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The Reason Why	By : animegher Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1038 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 3
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- 5
BEFORE you get your panties in a twist, I took this chapter title from the movie �Old School� Wedding Song, a cover of Total Eclipse of the Heart, whose best rendition is done by Meatloaf and Bonnie Tyler. So eat me and get offended by the content.

Disclaimer: Naruto and other characters belong to Kishimoto Masashi, don�t download licensed anime, you need your original birth certificate to get a passport, and always put your name at the top of the paper before turning it in! Now that the legal stuff is out of the way, onto the smut.
The moon was almost full tonight, just a small sliver of darkness cutting it off from being a complete circle. Red eyes glared up at that imperfection, taking note of how the moon looked so weak and shabby for it. He was reminded of a similar weakness, a taint on his clan�s name that was stealing away from their true glory- of one that continually disappointed his expectations. He had invested so much effort into it, and yet the seed refused to blossom. A man could almost get impatient; frustrated to the point of murder; except he preferred his prey to ripen fully before he claimed it.

Itachi shook his head, wondering yet again why his little brother continued to play about in peaceful Konoha instead of setting out to kill him. Hadn�t he planted enough hatred in Sasuke�s heart to make that quiet, spoiled brat turn into a fearsome killer? Only the legend of Uchiha Itachi remained, nothing about the only survivor of that massacre. Itachi didn�t want to believe that he could have possibly been wrong when he had decided to spare his little brother in hopes that he might become a worthy opponent one day. Instead, Sasuke remained nameless and unclaimed, leaving behind nothing but the mercy Itachi had bestowed on him. It was getting pathetic, really.

He felt a presence behind him and knew that it was Kisame. He didn�t need to see it with his own eyes to confirm such. He preferred to keep looking up at the moon, to stupid its silent grandeur and meditate upon the state of the world. Itachi detested having to deal with the trifle matters of being in Akatsuki; much preferring that they would finally reach their ultimate goal. He was constantly besieged with minor tasks that, despite being easy, were time-consuming. Itachi rarely got a chance to appreciate anything any more, too busy trying to kill off the imperfections they found in the world. Itachi was sick of the weak and the helpless holding down the few people who were truly strong.

"Itachi," Kisame began, his familiar and rough voice chewing up and spitting out words. He frowned; sighing with impatience over how long it had took the man in the first place.

"Our orders?" Itachi asked quickly, not wishing to hear the brute�s ugly tones more than was absolutely necessary. He appreciated things of beauty; which was almost why it was a cruel irony to be teamed up with one as ugly and just plain stupid as Kisame. Still, it made them balanced, as much as Itachi hated to admit it. The partners that were formed in Akatsuki were supposed to be full and complete units. Itachi simply assumed that Kisame was there to take care of the asinine and repulsive. He had seen the monster eat raw meat before, still bleeding from the kill. Itachi had tried to introduce him to finer cuisine, or at least that which required chopsticks� but found it to be nothing but a complete failure. He had expected so much from a simpleton like Kisame, but not from his own brother. It was hard to believe that he was related to the fool sometimes.

"We�re to capture the Nine-Tails Demon Fox immediately," Kisame reported, knowing that Itachi preferred as few words as possible. He closed his eyes at that, memory coming back to him as he placed the vessel of that demon that had attacked Konoha so long ago. Itachi had only seen the boy a few times, a streak of blonde hair and loud yelling; usually being chased by Jounin he had managed to anger. The boy had been a horrendous nuisance, once even daring to put graffiti on a wall in the Uchiha district. Some lower lever Genin had seen to it that the kid had been properly punished. He had heard Sasuke talk about the boy once, apparently in the same class as the fearsome Nine-Tails Demon Fox. Apparently the kid had caused a ruckus in the class, distracting everyone into laughing, which made the teacher give a pop quiz. Itachi clearly remembered Sasuke�s small, pouting face as he announced how much he hated the demon child, his soft and slightly-chubby features wrinkling in anger as Itachi had walked his brother home after class. Sasuke had been too precious, too pretty to have wandering around alone when it started to get dark; until one day his little brother had insisted that he was all grown up and didn�t need to be picked up after school like a baby. Sasuke didn�t understand how much he meant, how unique he was� and that had only led to Sasuke allowing himself to be sullied by outside influences. Itachi had reluctantly let his little brother go to freely mature; and regretted it now. Now there were others, outside influences that were beginning to deter Sasuke from the destiny Itachi had so painstakingly laid out for him.

"Uzumaki�Naruto?" Itachi tasted the name aloud for the first time, his eyes narrowing down as he considered the possibilities. He heard Itachi agree behind him, probably about ready to say more. Itachi personally didn�t want to hear his horrid voice again.

"Perfect. I have some business to take care of before then. Wait here," Itachi ordered, jumping forward into the cold night wind. He didn�t even look back to see if Kisame was going to do as told, knowing that the brute would out of pure respect for his abilities. Now that he was alone, Itachi grinned in anticipation, ready to strip away the things that were trying to sully his little brother, his most prized possession.

***

Kabuto sighed as he finished the elixir; a small current of chakra pushed through the glass tube in his hands, turning the color from blue to a bright green. He shook out the cloudiness until the medication settled into one smooth batch. It was a forbidden medicine, plainly because it used the fresh blood from many different creatures. But it was extremely potent, and Orochimaru provided him with more than enough specimens to take blood from, anything like rare lizards and snaked to live human beings. He could study any Jutsu, create any potion here that he pleased, all in the name of Orochimaru. Kabuto relished the freedom and opportunities he was given, as long as he called Orochimaru his lord. Kabuto thought the idea would have been more offense, but it was surprisingly easy to act like the good little subordinate- simply waiting for the right moment to finally strike. Kabuto wasn�t one to answer to anyone else, be it a Legendary Sannin or the Devil himself� Orochimaru managed to fit both criteria.

Though nobody would know it from looking at the man slumped in the large throne in the back of this cavern-like room. Candles burned in every possible corner, but it still wasn�t enough light for Kabuto to properly see by. He still knew better than to complain to Orochimaru, learning early in his career as the man�s servant that unnecessary questions led to severe punishment. Orochimaru didn�t have very much patience for failure, exactly like Kabuto. Their relationship was always precarious, Orochimaru feeling like he needed to prove his dominance more often than necessary, Kabuto hating him more and more each time. It was no different after they had gone and crashed the Genin exam, Kabuto barely able to hold himself back. He still couldn�t understand why his master had suddenly decided to take such an interest in that Uchiha boy. There had been a rumor of a survivor to the last noble clan of the Konoha village, but Kabuto hadn�t really expected it to be that dark and depressed boy that clung to Uzumaki Naruto�s back like a shadow. Though it was true that Sasuke Uchiha might be a genius ninja, he paled in comparison to the monster Naruto held within him. It was a pity that the boy hadn�t been affected by the Demon Fox within him- an idiot to the end. He had shown ridiculous stamina, but beyond that was so normal that Kabuto almost couldn�t stand it. He was going to have to kill that blonde later to make sure that trash like him didn�t taint the title of Shinobi.

First would be that Uchiha boy. Orochimaru had wasted too much energy on the child, enough that Kabuto had been ordered to make a revival elixir. He didn�t particular mind that so much as the fact that his Master had found a new obsession. Though that Uchiha might have put up a good fight, it was nothing compared to the legends that were whispered in fearful tones to this day of his older brother. They both held the Sharingan, a bloodline trait that was to be truly coveted; but Uchiha Itachi had long since gained complete control of his eyes. Uchiha Sasuke was another matter completely, surprisingly full of weak points and openings that even the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox kid knew better.

"Orochimaru, I still don�t understand why you got serious with that Uchiha child," Kabuto announced as he stepped up to the pale figure in the wickedly twisted, dark chair. Stark black hair shimmered as that head lifted up, deadened eyes not reflecting any of the light in the room. He passed the large vial to his Master, who accepted it with a corpse-like hand and swallowed it all without any hesitation. Kabuto couldn�t help but marvel at the trust, thinking of how easy it would have been to slip poison inside that medicine. Would Orochimaru even notice such? Was his body trained to such poisons already, with that horribly well-trained body? Orochimaru�s true form might be that of a child, but the body he had chosen was a masterpiece. Kabuto had been allowed to examine it the few times Orochimaru had been injured enough to require treatment, but Orochimaru rarely had to do anything other than apply healing herbs and bandage it up well enough to last overnight; than his Lord�s healing powers would take over once again.

