#kakten

 She was going to kill Hinata... “Ugh, I’ll stick to Chuushin,” Tenten grumbled, slumping back in her chair. “The less that nickname is spread around, the better.”

 Snorting, he set his empty bottle down with a clink, and got up.  “Kakuzu,” he replied flatly, turned, and went to get the extras out of Hidan’s stash.  Would serve the bastard right for ditching Kakuzu last Saturday.

 “I guess we’re out.” She watched him stalk away. “Hmm, nice ass.” Snickering, Tenten curled up on the chair and basked in the last feeble rays of the sunset. Summers were nice for that.

 A moment later, Kakuzu was setting down a full bottle of imported rum.  “Not quite out,” he commented with a smirk.

 Whoa... “That’s way more than... twelve.” Tenten stretched out, half suspended between the chairs to peer at the gold foil. “Wow. I think I’m gonna pass out just reading this.” Much higher, but also much better.

 “I’ll get some glasses,” he said, but didn’t move away immediately.

 She nodded. “That’s a good idea--Whoops!” So moving her head quickly was not a good idea. What she was reasonably sure was stable ground had just pitched quarter to the left. “Hey... Ku... er, Kakuzu? Can I have some water first?” Should probably find some crackers too. One thing at a time. She very cautiously shoved herself back onto the chair.

 He sighed, and helped her right herself, then disappeared into the house.  A moment later, he returned with a couple bottles of water.  “Maybe we should hold off on the liquor, for a while...”

 “That’s what I said.” She had, hadn’t she? She accepted the bottle of bland liquid and cracked it open as Kakuzu settled in the other chair. “So how’s school doing anyway?” she asked after the first few sips. Not exactly the most interesting topic, but he had to be killing himself over something. She’d seen his schedule.

 Green eyes shifted toward her as he gulped down half of his bottle of water.  He lowered it, and frowned.  “The work is both harder and easier than I expected, alternatively.”

 “Lots to do, but not much point?”