Gokkayu's Nest

Er... yo!

2007-01-11T20:15:40Z

I do the disappearing trick thing far too often. During Christmas time, I've found an old passion of mine reawakened and the most disturbing picture ever which I debated for a long time leaving without a cut... But in the end my good angel won.

That is all. Tune in next time for a new thrilling episode.

Work Hazard: Chapter 11

2006-12-15T07:34:20Z

And finally another update... this one still gives me the creeps though. Be warned for graphic, evil Hannibalism. People with a weak stomach should skim through the first part, until the first scene break.

Work Hazard: Chapter 11

When Sasuke opens his eyes next, he blinks hesitatingly at the room, much more careful this time around than the first two. He takes the time to examine his state, the small lag in his reflexes and his louder than usual breathing. He immediately identifies that last as the need to overcompensate for the choking feeling he went into unconsciousness with. Once that has been corrected and once every toe and finger has been properly accounted for, Sasuke lets his gaze travel over the richly furnished room.

The first thing that hits him is that he's finally and blissfully alone. No snake eyes to spy on his nakedness, no insane smirk to welcome his fear. He's free to explore his captivity.

When Sasuke manages to raise himself up to his elbows, he hears the telltale rattle of chains and a flash of outrage comes back to color his cheeks. He grabs the cold chain that serves as a leash and growls, giving it a vengeful tug. He fully understands how futile the action is but it calms him enough, gives him enough control over his fear to shift it to anger.

Sasuke stands carefully, slowly testing the exact range of his freedom. The slowness of the movement is the only thing that saves his dignity because as soon as he's upright, his body tells him in no uncertain terms that it needs to be fed. Dizziness springs on the boy and he clings to the nearest thing to stop himself from crumbling to the floor. His hand encounters a solid wooden desk and when his vision returns, Sasuke sees himself in large mirror overlooking said desk.

His hair has been washed. That's the first thought and Sasuke shivers with it. Washed while he was unconscious and powerless. He was washed. Uchiha Sasuke was bathed like a child. The humiliation and fear mingle together and Sasuke looks intensely into the mirror, looking for things that changed, hints of taint. To his utmost horror, he finds them. His lips are redder, seemingly endlessly wet, the contours of his eyes have been traced with dark black eyeliner. But most horrifying of all, the collar is stunningly beautiful.

It's pure silver, gently dipping into the hollow of Sasuke's collarbone with an intricate mix of leather and chain. It's flexible and cool; graceful. Sasuke's hand reaches to touch it before he can stop himself and he can see his nails painted a deep blue.

Someone took the time to fucking paint my nails...

That's what shatters the fascinated horror that had previously kept Sasuke relatively still. He forcefully wipes the lip gloss away with the back of his hand, digs his fingers against his eyelids, trying to rid himself of the grotesque make-up.

When he looks slightly more like himself, Sasuke devotes his energy to the chain. Despite the weakness still present in his body, both hands fist around the smooth chain and Sasuke uses his (fucking bastard!) silk-clothed legs to lever himself and use his weight against the chains. All of his efforts only manage to get his neck bruised, his hands sore and his body craving nourishment more than ever.

Exhausted, Sasuke rests his head tiredly against the floor. He takes a deep breath, then another. He's an inch away from spending more energy uselessly, screaming at the emptiness that he's not a fucking doll. A new and deeper breath has Sasuke calming his racing heart and his eyes fall shut.

Okay. Now think.

Itachi will be looking, that's undeniable. He'll probably drag along Neji and Naruto too. And Sasuke's breath gets a little shuddery when he remembers Kakashi's running down the stairs to come to his aid. It makes Sasuke feel warm and he has to work at holding back a smirk. He'll look for me too.

With such a competent team, all Sasuke has to do is wait it out, right? They'll eventually figure it out and find him... somehow.

With a sigh, Sasuke wonders how long it's been since he disappeared. He wonders what Itachi is doing, deprived of his only sanity. He wonders if Naruto will ever forgive him for that disappearing act that will no doubt cost him his career. Most of all though, he wonders why Kakashi will be looking for him.

He wonders if the man will really want to see him again. Maybe Sasuke's the only one who's felt this powerful need to be with the older man. Maybe he'll find a better lover, someone with experience... maybe... maybe Sasuke's just not all that important to him. They've known each other all of two weeks, after all. Maybe it's his teenager mind crushing on the nearest role model.

Clarity of mind is clarity of passion. Sasuke remembers throwing that phrase at the other man. He remembers the softening of those killer fingers on his skin. The care, the laughter, the comfort...

“Like I've got time to be thinking about you...” Sasuke shakes his head to himself and he makes the promise that when Kakashi finds him, he'll find a whole person, not some doll twisted and broken by the insane fuck behind the walls.

That promise gives Sasuke strength enough and he smirks. Judging from his stomach, he's been a captive for more than two days. Uchiha Sasuke does not sit around waiting to be rescued. Especially not in the hands of a maniac who treats him like a fucking porcelain doll.

With another effort, Sasuke puts his thoughts back into proper order. He needs to escape. Itachi will do what needs to be done, Neji and Naruto will strive to find him and Kakashi... Kakashi won't give up. Kakashi will come for him. Sasuke has to do all he can too. Fair's fair.

Feeling around his neck, Sasuke locates the lock on the back of the collar. So there has to be a key for it. He follows the chain up to the headboard of the bed. It can move laterally along the pole until it stops at each side. Methodically, Sasuke begins to explore what furniture he can reach. The bed yields nothing and the window is both out of reach, and darkened by shades. So Sasuke looks in the drawers of the desk he can reach. There are books and soft clothes. A tight line of annoyance curves Sasuke's lips. He empties everything, looking for a piece of metal or something sharp enough to use as a weapon.

He finds a passably decent white shirt which he immediately puts on. It's too big for him and the buttons too small for Sasuke to bother with all of them. After snapping two of them over his chest to keep the shirt relatively decent, Sasuke scrolls through the titles of the books. If nothing else, he can learn about his captor. He goes over the copies of 'The Art of War', 'The Prince' and 'Study of Insanity'. He'd somehow expected the first two, but the last title has him frowning worriedly. The most dangerous kind of maniac is the maniac who knows that he's insane and embraces it.

The bottom of the drawer is old and worn. Face scrunching up in that unconsciously adorable manner of his, Sasuke feels the beginnings of an idea form in his brain. He looks from the solid material of the clothes then back to the rough wooden shards of the drawers. A solid purple scarf gets his attention first.

Sasuke works a few splinters of the drawer bottom free, testing their resistance. They're sharp enough, but frail and easily broken. Gathering the scarf and the most solid of the shards, Sasuke crawls in under the bed to work. Just after splitting the purple material in half, a soft threading sound makes itself heard.

Immediately, Sasuke pushes all of the soon to be weapon as far under the bed as he can and he crawls out to lie on top of the mattress.

By the time the door swings open, Sasuke is properly feigning sleep.

“You can stop pretending to sleep.”

The voice doesn't have that slithery edge of the snake's and Sasuke cautiously opens one lid to take in the new arrival. The two red dots on the man's forehead are the first thing Sasuke really notices. Next comes the tiredly red eyes, too-large clothes, white hair and sickly frame. Feeling relatively safe in the presence of obvious weakness, Sasuke pushes himself up on his elbows and watches the man come in with a tray.

Wracking his brain for something to say, some way to learn about where, why and who, Sasuke's stomach settles the matter with a loud growl.

The white-haired man walks closer and sets the tray on the bed. For a moment, Sasuke considers the possibility of attacking him, but when the other man's eyes find his, Sasuke frowns at the look in them. They're sad eyes, tired eyes, needful. The man settles himself by the door and watches Sasuke, waiting patiently.

Ignoring the tray is harder than it looks, but Sasuke doesn't want the man to leave yet and since he's obviously waiting for the tray to be emptied...

“Eat.” The stern order is given and enforced with a glare.

Sasuke glares back just as intensely, “I'm not hungry.”

The staring continues for a few minutes before the white-haired man begins to cough. His entire frame is wracked with the fit and Sasuke can see it's a painful episode of something chronic. When the man's done, he gathers himself into the exact same position he was in before.

Sasuke frowns, “What's your name?”

Undisturbed, the white-haired man stays quiet.

“If you give me something I can call you by, I'll eat.” That gets a blink from the man, which in turn, earns a smirk from Sasuke, “It's not like I'm going to get out of here anyway, is it?”

“You may call me Kimimaro.”

Inclining his head, Sasuke acknowledges the man's presence politely. “Uchiha Sasuke.” He gives another small smirk before reaching for the tray to keep his part of the bargain.

The food is quickly consumed and Sasuke can only hope that it wasn't drugged again. He can't identify the type of meat but it's tender and juicy enough.

When the tray is emptied, Kimimaro gathers the remains and exits the room quietly. He comes back not a minute later, dragging behind him a heavy shopping cart. Sasuke frowns at the look of it. He can't quite tell what's in it, but it's leaving a liquid trail behind. A paranoid feeling grips Sasuke's stomach as he takes a look into Kimimaro's hurt eyes.

How fucking paranoid is doubting the man who kidnapped you?

“If you are still hungry, there is more.” With that, Kimimaro kicks the shopping cart and Sasuke watches with horror as it tips over and a human body tumbles from it, rolling once before it settles on its back, dead eyes seemingly staring straight as Sasuke.

Distantly, Sasuke registers that part of the man's stomach is missing. Part of the man's stomach is fucking missing.

Sasuke barely has time to aim at the floor before he's violently sick, throwing up again and again and dry heaving and fuck!

“You sick fuck... you fucking sick bastard...” The words tumble from Sasuke's lips along with bile and meat...

The worst of it all comes when Sasuke hears the distinct click of a camera.

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Somewhere else in the city, a shrill sound echoes loudly, “That's a whorehouse?!” Naruto's voice is two octaves too high and Neji barely resists the urge to slap him. Ever since that incident in the changing room, the blond boy has made himself as annoying as possible, more of a pest than Neji thought anyone could be.

“Yes, Naruto, that's your new home. Now shut up.”

Naruto's nose wrinkles adorably and he scoffs, “You just don't know how to treat a lady. Assholes like you aren't worthy of holding the door for me!” Annoyance has Neji swinging shut the door he was holding for the other boy with much more strength than required.

As soon as they go past the entrance hall and into the corridor, Neji can see why this place was chosen by the mistress. The lobby is soberly decorated and from the look of those walls, perfectly sound proof. It looks fairly ordinary but the simplicity of the details brings a sense of luxury to the eye. There are no statues, no paintings, no intricate pattern designed in the ramps, walls and desks but everything radiates temptation, from the rich blue carpet to the amusingly phallic door handles.

Neji frowns at the deviousness and he unconsciously tightens his hold on Naruto's arm. There's a blond girl at the counter smiling at them. She is undeniably beautiful but something inside Neji stirs savagely when he notices how young she is.

The girl saunters over to them and her smile falters for just enough of a moment for Neji to catch it before she drapes herself over his arm with bright blue, flirtatious eyes. “The mistress is expecting you. Come along.”

Cold but polite, Neji untangles her arms from around him and follows her lead, leaving Naruto to fend for himself in the lobby.

Neji is soon introduced in a large room with a heavy and large mahogany desk separating him from their host. The lady has her back turned to him but Neji can already tell that she's beautiful. The long, elegant fingers are twining in the small of her back and her long hair reaches just above the digits. It's a somber, dark color that seems to border on purple.

“Itachi has quite the nerve to be sending you here, child.” Her voice is much more commanding than Neji would have given her fragile frame credit for. The actual words hardly even give him pause. Itachi has briefed him on this woman.

“Uchiha-sama knows you will take care of his protégé.”

The woman turns around, her eyes flashing with anger. “I'm sure he's told you all about me, Hyuuga! What makes you think I won't kill her in her sleep? What makes him think I won't send snakes to poison her after what he did to me?”

The jealous, edgy pain in her voice only speaks of the need to please and Neji only nods, “Uchiha Itachi trusts that you will prove yourself capable of completing such a menial task as this.”

She snorts ungraciously and waves at him, “Show her to me then. Let's see what I have to work with.”

The blond girl exits the room quickly to fetch Naruto and the woman sets a cool gaze on Neji as soon as they're alone. “She'll have to take other clients as well in the meantime. I am not doing Itachi that much of a favor and keeping her unstained for him.”

Neji's jaw clenches but he breathes evenly through the anger, “She has been prepared for that eventuality. We did hope you would make things as easy as possible... Too much to hope for apparently.”

“Apparently so.”

The staring contest is interrupted by the opening door and the appearance of a hip-swinging Naruto. One eyebrow on the woman raises smoothly and the tense silence is soon broken by a small cough from her. Then she smirks.

“Itachi's tastes have changed since he left me.” She strides forward, her long hair trailing behind her and she begins to circle the now fidgeting Naruto.

Neji is suddenly struck by how wrong that hair looks on her. Seeing her move, gracious as any gymnast, commanding as any general, pushes forth the notion that despite her beauty, despite her generous charms, this woman would fare better with short hair and a sniper riffle.

The woman looks Naruto up and down critically, then she runs a testing hand over the uncovered skin of his side, inducing a shudder. When she's done, she gives an approving nod and the blond girl from before answers the command before Neji even processes that one was given.

Naruto's hand is taken between the young girl's and he's lead away, presumably to his assigned quarters. Neji is left staring at the woman, jaw clenched with the anticipation of her final answer.

She gives a wild grin, one of those smiles that speak of youth and disobedience, “You can tell Itachi I'll take care of his protégé. He'll be safe.”

Neji nods his head politely, barely hiding his relief, “Thank you, Anko-Sama.”

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Kakashi has been reflecting on the irony of his riding in the front of a police car, in a police uniform. Of course, some of his previous work had demanded similar precautions once, but Itachi has validated a temporary license for him. Which makes Hatake Kakashi an official enforcer of the law...

The wound on his shoulder is still more painful than it ought to be, but Kakashi is far too preoccupied to worry about that. There's so much more to worry about than trivial pain. There's the homicidal maniac sitting by his side and the lovely brat they've got to rescue. It's equally ironic that said homicidal maniac is kept in check by a brat as Kakashi himself becoming an honorary police officer.

Itachi is driving with purpose, calmly reflecting on his plan of action and the many traps he's laid for Orochimaru's troops. The Uchiha knows better than to ambush the snake himself, the man is far too devious to fall for a trick like this... but that's where Orochimaru is weak. That's where he should fear Itachi. Orochimaru needs his subordinates. He relies on them. Itachi has no such need.

But the snake has the only thing Itachi really needs. The snake has his little brat of a brother, his everything.

Slender fingers grip the wheel tighter and tighter.

Orochimaru is weak. Orochimaru is lucky, but weak. He won't slip up, but the people he trusts will.

“Where are we going?” Hatake Kakashi's voice rings soothingly in the heavy silence. It's just enough for Itachi to dismiss the dark thoughts and return to his relaxed stance.

“Orochimaru has been sending spies and assassins after me for years now. We are visiting one of them.”

“I thought you only sent back bodies.” Kakashi frowns as he remembers the first words he exchanged with the snake concerning Itachi.

“I do.” Itachi's cool voice is a smirk in and of itself. “Bits at a time.”

The car is soon parked and Kakashi takes in the surroundings carefully. They're a few miles away from the city and the downtrodden fences barely hold up a sign about dangerous dogs and a restricted area. The building behind the fences is large and high, grayish and dull in the horizon. There is no green, no trees, grass or persistent weeds. It's all sand and rock leading the way to an abandoned factory.

“I take it this place is in none of the official records?”

“Officially, Yakushi Kabuto committed suicide to avoid talking. He swallowed a pill that instantly stopped his heart.” Itachi is leading the way to the old 'Personnel Only' door on the side of the huge building.

Through the maze of corridors and large, empty rooms, Kakashi methodically remembers the way out, listening as Itachi finishes briefing him, “I sent his eye, his hand and his foot to Orochimaru as proof of death. He's been here ever since. He's the one who knows the most about Orochimaru's hideouts and methods. He had even managed to make himself essential to the man. His delirious rantings have been keeping me three steps more ahead of the snake for months. Now we will drive him insane enough to reveal whatever it is he hasn't told me yet.”

Kakashi's jaw clenches and he takes a deep breath. He's always been one for quick deaths unless strictly requested by the client. He is no stranger to torture, but he is not fond of it. “So what do you expect me to do?”

“Kabuto is Orochimaru's second in command for a reason. He is smart and he is loyal. The only times he's revealed anything was in delirium, and on tape when he pretended to be alone. And even then, with veiled words and insinuations. He will not talk in front of me. You will make him believe that you have come to mercifully end his life, sent by Orochimaru. He will believe you.”

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“Boss, Sakon's getting worse... he can hardly even breathe now.” Kidomaru's tone is respectful and disobedient at once, like he's chaffing under Orochimaru's authority and fighting the urge to do what he believes is best. “We don't have Kabuto here to care for our casualties... Sakon needs a hospital.”

Something in Orochimaru's gaze hardens when he hears Kabuto's name. He rises from his seat and walks closer to the other man, “You will not risk it. Any slip up on our part and the Uchiha will know. You think if you bring him to a hospital, it won't register with the police force? Do what you can for him, but do not move him.”

Kidomaro nods cautiously, the very closeness of his superior enough to make him uncomfortable. “What about the kid?”

Orochimaru's fingers gently caress the glass sphere pendant under his shirt. His smile makes Kidomaro's skin crawl. Especially since Kidomaro knows what's in that pendant.

“Did you know, Kidomaro, that a dog can be repetitively beaten, struck and tortured every day, and it will grow aggressive but not insane? Smart animals, really. They can expect brutality, and so they do. You can't break a dog just by hitting it. You can't break someone with cruelty. Do you know what it is that makes those spineless mutts who flinch at every sound? Those who cower and obey every order from a given master?”

Kidomaro remains silent, anticipating that Orochimaru doesn't actually need him to answer. Indeed, just a few seconds later, the snake continues, “Kindness breaks. It's when they feel grateful for every gentle pat on the head, it's when they don't know to expect a slap or a kiss. In the end, the person's mind can't conciliate both the brutality and the kindness and they break. Isn't it beautiful, Kidomaro? Cruelty strengthens and kindness breaks.”

tbc...

Previous Chapter

Work Hazard: Chapter 10

2006-10-27T17:52:00Z

Aha! Finally! This one served to unblock the fic so I'm not entirely certain how good it is. I do like it overall though. Hope you enjoy it, peeps!

Work Hazard: Chapter 10

Uchiha Itachi is seated in a large rocking chair which he holds perfectly still with his two feet firmly planted on the ground, his hands gracefully folded over one another. His elbows are on the armrests and his back ramrod straight. He is the picture of cold hatred in every smooth line of his face, his smoothly shut eyes, the neutral curve of his lip and the minute tightening of his jaw.

Hyuuga Neji rests in a similar position, his expression betraying nothing. He doesn't project the same aura of danger and icy hatred as Itachi does, but his countenance speaks of raw anger. His eyes tell a different story though, they say I'm worried sick.

Uzumaki Naruto is a different matter entirely. Perhaps the only reason he is still here, allowed to look for Sasuke, is because he is the only one to show outward worry. He fists his hands, nails digging in the palms. He paces, curses, flinches at sounds and makes devoted promises concerning the kidnappers' fates. Perhaps Itachi let Naruto tag along because the boy expressed what he denies himself.

Hatake Kakashi watches each in turn, his body still throbbing with pain but his mind entirely focused. He may be a recent acquaintance of Sasuke's but there's just something there he can't deny. Something that can't be worded which claws at Kakashi's mind. That wordless something says it won't go away until Kakashi can once again hold the boy's small body in his arms, feel his cool fingers and smell his clean scent.

Some would call it worry, but Kakashi suspects it's more than that. Ever since Itachi ripped off part of his shoulder (the asshole) Kakashi's been hard-pressed to even attempt anything resembling denial.

His heart has decided on the kid. Kakashi can deal with everything including the guilt and bullshit that comes with Sasuke's age, but having the boy taken away now makes him feel as though he's lost part of himself. Which should be a preposterous idea.

Itachi opens his eyes. “The license plate glimpsed on the cameras is a dead end. The van was dumped a few miles to the North of the city. It was torched.” Standing from his seat, Itachi opens the folder and drops four pictures on the table in the center of the room.

“These are the people who kidnapped Sasuke. They are known as The Sound Four. Veterans of Orochimaru's troops. This one...” Itachi points to the picture of a very large man, hair cut in that strange mohawk Kakashi had glimpsed over Sasuke's body. “Is named Jirobo Nagashi. His father was Fugaku Nagashi and worked as a carpenter for several years in Western Germany where he also dealt out cocaine through several female prostitutes. His mother was Akeno Mitake, a common whore who badmouthed him through his childhood. His father became violent after the birth of a second child. He killed both the mother and the youngest child in a violent rage. Jirobo was apprehended for manslaughter a few years later in Boston. It took six men to bring him in. He's the most physically powerful of the four.” The summary is spoken in that same cold tone which promises death. No sympathy touches Itachi's voice, not even as he speaks of the murder of mother and child.

Next comes the picture of the man Kakashi nearly killed. The silver hair is brushed over the man's right eye as it had been during the fight. “Sakon Chiba. Also known as Ukon Chiba. Born in Louisiana, dropped in an orphanage at the age of three by a junkie mother. Her name and status are unknown. The head of the orphanage was arrested for pedophilia and physical abuse of the children entrusted to him. As a result, Sakon was left to fend for himself on the streets. Multiple arrests for small crimes until premeditated mutilation and murder of three women. He got off the death penalty by pleading insanity and was found with Multiple Personality Disorder. He's a martial arts expert and more of a threat in close combat than anywhere else.”

Itachi pauses the briefing to drink some water. Just the thought of Sasuke in the hands of these people is enough to make his fingers itch to kill.

Kakashi finds himself in a similar predicament. His ability to relate to these people's tragedies is completely shot and he just hopes he gets to put an end to some of their miseries. They touched him.

Neji is a bit disturbed by the information disclosed by the Uchiha. He thinks that if Itachi thought it was relevant, he would be able to tell what they had for breakfast. That's how thick those files are. Naruto, for his part, is radiating nervous energy. He couldn't help but feel pity for Sakon the second he heard the word 'orphan' come out of Itachi's mouth.

The picture of the girl comes next. Fiery red hair, cruel brown eyes. “Tayuya Morikawa. Her specialty is distance fighting, guns, throwing knives, bow. There isn't much of a criminal record for her which proves that if anything, she's smart enough to stay out of jail. The only thing she's ever been charged with is prostitution a few years ago, despite the hints that she brought death to many, many clients.”

The last on the table is a brown-skinned man with a too large mouth and too yellow eyes. “Kidomaru Sakuya. No criminal record, no background information apart from perfect school records and a bachelor degree in criminology. He's the driver, that's why he's on none of the security cameras.”

Another break to let the three men in the room absorb the information. Then Itachi starts again, “Orochimaru will not keep Sasuke in any of his existing hideouts. I know of them all and agents will keep me posted. He'll want to avoid notice. He's smart enough to know that laws won't apply now that he has something dear to me. He will need to move out of his comfort zone and create a temporary lair on short notice. The only trust-worthy agents he will use are those four. Finding them is finding Sasuke.”

There's a moment of silence, quickly broken by Naruto, “So how do we track'em?”

Itachi stands from his curled up position, the walk a graceful stretch of its own. “Orochimaru could have taken Sasuke far away in the hours we've used to regroup. He could have taken him to another country entirely.”

Kakashi interrupts Itachi with a pacifying raised hand (his left one). He figures he might as well start being useful and show signs of trustworthiness. “Orochimaru's aim is you, Itachi. Sasuke is just the means to an end. He could have taken the boy far away, but he won't. He wants to play. He's probably still in the city.”

Neji's gaze is drawn to Kakashi with a cold glare the second the deep, lazy voice sounds in the room. The Hyuuga looks completely disgusted with Kakashi's presence and has made a point of ignoring him, and failing that, glaring at him.

The older Uchiha nods and adds, “This is the perimeter we'll extend our search to.” Itachi rolls down the map from the wall and circles the concerned area with a red marker. “Speed is of essence. Every second we spend discussing is a second more that Sasuke spends in the hands of this... snake.” The word is filled with hatred, yet seems completely void of emotion. “We need to find The Sound Four. There are tools which will make the task much easier.” Itachi turns and fixes a look on the Uzumaki.