"I want him. I suppose you wouldn�t understand that, Kabuto," Orochimaru sneered after he finished off the potion. He threw the vial to the side, glass shattering against the wall as those yellow, reptilian eyes silently mocked him. Kabuto wasn�t even sure what his Lord might be referring to, but he didn�t like it either way. He heated the way that he was looked down upon, that he was constantly mocked; and hated himself for putting up with it each day. His pride had once been so strong that he would have never allowed such� but now, he was almost afraid to meet Orochimaru�s eyes. Almost. Kabuto still had his pride.

"Of course I don�t! Why don�t you go after Itachi Uchiha instead of that weakling?" Kabuto demanded, unable to understand his Master�s motives. Even though a servant like him was supposed to keep his head down and stay silent, Kabuto wasn�t about to fall into that sort of life so easily. They didn�t need to be going around terrorizing children where there was much more appropriate prey wandering around. Orochimaru�s eyes fastened on him in angry, his mouth opening to likely tell Kabuto what his punishment would be for such arrogance� when they were both interrupted by an unexpected visitor.

"Because he�s afraid of me," announced an unfamiliar and deep voice from behind Kabuto. He turned around slowly; unable to sense a presence even with his heightened senses� but his eyes showed him one man standing in the darkness of the doorway to their hideout. The stranger wore a large cloak; a few small clouds embroider into it. Kabuto recognized it immediately as the uniform of that mysterious Akatsuki group, even more vague and unknown than Orochimaru and his Hidden Sound Village. His eyes were red, Sharingan blazing in the darkness. Kabuto swung around, his hand going for his kunai as he went to protect his Master, no matter what he had been thinking of him earlier. Orochimaru was still necessary at this point, as long as Kabuto was too weak to defeat him with certainty. He could easily kill Uchiha Sasuke right now is he chose to, but he wasn�t so sure about the older brother that was standing before him right now. Kabuto could feel the bloodlust in the air, even more palpable than Orochimaru, a seemingly calm frame just trembling with the desire to kill. Even his voice sounded strange restrained, as if it was hard just to make civil conversation.

"Kabuto," Orochimaru hissed behind him. He needed no more word from his Lord to grab all the kunai he had hidden behind his back, fingers stabbing into the circular holes as he prepared to toss them. He met the Uchiha�s eyes just once, devil�s red boring into his own, those three black swirls within the iris beyond the pinpoint black of his pupil- they were beginning to move. Kabuto was brought up short, his breath stolen, lungs compressed�pain. It slammed down on him, stealing all reason and intelligence as his vision simply went wavy. Reality blurred as Kabuto realized he must have gotten caught in the Sharingan technique, feeling like a fool for underestimating it as he fell to his knees. It must have only lasted a second or two at most, but he had been under the direct focus of Uchiha Itachi�s attention for what felt like years. He was left shaking, shattered, too dumbstruck to do anything more than flinch as black leather boots walked steadily across the floor. He was passed and Kabuto could only be thankful, disbelieving how much more frightening the Uchiha could be compared to his Master, to his weak little brother that had survived that clan�s massacre. Uchiha Itachi had been responsible for it in the first place, as the rumors went. Kabuto wasn�t about to ask the man himself, just thankful that he was being ignored in favor of Orochimaru right now.

"Isn�t that right, Orochimaru?" Itachi asked in a horribly deep, superior tone, just the kind that was likely to piss Orochimaru off. Kabuto winced, waiting for Orochimaru to dish out his brand of discipline for anyone who dared to address him so. He was almost curious to see how Orochimaru would be able to defeat something as powerful as that man�s gaze. Kabuto hadn�t even stood a chance; in fact, from the shaking in his knees, was unable to stand up even now. The body reacted to pain no matter how well it was trained, and somehow Itachi had managed to light every nerve on fire within a few seconds. It hurt to simply be in his skin right now, his flesh grown much too small to contain his insides. He hoped that his Lord would fight the Uchiha and bring about some physical revenge on that man, even though Orochimaru would never purposeful do so for a simple servant like himself. Kabuto smiled along with his Master as Orochimaru tossed long hair back over his shoulder in a dismissive greeting.

"How did you-�." Orochimaru began angrily before a hand slammed out, a large ring and nail polish glinting in the candlelight as Itachi began to choke the man. Kabuto might have cried out his Lord�s name, but his throat was so swollen and dry that it was hard to make actual words come out. Orochimaru�s yellow serpent eyes began to bulge out, his mouth open wide, as he suddenly had to struggle for air. Itachi just watched impassively, the mantle of his cloak hiding his face from Kabuto at this angle. Kabuto trembled with the desire to move, though he wasn�t sure if it would be to protect his Master or run away. Every joint spasmed, residual chakra from whatever move Itachi had used on him still coursing through his veins. It would be a while before Kabuto would be able to move properly, judging from how slowly the effects of the Sharingan were clearing up.

"You think I wouldn�t know if you touched him?" Itachi�s voice was not particularly loud, but it was so deep and commanding that one was forced to listen, much like Orochimaru�s own dry, snake-like voice. Kabuto and Orochimaru both stared in confusion at the monster that had wandered into their secret headquarters so easily. They were likely the only two who knew about this place and were still alive... well, except for Uchiha Itachi now. He wasn�t being a very good guest either, seemingly intent on killing Orochimaru. Kabuto had never thought that he would meet someone strong enough to kill his Lord for him. He might just get to stay on the floor and watch, and if he was luck enough at the end, Itachi wouldn�t kill him as well.

"What?" Orochimaru managed in a wheezing voice around Itachi�s choking hold. Kabuto watched as his Master worked one hand up, fingers lightly clawing at the arm Itachi was strangling him with. He had certainly been weakened by wasting so much time and effort during that ridiculous exam, on mere children! Orochimaru had told him stories of Uchiha Itachi�s exceptional powers, but he hadn�t truly believed it until now. He had never seen such a man before that could subdue Orochimaru without even using a single technique, but pure strength. To think that boy he had the most wretched pleasure of meeting along with the rest of those Konoha brats was actually related to this devil. Of course Orochimaru would go and have to take an interest in such a dangerous object, all because Sasuke had that Sharingan. The ability to see through all techniques would certainly be desired by his Master who was trying to learn every Jutsu; but if that boy grew up into anything that resembled the man before him now... The risk simply wasn�t worth it. He should kill that child quickly, before Orochimaru became too obsessed, as his Master tended to do, and before the brat would actually be able to defend himself.

"Uchiha Sasuke is mine. Don�t you dare touch him," Itachi hissed out in the same deadly cold manner that made snow seem warm. It could have been brotherly protection, if Itachi was clearly insane with power. He didn�t like seeing his toys played with, this massively powerful being actually getting jealous like any child. Those two brothers were the only ones in the world who had a pure bloodline Sharingan, but Kabuto very much doubted that was why Itachi had come today. If it was possible, Orochimaru�s eyes widened and he went even paler, though if it was because of what Itachi had said or what his face looked like right now, Kabuto couldn�t tell. Orochimaru could only gasp out a response, words beyond him as Itachi kept on choking him.

"Just what were you thinking of doing to him?" Itachi demanded, bullying Orochimaru relentlessly. "Did you believe I�d allow this?" He shook one of the former Legendary Sannin like a cat with a mouse, dropping Orochimaru to sag in his throne pathetically. Kabuto to see the bruising beginning to come in from here while Orochimaru�s back heaved for new breath. Itachi�s hand went back inside his cloak, standing back dispassionately as his victim slowly tried to regain his composure. Kabuto made sure to stay very still, not about to do something so stupid as to bring attention to himself. He was rather surprised he had been left alive this long, but he supposed that was because his Master was Itachi�s main target.

