Argh. Only up to chapter six with this... really gotta push myself with this story! Hopefully it will only be 18 chapters but you never know. Just as a warning, there will be character death in this story, in about 2 chapters. yes. that's a heads up for you. Annnd.... Please sit tight for chapter 10 of Innocence!

Chapter 6: He bites you

Hidan tensed, fearing the worst. And technically, his fear came true. Konan jumped on him, knocking him over, her arms flying around his chest.

"H-hey! Woah, K-Konan, ge-get off!"

He flailed his arms while she squeezed him mercilessly, obviously pleased with him for biting her.

"You bit me," she purred in his ear, her breath making him shiver. He gripped her shoulders tightly, trying to push her off, "get off, seriously."

She nuzzled his ear instead. He was unnerved by this, 'why's she acting so damn weird? Why's she... Ki... Kisame!'

"... What?"

"Konan's acting weird!"

"Oh... so you bit her, eh? It's just a side effect. It should wear off soon."

"Better be soon, seriously. She – she's getting all touchy-feely on me!"

Hidan listened as Kisame's boisterous laughter faded away in his mind. He struggled with Konan, trying to get her off in the least harmful way possible. He managed to detach her and attach himself to the ceiling, leaving her to stare lustily up at him. It made him... nervous, to see her with such a strange expression on her face. He swallowed lightly.

It was probably past eleven by now - he knew because Dial had just cranked the music up a lot more. The bass made Hidan's body pound and it seemed that the music had a positive effect on Konan. She started to blink rapidly, shaking her head and tilting it so that it was adjacent to the floor instead of looking up at him. He sighed in relief, and she heard him. Her head snapped back up.

"Wha-? Hidan, what are you doing up there?"

"... you jumped on me," he muttered before dropping back down to the floor. She stared at him for a moment, then clapped her hand to her neck and blushed. Her eyes dropped to the floor, 'startled or...' he shuffled closer, dropping to his knees so he could look her in the eyes, '... something else? There's no way I can be... I mean, I don't feel anything right now, seriously...'

Hidan was very confused. First, he thinks he's in love with her – Kisame agrees – and now he feels nothing at all. He pursued this thought, but lost it when Konan looked back up at him, her nose barely touching his. He flinched a little, but didn't pull away.

'What's it like, to be in love?' he gazed into her eyes, desperately searching for some explanation, 'can you tell me, Konan?'

She raised a hand to the back of his neck, and jerked her hand down, bringing his lips to the side of her neck. He stiffened, but her blood, it seemed, was calling out to him.

"Could you, bite me again?" a breathy request. He lipped her neck, unsure of himself. Lipping her neck again he felt her pulse beat against his lips, a steady contrast to the pumping bass from Dial. He placed his hands on the sides of her ribs, holding her there.

"Why?" he asked against her neck, denting the skin with his nose. She shivered, a hand sliding into his hair.

"I – I like how it feels. Love how it feels. Do you know how it feels? Like we're -"

"Yeah, Konan, I know but..." he licked his lips, "it's stronger on my side, seriously."

His fangs pierced her neck and they shared no more words, only whispers.

--

Light filtered through Hidan's eyelids the next morning – a Saturday. He shifted to the left, and felt something solid at his side. His eyes widened.

'Oh... oh no... uh... shit.'

He felt around with his hands, and relaxed once he found that both of them were still fully dressed. He glanced at Konan, who was curled up against his side. He turned onto his side so that she was against his chest instead, his arm dropping over her waist. He closed his eyes and fell back asleep.

When he woke up again she was gone. He panicked for a minute, but calmed once the smell of her blood reached his nose. Curious, he followed the smell out of his room and down the hall.

'Wow. It's interesting how my senses are like, tuned to her, seriously. Like a radio tuned to a certain station,' he smiled and released a short chuckle, leaning against the wall next to the bathroom. She was washing her hands; he could hear the water running inside.

The lock clicked and she walked out. His hand shot out to curl lightly around the left side of her neck. He pulled his hand back, drawing her toward himself and up so he could press his nose to her neck.

A gasp had escaped from her lips, and he breathed in her scent deeply. Her blood smelled like a mix of vanilla and sugar coated rhubarb, with a dash of peppermint.

'Aw, damn, I love her smell...' he pressed his nose harder into her neck, breathing in deeply again.

"Hi-Hidan, w-what are you duh-doing?" she questioned, her voice quiet and timid sounding. He laughed breezily against her neck, stepping closer, "smelling you."

"W-why?"

"You smell good. Really good."

"What do I smell like?" she physically had to push him back. He smiled stupidly, "vanilla and sugar coated rhubarb, with a dash of peppermint."

She gave him a surprised look then smiled at him coyly, "I smell that good huh?" Konan took a shaky step toward him, reaching for his neck, "maybe you should bite me again."

He thought about that for a moment, 'I bet this is how Sakura acted when Kisame bit her the first time... I better say no, seriously. She looks weak. I drank too much already, damn it.'

