wisely."

Ino huffed and walked away as the crowd dispersed. Yukiko was waiting for the man to walk away but she could feel him staring at him. She sighed.

"Is there something you want with me Kiyoshi?" Yukiko asked. He noticed unlike other women she had a scowl edged into her features, it was unusual.

"I just want to tell you that I will have this situation taken care of so don't worry," he replied looking at her. "Also thank you. Someone really needed to shut that cunt up."

"What?" Yukiko had a dumbfounded look on her face. No way had a promising and powerful noble just used language like that.

"You should close your mouth it's very un-lady like," Kiyoshi replied. When she didn't close it he took his hand and tapped her chin making it close. "Just because I'm a noble doesn't mean I have to act like some eighty year old man. Besides I'm pretty sure Ruri would've done the same thing if it were you who joined the Akatsuki. Honestly I can't believe how petty shinobi are."

"Honestly I can't believe how narcissistic and intelligent you are," Yukiko said while walking away from him.

"Wait, did she just compliment me?" Kiyoshi asked himself.

OO00OO

"Ruri what the hell were you thinking?" Maeva questioned darkly. "I had even become so proud of you but you dared to try and kill yourself."

"I didn't try to kill myself," Ruri replied. She was having another one of those dreams but unlike any of the other times it was just her and Maeva no attendants were present. "I knew I wasn't going to die so I let it happen."

"Listen you foolish little girl," Maeva started. "You need to value your life above all others, that's what I've taught you since day one. That injury had the potential to be fatal and you let it happen. That is unacceptable."

"It felt refreshing to get hit for a change though," Ruri said. Her green eyes were looking down and to the side, she was almost pouting.

"What are you, some type of masochist? You should thank me that I lent you some of my power so you wouldn't have a nasty scar. Your body is perfectly unharmed and I like that about you. In other words don't destroy reasons that make me not want to hurt you. So why did you do it?"

"I wanted to kill Ino and would have," Ruri said darkly. "She is a shinobi of my village doing that would be unforgivable even if I don't like her. Knowing that I had to atone for it in some way."

"That's it? That's fucking it! I have raised you better than that! I have told you time and time again that bloodlust is natural for you, you must embrace that. I know you put a seal on yourself that allows you to compensate for it by being in contact with those who have blood on their hands but that's not enough."

Maeva walked over to Ruri and placed her hands on Ruri's shoulders. Her purple eyes looked into Ruri's emerald ones. Maeva could see the determination in them she hated it but loved it. It was almost like looking at her sister but not quite.

"Why don't you just give in? We both know you want to Ruri so why not do it?"

"I won't kill to satisfy my bloodlust because that would make me a monster," Ruri replied. Maeva watched as a smirk came across Ruri's face. "If I killed to satisfy my bloodlust that would make me weak. Just like all of your previous vessels. I hate to tell you this but I plan to do things as I like. I'm leaving."

Ruri turned around and started into the darkness. She could hear Maeva's cackling laughter but ignored it. Ruri was certain she would never be what Maeva wants her to be, and Ruri was fine with that.

OO00OO

Ruri slowly opened her eyes. The walls and clay sculptures were familiar; she must be in Deidara's room. Ruri sat up and looked to her side. Deidara was crouched down on the ground with only his head on the bead. His eyes were shut and he was sleeping. Ruri took a hand and lightly touched his face. She thought that what he was doing was really sweet. His eyes fluttered open to meet hers.

"Ruri!" he practically shouted. He locked her in a tight embrace. "You idiot! What were you thinking making me so worried?"

"I'm sorry Deidara," Ruri replied. She squeezed her arms around his neck to return the hug. "I promise I'm fine now. How long have I been sleeping?"

"Five impossibly long days," he answered. "There was a slight chance you weren't going to wake up, you lost so much blood." He released her and looked at her. "Why didn't you heal yourself?"

"I just couldn't. There are some things that I can't do and that was one of them you have to understand."

"I hate it when you act all mature," Deidara said. "I also hate it when you have that painful smile on your face, when you refuse to listen to me, and when you worry me sick. I don't think I've ever been so scared I my life." He saw Ruri give him a playful smirk.

"Someone just made a major love confession," Ruri teased. "I had no idea I held this much power over you, I definitely like this."

Ruri pulled him into a searing kiss. He immediately got on the bed and used his hands to hold himself up as Ruri's went to his head to sensually massage his scalp. Although Ruri hadn't said it Deidara could feel her love and he was not willing to reject the offer she had so graciously given him.

