I'm sure you're all looking at your emails like 'What? This can't be right!' But it is! I am back! And only after a month! I don't know what happened either! Perhaps I'm sick or going insane, but I managed to get you a chapter in a MONTH! WOO! Though it is a bit short... I hope to compensate with a bigger and better chapter next time though... So don't kill me for that... heh...

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters

RECAP:

She was nodding along. "That sounds like a good idea." She tried to picture herself moving all of these dangerous men out of her tiny apartment. None of the outcomes looked promising. "How am I supposed to convince them to move? I already have a couple strikes against me, one more and I'm done." She hated to say such a thing, it made the situation more real. If they discovered anything fishy, she would be Zetsu's next meal. A fact that was confirmed earlier that evening.

"You'll just have to think of something, I suppose." He sounded nervous, unsure of how to address the circumstances. "You've been around them, you'll have to find a way to bring it up casually."

...

"Charlotte," Christopher said after a minute. "I need you to understand something. Something that, despite how frightening it is, you need to know." A shaky breath blew over the speaker. "This is the worst possible outcome in this situation. They are monsters who seek a purpose in their universe in which they will allow nothing to stand in their way."

A shiver ran through her body despite the heat that hung in the space she sat in. Her stomach knotted fearfully and her hands clenched. She knew it was bad, but she didn't know it was this bad. The worst, in fact. He called them monsters. Charlotte had called them many things, but 'monster' was so inhuman. What exactly had these people done?

In a tight voice, she replied, "I understand."

MISCALCULATIONS /\\\ CHAPTER EIGHT

She hadn't been sleeping well the past few days. And really, how could she?

After the discussion she had with her brother, she had too much to occupy her mind. She was confused and scared. She didn't fully understand the position she was put under. she was fearful of the people in her apartment and their capabilities. The entire concept of what they were was impossible.

She had yet to mention moving to them. The morning after the call from her brother, Itachi had confronted her on her late night chat. She managed to tell them a dramatic tale about her friend and how she had a spat with her boyfriend. Charlotte had tried explain to them how Ethan, Danika's boyfriend, was too good a guy to break up with. And as soon as she started going into detail of their relationship, everyone had pretty much ignored her.

It was smart thinking on her end, but she never wanted to be put on the spot like that again.

Currently, it was just after six in the morning. It was early. And yet, Charlotte was awake and getting dressed. This was becoming a habit. Though her body was tired, her mind was awake. The stress from her brother's proposition was slowly taking over. That, and she decided today was the day.

She pulled her faded sweatshirt over her head while taking a deep breath. She needed to calm herself. Honestly, she didn't want to an anxiety attack before even getting the chance to explain herself. Still, her chest felt tight with worry.

She left her room, and went over to her kitchenette. She put a pot of water on the stove to boil and waited. A cup of steaming tea was a must on a stressful morning like this. The calming taste of tea with the soft taste of honey was all she asked for.

Actually, what she really wanted was to sit at her table. She glanced out of the corner of her eye to peer at the four who had taken over her table. They were apparently too good to sit on the floor like some of the others. Some mornings, Charlotte would make herself coffee or tea aside her breakfast and sit at her table. In her hand would be a magazine or a short novel—never having had enough time for an epic trilogy. She missed those peaceful, private moments to herself. Personally, Charlotte liked being alone. She liked the monotonous system she had and wished it hadn't been broken.

In front of her, the water began to boil and she dropped in her tea bag. After a few minutes, she poured the contents into a mug with brightly colored stripes that displayed the opposite of what she was feeling.

With mug in hand, she walked in front of the couch and sat down. On the TV, reruns of Everyone Loves Raymond played quietly; the volume must have been turned down at some point during the night so some could sleep. Tobi, for instance, laid against the wall with his body pulled into the fetal position. Both of his hands were folded under his head as a makeshift pillow, but Charlotte doubted if he was really comfortable. Hidan appeared to be drifting in and out of sleep as he attempted to watch the show. His head nodded up and down between consciousness. However, when she had sat down, it seemed to have woken him up enough. Perhaps he was still foggy with sleep, but he didn't say a word. In fact, no one had. She supposed it may have been due to their now regular routine, but she also suspected the early hour to have some effect.