"I�ve heard about you, Orochimaru. I think I�ve let you run around long enough. It�s time for you to learn your place," he announced slowly, that glare he was giving the man palpable in the air. Orochimaru started at that, not about to sit still and be patronized like a child, even if he was being played around with like one. His Lord suddenly went into such a fluid, graceful movement, ducking down to- be hit across the mouth by the back of Itachi�s fist. Orochimaru hit the back of his throne hard, followed by Itachi punching him soundly in the gut. There was a coughing, gagging sound as Orochimaru vomited from the force of the blow. Itachi didn�t say anything, didn�t make a single noise the whole time as he drew out a kunai and stabbed it deep enough into Orochimaru�s shoulder that it pinned him to his throne. Orochimaru screamed at that while Kabuto watched in bizarre fascination as his Lord was tortured. He just cried out and trashed about in the seat, so out of sorts that he wasn�t even ordering Kabuto to protect him. That was just as well, because Kabuto wasn�t sure if he would even dare to get in-between Uchiha Itachi and his prey. Orochimaru may have been one of the Legendary Sannin; but now, he was stuck to his throne like an insect on a display board. In the world of ninjas, there wasn�t enough room for brilliant geniuses like Orochimaru and Uchiha Sasuke. Shinobi died early, either because of missions gone wrong or simply because of professional rivalry. Having true power was just as important as having a famous name or history. Some employers looked for ninjas who were known serial killers, because that was what they needed. Kabuto knew that he had certainly taken advantage of the freedom Orochimaru had given him to kill anyone that got in his way, unlike the peaceful and passive bullshit he had been taught in the medical squad. He should really be trying to get up and protect his Lord; sure that if he focused, he�d be able to at least get his legs moving again- but Kabuto was also far from stupid. Uchiha Itachi would likely kill him before he even made up his mind to attack. So, Kabuto hung back, trying to seem as much like a piece of furniture in this dark cave.

"He�s mine. If you dare go near him again, I won�t be gracious next time," Itachi threatened in those unchanging, icy tones. There was the sound of ripping cloth followed by a disappointed chuckle from the Akatsuki member. Orochimaru was looking down in front of him, Itachi�s large cloak blocking whatever was happening from Kabuto�s sight. He could just as well guess at what might be going on, even though he didn�t want to.

"You�re� kidding," Orochimaru ground out slowly, visibly trying to work his shoulder out. He only got the kunai buried in deeper; making Kabuto wince as blood began to stain the front of his shirt. Once could find it humorous that he was struggling so hard when he had done the same to so many of the victims that had been dragged down into this room. Orochimaru often ruined them before Kabuto could even begin to experiment, finding another corpse bleeding to death on the floor after yet another brutal rape, regardless of gender. Sometimes Kabuto wished Orochimaru just beat them to death instead, because frankly it would be cleaner and easier to pick up after. He wondered if it was such a good thing to cheer on the psychopath attack his Master right now, loving every minute of this bit of divine karma.

"Perhaps I should cut off an ear or such, since I know how much you like your pretty face. You should be thankful I don�t feel like killing you today," Itachi warned in final tones, obviously done with talking for the rest of his visit. He made Orochimaru�s concept of beautiful sound sick and demented just by sneering out one word. Uchiha Itachi was a powerful man, living up to ever one of the rumors whispered about thim. There was ceremony or kissing, like the abusive foreplay that Kabuto had begun to expect. Itachi simply shifted his boots on the floor, one of Orochimaru�s legs hoisted up around his side, and leaned forward.

Orochimaru began screaming like something gone mad, using his free and uninjured arm to shove and claw at the man in front of him. All his techniques and strength were rendered useless, Orochimaru unable to make a seal with one arm incapacitated. Kabuto, his faithful little servant, was scared shitless in the corner. Itachi wasn�t going to kill his Master for daring to use a Forbidden Jutsu on his little brother; he was raping him. It was so quick and vicious that even Kabuto had to close his eyes, shuddering as he wrapped his arms around himself. Funny, how Orochimaru�s screaming sounded so much like Kabuto�s own when he had been first taken. How his Master had shattered every little bit of pride and ego within him, making him the pathetic vassal he was today. Kabuto could feel the ropes even now, the same pitiful helplessness hardened up in his stomach and climbing up his throat. He didn�t want to be in this room any more, he wanted to run away; but was afraid if he even so much as changed his breathing, Itachi would turn onto him. So, Kabuto huddled back against the wall, hiding in the shadows as Itachi began to move rhythmically over Orochimaru.

Itachi didn�t make any noise, didn�t even seem to be very turned on by this act. In fact, it seemed like Orochimaru was the only who was remotely feeling anything; and that was pure agony. Kabuto clapped his hands over his ears, trying to drown out his Lord�s cries. He hated it, hated every moment of this; unable to move and just so damn, damned scared. Orochimaru wasn�t able to put this kind of fear into him, utterly blanking and nearly animalistic in his panic. He didn�t care about whatever pain his Master was going through right now, he just wanted that horrible screaming to stop. Orochimaru was unable to take what he dished out, pathetic as he struggled underneath Itachi. The man finally seemed to be satisfied, orgasming with a slight grunt and shudder. Orochimaru coughed, saliva bubbling through his teeth as he futility attempted to hit Itachi. The man just stepped away, jewelry chiming softly as he turned and adjusted himself. Orochimaru was certainly a sight after that, sweating, bleeding, his hair a mess and eyes dilated into two small dots focused on Uchiha Itachi.

"Think about this next time you decide to go near my brother," Itachi suggested like a teacher who had finished a lesson. He turned around smartly, his hair and ornate jewelry exactly the same as when he had first arrived in their headquarters. Kabuto didn�t even watch as Itachi sniffed and walked out, just as suddenly as he had come. The man might as well of been a bad dream for how long he had stayed; jus the minimum required to make Orochimaru scream in pain. Kabuto resisted the urge to start crying, huddling up further underneath his arms as he heard the Akatsuki member�s footsteps fade. Soon, all that was left was Orochimaru moaning lightly in his throne. It took Kabuto hours- days- to regain his sense of self. He had a hard time getting over Uchiha Itachi strolling in and raping Orochimaru on what was a mere whim. The mass-murderer really had spared their lives on a whim. He hadn�t known that such monsters existed in the world; some even worse than his own Master. Kabuto never wanted to fight Uchiha Itachi� and was forced to start rethinking his next strategy to kill his little brother before Orochimaru became too obsessed.

"Kabuto, you damn fool� Help me," Orochimaru hissed when he finally regained his voice. Kabuto shivered at the sound of it, slowly making the tension leave his body. He was finally able to stand up like a man, though his knees were rather shaky along with his nerves. The candles around the room had burned down considerably, a few already nothing but a cold mound of wax as Kabuto began to walk toward his Lord. Orochimaru was still pinned to the chair by Itachi�s kunai, a considerable amount of blood staining down the side of his arm and front of his shirt. Kabuto felt his gaze drop down, unable to help put look at the other damage. The front of Orochimaru�s pants had been ripped open, leaving his Master with nothing but leggings to cover himself. There was blood beginning to drip down over the edge of the seat, some from the shoulder wound, most of it from dark area behind Orochimaru�s flagging erection.

"Kabuto," Orochimaru whispered it out in a way that promised a beating later if he didn�t hurry up. His words were pure gibberish to Kabuto when his heart was pounding so loudly. Every vein in his body was heating up, trembling with excitement. He could smell the blood on the air, faintly metallic, fresh and still welling out from where Itachi had ripped Orochimaru open. The throne was stained with dark red, glistening liquid that caught the little candlelight in its surface and turned it into diamonds. Kabuto was biting on his fingers without even being aware of it, wanting to taste that life-fluid so badly. It had been forever since he had killed, at least a few days�

Kabuto felt his bloodlust take control, unable to hold back when there was so much in front of him.

"My Lord, despite all that, you still felt pleasure?" Polite speech was suddenly so easily to come by. Orochimaru actually got a little red in the face with indignation, surprising for one of his coloring and after suffering so much blood loss in the first place. They both looked down to Orochimaru�s groin, the anus surely ruined along with other vital organs, but despite it all had managed to get a hard-on. It was just more proof of how deeply Orochimaru�s insanity ran, unable to even get physical sensation right. Kabuto didn�t really care. It was like his mouth was a completely separate identity, taking care of the interaction while inwardly he delighted and reveled in how much blood was being shed. Even now Orochimaru was still struggling against that kunai, making a few drops splatter and hit Kabuto on the hand he extended out to his Lord. He couldn�t help but shudder... this time in complete and utter passion.