"Ruri as your current doctor I suggest you refrain from all physical activity including intercourse until I advise otherwise." Ruri and Deidara turned to Sasori standing in the doorway with Itachi.

"Who calls it intercourse?" Ruri asked clearly not fazed by this.

"I don't know but I'm happy he didn't say sexual reproduction," Deidara joked. They both laughed while Sasori and Itachi were dumbfounded at their behavior.

"Deidara, Itachi and I have to do some medical checks it would be helpful if you could leave us alone for at least thirty minutes," Sasori said. "Also you might want to prepare something substantial for her to eat."

"When those glasses are on you're all business aren't you," Deidara said standing up. "I'll leave you alone for awhile but just make sure Itachi keeps his hands off her."

"My tastes require a much more mature woman," Itachi said. "You shouldn't have any fear." Ruri decided to let that one go.

Deidara muttered a whatever before leaving the room. Ruri wished he could stay but she knew exactly where this conversation was headed and she didn't like it at all. The tension was thick in the room and the two men were obviously angry with her.

"Stand up I need to evaluate your injury," Sasori said blandly.

"There's no need it's completely gone," Ruri said, however she still stood up. Ruri would ask them later why there was a lack of clothes on her body. She was in her underwear and only her chest bindings it was slightly embarrassing. She pulled one if the fabric bindings and her breasts fell out. "Wait don't look!" Ruri covered her chest quickly and turned away from them.

She heard Sasori give a deep chuckle, she could also feel Itachi smirking. A realization hit her, no bra, and the bindings were done differently.

"Who saw?" she asked back still turned as she walked towards the dresser for a bra.

"Relax Deidara practically murdered me when I said I was going to do it," Sasori said. "I'm surprised you so shy, you act like it wouldn't matter at all."

"I'm a teenage girl above all else." Ruri fastened the bra and turned around. Itachi raised an eyebrow, he didn't expect her to be so developed. "I have body insecurities and raging hormones. I also don't want people who I don't like to see this."

"Now I see why Deidara didn't want me to see," Itachi said, her watched her blush.

"Can you two stop this and get to the point?" Ruri demanded. Her somewhat intimidating nature was back.

"Fine," Sasori said. "What the fuck were you thinking?"

"I apologize I was just feeling extremely lazy," Ruri stated.

"No you weren't," Itachi interjected. Sasori gave him a sideways glance but said nothing. "You were punishing yourself for having to face Konoha ninja. Doing that won't change anything, especially if you would've died. You would've died as a traitor not as a Konoha ninja. I doubt that you would want to do anything halfway."

"You're right Itachi," she said. "I absolutely don't want to do things halfway. I also don't intend to do something like that ever again, so don't worry. I'm done being counterproductive anyway. Do you need to see the wound?" Sasori nodded his head.

Ruri unwrapped the binding around her waist. It lightly fell to the floor. To say shock was in their expressions would be an understatement. The bloody and almost gaping wound had reduced into a scar not much bigger than a child pinky finger. Sasori used his chakra to scan it, there were no internal problems.

"How?" Sasori asked. "Usually a wound like that no matter who you were would cause a massive scar."

"It's pretty obvious that it's because of Maeva," Ruri replied. "I guess my skin isn't exactly flawless now, oh well. Now do either of you have any more questions."

"Kisame wants to join us," Itachi said. Ruri sighed before glaring.

"I honestly don't trust him. He'll have to undergo multiple blood promises. I will also have to brain wash him if he decides against it. I can assure you that I won't do it all nice like. It's more of a stingy and feeling of insanity if I had to describe, although I hate doing it. Pretty soon I will make a request to go retrieve the ring from Orochimaru. That also gives me a chance to meet Sasuke for the first time in which I will attract his interests and desires."

"Did you just tell me you were going to seduce my brother?" Itachi looked rather surprised, didn't the girl just act shy.

"That's absolutely absurd." Ruri huffed and stamped her foot. Just like a kid Sasori thought. "I was just going to tell him how I can give him answers to his questions and I also want to raise doubt about his hate for you. Your brother is not my type, I don't do narcissistic."

"When will you make the request?" Sasori asked.

"Tomorrow." Ruri went and lied down on the bed. "I'm starting to realize how homesick I am. I plan to take action swiftly and successfully. In other words be ready to escape."

Itachi and Sasori left the room without a word of departure. Ruri sighed she was surprised that this was what her life was like. If this was four years ago she would be imagining preparing to become a jounin, but now she was just trying to be a legal ninja. Life is really unpredictable.