Naruto feels the Uchiha's gaze set on him intently. He blinks a little worriedly, then asks, “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

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This is stupid. Naruto growls under his breath as he tugs the material down his thigh to cover up as much skin as it possibly can.

“Stop fussing, Naruto, you'll stretch it.” Neji's cool voice is unbearably amused.

“That's the point. Damnit, it hardly even covers my ass!” Naruto attempts to pull tight mini-skirt lower, only to have his hands slapped away.

“That is the point, Naruto. Now finish dressing.” The Hyuuga holds up Naruto's intended top and the blond's eyes go wide with horror at the sight of it.

“I am not wearing that!”

“You're wearing a skirt. I don't see how adding a bra to the mix can humiliate you any further.”

“Gee thanks Neji, that's a big help.” Grumbling, Naruto grabs the small strings and tries to lace them around his bare torso, making a horrible mess of it all. “How do girls stand those things?”

If the situation weren't so dire, Neji would permit himself a smile. Hell, he'd even permit himself a laugh. As things are, he allows his pale eyes to reflect his amusement and grabs both of Naruto's arms to hold him still. “Stay.”

Taking a hold of the small piece of clothing, Neji neatly drapes it around Naruto. His fingers brush against Naruto's warm skin as he finishes with the straps. It's odd how Naruto can produce so much heat, like his body always exudes excess energy. Neji coolly dismisses the urge to lean in and taste the boy's warmth. He instead stuffs the bra with special water-filled pads so they'll feel as real as they look.

Naruto holds relatively still during the entire process (if you don't count leg bouncing and weight shifting). “This is humiliating. Why the hell aren't you the one dressing up?”

Smirking, Neji answers, “Kidomaru likes blonds. Besides, I'm just too much of a man to make a good woman.”

Naruto's jaw drops in sheer outrage. He grabs Neji's shoulder and pulls him back onto a stretched out leg, tripping him and following the movement to straddle the boy's waist.

The Hyuuga finds himself with a lapful of half-naked, wriggling blond. Needless to say, he's not the least bit pleased about it. (Really.)

“Who's more of a man now, huh?” It takes Naruto a few seconds to realize the situation he's put himself in. Neji's hair is spread out below him and both of Naruto's hands rest firmly on the other boy's chest. Anyone would be rightfully confused at witnessing the compromising position.

Naruto jumps off the Hyuuga faster than the eye can see.

Neji takes his time standing up, dusting himself off with so much pride it has to hurt. So Naruto just laughs it off before it becomes awkward, “I'd like to see you with your cock and balls trapped in women's underwear looking as good as me!”

You utter moron... If you want to avoid sexual innuendo, don't talk about your dick.

It's immensely sobering for Naruto to realize that his inner voice sounds just like Sasuke. He goes from flustered to serious, grabbing the rest of his clothing and putting it on without a word. As he ties the thigh-high boots around his too-muscular legs, he chances a look at Neji, “He'll be alright, won't he?”

The Hyuuga gives a sigh and straps his gun to his hip, “Yeah.” He doesn't know who he's trying to convince.

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Silence fills the room where Kakashi and Itachi are gearing up. The fact that Kakashi has to be terribly careful about his right arm reinforces the need for silence. Because Kakashi is not talking to that man on a voluntary basis.

“Don't sulk. It doesn't suit you.”

Kakashi grits his teeth and remains silent. He's positive that Itachi isn't making conversation because the silence was bothering him. He's going to be testing and prodding Kakashi for the duration of this rescue operation... if not until the end of his days.

Better get used to it, then. He's almost family.

Something about that thought is just too much for Kakashi and he chokes on an amused laugh. Itachi does have a point though. They will need to cooperate and work together for Sasuke's sake. Perhaps the silent treatment isn't the best way to go about things. Despite the fact that the man viciously tore shreds of Kakashi's shoulder.

“Why did you choose law enforcement?” The question has been in the back of Kakashi's mind for a while now. Someone as ruthlessly intelligent as Itachi would have a much better chance on the wrong side of the law. There's also something in the man that speaks of chaos and the need to fight against established order. Kakashi would see him as a sociopath much sooner than a hero.

“I didn't.”

For a second, Kakashi thinks about asking what the hell that's supposed to mean, but he glimpses Itachi's eyes on him, searching for a reaction. It's a far-fetched link but Kakashi's mind makes the leap almost effortlessly. “Sasuke did. He's the reason you chose an honorable venue.”

If Kakashi didn't know any better, he'd swear that's a glint of amusement in the older Uchiha's eyes.

“Understand this, Kakashi: Sasuke may feel attached to you, he may even grow to be a fool about love... but he is mine as he always has been.” In the silence that follows, Kakashi can hear the unspoken 'Mine like I am his.'

“As cliché as it may seem, I think your brother's heart is big enough for more than one person, Uchiha Itachi.” Kakashi knows that Itachi can hear the unspoken, 'Unlike the both of us.'

“For your sake, I hope so.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Bright morning light hesitantly peaks through dark curtains and onto the naked skin of Sasuke's neck. At some point during the night, the wrists which were tightly bonded together behind Sasuke's back have been freed.

The boy is lying on his stomach on the dark red sheets and Orochimaru watches the gentle curve of his spine, the sharp angles of his thin shoulders, the tempting softness of the hips disappearing under the covers. The eyes are firmly shut, long lashes nearly brushing flawless cheeks. One of the hands is drawn close to the mouth in a loose fist. It prevents Orochimaru from watching the boy's mouth, but it also provides him with the picture of a childlike gesture, so fully innocent.

That's what the boy looks like, laying on his stomach, asleep and unaware of the eyes on him. He looks like innocence, he looks like something Orochimaru had needed to have, a long time ago. He looks like something Orochimaru needs to break, today.

It's not quite enough though.

Standing, Orochimaru takes the two steps separating him from the bedside and the very tip of his fingers lightly trace the boy's spine. Soft. Unmarred. Beautiful.

It's not enough to break the boy. Orochimaru needs to taint him, twist him until that thoughtless beauty becomes the most dangerous weapon in the world, until the boy can't look at himself in the mirror without seeing death.

“Wake up, young one. You've slept enough now.” Orochimaru's voice is soft but it's enough to rouse the boy.

Sasuke opens his eyes to the blinding light and he immediately shuts them again, shifting away from it and unknowingly closer to the predator in the room. His head is pounding and his body doesn't seem to be answering any direct commands when prompted. Wetting his lips, Sasuke attempts to open his eyes again, this time merely squinting at the light as he turns his head away from it.

“You've been sleeping for quite a while. I trust you're well rested?”

Sense of direction doesn't come back instantly to Sasuke. He's not entirely sure where he is or how he got there, but the voice sends tendrils of fear down his spine. It's enough for him to know that he needs to escape. A few seconds later, upon realizing that his wrists are free, Sasuke pushes himself off the bed.

He doesn't get to go far. The sound of rattling chains comes first, then the sharp bite of a collar around his neck jerks Sasuke to a stop. His hands immediately fly up to the metal necklace and a deep red flush of anger and humiliation colors Sasuke's pale flesh. It takes him a few seconds more to focus his glare on the man in the room. The reality of the situation heightens Sasuke's perception and he can tell that the man is out of range, the chain is silver colored and relatively thin but it's far too strong and soft to be silver, it will allow Sasuke to get within inches of the man's throat, but pull him sharply back before any real damage is done.

Sasuke wraps the chain around his hand, as if by taking a hold of his leash, he takes control of his captivity. “What the fuck do you want from me?” Sasuke is naked from the waist up. He's lying on a bed with silk sheets, collared like a slave and just as captive. It's obvious what the man wants.

Orochimaru takes a step closer, smiling that eerie smile.

If he gets just an inch closer, Sasuke will kill him. The murderous intent is written in Sasuke's gaze. This man is dangerous in too many ways, Sasuke knows that.

Orochimaru walks that other step. Sasuke springs into action.

The man blocks Sasuke's fist easily, he deflects the kick with little more difficulty, but the free elbow catches the side of his chest and damn that boy has potential. Orochimaru gives one strike to Sasuke's stomach that has the boy bending over reflexively. From there it's a matter of seconds before Sasuke is pressed to the mattress on his stomach, both wrists caught in a vice-like grip behind his back.

Sasuke can feel Orochimaru's breath on his neck, can taste his need and it sickens him. He twists and bucks against the firm hold, kicking a thigh, hitting Orochimaru's face with the back of his head. There's just no way in hell he'll make this easy for the man.

Keeping a hold of the struggling boy is proving more of a challenge than the older man had thought. In the end though, it's a matter of leverage. Orochimaru plants a knee in the small of Sasuke's back and one of his hands fists in the boy's hair, holding his head down to the mattress, cutting off his air supply.

When Sasuke starts to feel lightheaded from the lack of oxygen, he relaxes his muscles, slumping into the mattress, yet Orochimaru doesn't ease the pressure. He keeps pressing down on the boy, choking him until darkness comes.

Sasuke's last thought has something to do about remaining conscious for more than five minutes if he ever wakes up.

tbc...
Next Chapter
Previous Chapter

Fic: All about Victory (In answer to Luni's prompt: NaruSasu - Rapefic)

2006-10-21T04:10:09Z

Very disjointed, this one. Non-con warnings apply although it's nothing graphic.

It's more about the psychological elements of it. And it's very open to interpretation. I hope you like this one Luni!

All about Victory

"So that's what you want, is it?"

Sasuke doesn't answer. His face is twisted with pain, his body abused and tired and he wants to scream, yell, 'No.'

He doesn't. Some part of him figures it's only right. It's long overdue, this betrayal.

"Answer me, damnit. Is it what you want? To be forced? It's the only way you'll understand, isn't it?"

Naruto is so naive. So fresh and stupid. Sasuke doesn't answer him. He couldn't move if his life depended on it anyway. In some way, maybe it does.

"I did everything. I did every goddamn thing." A kiss brushes the back of Sasuke's neck. It's desperate and filled to the brink with need. "Why isn't it enough?"

You were doing fine is what Sasuke wants to say. He needs to say, Just stop now and we'll be okay. He wants to say, I'm broken, you're not. You can't understand.

Instead, "You'll never be enough."

His pants are tugged and ripped off brutally. Sasuke shuts his eyes and steals himself. I told you so. You knew he'd betray you, in the end. He's not strong enough. I told you so. You should've listened.

There's a parody of care in the way Naruto traces up Sasuke's back, a parody of love as he pushes a finger inside to stretch the hole.

Sasuke pretends it's not them. He hasn't pushed Naruto this far. It's not him lying on his stomach, wrists tied behind his back, ass exposed. It's not Naruto crying and positioning his cock to violate him.

Need to say no, need to say no.

"Stop..." It's low and weak and Sasuke can't recognize his voice in the vulnerable, needy tone.

There's a pause in Naruto's movements, he heard. Fingers tremble on Sasuke's hips before they tighten again.

He doesn't stop.

It's rough, fast and brutal. Two minutes into the assault, Sasuke loses his hold on consciousness.

*

When Sasuke wakes, he's in a sterilized room in the hospital. He sits up with a scream on his lips and the pain in his lower half finishes to drag it out. Hands immediately reach out to hold him.

Sasuke knows those hands. He shuts his eyes and flinches away.

"You have no right to be here." Sasuke's voice is surprisingly steady. He supposes this sort of thing happens when you kill off the last part of yourself.

"I... I'm sorry."

"No you're not. You got what you wanted." It's not bitter, not angry. Sasuke can't find the energy to sound betrayed. Besides it's not like he didn't expect it.

"You... you said you needed that. I thought you wanted it! You said you wanted it!"

"I also asked you to stop. Or did you conveniently forget that part?"

"I can't just know what you want, Sasuke, I'm not a mind-reader! You just kept pushing and pushing and I didn't know what to do! I didn't know what you wanted..."

"But you knew what you wanted. Isn't that the most important thing?"

Naruto's eyes are filled with tears. He looks so completely defeated that Sasuke can almost feel pity. But there's anger in that sad gaze as well. Wise anger, cold anger. "You kept pushing me, waiting for me to trip, didn't you? You were waiting for this to happen just so you could be right."

Sasuke lets out an unamused chuckle, "You failed me."

Silence. It invades every aspect of the room until Sasuke feels suffocated with it.

"I love you." It's broken now. Naruto's voice is simply that, broken.

An almost sob is Sasuke's answer. But he won't cry, he won't sob. He knew this would happen. He's ready for it. Betrayal is in human nature. Itachi taught him that lesson too well.

"I win, Naruto."

The End

I need therapy.

Art Meme

2006-10-12T15:19:25Z

Taken straight from evil_chibi (but modified because I am TEH lazy).

The first THREE people to respond to this post will get some form of FIC by me (in the Naruto fandom please). I'll invite you to specify one thing, plot element or character to me in your rep to the post to narrow down your request, but the rest of it is up to me! No guarantees as to length or delay. I'm a little busy with work atm, but WILL take care to finish all three requests.

Work Hazard: Chapter 9

2006-10-09T16:22:48Z

Erm... I have no excuse. Itachi is evil. *hangs head*

Work Hazard: Chapter 9

“Don't you know better than to oppose Lord Orochimaru, Kakashi?” Ukon's voice is dark and threatening. He's good and he knows it. Ukon is also smart enough to realize that he's no match for Kakashi alone. He's only going to delay him while Tayuya and Jirobo take care of the Uchiha brat.

“I don't serve snakes.” Kakashi's movements are fast and deadly. If Ukon missteps just once, Kakashi will take advantage of the opening to break his neck and get to Sasuke. The worry he feels for the boy isn't new and if Kakashi had time to reflect on it, he'd realize that ever since the boy left the room, he's felt something astray.

His opponent is good, but not that good. Not good enough to hold his own against Kakashi for long. Kakashi's focus is entirely on the other man, keeping track of his movement and assimilating his fighting style. After blocking the man's fast hits for a few more seconds, Kakashi knows.

The next time the man raises his left leg for a kick, Kakashi uses the opening. He twists around the leg and strikes, his knee pushing sharply into the other man's thigh while his elbow slams right into the throat. Ukon coughs and clutches his neck desperately.

He can't take in any air, the airway's collapsing under the strength of Kakashi's blow. Panicked, Ukon drops to his knees, forgetting all about the other man. He whips out his knife from the belt and aims to slash into his throat. It'll be messy and bloody and hurt like all fucking hell, but it might allow him to survive.

Kakashi dismisses Ukon with a kick to the side, making him miss his mark and slash the empty air. He quickly locates Sasuke on the floor of the corridor. It's in that single second, watching Sasuke's body completely still and his wet hair plastered over his beautifully perfect face, that Kakashi understands how important Sasuke became in those few days. Thinking that the boy might be dead freezes Kakashi solid.

Kakashi hasn't frozen in the middle of a fight for years. Not since Obito. That moment of fear costs him immensely. It costs him Sasuke, because at that moment, a gun goes off from behind Kakashi.

Stumbling, Kakashi doesn't register that he's been shot until he drops to his knees. He watches a large man in a Mohawk come out of room 102 and bend to pick up Sasuke's body from the floor even as Kakashi himself drops to the ground. He's been shot. Fuck. His cheek slams on the harsh, cold ceramic and all he can do is watch.

There's no pain at all, but no matter how much he tries, Kakashi can't move. Can't force himself to stand up, grab the redheaded woman with the gun and twist her neck. Can't pick up Sasuke's limp body and carry him away to safety. Kakashi wonders where the new scar will be. His eyes stay open and he spots a crimson mark on the big man's chest that looks suspiciously like a bite. Good boy. Give them hell.

The redhead kicks Sasuke's limp body once before the big man takes him over his shoulder and Kakashi engraves her face in his mind. This one won't have a quick death.

Sirens ring in the distance. Kakashi's vision dims. Well this sucks.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

The doors of the hotel fly open and in steps Uchiha Itachi. He looks positively murderous. The might of his anger betrays his worry and fear for his little brother. It takes Itachi about three seconds to piece together all that happened here. Sasuke's cell phone by the couch, the body of the receptionist tagged 'Andrew', the dark marks of shots in the walls, Kakashi's body in the center of the room, his hands extended towards the corridor.

Sasuke is missing. He was attacked, shot at and subdued, then taken out the back of the hotel. A heavy weight of fear settles in Itachi's gut and it freezes his handsome features with pain. My only weakness...

Hyuuga Neji is beside him, and Uzumaki also. Itachi will kill Uzumaki if the boy speaks. He lost Sasuke's trail. That is unforgivable. If there weren't more pressing matters at hand... if Itachi didn't need all the manpower he could get... He'd get rid of the Uzumaki right here and now. He'd make him eat Sasuke's cell phone and watch him choke on it.

“That's Kakashi.” The Hyuuga's voice breaks the silence and Itachi looks up in time to watch Neji lightly kick at Kakashi's limp body, then kneel beside it.

Neji, after making sure that Kakashi wasn't shot in the back, rolls him to see his front. He runs a quick hand over the bare chest and assesses the man's condition. “Chest wound, the lungs are intact, it's not fatal, but he needs treatment.”

The doors again burst open and this time, armed policemen step inside, guns drawn and trained on the three standing men in the room.

Itachi doesn't look at them. He's staring at Kakashi with the closest thing to hatred as he can get. This man is responsible for Sasuke's presence in this hotel. He's as guilty as the Uzumaki if not more.

The Uchiha prodigy can feel his skin prickle with anger. The man's half naked. It doesn't take a genius to deduce what exactly might have happened between a half-naked older man and his too-daring, stubborn brother.

Taking a calming breath, Itachi turns to look at the men holding guns on him. He raises a brow and takes out his ID, throwing it at the captain. After that... well let's say the weapons are dropped faster than the eye can see. “Captain, I want this man in solitary confinement at the hospital. He's responsible for the kidnapping of my little brother. Get your men to work on clean-up. Uzumaki...” the name is spit out icily, “Stay here and coordinate the efforts. Hyuuga, ride the ambulance, make sure they keep him restrained or unconscious.”

After the orders have been given, Itachi exits the hotel, leaving behind him an icy aura of anger, worry and pain. The men feel it and grow edgy, jumping at every small thing as they reassure the guests of the hotel, take pictures and prints, then finally carry the still body of 'Andrew' away on a stretcher.

Behind the hotel, Itachi shuts his eyes and allows himself just a moment to act on what he feels. His fist slams into the brick wall and his jaw clenches tightly. He murmurs to himself, “Just be alright, otouto. I'm coming for you.” When Itachi looks up, his knuckles are bleeding, but his eyes and face have returned to their intimidating cold. There's an added edge to the sharpness of his gaze, “I'll kill them all.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hours later, in a small, white hospital room, Kakashi stirs. His eyes are shut, body unmoving, mind asleep, but Kakashi grows aware of his surroundings in that instinctive manner which will soon bring him to wake properly.

The bullet went through his right shoulder, almost overlapping the old scar which reminds him of Obito. The irony doesn't thrill him. His wrists are restrained with the usual hospital bonds, which means it'll be relatively easy to get free. He's alone, in pain and there's a weight settling tightly in his gut. Kakashi is reluctant to identify it as guilt and concern.

How he went from wanting to kidnap the boy to needing to protect him with his life, Kakashi will never know. The fact remains unavoidable and raw: Kakashi needs to protect Sasuke and he failed.

It stings, failure. Obito would roll his eyes and tell him to snap the hell out of it already. You've got a lover to rescue, don't feeling sorry for yourself.

... Lover?

After the events of the night, Kakashi would be hard-pressed to deny that, but the title sounds so much softer than it should.

Lying in his hospital bed, only conscious enough to think, Kakashi has an epiphany.

Denial is dumb.

Because Kakashi likes that kid. Likes him well enough to get shot and feel guilty about it. When Kakashi had heard the shots, he hadn't been thinking. He'd just reacted with the deep-set, instinctive need to protect the boy and he'd barreled down the stairs and into a fight without analyzing the why, where, who and maybe it's best to trail and rescue.

He'd been stupid with rash feeling. Because he really likes that boy, that smirk, the fragile confidence and blind dare.

Kakashi remembers the boy's hands. Long, thinly elegant white fingers trembling finely, curling and unfolding with nerves and courage. He can see them stained with blood.

Face it, you fell for the kid. Now go get him before anything happens to him.

He can't hear anyone's breathing in the room, no sense of presence, no footsteps approaching. Kakashi thinks it's fairly safe to open his eyes.

The light assaults his eyes first. Blinking heavily, Kakashi manages to see past the glaring white of the neon glow. He meets a pair of dead black eyes that nearly sends shivers up his spine. Those eyes have made hundreds of people tremble with terror... those unemotional, empty and inhuman eyes.

Well fuck.

Uchiha Itachi is not pleased.

“Hatake Kakashi.” The voice leaves frost in its wake.

“Uchiha Itachi.” It's a cool greeting. Kakashi feels the edge of the killer inside him pushing forth. He feels the competition.

The dark-haired man stands, looking down at Kakashi's bound hands. “Did you touch him?”

“I'd hoped you knew better than to ask questions you already know the answer to.”

There's no answer to that. Kakashi doesn't count it as a victory. He tries to keep his gaze on Itachi, watch what he'll do, but it seems just the prolonged eye-contact is poison in and of itself.

Kakashi never looks into the eyes of his targets when he shoots. It's that which saves Kakashi's humanity, despite the fact that he kills other human beings for a living. He doesn't look into their eyes, doesn't see the life leaving them slowly, doesn't see the spark of presence extinguished by his own hand.

What Kakashi does is more impersonal than that. He ends a life. He pulls the trigger and kills people. It's not pretty, and it's not cool or admirable. It's dirty and ugly and all those words that are never said... Kakashi knows that. He can live with ending someone else's life. He can't live with watching those people's eyes grow dumb with death.

Looking into Itachi's pure black eyes, Kakashi can tell that this is a man who can live with it. Itachi can live with watching people's eyes grow dead.

A finger slides over the puncture wound on Kakashi's shoulder, badly attempting to mimic a tender touch. Kakashi can't stop the shiver along his spine this time. Those elegant fingers travel around the wound. The index and thumb grasp onto the bandage and slowly pull at it until the bleeding red circle of pierced flesh is revealed.

Itachi's gaze remains on Kakashi's, pinning him like a flailing butterfly.

The most agile finger, the index, scratches lightly at the scored flesh. The doctors haven't sewn it shut yet. Itachi's finger finds the edge of the skin, the part where the flesh is pushed inside Kakashi's shoulder with the path of the bullet. The tip of Itachi's finger pushes inside the puncture, tearing flesh anew as it searches for purchase.

Kakashi clenches his teeth against the pain roaming over his body. The effort brings beads of sweat to gather in the small of his back.

Itachi feels the torn edges of skin among all the wetness of blood and sleek, raw flesh of Kakashi's shoulder. His thumb comes to join the index and together, they pinch the side of Kakashi's gunshot wound, gathering only the small layer of skin.

With one harsh move, Itachi tears the skin, pulling a line of the hide from the wound and until the skin thins and detaches itself from Kakashi's chest.

Unable to stop himself, Kakashi lets out a scream. He bites down on it halfway, his vision going black with the pain.

Itachi takes the small triangle of torn skin between his thumb and index and carefully puts it by Kakashi's bed, on the table that serves as a nightstand. He uses the bandage that was on Kakashi's chest to wipe his fingers clean of blood.

Several panting breaths have Kakashi clinging to consciousness by an inch.

“Would you like some water now, Hatake Kakashi?”

Unable to answer, Kakashi keeps trying to breathe past the pain that makes every inch of his skin prickle and burn. Before long, a straw is pressed between his panting lips and Kakashi sips the fresh, cool water down his throat.

It makes the edges of the pain slide away for a few minutes. Kakashi can once again focus an impassible look on Itachi.

“Did you touch him?”

The torn skin on his nightstand mocks Kakashi, daring him to crack another wise-ass comment.

“Yes.”

The silence is ominous. Kakashi expects those falsely gentle fingers on his shoulder again.

“Did you hurt him?”

Kakashi's taxed brain thinks there's something funny among all this. Not entirely sure what it is, Kakashi nonetheless smiles, “No.”

“You like him.” There's nothing to be deduced from the tone, so Kakashi keeps grinning.

