Summary: A summer rain which ends a persistent heatwave has the tendency to render everyone sleepy. Kakuzu dreams while Hidan observes.[KakuzuxHidan, kakuhida]

Author's Note: Written for Kakuzu Birthday Bang 2021 on tumblr. Day 02: Free Day

Waking Dream

Hidan supposed the fact that he was quietly lying here and reading was the proof that the last bit of his common sense had finally said good-bye. Hanging out here. In Kakuzu's bedroom. On Kakuzu's bed. There were at least a hundred sensible reasons why he should stand up right now and go home. But the truth was that he didn't care anymore. Especially not right now, with a steady downpour of August rain falling against the window and a quietly sleeping Kakuzu on his right side. Kakuzu, peace and rain, it was a combination too strong to resist: The rain felt like a welcome break from the heatwave of the last two weeks.

And a sleeping Kakuzu had his good sides. Like this Hidan could look at him as long as he wanted. Kakuzu had handsome features which the serenity of sleep generously highlighted and lying on the bed like this his dark hair looked deliciously tousled. Very handsome indeed. Realizing he was blushing Hidan rubbed his hand against his face, trying to get a grip on himself. The sensation of his face feeling hot lessened but the fact remained, a sleeping Kakuzu was a sight hard to ignore. For the fact alone that sleep eased the cautious frown away from his face that Kakuzu showed so often when he was awake.

Though, Hidan had noticed that in the meanwhile this frown tended to disappear more and more often during the time when Kakuzu was awake too. The thought that he himself might be a reason for this change crossed his mind and made him shake his head in denial immediately, even though no one was here to see.

"Meow?"

Well, almost no one. At least no one who could talk about it. Kakuzu's cat had found a way into the room some time ago and had decided that right next to Hidan just had to be the perfect spot to lie down and take a nap. Not that this cat had a shortage of opportunities to take naps. Hidan turned his head, looking at the small fur ball, its coat such a deep black that he needed a moment to figure out where its ears, tail and paws were located exactly. If it hadn't been for the white spot the cat wore on its chest, making sense out of the mass of fur would have taken even longer. Becoming aware of the attention directed at itself, the cat opened its eyes.

"You're a black cat too but you have no reason to feel upset, haven't you?", Hidan whispered, addressing the cat. It really wouldn't have to. Kakuzu loved the pet and barely managed to hide that he couldn't resist spoiling it.

Apparently the cat agreed with this observation. It slowly blinked at Hidan with its yellow eyes and deciding that everything was all right, went back to sleep.

Hidan continued reading his book until he felt Kakuzu stir next to him.

With a voice heavy from sleep he started talking: "Hey. Are you still reading?"

"What? Oh yes, I've been reading."

"Which book is it this time?", Kakuzu asked, leaning up on his elbow while trying to get a look on the cover.

"At home I found this short story collection of Edgar Allen Poe I've already had forgotten about. So, I'm rereading it."

"Poe? Scary. You and your gothic stuff." Despite Kakuzu's teasing words there hadn't been any malice in the statement.

Hidan smiled. "Very scary, yes. I and my gothic stuff."

Kakuzu nodded in agreement, looking content. The light behind his eyes still flickered drowsily though. His hair was still tousled from sleep too, framing his face in an appealing manner.

Sleepy as he still was, Kakuzu's face wore a vulnerable look Hidan usually didn't get to see. Not quite like this. If it had been someone else he would have called the expression cute. Sleep had tousled Kakuzu's hair and he was still looking at Hidan, giving him his undivided attention. Unable to resist Hidan combed his fingers through the silky black mess, brushing a strand of hair away from Kakuzu's eyes. Still smiling at Hidan, Kakuzu just held still, slightly leaning into the touch. Hidan felt his blush from earlier return. All right, maybe he had no choice but to call Kakuzu cute after all.

The End