"You bastard- idiot! Get this out," Orochimaru demanded; fingers slick with blood from trying to pull the kunai out of his shoulder. His Lord was obviously losing strength quickly along with his blood, hissing and spitting at Kabuto for not immediately jumping at his command. Kabuto wasn�t about to comprehend their positions; that Orochimaru was his feared master when he was flopping around like a gutted fish. He let his hand touch Orochimaru�s face, sliding down the cold, glass-like curve of cheek. The monster even felt dead. Kabuto was amazed at what a turn-on that was.

"But, don�t you find it kind of exciting, being restrained like this?" Kabuto asked softly, lowering his mouth down as Orochimaru began to scream again.

***

"Sasuke! Sasuke, open the fucking door!" Naruto yelled for the hundredth time, pounding on said door with his fist incessantly. Even yelling that Itachi was back in town and that he looked rather weak and vulnerable right now didn�t get a reaction. He frowned, hating the cold shoulder more than anything else. Uzumaki Naruto was not about to be ignored. He had more than enough of that from everybody in the whole damn village his entire life, and he wasn�t about to take it from his teammate. He would call them lovers if he didn�t know that Sasuke would get pissed off. He�d start yelling it to the whole hallway in Sasuke�s quiet, musty-smelling apartment building to get the boy to answer the door�The stupid, sulky bastard had been avoiding him since they passed the second test in the Chuunin exam. Things only got more suspicious when Kakashi wasn�t at home when Naruto visited- the only conclusion being that the two were doing some sort of secret training without him! It was completely unfair, even if he had run off with that Perverted Hermit for training of his own. Naruto had been caught up in it, but after waking up in the hospital with three days until the final exam, he found himself with a little bit of time to confront Sasuke about what was going on.

Even if Sasuke was avoiding him like the plague, not even coming to the one meeting Kakashi had held just to catch up with them all, he still had to come home and sleep. The middle of the night was a sure time for Naruto to catch the asshole, whom had even stopped talking to Sakura as well. When even she was complaining that the boy was becoming withdrawn, more so than usual, Naruto knew something bad was going on.

Things had seemed to be going so well between them too, but ever since they had been in the Forbidden Area for the exam and that creepy snake pervert had knocked him out, Sasuke had been distant. Naruto wasn�t about to let him get away with it. He wasn�t about to give up and just go home like Sasuke probably wanted, either. The silent treatment wasn�t enough to get to the man who would be Hokage�

�No, it would be the fact that Sasuke was trying to get rid of him, finally fed up and dropping him without a word. Naruto didn�t want to believe that Sasuke was like everyone else, that the boy could lock his door and pretend not to see or him hear him as the rest of the village did. They may be rivals, but Naruto had also held the arrogant jerk when he had nightmares of his family being murdered, seen Sasuke naked, finally made love one night when Sasuke had actually said it would be okay- and now all of a sudden, he couldn�t get the time of day from the bastard! If it was because they�d eventually be fighting in the Chuunin exam, Naruto would have to laugh aloud. They may be best friends, each probably the only one the other had ever really opened up to, but this was a part of the path to becoming Hokage! Besides, the officials had explained that even if Sasuke lost a match to Naruto, he�d still have a chance to pass. In a fight, it didn�t matter if the enemy was a lover, family member, or the run-of-the-mill bad guy; only one person was ever left standing when the dust cleared. Sasuke would just have to gracefully accept the fact that Naruto was going to kick his ass, and afterward there was no reason why they couldn�t still be friends. It wasn�t like they didn�t fight every single day anyway.

Naruto sighed, dropping a slightly numb and tingling hand down when Sasuke refused to answer. If Sasuke wasn�t at home, where would he be instead? What if he had gone over to Naruto�s apartment, to do the same thing he was doing now at Sasuke�s? Naruto shifted his feet, torn between trying to knock again and running back home to check, when there was the sound of something crashing and breaking on the other side of the door. Naruto narrowed his eyes, as if he could see through the wood to tell exactly what was going on. There was silence�and then one loud, agonized scream that came out slowly, like a kitten being tortured to death.

If the kitten�s name was Sasuke�

"Damn it! I�m breaking the door down, Sasuke!" Naruto yelled, hoping to spare the other boy the damage if he was in any shape to unlock it. Otherwise, he was already backing up to the other side of the hall for a running start at the door. He wasn�t going to stand there quietly and pretend like nothing was going on when he had definitely just heard Sasuke cry out He wasn�t like Sasuke, not like everybody else. Naruto felt real fear that something bad might be happening to his friend, so he slammed his shoulder into the door with all intent to break it down.

And failed.

"Ow-ww-ow," Naruto whined out as he slid down against it, grabbing his bruised side with his other hand. He was too small to do any damage- at least on the first try. Naruto forced his knees to support him instead of falling all the way to the floor, trying to rub out the pain of his shoulder before his second attempt. Naruto was ready to launch forward again, ready to break the door or bones, whichever came first�before the soft click of the deadbolt being pulled back brought him up short. Naruto shuffled forward, ready to force the door open if Sasuke decided to change his mind suddenly while it cracked open.

There weren�t any lights on in Sasuke�s apartment. If anything, it was like the darkness was trying to spread out into the hallway instead of the light breaking through the shadows. Naruto could barely make Sasuke out, just a pale, disembodied face framed by black hair and black clothing. He was hunched over, even shorter than Naruto at the moment with one hand grasping the back of his neck. Sasuke was sweating despite it being the middle of the night, and the weather today had been perfect, as usual. There were heavy bruises underneath his eyes that made Sasuke seem even more irritated than usual. Naruto wasn�t even sure what he was there for now, all reasons stolen away by that haunted, dead look in Sasuke�s eyes.

"Are you okay?" Naruto knew Sasuke hated that question, but he couldn�t help asking it all the same. Sasuke nodded disconnectedly, his gaze focused somewhere else. Naruto didn�t like it at all, stuck there with his mouth hanging open and Sasuke not opening the door any further. The dark-haired boy gradually leaned further and further over until he hit the wall, too exhausted to even stand up straight as he used the support to glare at Naruto.

"Is that it?" Sasuke�s voice was hard and broken, much deeper than Naruto was used to hearing. Naruto started to say something and stopped, not even sure what was wrong in the first place. Sasuke just smirked at him before the door started to creak and close back up- until Naruto slammed his foot in the way, pushing the door so hard that it cracked against the wall and Sasuke fell backward clumsily. Naruto knew then that something was very seriously wrong, because Sasuke wouldn�t have even of opened the door in the first place if he was in such bad shape. He rushed forward, catching Sasuke by the arm before he could fall all the way to the floor and kicking the door closed behind him�

"Ah! Hot!" Naruto yelled, dropping Sasuke�s elbow before his hand burned off. The taller boy stumbled back on the heels of his feet, catching himself against the corner of the wall leading into his small kitchen. It was too dark to see anything more than Sasuke panting hard, clearly doing his all to remain upright in front of Naruto even if it killed him. Sasuke must be in a lot of pain, so much that he was asking for Naruto�s help underneath the typical sour attitude. He didn�t understand it in the slightest.

"What�s going on, Sasuke?!" Naruto demanded, wanting to know why he had been ignored, then let into the apartment despite the little show of pride Sasuke always made, and now ignored again! Naruto wasn�t always known for being a patient person, but at least he tried for Sasuke�for a little bit. The resolve always wore down pretty quickly when the other boy was so damn stubborn!

"I was- training�and," Sasuke couldn�t get out much more without pausing for breath.

"Never mind. Go lie down," Naruto insisted, deciding it wasn�t worth Sasuke passing out just to hear his reasons why. He hand was still smoldering from holding onto the boy for just a moment, so he could only imagine what kind of training it must be. Sasuke probably wouldn�t even explain more than that, being a secretive bastard. He just kept on glaring at him until Naruto just grabbed his shoulder and yanked him forward. The boy stumbled bonelessly, predictably, and one more shove had him off in the direction of the other room to make up Sasuke�s apartment.