Hidan caught her wrists in his hands and she gave him a shocked look, "w-what?"

"Konan, no. You're weak from blood loss. I've had enough, honestly and... it's... well, it's kind of obvious that you like the feeling that comes with being bitten, seriously. You have no freaking idea how much self-control I had to exert to keep from, say, eating you."

She blinked at him then blushed and looked down – 'She does that a lot.'

--

The following Monday brought school, and Hidan hoped that Pein wouldn't try to get near Konan. Hidan was afraid that Pein getting near her would trigger his protective nature, and he really didn't want Pein to get involved.

Things don't always go the way they're supposed, however.

Hidan was just walking down the halls, chatting idly with Shikamaru. The kid had taken a liking to him, that much was obvious, and though Hidan wasn't willing to admit it, he had taken a liking to the kid too. They were more or less good friends now.

As they were nearing the locker banks where Konan's locker was, Hidan heard her yelp right before a banging sound was heard. He and Shikamaru exchanged a look then moved more quickly, winding through the crowd. It appeared that Pein had slammed Konan's locker door shut, and was currently glaring at her. She held a book tightly to her chest in fear and stammered, "w-what do want?"

"Where were you?"

"Where was I when?"

"On Saturday and Sunday. Where were you?"

She looked like she was deliberating and Hidan's temper flared. He was quickly behind her, an arm wrapped tightly around her waist, pulling her against his chest.

"What's it to you, seriously?" he asked, violet eyes piercing. Pein glared back, also challenging.

"Oh. So she was with you, then?"

"Got a problem with it, carrot-head?"

The name made Pein's eyes narrow – he had never liked being mocked. As soon as he took a step forward Hidan bared his fangs, a hiss escaping out of his open mouth. Konan was pulled more tightly against his chest now, his protective instinct in complete control.

It was the first time that any of the students gathered had seen Pein look so frightened. His ringed eyes actually widened, his eyebrows flying up before he took several steps back. He turned and walked swiftly away, in a defeated looking gait.

'... that... was... weird. That's the weirdest thing I've done... all freaking week...' Hidan shook his head and pulled his arm away from Konan, placing it on the back of his neck instead. He gave her a sheepish look, too aware of the stares they were getting from others – human and Vampire.

"Sorry about that..."

"Sorry? You're sorry? Gee, you're funny, Hidan," Konan's expression clouded, "I didn't really appreciate him getting in my face and demanding to know where I was. It's not like I'm his girlfriend, anyway. I wish he would just leave me alone! And I wish you would've punched him. Oh yes. I did just say that," she informed Hidan, staring up at him with longing in her eyes.

'Yeah, well, you aren't my girlfriend, either, seriously,' out loud Hidan said, "yeah, I probably should have punched him."

He smiled down at her and she smiled up at him before skipping off down the hall – after locking her locker door, of course.

--

"You're scared."

"For tonight, no duh, Kisame. I mean, seriously, she's just gonna' want me to bite her the entire time."

Kisame shrugged, tapping out a cigarette and then lighting it, "maybe you should offer it as a reward. If she finishes all the work you throw on her lap you'll bite her. 'Sides, it's better if you get as used to her scent as possible. One reason being you'll be less aggressive toward other men, human and Vampire."

Hidan sighed and plopped down on the couch, turning the T.V on, "what was it like with Sakura? And I don't know what I'm gonna' do, 'cause she went home to change. What if she comes back here and she's wearing some sexy flapper dress? What am I gonna' do, seriously?"

Kisame blinked at him before blowing smoke into the younger Vampire's face, "you're thinking too much into it, Hidan. Relax. I'm gonna' go get her now so... just relax, 'kay? I'll be at Sakura's so gimme a call if you need something."

Hidan merely nodded and Kisame turned on his heel.

Ten minutes later and Hidan heard the sound of a car drive up. Doors opened and closed, a drop of sweat trickling down Hidan's forehead. The front door opened...

And a wave of relief washed over Hidan when he saw that Konan was wearing a pair of blue jeans and a white tank tutoring session lasted with little conflict, though by the end Hidan could tell Konan was just dying for him to bite her.

'Ugh... why does she have to like how it feels so damn much?'

He was walking her to the door and when she spun around and stared up at him expectantly he sighed and leaned in the doorway.

"Listen, Konan. I'm not thirsty, or whatever, and I can't always drink your blood, seriously. If I get hooked, it's bad for me and if you get hooked it's worse."

She frowned, "so you're saying you'll only bite me when your hungry or thirsty or whatever."

"Yeah. Really, we don't freakin' need you to die from blood loss," he gave her a cheeky grin and she rolled her eyes before slapping his chest. His head snapped down to look at his chest before he snapped it back up to look at her.

"Hey! That's gonna' leave a mark."

"No it's not you crybaby."

