Title: This Just Isn't My Day/Chapter Nine

By: Ice-Eagle Y'Siri

Disclaimer: Don't own Naruto or the Akatuski or anything associated with Naruto.

Summary: Normally, I'm a very calm person. So just imagine me coming home with my friends and the Akatsuki in my living room. And all I wanted was a simple vacation annoying the heck out of the preps next door. Great. Just. Great.

Aya's POV

"So we're going?"

I sighed, "I suppose. You're sure--"

"No, we can't say you're sick, or injured, or on a date, etc, etc, etc. Karie sounded suspicious over the phone when I talked to her--she even remembered how you had that 'whatever-it-was' surgery I couldn't even pronounce to get us out of the last shebang she was throwing and asked about it."

I gaped as the three of us made our way back up the driveway, "Oh, my God. She actually remembered?"

"Down to the time on surgery day and estimated recovery rate."

"Holy shit."

"You're telling me. If it wasn't for the fact that she's dating Mike's older brother, I'd be a little concerned about her fixation with you," Catherine opened the front door and the three of us made our way back into the laundry room, "You know how she swings between being straight and bisexual."

"Now, now, she doesn't swing that much--"

Rian just gave me a look, "Dear, she's a straight as a wet noodle."

I burst out laughing as we changed the darks and put our (as in mine, Rian's, and Cat's clothes) into the dryer. All of us jumped and nearly shrieked when we heard a--

"--You wanted to talk to me, Aya-chan?"

"JESUS CHRIST!" Rian jumped and bumped into Catherine, who fell onto me, and then I somehow in some way managed to snag Rian's pants and we all landed in some large unidentifiable mound of arms and legs.

"You know," Konan said wryly from upside down on the ceiling, "The way you three get in pileups is...dare I say it? Nearly suspicious."

The three of us finally got ourselves sorted out and while Cat loaded the new clothes (including Rian's shoes, indicating that this was the bleach load; Konan said it was okay to bleach Hidan's clothes) I shut and locked the door while Rian perched herself on top of the dryer. She sat cross-legged so that her feet didn't get in Catherine's way and smirked, "What, do you think we try to get like this on purpose or something?"

"Maybe, Rian-chan. I don't know you all that well."

"Well," my best friend announced, "We have got to fix that. You wanna come with us to this party thing that a sort-of friend of ours is throwing?"

Konan hesitated from her spot on the ceiling, "I am surprised that you asked me. If I may inquire as to why you would like me to attend?"

Rian ticked off the reasons on her fingers, "Well, one, I wanna get to know you better. Lord knows how long you people are here and you guys are famous to people all over the world. The chance to be friends with you is awesome. Secondly, you're most trusted by Leader and obviously he'll believe what you say, unlike Kakuzu or, God forbid, Hidan. Three, we might as be watched over anyway, and who would be better at that than you?"

The blue-haired ninja frowned in thought, "You all are much more intelligent than you seem."

I gasped, "My God, Rian, you'll actually make her think we're, like, smart. Don't do that!"

"The sarcasm you put in that statement is amazing, Aya," snarked Cat as she contemplated one of her shoes, "You really have a gift."

I simpered, "Why, thank you, just ever so much!"

"You can stop now."

"But--ow!"

I should've known better to think that Cat would just take off her shoe just to look at it. Stupid me.

"When is this party, Aya-san?"

I blinked at the sudden question but soon recovered, "Um. It starts at eight, but we should leave for it around six if we want to get there when it starts. That gives us until ten and then we can be back around twelve thirty to one in the morning. I'm designated driver, since I hate drinking."

"Who says there'll be alcohol?"

I just looked at Cat, "Do you honestly think that there won't be anything there? Or anything spiked? Karie may not want anything alcohol related brought, but someone will undoubtedly bring something just to piss her off."

"Good point."

I stood and checked my watch. I did a double take when I realized it was six o'clock, "Guys. It's six. We'd better start getting ready and getting food ready for the others so that they won't starve when we leave."

"Not to mention," Rian pointed out greedily, "You need to make your badass brownies. Make another batch just for me."

"Your pigginess knows no bounds, my dear."

"I learned from the best," Rian smiled sweetly and Catherine laughed. Wow. My friends are learning.

