Well, the next morning, after I had put both thoughts of Liam and then myself to sleep, I found out why Itachi had apologized for my room adjacent to the kitchen.

"TOBI! Give. Me. My. Donut."

"But, Deidara-"

"I don't care how hungry you are, that one is mine, hmm? Give it here."

I groaned and pulled a pillow over my head. Pots and pans were crashing together, and someone was hitting the walls rythmically but loudly to music. Since I was already awake, there was no point in trying to go back to bed, so I prepared myself mentally for the day. Scratching my cheek, I readied myself to talk to strangers. And get to the bottom of Tobi; this whole yelling at him was beginning to become annoying. And I figured if I was getting annoyed, the ones who had had to live with them for a much longer time probably hated their guts. I just wanted to get to know everyone so I could know what was completely out of line to say and what wasn't.

Hunger driving my actions, I swung my legs to the edge of the bed, and sat up. I yawned, turning into a werewolf for a split-second as a side effect. It just happened. I really have no clue as to why, and I've just sort of figured that I never will. Finally, I crossed the room, patted down my hair, rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, took a deep breath, and turned the knob.

I opened it to see the feminine man from yesterday walking by, grumbling. Then he saw me and turned. His yelling must have been successful, for in his hand was the One Donut. He nodded. "Morning. I'm assuming you know where the kitchen is, hmm? Watch out for the masked idiot from Hell."

I wasn't entirely sure what to say to him so I smiled.

"I'm Deidara, by the way." And with that, he was gone. So I resumed my original quest to find some breakfast. Turning into the kitchen I came face to face with the masked-man Tobi, and standing farther into the kitchen was a woman with long, blue, hair.

"Hullo, friend!" Tobi exuberantly greeted. but he didn't stay, instead he went the direction of Deidara, calling out his name cheerfully.

I again continued the dire mission of food and sat down on a stool at the kitchen counter, near the donuts and a stack of plates. The woman smiled kindly. "Hello, Zero. It's nice to see you up and looking well. I apologize for Deidara and Tobi, but they'll never stop."

I noddded in understanding and shyly spoke, "It's nice to meet you, what's your name?"

She stuck out her hand and replied, "Konan. And it's a pleasure to meet you, too. And finally, a girl to talk to," she laughed. I took her hand and grinned. So far, so good. No enemies, everyone seemed nice enough and easy to talk to and get to know. "Feel free to take a plate and donut. I'm sure another one of the boys will be down here shortly, so take your pick while its there and, depending on who comes down, enjoy the peace."

I did as I was offered and took a glazed donut. Before I could finish my first bite and ask Konan what usually happens as far as morning routine, but a red-head male entered the room, throwing shyness over me again. Konan waved to him, and he just returned an acknowledging nod.

"Sasori, this is Zero, the new recruit." He looked at me and nodded.

"Pleasure to meet you," I spoke. He seemed to be a very quiet man. Nothing wrong with that, but it was very welcomed after meeting Tobi and Deidara.

And then Itachi walked in, too. Both him and Sasori took plates and a donut each, Sasori sitting next to me and Itachi next to him along the counter. All was quiet. I finished my donut. Konan took it from me before I could move to out it away and began to wash it. "Thanks, Konan."

She just smiled. After drying the plate, she put it away in a cupboard and asked, "Do you think you could play a little music for us later?"

I was caught off guard, but I replied, "Sure, of course." I enjoyed playing music :D

Sasori seemed to perk up enough to speak. "Music? May I ask what you play?" His voice was pleasant and smooth.

"Uh, clarinet, trombone, trumpet, piano and saxophone."

"You forgot the ukelele," Itachi added.

"And he plays a mean mandolin," I announced. He hid his face and groaned. Sasori's lips twitched towards a smile. Itachi, musical?

"I broke almost every string the first time."

Konan laughed. "I had no idea music was a part of Uchiha Clan. Were you all musically inclined?" The past tense sort of surprised me, but I shook it off. We were a thing of the past, and you know what? I didn't think it was a bad thing.