Naruto turned into the kitchen, his hand fumbling around on the wall until he found the light, clicking it on and wishing he hadn�t. Every cabinet was open, every drawer ripped out of the wall and on the floor along with the small collection of cooking utensils Sasuke owned. A bag of rice had probably exploded after being tossed into the corner, dry grains scattered around. It was hard to believe that such a pretty boy could cause this sort of destruction. Naruto didn�t even bother to pick his steps through the mess, just kicked aside a path to get to the refrigerator. He opened up the freezer and pulled out the only thing there: a tray full of ice cubes. Naruto immediately turned back around, flicked the light back off, and went straight into the bathroom, which was no more than a few steps. Sasuke�s apartment was even smaller than his, but usually much cleaner. When it was trashed, it seemed a little crowded. The bathroom didn�t look like it had faired much better, the toilet and sink barely intact when the shelves that had been fastened to the wall were on the floor. Naruto only had to lean down and pick up a towel and shake it out before he ran the cold water at the sink and soaked a large section of it. He didn�t wait for it to stop dripping when he turned the water off, figuring that the place already looked like hell as he gathered up his supplies and tromped out into the only other room in Sasuke�s apartment.

The only nice thing about the place was the large window�except for the view of a brick wall a few feet away that less than inspiring, but perfect for a recluse like Sasuke. The weak bit of streetlight that came down between the buildings was still more than enough light to see by since his vision had always been above average. Extra chakra wasn�t the only benefit he got for being the vessel of a Demon Fox. Still wasn�t a fair trade for living his whole life in isolation. Naruto didn�t understand how Sasuke could actually like it.

Naruto had to walk around the simple square table that had been upturned and tossed against the wall to the futon in the corner, glad for once that Sasuke didn�t have too many personal items to toss around. The only thing that was untouched was the fat, ornate dresser in the opposite corner, one side scorched black from a fire but still functional. Even in the middle of whatever rage had taken Sasuke, he couldn�t damage that particular piece of furniture. Sasuke had yet to tell him the story, but Naruto could guess easily enough that it was something leftover from his family. He had to make assumptions, because it wasn�t like Sasuke was the type to get down and talk about his feelings.

As Naruto approached the small futon, it was clear that Sasuke was in a lot of pain on top of the covers. He was curled around his left arm, hissing and shuddering while his other hand was reaching across his chest to clutch at his neck. Naruto crouched down, setting the ice tray on the floor before reaching down for Sasuke�s left wrist. He couldn�t help wincing at the heat but forced himself to keep a steady, light grip as he pulled the arm out. Sasuke was biting his lower lip but not protesting, sweat glistening on his face. He could guess that it was all the other boy could do to keep from crying out like he had before.

Naruto extended Sasuke�s arm out for a quick inspection, the skin from his fingers to the hem of his shirt hardened and dried, some patches flaking off entirely as if Sasuke had indeed been burned. The heat was unbelievable underneath his hand, so he couldn�t even imagine what it must be like for Sasuke. Naruto just started to wrap the wet part of the towel around Sasuke�s arm, knowing that if he commented on anything right now the jerk would probably toss him right back out. Sasuke liked to pretend that he was super human�or just inhuman.

Immediately there was a slight spasm that went from head to toe when the cold, wet cloth hit fevered and tender skin. Naruto wrapped the towel around it enough times to keep the water from soaking through to the futon, setting the ice down above Sasuke�s elbow and using the extra terrycloth to hold it in place. Sasuke�s breathing was already easier, able to actually lie on his back instead of curled up on his side in pain. Maybe this training wasn�t something to be jealous about after all, if Sasuke was hurting this much.

"What are you doing here, moron?"

Naruto supposed that was Sasuke for �thank you.� So typical of him to not even be able to say a single word of gratitude, despite the fact Naruto was helping him though the jerk had tried to shut the door in his face. Most people would have walked away, but Naruto was of a different breed. He wasn�t about to leave a friend in need, but it was hard to resist the urge to punch Sasuke for acting like Naruto was some sort of stranger. His eyes were clenched closed as if Naruto would eventually leave on his own now that that particular crisis had been dealt with.

"Oh, I just came by to see this jerk who keeps avoiding me. Maybe you�ve seen him, he got his ass kicked like usual and is a major, depressing pain," Naruto asked cheerfully, trying to hit as many buttons as possible. It worked, because Sasuke�s eyes slitted open to glare straight up at him, a threat clear in those dark depths. Naruto just ignored it, waiting for the explanation. Sakura didn�t really tell Naruto much of what had happened when he had been unconscious, just that Sasuke had fought with that woman-man thing and had been hurt badly somehow. Typical.

"Shut up, Naruto. I�m not in the mood," Sasuke hissed out, wincing and tightening his grip around his neck even though Naruto had already taken care of his arm. Sasuke bit his lower lip again, chewing on it as his knees bent up, toes digging into the sheets as the boy tried to stay still on his back despite being in obvious agony.

"You�re never in �the mood,�" Naruto returned bitterly before asking, "Is something wrong with your neck?" That made Sasuke�s eyes shoot open, focusing on Naruto�s face as if he expected a third eye or something equally horrifying.

"No!" Sasuke yelled it out, reflex rather than the truth. Naruto frowned down at the other boy, doubting that Sasuke could see his disappointed expression in the darkness. So much for thinking they were friends if Sasuke wasn�t even going to tell him what was going on. Naruto would be okay with a reason, no matter if it was because Sasuke hated or loved him, because at least then he wouldn�t be worrying. He didn�t like feeling uneasy, slightly scared that something might be seriously wrong with Sasuke this time. This wasn�t simply from training too hard.

"So, Kakashi�s teaching you some secret move? Must be nice, being the teacher�s favorite," Naruto spat out, crossing his arms as he sent bitter, resentful thoughts out toward the both of them. Weren�t they all supposed to be a team? Naruto was the odd one out, yet again, because at least Sakura knew just what the hell had crawled up Sasuke�s butt during the Chuunin exam. Maybe Kakashi wasn�t teaching her some Class A technique, but Sakura didn�t want to learn them anyway. Naruto did, and he trained twice as hard as Sasuke everyday of the week! Some people weren�t born geniuses. It was totally unfair.

He realized Sasuke wasn�t saying anything smart back, and opened one eye to see what the hell was going on. Sasuke was laying there, a blush on his face and an agonized expression on his face that wasn�t so much physical anymore. Naruto frowned, wondering if he should really just leave after all. He wasn�t wanted here after all. He should have been expecting it, should have known better than to believe someone cared, however little Sasuke did. Just those small scraps of attention when Sasuke was actually looking at him and not glaring, when he smiled�well, gave the impression of it, since Sasuke never really showed any emotion beyond irritation.

"I�m sorry, it�s...oh�damn, Naruto, it hurts!" Sasuke had started out calm and soft before losing it at the end, screaming and kicking his legs against the floor. Sasuke�s back arched up until just his head and his feet were touching the ground, tearing his arm out of the towel to grab at his neck. Naruto forgot to feel sorry for himself. He quickly jumped over the struggling form and grabbed Sasuke�s wrists, yanking his hands away before he managed to hurt himself. Sasuke might have been incoherent with the pain, but he was still strong enough to rip his good hand away and shove it into Naruto�s face to try to push him away. Through a good deal of twisting and light wrestling, since Naruto was frankly scared to get rough with Sasuke right now, he managed to turn the other boy onto his stomach and sat down on his back to keep him there. Naruto had to hold Sasuke�s head still in order to do it, but he pulled down the collar of his shirt to look at the back of his neck.

It kind of looked like bruise; the skin around the mark flushed red and scratched up from Sasuke�s fingernails. Three black teardrops in a circle, raised welts on top of otherwise smooth skin, with a black ring of scribble around it. Naruto couldn�t understand it, didn�t know just when the hell it had gotten on Sasuke, but he didn�t like it at all. He got a bad feeling from it, his skin crawling at the sight of it. Naruto wanted to tear it right off of Sasuke, certain that this was the reason why Sasuke had been acting so weird lately.