“Unfortunately, very much so.” Ah, is that what was so funny? Kakashi wonders whether Itachi would pull more skin off if he asked him to date his brother.

More silence. It lasts for so long this time that Kakashi feels some anger clawing at his mind. Because while Itachi is here, staring down Kakashi, Sasuke is in grave danger and neither of them are doing anything about it. That is even more fundamentally wrong than falling for a kid ten years younger.

“You will help me find him.” It's not an order, not a question, “Even if I tear off your skin, piece by piece.”

“I'll go through great pains to avoid that. But yes.” Even go as far as shooting off those goddamn pretty fingers of yours. But Kakashi would find Sasuke with or without Itachi's help. He figures someone on the right side of law enforcement might have more options though. Especially if combined with the specific talents of one Hatake Kakashi.

Itachi's index has blood crusting under the nail. He looks at it with something akin to disgust and two seconds later, it reaches for the bonds on Kakashi's wrists. The agile fingers make quick work of the restraints. “There will be more pain when they sew you up.”

Kakashi feels irrational anger filling him. Of course you bastard there's no fucking skin to sew... He quickly clamps down on the thought. A man like Uchiha Itachi doesn't need to threaten.

Before he can stop himself, Kakashi grabs the man's wrist firmly. He's painfully reminded of Sasuke's slender fingers on him, but it's an image he dismisses quickly.

Itachi looks at his trapped hand like it doesn't even belong to him and raises an expectant eyebrow at Kakashi.

“Do not touch me again, Uchiha Itachi.”

For perhaps the first time, Kakashi sees something flash across Itachi's unfeeling features. It's in the lift of the skin attached to his mouth, a move for an almost smirk. Itachi looks amused.

“Hatake Kakashi, I do not need to touch you to hurt, or kill you.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------

When Sasuke wakes, the first thing he becomes aware of is the music. A strong and high female voice fills the air, wraps around every edge of the room. Distantly, Sasuke's mind associates the voice, the rhythm and the notes with 'The Flower Duet'.

With that powerful, beautiful voice come several other realizations. Sasuke's lying on something soft, his cheek brushes silky material, his right hip digs into a plump cushion. Nausea threatens, and everything other than the soft cushions is but a spinning blur.

After a little while, the dizziness fades, the notes grow more urgent, a climax of music. Sasuke comes to realize that his hands are tied behind his back.

Instantly, his eyes snap open and he's staring into the blood red silk of bedsheets.

“Finally awake, I see.” The voice threads more slowly over the 's'. It's a nice voice, a little raspy, a little high, but pleasant to hear. Sasuke doesn't like it. He shifts his position to face the man, only to be swept in another wave of dizziness.

“I must apologize for the inconvenience. The drug isn't fully out of your system quite yet.”

Sasuke carefully wets his lips, unaware of the eyes following the small end of the pink tongue traveling over shapely lips. He can see the man now. Handsome, tall, creepy. Long black hair, strangely yellow-ish green eyes, deathly pale skin. Swallowing, Sasuke tries to ask, “Who are you?” He finds his throat too dry to properly word the question.

“My name is Orochimaru. We'll get plenty of time to get to know one another, I assure you.” Orochimaru's smile sends warnings screaming into Sasuke's mind. A hand begins to thread through Sasuke's hair. It feels as if it's testing the softness instead of caressing. Sasuke wants to bite the man. Beat him over the head until his lips can't form that specific line of intimidating eagerness. Unable to sort his thoughts with his mind still addled by the drug, Sasuke says the first thing that comes, “Keep your dirty hands off me.” It doesn't sound nearly as clear as Sasuke had hoped, but from the flash of anger in those odd green eyes, Sasuke guesses it carried over its rightful meaning.

The hand tightens in his hair and before long, Sasuke's wincing at the pain of the hold. “You'll learn, boy.” Orochimaru's tone is softly pleasant. His hold is so tight Sasuke can feel tears involuntarily gathering to the corner of his eyes.

When he's released, Sasuke fights another bout of dizziness and the voice of the woman shifts into soft piano notes that smell of tragedy.

“Rest, my beauty... I'll be back soon.”

Sasuke is afraid. He can't deny it or try to change it. He's frozen solid with fear he can't explain. The man exits the room, leaving Sasuke alone.

The second the door shuts, Sasuke tests his bonds, trying to sit up and look around. His body reminds him that it's a very dumb idea to move around when drugged and he drops the two inches he'd managed to climb.

His cheek rests on the red silk.

Nii-san...

“I want you safe. I can't let someone use you against me, Sasuke, do you understand that?”

The memory is striking and Sasuke suddenly wishes he'd told Kakashi 'I'm peaceful with you', wishes he'd told Naruto 'It's okay, we're friends' and Neji 'I'm sorry, you're important to me.'

Most of all though, Sasuke wishes he'd told his brother 'I love you, too'. He's afraid now that he'll never get the chance.

tbc...

Next Chapter
Previous Chapter

Work Hazard: Chapter 8

2006-10-04T18:00:27Z

Sex is funny. Not laughing out loud funny, but funny in the sense that there's nothing really serious about two people screwing each other for the hell of it. It's graceless and hot and raw (but funny.) Laughing kisses are the best brand. Sex, no matter how intense, should always be fun. This chapter alone fully earns a high rating.

Work Hazard: Chapter 8

“Hot or cold?” It breaks the thick silence wrapping the boy and the man in soothing nothingness. Surprisingly enough, Kakashi speaks first, asking the question casually as he takes the boy up to his hotel room. He could have driven Sasuke all the way back to Orochimaru's and he's fairly sure he'd have had no complaints from the sullen Uchiha.

It seems too careless of someone like Sasuke, who until now, despite the numerous times they've been together, has never shown weakness; public places, times when he was expected somewhere. It seems this time around, the boy is purposefully seeking danger.

Either that, or he trusts Kakashi. Which would be stupidest of all and Sasuke is too smart for that, isn't he?

“Cold.” The word drops from Sasuke's lips without intonation, a forgotten syllable spoken softly. He steps in front of Kakashi as the man holds the door open for him. The first thing Sasuke does once inside is claim the bed, lying down and crossing his arms behind his neck.

Kakashi's gaze latches onto the tiniest bit of too-white skin revealed as the shirt rides up with Sasuke's movements. He shuts the door and locks it, then walks over to the bed. The silence is heavy, intent, like the missing piece of a puzzle is being forcefully silenced. Kakashi doesn't want to break the silence.

After a second of looking into the boy's face, trying to read his dark expression, Kakashi makes up his mind and sits by Sasuke. His hand settles on top of the boy's front, over cloth and skin. The image of his large hand covering Sasuke's stomach rings so many things at once. It stinks of wrongness that from the end of his thumb, all the way through the extended palm and fingers to the tip of his pinky, Kakashi's hand covers the entirety of Sasuke's belly. His thumb brushes the gentle curve of a hip and his little finger nearly curls around the soft flesh of a side. Too small, too young, so easily held down, taken and violated.

It rings of need and something soft that Sasuke's frown eases with the touch. It smells of intimacy and unspoken promises. It speaks of comfort and it's a completely alien thing that Kakashi feels the same comfort returned to him. He feels good and right, despite the wrongness, that he could somehow ease whatever pained the boy. If there's one thing Kakashi has spent his life avoiding, then this is it. This moment when fingertips make soft electric contact, when every breath feels like a promise instead of a curse and every thought slows to a crawl and it's not that important to know why.

How're you ever going to take him to Orochimaru now, genius?

“Won't you hurt me now?” Sasuke's voice breaks the silence and something falls into place in Kakashi's mind. Something he's known for a while.

“No.” Because Kakashi can't hurt the boy now, “How did you do that?” That question is softly spoken, obviously intended for Sasuke, but he wasn't meant to hear it.

“Do what?” Sasuke's eyes are on the masked man above him, his black eyes only visible because of the white around them.

Kakashi stands, stretching lazily. “Never mind.” Silence falls upon them again. Kakashi wonders whether he should ask what's bothering the boy, but since he's already got a fairly good guess, and Sasuke doesn't seem like he needs to share, he doesn't ask.

Kakashi walks to the door opening the way to the balcony and beckons the boy close with a sign of the index. A raised eyebrow answers him and Kakashi smiles, a real, honest smile. It's enough for Sasuke to sit up curiously and step closer, until he's looking through the glass doors.

The boy can see the city lights and in the distance, the mountains hovering threateningly, undistinguished black shapes. It's snowing now, little crystals falling down to earth. It makes everything beautiful again. A large hand settles on his hip and Sasuke feels himself tugged back to a warm chest. It seems nothing Kakashi does is enough to make Sasuke uncomfortable tonight. The boy feels drunk, or drugged still. There's the surreal feel of intimacy, the remnant painful wounds from Itachi and Naruto and Kisame and Neji.

“I'm sorry.” Those words again. Twice in one night. Sasuke speaks them smiling this time, eyes recovering some of their lost spirit and mischief.

Kakashi thinks it would be a bad idea to ask why Sasuke feels compelled to apologize. A very dumb idea to give into his curiosity and let the boy win this. An even stupider idea than stopping the car was. “What for?”

Sasuke turns around, facing Kakashi. The man's hand is still on his hip and Sasuke smirks up at him, “For breaking your routine.”

Right. Like he's sorry for that. Kakashi rolls his eyes and decides there's really no appropriate answer to such an obvious lie. So he tugs his mask down and leans in to claim the boy's lips. The hand on Sasuke's hip travels over cloth and muscles to cover the boy's back and climb up his spine to bury itself in soft midnight-colored hair.

A small, surprised moan escapes Sasuke's throat, losing itself somewhere in Kakashi's mouth as he's thoroughly kissed. He feels as though Kakashi is staking a claim with every swipe of the tongue, every shift of lips, every breath not taken. It scares Sasuke to feel it, but it's that same exhilarating fear as the one that comes before jumping off an airplane. Every touch, every breath, every lick, bite, suckle is magnified tenfold and Sasuke is breathless from it all.

When his mouth is finally released, Sasuke's legs feel weak. He tells himself it's lack of oxygen even as he reaches up to grab Kakashi's head and plunges back in for seconds. He presses close to Kakashi, and one lucid thought breaks from the mumbled lust: clothes are in the way. So Sasuke slides his hands around Kakashi's waist and he tugs the shirt out of the pants to slide over the older man's skin tentatively. He can feel something rough under his fingertips, then the skin is smooth again. Scars.

It's hard to remember that he needs to undress when he's so absorbed in tasting Kakashi. Multi-tasking eventually earns Sasuke Kakashi's shirt and the boy throws it to the side. It lands half on the couch, half on the floor, the sleeves crossed in prayer.

Sasuke breaks away from Kakashi's kiss long enough for the man to pull off the offending piece of cloth forbidding skin contact with Sasuke's chest. Once the boy is naked from the waist up, Kakashi wastes no time slipping an arm around Sasuke and leading him back to the bed. When the boy's knees hit the foot of the bed, Kakashi pushes a leg in between Sasuke's and, pushing his knee on the edge of the mattress, forces the boy to lie down on his back.

Sasuke arches up into the warm mouth that covers up a nipple and a series of moans and whimpers escapes him as Kakashi works on the fastenings of his pants and slips a hand to wrap around his erection. Teeth tug gently on the nub even as Kakashi's large hand pumps Sasuke's cock.

In little to no time at all, Sasuke is a quivering, panting mess of sultry black eyes and sweaty pale skin. “Fuck... Let me... Kakashi... Just... ” Thoughts are nearly nonexistent as the boy feels himself come close to the edge. He doesn't want to come this way though. He doesn't want it this way. With a growl, Sasuke pushes Kakashi's head up off his chest, looking into his eyes, “Don't just... don't...” Unable to find the right words, Sasuke takes a deep breath and resolves to show Kakashi what he means.

It takes some vigorous wriggling and coaxing kisses to convince Kakashi to release his prize, but the man does so willingly enough. Sasuke inches up the bed, breathing hard as he finally manages to sit up. With his pants open and halfway down his thighs, chest heaving, messy hair and sweat glistened skin, Sasuke is aware that he presents a very tempting dish.

Kakashi's eyes travel down Sasuke's chest to his crotch, then back up again to fix on the kiss-bruised lips, the half-shut, so-dark eyes. He then finds two hands on his shoulders, urging him closer. Still-clothed legs on either side of Sasuke's body, Kakashi crawls over the boy until their crotches are inches apart and Kakashi's breath teases Sasuke's lips.

The older man leans in to claim a kiss, only for Sasuke to playfully turn his head to the side with a teasing smirk. A little miffed, Kakashi takes revenge on the boy's throat, the side of his neck where he proceeds to suck and bite until he can taste the mark. It takes a few seconds for Kakashi to realize that his belt is being tugged away, and the zipper to his pants lowered to release his erection.

There's undeniable relief at his cock being released from its confines, but Kakashi can't help but wonder where the hell Sasuke's going with this, if he even knows what he's doing and if he does, where the fuck did he learn it? This isn't awkward teenage fumbling, there's no shyness or hesitation to Sasuke's hands, his mouth and tongue.

Even as that thought crosses Kakashi's mind, he spots the barest hint of trembling in the boy's fingers as they move up and down Kakashi's chest.

Sasuke's nervous alright. He's never been this far with anyone and it's scary and exciting and he doesn't know what to do with himself. He knows he wants to please Kakashi. He wants to be different, wants to be everything he promises with his kisses, but he's not sure if he can offer it, if he can be all that.

A few seconds later, Sasuke's hands grow steady again, his lips open for a subdued pant. Sasuke either does or doesn't. No halfway, no maybe, no I'll try, it's in his nature. His fingers are cool as they slide into the older man's pants and wrap around Kakashi's cock. For a second, Sasuke wants to laugh. It feels weird. Not the same as jerking off. And it's so big.

Unable to hold back, Sasuke lets a chuckle go past his lips.

Breathless with the sudden contact of cool fingers to his erection, Kakashi looks at the boy who holds his cock between small hands and though just the sight is enough for Kakashi to feel his spine tingle happily with the heat, he can't help but smirk, “Something funny?”

Sasuke feels an answering smirk on his lips and he looks up at Kakashi, eyes wide and bottom lip bitten in that falsely innocent expression, “But mister... it's so big!”

A short bark of laughter escapes Kakashi and it's hot and lustful and amused and completely alien. “Cute. Now what're you going to do with it?”

The mischief of the play has Sasuke completely forgetting nervousness and he grins, “Well what do kids do with foreign objects?”

Kakashi doesn't reply. He's still hovering over Sasuke and the boy's cool hands are down his pants, cradling his erection and Kakashi can't get over Sasuke calling his dick a foreign object.

Sasuke looks up at Kakashi and kisses his chin playfully. He pumps the cock in his hands experimentally, noting down when Kakashi stiffens, bears down on him or seeks his throat for a kiss like a starving man and it's the hottest thing Sasuke's ever felt. His own breathing is out of control and before he loses all rational thought, Sasuke decides he wants to try something else.

Releasing the man's cock, Sasuke grabs onto Kakashi's thighs and he wriggles down the mattress until he's low enough to stare up at the other man's crotch. It's intimidating and a little weird but the small drops of precum sliding down the impressive length have Sasuke nervous again. He grabs onto his playful mood almost desperately to dispel it.

Fortunately enough, the amusement comes back through the lust, fear and shot nerves. Sasuke whispers, “Did you know, Kakashi? Children would put anything in their mouths.” And so saying, Sasuke raises up beneath Kakashi, just enough to wrap his lips around the glistening tip of the man's cock.

Once there, the boy rolls his tongue around the tip, getting a feel for the taste and shape of another man's dick in his mouth. The moan he gets for his efforts, drawled out and pure lust, more than makes up for the inconvenience of finding he can't take more of it in his mouth. There's only so much a boy can do, after all.

For his part, Kakashi is gripping the bed sheets with such force that it's the only thing keeping him from thrusting deep in the boy's mouth. His body aches for it. He's let the boy experiment, try things out and tease, but it's enough now. Kakashi needs more. He needs to take.

With much effort, Kakashi manages to pull away from the boy's lips. At the questioning look he gets sent from below, Kakashi doesn't reply. He levels with the boy, staring into his eyes before claiming another kiss. He can taste himself on Sasuke's lips, just an edge to drive more heat to Kakashi's erection.

He so badly wants to ravage the boy. Spread his legs and just drive in, to feel Sasuke's hot little body around his cock and fuck him through the mattress. He doesn't.

As the next best thing, he grabs the boy's hands and leads them around his erection, showing him the exact strength, rhythm and speed to use. With the stimulation and Sasuke's kiss, it takes only a few moments more before he can feel the edge, so tempting, so close. His large hand covers the boy's cock and jerks him in time.

Hot breaths and moans mingle together for precious seconds and Kakashi feels. He tastes nothing but Sasuke and the addictive taste drives the need just a notch higher. The boy is the first to come, with a soft whimper released into the safety of Kakashi's mouth, Sasuke's body trembles with pleasure.

Kakashi's eyes are closed. He regrets being unable to see how beautiful Sasuke becomes when he's at the peak of his pleasure. It's a thought quickly replaced by the heat that washes over him with his own release. The tingle starts from his spine and travels his entire body with waves of pleasure.

It's an effort to shift to the side as he slumps down, breathless. He doesn't want to crush the boy, but the aftermath of his release leaves Kakashi feeling drained, content and boneless. He wraps an arm around Sasuke's waist and pulls him a little closer. Just enough for his sweaty skin to sense the heat from the boy's body, without touching him.

When Kakashi can see Sasuke's face, a little turned to the side, he can tell the boy is very nearly passed out. There's something in Kakashi's chest that feels impossibly tight at the softly vulnerable look of Sasuke's sleeping face. At this moment in time, Kakashi feels... knows that he would kill anyone who would willingly hurt this boy.

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It's still dark when Sasuke wakes. Nothing woke him up as such, no sound, light, danger. It might be a leftover reflex from living with Kisame. Sasuke looks at the man beside him and gives a silent snort as he notices that Kakashi has his mask back on and a hand below the pillow, where there is undoubtedly a loaded weapon.

Sasuke carefully makes his way out of bed. He feels sweaty and embarrassed and a little dirty. How does it feel to have sex for the first time with a man? Weird. Good weird, Naruto would say.

There is, in the back of Sasuke's mind, a red light flashing rhythmically. The boy ignores it quite firmly and instead walks to the bathroom. He turns on the water and steps in the shower. Resting his head against the stall, Sasuke thinks back on the events of the night. First that strange intimacy, then the sex... oh yes... the sex was great. Never forget the sex, and now this numbness that Sasuke is reluctant to identify as comfort.

Leisurely washing himself Sasuke shivers with some images of the night. Kakashi is stunning in every small way. Sasuke had known there'd be scars.

When the boy gets out of the shower, he quietly walks to the bed and watches Kakashi's back. The moonlight filters through and paints the man's body with edges. There's a gunshot scar high up on his right shoulder, a slash on the lower back and a strange rugged surface on Kakashi's left side. Sasuke had felt that with his fingers. It's like tree bark, for the few centimeters there. It makes Kakashi even more beautiful, to Sasuke's eye.

Where Sasuke is flawless, Kakashi is marked. It's fitting and soothing. Sasuke feels the urge to touch the man, to slowly run a light and gentle finger along the curve of the spine. But considering that there is a loaded gun under the pillow, Sasuke figures he might not want to try that.

Itachi would be pissed if he ended up dead in a hotel room shot by accident of all things...

Oh. Fuck. Itachi.

Sasuke is suddenly reminded of his brother and the red light in the back of Sasuke's mind flashes in front of his eyes. He's going to be beyond pissed off.

Hurriedly, Sasuke fumbles for his clothes. He ponders waking Kakashi, but decides the man looks peaceful enough. Besides, he's probably aware of what's happening, even if he's not awake as such. Itachi sleeps like that.

When he's about dressed, Sasuke grabs his turned-off cell phone and winces at the amount of messages left on the voice mail. Dead. If Itachi doesn't kill me, Neji will. Christ, shit and fuck too for that matter.
Just before he slips away from Kakashi's room, he gives one last longing look to the man. If he's even going to have a chance at seeing Kakashi again, he's going to need to placate Itachi. And disappearing off the face of the earth after firing one of Itachi's employees is not the way to placate his brother.

Sasuke shakes his still wet hair a little, hoping to not look like a drenched rat when he comes back home. In the elevator, Sasuke dials Neji's cell.

“Where the fuck are you?” Neji's voice is icy cold with fury and burning hot with worry, all at once.

Sasuke can't help feeling guilty that he worked up the other boy so much, “I'm okay, Neji...” Before he continues on to explain or apologize or whatever words he wanted to say, Sasuke hears fumbling on the other side. He can tell that the phone was just literally wrenched away from Neji. Sasuke shuts his eyes and winces again, “Where are you, Sasuke?”

Itachi never calls him by name unless he's royally pissed at something stupid that Sasuke did. “I'm at some hotel... I'll get home.”

“No, you won't. You're staying put. I'm coming to get you. What's the address?”

“I'll find out... just a second.” He turns to look around the reception area and finds dark-skinned man behind the desk. After getting the address from him, Sasuke gives it meekly to Itachi.

He can hear some more fumbling, then a shout causes Sasuke to tear the phone away from his ear, “TEME! You're going to pay, you bastard, you hear me?”

Anger seizes Sasuke's gut at Naruto's voice. He icily says, “I'll be waiting in the lobby,” and hangs up.

There's a large black leather couch in the center of the room and Sasuke slumps down on it, head in his hands. He's angry again, but it quickly dissipates when he reminds himself of the entire night. So maybe he didn't have to hit Naruto. Maybe he didn't have to hop into Kakashi's car without so much as a warning.

Sasuke raises his head and finds himself in a good mood despite it all. Sex is the best anti-depressor in the world and that leads back to the simple truth of I had sex and evidently, that itself goes towards with Kakashi and then, it was great too.

In the end, Sasuke has to work to suppress a grin. He hasn't had to hold back a smile for a long time. Distantly, Sasuke hears someone talking in the background. It takes him a little while to understand that the words are for him and when he decides to pay attention, he only catches the tail end of the sentence.

“... cold tonight.”

Sasuke looks at the dark-skinned man now standing in front of him. The golden tag on his shirt reads 'Andrew'.

“What?”

“I asked if you'd like a taxi, young sir. It's cold tonight.”

“No thank you. That's quite alright.”

The man considers himself dismissed and goes back behind the desk.

There's an itch at the back of Sasuke's neck. He feels watched, but it might just be the receptionist's dark eyes on him. Nevertheless, Sasuke can't dismiss the feeling and he stands, sharp eyes scanning his surroundings. He's dropped into a defensive stance before he even realizes it. A flash of red catches his attention from the end of a corridor and Sasuke is suddenly struck with the urge to flee. Just leave while there's still time.

Obeying the instinct, Sasuke's stride to the front doors is just a notch below running. When his hand closes on the handle, he hears the distinct noise of a silenced gun whistling. Half a second later, he's on the floor, rolling behind the reception desk.

He finds the still body of the dark man (Andrew) beside him and the blood flowing from the too-neat hole in the man's forehead has Sasuke feeling sick dread.

The whistling goes off again and before he can even think it through, Sasuke's moving, jumping away from his hiding place and behind a column.

“Come on, kid, just stay still a second, won't you?”

It's a deep voice and Sasuke can't place it. Nothing he's heard before. The gun goes off again and Sasuke moves just in time to watch a dark spot appear where his head previously was. He can't pin-point where the shots are coming from. There's more than one shooter.

The same dance goes on a few more times before Sasuke realizes he's being led back deeper into the hotel and away from the main doors. In a desperate effort, Sasuke tries the doors to the rooms in the corridor. At ground floor, he can break a window and escape that way. Three of them refuse to give but the last try has Sasuke stumbling through the doors and smack into a large stomach.

Two massive arms wrap around him and hold him still. Sasuke can't even see the man's head beyond the body weight. All the struggling in the world gives no result and Sasuke turns his head to the entrance just in time to watch a redheaded girl come through the door. She aims a gun at his back.

Sasuke feels the sharp pain in his lower back and for a second, he thinks this is it. This is where he dies and Itachi's all alone.

The pain dissipates quickly though, replaced by a deceptively attractive feeling of numbness.

