Cold. And dark. Hidan was unsure of how much time had passed, but it seemed like a lifetime ago since the earth collapsed on him. That Nara kid had tricked him. Hidan thought he had finished the boy, but instead he reaped one of five of his Kakuzu's hearts. Then Hidan had been wrapped in layers of paper bombs and blown to bits. The boys remark constantly replayed in his mind. "...And that stupid Lord Jashin isn't your god anymore; I am. And I'm passing judgment on to you!" Hidan scowled as the words rand through his mind. But now, being stuck down here like this, Hidan didn't really know what to believe. Jashin-sama hadn't come yet, and Hidan was questioning if his Lord ever would. Of course he will! Lord Jashin shall rescue all his children, so long as they have not betrayed their Father. Hidan recalled the canto of rescue from the Jashinist Bible. But when would his Savior arrive?
The cold earth choked him, and he feared what dwelled in its depths. What if the insects ate at his severed limbs, and sought refuge in his hollow bones after they devoured his marrow? The thought terrified him. He felt as though his lord had abandoned him. He lost count of how many prayers he said, and he knew he was losing it. Hidan frequently thought of his partner. The merciless miser was fighting a group of Konoha shinobi. Many questions swarmed Hidan's mind. Did you die? No, you were too strong for that. Did you abandon me for a new partner? Probably, I know you hated me, but did you have to leave me to rot?
Now he was hearing voices. Kakuzu's voice, to be exact. Hidan knew he was rowing more delirious with each passing minute. He hoped that Kakuzu was there, trying to rescue him, rather than this being some cruel mirage formed by his own delusional prayers. Still, Hidan clung to the shred of faith he still had and uttered his final prayer. Let this not be an illusion, he silently begged, not speaking because he knew the rank earth would cascade into his already dry mouth. And if this is a product of my mind, please let death come swiftly.
And so he waited, not sure if his comrade was up above and trying to reach him or he just wanted to believe the stitched nin would save him. Kakuzu could be a greedy prick sometimes, but Hidan liked being around him. Even though he risked getting his ass kicked, Hidan always teased his comrade. Not just cause it was amusing, but actually having someone to say that to was a comfort to Hidan because it meant he wasn't alone. Kakuzu was dark and mysterious, and he head piqued Hidan's interest. And, deep down, Hidan yearned to have a serious talk with Kakuzu; not just the usual insults or whines, but to actually talk with him, especially now.
Ever since the two shinobi first met, the same feeling struck Hidan no matter how much he denied it. All the words he never said and all the things he wanted to do haunted him. It was killing him, but no in this moment of torture, only three words were clear to him. "Kakuzu," he whispered. "I love you."