My step-sister stole my Kakashi-sensei doll, I nearly killed her then spent the rest of the night clutching it, even now as I write I'm holding Kakashi. I think my step-sister learned her lesson about stealing what is precious to me... Happy March Break everyone!

Deidara was still bruised from Kumiko's beating, so they decided it was best to stay at an inn and heal up. After quarreling for hours it was decided that they stay at an inn with hot springs. They entered the inn with Deidara even more bruised than the night before.

"We'd like a room for two, please…" Deidara grumbled through clenched teeth.

"Would you like a bath too?" the hostess asked, barely looking up from her notepad.

Kumiko nodded vigorously, "Yes, please, ma'am!"

The hostess pointed behind her left shoulder, "Men's is that way and," she redirected her thumb to her right shoulder, "Ladies that way. Your room is 12; it's on the second floor."

Deidara was handed the key and without a moment's hesitation, Kumiko and Deidara headed their separate ways; Kumiko to the hot springs and Deidara to their room. Kumiko skipped into the change room and quickly slipped off her robe.

"Hot spring, hot springs! I'm going to the hot springs!" she sang loudly.

Skipping out of the change rooms, Kumiko leapt into the water, splashing a few of the women who were close by. Kumiko hummed and splashed away, oblivious to the glares she was receiving.

Yeck, thought Kumiko as she looked around, This bath's filled with old woman and their saggy boobs!

Across the surface of the water, Kumiko spotted someone closer to her age: a young girl with short pink hair and green eyes. Kumiko paddled over to the girl.

"Hey," she began, smiling, "I'm Kumiko, what's your name Pinky?"

The girl looked up, surprised to find someone speaking to her, "Eh? Um, I'm Sakura. It's- it's nice to meet you Kumiko."

"Sakura? That's a really pretty name, it's like the flower!" Kumiko grinned, glad to be making a friend.

"Um, thank-you." Sakura blushed.

"So, what are you doing here Sakura?"

"Uh, taking a bath?" she replied hopefully.

"No, I meant what are you doing in this area, not here specificly!"

"Oh, I'm on a mission." Sakura answered.

"Really? Me-" Kumiko started, "Uh, I'm just here on vacation, heheh. You know, D rank missions can really drain you, eh?"

"Ha ha! I guess-" Sakura was was interrupted by yelling on the boys side of the hot springs.

"WHAT IS WITH YOUR OBSESSION WITH BALLS!" somebody screamed.

Kumiko snickered and tried to keep her composure, Pein had told her to "not be so childish!". While Kumiko held her hand over her mouth, Sakura's face went a deep red of embarrassment and she sunk beneath the water. The other girls in the hot springs were roaring with laughter.

"Um, I'm going to go now, Kumiko, it was nice meeting you." Sakura got out of the water and grabbed her towel, her face was flushed red.

"I'm going too!" Kumiko huffed, glaring at the women, "These girls don't know how to keep their composure!"

Sakura and Kumiko left for the change rooms; Kumiko was surprised to find her Akatsuki robes missing!

"Oh no," she screamed in anguish, "Kaku-chan made those especially for me and now- now someone stole them!"

"Uh, Kumiko-" Sakura was interupted by Kumiko's rage filled words.

"I'm gonna kill whatever damn bastards stole them..." Kumiko's blue eyes flashed green.

"Wait, Kumiko!" Sakura grabbed Kumiko's arm, flinching from the glare she recieved, "Um, the hostess takes our clothes to wash. See, she left us with some other robes to wear for the time being..."

The fire in Kumiko's eyes died down. "Oh," she laughed nervously, "You see, um, I've never stayed in a hot springs before..."

"Its okay," Sakura giggled, "Is Kaku-san your boyfriend?"

"Kaku-chan! No way!" Kumiko squealed.

"Haha, is there anyone you like?"

"I don't have time for boys," Kumiko shrugged, "What about you?"

"Oh," Sakura's eyes darkened, "Yes, there is someone I like but he doesn't feel the same way. I hope that someday my feelings will reach him and he'll finally see me in a new light."

"Don't worry, Sakura-senpai is pretty, I'm sure someday he'll notice you!"

Sakura blushed, "Thank-you Kumiko..."

Kumiko and Sakura dressed and left the change rooms. When Kumiko turned to leave, Sakura stopped her.

"Would you like to come have dinner with me and my teammates?" Sakura asked, "That is, if you don't already have plans."

"Sure!" a smile lit up Kumiko's face, "I'll go tell Dei-chan where I'm going, just a sec!"

Kumiko sped off and returned quickly. Sakura led the way to her room.

"So," Sakura started, "Who is Dei-chan?"

"Um," Kumiko thought up a reply, "Dei-chan's my big brother!"

"Oh, okay." Sakura opened the door to her room.

Inside lay a table set for an army; all kinds of foods were placed decadently. Kumiko stared in awe.

"Hey, Sakura-chan who's your friend?" asked a blond boy.

"Oh, um, this is Kumiko. And Kumiko, this is Naruto," Sakura introduce,d pointing to the blond boy, she then directed her finger at a pale black haired boy, "Sai, and Captain Yamato."

Sakura finished pointing at a brown haired man.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Kumiko." the black haired boy called Sai smiled.

Kumiko frowned, "Sakura-senpai, his smile; it isn't real."

"Haha I guess you saw right through me." Sai laughed putting on another fake smile.

Kumiko approached the boy, placing her fingers on his face and forced a smile on him, "See, even if I make it look like you're smiling it's not going to be real. A real smile comes from the heart."

Placing her hands over Sai's heart, Kumiko smiled. Sai's face held a surprised expression up until Kumiko sat down.

"Is it alright if Kumiko stays for dinner, Captain Yamato, it looks as if you bought enough food." Sakura pointed out the full table.

"No, that's fine." Yamato replied.

"Alright!" Kumiko placed her hands together, "Arigatō!"

Without the slightest hesitation Kumiko dug into the food.

Thanks for reading and please review!

Arigatō= Thank-you