Oh, boy.

I'm still deciding between scared and 'YES! AWESOME!'

An hour and a half-ish later...

BAKING AND/OR COOKING IS NOT FOR PEOPLE WHO BURN THINGS FOR A LIVING.

THIS INCLUDES YOU, DEIDARA.

I grinned as I looked up at the sign that hung on the archway to the kitchen. Hah.

"What the heck? I don't even like cooking, un."

I waved a hand at the blonde ninja as I walked toward the stove, "I don't care, Deidara. You're still staying out while I'm making your supper. Do you want your food burned?"

He sulked from the archway as Cat chortled, "No."

"Then don't screw with the cook--Ow! Dangit, Rian, fine, chefs," I rolled my eyes, "Yeesh."

"That is such an innuendo, un. You're lucky I'm of a more virtuous nature."

Rian was working on the dirty dishes and putting away ingredients (both brownie and lasagna) as Cat pulled out the brownies and slid the lasagna inside the stove. I, in the meanwhile, was checking with a thermometer to see that my party dish was fully cooked. I didn't want anyone getting sick.

"I'm surprised you even know what that means, Deidara-baka."

"Hey!"

I smirked and greeted cheerfully, "Hey, Sasori! How are the things with the transportation jutsu going?"

I covered the brownie pans and slit a hole into each corner of the foil so that my dessert could cool. I absent-mindedly tapped Rian's fingers away from my food as I waited for his reply. When he didn't answer, I looked up,"Well?"

He stared.

I glared.

"C'mon, dude," Cat said with a sigh, "You can't win. Just tell us already or I'll get Itachi to tell us."

Rian looked perplexed, "How? Your feminine wiles?"

She just smiled mysteriously and Rian blanched, "You know what? I don't even want to know. Keep that to yourself, thank you."

"May I sit?"

I gestured to the one of the bar seats that overlooked the kitchen, "Sure. Now what's up?"

The red-haired ninja took a seat and replied, "Itachi-san and I are running into--a few difficulties. However, both of us believe we'll have something to take us all back by the end of your summer."

We just gaped and Rian answered for us all, "But that's two months from now."

I muttered, "Thanks, Captain Obvious."

"Shut up."

"It is," Sasori shifted his gaze between the three of us.

I shrugged, "Okay. Well, if there's anything we can do to help, just let us know. However, myself, Rian, Cat, and Konan will be attending a party and we won't be back until very early tomorrow morning."

"You make it sound as if you don't want to go, un."

The oven beeped. I sniffed at Deidara as I portioned the lasagna into equal amounts for all concerned. Seeing yet another set of fingers trying to taste my food, I sighed and whacked the offending appendages.

Very, very, hard.

"What the fuck, woman?! Seriously, first you bleach my damn clothes and now you're beating me all over the Jashin-forsaken place?! What the hell!!"

Ignoring Hidan's outburst for the moment, I told Deidara, "Yeah--I don't particularly want to go--Karie is the friend that nobody really likes, but you keep around for the sake of amusement. She's not that bad, but she is a pain in the butt."

"Aya!" I blithely ignored Cat's half-serious exclamation and turned to Hidan, "As for you--"

"You're holding my hands."

I overrode his statement, "--it makes sure you pay attention. You painted on my ceiling. I bleached your clothes. I think we're even."

"I don't, dammit," Hidan said crankily, "Seriously, you keep abusing me."

I snorted a laugh as I let him go and stepped back, "Only when you're being a moron."

"Which is all the time," Rian muttered and Hidan shot her a look. My partner in crime shrugged, "What? It's true. Your partner would agree with me."

Hidan turned his head to Deidara as Sasori looked on with amusement, "You can see how much she loves me, man. Fucking feisty," He gave me a suggestive look, "I like that in a woman."

I shook my head, "Not feisty, just vengeful."

"Whatever it is--" Hidan mock-leered (I think, anyway), "--I like it."

My eyes rolled back so far I nearly fell, "Oh, God. Save me."

The Jashinist smirked, "Seriously, you know you like it. And Rian, my partner--"

"--Would like for you to shut up. Now."