"What the hell is this?" Naruto demanded, poking the mark just in case Sasuke tried to play dumb about it. He immediately felt bad when Sasuke cried out and raked his hand down alongside the floor as if he could crawl away from the pain. Naruto had to move off of Sasuke than, staying close as Sasuke simply went into the fetal position, pulling his shirt up as if trying to hide something more than that weird bruise.

"Orochimaru�left it. It�s a cursed�seal," Sasuke explained in a stuttered, breaking speech that clearly took effort. The boy was remaining on his side,

"Oro-�Who?! Cursed what?" Naruto demanded, irritated when he couldn�t repeat that stupid, long name. At least, he figured it was a name. It was hard to tell with the overwhelming amount of details Sasuke was letting loose. Granted, he was probably in a lot pain, but Naruto didn�t like to sit there and simply watch while Sasuke was hurting this badly. Having no answers on frustrated him more.

"Kakashi sealed it, but�it still acts up," Sasuke added in a raspy voice before he started moaning, digging his face into the bedding. Naruto couldn�t even help Sasuke if he was struggling like this, short of sparing the boy by knocking him unconscious. If his neck was causing him this much pain, there was no way Naruto could try to cool his arm when Sasuke was just going to start fighting. Kakashi hadn�t done a good job of sealing that nasty mark, but even worse, he hadn�t told Naruto about it. So, Sakura and Kakashi already knew what was wrong with Sasuke and didn�t say anything to him? Well, Sasuke should have told him days ago anyway, but Naruto hadn�t expected his teammates to keep secrets. Sasuke must have asked them to�because otherwise it mean those two didn�t think Naruto was worth telling, and that was even worse.

"Does it hurt?" Naruto asked, wondering if it might just be overheating like Sasuke�s arm. The question as more to distract himself from feeling bad, but it was hard to stop once he got started. There were certainly very few things to actually look forward to, and Naruto wasn�t so sure if Kakashi and Sakura really were now. Why hadn�t they told him about Sasuke? Even if their relationship wasn�t common knowledge, their friendship was! Why didn�t either of them want the Demon Fox to know that Sasuke had been messed up this badly?

"Yes, dammit!" Sasuke screamed it out, but this time it was in pure rage. Naruto was surprised that nobody had knocked on the door to ask what was going on. And that was all the time he had left for thinking before Sasuke swung a wild fist at him with his good hand. It caught Naruto on the ear, not really hard enough to hurt but stung like hell for it anyway. It seemed Sasuke managed to punch out the last little bit of Naruto�s patience at the same time, sick and tired of being ignored for his whole life. He grabbed Sasuke�s hand and pinned it down on the opposite side of his head, stretching it awkwardly across his chest and successfully restraining Sasuke. The boy tried to use his other arm, the burning one, but Naruto quickly slammed his knee down on top of Sasuke�s wrist. There was a cry of pain, but Naruto covered it up with a scream of his own.

"Fuck you, Uchiha! I�m trying to help, so stop being such a jerk!" Naruto ordered it, grinding and pressing down hard wherever he could. He didn�t care if Sasuke was hurting or not, because he was acting absolutely ridiculous, like a damn child! Sasuke didn�t cry out anymore, just started to outright sob on the futon as he still bucked and struggled; but not get out from under Naruto. It was because of that thing on his neck, making Sasuke practically crazy. He didn�t know what to do anymore beyond get Sasuke to the hospital as fast as possible. Sasuke needed to see some experts if Kakashi had already tried to seal it once�the fact that it still pained Sasuke this much was frightening, since Kakashi was one of the top Jounin in the entire village.

"Naruto, I�m scared. I can feel it, and it wants to take over me," Sasuke whispered; just as much terror in his voice as when he woke up screaming from nightmares that he never spoke about. Naruto could see the honest fear in the jet-black of Sasuke�s eyes, damn sure that there was still more to the bruise but happy with just those small, honest sentences. Sasuke trusted him enough to admit to being scared of something, anything at all, much less that creepy tattoo-like thing on his neck. He moved his leg off of Sasuke�s arm then, but didn�t let go of his other wrist while Sasuke was still shuddering and wincing with every breath.

"I�m not gonna let that happen, even if it does manage to beat you," Naruto assured Sasuke, even though he was still unclear on what �it� was. He doubted that Sasuke was going to lose to anything, much less what was happening inside his own body, but Naruto still wished there was more he could do to help. He couldn�t even let Sasuke go, or he would either end up getting attacked again or Sasuke would wind up hurting himself. So, making sure to keep a good grip on the other boy in case he started being violent again, Naruto slowly lowered himself down lengthwise onto the futon with his chest to Sasuke�s shoulder.

"What are you doing�idiot?" Sasuke had to make an extra effort to make that question insulting, but Naruto would be seriously worried if he hadn�t. He ignored Sasuke, using his toes to slide his shoes off and kick them away before he finally found a comfortable spot pressed up against Sasuke�s side. Sasuke�s arm was a hot length against his stomach and Naruto was sure that if he wasn�t wearing his jacket his skin would have been burned crispy. They were both very still for a moment as Naruto felt his muscles relax and spine straighten now that he was finally laying down while the other boy seemed to concentrate on turning into a piece of ice. Sasuke tugged at his hand, silently telling Naruto to let go, that he wasn�t in uncontrollable pain anymore. He did, but then reached up to pull Sasuke�s shirt down again to stare at that wicked bruise, little whorls reminding him of the ones in Sasuke�s Sharingan.

"Giving you something else to think about, jerk," Naruto explained, even though he was kind of surprised himself. This just felt natural, but he wanted Sasuke to give him permission, checking the reaction Sasuke gave him-which was none-before putting his mouth down on top of it. He didn�t really think that he would be able to kiss it better, but he was sure some pressure and moistness might help. Sasuke made a noise somewhere between annoyance and relief which Naruto found to be incredibly cute, not that he would tell the other boy, and figured that the kiss was helping matters. Naruto put his tongue against Sasuke�s neck and found himself doing his best not to gag at the metallic tang of the seal. He tried to bear it for a second and failed, ripping his mouth away and spitting out the taste. Naruto stuck his tongue out miserably, hoping to dry away the pure�evil of that thing.

Sasuke moaned very, very lightly as his head tilted back to allow more of his neck to be exposed, as good of offer as Naruto had ever gotten. He immediately put his lips back down against Sasuke�s flesh, angry that it didn�t taste the same as usual, but determined not let some mystery seal keep him away from Sasuke or hurt him either. If he just ignored the stinging flavor of that seal, it was probably the longest Sasuke had ever allowed him to kiss something other than his lips.

"That helps, Naruto. Don�t stop," Sasuke�s voice had its normal fierceness back, if not the strength. He didn�t mind if Sasuke wanted to order him around, because it was still a hundred times better than being stuck outside the door in the quiet hallway, loneliness getting more and more palpable by the minute. He much preferred being squashed against Sasuke�s bony body, actually useful and wanted for once. Naruto knew he was good at distractions, and it seemed that that was exactly what Sasuke needed right now instead of being stuck alone in his apartment with the pain. Even if he was already sweating from holding Sasuke so close, and he had to pause and swallow down the urge to vomit at the sour taste starting to numb his lips.

It had to be even worse for Sasuke.

What was a little discomfort, anyway? At least he wasn�t wounded or such, because an open and bleeding wound would hurt a lot more than this. Naruto firmly told himself to stop acting like a child at these small things when he was finally back at Sasuke�s side, actually being complimented for once �well, at least being told he was doing something right. It made Naruto feel so proud and happy, such a nice contrast to the first few moments when he could only stand in front of Sasuke�s door and feel like it was a thousand miles away. It even gave him the courage to finally slip a hand underneath Sasuke�s shirt, his thumb resting lightly over the dip of his bellybutton. Sasuke shuddered before going still again as if it actually mattered what he looked like in front of Naruto now; though he couldn�t determine if it was because of the pain or someone else touching him. Sasuke was surprisingly sensitive for otherwise having the personality of a rock intent on starting an avalanche, the tiniest things making pale white skin break out in goose bumps and the hair on Sasuke�s neck visibly start to stand up.