Drugged. Fuck.

Sasuke refuses to go out without a fight, without at least injuring something. He bites into the chest of the man holding him, viciously tearing skin. Reflexively, the man loosens his hold and Sasuke uses that moment to slide down and away. With whatever coordination is left, the boy slams a fast elbow into the redhead's temple and makes a run for it.

He can hear some fighting ahead and Sasuke's almost reached it when his legs give out on him. His eyes are shutting on their own despite Sasuke's fiercest efforts.

The last thing the boy sees is a half-naked Kakashi struggling with a too-fast, white-haired attacker.

tbc...
Next Chapter
Previous Chapter

Work Hazard: Chapter 7

2006-09-29T06:44:44Z

More Itachi. Some tensions, some fighting, some meetings. That pretty much sums this one up. Enjoy!

Work Hazard: Chapter 7

“There are other factors you need to be aware of. The same day Kisame was killed... Sasuke told me he'd met a man named Kakashi.” Hyuuga Neji's cool, professional tone.

“Why was I not immediately notified?” Itachi's voice sounds deadly in its forced neutrality. It filters through the fog around Sasuke's consciousness. It's the first thing he's aware of.

“He's been in the school for a few days now and he doesn't seem to be causing trouble. Hasn't been following Sasuke around, he just seems to be zen with everything.” Naruto's higher pitched voice breaks through clearly and Sasuke wants to wake already.

“That does not answer my question, Uzumaki. If you let known hitmen get close to my brother, then what am I paying you for?”

Sasuke can feel Itachi's hand on his head, petting his hair in that pattern which belongs only to his brother. A groan escapes the boy as the fog covering his senses clears up a hint. Enough for him to understand.

“He's waking up, I think.”

Black eyes slowly blink open and Sasuke sees the vague outline of Itachi's face hovering over his. He feels... woozy. There's not really any other word for the dizziness and the urge to throw up. Just above Itachi's face, Sasuke can see a (falsely) concerned Naruto.

He immediately shuts his eyes again, the room spinning out of control. Foolish, foolish, foolish. A sinking feeling curls in Sasuke's gut and though he just woke up, he feels so weary, tired to his very bones.

Like anyone would willingly be a friend. What were you thinking? You know better.

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The second time Sasuke wakes, he's thankfully alone. He knows Itachi isn't far, but that's alright. Itachi's presence is always comforting in its cool rationality. It's comforting to him anyway. To others though...

There's no one Sasuke has met who hasn't been afraid of Itachi and what he could do. He supposes that they're right to be scared. After all, Itachi is a genius. He's cold and remote and he doesn't understand, sometimes, the things that Sasuke tells him about compassion.

Sitting up and rubbing at his eyes, Sasuke sighs as he remembers the last conversation of the sort. Itachi always needs to have things explained to him when it concerns feelings and emotions. Despite his genius brain, Itachi doesn't understand people in love. Sometimes Sasuke feels like the adult in the relationship, using small words to describe how two people can be in love and care for one another even if they're not linked by blood. He feels he's not the best person in the world to explain these things. What does he know of love after all? More than Itachi, but that's not saying a lot.

“So they just meet and feel 'attracted' and then decide they want to spend the rest of their lives together. That's just silly.”

“There's usually more to it than that, Itachi! I can prove it.”

“Really now. Go ahead, foolish little brother who believes in love.”

“Shut up with that name! And I will prove it. You care about me, right?”

“Of course, Otouto.”

“Why?”

“I ask myself that question each and every day. I can't excuse it.”

“I'm not some thing you have to apologize for! And if even your great understanding of behavior and your magnificent brain power can't explain it, then I guess there's room for people less... insightful... to get confused.”

“... I suppose so.”

Itachi had been smiling that proud little smile then. He'd poked Sasuke's forehead and said he was 'annoying' in that warm tone that Sasuke knows is his and his alone.

Sasuke knows that Itachi will always protect him in any way he can, that he'll always be there to love his little brother. Sometimes Itachi doesn't know how to say the words, but Sasuke knows. It's a little unfair, Sasuke thinks, that no one else in the world will get to know about Itachi. He thinks his brother is worth knowing. Only Sasuke knows of Itachi's wickedly dark humor, that he explains things very well when he can be bothered with it. Only Sasuke knows that Itachi always licks between his teeth when he's thinking and that his left pinky twitches when he's really annoyed. Only Sasuke knows that Itachi dislikes pools enough to avoid looking at them when he can do so without raising suspicion.

But Itachi... Itachi will never let anyone else know about him, will never let anyone see his smile. Sasuke is all Itachi has. And the boy feels possessive of that exclusive love just as much as he feels its weight. He worries, sometimes, about what Itachi does without him, who he becomes without someone to remind him that he can feel.

A creaking noise alerts Sasuke to the fact that Itachi is being courteous about announcing his presence. The boy turns his attention to the dark-clad man standing a few feet away and Sasuke can't help smiling at him, that slightly adoring grin that's just for Itachi.

“How are you feeling, otouto?”

Sasuke takes stock of his condition and nods, “I'm okay.” He wants to say something else, but it slips from his mind as he notices the distance Itachi is forcing between them. The man has yet to come closer than those five feet. Sasuke frowns and stands on thankfully stable feet. “Itachi? What's wrong?”

His brother's expression is completely closed off and Sasuke's frown deepens. He walks closer to Itachi and when he notices the slight twitch of his brother's hand, he realizes what this is about.

“You're angry,” Sasuke accuses softly. “You're angry at me. What did I do? It's not like I asked for that bitch to drug me. I just... Itachi?”

Said man has just moved closer to his brother and Sasuke now has to look up into his emotionless dark eyes. Anyone else in Sasuke's shoes would be running for the door right about now. But Sasuke knows his brother. He knows Itachi is never going to hurt him, but the step closer is enough for Sasuke to pause, questioning him.

Even as Sasuke opens his mouth to ask what's wrong yet again, he feels Itachi's hand on his shoulder, just above the bandages. He shuts his mouth and stays still as Itachi unwraps the bandages, taking in the wound. Next, the wrappings around Sasuke's throat are taken off and his chin gently lifted so Itachi can have a look.

When Itachi is satisfied, he wraps his little brother in a hug, assuring for himself that Sasuke is alright, that he didn't get himself killed. Itachi knows that it's irrationl to show such useless concern. The wounds are superficial and there's no reason why Itachi needs to feel the boy's breath against his neck, needs to feel both their hearts beating together. He's made peace long ago with the fact that he would be irrational when it comes to his little brother. It's the only weakness he allows himself.

“I'm sorry,” The words are softly whispered into the crook of Itachi's neck. It's heartfelt and gentle and something inside Itachi eases at the words, some tension he hadn't even been aware of.

“It's alright. You're alright.” There's a small, subdued smile on Itachi's lips as he releases his brother with a chaste kiss to his forehead.

“Yeah... I've missed you, though. I'd like having you around more often.”

Itachi sits on the bed that Sasuke just deserted and tugs his brother down to sit by him. “It can't be helped, now. I can't trust anyone else to protect you from this man.”

“I can protect myself just fine, Itachi.” Sasuke's tone is bordering on defiant and arrogant.

“Is this...” Itachi's hand lightly brushes the wound on Sasuke's neck, “what you call protecting yourself?”

Sasuke turns his head away from Itachi's scrutiny and he mumbles, “I'm still alive, aren't I? You're already paying one... two bodyguards to keep track of me.” Teeth grind together as Sasuke tries to dismiss the betrayed feel that curls in his gut.

“I want you safe. I can't let someone use you against me, Sasuke, do you understand that?”

Sighing, Sasuke nods, “Yes, nii-san. I understand.” In the calm that comes with the reminder of Itachi's love, Sasuke suddenly remembers something and reaches into his pocket, thankful that the pants haven't been changed or searched and emptied. He grabs a hold of the large ring and holds it out for Itachi.

The man looks at the ring with an eyebrow raised, but doesn't make any move to claim it.

Sasuke takes his brother's hand and holds the ring into his palm. “It's Kisame's. He would want you to have it.”

Itachi's eyes grow cold as he feels the metal pressed into his hand. He replies in his deadly, silent tone, “I do not want a token of that man's failure.”

“He's dead, Itachi. What's it going to change?”

“He failed to protect you. He was foolish, careless and he does not deserve to have his memory kept honorably.”

It's times like these that Sasuke truly understands how inhuman Itachi can be to anyone other than him. It cuts the boy, making him look at his brother in that less than favorable light. It clashes with what Sasuke needs to believe about his brother.

Right now, he needs to believe that Itachi would never say that about Kisame. He knew Itachi would say that, but hearing it breaks something inside Sasuke that he doesn't think he can glue back together.

“How can you say that, Itachi? Kisame loved you. He would've done anything for you, and he did. He gave up his life to protect me, because of you!”

“If he was protecting you in hopes of getting something in return, he was worthless and must pay for that assumption.”

“He wanted you to look at him! He just... he just wanted you to love him.” Sasuke can feel the unwelcome tears in his eyes. His anger stops them from escaping.

“Then he was twice the fool for thinking that I ever would.”

Those words ring empty in Sasuke's ears and he swallows past a suddenly dry throat. “Sometimes, Itachi, just sometimes... I really hate who you pretend to be.”

“I don't pretend anything, Sasuke. I am who I am. If I were any stronger, I... would hurt you.”

Unable to hear anymore, Sasuke stands up and away from his brother. He grabs the first shirt his hand touches under the watchful eye of his older brother. Putting it on, he levels a somewhat hurt, pleading look at his brother, “I need to be alone for a while. I'll come back.”

“Very well. I love you, otouto.”

“Yes, I know. I...” Sasuke shakes his head a little, “I'll see you soon.”

And he's gone out of the door and into the darkness of the night. Itachi stands, then walks to the next room where Neji and Naruto are awaiting orders. “Uzumaki, follow him.”

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While perusing through Sasuke's file from the school, Kakashi relaxes back on his seat. His feet are on his coffee table and the TV drones on in the back. At this time of the night, the only thing on TV isn't suitable for children.

Kakashi figures there's got to be something fundamentally wrong about reading up on a school boy while listening to the moans of women getting screwed halfway into next week. He thinks there's something wrong about finding little Kakashi in a 'predicament'. Again.

It's not that he's turned on as such by bad porn and school records. Men sometimes get hard-ons for no specific reason. Sometimes they get hard watching bubbles pierce the surface of an aquarium. What they're doing and what their dick is doing are two completely different things.

Kakashi suspects that his second brain is wanting to screw the perfect student bent against a school desk like that little whore in the porn movie. But he's getting good at not acknowledging thoughts from Kakashi number two. He'll eventually forget he even had them and his cock will return to its flaccid worm-like state.

The boy has perfect grades. Not just good, above average or great grades, perfect ones. It's not possible for a kid to get perfect scores on everything. Not unless they work their butts off studying and that kid has a too-good body to be spending all his time huddled over books. So maybe he's more than just really smart.

Like you ever doubted that. The boy quoted Blaise Pascal for fuck's sake. That's French.

Suddenly, Kakashi decides he's had quite enough of this reading material. He's had enough of thinking about Uchiha Sasuke. Putting aside the file, Kakashi stands and grabs his winter coat. He remembers to shut the TV and wipe the remote clean of fingerprints.

He doesn't mean to stay in this hotel room eternally, so he might as well erase his traces as he goes. When he leaves the room, it looks the same as when he arrived, no hairs on the professionally made bed, no soap in the shower, no papers, cigarettes or anything else to give away his presence.

Kakashi grabs his suitcase and goes down to the underground parking lot. He starts the car and the soothing purr of the engine immediately has Kakashi relaxing his tightly-held shoulders, smooths his facial features into something neutrally detached as opposed to intensely focusing on looking detached.

Turning on the radio, Kakashi listens to the first notes of the almost hypnotic song 'Precious' by Depeche Mode, then he goes for a drive.

-----------------------------------------

“I know you're there, moron.” Sasuke's words are dully violent, like the promise of an explosion in an otherwise completely peaceful tone.

Naruto picks up on the underlying threat and he inwardly sighs, knowing that acting like an idiot will only get him deeper into trouble. Sasuke won't buy that anymore.

He steps out from behind the corner of the alley where he followed Sasuke and holds his hands out to show that he has no ill intent.

“So how much of it is a lie?” The words are wielded sharply, like deadly weapons. “Are you even an orphan or were you just going for the sympathy factor?”

“Shut up, bastard! I didn't lie!” Naruto growls angrily at the assumption and takes two threatening steps closer to Sasuke.

“So you're really 'just a student'? Bullshit. You're bullshit, Naruto.” Bitterness drips from Sasuke's words and he just feels so stupid for believing that a normal student would befriend him. Even under that strange pretext of a rivalry.

Before he can stop himself, Naruto seizes Sasuke's collar and slams him against the wall, angrily snarling. He doesn't have the time to say anything. Sasuke grabs a hold of his wrist and glares at him, adding, “How much is he paying you? Did he promise you that chance with the FBI you can't shut up about? Is that what he had to give you for you to annoy me all day long?”

Naruto's eyes are locked with Sasuke's and it's in that glaring contest that Naruto truly understands a very important fact about Sasuke. He's alone. He's like me.

Fingers release the fabric of Sasuke's shirt and Naruto sees how much of a betrayal Sasuke believes this to be. He knows he hasn't done anything wrong, so he won't apologize for it, but he didn't mean for Sasuke to be hurt by his actions.

Naruto just says honestly, “Yes. Itachi will give me his support so I can get into the FBI despite my origins. My orders were to stay undercover, even from you. I could have watched you from afar, but I guess... I just wanted to get to know you...”

Sasuke shakes his head and slides a hand over his collar, smoothing the shirt. His gaze is just as cold as Itachi's when he next makes eye-contact with Naruto. “I'll talk to Itachi. You'll have his support and recommendation within the next week. Until then, you're fired.”

Stunned, Naruto stares at Sasuke for a second, then closes his still-opened mouth. That's when the blow comes, too fast for Naruto to dodge. He finds himself on the floor, nursing his sore jaw and glaring up at Sasuke's retreating back.

-----------------------------------------

When Kakashi spots the familiar dark shape of a boy with unruly black hair and hurt black eyes leaning against the hard brick wall of the cinema, he tells himself it would be a very dumb idea to stop. A very, very dumb idea.

Kakashi parks the car.

He goes up to the boy and steals his cigarette from his lips, taking a slow drag. He swears he can taste the boy's mouth on the stick.

“Need a ride?”

tbc...

Next Chapter
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Work Hazard: Chapter 6

2006-09-25T23:10:52Z

I always thought that Kakashi had just enough insanity to keep him interesting. This chapter really gave me the opportunity to show that and boy did I ever laugh.

Work Hazard: Chapter 6

“So you want to date my little brother, do you?” Kakashi can see Itachi's stern face, his sharp, deadly gaze fixed on him. For some reason, Kakashi finds that he's naked for this interrogation. He's naked and sitting on the bench of the accused in court.

“How do you plead to the accusation, Hatake Kakashi?” The judge's voice is Orochimaru's and Kakashi thinks that this is probably one of the weirdest dreams he's ever had.

It gets even weirder when he hears himself answer, “Guilty, your honor.”

Itachi moves closer and those fucking dead eyes stare into Kakashi's. Now Kakashi isn't one to get intimidated, especially not by younger men, but Uchiha Itachi has never been quite normal to begin with so maybe Kakashi is a little intimidated. Itachi is definitely not as pretty as his brother though.

“Let's see about the alleviating circumstances, then. Are you aware that my little brother is presently sixteen years of age?”

The jury (which Kakashi hadn't noticed until now) is made full of Obitos. The twelve identical faces lean towards Kakashi, whispering, “Chicken, chivalrous chicken, did you know?”

Kakashi can hear himself respond a firm, “Yes, Sir.”

The Obitos give an awed murmur. “Chicken knew, chicken knew.”

Orochimaru leans in to whisper in Kakashi's ear, “The boy is mine.” And Kakashi distinctively hears the bullet go through the skull's bone structure with a sickening crack, immediately followed by the telltale 'squish' of Orochimaru's brain splattering all over his shiny judge's desk.

Itachi's holding the smoking gun, but then Kakashi finds an identical one in his own hand.

“Will the accused rise, please.”

Kakashi stands, and suddenly Sasuke is before him, eyes full of tears and pleading hands extended towards him. “Kakashi! Will you be my daddy?”

Kakashi watches with growing horror as the boy stumbles on absolutely nothing and begins to fall towards Kakashi, his full lips forming a surprised 'O' and the boy's mouth just happens to land on Kakashi's fully erect cock. He was, after all, completely naked.

Kakashi wakes up in a sweat, sitting up abruptly. He rubs at his eyes to rid himself of the images from his dream and curses, “Christ. I need to get laid.”

He stands and grabs the gun from under his pillow to make his way to the bathroom. Once there, he turns on the water and leaves the loaded gun by the sink (at arms reach).

Kakashi can't even begin to express how thoroughly fucked he feels (and not in the good way either). His mind keeps replaying the ridiculously hot moments he spent with the kid and Kakashi has never in his life felt more like the proverbial bug that crawled out from under someone's shoe.

All of his beautifully well-established (if a little screwed-up) morals are being steadily beaten down and stepped on by a gorgeous, smart, gutsy and arrogant child. Kakashi can picture Sasuke's feet stomping down on an old lady who keeps saying 'You don't kiss children.' Stomp. 'You don't fuck children.' Stomp. 'You don't fall in love with children' Stomp, stomp, stomp.

Leaning his head against the tile, Kakashi chuckles to himself, thoroughly amused. “Maybe I do need a shrink.” He kills people without a second thought but kissing a child has him dreaming guilt.

Groaning, Kakashi pours some of his (manly) body-wash in his hands and begins to rub, cleaning himself. This is ridiculous.

And it is, indeed, quite ridiculous. Kakashi has never been more easily turned on in his life than when that kid comes into the picture.

Maybe it's just for him, haven't you thought of that?

Well as a matter of fact, he had thought about that. Picturing any of Sasuke's classmates naked or in bed has done nothing so far for little Kakashi. Not even that pretty blond that follows the teen around. Or the other angsty dark-haired boy. Nope. Little Kakashi wasn't happy at all to have them forced into the picture.

It's only the wide, almond-shaped black eyes, so sultry and so arrogant... the soft (so soft) lips that quirk into that beautiful smirk, the full head of silky, black-as-night hair falling haphazardly over a small uplifted nose. Oh and that pale skin... white as snow. Yeah. That definitely does it for little Kakashi.

It's doing something for him right now. Kakashi groans at finding his cock fully erect under the spray of warm water.

Kakashi wraps his fingers firmly around his cock and gives a little twist to the head as he begins pumping. His forehead rests on the tile and Kakashi's eyes are firmly shut.

Enter Kakashi's fantasy land.
Sasuke is tied to the bed and struggling a little against the bonds. Kakashi doesn't mind him. He can see the delectable expanse of flesh like a tempting offer for a free buffet. Kakashi's lips close on a nipple, his hands tracing up and down the boy's thigh, hip, waist, back down... He bites at the nub between his lips lightly, delighting in the little moan that escapes Sasuke's lips.

His mouth trails from Sasuke's nipples down his firm stomach. Kakashi's tongue dips into the bellybutton, twirling deviously into the small crevice. At the same time, his fingers draw under the boy's body, lifting Sasuke's hips just enough for an index to slide over the tight hole of the boy's ass.

The jerk he gets for that move has Kakashi bite into the Sasuke's hip to hide his own moan. He lifts the boy's hips enough to slide under him, resting Sasuke's ass against his thighs. From there he has much easier access to the boy's cock, which is a most promising size, and as everything on the boy, shaped to perfection, like someone took so much care molding his body that the very existence of such perfection justifies the amount of ugliness in the world, so absorbed was the creator in this specific creature.

Kakashi's cock rests just under the boy's ass and it would be so easy to just bend him over and fuck him. But Kakashi can't help wanting to worship this much beauty. He has to give tribute before partaking in its lush generosity.

Bending over the boy, Kakashi wraps his lips around the tip of Sasuke's cock, drawing from him the sexiest sound he's ever heard, it's halfway between a mewl and a deep groan. Just as he's about to force the boy to produce more of those sounds, he hears another, much more unwelcome sound.

“Chicken knew, chicken knew.”

“Aw fuck you, Obito.” That sentence, coupled with the fact that the water's turning cold have Kakashi's hard-on all but disappearing. He mutters for the ears of his dead friend, “Would it kill you to let me have some? You're already dead.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the same time of the night, which equals a far too bright and early four AM, Neji is brought out of sleep by suspicious noises coming from his guest room. Instantly alert, the boy's too-pale eyes snap to attention, scanning the room for anything astray. Seeing that all seems in order, and Neji is still hearing that small, subdued noise, the boy tip-toes to the room next to his. He carefully and noiselessly pushes the door open, eyes taking quick stock of the sight that greets him.

Sasuke is the one making the noises. He's seemingly fighting with the covers, his eyes are shut too-tight and a frown draws a fine line on the boy's forehead. Neji hesitantly approaches him. The truth is that he doesn't really know how to deal with someone like Sasuke, who'll never straight out tell you anything. Someone with so much stubbornness, yet so much foresight. Sasuke just holds everything in, knowing it's a bad idea. It's not surprising the boy has nightmares.

Neji hovers over the sleeping boy, wondering what he should do. If he reaches out and comforts Sasuke, he's going to be rejected and bitten. But he can't just leave him to suffer in his memories. Something inside Neji objects to that with so much firmness that the boy wonders for a moment when Sasuke became so important to him.

Sasuke continues trashing around the bed, but suddenly a noise escapes him. A single sound that freezes Neji on the spot. It's a whimper, it sounds scared and alone and in pain. Fuck whatever vengeance you come up with, Uchiha, I'm not leaving you alone now.

So Neji leans over Sasuke, strokes a stray lock of hair from the boy's sweaty forehead and his hand goes on to grasp the back of Sasuke's neck. The Hyuuga sits on the edge of the bed and pulls Sasuke up, sitting him and tugging him into a half hug at once.

Neji notices the exact moment that Sasuke wakes. His breath brushes Neji's neck with a relieved sigh and his body completely relaxes for a second. Then the boy realizes he's being held. Some of the stiffness returns and Neji expects to be punched, or at least brutally pushed away.

Shock completely freezes up the Hyuuga as he feels two arms wrap around him and a still shaking body pressed close to his. First of all, he never expected Sasuke to let himself need like this. Neji feels immensely flattered and at the same time, utterly trapped. Because how do you not screw up something like this? Why is Neji the one with the responsibility to make it okay for Sasuke to seek comfort? Second of all, those are not butterflies in his stomach. They're not.

Neji slides his other arm around Sasuke's waist and awkwardly waits for the trembling to stop. It must have been a really bad one for Sasuke to be this affected.

When the shaking abates and Sasuke begins to release his hold, Neji wants nothing more than to keep him there, keep him close, but he needs to do this flawlessly. So he lets go, doesn't say a single word as he rises. The Uchiha has his pride, he can keep it.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

All day long in school, Sasuke is distracted. He can't keep the images of the night away from his thoughts. It's been years since he had this dream so vividly. The fire in the house, his mother's hair catching on fire and poof, gone within seconds, she was bald. The flames licking at her body, her screams, then his father's yells. He remembers the heat against his skin, the fear and the horror and being unable to move.

In truth, Itachi broke a window and jumped into the inferno to rescue him, but in the dream, Itachi burns too. His lips melt first, then his eyes. And Sasuke can't join them in death.

Sighing, the Uchiha glances up at his teacher. Gai is in another spiel about how proud he is of their 'youthful efforts' for the last assignment. Frankly, Sasuke just isn't in the mood to be amused as he normally would be.

Neji's presence is oddly comforting as opposed to annoying today and Sasuke doesn't want to waste that. When the bell rings, he's hoping to make a quick escape but Gai calls, “Uchiha Sasuke! I'd like to speak to your youthful self after class!”

Sasuke stays seated as the rest of the class is dismissed and the too-tall, green clad teacher sits his large ass on Sasuke's desk, turning to face him. Sasuke is for a traumatizing second at eye-level to the man's crotch. He quickly brings his gaze back to the man's face, hoping not to be blinded by the shine of too-white teeth. His tone is gruff as usual as he asks, “You wanted to talk to me?”