Charlotte clenched her mug with both hands. She looked over towards Pein and the woman who had hardly seemed to have moved at all in the span of four days. Pein still sat by the window, which by this time should have been glinting with the pink rays of sunrise. Splatters of raindrops raced down the glass. The gray of the clouds had become the norm since their arrival—fitting, she figured.

Her eyes scanned over his tense body. Unmoving except for the rise and fall of his even breaths. He faced away from everyone, towards the window, which she found odd though no one questioned it.

She stared down at her tea before taking a sip, the steaming liquid immediately punishing her tongue. She didn't mind, in fact, the familiar pain almost comforted her in some way. Though, she knew that the caffeine from the drink would probably make her heart beat quicken soon enough, ruining the moment.

She swallowed thickly.

"Um," her voice was meek and foreign to her. She cleared her throat. "I wanted to talk about something."

The woman, who had been sitting near Pein, though facing the room, opened her eyes. She stood and leaned over to place a hand on his shoulder, which was strange for a reason Charlotte couldn't explain until later—she hadn't seen anyone touch the man as of yet, and figured no one would willingly do so.

Her gold eyes stared at his face as she spoke with her soothing voice, "She wishes to speak with you."

His figure, which hadn't moved for seemed like days slowly stood. He didn't have any want to stretch, none of his joints popped from the tedious hours of sitting. This bothered Charlotte slightly. He turned and frowned down at her.

Once his eyes were pinned on her, she had a sense of deja vu from the first night they had met. She went still, her heart had practically stopped in fright. Her hands were going numb from holding onto her mug so tight. The heat from the ceramic was beginning to burn the soft flesh of her palm. By this point she wondered if she should have stood up to face him. She already felt beneath him, she didn't need to literally be beneath him. But she hoped her lowered form would translate to respect and humility towards his obviously superior being.

Brown eyes met with his strange ringed eyes. "I have been considering the option of moving." Her voice was soft, not audacious as she was hoping. She sounded like a child nervously asking a parent for permission.

He didn't say anything for a while which made her heart beat faster. If she was going to die, she certainly wished she would have worn a bra. As this thought passed her mind, she wondered if it was close to death moments like this that made her mind drift to such stupid topics.

"What has made you deliberate over such an action?" He finally voiced.

She shifted her body a little in order to face him completely. Her eyes lowered to the carpet where a mysterious stain marked the floor, probably put there from the previous renter. She focused on that spot rather than his face. "This apartment is too small for all of you," she offered. It was completely true. The apartment was already small, but enough for one, perhaps a couple people. But, to house eleven including herself was getting ridiculous. Her fridge was hardly able to hold the amount of food she needed per day—she was constantly needed to buy groceries. The living room/kitchen area was filled with bodies at all times. Certainly, they yearn for privacy as well.

"Also, the city cramped full of people. We could find a place in a rural area. Somewhere with less onlookers," she added praying it would tempt him.

He asked, "So you wish to move somewhere that would benefit us?" She could sense an underlying tone of doubt in his voice. He apparently did not belief she would think to wholly benefit them; she would receive benefits somehow. He was right. But, Charlotte couldn't very well tell him outright that she was going to get a full-ride in exchange.

"Yes," she answered his question simply. She continued, "Though there are some advantages for me as well. Like, I could have some extent of privacy. I wouldn't have to sit on the floor all the time. I could go outside without one of you tailing me. I wouldn't be sharing a bathroom with nine men," she only half joked on the last example. Men were truly disgusting. And she could only handle the toilet seat being left up so many times before she went on a rampage.

"Wait," Hidan spoke up now very awake. "If we can go outside, does that mean we can fucking train? Shit! " He crossed his legs and leaned back into the couch cushions happy with the prospect of a new home. "If that's the case, I'm on her side."

Charlotte was surprised, not because of Hidan's reason, but because he had agreed with her. Typically, he was at odds with her about everything. However, this meant she doubted her proposal. If Hidan liked it, was it really such a good idea? What exactly did he mean by 'training'?

"I'm so sure-"

"I'm with Hidan on this," Deidara interrupted behind her. "If moving means we can train, I think we should take the chance. It's better than staying in this crappy apartment and letting our skills go to shit, hm."

"Can we trust her intentions?" The couch blocked her view, but she recognized the voice of the burly, masked man. In her head, she could see his eyes, permanently crinkled with hate and anger, narrow in suspicion.