Naruto decided to let his hand slide up and Sasuke�s shirt up with it too instead of reaching downward like he really wanted to. No reason to piss Sasuke off when he had just managed to get back in his good graces. One thing Naruto had learned was that you had to work for everything when it came to Sasuke- hell, it had taken days just to get Sasuke to admit that they had indeed kissed for real. His fingers brushed against one of Sasuke�s nipples, and when he felt it tighten into a hard numb, Naruto promptly forgot about trying to get Sasuke�s shirt all the way off. It was much more interesting to just push the fabric out of the way and push it down so he could still suck on Sasuke�s neck and see what he was doing at the same time. Naruto watched in fascination as the pale, pink circle of flesh pimpled up into a hard cone while he only circled a finger around it.

Sasuke made a small whimper in the back of his throat, only audible because Naruto was close enough to see his Adam�s apple bob with it; otherwise, Naruto would have just attributed it to the apartment building settling. It was enough to make Naruto feel uncomfortably hot, and it wasn�t because of Sasuke�s arm any more. He had to take a deep breath through his nose, trying very hard to tell the hardening limb between his legs to stop�that it wasn�t time yet�and found it a wretched failure. Whither he wanted to or not, Naruto found himself grinding a hard-on against the other boy�s thigh just because he was teasing Sasuke�s chest. Naruto chewed absently on the back of Sasuke�s neck with the seal underneath his teeth reminding him vaguely of metal, waiting for the reprimands and insults he knew were coming. Sasuke shifted around at that, but only to press himself further up against Naruto.

"Naruto, make it go away," Sasuke breathed softly, almost begging it as he stared upward at the ceiling; determined not to meet Naruto�s gaze when he finally lifted his mouth away to look Sasuke in the eyes. It sounded too good to be true, Naruto certain that he was just reading that double meaning underneath the words because he was a complete pervert. He couldn�t help it that Sasuke had the kind of face he loved the most, all smooth and soft like a doll with raven black hair. He had a soft spot for the morose and pessimistic, which Sasuke matched to a T. It wasn�t just a simple crush, because Naruto wouldn�t feel so scared about making the wrong move right now. The man who went on and on about becoming Hokage couldn�t even bring himself to do anything more than lie there beside Sasuke- because that was the only thing Naruto could do that he was sure wouldn�t get him into trouble.

"You total moron," Sasuke spat out impatiently after nothing further. He turned his head, soft hair hitting Naruto in the face and brushing against his nose before it was all replaced by Sasuke�s lips, Sasuke kissing him for once. It was heaven compared to sucking on that nasty symbol, Naruto trying to cover up the aftertaste by relishing every bit of lip, tongue, and mouth. Sasuke really was an important person to him. He didn�t know when it had happened, maybe it had just been the fact that they had been assigned to the same team and Sasuke had been forced to hang out with him. Naruto had thought he hated the other boy at first, obsessed on the arrogant jerk almost as much as he did with Sakura, but since they were both boys he had never thought that it might be love�not until that day Sasuke had thrown himself in front of an attack that should have hit him dead on, had died in his arms fighting Haku-or so Naruto had thought at the time. Since then, it had been easy to see how quickly he could lose the precious few people that actually noticed him. It almost enough to make him regret all the time he had wasted fighting with Sasuke, until he looked closer at it, really thought about it all, and realized he enjoyed teasing the sullen bastard. It was better to have Sasuke yelling and throwing shuriken at him than standing off to the side in complete silence no matter what anyone said to him.

Clothes came off with mutual teamwork, thrown aside carelessly into the mess Sasuke had already made of his apartment. Naruto broke the kiss only to lick his was down the underside of Sasuke�s jaw, kissing the top of his heaving collarbone as the other boy�s breathing hastened, and finally latching onto a very pale, pink nipple. Sasuke moaned and twisted his legs against Naruto�s, but didn�t actually push him away or call him an idiot for once. Naruto had never been allowed such freedom before, and enjoyed the subtle difference in taste between the hardening nub underneath his teeth and the soft skin surrounding it. Sasuke was much more daring than him, reaching between them to stroke Naruto�s hardening cock. He had a hard time seeing straight after that, not expecting that Sasuke would ever go above slightly intense making-out of his own choice.

Sasuke made a weak noise and his grip tightened spasmodically to make Naruto see stars, his other hand reaching behind himself. He found himself hesitating with the wet tip of his cock pressed against Sasuke�s butt hole, guided there by the other boy�s hand. Naruto frowned down, wondering why someone who hated sex as much as Sasuke did seemed to be so experienced with it. The other boy had never started anything of his own accord; more like he allowed Naruto to fool around and sometimes would actually get some pleasure out of it. Naruto had never done this to anyone else before, even though it felt right� he was scared nonetheless, a chilling bit of ice in the pit of his stomach as he thought about the consequences.

"Sasuke, I can�t, I�ll hurt you," Naruto whispered, feeling sorry for the thinner, paler boy underneath him. There was a pause, all the passion gone and nothing but an awkward guilt left behind. He waited for Sasuke to tell him what to do like usual, even if he usually yelled at the dark-haired boy for daring to do so. The other boy seemed desperate and rushed tonight, maybe because of the pain or how quickly the situation had degenerated into this�but Naruto couldn�t help admitting a part of him liked seeing Sasuke helpless, at least on the inside, no matter how much Sasuke was trying to cover it up by taking the situation in hand. And squeezing a bit harder than necessary, pumping him once and twice until Naruto complete forgot what everything else was about.

"Trust me, Naruto. You can�t hurt me," Sasuke whispered back in a chill manner-of-fact, his eyes dead and glazed and Naruto just knew it had something to do with his brother. He was afraid to ask, afraid to say anything else in case it broke whatever spell had come over Sasuke to actually allow this. Sometimes he would cry in his sleep, tears leaking out from closed eyes as he murmured for his brother. Sasuke still woke up screaming in the middle of the night, looking around for a weapon until he finally came back to his senses. Naruto didn�t tell Sasuke about his night habits, of course, because he was sure the boy would kill him for knowing of such weakness. Naruto just thought it was human, certain that Sasuke had gone through some pretty terrible things even if he refused to talk about it.

"I�m sorry," Naruto whispered before he kissed Sasuke, hoping to distract the other boy before he finally drove in, instinctive seeking to get himself in all the way. After the unbelievable tight resistance of Sasuke�s muscles, it was warm and soft around hypersensitive skin. He really should have thought more about Sasuke, but he was young and eager. Naruto didn�t have the stamina to think about making it last, not sure if he even really gave Sasuke enough time to adjust. It wasn�t like he had much of a choice, unable to back out of this when Sasuke had an iron grip around both his upper arms. Fingers were digging in-between tendons, sure to bruise but feeling amazing simply because it was Sasuke doing it. Naruto pulled out a bit, panted, and then thrust back in, wanting the friction and not even sure why. Sasuke groaned and twisted in such a way that Naruto wasn�t sure if he was hurting the boy or not.

"Sorry," Naruto forced it out, almost unable to even speak clearly. Sasuke had his back arched all the way off the floor; eyes closed in what could either be pain or pleasure�His face completely showing whatever emotion Sasuke was going through right now. Naruto couldn�t have looked away even if he wanted to. Sasuke didn�t even know how beautiful he could be, almost like a girl with that heart-shaped face and soft lips. Sasuke didn�t give much thought to his looks, even though half the village would pass out in a dead faint if he walked around the place. The girls were always screaming Sasuke�s name like they knew him, peeking around corners and giggling at him; pointing at that ugly kid walking next to him. Naruto always heard those whispers about the Demon-Fox boy running around with the Uchiha, what a cruel twist of fate to have the last survivor of Konoha�s noble family teamed up with such a mistake like Uzumaki Naruto. None of them would ever guess that he was screwing Sasuke on the side, mouth permanently attached to the other boy�s shoulder, unable to get enough of him.