“Your youthful spirit has been waning all through my class, hasn't it, Uchiha-kun?”

And how else do you want to answer that one?

Sasuke raises an eyebrow and waits.

“Ah, I understand! Your pure mouth would speak no evil against a classmate. I shall take it upon myself to remove this burden of truth from you! You need only nod or shake your head. Has Neji-kun been troubling... following you?”

Sasuke blinks. Say what?

“Oh I can see the depth of your devotion to integrity goes so far as to deny yourself this one chance of speaking the truth! Uchiha-san, your nobility humbles me!” Tears start to brim at the corner of Gai's eyes and he wipes them away. “Very well, brave youth, very well. I shall say no more. Just know that I am here for you. The depths of my admiration for your courage knows no bounds!”

Sasuke blinks again. He does it once more, then stands. “Okay. Sure.”

He tries not to turn his back to Gai as he walks out of class. Whoa, that was weird.

Sasuke makes his way to his locker, glancing from the corner of his eye to the infirmary. He can't help but let his gaze rest on the shadow of the man behind the frosted glass door. Why hasn't he left yet? Itachi'll be there any day now. I don't want to have to talk him out of murdering Kakashi.

Neji is waiting beside his locker, leaning there and looking like he hasn't got a single care in the world. Sasuke knows better though. The Hyuuga hasn't said any more than he usually would, he hasn't said any less either. His entire behavior has been nothing but normal. But there's just something that tickles at the edges of Sasuke's instincts. Something that tells him the Hyuuga isn't at rest.

It's in the small things. The discreet tapping motion of those fingers against Neji's crossed arms. The distant look in his eyes, the way Sasuke doesn't feel stripped bare by Neji's gaze. The Hyuuga definitely has something on his mind.

Hands in his pockets, Sasuke makes his way to Neji's side. A couple of steps before reaching the boy, a redheaded girl runs solidly into him. Sasuke glares and mumbles a short, “Watch it.” He rubs his shoulder where the girl made contact and winces at the pain that blossoms from the nearly forgotten wound. He's wearing a white shirt today so it's easy to notice the splotch of red staining his sleeve.

Neji frowns at the entire altercation, glaring at the careless girl's back. He grabs a hold of Sasuke's uninjured arm, “Are you alright?”

Sasuke shakes his head to clear his thoughts and turns a mild glare at Neji, “I'm fine, Hyuuga.” It's times like these that really annoy Sasuke. Usually he would be able to pretend that Neji is there because he wants to be. That he's a friend like any other. But this concern is prompted by his job and the knowledge that Itachi will fire him if anything happens to him. Sasuke can't help but grow colder to the Hyuuga prodigy.

“You're bleeding again.” Neji points out the obvious in that stern tone that says 'you're obviously lying'. Sasuke hates that tone.

“It's nothing, Hyuuga. Where's the moron?”

Sasuke rubs at his eyes, frowning as his vision narrows and returns to normal within a few seconds. He feels a little dizzy but dismisses that readily enough.

The Hyuuga looks like he's going to press the issue but thankfully enough, Naruto saves him from having to defend himself with his quick arrival, “Hey guys. Sasuke, why're you bleeding?”

Or not. Moron.

“It's ketchup. Some girl spilled it on me.” Sasuke glares at Neji, daring him to contradict.

Fortunately enough, Hyuuga Neji knows that persevering at this point will only draw Sasuke into more of a corner and he'll eventually lash out.

Naruto raises a dubious eyebrow at Sasuke, completely forgetting for a moment that he's not supposed to know about the wound and Sasuke is not supposed to know of the whole bodyguard deal. He's on the verge of accusing Sasuke when Neji brutally steps on his foot.

“Ow damnit! What was that for?”

“You looked lost. Are you feeling alright?” Neji looks like innocence made Hyuuga.

“Of course I'm not alright. That fucking hurt!”

Sasuke raises a brow at Naruto, his instincts screaming that there's something he has to acknowledge here. But Sasuke dismisses the thought and turns on his heel, walking away from the pair. It's strange how he suddenly feels wobbly on his feet, like he's just been through such a strenuous training session that he can't stand without shaking. It's exactly how he feels right now. He feels shaky, weak as a kitten.

That's not right. What the hell is wrong with me?

Neji and Naruto fall into step behind him but Sasuke is beyond caring. Somehow the only thing that seems important right now is putting one foot ahead of the other.

“Sasuke? Are you okay?” Naruto's voice sounds concerned and Sasuke feels himself come to a stop with the boy's grip on his arm. He doesn't quite see Naruto's face when he's turns around, just a blur of blue and yellow.

“Leave me alone.” It's barely a mumble before Sasuke wrenches his arm away from Naruto's grasp. Even that movement feels ridiculously uncoordinated and clumsy. Uchiha Sasuke is not clumsy.

Sasuke stumbles a few more steps, then stops on his own, looking completely disorientated. He blinks in confusion at his surroundings, then finishes losing his balance, toppling to the ground. Neji reaches out to catch him, but before that becomes necessary, Sasuke makes contact with a firm chest.

Two arms wrap around the boy and Sasuke looks up at the face of the man holding him steady.

Wow, Itachi sure looks pissed. Wonder what happened.

That's Sasuke's last conscious thought before he closes his eyes and settles against his brother's chest.

Itachi's cold eyes settle on first Neji, then Naruto. “Who drugged him?” His voice is perfectly toneless and even the calm Hyuuga feels intimidated enough to stay silent.

The man picks up Sasuke like he weights nothing. His eyes soften as they land on the boy's face, but they return to hard, piercing cold within a second. “Who did this, Hyuuga?”

tbc...

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Work Hazard: Chapter 5

2006-09-25T17:28:00Z

Last of the teaser-chapters. Basically, from here on, we have all the elements for the plot to fly! Heh!

Work Hazard: Chapter 5

The next morning, it's a shadow-eyed, uncommunicative and cold Sasuke that makes his way to school with Neji following his every move. He's wearing a turtleneck that hugs his throat too tightly and he keeps thinking of the men that came to do the 'clean-up' during the night. At least the boy-whore will understand that he was left alive only to suffer even more.

Sasuke knows that in the world the slut lives in, failure is not an option. If the lawmen working for Itachi don't kill him, his fellow inmates will.

Kisame's body was dragged away on a stretcher and Sasuke barely had the time to tug away the man's ring before the hired hands started cleaning. When they were done, the only hint of Kisame's existence was the ring that Sasuke still clutched tightly.

Neji has been acting like an overzealous mother-hen since then. Not overtly of course, but everywhere Sasuke goes, Neji follows not a step behind. It seems that just to follow along with Neji, Naruto has started to do the same thing, shadowing Sasuke with suspicious skill.

The first two classes are just a blur to the Uchiha. Even his fangirls have been keeping their distance from him. It might have to do with the positively murderous aura coming from him, or his two newly acquired shadows. At this point, Sasuke doesn't give a shit.

Instead of listening to the teacher, Sasuke fiddles with Kisame's too-big ring around his thumb. He spent three years with the man. Kisame was one of the few people that Itachi trusted enough to leave Sasuke with. Three years is a long time. A long time of trying not to give a shit about the big man. A long time of pretending that the shark-grin, the odd eating habits (Kisame has... had never touched a vegetable in his life), the trash talk and strange words of wisdom meant nothing at all.

“Kid, life's like a brawl, yeah? A struggle. No matter what, y'just hold your head up high an' pretend you don't give a shit. That'll get you through pretty much anything.”

“You are kind of stupid, aren't you?”

“Maybe, but I ain't the one having a throwing a huge pity party over m'self, now am I?”

That was on Christmas the first year. The first Christmas that Sasuke spent apart from Itachi. The big man had always had a way to make Sasuke not miss his brother so much. A way of making him forget the sight of his parent's burning corpses.

A sigh escapes Sasuke and he feels his eyes burning with unwanted tears. Shutting his lids firmly, Sasuke leans his head against his desk and takes deep breaths. He should be used to this. People have been dying around him since he was a child.

“Are you alright, Sasuke-san?” The teacher sounds so concerned, so kind and Sasuke just wants to yell at her to get the fuck away from him.

“Sasuke-san?” Her voice is drawing the attention of the whole class and right now that's the last thing Sasuke needs.

“I'm fine, sensei.” His tone is low, but neutral enough.

“You don't sound fine... Do you need to be excused from class?”

That almost makes Sasuke laugh darkly. He's probably the only student in the entire school who goes to his classes by choice, because none of the teachers would object if he left mid-class. This time though, he feels Neji's gaze on him, can hear Naruto's oncoming rant about taking care of oneself to make a better rival, and he just can't deal with it.

So he nods quietly and stands. The teacher grabs his arm before he gets out of the room and Sasuke tenses up as her fingers press directly into the wound near his shoulder. She notices and immediately lets go, then whispers to him firmly, “Go by the infirmary first, clear?” She hands him a pass which he needlessly pockets. It's not like anyone would question him. They'd just assume he had a good reason to be skipping classes.

He nods, more to get rid of her than anything else, but she lets him go willingly enough. Once in the corridor, finally freed from Neji and Naruto's watch, Sasuke begins to aimlessly walk through the school. He's going to have to stay at Neji's place for a while so he can't leave without the boy, but that doesn't mean he has to be subjected to his presence every goddamn minute of the day.

Sasuke makes his way outside and climbs the fire escape ladder to reach the roof. It's a cold, gray winter day and it suits Sasuke's mood perfectly. He's not wearing a coat, but at this point he couldn't care less.

Slumping down in the snow, Sasuke looks up at the sky. His clothes are getting drenched with icy cold water, but Sasuke doesn't mind. He tries to look for some sort of light within all that gray up there.

“Kisame, do you...”

“Do I what, kid?”

“Do you love Itachi?”

“... Yeah.”

“Just 'yeah'? No explanation? No 'this isn't what you think'?”

“Itachi cares about only one thing in this world, kid, and that's you. So yeah. Who gives a shit what I feel?”

“That's... sort of sad.”

“You think so, kiddo?”

“I think... yeah. I think I might give a little bit of a shit though. A very little bit.”

“Now who's being an idiot?”

“Hmph. You are, as per usual.”

Sasuke can't feel his fingers anymore. He figures he should probably get up before his body grows too numb to climb down. As he painfully makes his way upright, he thinks it's a little too late for that. His limbs respond a second later than they should and Sasuke's body is shivering almost uncontrollably.

Grabbing onto the railing, Sasuke shifts his body weight over the edge of the roof and starts the climb down. It comes as absolutely no surprise that he misses the second step. His fingers aren't fast enough to hold onto the ladder so he plummets down toward the ground.

Closing his eyes, Sasuke forces his body to relax and waits for the impact. If he tenses up, the damage will be much worse.

He's surprised to find himself caught and held in a strong hold instead of harshly meeting the ground. Before he even opens his eyes, he's swept into a princess hold and tugged close to warmth, a coat draped over him.

Sasuke knows who caught him before he sees the man. He can feel it in his gut. It's this same connection he's felt before.

Kakashi doesn't say a word. He has yet to explain his own actions to himself, so he prefers to think on that rather than make idle talk with the teen. Besides it's fucking cold out here. So Kakashi holds the boy close and carries him to the infirmary. That child is freezing, but Kakashi can't blame that for the shiver that goes through his body as he feels the kid's breath on his neck.

Why are you taking care of him? You know what you're going to have to do.

Yet Kakashi doesn't heed that inner voice. He lies the boy down on one of the spare beds and tugs his head up to look at his pupils. The boy's gaze focuses on his and there's just something in there that Kakashi can't escape. It's not the kid's need, not his pain or his anger. It's that glint of spirit, the mute part of him that tells Kakashi he can't leave, can't refuse to be drawn to the boy.

Staring into the boy's eyes, Kakashi finds that he's leaning in before he can reign himself in and his lips touch the cold ones of the boy beneath him. From that moment, there's no stopping himself. He thoroughly kisses the boy, mapping and claiming his mouth with each swipe of the tongue.

This isn't you, Kakashi. You don't take advantage of sick children. For fuck's sake, man, get a hold of yourself.

With difficulty, Kakashi pulls himself away from Sasuke's lips. The boy gives a hint of a smirk, like he just proved something just by lying there and looking delectably molestable. Kakashi notices the increased shivering in Sasuke's frame and he immediately tugs the boy to a sitting position, pulling the wet shirt over his head.

He does not picture something else entirely as he proceeds to undress the boy. He most definitely does not feel a stirring in his pants at the sight of Sasuke's smooth, unmarred skin, his perfectly fit body.

Since he's not shivering with lust and temptation, he doesn't speed through the process of covering up the boy with blanket after blanket. Of course not.

By the end of it, Sasuke still hasn't said a word. Kakashi sits behind him and tugs the boy backwards to share some warmth with him.

“Aren't you going to thank me?”

“Aren't you going to shoot me?”

Kakashi smirks. So the boy knows who he is. “Not if you thank me.”

“For such a deadly hitman, you sure are childish.”

“Look who's talking.”

“Thank you.”

That has Kakashi blink in mid-surprise. He hadn't expected the Uchiha to give in so easily. The boy is smarter than he'd thought.

Kakashi doesn't ask why he was out on the roof trying to freeze himself to death. He doesn't mention the bandages he glimpsed around the boy's neck, on his arm. He supposes it's none of his business.

It would be so easy to take the boy now. Use the syringe, drug him and take him back to Orochimaru and never think about him again. He could easily do that right here and now and fuck Uchiha Itachi.

“How many people do you think mourned the ones you shot?” The question is asked as Sasuke turns to press his cold nose into the crook of Kakashi's neck, a position that Kakashi instinctively readjusts to guard his throat from the boy's teeth.

“Thirty-eight.” The boy's smell is intoxicating. Even just having him this close is pushing Kakashi's limits in self-control.

“Do you think I'm a child?”

Kakashi remains silent, pondering the question and its meaning.

“I'm probably too old for you, really.”

That gets a snort from Kakashi. “How'd you figure that one, hmm?” Kakashi's fingers instinctively start rubbing circles on the boy's side.

“'Clarity of mind is clarity of passion.' Do you know who said that?”

Blaise Pascal. Born in France in 1623, died in 1662 of a tumor at 39 years old in a hospital of Paris. The information files into Kakashi's mind automatically, but he only responds, “Enlighten me.”

“A mathematician and theologian. Man of church and man of science.” The boy shifts in his arms and kneels up on the bed to lock eyes with Kakashi. “Clarity of mind is clarity of passion. It means a smart man knows his passions. It means denial is a dumb fucking idea.”

And so speaking, the boy leans in closer, barely touching their lips together. He whispers there, caressing Kakashi's lips with his words, “I am no child.”

Kakashi can see the naked expanse of flesh under the blankets covering the boy, can see his too-perfect features, the long lashes, wide black eyes, can smell his breath, feel his tempting lips. Kakashi's left hand fists into the boy's hair and pulls him in for a true kiss. The wanton way Sasuke presses himself against Kakashi has the man working to control his impulses. It wouldn't do to take the boy in the middle of the infirmary.

But hot damn it's going to be hard. Kakashi's free hand grabs onto the boy's naked waist and the contact is electric. From there, there's no stopping it. They're lying in bed with Kakashi half sitting up, Sasuke turned to him and suddenly, the boy properly straddles Kakashi's lap, legs wrapping around the man's waist. Kakashi's right hand is still buried in the soft strands of black hair while his left curls around Sasuke's back, fingers caressing from there and to the boy's ass, cupping the firm cheeks and pulling him closer.

They're still kissing and the quiet breaths and moans coming from the boy make Kakashi delve in deeper, harder, bent on drawing more sounds, more of that desperate grip the boy keeps on his shoulder, more of his taste, more everything.

The shrill sound of the bell announcing the end of the class snaps the both of them apart and Sasuke smirks that infuriatingly smug grin. “Well Mister Hitman, I never knew you were interested in helpless little boys.”

Kakashi smacks the back of Sasuke's head without even thinking about how affectionate the gesture becomes halfway through, “Brat.”

The boy moves away from Kakashi, nearly groaning at the loss of contact. He nonetheless reclaims his wet clothing and dresses. Kakashi watches him go, something in his gut telling him he's never going to bring the boy to Orochimaru now.

At the door, Sasuke pauses and looks at Kakashi. His eyes are serious as he warns, “Itachi will be here soon. It would be best if you disappeared before he kills you.” Then he's gone.

Kakashi can't quite believe that he let any of this happen. He caught the kid, warmed him, kissed him, spoke to him. Bad, bad, bad idea. You don't get close to the target.

But those kiss-bruised lips look so fucking tempting... the soft black hair, the smart mouth, provocative character... No. You're not falling for this kid. You're an adult, a hitman, you are not falling for this kid.

“Clarity of passion, huh?” Kakashi shakes his head to himself. Well fuck.

tbc...

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Work Hazard: Chapter 4

2006-09-25T17:24:10Z

This chapter came as something of a surprise to me. I like it though. It kinda sets the tone for the story which I had intended at first. -nods- Oh, and this is quite graphic.

Work Hazard: Chapter 4

When Sasuke gets home, the boy-whore is still there. He's eating in Sasuke's place at the table while Kisame dips in the pool. Sasuke shoots a glare at the boy, evidently implying that he should have better things to be doing, such as spontaneously combusting or trying to catch a flying bullet with his teeth.

The boy gets the message and stands, going in the back to join Kisame. Sasuke drops his backpack and reclaims his seat at the table. He leans his head on the cool wooden surface and sighs, dejected.

“Tough day, kiddo?”

Sasuke doesn't even bother to look up at his guardian. “What gave it away?” he mumbles into the table.

A short bark of laughter answers him, “Well Sai crawling back to me shakin' in fear and mumblin' that you were going to skin'im alive was a bit of a hint.”

“Is that the slut's name?” Sasuke raises one eyebrow at Kisame.

“That's the boy's name.”

“It has occurred to you that he looks like a vulgar, lesser version of me, right?”

“Don't flatter yourself, kid. Didya talk to your brother?”

Sasuke frowns at that. He shifts his eyes back to the table. “I'm not going.”

Kisame grunts.

“Really. I'm not going this time.”

“Well then you're telling him, 'cause I sure as fuck ain't getting killed for your ass.”

Smirking into his hands, Sasuke looks at Kisame from the corner of his eye, “I met this guy today.”

Kisame isn't dumb. He's not the smartest crayon in the box, but he's not dumb. He recognizes that wicked glint in his charge's eye. Far from addressing the issue as politely as Neji had, Kisame bluntly demands, “Didya fuck him?”

“Must everyone assume the worst when I talk about a guy?”

“Well it's you we're talkin' about, Mister Cocktease.”

“He had very gentle lips.” Sasuke looks almost dreamy as he says that. If Kisame didn't know better, he'd say the boy has a crush.

“Lips aren't gentle, kid.”

“His were. They weren't soft, luscious or wet. They were hard, thin and... gentle.”

“That why you had a bad day? The guy kicked you in the nuts or somethin'?”

Sasuke throws a look of disgust at Kisame. A look that plainly speaks 'As if anyone would dare.' He suddenly decides that he doesn't want to talk to Kisame anymore and stands abruptly. He grabs his backpack and heads to his room, shutting the door behind him.

The older man blinks at his temperamental charge's actions, but dismisses them readily enough. Sai comes back a few minutes later, warily peaking in the house.

“Is he gone?”

“Yeah, hun, he's gone.”

“He's a scary kid... why are you even looking after him?”

Kisame smiles that shark-like grin he's so renowned for and locks eyes with the boy-whore. “He's a good kid. Too damn good for the likes of you and me, slut. Keep that in mind.” After a moment of silence, the older man adds, “Besides, I'd get killed if I didn't look after him good and proper.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Some time during the night, Sasuke is once again woken by loud banging. He first tries to put a pillow over his head to muffle the grunts and thumps, but it only serves to make Sasuke feel suffocated. And he can still hear the vulgar mewling of the boy-slut.

Next, Sasuke tries to put on some music to distract himself. It seems that just to compensate the fact that Sasuke raises the volume, the slut in the room next door competes with louder cries, needier yells.

Finally, unable to take it anymore, Sasuke sits up in bed. He knows better than to disturb Kisame during sex, so he just shuffles sleepily into the kitchen and pours himself some milk.

At the loud groan from Kisame that even Sasuke has come to recognize as his peak-pleasure grunt, Sasuke reconsiders and puts the milk back in the fridge. He figures it'll be at least an hour before the second go, so he sleepily rubs at his eyes and goes back to bed.

As he lies there, trying to find sleep again, he wonders if it's healthy to know of your guardian's sexual habits in such detail. Sasuke knows that Kisame almost passes out the first time he comes, then wakes about forty to fifty minutes later to go at it again. Sometimes the pattern repeats itself three times, and once in a while (fortunately rarely enough) four or five times.

Sasuke distantly wonders if the man sleeps at all. Turning to his side, he firmly shuts his eyes, intent on sleeping.

His mind wanders back to the day's events, though. He can still feel the pressure of Kakashi's lips against his when he finally coaxed the man into responding. Can still feel his body pressed up tightly against his, the hands cupping his hips caressingly. Sasuke finally falls back asleep with the ghost of Kakashi's kiss.

Somehow, when Sasuke opens his eyes, he's fully naked and his hands are tied to his bed. He panics and tugs at the bonds, trashing around uselessly until he feels the presence in the room. His eyes fix on the shape of a man in the corner. “Free me.” It's an order like Sasuke is used to giving. Strong and unmindful of his position.

The man takes two steps closer. One, two. And Sasuke can see him. That familiar gray hair, the intense eyes. Why this man makes so much of an impression on Sasuke is anyone's guess. All Sasuke knows is that he doesn't want to be here, naked and vulnerable before a man who holds this much power.

Kakashi makes as if he'd never heard the boy's voice and instead starts to disrobe. Each piece of clothing falls discarded to the floor and Sasuke's eyes are riveted by the sight of him. Kakashi is beautiful. There's no other word for it. He's mesmerizing in all of the small imperfections on his body, the scars here and there, the long limbs, muscled back and thighs...

Sasuke swallows back the fear when he looks into the man's eyes. He won't stoop to begging, he won't stoop to begging, he won't.

Kakashi bends over him, and they're both naked and panic seizes up Sasuke's entire body. He trashes in bed, digging the soft bonds into his wrists in an attempt to escape.

When he feels the warm hand settling on his stomach, holding him down, he can't help the whimper. His body freezes up entirely. “Please don't.”

“Shut up, boy.” It's the first Sasuke hears of Kakashi's voice and he looks at the man hovering over him with a glare.

“I'll kill you for this, Kakashi.”

But the man just smiles and drops his head to Sasuke's chest, his tongue tracing a wicked pattern around a hardening nipple. His teeth lightly graze the nub and Sasuke bites into his lip, because he won't give in.

Kakashi settles himself bodily over Sasuke, pelvis between the boy's forcefully spread and tied legs. He starts to grind slowly against the boy's body, a deviously hot motion that brings friction in all the right places.

Sasuke gasps, and a finger finds its way into his mouth. “Don't bite, or I will fuck you.” Sasuke's jaw pauses halfway to biting off the digit in his mouth and instead, he lets the man tug his lips open for the forceful kiss inflicted on him.

There's no denying the intensity of what Sasuke feels. His blood is heating up with the need and a fine sheen of sweat soon covers his entire body. Kakashi's slow grinding picks up speed and Sasuke can feel the man's erection against his thigh and hip. He's still being kissed, his mouth taken and controlled by the other man's.

His wrists and ankles strain against the bonds, but Sasuke isn't sure anymore if he wants to hit the man, or wrap his arms around him and force him to continue. He can feel the man's free hand caressing between his legs and Sasuke breathes in sharply, eyes snapping open with fear. His head shakes in denial, dislodging the man's lips from his. “No. I don't want it. Stop.”

Sasuke is surprised at how firm his voice sounds. He's even more surprised at the answer he gets from Kakashi, “Alright. Let's not get too close tonight.” Instead of caressing his inner thigh, the hand returns to wrap around Sasuke's erection. The man's body weight shifts and Sasuke can see him going down, kneeling over his body, can see his lips open and so fucking close and yes, just do it already...

