Deidara awoke the next morning to find himself alone. The blankets, which he remembered hadn't been needed through the night, were draped neatly over him, only bearing the back of his shoulders. His long hair was in his eyes, tangled and greasy with sweat from last night's activities.

Pushing himself up to sit with his legs tucked under him, the blond rubbed sleepily at his blue eyes. The chilled air of the bedroom touched his bare flesh and made him shiver. It hadn't been this cold at all last night. Hell, he could have cracked a window and let in the night air.

Padding across the room, Deidara headed for his bathroom and closed the door behind him, turning on the faucet in his shower. He stepped under the warm spray and sat down, letting the water drench his thick hair and cover the rest of him.

After he was sure he was clean, the terrorist stepped out of the shower and towel dried himself off. He dressed and flipped all of his hair over, rubbing it vigorously with his towel until his hair was only slightly damp. He worked a brush through it all and tied it back up, heading out of the room. Kakuzu would have woken early to read the morning paper in peace.

Deidara entered the hallway, glancing both directions as he slowly shut the door behind him, looking for anyone in the hall that would be of annoyance. It was all clear when he looked the first time, but as soon as he took a step, he stopped cold in his tracks before his nose could touch the chest of Tobi.

"Morning, Senpai!" he chirped happily, too happily for the morning.

Deidara growled a greeting, taking a step back. "Why are you so close, hm?"

"Tobi was wondering why you were watching him with Pein yesterday."

Deidara froze, his blood chilling. He took another step back. Tobi's back had been to the blond the whole time; how did he see him there? "What do you mean?" he asked stupidly.

Tobi giggled from behind his mask. "You're so cute, Senpai," he proclaimed. "That's why Tobi won't tell Kakuzu that you were kissing Sasori, as long as you don't tell on Pein and me. Konan would never forgive Pein."

Deidara blinked over and over. Tobi had been there, in the forest, when Sasori had chased Deidara down and knocked him into the river just to kiss him. "You're blackmailing me?" he asked quietly.

Tobi nodded excitedly. "You're so smart, Senpai!"

Lowering his head, Deidara dodged around Tobi and hurried away, leaving the masked man to continue walking in the opposite direction. He straightened himself out and entered the living room, peering beyond that into the dining room, where Kakuzu sat leaned back in a chair, a large newspaper in his hands.

Deidara also noticed that Pein and Konan were sitting side by side at the table, and the auburn man was staring at Deidara, warning in his rippled eyes. The blond swallowed nervously. Tobi had obviously informed Pein that the terrorist had been watching them.

Nodding in greeting to the man, Deidara tried to seem unfazed as he took a seat next to Kakuzu. The senior glanced at him and set down the paper, wrapping an arm casually around the blonde's waist and pulling him and his chair closer. Deidara smiled and leaned against his chest.

"Good to see things are back to normal," Konan said softly, admiring the couple.

Deidara watched Pein lower his head a little, but not enough for Konan to notice.

Kakuzu hugged Deidara tighter, and the blond grumbled softly until the senior eased his grip so he could breathe.

"I think a lot of things have changed," Pein said quietly. When Konan cast him a puzzled glance he shrugged. "Kakuzu and Deidara have never been so close in public," he pointed out, and Deidara felt his cheeks warm. "I believe there has been a deep change for the better."

Konan smiled broadly and snuggled against the pierced man. "That's so sweet of you," she purred.

Good cover up, Pein, Deidara thought, watching Pein kiss the top of Konan's head guiltily.

Slowly but surely, the rest of the Akatsuki left their rooms and filled the dining room table, rubbing their eyes and yawning. Konan pecked Pein's lips and stood up to go and get their prepared breakfast, and the auburn only sat for another second before rising to his feet and following her, obviously desperate to escape Deidara's stare. They returned a moment later, arms full, and set down a plate before everyone.

"Let's say grace for once," Konan said before anyone could begin to eat. She sat down and took Pein's hand to her right, and reached out to take Kisame's hand to her left. Everyone slowly and grudgingly took one another's hands until they were all connected.

Konan led them, with Pein murmuring along with her, since not many of them knew the prayer. Hidan was pouting, but his lips moved to the words of another prayer to his own god.

They concluded with a soft amen, and everyone dropped hands. But Kakuzu's grip tightened a little and he pulled Deidara close, brushing noses with him with a soft, "Whatever god is out there, I thank them for you."