"Shut up," Sasuke ordered, keeping his eyes clenched shut and drawing blood with his nails on Naruto�s arms. His usually stylized jet-black hair was sticking to the sweat on his face, his lower lip trembling in an obvious effort to keep from saying any more. Sasuke twisted around on the blanket, making some sort of pleading noise as Naruto bit his lip and concentrated on what his body was telling him to do. He was pretty sure it didn�t hurt any more from the look on Sasuke�s face, lips parted in a strange, frantic sort of passion. Naruto had never seen Sasuke look so alive before, not even when he was in extreme pain from some fatal wound and unable to keep from crying. The sound of them both breathing, flesh hitting flesh as he repeatedly moved back and forth over Sasuke, his own heart threatening to explode out of his chest. He orgasmed somewhere inside of Sasuke, ejaculating up into warm organs and shuddering in release. Sasuke came soon after; a streaming mess between both their stomachs as Naruto�s arms refused to hold him up anymore. He fell down on top of the other boy, his arms suddenly loosing all of their strength. Sasuke cursed and began to cough at that, considerably weaker now as well.

"Idiot, get off! You�re heavy," Sasuke snapped tiredly, trying to struggle out from underneath Naruto and failing. His hands pushed at his body and slipped right off, Sasuke unable to shove him away and Naruto lacking the strength to move. They both could only pant, Naruto enjoying the sweaty heat coming off Sasuke. All his joints and muscles settled, finding a perfect little spot on top of the other boy to fall asleep in. Why would he want to move away from this?

"You�re warm," Naruto argued, digging his face into the curve of Sasuke�s neck. The boy made a protesting sound, one hand slamming down on top of his head and attempting to shove him away. Naruto grabbed Sasuke around the sides and held on for dear life, still burying up to the hilt inside the other boy and wanting to keep it that way. He belated remembered that seal on Sasuke�s neck and found it quickly, reeking something fierce on top of Sasuke�s scent. Naruto didn�t like it, but he figured that Sasuke must feel even worse about it. Naruto put his mouth back down onto the other boy�s skin, pressing his lips on top of that foul welt. It really wasn�t much, just a bad taste in his mouth compared to how Sasuke had taken a full load of senbon with his body in order to protect him. Sasuke had his own nightmares, but Naruto was still haunted by the sight of Sasuke�s back punched full of needles, a fatal attack he had ridiculously protected Naruto from. He didn�t know why Sasuke had done it to this day, certain that there was no way he could actually mean so much to anyone. Nobody cared that much about him. He was the Nine-tailed Demon Fox, after all�and an idiot to boot, just like Sasuke said, too stupid to move away from the raven-haired boy right now. It wasn�t fair that Sasuke could be so soft and cuddly when he had such a sour attitude, so delicious underneath that damn seal. If Naruto ever found that Orochi-whatever guy, he�d be sure to give him one good.

"Fine- Naruto�Let�s make� a deal," Sasuke was having a little bit of trouble speaking. Naruto realized that it only seemed to get worse as he ran his tongue over those three whorls. He wasn�t sure if he should listen or not, more focused on making Sasuke squirm around him. Naruto was too tired to get hard again, but it still felt wonderful to have the other boy�s inner muscles clamping around him with every twitch and breath Sasuke made. Naruto may be shorter than Sasuke, but he simply had more muscle and weight on the other boy; at least when Sasuke was exhausted like this. Naruto was sure that if his arm had been feeling all right and he didn�t have that damn mark on the back of his neck, Sasuke would probably be kicking his ass across the village right now.

"What do you want?" Naruto asked miserably, figuring it would be something like �if you leave now, I won�t kill you for this later� or such. He probably would never be thanked for trying to relieve Sasuke of his pain, but he was more than used to be ignored. Hell, Naruto should be thankful that he was here right now, actually given the chance to take advantage of Sasuke�s closeness, the intimacy of another person.

"If you� If you keep doing that, I�ll let you stay the night," Sasuke growled out contemptuously, turning his head away from Naruto to present a mess of black hair sticking out at all angles. Sasuke had never offered it aloud before, one of them inadvertently falling asleep before the other; that was how the ended up sleeping together in the first place. Naruto couldn�t help but smile at that. He had never had anyone ask him to stay before- no one had ever even asked him to play or come over to their house after school, like he heard all the other kids talk about. He never had a curfew, never even had parents to report to. He was so alone, always so damn lonely. It felt pathetic to put it into such small words, but that was all he had. Naruto couldn�t remember another time anyone had ever been so kind to him, not even Iruka or Kakashi taking the time to stay with him longer than a few hours.

"Naruto?" Sasuke asked in a soft, confused voice as he slowly went still underneath him. He didn�t answer to that voice, didn�t want to admit to the fact that there were tears falling down his face. He just held onto Sasuke, one of the few people who actually acknowledged that he was even alive- and didn�t hate him for it either. So many people had hated Naruto for simply existing, but not Sasuke. Sasuke was just irritated at him, not the demon he held within his body. Everytime they argued Naruto felt like his whole reason for being was confirmed. If he didn�t irritate Sasuke everyday, just whom would he make angry? Everyone else hated him purely because the whole damn village had just learned to act that way, the same shielded, and scornful glare turned on him as people learned by example� Even little children screamed and ran away when they saw him coming up. Naruto had jaded to it, just a little- the necessary amount to keep him functioning from day to day, but it always hurt. He didn�t have anyone, and Sasuke was offering himself so easily.

Sasuke put soft hands on Naruto�s back, pulling him in closer. Naruto just lay on top of Sasuke, forgetting the other boy�s injuries, how he had complained about him being too heavy- everything, just wanted to be held by someone else. It was weak and didn�t befit a Chuunin candidate, but Naruto wanted it so badly. He practically needed to be close to Sasuke, whether the boy was a complete jerk or not. He could call Naruto whatever names he wanted and it still wouldn�t be as bad as what the adults called him; horrible things that sometimes Naruto didn�t even understand� he just knew that he was hated. He stayed on top of Sasuke for a long time afterward, breathing in the smell of Sasuke�s sweat and even fainter shampoo- along with the salt of his own tears as Sasuke let him cry onto his shoulder. It was another person; someone else�just someone else who acknowledged that he even existed. That was more than enough for him, nuzzling up to warmth of Sasuke�s injured arm, his whole body, and that underlying love that Naruto had never imagined anyone would give him.

He kept on crying for a long time afterward, and Sasuke didn�t call him an idiot once.

I am proven correct yet again by the seventh opening of Naruto.

Sasuke and Naruto have a homosexual relationship.

AUTHOR�S NOTES: Thank you to Anon, Atsumi Haruko, cdk, Ciao Felicitas, crystal, duenna, GinTsuki, hentaiyarou, Iceheart19, _ka-chAn, Kaiyuga, KittenKat, KizuPL, Lady Gackt, Lexy, ManiacReversed, Monkeylady, Navi, Ookima, Pyschobratt, Rikkali, rim, ringlain, ryuukasasuke, Shieny, Simply Ordinary, Spooy, viciouscallisto, and Yancha!

Special thanks to Iie Nome for editing.

This is a PWP where the story�s made up and the points don�t matter!

I have listened to smut orders and put them down�Let�s see� Itachi comes in with twenty-five points to come back and being a loving, smarmy character with�that�voice (turns bass up a little bit more and shudders). Sorry kids, he�s just too psycho of a bastard to be loving, in my fair opinion. I hope this balances it out somehow for you.

Kakashi drew in a whooping 100 just for showing up, and the fact that he was with Sasuke got the popularity vote.

However, Sasuke still wins with a thousand points (he would have gotten a million if he just shook his ass a little, but couldn�t be talked into it), and so Naruto�s getting lucky by association.

I blame everyone�s reviews for sparking these sorts of thoughts/pairings, you guys are a bad influence�that I LOVE so much and live off of (snuggles all). Sniff. : Wipes away those tears of joy: This chapter is dedicated to the ladies. The other three were for the men�Why? Because, that�s why! Like I need justification to write a Neji/Naruto�which I don�t really see happening, but it�s fun to do the crazy, would-love-to-see-happen-but-nobody-writes-it relationships (grabs handy-dandy drool bucket before I fantasize all over my keyboard�that sounds bad)

Sorry this took so long.
*Have ALL my fics been banned from fanfiction.net yet? �Free your soul� my white Irish ass.
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