I contemplated banging my head on the counter. Something must've shown on my face, because Kakuzu (who was drawn [not attracted, Kakuzu would rather drop dead than admit to such a thing] to Hidan takedowns like Deidara to fire) said dryly, "I'm sorry, Aya-san. I've tried to teach him to be subtle, but it hasn't seemed to take."

"What's the difference between being subtle and being a ninja, for Jashin's sake?"

"Virtually nothing," Sasori looked bored, "Except you kill people when you're being a ninja and subtlety is integral in that profession."

Good Lord. I threw my hands up in the air, "Fine. Whatever. I give up. I don't care at the moment whether or not Hidan is subtle. We have a," I checked my watch, "half-hour to get ready to go to this party thing. Shoo!"

"Can Tobi come?"

"By all the gods, take him, un. He's driving me insane."

I jumped about a foot in the air and would've fallen if Rian hadn't steadied me, "Tobi, where are you?"

"Look up, silly Aya-chan."

I craned my head back and there was Tobi sitting cross-legged on the ceiling. He must've snuck in during my argument with Hidan. Cat, in the meanwhile, had taken a seat next to Sasori. Now she remarked, "Christ, this is turning into a T.V. show. Rian, Aya, we need to go get ready c'mon."

"But can Tobi--"

The masked ninja shut up as Catherine held up a hand, "--Ask Konan. Not us. Bye."

Nearly a half-hour later--Aya's POV

I knocked on Rian's door, "C'mon, girl! We need to go sometime this year."

"Gimme a minute!"

I pursed my lips and settled against the wall opposite her door. I wore jean shorts (not short shorts, but a good six or seven inches above my knees) along with a babydoll blue and white floral tanktop. I wore natural eye makeup and put my hair half up in a bun.

"You look pretty!"

"Thanks! So do you!" I returned Cat's one-armed hug and she banged on the door, "Hurry UP!"

"I'm coming! Jeez!"

Cat wore black capris and an aqua halter shirt while Rian was the only one in jeans and a clingy black tanktop. All of us wore flip-flops and my best friends also wore makeup.

"We ready?"

Rian nodded her head, "Yeah. Konan's meeting us outside."

"Okay, then. Cat, I want you to assist in carrying the food."

"Why can't I help?" Rian whined and I smirked as we made our way down.

I carefully gave Cat the tray of brownies as I replied, "Because you'll eat them all."

"Will not," Rian scoffed, "I can't help it if your brownies are the next most addictive thing to crack, you know."

I opened my mouth, then shut it again. My God, the temptation to say something was very strong.

"Shut it, Aya."

I tried to protest, "But I--"

Rian cut me off as we loaded the car with food for the trip and pillows to sleep on on the way back, "I know that look, Aya, and I know you're about to snark something, so hush."

I sent a miffed look to Konan (she had been leaning against the van) who smiled faintly.

"My best friends," I announced to the general airspace, "Know me far too well."

"Tobi's coming! Tobi's coming!"

"Yay!" squealed Catherine.

As I looked on with amusement, Cat glomped Tobi and dragged him over to the van and got him strapped in the back seat. Konan clambered inside beside him and Cat moved into one of the middle row seats while Rian claimed shotgun. I peered inside Rian's window and asked, "You guys need any last-minute things before we go?"

Rian smacked her forehead, "Aya, could you get my sunglasses? I left them on the counter in the kitchen."

"Sure. I'll be right back."

I let myself back in the door I just locked and moved to get my best friend's sunglasses when there was a chorus of wolf-whistles. Ignoring them, I wiggled my fingers goodbye at the remaining Akatsuki members as I snagged the needed sunglasses. Then I began to sail back out the door.

Note the word 'began'.

"Damn, Aya, no kiss goodbye? Seriously?"

I raised an eyebrow at the somewhat bane of my existence, "Hidan you think you're funny, but no way. I'll give you a hug because you look so pathetic asking for something--" and I proceeded to do so before continuing, "--but now I need to go. Goodbye, gentlemen, and don't destroy everything while we're gone."

"What happens if we do, un?"

I leaned against the doorway and smirked evilly, "Oh, it won't be me that'll have your heads. Cat will."

And with those words, I finally exited the house to a triumphant, "That's my girl! Damn!"