"Who gives a fuck if it's a trap!" Hidan howled in frustration. "We could take on any sort of attack, and by this point, I'm itching to slice some bitch open."

A moan disrupted the argument as Tobi sat up sleepily. He rubbed his mask where his eyes would be. "I would like to see some new places in this world." His voice lacked its usual enthusiasm and was replaced with torpor. He wasn't completely awake yet.

"It is not safe," The woman voiced softly, worry laced in her expression. "There may still be clues here as to how we were transported."

"Are there?" Kisame questioned. "We have searched and come up dry." His lips were turned down in annoyance. "This place seems to have been random." Charlotte only wished it had been random. Maybe then she wouldn't have felt so dumped on. Accidentally landing ten murderers in your apartment was one thing. Purposely doing so was practically a crime.

She was shocked that so many were voicing their opinions. When she had imagined this conversation, she originally figured it would be between her and Pein. Now that she thought about it however, it does concern everyone. And after being imprisoned in her tiny apartment for so long, surely they would all have something to say. Mostly, it looked as though they were agreeing with her.

"If we move," Charlotte heard the red head begin, "It would mean we are discarding any shelter we assume we have. Of course, we can all agree that if we were to be lead into a trap, we could easily dispel any enemy while we are together," She could only wonder what kind of emotion he held in his tan eyes, his voice didn't give anything away. "It is just a matter of weather we see our security worth destroying for what we are told is a comfortable lifestyle."

The room went silent as everyone thought over his words. Pein was still watching her which made her tense when she realized. She could only wonder what he was looking for.

"I believe that if it is a trap or not, it would turn out to our advantage," Itachi said his statement completely taking Charlotte off guard and probably everyone else. "If it's not a trap, then we gain a better equipped refuge. If it is an ambush, then we don't have to wait any longer for the enemy to reveal themselves."

Charlotte was astonished by his strategic method of processing the situation. She knew they were murders, but the way he spoke, they sounded organized. They seemed more like assassins or mercenaries.

She returned her gaze to Pein who had finally taken his harsh gaze off of her to think. Behind him, the woman's eyes were pinned to the back of head in a silent plea. It looked as though she wanted to say something, but refused to speak her thoughts.

"We will take refuge somewhere else," Pein announced bringing satisfied expression about the room. He turned to look once again at Charlotte. "If there is treachery, all those who oppose us will be put to death."

Hidan cheered in response to his last declaration, cheerful that he may get the chance to spill blood. Charlotte, though she had gotten what she had wanted, did not applaud her win. His ringed eyes still weighed on her as she swallowed thickly. He was giving her warning. And though no ambush was planned for their moving day, was she still considered a traitor? She was lying to them. She now knew the truth, but kept it from them out of payment, but most of all, out of fear. When they found out, would they allow her time to explain, or would they sentence her death without listening to her?

/\\\

The rest of the day had gone by fast and soon it was time to go to work. Once again she was to work at the restaurant which meant Deidara had to come along. He was quite talkative on the way there. Over the past few days, Deidara was the one who had seemed to have warmed up to her the most. He didn't mind carrying a conversation with her, but this didn't mean he didn't get angry with her. On the contrary, he was having more hissy fits than before. Which was fine—Charlotte hardly cared what he did.

When they got to the hotel, she grabbed the folding chair that was leaning on the wall and gestured for him to sit. Tonight she was to wait tables. Deidara was very hesitant at first. If she was waiting and he had to sit in the kitchen, he wouldn't have his eyes on her at all times.

She had to assure him that he would be able to see her every second. She sat him in the back of the kitchen, angled so he could see out of the kitchen doors and through to the seating area. While the rush came in, the doors would constantly be swinging in and out giving him a visual. Grudgingly, he agreed, but not without a threat of exterminating everyone in the vicinity if he had to chase her down.

Charlotte shrugged off the threat. After receiving threats multiple times a day, it had become something of habit for her. Now, the only time they affected her was when Pein said it.

After she took care of Deidara's sitting arrangement, Charlotte when to the office to talk to her boss about quitting. It was a quick ordeal. Her last two weeks were set, and when asked why, she told him she was moving closer to family. Within the next couple of hours, Jason would catch wind of the news, and from there, everyone will have heard about it. Charlotte expected to get chewed by Rhonda by the end of her shift.