"Crybaby? Har har. Look who's talking," and he instantly regretted saying so, "I mean... I well..." he pushed back from the doorway, "I didn't mean it like that."

Her upset expression lightened, "okay."

He squinted at her, expression grim, "really."

"I know, Hidan. It's okay," she patted his chest as Kisame rolled up. A blonde character hopped out of the passenger seat and stormed past Hidan.

'Deidara?!' Hidan exclaimed inwardly as his head swiveled after the blonde just in time to see him stomp into his room, 'why the heck is he in my room? What the hell happened?'

Kisame was standing next to Konan when Hidan turned his head back. He had a very dark expression on his face.

"Konan, go wait in the car."

She stared up at him, amber eyes wide with fear, "w-what happened? He looked really upset!"

"Itachi got shot. He's in the hospital and Shikaku's probably had an artery burst."

"What?!" she shrieked, staring at him, "I thought there was an understanding!"

"Listen, Konan, I'll tell you on the to your place. I need to talk to Hidan," Kisame glanced at her sharply and she obeyed. Hidan hurried over to the stairs, followed by Kisame and asked, "what happened, seriously?"

"This is the worst news we'll ever get. It turns out that the Slayers that were sent out about a year before the understanding came into play just got back. They have no idea about this, and even though Shikaku told them specifically to come back to the station whether they did or did not see Vampires they didn't really listen."

Kisame's eyes narrowed dangerously, Hidan shaking just from feeling how angry the older Vampire was.

"Fugaku, being the wise ass he is, shot Itachi. Raptor's group came right away and they're damn lucky Sasori managed to keep Deidara from blowing Fugaku up," he leaned toward Hidan, "do me a favor and stay with Deidara until I get back."

"Sure thing," Hidan called as Kisame walked out the front door. He took the stairs two at a time and as soon as he set one foot in his room Deidara latched onto him, sobs wracking his body. Hidan rubbed his friend's back, "aw, hey, Dei, it's gonna' be okay, seriously. Itachi's pulled through worse ya know."

"I kn-know b-but still it w-was wuh-one of those buh-bullets," the blonde sobbed against Hidan's chest. Hidan frowned and tugged Deidara over to the bed.

"Here, you go to sleep, yeah? I'll just go down and -!!" Hidan was stopped by Deidara grabbing onto the sleeve of his bunny hug. He stared at the blonde, shocked, until pain-filled blue eyes pleaded with him.

"D-don't leave m-me..."

Hidan kicked off his shoes and crawled over Deidara, lying down next to him. Deidara turned and curled up against Hidan's chest, one arm coming up to clench the fabric of Hidan's bunny hug.

--

When Hidan woke up, he wasn't the only one in his bed.

Kisame's head was resting in front of him, Sasori curled up at the end of the bed. Kakuzu was way over on the couch, with Madara on his head. Tobi was asleep next to Sasori, and partially draped over the end of the bed. Zetsu was on the floor near Sasori.

When Hidan turned over onto his left side he saw that Itachi was recovered and had pulled Deidara onto his chest. A line of tears was still running down the blonde's face and Hidan smiled sleepily at the scene, before glancing outside and deciding that it was probably about four in the morning. He yawned and went back to sleep.

--

Konan tapped her pen impatiently against her desk. It had been ten minutes since class had started and there was still no sign of the Akatsuki anywhere. No black bunny hugs with red clouds.

Suddenly the door to their Math class opened and Kisame strode in. He and Ibiki exchanged a few words and then Kisame left. Shortly after he was gone Hidan and Sasori walked in. Neither of them spoke as they walked to their seats, but Hidan did drag his hand over her shoulder. He would tell her what was up later.

They didn't really have time to talk during their classes but when it was finally time for lunch she sought him out, finding him standing next to the gate and staring off into the distance.

"Hey," she said when she came to a hopping stop next to him. A small smile graced his lips when he turned his head to look at her. Her heart skipped a beat, "hey, girl."

'Did he just call me girl?' she wondered, but shook it off, "you looked like you wanted to talk earlier. What's up?"

"Nothing, really. Kisame's throwing a Christmas party, though. Said on the news that the temperature was gonna' drop like crazy tomorrow, and damn, if you look at those huge clouds coming over, I'm pretty sure they're right."

Konan pulled her jacket tighter around her body when a gust of wind came up, watching as Hidan lifted a hand to keep the hood of his bunny hug in place on his head.

Konan tilted her head at him, 'but Christmas is still a month away!'

"Uh, when is it?"

He quirked an eyebrow at her, "two days before Christmas Eve. Yeah, I know, asking early, but you never know. I want you to go with me, seriously."

Konan blushed and looked down while chiding herself, 'get a grip! He's not asking you out. He's asking you to accompany him!'

She couldn't help feeling a little let down, however, as she replied with a cute, "of course I'll go with you."

Konan hoped that the expression on his face meant he was catching on.

well i hope you liked that. And, oh my, what's Konan hope Hidan is catching onto?!?! XD