Both my cousin and I shook our heads, but Itachi was the one who replied. "Zero's mother married into the Uchiha clan, and she brought a musical background with her. Most looked down upon the carefree manners of it, mainly my parents, but I do admit, the first time you succeed in making it you can't go back. It's addicting, and brings much joy."

Sasori was looking at me now with interest, his brown eyes sparking. "Do you sing, as well?"

I shrugged. "A little, but it's very rarely in tune. Care to hear?"

He chuckled. "No, thanks."

Konan and Itachi were staring with a form of surprise on their faces. Well, Itachi was just looking at Sasori with a slightly squinted eye, but that was good enough to count as an emotion for him. Sasori drew my attention away and pointed out my ring. "Married?"

I stared at it, memories welling up. "Uh, was."

He seemed to take it either as a satisfying answer or he was just being polite enough not to drag up all the details. But Itachi wouldn't take his eyes off it. Konan seemed to sense the painful memories behind it, and looked as if she wanted to do something about it. Changin the subject off of me, I asked, "So what goes on today? Anything I should be prepared to help with?"

Konan shook her head. "Not today. I'll just show you the house. Usually there's no structure to the day unless there's a meeting or something of high importance to be done." I nodded. Sounded pretty relaxing.

Sasori got up from the counter and took Itachi's dish and the washrag from Konan. "I'll man the kitchen, you lot can go."

"Thank you, Sasori. It's much appreciated," Konan gratuitiously replied. She motioned to me and I followed her out.

Itachi followed, too, and stopped next to me, looking as if he wanted to ask something. Then he left, not saying a thing. I didn't think much of it. He was quiet and not a sociable as some, whatever he needed to say or ask would come in due time.

Konan looked at me hard, as if judging a reaction. Then she softened her gaze and said, "C'mon, I have a few things to talk to you about before I show you the whole house. Come to my room." She escorted me down the softly-carpeted hall and into a room at the end. She opened the door and let me in first.

I really enjoyed looking at it; it was a beautiful room of blues and matching purples. Very calming and reassuring. Konan's bed was stiuated in the corner, a bed-side table next to it with a lamp, and at the foot of her bed a shelf with a load of books and a dresser adjacent, too; a couch was seated across from a TV, and, despite all of that for a bedroom, it was comfortably roomy.

Konan said, "Have a seat on my bed." I did as I was told and sat down on the soft bed. So soft... I wanted to jump on it. "I'm sorry to ask, but your marriage, what happened?"

I stayed silent and stared at the floor. Then I sighed. "I married a man about six months ago, and about two months ago he was... well, I believe he was killed... But as to who did it, there's not even a suspect. Or a real reason as to why." I felt an arm around me and smelled Konan's already familiar and motherly scent. I felt a tear track down my cheek.

"I'm sorry, I just had to know before the others asked and relentlessly tormented you for an answer."

"That's fine," my voice broke and Konan embraced me. "I understand."

She stroked my hair gently. Konan was all kindness, I hadn't known her for a full hour, but it felt like I could tell her anything and she to me. I knew I could never betray this soul. It was too kind and pure; well, as pure as any soul that kills regularily can be. She was a great person.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

I hesitated. Telling it would mean depression and tears. But, maybe that would take some of the sadness away, sharing it with a friend. No one else beside Gin and Konan, now, had every asked about Liam. So I nodded. "Thank you, Konan." And I began, telling every little detail I could remember of William Westra, bringing them to life in both my words and heart, clasping them forever, deep in my heart. Yes, there were lots of tears, but there was also lots of shared laguhter and affection. It felt so good to share Liam with somebody. I felt... relieved.

And then I was done. Konan hugged me tight. "Thank you for telling a nosy person like me. I hope you feel better, and know that I will always be here for you."

I returned the hug. "Thank you, Konan. It felt great to just share that with someone. And when I say this I sincerely mean it, I'll be here for you, too, like a dog always is for their master."