The evening rush hour came and Charlotte was too busy to worry about Rhonda or anyone else. It had been a while since she had last waited tables because of her bruises. The handprint on her neck was now gone. The scab over her eye had finally healed and all that was left she could cover with makeup. She was glad to get out of the steam-filled dish room. Needless to say, her skills out in the dining room had been a little rusty at first. But, after doing this job for many years, she got back in the groove.

Charlotte had been assigned three tables near the kitchen. She had requested these so that Deidara would be able to see her. She didn't want him to get antsy by her absence and burst out into the dining room. She wouldn't get her last two weeks at all if that were to happen.

The rush was going fine. Menus were handed out. Glasses were filled. Orders were being taken out. That is, orders that were ready. Because of the amount of people, the kitchen was slow on the orders, something Charlotte apologized to the guests for. The chefs were frustrated with the passive pace and no one was above yelling at each other. This happened often, but it only lasted during the meal. Everyone was typically on good terms with each other unless someone was purposefully trying to be a prick.

Still, it was amusing to watch Deidara being distracted by their bickering. Every once in a while, Charlotte was able to catch a glimpse of him. Usually, he was staring at her, watching excessively since she was disappearing and reappearing from his eyesight. However, every once in a while, she caught him observing the other workers. She thought he would be shocked or repulsed at their blatant abuse towards each other, but he was only entertained by the sight. Perhaps it reminded him of his own so called coworkers.

Because of the wait on orders, Charlotte had a hand full of costumers that were impatient. Only one was remarkable unbearable. He constantly asked about the status of their order and complained loudly about his waiting. Obviously the tip he left for her was hardly worth dealing with his manner, which was to be expected.

By the time the tables were washed and chairs were up, it was past twelve. Most everyone left immediately having plans already made for the evening, whether they be rendezvous or dreams.

Honestly, Charlotte thought she had gotten off the hook when she finally returned to the kitchen after her fellow workers had left. Her hopes were crushed when she saw Rhonda leaning beside the time clock conversing with Deidara. She wouldn't let her off so easy.

"There's the girl now," Rhonda huffed sourly. "I hear you're planning on running away." Her faded blond hair was poking out from the hard work she had displayed earlier that evening. There were bags under her eyes that made them look even more hollow. The few lights that were left on did nothing for the wrinkles on her skin.

Not that Charlotte looked any better. She could already tell her loose ponytail was slipping. Loose tufts of hair tickled her ears and neck. She could practically feel her eye liner smeared under her eyes.

Her shoulders slumped at the sight of the female chef. "So Jason ratted me out?" She shuffled her way over to her in order to clock out.

"Sure did," she sniffed. "The geezer knows to come to me first when something this important comes up." Rhonda was grabbing her coat from the coat hangers. "He told me you were moving."

"I don't really think news of me moving is important," Charlotte shrugged grabbing her purse and umbrella. She had seen the mist outside form big drops as the night passed. She wasn't about to risk her hair and allow it to frizz. If she did that, she would never get her ponytail out. At least not without a struggle.

"Of course it's important, you damn idiot!" Rhonda bellowed as the three, Deidara followed silently, went through the back and into the elevators. "You are moving. That means I won't see you again," the older woman's face was contorted into a scowl. "And besides that, I heard the reason you gave for moving." Her eyes roamed Charlotte's face suspiciously as the elevator doors closed. "You and I both know it's bullshit."

Charlotte shrugged her shoulders knowing she was caught. She wouldn't give up her answers so easily.

Rhonda pursed her lips at her stubbornness. "I was trying to get some answers from your friend, Dei, here. He's about as tight lipped as you."

"That's right," she said counting the floors in her head as they went. Four, three, two, one... The doors slide open and they stepped out. Through the back hallways they went while Rhonda stayed quiet in stewing thought. Once they exited the hotel and out into the rain, she wasn't quiet any longer.

"You know what I think?" Rhonda asked.

"What do you think?" Charlotte responded, humoring the blond. She shook her umbrella open and allowed Deidara to find shelter by her side. Rhonda also pulled out an umbrella and put it above her as she turned to look back at the two.

"I think your moving has something to do with him."

"Him?" Charlotte blanched. "Why him?" They stalled for a moment due to this declaration.

