The Flower That Blooms in the Darkness

"So, I'll introduce you to everyone!" I said when he was finished. He had devoured the sushi like he hadn't had a good meal in days, maybe even weeks.

He contemplated this, and I observed his appearance.

It looked like it too.

He was thin.

Way to thin for a boy his age.

So I'm guessing that they starved him.

Those sick, twisted bastards in that damn lab.

My hands started shaking, but I controlled the fury easy enough.

Just when I'd gotten my temper under control, he looked at me and nodded.

"Okay, everyone, until further notice, this is Mamoru-chan. Got it?"

Grunts and nods ensued.

I rolled my eyes at their careful nonchalance.

"Now, let's all be nice children and sit in a friend circle!"

Groans followed, but quickly shut up when I glared at everyone.

After much grumbling and complaining, I got everyone to obey.

"All righty, I'll start with him." I announced and pointed at Itachi-chan.

"Uchiha Itachi." He said simply.

"Hoshigaki Kisame." Kisame-kun grinned.

It went around like this until we reached the end of the circle.

It was then that I realized that Ko-chan and Pein-sama were missing.

"Hey, where's Ko-chan?" I asked.

"No one's seen her or Pein-sama since the night you left." Sasori-chan stated.

"Come to think of it, they were together after the Truth or Dare night." Kisame said thoughtfully.

Then, Ko-chan was beside me.

I looked at her appearance.

She had sex hair.

And several distinguished hickies.

I raised my eyebrows.

"Pein-sama wants to see you, and the boy."

I nodded, took Mamoru-chan's hand, and started walking down the hallway with Ko-chan.

"His name, for now, is Mamoru-chan." I informed her.

She looked at him.

"So...how was your night with Pein-sama?" I asked conversationally.

She stopped dead in her tracks, her face a furious red.

"H-how...how d-did you -- "

"Next time, you might want to clean up before you deliver a message." I patted her on the shoulder sympathetically. "It's always the hair that gives it away. And when I'm finished talking to Pein-sama, I want to know the details. All of them."

She nodded slowly, then smiled.

We resumed walking in silence.

She stopped at Pein-sama's room, and I knew she could walk with me no further.

We had to face this together, Mamoru-chan and I.

No one else but us.

"Gomen nasai." She bowed and left, going to her room.

I opened the door, and paused.

I was grasping Mamoru-chan's hand, but now it was for comfort.

He squeezed back.

I glanced at his face.

It was slightly pink.

"Don't be afraid. He won't hurt you." I promised, smiling at him.

Pein-sama, please don't turn me into a liar.

We walked into the darkness together, both of us holding onto each other's hands for life.