I would rather drop dead than admit it, I thought to myself, but Hidan was very huggable.

Arrival at house, Aya's POV

I pulled up in front of Karie's house and proceeded up the driveway; Konan was still arguing with Rian.

"I still believe that Deadpool is stronger than Bumblebee--" (We watched X-Men Origins and Transformers about a week-and-a-half ago)

"--But Bumblebee could step on him and he'd be squished like a bug! C'mon--"

"--Deadpool can slice through metal and would cut your yellow Autobot to bits."

Tobi and I exchanged amused looks and I called out to Konan, "Genjutsu, you two. Don't forget."

"Aya--" Konan's voice sounded long-suffering, "We know. Remember who you're talking to. And Rian and I were wondering who is superior--Bumblebee or Deadpool?"

"Neither," Cat handed me one of the brownie platters, "Chuck Norris with a BB gun screws them both."

I laughed and high-fived Catherine as both Konan and Rian groaned. Stopping suddenly, Tobi announced, "Tobi wants to be called Tony. Konan should be called Katelyn."

"I know too many people that begin with a 'C' or a 'K'," I muttered, "But okay. You guys are friends we met while we were walkking on the beach one day and we decided to bring you two to get to know y'all better. We agreed?"

The assembled company nodded and we knocked on the front door, Rian in front. When a blond-haired girl with a goofy smile answered the door, I stifled the urge to groan, then pasted a smile on my face.

"Hi guys! What took you so long? When I went to Gainesville, it only took me a little less than an hour and a half."

"Speeding," Cat murmured.

I shot her what I hoped was a slightly admonishing look before stepping forward, "Hey, Karie. You said we could bring guests and we took you at your word. Katelyn and Tony, this is Karie Summers. She's a friend of ours from school."

Karie shook their hands as we stepped inside. I looked around with amusement; orange and purple and yellow decorations were hung all over the place and "Let it Rock" (Kevin Rudolf) was blaring in the background. The guests looked toward the open door and yelled greetings. Rian cheerfully replied to the hellos and disappeared in the crowd, leaving Cat and I (with Tobi and Konan following like baby ducks) to wander off to the kitchen to set our food down.

"I am totally loving the decorations, Karie. The color scheme--" I looked for a tactful way to say that it was downright ugly but Karie beat me to the punch, "--I know it's ugly. However, I had no choice. Taylor pounced as soon as she arrived--early, of course--and took over. I know I irritate y'all to no end, but good God that woman drives me crazy."

I blinked, "You know you annoy us and you do it anyway."

"Keeps you three on your toes," Karie winked at us and when she turned, Cat elbowed me and whispered, "Told you."

"Shut up."

"What?"

I shook my head in the negative, "Not you. What time did that--succubus--stop laughing, Cat, you know she is one--get here?"

"You know how I said the party started at eight?"

I answered warily, "Yeah...."

Karie frowned ferociously as she opened a drawer in the fridge and got a Coke for Cat and a bottled (and still sealed; no drugs here) for me, "She got here at four. What. The. Hell."

I gaped, "So why didn't you kick her out?"

I uncovered the brownies and in a flash Rian was at the counter with a plate handy, "I swear, girl, the way you know when I open the foil--"

"--I couldn't without alerting the police down the street; Taylor would've left kicking and screaming--hey, you brought your brownies?"

Rian grinned at me as three of my brownies suddenly vanished, "I got Crack Brownie Sense. It comes with being your best friend and watching you make them."

I raised an eyebrow as another one disappeared, "You've got to be kidding me. And yes, I've got my brownies. Save a few for me; we've got a long drive back."

"Alright."

I winced as I heard, "Aya! You're here! Who are your new friends?"

The---ah, voluptuous--short blond girl that called me gave me a hug (which I half-heartedly returned, but she didn't notice) with her new boy toy in tow. Mildly attractive (Now that I've seen Hidan in the flesh, no one else really compares), the tall brown-haired boy offered me his hand, "Derrick. Nice to meet you."

I shook it with a slight grimace and he grinned, "Aya. Same--but I wish it weren't under these circumstances."