"Because right after you meet him you suddenly have the desire to 'move near family'?" she rolled her eyes. "Yeah right! You can't stand your family, you wouldn't move back with them until hell froze over. No, you're planning something with this boy."

Charlotte didn't miss the way Deidara was looking at her. She could feel his eyes on her wondering what she would say next. Instead, she moved to walk past Rhonda with Deidara in tow towards the direction of the car garage. Rhonda would be taking the subway, but the garage was on her way. "You're being ridiculous," Charlotte said turning the corner, Rhonda not far behind. "Your soaps are clouding your mind once again."

She sputtered. "Just tell me what you actually plan to do. Run away together to Los Vegas? Get drunk and get married? Make passionate love with no care in the world?"

It was Charlotte's turn to stammer. This caused her to loose focus in her footing and she stepped in a deep puddle. "Have you no shame, woman? You're talking nonsense!" Charlotte yelled her face turning red with embarrassment and anger. Her pant leg was soaked up her calf and she managed to get her sock as well. "I would never do something like that, let alone with him."

Rhonda laughed wholeheartedly. "I like to watch you squirm," she said brazenly. "You're too innocent for your own good, you know. And I certainly hope Dei is taking care of that for you."

Deciding to try and ignore her insinuations, Charlotte instead asked, "Why are you calling him Dei?"

she had expected Rhonda to answer, but was surprised to hear Deidara speak up. He had been quiet for the entirety of the conversation until now. "She said my name was too weird to remember. So she's calling me by the only part she remembers, hm."

"Yeah," Rhonda chided. "It's easier now. But what good is it to give him a nick name if you two are going to move away from me?" They were close to the garage now. It was just at the end of the street, it's hazy lights glowing from each level.

"I will try to visit," Charlotte comforted, though knowing full well that it was a lie. She couldn't visit with such a hazardous crew surrounding her. And to be honest, she wasn't all that good at keeping contact with people anyway.

"Sure you will," Rhonda nodded sardonically. She apparently could also tell she was lying. "You two will be too busy to keep in touch with an old woman like me." They turned off the main sidewalk to enter the garage. Rhonda joined them as it seemed she was making the full journey to her car. "You just remember to send a picture when you have a kid together."

Charlotte didn't spare a heated glare in her direction. "Or not." She spotted her car across the lot under a flickering light fixture.

"We should spend some time together will you're still around though," Rhonda smirked. "Like maybe go to a bar and get trashed together. That'll leave you with some memories."

Laughing nervously, Charlotte shook her head at the suggestion. "I really don't think I'm going to have the time or money for it since I'm moving soon. A lot of packing to do. And those moving trucks don't drive themselves."

"Oh come on," Rhonda smacked her back and placed a hand on Deidara's shoulder. This caused him to send a withering look at Charlotte. "We could even just hang out at my apartment. Don't you want to have a couple of drinks, Dei? You look like someone I want to challenge to a shots drinking game."

Deidara actually looked interested in the prospect of getting completely drunk. This was probably due to the lack of entertainment in her apartment. Getting wasted with an almost stranger had to be better than doing nothing, even if it meant puking your guts out later on. But Charlotte shot down the offer. "Deidara's not old enough to drink."

A low chortle erupted from the woman. They had finally reached her car but made no move to get inside. When Rhonda finished laughing, she said, "Really, you expect me to take an excuse like that? I started drinking long before drinking age. Hell, instead of breast feeding, I was sucking on a bottle of Bacardi Gold."

Giving her a weak smile, Charlotte responded, "We'll have to see what comes up in my schedule." She knew very well that there was no way she was going to get drunk with Rhonda. She had gotten trashed once, and once was enough.

"Whatever," Rhonda pouted at her. She pulled a pack out of her coat pocket and popped a cigarette between her teeth. She lit her lighter. "You just heading home now I suppose?"

"Yeah," Charlotte practically yawned at the thought. She watched smoke exit her nostrils. "I have a date with my bed tonight."

Nodding in agreement, Rhonda stashed her lighter. "An invitation extending towards Dei here as well, I should think." She chuckled at the sight of Charlotte's face heating up. "And if that blush has anything to say about it, I think I'm on the right path."

"I am not blushing," Charlotte resisted stubbornly. "I'm just mad at you." she unlocked her car and threw her purse inside.