"Ruri I brought you some stew. Please eat it." Deidara entered holding a tray with a steaming bowl on top of it.

Ruri sat up and he placed it on her lap. He noticed that she had an out of character look on her face. Ruri seemed to be deep in thought it reminded him of when she first came to Akatsuki. Ruri would always tease him and call him a girl; somehow they had come a long way from that.

"Deidara what am I to you?" Ruri asked. He looked at her surprised she had never out right asked him that, nor had they discussed that. Ruri sighed he looked like a deer in the headlights. "Never mind you don't have to answer that."

"You're my girlfriend." Deidara smiled at how she had frozen and the spoon was only halfway to her mouth. Ruri clearly wasn't expecting that. "I know it must be hard for you considering the setting. I'm surprised you don't hate all men with your past experience."

"Oh I hate most men I just make exceptions for the ones I think are good deep down inside," Ruri interjected. Deidara had a funny look on his face and she giggled. "Men are very…complicated. I'm not sure if I understand them completely. However I do know that I feel very comfortable with you. Not only that but I love how you care for me, how you worry, and most of all I love your body."

"Isn't that a little shallow and perverted Ruri?" Deidara laughed at her.

"No it's not. I love your body because it's warm and gentle. It is also strong for me when I can't be. I don't think there's anything perverted about that. Okay maybe it's a little perverted. If I went anywhere I know I would for sure take you with me because I wouldn't be as strong without you. Think of that as my love confession."

"Why can't you be like most woman and shout 'I love you' at inappropriate times? That would make everything easier. I'm happy that you said something like that but I know it will be a long time before you say something like that again." Deidara sat on the bed.

"Wow you have got me so figured out." Ruri set aside the food and moved to straddle him. They kissed both feeling absolutely breathless. "Now do you know what I want?"

"I do and I'm sorry but I have to refuse." Ruri was pouting like a little girl again. "You were just injured so I need you to rest the last thing I want to do is hurt you."

"Hmm? If I go on top and control the pace I won't be in pain."

"Ruri I have little faith that I could restrain myself from ravishing you if you were all excited on top of me. I'd flip you over and pound into you like no tomorrow, so no."

Ruri tried to protest but he put his finger to her lips in an attempt to stop her protest. Ruri sighed but she seemed to accept it.

"Goodnight then. Wait it is night time right?" Ruri muttered.

"Yes it is you should get some rest." Deidara placed a kiss on her forehead before for lying her down gently on the bed. "See you in the morning."

OO00OO

"So the ugly bitch rears her head from out of the room," Hidan mocked as Ruri walked into the kitchen.

"You should be thanking me considering I saved your life." Ruri only glanced at Hidan before taking out some fruit. "I'll have you know I'm fully healed you shouldn't challenge me, since I'm probably stronger than before."

"Oh shorty you're up. Where's Deidara?" Kisame said walking in.

"He's still sleeping. I think he lost sleep over me so I didn't wake him when I left the room," Ruri said. She took a seat next to Sasori who was still engrossed in something she thought was research.

"So bitch this would be a good time to tell you made the bingo book," Hidan said mocking. He handed her the up dated version.

"Really that's great." Everyone shuddered at that. They all thought that her overwhelming smile was just too creepy. Ruri looked at it and her smile faded. "That's one of the smallest bounties I have ever seen." Sasori looked before trying to hold in his chuckle.

"I know isn't that fucking hilarious!" Hidan was laughing in her face. Ruri managed to not strangle him.

"I have a meeting with Pein. I'm leaving." Ruri stood up and walked the winding path to the office.

Ruri had now come to know the various twists and turns of the base. It was becoming a little too familiar. Ruri felt like she needed to get out of this situation as fast as possible, it was obvious that she was on edge. Ruri knocked on the door before entering.

"How's the injury?" a voice asked.

"Who the fuck are you and where is Pein?" Ruri asked. Her eyes had already blazed purple. She could feel the pure hatred from him, not only that but the blood on his hands was practically clouding all of her senses. He was dangerous and she knew it.

"I'm Madara Uchiha the true leader of Akatsuki."

OO00OO

I'm not too excited about this chapter but I figured it would be a good time to set up some things. It also wrote itself which really surprised me since I had no idea what I was going to write when I started this, I also didn't think I would have time to write this but my insomnia acted up. Normally I would just make people wait until the update time but someone said they were going to "die" if it took that long. I love that person by the way because they were a reviewer. Since I listen to my reviewers I have no reason not to post this. I take all reviews good or bad so leave one and I will love you too. :)