Some instinct brutally brings the boy to awareness and Sasuke sits up in a sweat. The reflexive action is the only thing that saves his life as a knife buries itself right where his heart would've been. Still disorientated, Sasuke barely throws himself away from the attacker as the knife whips from the bed and towards him. “Fuck!”

Sasuke is on his feet in an instant, ignoring the pain burgeoning in his shoulder. The knife flies back at him but this time, Sasuke is ready. He turns to avoid the hit and grabs the wrist holding the blade, kicking the attacker's legs from under him with the same motion. Unfortunately for him, the attacker manages to get a hold of him as well and they both tumble to the floor, fighting for the knife. They come to a stop with Sasuke barely holding the blade from his neck and looking into the furious face of his attacker.

That Sai boy-whore. He must've drugged Kisame or something. Sasuke's concern for his guardian costs him dearly as the slut takes advantage of the moment to bring the knife closer to Sasuke's throat.

Sasuke can feel the blade beginning to dig into the soft flesh and the pain has him reacting instinctively. He kicks at the boy above him, by sheer luck planting his knee directly in the boy's sensitive parts. It's all the edge Sasuke needs. Within seconds, the distracted slut is pushed off him, disarmed and knocked unconscious.

Groaning with the pain in both his neck and shoulder, Sasuke stumbles to Kisame's room. He finds the man on the bed, unmoving.

Swallowing, Sasuke brings his hand to Kisame's throat, searching for a pulse. When he finds none, his eyes fall shut with grief. The regret in his voice is undeniable when he speaks, “Kisame, you idiot.”

Sasuke stumbles to the bathroom, feeling sick with the knowledge that Kisame died for him. Another death to add to the count. He finds himself bending over the toilet, emptying the contents of his stomach and hurting his throat even more than it already is.

Empty and tired beyond belief, Sasuke picks up his cell phone and speed dials Neji's number.

The Hyuuga groans out an annoyed “What?” into the phone when he drags himself away from bed to answer it. He's always cranky when he's just woken up, but the silence at the end of the line combined with the caller id have Neji sobering up instantly. “Sasuke?”

“Kisame's dead.” The Uchiha's voice sounds rough and pained and concern almost overwhelms Neji for a moment, “Your status?”

Sasuke wants to hang up, wants to damn the Hyuuga for asking that. But he doesn't. “Peachy.”

“I'll be there in five minutes.” Neji hangs up and hurriedly calls Naruto, even if it's the middle of the night. After he's explained the situation and ordered the blond to contact Itachi, Neji dresses with the speed of light.

Within the promised five minutes, the Hyuuga is at the door of Sasuke's residence.

tbc...

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Work Hazard: Chapter 3

2006-09-25T17:20:36Z

This chapter took me a while to write (mostly because I'm working ten hours a day - blech-) but I'm very pleased with it. With the content, the wrapping could use a little more polishing.

Work Hazard: Chapter 3

As Sasuke sits in class later that day, he has to try hard not to smirk. Neji is sitting by him and the Uchiha is certain that the black-haired boy can feel the smugness coming off him in waves. Surprisingly though, Neji isn't the one to address the issue. Rather, a blond boy leans by Sasuke's side and whispers, “Oy Sasuke-teme! Why're you looking so full of yourself?”

Naruto watches the smug black-haired boy worriedly, wondering whether or not he has to fear for his life. Uchiha revenge is indeed something to be feared. But the boy in front of him just smirks wider and ignores him. “Hey come on, it was only a little syrup... So it was a little hot... I didn't mean for you to get burned or anything.”

Still that same dreaded silence.

“Sasuke?”

The stoic boy doesn't even bother looking at him. Naruto feels himself growing angry and he speaks much louder, “Oy Teme! Listen when people are talking to you!”

Sasuke's eyes shift to him then and Naruto feels a ridiculously satisfying sense of accomplishment at having gotten his attention. The happiness is short-lived though, because the teacher stands right behind Naruto and it's silent all around and oh, everyone's looking at him, aren't they?

“Naruto-kun. I was under the impression that during a class, with an ongoing lesson, it is customary to listen to the teacher and not the students. Unless you think you'd do a better job, I'll have you stay silent until the end of class, is that clear?” It's all spoken in that kind voice, but Naruto's no fool. You'd have to be deaf not to pick up the threat behind the words.

Naruto promptly shuts up and glares at Sasuke. Because who else's fault is it that Naruto had to shout to get his attention. The bastard's gaze has returned to a small point on the black board and Naruto can imagine himself drowning in the seas of smugness pouring off him.

Since he's been forbidden talking, Naruto tears a piece of paper from his notebook and writes 'I hate you' then crumbles it and throws it at Sasuke's hair. The black-haired boy catches the projectile quick as lightening and unfolds the paper. His eyes are distracted from the board for a mere half second and the smirk widens. In his fine, sophisticated writing, Sasuke puts down two words on that same sheet. He folds it and returns it to Naruto with deadly accuracy.

'I know'.

Naruto glares more. He sends another piece of paper at Sasuke's hair, 'What's with you?'

Amazingly enough, it's returned to him once again. The Uchiha would usually just ignore Naruto's child play at this point and wait until he tired himself. Naruto looks at the answer to his question and it brings a thoughtful frown to his forehead:

'Secret.'

'What secret?' Naruto crumbles the sheet that Sasuke keeps folding and throws it back to him. Unfortunately, on the way there, it's intercepted by a quick hand. Hyuuga Neji raises an eyebrow at the both of them and unfolds the paper to read their little conversation. He turns an inquiring gaze toward Sasuke and mouths, 'After class.'

So evidently, when there's minutes left to the class, Sasuke starts packing his things to be able to make a quick escape. Unfortunately enough for him, the two other boys mimic him. It's almost like a race has been announced, and all the boys are watching the clock, although in Naruto's case, it's far too obvious.

When the shrill sound of the bell echoes across the halls, Naruto springs from his seat and immediately gets to the door. He's caught in the small fight for who manages to exit the room first and then the students start pouring out. He looks around for Sasuke, because no way is he letting that bastard escape. He finds the boy still inside the room, one of his wrists caught in the firm hold of the Hyuuga.

The teacher looks at them oddly, but doesn't otherwise comment, his raised eyebrow questioning their presence enough. Sasuke tugs his wrist free of Neji's hold and he looks from the Hyuuga to Naruto. “Fine. Outside.”

The journey to the lockers is silent enough. The rest of the kids are still leaving and packing, but as always, they make space enough for Sasuke to go through.

Once outside, Sasuke ignores the inquiring looks coming from both Neji and Naruto and fishes out a cigarette and lighter. He leans against the brick wall of the school comfortably and lights up. Before he can bring the stick to his mouth, the cigarette is snatched from his hand and thrown away.

“You're not polluting my lungs too, Uchiha.”

Settling for a silent glare, Sasuke's hands return to his pockets. He's in too much of a good mood to let Neji's goody-goody ways spoil it for him.

“So what's up, teme? You're oozing that annoying smugness of yours.” Naruto is honestly curious about his friend's mindset and his blue eyes might even reflect a bit of concern.

The Uchiha simply smirks though, “I met our new school nurse.”

Neji, as always, reads Sasuke's words with frightening accuracy, “Define 'met'.”

Once Neji words it that way, Naruto's eyes widen and he finally catches on, “Whoa, you mean met as in sex? Ew! What is she eighty?”

Rolling his eyes, Sasuke responds, “Usuratonkachi. She is a man.”

“How is that any better?” Naruto's face scrunches up in disgust while Neji's remains impassive. The Hyuuga does look a little more concerned at the announcement that the nurse is male.

“Is he any threat?”

“I don't know, really. He felt like someone who knows how to fight, but he didn't seem threatening. Not shocked out of his skin as he was.”

“That's really going to get you into trouble some day, Uchiha.”

“What exactly?”

“That tendency you have to provoke just for the hell of it. It makes my job very difficult.” Neji raises an eyebrow at Sasuke, his expression admonishing.

“So what? You're already paid to be around me anyway. I might as well make you earn your keep.” Sasuke's voice has grown colder as he speaks those words. He knows that Neji is just a bodyguard and that if there was a better-paid job out there, he'd probably go for it. It doesn't make the boy stop wanting to believe otherwise. He honestly wishes that Neji would be a true friend, not just someone who asks because they need to. At least Naruto's not paid to annoy him.

The blond haired boy has for once decided on a wise course of action, remaining silent as the voices of both the Uchiha and the Hyuuga grow colder with their mounting frustration with one another.

“I am paid to keep you safe, Uchiha.”

“And that's all you fucking care about, isn't it? The money you get?” The bitterness is just an edge of cold more to the icy tone.

“I will do what I must, for my own reasons. I need not justify myself. My employer isn't you.”

Sasuke snorts derisively, “Right. Of course.” He sighs and reigns himself in, coolly dismissing the entire issue, “Kakashi won't be a problem, Neji. You don't need to be concerned.”

The Hyuuga's posture freezes almost comically and he turns to Sasuke, demanding, “What did you just say?”

“I said that the nurse won't be a problem. Are you deaf?”

“What was his name, Sasuke?” Neji's tone is urgent and even if Sasuke is angry with him, he finds it easy to give up the information.

“Kakashi. Why?”

“Why? Sasuke, Kakashi is the most renowned hired-gun there is. He's a free agent, a wild card. No one can predict him and the death count is unimaginably high. Fuck... if he's after you, we need to move and now. I'll warn Kisame.” Neji whips out his cell phone, already pressing down on the speed dial button to join Kisame.

Sasuke grabs the cell from him and turns it off, objecting firmly, “We don't know that he's after me, okay? Besides I don't want to...” His eyes turn to the bewildered Naruto hesitantly before settling again on Neji, “I'm sick and tired of running.”

This time, Naruto interjects, “But this guy... he might really hurt you. He might kill you. You're a bastard and all, but how can I ever win over you if you die on me?”

“Maybe he's not that Kakashi, maybe he's here on some other business, maybe he won't come after me. You can't force me to move and therefore I am not moving.” Sasuke turns stern eyes to Neji, “Since you're paid to protect me, you can see this as a challenge.” And with that, Sasuke turns on his heel and walks to his car.

Neji stays behind with Naruto and the blond boy witnesses for the first time the pained look on the Hyuuga's face. He almost grabs Neji's shoulder to comfort him, but the other boy interrupts him, “It's not just a job, Naruto. He's not just something I'm paid to protect.”

Naruto smiles a bit, eyes suddenly growing wise and kind, “I know. He's a stubborn bastard. You'd probably do it even if you weren't paid for it, wouldn't you? Just like me.”

The Hyuuga shakes his head and recovers his impeccable composure, “Yeah. But he won't believe that.”

“Of course he won't. He's Sasuke.”

tbc...

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Work Hazard: Chapter 2

2006-09-25T17:17:33Z

Er... Okay... this chapter kinda surprised me. Well Sasuke kinda surprised me. Nasty muse is less angsty and on edge than the other one. Something to do about Itachi being a good guy methinks. So this Sasuke is... a little more... impulsive *snort*

Work Hazard: Chapter 2

Uchiha Sasuke is having a very bad day. His so-called guardian woke him up at some godawful hour of the night with too-loud, not-straight sex. The soap escaped him in the shower and he had to walk out to grab it only to get ogled by some stupid boy-whore using the sink. He missed breakfast because of that same boy-whore insisting he could cook and no way was Sasuke eating the burned pieces of what used to be food.

He'd almost been run over twice just getting to school and once there the squealing had started. Gai-sensei had insisted on demonstrating the 'power of masculinity' through some badly done cross-dressing that has mentally scarred Sasuke for life. Although the theater teacher was just trying to make a point, Sasuke is fairly sure it didn't come across to anyone in the class as anything but an attack to public decency.

Gai in a school girl uniform still gives Sasuke shivers just thinking about it. But still, the boy went on to have a passable day. Until that idiot ruined it. The loud, blond dobe who follows him around trying to prove himself superior. This time it had involved something about making a better cake in home ed.

The idiot had ended up 'accidentally' spilling the hot syrup on Sasuke. And reflexively attempting to escape the burn, Sasuke took off his shirt. The room got suspiciously silent after that. Like no one dared breathing. Then the silence was interrupted by a thump. A loud, solid thump that had reminded Sasuke of a body hitting the ground.

When he turned around, there was indeed a body on the ground. Sasuke can clearly remember the 'Oh for Christ's sake, tell me she didn't just faint' before the boys in the class burst out laughing. Ridiculous.

The teacher had dispatched Sasuke to take the girl to the infirmary, since he was the one to, the teacher had said with barely veiled amusement, cause the incident.

So Sasuke sits beside the pink-haired menace otherwise known as Haruno Sakura as she rests on the infirmary bed. She is, thankfully, still unconscious and the nurse has yet to show up.

It gives Sasuke time enough to reflect on things he would prefer not to think about. He had a conversation with Itachi. The man ordered him to change places again. Apparently some bigshot had a lead on his location and planned to do something about it. Sasuke might not have much of a social life, but he's gotten comfortable in Konoha High. Even Naruto's incessant stalking is something Sasuke has grown attached to. He doesn't want to leave behind the loser. Or the Hyuuga for that matter.

Sasuke will even admit to not wanting to leave his present guardian, despite his very obvious flaws. Kisame is a bastard, but he's a permissive one who knows his job very well despite it all. Although Sasuke could probably do without the fucking at all hours of the night.

Besides, it's not like Sasuke can't defend himself against the random attacker.

The boy shuts his eyes as he recalls the conversation...

This won't be a random attacker, Sasuke. It'll be a trained assassin, or some organized group. They need you to get to me. I wouldn't know what to do if they used you against me, Sasuke.

If you cared so much, maybe you'd actually be around once in a while. I'll graduate soon, a year ahead and on top of the class in every one of them, did you know that?

Yes Sasuke, and I'm very proud of you, little brother. But this is about your safety. I don't want anything happening to you. You're... my only sanity.

Sasuke sighs. He knows Itachi is cold to everyone but him. He's his brother's only support because the man won't permit himself any other. He wouldn't even permit himself Sasuke if he could help it. So Sasuke's going to have to be the adult again and do what's best for Itachi.

“Fuck.”

“Language, young man.” The voice that interrupts Sasuke's thoughts is deep and drawled out. Sasuke whips around, immediately on his guard. He hasn't even heard the man approaching.

“Who the hell are you?” And fuck proper language.

“I am your new school nurse. Shizune-San has been temporarily... incapacitated. The name is Kakashi.”

Sasuke takes in the man's appearance suspiciously. Tall, large man with a white surgical mask covering his face. The hair is completely gray and sticking to one side. It makes Sasuke wonder if the man dyes it because his eyes are far too young for this much gray. There's a scar running over the man's left eye that has Sasuke pausing to observe. It can't be surgical, and it would have to be one hell of an accident to have landed that way on Kakashi's face. Still, it's not impossible.

“It's not polite to stare, young man.”

Sasuke gives Kakashi one of his best smirks, the impish corner-smirk that defies and provokes. “No, I suppose it isn't.”

There's tension in the air that Sasuke can almost taste. He nonetheless continues to observe Kakashi, monitoring his every move. There's an economy of movement to every one of the man's steps as he walks over. No useless movements, his feet always out of each other's way. Sasuke thinks this is a man who has fought before. Something tells him he's not bad at it either.

He's surprised by Kakashi's sudden move towards him. Sasuke immediately brings a hand up to block what he assumes is a blow. He's shocked by two things, the first is that he's not fast enough to intercept the man's hand, and second, instead of a fist, the hand pats his head and threads through his hair, affectionately ruffling it.

“You're a brat. I like you.”

Before he can stop himself, Sasuke snorts derisively. He knocks the man's hand away from him and stands, all pride and arrogance, “The girl fainted in class. Maybe you should pay attention to her instead, Kakashi.” He doesn't add any sort of title to the name, getting straight to the point.

“Ah yes, Miss Haruno was it? What exactly happened to her?”

“How would I know? I had my back turned to her.” Sasuke shifts a little on his feet. He was going to leave before the man asked him a real question. His back is turned to Kakashi and somehow, that doesn't feel right. The boy pivots to meet the man's eyes on him. There's something in the air that makes Sasuke frown. He's not quite sure what it is, but it makes his hair stand on end.

“Ah. What was she doing before that unfortunate moment?”

Sasuke's gaze at the man slowly shifts into a glare. He doesn't like feeling this unbalanced by a stranger and his first reaction is aggressive. His words are short and a little provocative, “Ogling me, what else?”

The man's gray eyebrow rises smoothly. Sasuke watches it go up, stop, then go back down to its original position. “Really. Well I guess that explains that.”

Sasuke smirks a little at hearing the man's response. Something tells him that he doesn't want to be leaving the room without the upper hand, otherwise this man will become a bother. So Sasuke takes a seat on one of the empty beds and he adds, “Actually nurse, some idiot dropped hot syrup on me in home ed. I think it might be a little more serious than I thought at first. Would you mind taking a look?”

Kakashi seems surprised at that, but it's only a split second before he returns to his usual apathetic self. He does pull the curtain around Sakura's bed before getting close to Sasuke, however.

“Where do you feel the burn?” The man's voice is low and neutral, but it's even more neutral than it was before, which tells Sasuke that the man is on his guard, which means he's apprehending something from this.

He's right, of course. Sasuke pulls the shirt a little up to reveal the skin on his stomach, burnt, but not that badly so.

Something in Kakashi's attitude changes then. His eyes become narrower and Sasuke can see he has the man where he wants him. Kakashi has picked up on the undertones Sasuke wanted transmitted. His eyes are fixed on Sasuke's revealed skin with more than just professional interest. He shifts forward, taking Sasuke's challenge and running a finger over the sensitive skin.

Sasuke shivers with the touch and he whispers, “Maybe I am a brat.” He grabs the mask around the man's face and pulls it down, getting a single look at the man's face before his lips are crushed against the other man's.

Kakashi lets himself be kissed out of pure shock, but when he recovers a semblance of control over himself, he attempts to pull away.

Sasuke has a good hold on him though, and his legs wrap around the man's waist, fighting the man's effort. Sasuke can feel against him the man's growing hardness and he smirks at Kakashi's stubborn refusal to return any sort of sexual attention.

It takes a little more coaxing, some devious rubbing to accompany the stolen kiss, but Kakashi finally gives in to it, his tongue sliding into Sasuke's open mouth and taking control.

A moan comes from deep in Sasuke's throat, the heated feel of the man's weight, his larger body and talented tongue... It shifts into a whimper as Kakashi grabs his hips. He pushes away from the man, breaking the kiss and escaping his grasp nimbly. He's at the door before Kakashi can blink.

Sasuke's cheeks have a rosy tint to them, but his smirk is pure provocation, “Does that hard-on make you a pedophile, Kakashi?”

Then he walks out of the room and to the nearest bathroom. Teenage hormones need looking after.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Kakashi stares after the boy's retreating form. He tells himself he's only hard because of the heat and the boy's wickedly talented lips against his. He tells himself that he's old enough to be secure in his sexual preferences. He tells himself that this boy is just a brat trying to prove something and that this stolen, forced kiss wasn't one of the hottest things Kakashi has ever felt.

He reminds himself that he's a professional. He's here on a mission to bring this very boy to his potential death.

Fuck. I did not just make out with a kid.

A gorgeous, overly arrogant, beautiful child. But still just a child.

A child Kakashi is going to take to a child-molester. He's felt the boy's soft skin against his fingertips. He's felt the shiver and the stiffening of the boy's entire body in fear when things got too heated. Just a kid, Kakashi, just a fucking kid.

Shaking his head to himself, Kakashi tries to regain focus. He needs to get this over and done with as fast as possible.

Dismissing the events that just happened, Kakashi puts it all to the back of his mind as something to think on later. He thinks about the realization of the objective instead, focusing intently on just that.

The kid has got to be protected by some sort of bodyguard, Itachi isn't that careless. And if Kakashi hasn't noticed the bodyguard yet, then it's a damn good one. There will also be other types of protection, probably a tracking device on the boy and more security set up elsewhere.

Kakashi needs to learn everything about that kid. He needs to do this flawlessly so that he doesn't have Uchiha Itachi's revenge to worry about afterwards.

Damn but he's pretty.

tbc...

Next Chapter
Previous Chapter

Fic: Work Hazard (in-progress)

2006-09-25T17:06:40Z

Notes, disclaimer and such: I could resist no longer... I went and wrote some KakaSasu. Not just a short, meaningless sex bunny like I'd intended, no... It had to be the set-up of another long fic. With The Sound of Pain and this ongoing, I may have no life at all remaining. (who am I kidding, like I have a life to begin with.)</p>

So again, normal warnings apply. They (sadly) don't belong to me. It will include underage sex, maybe some violence... -looks at Orochimaru rubbing his hands- okay, there will surely be a good measure of violence. May touch on non-con, but that'll be determined later on. If any of it sounds like it's not your cup of tea, quit reading. This is an Alternate Universe Fiction.

Work Hazard: Chapter 1

Hatake Kakashi considers himself a fairly reasonable man. He has his quirks, but he also has his own order to things. His morals may seem questionable but to him it's a code of honor that he's never once violated without a damn good reason.

So he really does have a hard time justifying why he's considering accepting this job. His prospective employer is a well-known man around the shady line of business that Kakashi dwells in. Some might even say he's a legend, but that's not the right word. There's something honorable clinging to that word that completely clashes with the character of the man in front of Kakashi now.

Orochimaru makes his business of everything dirty in the world. He's the biggest underworld lord the underworld has ever known. He doesn't have morals or restraints and no one refuses him anything. Not for long anyway.

As he listens to the man's proposal, Kakashi thinks he's never once been this repulsed by a human being. He's a fairly shady individual himself but again, Kakashi has limits. He doesn't do work that involves children. He doesn't prostitute them, doesn't rape or cut them to pieces for their brand new organs. He doesn't have anything to do with the sex industry and he choses his kills very carefully. He also avoids showing allegiance to any party in particular. Kakashi was, is and will remain a free agent, not affiliated to any crime lords like Orochimaru.

So what the hell is he doing here? Kakashi shakes his head at his own quirky nature. Uchiha. The contract concerns an Uchiha. How could Kakashi keep himself from at least looking into it?

“This Uchiha Itachi needs to be disposed of, but he's far too well-protected. The police force see him as their most precious asset, the one who could finally bring my empire down. Isn't that silly Hatake-san?”

“Indeed.” Kakashi agrees easily, more a reflex than anything. The police may be right after all. Uchiha Itachi is a force to reckon with. He's smart and ruthless and he wields power and resources comparable (and probably superior) to Orochimaru's. He does it without ever showing a hint of weakness. Overall, Uchiha Itachi is someone Kakashi wouldn't even begin to think of messing with.

“Attacking him serves no purpose, he just sends back the bodies. Instead, I sent spies to learn of his weaknesses. It seems the man has none. His family seemingly died in a fire years ago. He doesn't have a girlfriend or a boyfriend, he doesn't get close to his coworkers and doesn't seem to have friends of any sort. The man seems untouchable...”

Kakashi's visible eyebrow rises. “But?”

“But with a little digging and, I'll admit, some unfortunate deaths of undercover agents, I believe we've finally found Achilles' heel...” Orochimaru opens the top drawer of his large mahogany desk and whips out a piece of crumbled paper. He unfolds it and Kakashi comes to realize that it's a picture. “Uchiha Itachi wears this picture against his skin day in, day out. Needless to say it was quite a bother to steal this from him.”

If Kakashi had to make a wild guess, he'd say that's why he hasn't seen Kabuto around Orochimaru yet. He'd say Kabuto left more than an eye behind during this confrontation with Itachi Uchiha. He doesn't say it, however, keeping silent and patiently waiting for Orochimaru to show him the picture. Curiosity does make the back of Kakashi's neck itch, however.

“It seems they didn't all die in the fire.” Orochimaru speaks those words ominously as he turns the picture for Kakashi to see. The image depicts Uchiha Itachi himself, much younger than he is now, but always recognizable. On Itachi's back is a young boy with a radiant smile and the most beautifully innocent eyes Kakashi has ever seen. They both look very much alike, but that's not the most striking thing about the picture. It's the pose, the young boy's arms around Itachi's neck, lovingly holding on, it's the expressions, Itachi's content smile and the boy's adoring eyes.

Achilles' heel indeed.

“Uchiha Itachi covered up his little brother's existence almost perfectly. He's pulled a lot of resources to protect the boy and that's exactly why I decided to call on you instead of using my own troops.”

