1zara-uchiha1 and I don't own the Naruto cast or anything else you might recognize. 1zara-uchiha1 owns Laura and I own Kahlan. Together we own the plot.

Chapter 79

Note: When you want to throw a surprise birthday party, ask for the Akatsuki.

~Kahlan's POV

My hands never leave my mouth as I stare at the guitar. I want to reach out and touch it, but I'm just slightly scared this could be a really sick joke. That can't be the case though because…well from what little I do know of Itachi he just doesn't seem like that. I'm a bit suspicious but then yet again he and Sasuke got gifts for everyone so there is nothing to be suspicious about. So, I open that door inside and let happiness stroll right in.

My eyes slightly burn and I bring my hands down. With a smile I go to speak but the words get caught in my throat. I want to convey how happy and grateful I am, but all the words stumbling around in my head just don't seem good enough. So I take a page out of Laura's book and give Itachi a bone crushing hug…well probably not bone crushing for him lucky ninja.

"The fuck," I hear Hidan say.

"Kahlan-san has been acting weird all day," Tobi replies.

"She's just really happy," Laura defends.

Pulling away I give Itachi a huge rare smile. I then proceed to take the guitar and hold it close to me. That's when I start squealing and jumping up and down holding the amazing guitar in my arms. I can almost say I can die happy, but I have goals to accomplish and things to do that I don't have the time to die happy…at least not yet.

"Damn Snow Cone it's just a guitar," John says.

Turning to Laura's brother I give him a dark withering glare. "It is not just a guitar. It is my new precious baby that will be used for my music. And if you call me that name again I am not at any liability when I break your nose."

"Calm down now, no need to get violent," Kisame says with a grin. I glare at him and then stick my tongue out. Ah, now I see why Laura likes doing that it's actually kind of fun.

"She should break his nose," Laura says.

"See I have back up," I say with a triumphant grin as I once again hold the guitar close. Turning back to Itachi I place the guitar in its case, close it then place it over my shoulder. I remove the smile for a moment, and since I've decided to change a bit I'm willing to say something out loud. So with the smile back on my face I say, "You're not so bad after all. And thank you to contributing to the cause."

I give him another hug and then rush over to Laura and hug her. Today has been a really great day and nothing can ruin it. Nothing better ruin it either or someone will end up with a broken nose.

Laura hugs back and I grin at her. "This is a great day."

"And now this day is coming to an end," Leader says. "We should head home now."

"Okay," I reply still smiling as I stop hugging Laura and shrug.

"Deidara," Laura says in a sing-song voice,

"What, hmm?"

Before he can turn around she grins and jumps onto his back. "Give me a piggyback pretty please with…pocky on top."

"Fine, un."

We begin our long journey back home. I was near the verge of skipping I was so happy, but didn't want to look stupid. I stayed near Laura and chatted away about how the anime convention was lots of fun and that we should do it again next year. She agreed and we decided we'll save up some money slowly until the next time we get to go.

"We're fucking back," Hidan says as he barges into the house, letting the door hit the wall.

"That was unnecessary," my mother says walking out to greet us. "But welcome back."

"I hope you all had a fun trip," father says coming to greet us as well. "I've ordered Chinese if anyone wants any. They should be here shortly."

"Fuck yeah," Hidan says. "I'm fucking starving."

"We brought gifts," Laura says. "Well the Uchiha brothers brought gifts."

For a split moment my mother looks shock before regaining composer. She gives a very small smile and says, "That was kind of the two of you."

"Hn," Sasuke replies as he goes to hand the gifts over to my mother and father.

Seeing the gifts she got she gave both brothers another small smile and thank them. My father look very interested in his gift and as thanks he shook their hands. Sasuke had look taken back but went with it.

"Well while we're waiting for the food to show up," Mr. Wilson starts to say. "We can watch the videos of the talent show."

"What talent show," father asks.

Mrs. Wilson explains and we all head to the living room. Before the videos can be started there's a knock on the door. My father is the one to answer it and a few minutes later comes back with food. We spend five minutes passing it around then get comfortable in our seats as Mr. Wilson plays the videos. The only one who doesn't stay is John; he goes to the room he's staying in for whatever reason.