Derrick rolled his eyes as Taylor began talking with Konan and Cat; she was eyeing Tobi, "I know. She's a good lay, though, so I figured I should come to this party and see if I could get anything out of it from her."

I raised an eyebrow, "If that weren't so blatantly true I would've punched you. As it is, Taylor deserves what's coming to her, most of the time," I narrowed my eyes at him, "I hope you're not expecting the rest of us to act like she does."

"Trust me, I'm not crazy. Of course not. If I dated you, which I'm not particularly attracted to you, no offense--"

"None taken."

"--I wouldn't expect you to cheat on me like she does. I've caught her twice and the make-up sex was--"

I raised a hand and he laughed, "Okay, way too much detail there, buddy. Stop."

"Sorry. Anyway, you seem nice enough, but we might want to rescue your guy friend-?" Derrick's voice was questioning and I answered, "Tony."

"--Yeah. Tony. My ever-straying girl is latched onto him and I'm afraid for her safety."

I looked towards my shinobi friends and sure enough, there was Tobi with Taylor gripping his arm. With a sigh, I pulled Derrick over and unhinged his fickle girlfriend from Tobi, "You've got your own boyfriend, sweetie. Hang onto him instead."

The succubus blinked at me, "Oh. Sorry."

"It's cool. Just watch it. If you're going to cheat on your boyfriend, at least have the sense to be discreet about it."

Karie leaned over and whispered in my ear, "I don't think half of what you just said is in her vocabulary."

"What?" Taylor looked confused and Konan snorted while Cat laughed. Derrick just sighed and wrapped an arm around his girlfriend's waist, "Don't worry about it, babe. C'mon. Let's go dance. Y'all are welcome to join us if you like."

I smiled politely, "Maybe later, Derrick. We've got to say hello to everyone else first."

He nodded, "Alright. The invitation is still open for you guys, though. Just let me know and we'll be out there with you."

He and his girlfriend (AKA slut, but let's be charitable for a while longer) disappeared into the dancing crowd and I turned when I heard a soft keening noise. Karie and Cat were looking at Tobi with concern while Konan had placed a hand on his shoulder.

Tobi had crossed his arms over himself, "She wouldn't stop touching me! Her--chest--" he said with a shudder, "--kept rubbing--" Tobi seemed lost for words.

Under other circumstances, this would've been hysterical.

Oh, what the heck. This is hilarious.

Containing myself except for a grin, I and Rian wrapped an arm around his shoulders as we reassured him.

"Don't worry, man," Rian said soothingly, "She'll leave you alone now. If she doesn't, well--"

I frowned at my best friend, "Rian. You are not lighting her hair on fire."

She gave me her puppy dog eyes and I sighed as I leaned against Tobi, "Fine. Just tell me first and Cat will get the hairspray."

Rian beamed as Karie gaped at the two of us, "Are you serious?"

I shrugged, "Sure. Why not? Besides, it's not like your pool isn't open. I saw people swimming in it earlier. We'll be sure to have a bucket of water ready or someone to push her in. If that Derrick dude really is nice, he'll fish her out as soon as she's doused. Besides, she's got a lot of hair--I doubt she'll burn herself badly, if at all."

Karie was still gaping and I looked at her concernedly, "What?"

"Isn't that--I don't' know--illegal?"

Cat shrugged, "Like we've gotten caught before. Besides, you know she deserves it. She can't go around tossing boys left and right after she's done playing with him. It's not right, and it's not like her hair won't grow back. The speed when it regrew after we buzzed it once was positively unnatural."

"Point."

"But," I added with a stern look at my fellow conspirators, "We need to do it towards the end of the party when we're ready to leave. Even if we do it outside, chances are the police will hear the noise and come see what the problem is. For now, let's make nice and quietly let select people know what's going on so we have a fast getaway if we need it."

My friends saluted, "Yes, ma'am."

I turned to Tobi and Konan, "You guys want me to find a corner for you to hide in?"

Konan shrugged and Tobi didn't make a sound. Karie stepped up to my side and said, "I'll find them some place, Aya. I wouldn't mind keeping them company, if it's okay with you. Besides, you and your fellow partners in crime will draw a lot of people to you, so if they want to go unnoticed, you can't hang around them."