Kakashi doesn't need to be told that. A free agent like him is the only sort who would have even just a chance of making it past Itachi's well mounted defense and somehow get to this boy.

“We have some basic information concerning the boy, but before we go any further, you'll have to decide whether you want the job or not.”

Kakashi sighs under his breath, looking at the picture now resting on the dark wood of Orochimaru's desk. “What exactly would you have me do?”

“I want that boy.” Orochimaru's voice as he says it has Kakashi's one visible eye narrowing and he feels something at the tips of his fingers. An itch. Something that tells him to just strangle the man and get rid of him. But at the same time, he remembers the small holes in the walls, the tips of black riffles discreetly showing through the plants and art of the room. Kakashi understands at this moment that refusal is no longer an option. He knows too much, so he either accepts or he fights his way out of here, making an enemy of the most powerful force in the underworld.

Beautiful. What a mess. Fuck you too, Obito.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

So in the end, Kakashi finds himself driving to school in the morning. It's a nice school with spotless corridors and kind teachers, the kind of school Kakashi would have liked going to. He parks the car and looks at the throngs of students rushing to school. The picture of the boy and the name of the school is all Kakashi has to go on. Any other information was impossible to obtain. Unfolding the picture, Kakashi imprints it in his mind. He's looking for a teenager, not a kid, but if that picture is anything to go by, that teenager will be gorgeous. Those dark eyes are a family trait that's exceptionally rare, so it shouldn't be too hard to find him. The Uchihas have such dark irises that their eyes are completely black. Also, whereas Itachi's hair in the picture is more a common gray sort of black, the boy's hair inches towards a deep indigo black, quite unusual.

So Kakashi opens the door, tugging his coat closer against the cold and goes to wait by the yellow buses. He watches the crowd and waits for his eyes to fall on someone that corresponds to the criteria. Itachi might have made the boy change his looks or his name, but Kakashi thinks he should at least eliminate the possibility that he hasn't before he looks into something more complicated.

It doesn't help that it's the middle of winter and most kids are wearing hats and scarves. Giving up on that tactic about two seconds after he started, Kakashi walks in the school and observes his surroundings. The students don't pay much attention to him so Kakashi decides that it's safe enough to take off his coat. He keeps the hat and the scarf on over his mask though. He's going to need a reason to be here if he's going to be snooping around. There's a lot you can tell people that they'll always just eat up. Counting on other people's stupidity almost never fails, but the almost isn't a risk Kakashi is prepared to take. He stands in the path of a young girl and bends just a little so he's not intimidatingly tall. “Excuse me young lady, could you be so kind as to direct me to the administration office?”

The girl smiles innocently and starts to explain the directions when suddenly, her eyes widen and her 'turn right' shifts into a squeal of delight. Her attention is completely absorbed by something to Kakashi's left, her eyes large and adoring. Frowning to himself, Kakashi turns to take in what might have caused such a reaction.

His eyes land on a young man with hurt, dark eyes and angry deep black hair. Suddenly, Kakashi forgets all about the squealing girl and takes in the boy. Kakashi has always had an instinct for things of beauty, and certainly this boy is one such thing. He thinks the boy is possibly the most beautiful person he's ever seen. Certainly no one he's seen has this many perfectly proportioned features.

It takes Kakashi half a second to realize that this is his target. The other half of that same second is used for Kakashi's escape. He heads down the hall that the girl first pointed to and searches out the director's office. On his way there, he thinks that this boy won't have the slightest chance if he takes him to Orochimaru. Beauty doesn't go untainted in Sound territory. Especially something as rare as that boy.

There is, in the back of Kakashi's mind, some warning forming itself. It says the boy is dangerous and Kakashi doesn't want to have to deal with what he'll bring. It says there'll be unwanted consequences that will change Kakashi's life. And that Kakashi, being a creature of habit, does not want his life changed.

But really, Orochimaru never takes no for an answer so what choice does he have?

Plenty. You don't serve snakes. You don't do favors and you don't get intimidated. That's your convenient excuse.

Kakashi mentally swats away those thoughts and clutches the picture a little tighter in his pocket.

tbc...

Next Chapter

The Sound of Fear: Epilogue

2006-09-24T03:09:27Z

This chapter is rated a very high M for descriptive violence. If you have a weak stomach, you are strongly advised to skim through the first two paragraphs.

Important: This follows an eight months time skip from the last chapter.

It is both the epilogue of this story and the prologue to the next installement. I mentioned last chapter that it would be the last chapter situated in Sound. There should be two stories following this one, The Sound of Pain and The Sound of Fury.

The Sound of Fear: Epilogue

Kiba is on a reckon mission in Lightning Country when he finds it. The rest of his team stops when he does, all staring at the mass of flesh that used to be human. Arms and legs are twisted beyond recognition in a brokenly small and round shape, as if someone had tried to tie a knot with all of the limbs. Kiba can smell, beneath the blood, that it used to be female. "It's a woman." He says so uselessly because at the same time the mass moves, a last ditched effort at life, at trying to get help and it slowly rolls onto its back. Its limbs crack awkwardly with the momentum, suddenly resembling something more human but the legs are still bent the wrong way, toes touching the thighs through the front. The arms are limp by the sides, some of the bones are sliding obscenely out of the skin, like the knees that don't quite exist anymore. Kiba can clearly see the lips of a woman, the long red hair matted with blood, covering half of her face.

His Jounin captain has seen a lot of horrible things, but even he's looking a bit green around the gills. Kiba can't tear his eyes away from the twisted lips, still moving, begging for help. There's blood everywhere, over the legs, stomach, large gashes that show hints of whatever bone hasn't left her body beneath the mess of flesh. The chin of the woman looks like it was chewed and spit out, then awkwardly placed back where it used to go. Kiba swallows with difficulty as his eyes cover the space where breasts should have been. They've been cut off, leaving a flat, bleeding and twitching chest that is still somehow breathing.

The captain of the scout team takes out a kunai and throws it at the hole in the woman's chest. Kiba isn't surprised that it doesn't pierce much flesh before it imbeds itself in her heart, stopping her suffering instantly. Kiba stumbles a bit to the side and kneels over. He can't hold the contents of his stomach and he grabs onto a tree as he empties his stomach in disgust. It... she was still alive. Akamaru is nuzzling into his side, trying to offer what comfort he can.

His captain holds out a towel for him and with a shaky hand, Kiba takes it to clean up. He can't turn back and look at the remnants of the woman. Can't force himself to look back at what they did to her. He reaches down to pet Akamaru, a silent 'I'll be okay' before his captain calls out, "Inuzuka. Go scout the surroundings, try to see if you can trail whoever did this."

It's with a relieved nod that Kiba turns on his heel and jumps into the tree. It's not his first time seeing a body but this is worse than anything he's seen before...

He distractedly covers the area, trying to clear his head of the gruesome image of the woman's skinned chest, the legs spewing blood like an afterthought. Oh, right, I should bleed. After all, everything below the knee is twisted beyond recognition, wouldn't look right without blood!

Feeling twice as sick as the first time, Kiba stops, grasping the a branch firmly to keep from falling. Akamaru barks to get his attention and it's a good thing because it not only completely distracts Kiba from his nightmarish thoughts, it also brings his focus to the shape of a man lying on the ground, half hidden by bushes and shadows. Akamaru seems excited, immediately and without fear running to the form. Kiba frowns at that. Akamaru's usually more careful than that, especially after what they just witnessed.

The dog is sniffing at the shape, trying to make it move, react. Kiba takes out his sword and approaches more carefully, smelling the air, trying to identify the man. What his nose tells him has Kiba dropping the weapon and running to the man on the ground, discarding safety. It can't be. He turns the unconscious body in his arms, wincing as he catches sight of a nasty wound of the man's stomach, but what really has Kiba's jaw on the ground is the face, the eyes, the lips.

"Sasuke."

The End: The Sound of Fear.

More notes, thanks and replies: The Sound of Fear is deeply associated with Sound village and Orochimaru himself. The feeling I wanted to transmit throughout the entire story is that of Orochimaru and the influence he has on Sasuke. I do apologize for leaving so much in shadows and doubts at the end, however. There is, overall, eight months of Sasuke's life which are missing from the story and since they are directly relevant to the plot and mystery of the next story, I have decided to fully edit it out.

I would deeply appreciate any comment or constructive criticism the readers see fit to offer. Suggestions and guesses are just as welcome.

The Sound of Pain promises to be much lighter, mostly due to the return of one Uzumaki Naruto as an active participant! Hee!

The Sound of Fear: Chapter 9

2006-09-24T03:04:57Z

This will be the last chapter located in Sound as such. Sasuke, at this point in time, has just reached fifteen years old.

Sasuke never knew exactly what happened to Ren after that night. He's not sure if the man is braindead, scared to face him or prisonner in some deeper parts of the dungeons. Some part of him wants to care about the man's fate, the other part denies that he needs to get involved in something so dangerous again. That terrible night and the deepset guilt that Sasuke feels are firmly put in a box and locked away. Because Uchiha Sasuke won't be broken. Uchiha Sasuke has survived through too much goddamn shit to be brought down, to even be distracted from his goal. So fuck obsessive, Itachi-like ninjas, fuck too-kind, one-eyed teachers and fuck Naturo too.

Itachi can't be allowed to live. Every second more he breathes is an insult to the dead, an insult to justice. Itachi's betrayal, his self-absorption, his cruelty and ego have made him into something that's not quite human anymore. Itachi isn't Sasuke's big brother. He's a murderer. He lacks the basic human quality of a conscience to go along with his intellect. He's a psychopath. He never loved Sasuke, he never loved his mother and father. He was born with parts of him missing.

So what if he'd comforted his little brother time after time? So what if he'd smiled with true (false) feeling at his brother? So what if he'd felt warm and safe and close?

So what if Sasuke had loved him?

All it does is make things worse. All love does is make things hurt. Unlike Ren, Sasuke is no masochist. Sometimes you have to cut off part of yourself, push it back and make it not matter anymore. Otherwise it drags you down with pain and hurt and love. Sasuke did it with Itachi first, then Konoha and Naruto, and now with Ren.

In the end it's purely a matter of survival.

Sasuke wonders if he could remember how it feels to cry. He wonders if some day, he's going to have too many tears he forced back. Too much sorrow to shed over himself and others that he hasn't let out. He thinks so, because that night when Ren betrayed him, Sasuke had needed to cry. He'd needed to cry for himself and Ren, but not just that. He needed to cry for his parents and Tayuya and Naruto and the blond-girl in the coffin. It felt like a dam about to break. Then Orochimaru saved him.

The snake became a fucking savior in his cruelty. It was like a very hard slap that propelled him back into himself. Sasuke comes to the conclusion that some day, he's going to let go and just cry. But that moment in time will not come until he's killed Itachi. Until that time, Sasuke's entire life is put on hold.

For the moment, most of his free time is focused on learning about the curse seal and the mind-transfer technique. Nagraji is a great source of information on that side. What little time is left is used to force his mind to work on personal techniques Orochimaru doesn't know about (only because he's thankfully unable to read minds) and the Mangekyou. Even now, months after the shock wore off, Sasuke still doesn't understand how it manifested itself while Naruto is still alive. He doesn't understand why it did against Ren and not against Itachi. He doesn't understand how Ren could have used the last of his energy to mouth a lie...

There's a lot Sasuke just doesn't understand.

But there are things that he knows. He knows he's wanted Naruto dead, once. No matter how much the thought pains him now, it doesn't change that fact. He knows the Mangekyou is extremely powerful and that Orochimaru is right to be scared of it. He knows it adds another depth to every technique he performs now and at least he can now understand how Itachi beat him so effortlessly before. His Katon techniques feel easier, like breathing and Sasuke remembers being asked about black fire by Tsunade.

He dreams of it now. Activating the dormant mangekyou has oppened so many doors for Sasuke that his mind is still reeling.

Sasuke knows that a beast of fear, guided by the mangekyou, is a terrifying concept. He knows that technique of his is veryfucking dangerous. It is after all a beast made of feeling and chakra. What surprises Sasuke is that the wolf doesn't require a lot of Chakra to stay alive. It requires a lot of feeling in its master, but the chakra use is really just a light breeze to animate the already present feeling. It doesn't bring it to life, per se, just gives it enough of a tangible body to move. It's like creating spirits.

Tayuya told him about that in one of her unguarded moments. It's what first brought on the idea of the wolf. The girl explained to him that summoning spirits is just a matter of connecting with the intangible and giving it shape. She said it's one of the least and the most demanding shinobi arts. It requires the precision and strength of will to keep a hold on the summons, but they're basically independant, chakra-wise.

It makes Sasuke wonder if his beast of fear could ever break away from him and cause havock on its own. Spirits sometimes do. Rejecting that thought firmly, Sasuke reminds himself that the wolf's life, what it feeds on is its master's weakness, his fears. It's ironic that a beast made of someone's weakest point should be so damn powerful. It's ironic that Sasuke, who thought he couldn't admit to weakness, can channel so much fear into forming an actual being. He wonders if being happy would nullify the technique. That thought is dismissed very quickly. There will always be enough memories in Sasuke's mind to scare him badly enough.

Just in case, Sasuke wonders if he could make a beast of fury. He wonders if he could channel all of his anger at the world, at his brother, Ren, Naruto and Orochimaru into a fiery black lion. Or whether he could create a deep purple beast of pain from all of his anguish and boxed up hurt. The mangekyou tells him he could.

For the first time, the thought of slaying the legendary snake sannin doesn't sound completely impossible for a fifteen year old genin to do. It'll require more than just a couple of fancy new techniques to do it, but Sasuke thinks, knows that in the right time, with the right handicaps on Orochimaru and the right advantages for him, he can do it. He's going to need the element of surprise and a weakened Sannin, but it'll work.

Fighting the other nins around Sound is already starting to be sort of useless. Sasuke stills picks up the occasional technique or two by letting them attack first, but even the first stage of the Sharingan seems enhanced with the Mangekyou and it's that ten seconds fight all over again.

Sasuke hasn't slacked off on his physical training either, building up his stamina to keep up the speed he's capable of. He works on his muscle capacity, the ability to transform his speed into strength and power. He's grown a little larger around the shoulders, but they're remaining slim and tight, like most every part of his body. He's not a mass of corded muscle, he's tall and thin and hard. His build does not betray his power. As a matter of fact, many nins would think him physically weaker than he really is because there is no bulk, no built up muscle. Sasuke is all lines, proportions and speed.

The curse seal is another problem though. He feels as though the seal would demand to be used everytime he fights if it weren't for Kakashi's protection around it. He's seen the other nins activating theirs far too often for his liking. Those fights still present a challenge.

The seal eats away at a person's soul. It gives power, almost limitless, in exchange for everything that makes a person alive. It's a pact with the devil, inflicted upon people with enough pain to give in. Sasuke wonders if he ever mattered so little to himself that he sold himself to a demon for the power to kill his brother. His surroundings reflect the sad truth of it and even through the sadness it inspires, Sasuke still doesn't regret that choice. If a goddamn curse seal helps him kill Itachi, then good. That doesn't mean, however, that Sasuke is willing to give more to the devil than strictly necessary.

The boy is pacing in a large room, waiting to be taken to the Sannin for another day of training. The carpeted floor is a rich dark red and Sasuke's sandals don't cover enough of his feet to prevent him from feeling its pelt. It tickles as he walks, but he's been here often enough that it's easy to ignore. There are many mirors in Sound, but almost every surface of this room is covered with crystal reflections. It reminds him of Haku and that leads back to Naruto. Now Sasuke has given up being chidish about blocking memories of Naruto, but this is neither the place or time to remember the soft, teary look of pure relief on the blond ninja at seeng him rise. It certainly is not the right time to feel a pang of longing for the arms that cushioned his fall and definitely not the place to be missing Naruto's smile and his silly 'dattebayo'.

Sasuke sits on the blue cushions in the corner of the room. He picks at his sleeves and rearranges his clothing absently. He had, for a time, adopted the Sound uniform. But really... the purple bow serves no purpose but a decorative one and it does that very badly. Also, the light colors of the top give Sasuke the impression that he would see someone coming from a mile away in one of these. That he never sees Orochimaru coming is irrelevant. He just doesn't like its obviousness. It's nothing like bright orange, mind you, but still pretty bad in Sasuke's mind.

He's reverted back to a somewhat modified version of his black outfit. When working on camouflage, the pale skin of Sasuke's arms and legs flashes like a beacon in contrast to the black. So his clothing now covers every part of his body black, and it's tight enough that the material never accidentally scrapes something that Sasuke's body wouldn't. It's made for purely practical reasons, but no one is unaware of the fact that it enhances the boy's build and shows off his every asset. Sasuke himself thinks that detail irrelevant.

He's adopted a wolf-mask for training and generally wandering around, the porcelain finely crafted and painted black by the very best in Sound. He covers from his neck to his mouth with the same tight cloth than Kakashi does. Sasuke doesn't like his face to be seen around Sound. He doesn't want to be noticed and the mask serves only that purpose. The plain truth of it is that Sasuke very much dislikes having to wear one. The entire outfit is only a few weeks old and Sasuke is still adjusting to having his face covered. It fortunately fits him well enough that he doesn't have any additional blind spots, but the weight is different, and breathing through cloth permanently is hard. There's definitely growing respect for Kakashi on that aspect.

When Sasuke is fully dressed, the only spot of white on him is in his eyes, and he's not willing to risk affecting the Sharingan for something so minor. His cloth mask is on right now. The boy is forcing himself to get used to it so he tries to wear it day-in, day-out, but only ever manages during the first part of the day. His wolf is in his hand, dangling from its strings as Sasuke plays with them. He's used to the wait for Orochimaru's attention. The Sannin always asks him to be present at a ridiculously early hour only to make him wait until eight or nine in the morning. It's hours of time Sasuke could use perfecting his techniques, but complaining will get him nowhere, so he learns patience.

He looks at himself in one of the many mirors and puts on the wolfmask. Activating the Sharingan, Sasuke rises and steps closer to his image, locking eyes with himself. He looks like a demon. His posture is proud and arrogant as always, but the eyes flashing red through a perfect rendition of a wolf... now that's quite a sight. Sasuke wonders if he could somehow commit suicide through a miror and the Mangekyou. His eyes shift into the second level Sharingan before he can even complete the thought and Sasuke's looking at himself, his pupils a three-point shuriken.

It uses so much chakra to keep someone trapped, to force another being into believing the world he creates around them... Sasuke doesn't like the Tsukuyomi. He doesn't spend the time to build up a world like Itachi's. Sasuke uses the Mangekyou's power in a much less refined fashion, making someone believe they can't move or can't breathe is ruthless but effective. Itachi would never use it in such a raw way, Sasuke knows that. His brother is even more of a perfectionist than Sasuke is himself.

Activating the Mangekyou itself isn't as much of a strain as it used to be. Sasuke still wonders how he unlocked that ability within himself, both the manuscripts and Itachi were very explicit. You need to end the life of your best friend to activate the Mangekyou.

So why would it suddenly show up as a defense mechanism? It makes no sense whatsoever. Sasuke knows that acquiring the Mangekyou requires a great sacrifice that has to be willingly given, it has to be the life of the sharingan-user's best friend, offered through some fault of the user himself. The sharingan always takes more than it gives.

With a frown, Sasuke dismisses the red eyes. He wonders what happened, on a biological standpoint. He thinks on the fact that his body is naturally reluctant to use the newly acquired technique. He thinks on the fact that grief, murder and loss are the very basis of what awakens the Mangekyou, and of course Sasuke's been through that over Naruto. Each painful step of the way.

This isn't a gift. It's a curse. It's punishment for causing the death of your most loyal friend. Unable to stop himself, Sasuke's mind flashes to his arm fully buried through Naruto's body and how he should've died... Sasuke grieved him when he left. He gave a killing blow and he grieved over him. It can't be that simple, can it?

His eyes smart a little beneath the wolf and Sasuke removes it to rub at them, lightly massaging. His jaw is clenched, showing his left-over anger. The sight of Naruto impaled on his arm lingers on the back of his eyelids and Sasuke growls under his breath. The Mangekyou is a bloodright of his line, but Sasuke knows...

Every gift of the Uchiha is also a curse. Itachi is all the more cursed and that thought gives Sasuke enough anger and determination that he silently makes the vow to never use the Mangekyou again. He will not betray Naruto twice to curse himself some more. He will surpass Itachi in his own way. The second he opens his eyes after swearing to this, Sasuke feels like he finally gave the right reply to his father all those years ago. It feels like he's turning a page and reassuring his family that no, he won't follow Itachi's footsteps. He could, but he won't.

Orochimaru silently steps into the room, watching his young apprentice and masking his presence perfectly. There have been several changes in Sasuke's attitude recently and the Sannin does not like them. It feels like the boy is slipping from his grasp and that won't do. Either the boy stays here willingly, either he'll be forced to cooperate. The result will be the same and so the manner in which it's accomplished matters little. The fact that the boy discarded the Sound uniform and cut off his long hair hints towards a rebellion, but so far there's been nothing truly different to his actions. Orochimaru was always perceptive, however. Ever since that bothersome snow-nin caused the scene months ago, Sasuke's been seeing. He's been aware and planning. Orochimaru can smell it.

Tsk...

The fifteen year old needs to get his spirit broken like it was at first, when he couldn't think clearly past Sound and Revenge and the short-term future. He needs to get broken back to the twelve year old boy who had his eyes sewed shut.

"Come, Sasuke."

The surprise doesn't show on Sasuke's face at the sudden appearance of his teacher but his fingers twitch on the strings of his mask and his back straightens a little more. He obediently follows the snake through the known pathways leading to the first training area. It's a reproduction of the forest around Konoha and Sasuke knows what Orochimaru plans with training his ninjas in that environment. But for the time being, it doesn't matter. It feels too much like home for Sasuke to bother taking apart the thought.

"Today's lesson is about control, Sasuke-kun. How much control you can command over yourself in the most trying situations. This will not be easy."

Sasuke knew that since he first heard the word 'control' come out of Orochimaru's mouth. He quietly nods and listens, nothing to betray his thoughts. He focuses on breathing. In, out, slowly. It feels like a trap. It feels like more danger than he's felt since he came out of the shower and to Ren's insanity. His instincts tell him to run and run now but he can't do that.

Orochimaru stalks over to Sasuke, until they're so close the boy can smell the clean mix of death and fear that is the snake's breath. He doesn't move. Some part of his mind is giving into panic.

"You will be expected to remain still and relaxed." The last word's mocking edge has Sasuke's Sharingan come to life in and he can see Orochimaru's hand coming down with a syringe. It takes a split second and Sasuke's halfway across the room, into a tree and in a defensive position. He looks towards the doors, only to find them firmly bolted shut.

"Now, child, don't be unreasonable. You don't want to leave before we even start the lesson." Orochimaru is still where he stood, looking like an impatient mother who knows best. Sasuke has never been this scared of him, not even that first time he saw him in the Chunnin exam when he was sure his life would end.

He has to make a choice though. Can he really fight the Sannin, showing him all of his restored spirit, his open eyes and murderous intent? Can he be forced to let the snake know of his plans ahead of time? On Orochimaru's terms? The answer is no. There's still too much to do. About the curse seal, about the villagers of Sound, about Naruto and Konoha. Sasuke cannot afford to win this. It's months before the right time.

But can he really afford to lose?

His red eyes scan Orochimaru's frame, his relaxed stance and increasingly impatient look. He takes in the syringe and the kunai, the huge purple bow looking even more ridiculous on the snake's pale skin. Every instinct Sasuke has ever used screams at him that he can't give in, because the consequences will destroy him.

"Uchiha Sasuke, come down from there."

What to do, Kakashi? What the hell do I do now?

The whisper of strength that comes from Kakashi's answer all those months ago is enough for Sasuke to make his decision. He jumps down the branch and approaches the Sannin slowly.

The Sound of Fear: Chapter 8

2006-09-24T03:00:38Z

Okay. This chapter stunned me silly.

When Sasuke returns to his rooms much, much later, he positively reeks of sex. He's built the habit of letting Ren know, making him smell and know he'll never get anything similar. It makes the boy sigh as he thinks back to how childish he's behaved with Ren. There's the undeniable urge to amend for it. So the first thing Sasuke does is sneak quietly into the shower, careful not to wake the Snow-nin.

