Akatsuki Oneshots (Based on A Taster of Modern Living and Akatsuki's Shadow)

Happy Birthday

It's his birthday today so I felt some inspiration for our favourite old boy Kuzu!

*****

"I'm telling you, he doesn't celebrate"

"He should!"

"None of us celebrate ours, hm"

"Well then, we'll just have to change that now that I'm here! Now, go do your job please" You pushed Deidara lightly towards the hallway and out of the kitchen.

Deidara scowled, "Why me?! Hm"

"Because if it's not you then it's me. And as much as I'd love to have a day out with Tobi to keep him away, I'm sure Kakuzu would rather me than you"

"Hm. Point taken.." he sulked. Heading through to your room, he called out "Come on Idiot, let's go. Hm"

"Where are we going, Senpai?" Tobi said curiously, poking his head out of the fort.

"I got us tickets to the theme park, hm" his voice was bland and forced as if the energy and life drained from him just thinking about what he's going to be deal with for the rest of the day. Tobi left no time to waste as he ran out of the house with Deidara's wrist tightly squeezed in his hand, "HURRY UP SENPAI, WE DON'T WANT TO GET CAUGHT UP IN THE QUEUES!!!"

Itachi faintly chortled under his breath whilst he arranged the food onto the plate, "You thought ahead. Dare I ask how you got Hidan out of the house?"

You bit the inside of your cheek, feeling faintly guilty for your master plan, "I managed to design a leaflet all about Jashin, saying there's a temple of worship a few hours away. By the time he realises it was fake the day will be over. Kakuzu can have some peace a quiet for his special day"

Itachi sweat dropped lightly, "And what about when he comes back?"

You went to the fridge and showed him a massive package wrapped in brown paper, "The way to forgiveness is through a man's stomach, don't you agree?" you snickered unveiling a ridiculous amount of ribs for one person to eat.

He smirked, passing you the tray of food, "Very clever"

"Thank you" you beamed a toothy smile and headed for the spare room door. You knocked on the door and let yourself in. Kakuzu was awake, reading. He looked up at you and then at what's in your hands, an eyebrow raised. "What's this?"

You leant on the bed as you passed him the tray, "Happy Birthday Kakuzu~" you cooed out gently with a grin that amused him.

".. Is it my birthday?" He took the tray.

You pouted, "Yes! Itachi told me. I can't believe you forgot your own birthday"

He shrugged, "It's just a day." Regardless of his uncaring words for his own birthday, he gave you a nod and small smile of appreciation about the food.

"Well now that you're staying with me, we're celebrating."

He looked at your with twisted features, "We'- - -"

"My plans don't involve money so don't worry! I know you well enough Kuzu~"

He chuckled fondly at you. "Go on. I know you're the reason Hidan tiptoed out of here this morning. How'd you do it?"

You sat cross legged at the end of the bed explaining everything, including how Deidara and Tobi are out of the house. You also mentioned that you persuaded Zetsu to follow Hidan in order to make sure that he takes his time coming back. You managed to hear genuine laughter from Kakuzu. Even though it was quiet, it didn't matter. You loved making this guy smile or laugh. It felt like a big accomplishment.

**

The day went on and everyone stayed out of Kakuzu's way, giving him the peace he had always wanted. Suddenly the doorbell rang and you never sprinted so fast through the house. You opened the door with glee and then rushed to Kakuzu's side. You held out the parcel at arm's length, "Happy Birthdaaaaay~"

"You've already said that today"

"I know, but here's your present!" You smiled widely. Though he only looked at you confused, "I don't need one"

"But I wanted to get you one! Come on, open it" you whined nudging the package closer to him. As soon as he pulled away the wrapping, he smiled widely. It was an incredibly old and rare book you caught him eyeing up in a store front a while ago. "You remembered"

"Of course" You smiled warmly.

It didn't take long for him to immediately start reading it. You were so proud of yourself to make this man happy. It was then you caught a glimpse of Kisame walking through the door with Itachi. You scurried off with them towards the kitchen. Kisame managed to successfully catch the monkfish you requested. You specifically asked him to catch it, not buy it for Kakuzu's benefit. It is his birthday after all. Itachi got straight to preparing his favourite meal. You thanked them for their input and help.

When evening rolled round the corner, everything was ready and prepared. The boys left over in the house said their Happy Birthdays to Kakuzu. He looked up, nodding in gratitude but also looking skeptic. He simply put it down to you telling them to do so. Sasori walked in, nodding to you that his work was done. You clapped excitedly. "Kakuzu you fancy going out for a bit?"

He shrugged, getting up from the sofa, "Sure."

Itachi passed you the bag he prepared, wishing you a safe trip. You had a skip in your step and was power walking so fast, constantly looking back for Kakuzu to catch up. He was awfully suspicious of you and asked, "What's going on?"

"Nothing~"

"Then what's in the bag?"

"Nothing~"

He sighed, knowing you're as stubborn as him and wouldn't say anything. But he hated surprises. That was until you got to the secret lake you all visited right at the beginning of it all. He squinted and looked down at the water where you were headed, "What is that?"

You only responded with a giggle whilst running down excitedly, "Come on Kakuzu!"
He followed until you two hit the edge of the water at the bottom. "That's Sasori's work, isn't it?" he questioned.

You only smiled up at him, he could see how proud you were and reciprocated the smile back, only shorter than yours.

You pointed out towards the creation, "I asked Sasori make you this cool floating island to relax on. It was the best place I could think of with no human interaction, no light pollution so you had all the stars above you and look, Kisame caught you dinner and Itachi prepared it!" You pulled out the bento box in the bag and then the Sake you bought a while back, making sure to ask the others to help you find the most suitable one for Kakuzu's taste. He looked down at them and then at the island, almost bewildered with all this attention and thought you put into everything, especially with managing to get some of them to cooperate. You even knew to keep the loud ones at bay for his sake.

He was almost speechless, not sure how to react or show his appreciation. You could see it in his face as he looked out towards Sasori's creation once again and almost predicted what he was thinking, "Its okay. You don't have to say anything."

He turned to you, then looked down at the food and drink in your hands, "You don't plan on leaving me to drink alone, do you?"

You were surprised at his almost request for you to join but nevertheless, you smiled widely, "I'll happily join you, Kakuzu."

Unlike the bodies he flings over his shoulders he picked you up gently, taking the others gifts in hand and walked on water to the wooden creation. After placing you down safely, he looked in the bag to get everything out. He read a piece of paper and chortled. It caught your attention so he decided to read it out loud for you, "He's not going to let you leave him to enjoy this alone. I made you something to eat as well. - Itachi"

You erupted into a loud cheerful laughter at how Itachi predicted this outcome. "Remind me to thank him" you said pouring out your drinks.
"No, it should be me. I'll do it tomorrow"

The two of you sat and enjoyed one another's company. You clinked cups before taking down your first sip of sake, "Happy Birthday Kakuzu" An arm wrapped around your shoulder and you leaned in with your head against his chest. "Thank you, for everything."