I looked penetratingly into Karie's eyes. She looked back at me just as seriously. I nodded and said quietly, "Text me if something's wrong, you three. I'll have my phone on vibrate; the music is so loud I won't hear a thing if I had it set to ring."

Konan answered for the trio, "Okay."

I smiled brightly, "Well, let's get this show on the road! Karie, I'm assuming we can use your hairspray in the bathroom--"

"--sure--"

"--And Rian has a lighter in her clutch, so we're all set. Let's get this started."

Two hours later, Aya's POV

Rian, Cat, and I had said our hellos to everyone that was here and we informed select groups of people just what was going on. After we danced for an hour or so on the floor with Derrick/Succubus and ate some of the delicious foods that were brought by other guests, we all began to move outside onto the deck and into the yard. The night was cool for a summer evening, and dry, since it hadn't rained for a few days. The only problem was the bugs, but with so may people outside, there was more than enough different blood for all the insects.

"Hey, Taylor, lemme see your back; I've got some bug spray and we all know how you react to bug bites," Taylor smiled at Cat as I tugged her closer to one of the lamps (the better to see her with, my dear--shut up shut up) and, consequently, nearer to the pool.

"Thanks!"

Taylor turned her back and I pulled Derrick into position by the water's edge--he had taken off his shirt and was being sprayed by Karie, who had actual bug spray, unlike Cat. Rian drifted around with her lighter concealed in her hand, until I stuck my foot out. When I bent down to catch her, Rian had accidentally flicked the switch on her lighter, causing it to ignite.

Which, of course, expanded upon reaching the hairspray gas, causing Taylor's blond, hip-length braided hair to ignite.

Very, very, quickly.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!"

My eyes widened, "Rian, what did you do?"

My best friend winked and I grinned back, "It was an accident!"

Shouts of "Oh, shit!" and "God, someone get her in the water!" reached my ears and Karie, with only the best intentions, of course, yanked the scared-out-of-her-mind-Taylor and shoved her into the pool, where her burning hair was put out immediately.

"I'm on fire! I'm on fire!"

Derrick jumped in the water and swam towards her, holding her up, "No babe," he said over the ruckus, "You're just fine. See, some of it's burned, but you're not hurt."

Taylor sniffled and more party guests jumped in the pool, regardless of clothes or swimsuit, "You're sure?"

"I'm sure," her boyfriend smiled softly at her, "C'mon, Tay, let's get you out of here and dried off. I'm sure Karie's mom or Aya can cut your hair for you."

While the two of them were climbing out, I turned to Cat and mouthed, 'Tay'? Cat just shook her head and grinned. She leaned over and whispered to me, "I guess he likes her more than he lets on."

I frowned thoughtfully, "I suppose," I ignored the small twinge of disappointment as I smiled at Karie, Cat, and Rian, "But good job, you guys. No one's calling 911, are they?"

Karie shook her head in the negative, "Nope, not that I heard or saw. But I gotta go help Taylor and Derrick find my mom. You guys are going now?"

I looked at my best friends for their opinion, and Rian answered the question, "I suppose, unless Katelyn and To-Tony wants to stay."

I winced slightly and prayed that Karie didn't pick up the minor slip on Rian's part, "I somehow doubt it on Tony's part. Let's go ask."

"Well, it was nice to see you guys. Nice prank and all--everything's more fun when you three are around."

I smiled genuinely at Karie Summers as we made our way back inside. Rian and Cat immediately made their way back to our ninja friends on the couch, but I held onto Karie's arm as I said, "Thanks, Karie, for going along with it. Your parties are always fun. I hope Mike's doing okay--you guys still going strong?"

Her face lit up, "Yeah, we're doing great! He's been more understanding lately and we've been getting closer--he's really sweet!"

I kept my slight revulsion at the almost-overwhelming cuteness inside and nodded my head, "Well, that's good to hear."

"Can we go home now? I'm really tired and everything," Konan made our way over to us and I replied, "Sure. I think we need to anyway, since we've got a pretty long drive back."

"Aren't you and Rian switching?"

"Yeah, but you never know--I'm more of a night person than she is. Anyway, thanks for having us, Karie," I gave her a hug.

"Of course. Thanks for coming, even if Tony had a slightly traumatizing experience!"