We watch the videos all the way to the end. It was a little weird seeing myself on stage singing. I seriously can't believe I won. I really thought I would win like third place or below. For Sasuke and Itachi to win first place well I think that part was a bit unfair for the other contestants but hey when dealing with ninjas a normal person won't ever win.

"The four of you did excellent," my father comments.

"Thanks," Laura beams.

Sasuke gives an Hn and Itachi nods. I grin in reply, happy to hear praise something I've always wanted to hear from him. Mother however does not say a word, but that is fine with me. A lot of good things happen today I don't think I need to be pushing my luck. So, I stand up still holding the guitar I wish everyone goodnight and head to bed. In my room I place my guitar where I can see it every time I go to sleep and when I wake up. I pull Rellik close to me and snuggle close to him. My eyes close with a blissful smile I fall to sleep.

From all the excitement of the past two days and sleeping in a place that isn't my own bed, I was able to sleep in. I sleep in until about ten…thirty-ish. Humming, I went about my morning routine and head downstairs.

I look into the living room to see my mother on the couch with one of the books the Uchiha got her. It's weird to have her over for so long; I'm so used to her staying for at least two hours then leaving. Must be the unwanted company I keep in my house with the exception of Laura. And in the corner is Kakuzu counting money. Man, I hope he's taking care of the bills I really don't want to deal with any of that.

Hmm, maybe I should look into having solar power since we are living in the Sunshine state. Plus, I don't have to worry about paying any electric bill and the nearby electric company will be sending me some money, which I don't really understand why they do that, but hey that's money I'm saving and earning. To get that installed though would be expensive and I don't wanna ask my parents for any money. There is also the fact that hopefully, the Akatsuki somehow end up back where they belong and Laura and I can do back to living in our apartment where the only bills we pay are rent, phone and internet.

With a shrug, I make my way to the kitchen picking back up on humming. On my way there I see Mr. Wilson and John at the table eating. Deidara is engaged in some sort of subject with Sasori and Mrs. Wilson. I wave to them as I enter the kitchen.

In the kitchen I make me toast with peach jam. I'm getting this annoying feeling as if I have forgotten something. It can't be the fact this is the last day our families will be staying because I obviously remember that. It's important but…oh well it will come to me whenever it feels like it, so I head to check out the backyard.

Outside I see Sasuke and Laura training with combat stuff. I really need to push myself hard once I start training again. Leader and Konan are watching by. And not too far away Kisame and Itachi are having their own little training session. Hidan must still be asleep, no shocker there. As for Tobi, well I don't keep tabs on him so I don't care. Zetsu…he's wherever it is he goes. Damn where does he go I hardly ever see him, not that it matters that is actually a good thing…I think.

"Do you think that is actually safe," I ask taking the last bite of toast.

"As long as they don't use their jutsu they are perfectly fine," Leader replies sparing me a quick glance.

"Okay," I say with a shrug. Not because I don't care but, I am really enjoying this relaxing time of not worrying about anything. "Does anyone know where my father is?"

"He had left to run an errand I believe," Konan replies.

With a shrug I head back into the house. I head to the fridge and pull out a bottle of sprite. Closing the fridge I get this feeling to look at the calendar and so I do. For a moment I just stare at it sipping my soda. Then it hits me so hard I feel like a horrible friend. Today is June second, Laura's eighteenth birthday.

"Mr. Wilson," I call out rushing into the dining room bringing a stop to all conversation. "Mrs. Wilson as well can you along with John take Laura out for a little while please." I would have begged with puppy eyes but…that is Laura's specialty.

Mr. Wilson grins and replies, "I don't see why not."

"It will be nice to spend some family time alone with one another," Mrs. Wilson replies with a smile.

"Do I really have to go," John asks annoyed.

"Yes, otherwise you will be dealing with a very strict and commanding me."

"Whatever Snow Cone," he replies waving his hand away. My eyes narrow dangerously as I stand up straighter.