Konan held me at arms' length. "I'll come to you when need be." She smiled big. Then she sobered up slightly. "Another thing, what do you think of Sasori?"

I blinked. "Uh, quiet? Quiet like Itachi, but he seems smart and fun to be around."

Konan looked my face over, as if in conflict, then relaxed. "I agree with you, he is quiet but smart, and funny when he wants to be." She almost looked as if she wanted to say something, but she just stood. "So, ready for the tour?"

I leaped up, energy coursing throught me after the catharsis of Liam. "Yeah! And thank you again, Konan." If I had been in my wolf form, my tail would have been wagging a mile a minute.

By the time the tour was done I knew the general layout of the whole house and only got lost once or twice when Konan played the game Find Kisame! It was a fun game- he wasn't pleased to have wolf stalking him completely conspicuously in the open.

Finally at the end, Konan showed me to a huge room, with a grand piano in the center. I nearly crapped my pants in excitement. She left me to my own devices while she seeked out Deidara for his requested sparring session and regrouped with me to go outside.

Naturally, first thing I did was sit at the piano. I started with a few simple scales and warm-ups. Ooh, it was beautiful. Smiling at the sound of the gorgeous piano, I began to play Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. There was a soft rustle of clothes behind me and a small flash of red, and I yelped, played a blatantly wrong chord and knocked over the piano bench in my startled jump.

It was Sasori.

"S-sorry!" I quickly bent over to pick up the bench, but he placed a hand on my back.

"Don't worry about it, that was entirely my fault; let me fix this." He let his hand fall and then easily hoisted the bench into its normal position. "What was that piece? It was... pretty."

"Um, it was Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata." I felt uncomfortable after his touch. The way he had made it didn't seem like a typical... friendly touch. But he had turned back to the piano and was staring at it as if it could produce the sound from earlier on its own.

"I'm sorry to ask after I startled you so badly, but do you think you could play it again? It was enjoyable."

I shook off the uncomfortableness and concluded it as me being weird and nodded. Popping a squat on the bench, I began to play the delightful song again, feeling the calmness and reassurance of something entirely familiar. Sasori sat next to me, watching my fingers. Soon his eyes were closed in appreciation. Or torment. One or the other, though my guess is that it was the former, simply because it was Beethoven.

Deidara and Konan entered the room, listening to the music. I finished. Sasori smiled. "Thank you," he spoke and left.

"Zero, could you teach me, hmm?" Deidara asked, his demeanor like that of an excited 6-year-old.

I nodded. Konan told me, "That thing has been sitting there for years untouched. You're welcome to play it whenever, both of you."

Deidara grinned, and I imitated the expression, already liking this fella, too. First day, and the only fault was Tobi. Me gusta! :D

The three of us exited the house and traveled through the woods towards a lake, the air heavy with the scent of li'l woodland creatures and blooming flowers. Sun shining bright, the temperature cool and not a cloud in the sky. It was a delightful spring day. Colours were exploding across my sight, cheerfully calling for good-natured play. Today was a day to simply be happy.

We reached a clear spot near the water. Deidara groaned. He whispered to me, "Hide, Zero. Zetsu's here, he might eat you." Konan glared hard at Deidara, who flushed with embarrasement at being heard. Oops.

"Where is he?" I asked.

Deidara opened his mouth to answer, but Konan cut across him and pointed Zetsu in a much more polite way, I have no doubt. "He's right there, in the bushes. In the ground."

Oh! I spotted him now, emerging from the earth without and dirt on him. Oh... He was half jet-black and half pasty white, like an oreo, and around his head was what looked like a venus fly trap. Was I frightened? Nonsense! I had seen bugs come out of Shino, there was no way this could creep me out more than that.

Zetsu emerged completely, and Konan called him over. "Zetsu! The new recruit is here, come meet her!"