"Uh-huh," Rhonda cooed. "I'll see you later." She waved goodbye to Deidara. "And you better take good care of that girl, you hear? If anything bad happens, I'll be talking to you."

"Sure, hm," He smirked before opening his door and getting in.

Charlotte followed suit as she watched Rhonda's figure turn and head towards the garage exit. She sighed. Honestly, she loved that woman to death, but she could only take so much of her at a time. She turned to face Deidara who was already looking at her. His blue eyes was sparkling with humor and his grin was stretched to his ears. Her lips screwed, eyes narrowed, unimpressed with his glee. "You should wipe that smile off your face. It's not very becoming."

"Why?" He asked impishly. "You should be glad I'm happy. It means I'm in a good mood, hm." He leaned back in his seat satisfied with himself. "Besides, I'd like to see you try to wipe this smile off."

Charlotte detected his mischievous aura and wondered if it was from his very good mood. Either way, she decided not to give him any more reasons to be happy and goad him. She turned the key and her car roared to life. In twenty minutes, they were back in her apartment. She didn't waste any time and went straight for her bedroom. After sending a quick text to her brother about the Akatsuki's agreement to move, she went to sleep.

As tired as she was, she slept soundly through the night feeling slightly reassured that her brother's plan was set into motion.

/\\\

I am so tired, it's not even funny. I'm writing about Charlotte sleeping so well, and I just want to do the same. But I'm not. Because I was so close to finishing this chapter. I have to say, the plot is moving, but this was an incredibly short, short chapter. I just didn't have much to really put in here that was important after the akatsuki discussion (did you like how I got like, everyone to talk and give their opinions? High five, me!)

Next chapter I'm diving straight into the move. I don't exactly have it all planned out or what all will happen, but I guess I'll see once I start typing c:

Question: How do you picture Charlotte?

Like seriously? What do you think she looks like? O.o I don't like to give an introductory paragraph in the first or second chapter describing what she looks like. I find it annoying... somewhat marysue, but I don't know why... Anyway, the way I describe my ocs, I like to drop hints almost in what their appearance is. I could tell you, but I don't want to ruin your opinion. Because I do actually know what she looks like. I may just tell you guys next chapter... But I'm very interested!

Also, if any of you have noticed, it's getting close to holiday time :D Which means Christmas is coming, and do you know what I want? What I've always wanted? Well, it's actually the reason I am asking this question—fanart o.o I've always wanted fanart... So if any of you lovelies are artists, I would love you forever.

On another note... I'M CHEATING ON THIS FANFIC WITH ANOTHER! D': I have started to write an Avatar: The Last Airbender fanfic. I've already started one on this site, but it was a horrible idea. Recently, my creative juices have been running rampant for this fanfic. Like, you have no idea what I have in store. It's going to be so freaking awesome. I'm so excited. But I promise I won't forget this story, it's my first successful fanfic ever and I would never abandon it :c But I will be working on Valiant on the side. I don't know if I'll publish it as soon as I finished the first chapter or not. Do you think I should?

Review Responses:

angelmraven: Haha! It was no mistake, I guess it was just the perfect time to update stories. It always seems to happen that way... And thank you! I'm always glad to hear that I keep everyone in character, it is a goal of mine! And I'm SO glad you enjoyed the call from her brother. Honestly, I was a bit worried about everyone's reaction... So I thank you dearly for your response and your opinions c:

Thomas Drovin: Oh my gosh. Let me just tell you... THANK YOU! For all the reviews and kind words! you make me gush! :D Truly, you are the most amazing. As you can see, I got right to the point in having Charlotte confront the Akatsuki about moving. I'm so ready to get the plot moving, it's ridiculous. I really hope you thoroughly enjoyed this chapter, and I'm happy you're on board with me as I write this c: the encouragement is greater than you know!

Tanglepelt: Awe! D: I'm sorry to hear you were having a blegh day! Those are so the worst :/ But I'm glad to see that my update made you happy. And look! You'll be happy again to see how soon I'm updating again! c: And you don't have to worry about getting to know Christopher more! He is going to become a huge part of this story. Am just as excited as you are actually XD Thank you for the review!

Well, my head is spinning because I'm so tired, but oh well! The joys of being an author! Hope you all enjoyed this chapter! :D