We all laughed at that and I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder, "Leaving without saying goodbye, Aya?"

I turned to see Derrick--no girlfriend in sight--standing behind me. I put a hand on my hips and just stared, "Never. See you, Derrick."

"Do you have my phone number so you can text me?"

He gave me his number and all of us a hug and disappeared back into the crowd. Rian, Cat, and Karie stared at me as we moved toward the entrance of the house, "What was that?"

I shrugged, "He's only being nice. Derrick really does like Taylor, though I don't know what he sees in her. And I'm not interested, you guys. Stand down."

Cat grinned wickedly as we made our way to the car, "If you say so."

I rolled my eyes, "Of course I do. Hidan's better at hugs, anyway."

"Really."

"Shut it, Rian."

"Tobi senses something going on here," the masked ninja said as we entered the car. Our seating arrangements were similar, except for the fact that I switched to shotgun and Rian was driving.

"Let's not even go there, y'all. Not tonight."

"SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO," Cat happily overrode whatever the ninjas were going to say as we pulled out of the driveway, "Yoda or Chuck Norris?"

"Yoda, dude. Lightsaber-crazy green mad Jedi. DUH."

I leaned my head against the window as we rolled down the street and shut my eyes. Here we go again.

Arrival at the house, Aya's POV

"WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE'RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEE HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!"

I snapped crankily as we banged open the front door, "Could you say that any louder, Rian? I'm pretty sure everyone back in Tally didn't hear you."

"You get so sarcastic when you're sleepy, it's cute."

I dropped the food goods that we didn't eat all the way back into the pantry, "Wow, Hidan, not a single cuss word in that whole sentence. We must be rubbing off on you."

"She's just tired," Rian said in a stage whisper, "Just ignore her and let her go to bed."

"Only if she's joining me."

Silence.

"SAY WHAT?"

"WHAT THE HELL?"

"HIDAN, UN, YOU ARE NOT TAKING ADVANTAGE OF--"

The Jashinist put his hands in the air in surrender, "Fine, fine. Seriously, not need to make such a helluva fuss. Damn!"

"Guys," I rubbed my eyes, "It's like, one in the morning. Can we please go to sleep and save the interrogations for later? Oh," I turned to Deidara, "You'll be pleased to hear that we set a succubus's hair on fire."

"We?"

I huffed, "Fine. I masterminded and Rian and Cat did the actual deed. Yeesh. Konan and Tobi were watching from the sidelines."

Deidara stared at the three of us as we set about putting food and various road-trip items away, "I'm proud of you guys, un. What happened next?"

"Well, in the name of safety, Karie shoved her in the pool."

Hidan and Deidara burst out laughing and I smirked. I had to admit, we did do a pretty good job. Itachi appeared on the stairs and the ninjas promptly shut up, "Please be silent. Sasori and I have been working for the past six hours since you all have left the house and we need the sleep. So do you civilians. Go to bed before Kakuzu gets up and tries to kill you all for interrupting his slumber."

Meekly, we went and did what we were told. Before I slid into my room, Hidan turned me back around, looking hopeful, "Can I have another damn hug?"

I stared at him and he huffed, "Promise I won't do anything."

I shrugged, "Fine."

I gave him a quick hug and tried to pull away, but he wouldn't let go, "Hidan, let go of me. I want to sleep."

"Relax and give me a real hug, dammit."

With a sigh, I did as he told and relaxed, then really hugged him. Sheesh. It makes me wonder why he's become so very clingy. After a minute or two, I pulled away and this time he let me. I ducked my head, "Good night, Hidan."

"'Night, Aya," His voice was so soft I nearly missed it as I shut the door.

I went to sleep that night wondering just what was going on with him.

Maybe some Nargles crept into his head last night--oh, Lord, I'm starting to sound like Luna.

Hi! I've updated!

I love this story. I really, really do. It's easier to write with every chapter that I do. Am I moving too fast with the interactions between the ninjas and the main characters? Tell me what you think.

I will update in a bit--I've neglected some of my other stories for too long, so I hope this will hold you guys for a while.

I'm so proud of myself! Over six thousand words! YES!

Don't forget to review!

Regards,

Ice