Doing as he was told, he came in all his plant glory to us. I expected to feel slightly alarmed by his presence, but he felt entirely familiar and normal, like any other animal or plant in the wild. I could be completely honest with him. Well, wolfy-side honest.

"Hello, you're Zero?" the white half asked. I nodded and smiled.

"Doesn't matter, let's eat her." The black half growled.

"Can I pee on you?" I swear it slipped out! My wolf was itching to mark its new territory, and this guy could be a walking marker! Konan was staring at me, shocked, and Deidara looked as if he might implode from holding in laughter.

The black half let out what was a chilling laugh, but judging from his voice, it was a hearty laugh. "You're in tune. I like it." The white half blinked, then grinned. And then Zetsu was gone.

Deidara let his laughter ring out. "Dear God! You're a funny person, Zero! Even if you are related to that bastard Itachi."

Konan shook her head. "C'mon, you two. Let's do some sparring. And Zero, I want you to show us your moves since we don't know anything about you in action."

"In action?" Deidara did a pelvic thrust. I grinned.

"I'll show you action."

"Bring it!" The blonde retorted, expression entirely cocky. The sparring session had begun.

Deciding to give it my all right away so we could work on individual things immediately after toady, I let the energy course through me and all my weaknessess felt to melt away. Ooh, this form felt amazing after a day.

Deidara's blue eyes widened as I roared, raising my silver paw to strike. Konan grinned. "This is what Pein was talking about." Snapping to his senses, Deidara moved, and moved fast.

He was airborne on a- clay bird? What? I stared at him. Clay couldn't hurt me. I spun around and leaped up a tree, springing off a branch and barreling into the bird, nearly knocking Deidara off. As I hung on for dear life, scared to let go off the bird for fear of falling, I felt something similar to a spider crawl up my back. Looking, I saw that it was. Wait- it was a clay spider.

I seized it with my mouth and flung it off, to hear Deidara yell and watch the spider explode. O.O Exploding clay- good. Immediately, I let go of his bird. Landing on the ground, I drew a deep breath, summoning power.

I shot fire out of my mouth, Deidara maneuvering out of the way just in time to avoid it. But too late. I had jumped again and he moved right into my jump- I knocked him off his bird. I made sure we landed safely, me under him to soften his blow. Bad idea. Spiders were crawling all over me. "Aagh!"

Panicking, I grabbed the nearest and shoved it into Deidara's mouth. Konan burst out laughing. But there were spiders everywhere! While he was distracted, I ran a safe distance away.

He was glaring. "That was my art!"

Our sparring continued until the sun was setting, and it felt great. Konan nodded approvingly at both of us, a proud gleam in her eyes as Deidara dismounted his giant bird and I transformed back into a human. Deidara and I shook hands.

"That was great, thank you, Deidara!" My muscles were a bit sore and my arm was burning where a cute little clay ladybug had exploded, but it was all minor and was welcomed if it meant haveing that great of a training session.

"Thank you! Not exactly what I was expecting from a Leaf Ninja, hmm? You're a fine fighter." He looked over to Konan pleadingly. "Take a word with Leader and let her be my partner?"

Konan smiled apologetically. "I would, but you know very well that Zetsu can't have a partner and that Sasori would kill Tobi before the day was over.

Deidara grumbled crossly. We turned and headed back to the lair for dinner. As we returned, I began to feel guilty for two reason. One, I had betrayed Konoha. I didn't think there was any possible way to hurt the Akatsuki; they seemed like a family. Two, there was no doubt that me betraying the Akatsuki was a large possiblility. But, I made myself forget the guilt, at least for a while. There was nothing I could about any of it now, so I'd just make the best of everything, especially when it seemed like the very best had been put in front of me.

We ate supper, I sat next to Kisame and Itachi, Deidara and Sasori across from me, and I went to bed with a full stomach and some new, awful jokes. Oh, dear, Neji might hate me even more when I get back ;) Er, if I get back... I missed Naruto, Kakashi and Sakura.