"Kahlan," I almost snarl out. "K-A-H-L-A-N that is my name; not Snow Cone, Cotton-top, Snowball, Peter Cottontail or any other horrible nickname you can think of. "

"Okay," he says with an uncaring grin holding up his hands. I glare even more. It is people like him that caused me to dye my hair black-violet. I can re-dye my hair to that color, but I actually like my natural hair color.

"John go get ready," Mr. Wilson says as he stand up. "We will leave shortly."

"Okay," I reply giving a smile. "I'll go get Laura."

With that said I rush out to the large back yard. Nothing has changed since I've been gone and I can't say I'm surprised. I make my way over to Leader and Konan.

"Could you please stop Laura's training for the day," I ask politely with a shitload of respect in my voice. At this moment of time I will actually get down on my knees to beg if I have to.

"Why," Leader asks.

"Besides the fact that her family would like to spend time with her alone, we need to get the house ready."

"For what," he asks not liking that I ended my explanation.

"Today is Laura's eighteenth birthday and I would like to throw a party for her. After all you only turn eighteen once."

"She can't celebrate it with her family," he asks and I almost feel like glaring at him.

"Leader," I say with a pleading tone. "Please, I really want to throw a party for her."

"She can do that with her family." Damn the Leader is stubborn but I am as well.

"In exchange for throwing a party for her I am willing to train from the crack of dawn until whatever time you choose for me to stop." Leader looks at me but doesn't reply. Hopefully he's thinking my words through. Grinding my teeth together, I stomp down my pride and get down on my knees. "Please."

"Very well then, just before the sun rises you are to eat breakfast that way at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning and until I say so, you will be training until ten at night. There will be no complaining and the only break you will get is lunch. That is the deal."

"I accept," I say not caring about any of the consequences and stand up.

He nods then turns back to look over at Laura and Sasuke. "That is enough," he calls out. "Training is done for the rest of the day. Laura, you are to get change and meet up with your parents. Everyone else is to meet me in the living room."

"What's going on," Laura asks with a pout. "I want to continue my ninja training."

"Don't worry about it," I say with a smile. "Just go see what your family wants. I'll meet up with you later."

She gives a confuse pout causing me to chuckle. I give her a quick hug then give her a small nudge towards the house. All of us head inside. Once in Kisame is the one to inform everyone that we will meet in the living room while Laura goes to get change. I wait for her to leave with her family before heading to the living room.

"What the fuck is this all about?"

"Tobi wants to know why Laura and her family are not here."

Leader looks over at me and I know he wants me to explain the situation. Shocker, he's the Leader so I thought he would like to fulfill that role up to the very end. Oh, well I'm not going to complain.

"Today is June second, Laura's eighteenth birthday. Her parents and brother left with Laura and will have her for a few hours. During that time, we are to prepare the house for her party."

"Fuck yeah, fucking party time."

"Oh Tobi love parties what can Tobi do?"

"What will we be able to do about presents," Sasori asks. "This is a late notice."

"I think everyone should go out in a group of two in disguises to get gifts if they want, but for now that doesn't matter we must decorate the house."

"With what," Sasuke asks.

"It will be a while before your father returns," mother says. "I can go out and get the decorations."

I look at her for a moment then shrug my shoulders as I say," I'm sure…." I trail off trying to remember the name Leader use to call himself. "Pein can assign someone to help you with the shopping."

"I'll go with, yeah."

"Very well since you've volunteer yourself than you can go with Dr. Ward," Leader says.

From that point on I instructed what it was that will have to be done for this party. Deidara also volunteer to use his art at night for the party. I wasn't so sure about that but as long as no one gets killed, hurt or I lose my house I didn't really care. Konan and I went to bake a homemade chocolate cake with white frosting. Since my skills with art suck I allowed Konan to do the decorating of the huge cake. My mother had gone out to get the decorations with Deidara and it had taken them no time to come back. That's when the Akatsuki minus the more serious member went haywire with decorating the place for the party. I hope Laura likes it.

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