He turns the faucet, setting the water just a notch too hot. His thoughts wander over to Ren as he lets himself soak.

It feels odd and so utterly wrong to him that he never asked to know what the snow-nin can do. Ren is obviously a very strong ninja and surely there's some techniques he can pick up from him. And where does Ren come from? Who trained him? Why is he so desperately seeking pain? All those questions storm Sasuke's mind as he washes up, cleans out the scent of Tayuya from him.

Sometimes Sasuke feels as though the emotional pain he inflicts on Ren is precisely what makes the nin stay with him. He wonders how far the masochistic instinct to suffer for love goes in Ren, and if he treated the nin better, would he leave? Would he be scared at suddenly feeling worthy of being treated well? Would he need to be treated like a dog by a different master or has he truly adopted Sasuke as his?

His eyes fall shut as the memories overtake him. First the feeling of utter helplessness, the paralysing fear...

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^flashback^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"The little brat's finally gotten what was comin' at'im, didn't he?"

A vulgar and deeply unpleasant voice. The man who speaks large and sneering.

"Orochimaru-sama had you take a little trip down memory lane, huh? Come on, sweetheart, dontcha wanna make new memories with me?"

A hand, long, thin fingers that look crooked in the dim light of the cell.

"Remember, luv? Remember that first time? Mmm... still get the shivers just thinkin' about it. Too bad I didn't have permission t'take things further... you wanted it, didn't you, luv?"

The memory of being unable to see. The wire biting into his fragile eyelids. All of his instincts on edge and screaming escape. And then...

No. More.

The voice is dead, the fingers attached to the voice are too, and there's Ren. He's shaking with anger and his growl is animalistic as he wrenches the knife out of the dead man.

"Sasuke... My master... He will never sully your name again. You won't have to suffer his presence for another second."

The need in Ren's voice, so raw.

"No one will harm you, that I swear."

And his own response, still shocked and angry as always.

"No one asked for your fucking protection, Ren. Don't grow as insufferable as he was."

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^end^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Thinking back to that incident, Sasuke's hard-pressed to keep from shuddering. It was just a few weeks ago he saw again one of the bastards. The ones who tormented him when he first came into Sound. The ones who took advantage of his forced blindness.

The man's name seems irrelevant, considering that he's dead and was never worth knowing anyway. But Sasuke remembers the warmth he felt when Ren stepped up to defend him. He remembers fighting against it with all he had because Sasuke Uchiha doesn't need to be protected.

But it felt warm. It felt soft and soothing and so achingly comforting.

How would it feel, really...

Sasuke opens his eyes and swallows against the notfear that flashes at the very clear thought. He leans his head against the dark tile, giving a quick snort to the fact that it's black tile and semen would look so obvious on it. The water is running down smooth muscle, beating, drumming against the pale flesh of Sasuke's back, ass and thighs.

How would it feel to be in love with him?

A growl comes out of Sasuke's lips before he can prevent it and he speaks aloud, trying to dispell the thought, "It'd be excrutiating. Shut up." Fortunately, his inner conscience seems inclined to listen to him. His eyes close again and the boy slides down the shower wall until he's sitting under the spray. He focuses on the feeling of now. The pleasantly tired muscles pounded into relaxation under the water, the drowsiness that comes with the need for sleep, his mind swimming just a little into nothingness.

Time goes by too damn fast. Just a little while ago, he was in Konoha with Naruto and Sakura and Kakashi, and just a little before that, he had a brother, a father and mother. He had family. It's been so little time since he left. Barely a few hours it seems at times. There's so little time left until he dies.

For perhaps the first time, Sasuke understands what truly drives Orochimaru. That need to learn everything before giving up life. The need to not give up life, not give up learning, growing. In two years, Sasuke has learned much about power, but it's not nearly enough to permit him to face the Sannin. It's just not enough. How could he catch up to a lifetime's worth of learning?

The boy feels the urgency. A year is all he has left to plan the downfall of one of the most brilliant ninjas the world has ever known. How in the hell is he supposed to work that miracle? Sasuke couldn't even stand up to his brother after four years of intensely training for it. He'd been just a pawn, just some thing that doesn't really deserve attention.

The pain and humiliation from that meeting has the Sharingan flashing dangerously, Sasuke's teeth grinding together and his fists clenching tightly. There is nothing in the world that will stop me from killing him. Not Ren, not Naruto, not Kakashi and certainly not Orochimaru. Uchiha Sasuke bows to no one.

His renewed determination brings Sasuke his confidence back and he straightens up, turns off the water. He's about to walk naked in the room where Ren is undoubtedly waiting, another bad habit he'd picked up to make the man squirm. Having firmly decided to send the man away kindly, Sasuke wraps a towel around his hips, unaware of how much more appealing that makes him look. The dark (of course) and thick cloth barely holds onto slim hips, putting more emphasis on the forms of Sasuke's body, bringing out the muscles and skin tone, enhancing the dark eyes and dark hair. He shakes his head to get some water out of his hair and then throws it back so it falls wetly on his broadening shoulders. The hair is much, much too long. It will have to go. Sasuke is starting to look too much like Itachi to permit himself long hair.

As a matter of fact, it can go right now. On a sudden whim, Sasuke opens his bathroom drawers and frowns when he's unable to find simple scissors. He does find a very sharp kunai though.

Taking hold of as much hair as he can, Sasuke brings it up, ponytail-like, and with his other hand, starts to cut into the thick braid. For a second, it feels like it won't give. It feels like Sasuke can't even take control of his own goddamn hairstyle. Then it gives all at once and Sasuke's left with a fistful of so-black hair it looks blue. He absently drops it to the floor and repeats the process until his hair is back to its original length. Already starting to dry, Sasuke can see the back of his new/old hairstyle starting to raise on its own.

The weight of long hair had previously tugged down the naturally unruly and untamed strands. Sasuke feels much more like himself. He looks at his nails and ponders removing the black paint. The main problem is that Sasuke likes the look. He even likes spending the time to do them up. It's an exercice in ambidextery.

Or you could just enjoy spending some time on yourself.

That thought gets a not-so quiet snort from Sasuke and he decides to go for a compromise. He spends a good ten minutes sitting on the toilet seat removing the black nail polish and instead putting on the deep blue that looks the same shade as the fallen hair strewn all around.

Are you quite done being girly, pretty boy? Sasuke frowns to himself at that, wondering when exactly his inner voice started sounding like Naruto again. He shakes off the thought just like he shakes off the remaining hairs on his shoulders and back, then looks at himself in the miror to take a look at his recent change.

It occurs to him that he hasn't done that with purpose in a long, long time. Sasuke looks at himself in the miror and takes stock of all the things that have changed not in a few minutes, but in the two years he hasn't dared look at himself.

His eyes are darker than they were before, they hold something like maturity and added depth of thought. If anything, they're more piercing and analytic than ever before. The hair frames a face that grew from its more rounded baby-shape to that of a young man. A sharp jawline is drawing itself, enhancing his mouth which has grown more sensual over the years, the lips still thin but a little fuller, the contours more defined. His nose points a little up in its usual distinguished fashion. The skin is pure and unmarked. It looks even whiter than it did before. Sasuke distantly thinks spending two years underground will do that to someone. But it makes the contrast of his long, arched brows much more striking.

His overall impression of himself is a mix between beautiful and deadly. Sasuke, finally content with his appearance, with his reflexions and confidence and plans, returns to his room to wake Ren.

The place feels suspiciously empty and it immediately has Sasuke on his guard despite the fact that no one here would even try to harm him for fear of Orochimaru. It's pitch black and for a moment, Sasuke's fairly sure he's trapped in a Genjutsu of some sort because this doesn't feel like his room. Taking a silent step further out of the doorway, Sasuke refuses to breathe until he's reached the exit. His instincts are always right and this feels like danger.

Ren seems to have vanished into thin air and that's what causes the Sharingan to come to life in Sasuke's gaze. Immediately, he sees what's coming. His eyes see the movements of the air around him, he can see the cool breeze condensing on his skin, he can feel the unnatural, summoned cold and it makes him work very hard to contain a shiver. Sasuke backs away from the cloud of freezing air moving to trap him and into the bathroom door. "Ren?"

A softly broken voice answers him, "Why?" Ren is under the bed, in Sasuke's spot. Sharingan eyes focus on the fingers that are gripping the bottom of the bedframe so tight it might break. It's so odd to feel danger coming from Ren, but at the same time, it's so fucking familiar. Like an old 'I told you so' from his mother.

Anger takes him over before he can even think his way through this, "What the hell are you playing at, Ren?" His Sharingan sees the shape of the snow-nin uncurl from under the bed.

When Sasuke sees the look on Ren's face, he freezes in shock and memory. He can only see the so-cold and distant look on the face of the man who promised to love and cherish him. The beast of fear inside Sasuke wreaks havoc, tearing away the controls over his body. The boy can't move because if he looks down, he's going to see two bodies, one curled protectively over the other. He's going to see his parents there. He's going to see Naruto and Sakura there. The paralysis doesn't let up as Ren/Itachi comes closer. Sasuke anticipates the blow, even though this time he doesn't run to it. He anticipates the last, fullest betrayal.

When it comes, it's not in the same form as he expected it. The snow-nin backs the unresisting Sasuke up against the wall and grabs a hold of his wrists, pinning them above his head. He murmurs for Sasuke's ears only, "Why do you keep me leashed to you if you hate me so? Why? Why must I love you so much?" His lips latch onto Sasuke's neck for a short taste before he continues, "Won't you give me back my freedom? Won't you love me, even just a little? Please, please be mine..."

When the lips close again on his neck, warm wetness and worship, it shocks Sasuke out of his memory-induced trance and he regains enough control over himself to struggle into the man's grasp. He knows he can break free. He just can't do it fast enough.

"Please let me win, just once, let me win over your will, my master." Sasuke feels the man's breath over his lips. It smells of need and spices. He can feel the man's free hand tracing down his stomach, over the muscles straining against the hold. He can see the fingers roaming down his back, tracing the arched curve of his spine. Warm, dry digits slide over damp skin and tug away the towel. Sasuke is pinned between the man's considerable strength and the unforgiving wall of rock. His wrists twist in the large hand and he can almost feel it give. Just a little more...

The betraying hand caresses lower still and when the fingers reach that so vulnerably spot, Sasuke's mind blanks out. He lets out a pained whimper and it's enough to snap Ren out of his desire and make him realise just what exactly he's been doing to his master.

It's too little, too late. Sasuke's gotten a hold of his fury in that split second and with a growl of pure betrayal and pain, he looks up at Ren, his eyes flashing the unusual red of the Mangekyou Sharingan. The clumsy and instinctive reach for the ability has Sasuke using its power with so little control and so much fear that he tears into Ren's mind, uncaring of anything but making the man let go. It takes all of two seconds before Ren is crumbling to the floor, twitching randomly, eyes wide open and staring at nothingness.

Stunned to near catatony, Sasuke just stares at him. His entire body is shaking in reaction and Ren is drooling dumbly on the floor and why the hell would he do this?

You know why. You made him do it. You pushed him too far.

The horror of blame comes crashing down on Sasuke and he looks at Ren, betrayed, twisted, hurt. The man is still convulsing on the floor, but his eyes are searching for Sasuke's. Through the twitches and the slow descent into unconsciousness, the man looks at Sasuke and mouths 'I love you.'

It's the most unspeakably horrfying thing Sasuke's ever heard.

"Tsk. What a mess you've made, Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke doesn't register that voice. He's still staring at Ren, shivers going through his frame.

Orochimaru is very careful not to look Sasuke in the eye as he grabs a hold of the young man and pulls him to his feet. "Come. We have much work to do."

The Sound of Fear: Chapter 7

2006-09-24T02:55:46Z

A/N: Mostly introspective chapter, but there are naughty bits of Tayuya! Be warned!

Sasuke makes a list of things he needs to think on. Kakashi's parting comment reminds him that Uchiha Sasuke is no fucking coward who'll wince at sensitive subjects. It reminds him that Uchiha Sasuke is an avenger, that he prones justice above all, if only his own kind of justice. It reminds him Uchiha Sasuke bows to no one. It reminds him that Uchihas are never needlessly cruel. It reminds him that Uchiha Sasuke has honor and a reason to be proud of his skills. It reminds him that despite the pain, despite the loss and despite taking a step in the wrong direction and even despite making mistakes, Uchiha Sasuke always trusts himself above all.

The first thing on the list is Naruto, next is Ren. Orochimaru comes afterwards, along with the subject Sasuke's avoided most fiercely of all, the taking over of his body. The last on the list is, of course, Itachi. Sasuke puts him last even though he should be first because he figures he's already done a fair bit of thinking on Itachi over the years.

Ren in toe, Sasuke walks inside his chambers. He notices the blanket on the floor at the foot of the bed where he's made Ren sleep for the last couple of months and gives a sigh, something like shame curling uncomfortably in his gut. He bends and picks up the blanket, throwing it on the bed itself. He watches Ren take in the implications and possibilities, watches the green eyes widden in surprise. "Don't read too much into it. Sleep. I'm going to Orochimaru."

And that's a lie if Sasuke's ever spoken one. He has no intentions of seeing the snake tonight, not after what happened with Kakashi. He's not sure the sannin won't be able to smell Kakashi's influence on him. So when Sasuke leaves, he goes in the opposite direction from Orochimaru's quarters, through the intricate tunnels, to Tayuya's room. He doesn't bother to knock, just walks in on her in the shower and announces, "I'm taking your bed, shut your mouth." Because he can't go anywhere else in the village unwatched and because he won't be allowed to leave Sound in a huff twice in a day.

Tayuya thankfully just gives him an odd look and slams the shower door closed, nearly taking one of Sasuke's fingers with it. He growls out a warning, but leaves readily enough. He slides under her bed, staring at the mattress above him.

He wishes Nagraji were here. It's been too long since he last saw the snake and he ponders summoning it. He rejects the idea almost as soon as it formed. Uchiha Sasuke will not need help for this simple enough reflexion.

Sasuke organises his thoughts, sets his breathing and heart to rest, then he closes his eyes. The names fill in slowly, Naruto's on top of the list.

Okay. Figure out the problem about Naruto. Easy.

...

Or not. It's almost a trained reaction to bar thoughts of Naruto's company now. It's a visible effort to bring them back and the cost is high. Sasuke finds himself drowning in laughter, smiles and heartache. Naruto's emotional strength is what Sasuke always comes back to. So lonely, they both are.

Were. Naruto has friends now. The loneliness is far behind him. Naruto has filled it with friends who care about him. The flash of jealousy is unmistakable and Sasuke grinds his teeth against it. Chances are he doesn't even remember what it feels like to be alone. There should be nothing special about him anymore.

But Naruto thinks he loves Sasuke. Naruto thinks he needs Sasuke. There's something so horribly wrong about that, because it feels real.

It's not like Sakura's pleading need, it's not Ren's constant protection, it's tried and true and Naruto would give his life for Sasuke. He thinks Sasuke is worth it. And it doesn't feel like he's lying. Naruto loves that Sasuke's silence says all he needs to hear, even if he'll complain about it. He loves that their fighting proves how much they need one another. He loves Sasuke for Sasuke, for his bitterness and his intelligence, for his strengths and his weaknesses, his arrogance and vulnerability. It feels nothing like a child's crush. It doesn't seem like things they should known to feel at their age.

And it scared Sasuke halfway across the world, literally.

A frown brings Sasuke's brows together, thinking about how much of his decision to come here was based on fear. Sasuke's entire existence is based on becoming the best, overcoming adversity to win. He can't admit to an equal strength. He can't admit defeat. He simply cannot admit that someone will always beat him no matter what. He won't give into the thought that there's something Uchiha Sasuke can't overcome. Because the greatest test of all is Itachi. And if he can't even be consistently strong, how the hell is he supposed to beat the best? Giving in to Naruto is giving in to Itachi. Telling Naruto he's an equal, telling him 'you have the possibility of beating me' is the same as telling himself he'll never be strong enough for Itachi.

Sasuke knows it's unfair to Naruto. He knows that Naruto needs, thrives on this acknowledgment. He knows Naruto's always needed it from him. But to accept being defeated goes against the very foundation of who Sasuke is. The will to become better, the drive to do so, it all stems from this center-point in Sasuke's being that refuses to be tamed.

Tayuya comes back in the room, dripping wet and naked. She knows he's under the bed and gives a snort but doesn't comment otherwise. She just lies down on the mattress and promptly pretends to sleep.

Sasuke thinks back to that moment at Valley's End. The first time his eyes locked with Naruto's and they both recognized that neither of them could admit defeat. Even if he could, Sasuke wouldn't change that part of himself. No matter the amount of pain it caused him and Naruto. He can't see himself submitting to someone. His mind throws a mental barrier at the very thought.

He wonders if it's the same for Naruto. Of course the dobe can't admit defeat. It goes against his nature to give up on anything. It's this childlike notion that if you try hard enough, you can make anything happen. It's a child's perception that if you try hard enough, you'll never lose anything precious, always get what you really want. It's the vision of someone who has always needed but never lost.

And it's an amazing source of strength. Distantly, Sasuke wonders whether Naruto's grown up at all. Whether losing his best friend made him realise that you have to let go, some times. Shaking his head slightly, Sasuke realises two things. One, he's not one to talk about letting go of things, and two, of course Naruto hasn't. He won't give up on Sasuke, because it's the one fight he should have won. And he'll just keep trying and trying.

The hint of fondness that burgeons in Sasuke's gut at that thought makes him squirm a little. What if somehow they stop needing to dominate one another. What then? The memory of blue eyes flashes and Sasuke shuts his eyes, letting himself remember his best friend. Tch. The dobe. Warmth like Sasuke's hardly ever known envelops him and he thinks Naruto shouldn't be able to do this to him from miles and years away.

That's why it feels real. It makes sense now, why he was so scared of this. It's real. It's here. And now miles away, years away, Sasuke finally realizes that he can't avoid it. He can't give into it, because he can't have relief yet. He hasn't given his brother's soul some rest.

But it's inevitable. Naruto will always be part of his thoughts, just like he'll be part of Naruto's. They've both left too deep a mark on the other.

Tayuya makes a growling noise, it sounds almost vulnerable. Sasuke knows she's not asleep and merely trying to get his attention. He punches the mattress up where her ass should be and smirks at the barrage of expletives she lets out. The girl has the most vivid imagination when it comes to cursing his name. Sasuke tries not to remember the the tone of voice she uses to curse him when they're having sex.

She settles back into a rest, on top of him and enjoying it but Sasuke ignores her presence. She just brought on another question concerning Naruto. Sasuke likes women. He's cold to most, but there's no denying the fact that Tayuya's curves, her breasts and hips and long legs do something for Sasuke. There's no denying he loves sex with girls. The warmth and the feel of someone's softer, weaker body submitting to his, moaning under him.

Sex is a somewhat recent interest. He was a precocious teen, but not that precocious. He'd had very few partners in Konoha, back when he was twelve, and only twice did they go all the way (the first being a horribly embarassing memory of fumbling and awkwardness). It's always been quite a hassle to keep his identity secret from the person he's having sex with.

It occurs to Sasuke that what he has with Tayuya isn't purely based on sex. It's actually a battle of wills and an all-out fight, if not a war. It makes Sasuke sigh as he remembers the tales of his mother, of romantic endings and sweet lovemaking. Sex has never been anything but angry and passionate for Sasuke. It's been his way of winning over stronger opponents. His way of getting what he wants. It's never just been for its own sake.

He figures he's not the best lover in the world, but Sasuke is very precocious and he learns very, very quickly. He's far from bad at it. And he does enjoy the act for its own sake. He wonders how it would feel if he loved his partner. How it would be if it were soft, gentle and caring.

He's never really thought of sex with a man. He's used elements of it to subdue too-fucking-strong enemies, but that's not even sex. It's a battle tactic. Sasuke's proved that to Ren when he first came to Sound.

Sex between men seems so much more violent. It will always be a battle and Sasuke does not want that with Naruto.

Rolling to his side, Sasuke looks at his outstretched arms. The one on the floor rests there, too-white flesh growing goosebumps at the cool rocky ground. His fingers are curled up and the middle digit is tracing from the meaty part of his thumb to the center of the palm in soothing motions. Sasuke's other hand raises and draws patterns from the wrist, over the warm pulse of blood under the skin, and caresses up his forearm. The painted nails lightly scratch the flesh, soothing quickly with firm strokes of dry, soft fingers. All of it is mesmerizingly slow, like an artist drawing his masterpiece on his most prized canvas.

Sasuke shudders. His fingers never pause. He thinks being cherished feels sinful. It feels like need and he can't stop.

It reminds him of Ren. It reminds him of having the large man over him, begging him not to hurt himself. It reminds him of Sakura's tears when she begged to come along. Sasuke feels dirty and betrayed. His fingers dig into the flesh of his arm and squeeze. He knows he'll be bruised and that's okay. It's better than feeling like this.

In his mind, he reviews every moment of Ren's devotion. He thinks back to all the times Ren protected him, all the times he shook under Sasuke's glare, all the times he would give Sasuke some of his own meal, some of his warmth, his bulk, his love, when he would help an exhausted Sasuke to his quarters and beg to take care of him.

Ren feels like Itachi did. His presence is so warm, so comforting... It's not like Naruto's honest and shocking warmth. Ren feels like slipping back into his old habit of depending on Itachi to help, to love, to be there for him. Ren feels like well-used, old slippers that are always the most comfortable piece of clothing, despite their tattered state.

All of Sasuke's anger and cruelty towards him explains itself. Ren isn't Itachi, but he feels like it. The anger is misguided. Sasuke knows that, he's always known that. He has to stop it.

He has to send Ren away.

He feels an unexpected sense of loss at that thought. All at once, Sasuke knows he's going to miss Ren, and not Itachi. And that's something that finally feels good and right.

Sasuke's fingers slowly relax on his arm, leaving four indents on the otherwise perfectly smooth flesh of his forearm. His eyes follow the trail of discolored skin promising bruises and he waits for the pain. It comes a little while later in slow waves and Sasuke realizes that he's drawn blood. His nails aren't cropped as short as he'd kept them in Konoha. And they're a bitch to paint.

Orochimaru gets pissy when Sasuke is injured. It's the promise of time spent with Kabuto, so Sasuke tries to avoid even the lightest scrapes and bruises. The snake doesn't let Sasuke out on missions, just trains him obsessively, trying to cram all the knowledge inside the boy's mind.

Strangely enough, the curse seal hasn't been a big part of things so far and considering it's been nearly two years, Sasuke wonders why the man even bothered to put one on him.

The three commas remind him of the Sharingan. It's fitting and it's beautiful but Sasuke has come to a realisation about the power it grants. There's still an ache on his back from where the wings forced themselves out of his skin. Sometimes, when the night's darker than the constant dark of Sound village, Sasuke can't sleep for the pain. He wonders if his bones and muscles were permanently rearranged to accomodate the wings. That thought makes him angry, it makes him sad and angry because this thing on him isn't his. It's not in his blood, it's not in his mind. It's an intruder, like the Kyuubi. He refuses to use it.

Sasuke's done a good job of not thinking about the curse seal and not thinking about why Orochimaru never wants him injured. At least there's one good thing that comes out of those two elements combined. Orochimaru wouldn't take over a body so damaged by the curse seal that it's unusable. The curse seal can't be this bad if Orochimaru thinks he wants to have one on his new body.

To give his body up to the snake is one thing Sasuke doesn't even consider. It's what Orochimaru is working towards, it's why everyone around Sound stays a respectful distance from him but somehow, Sasuke's managed to not even consider the possibility that it might actually happen. And that's wrong. Because there's work to be done if he's going to avoid the fate. Sasuke has to think it through and through and over and over again. He has to know everything about it. He has to know how Orochimaru does it, he has to learn about the previous vessels and why just three years and how is he going to beat the Sannin at his own game?

The weight of the task suddenly has Sasuke breathless with apprehension (notfear). It's so huge it's almost inconceivable. That Sasuke, a fourteen year-old cursed genin could outthink, overpower and defeat the man who killed the Hokage, that undeniable force of will who controls all of Sound, the twisted being who has led Sasuke into that false sense of security for two years now.

Fuck, Kakashi, what the hell am I supposed to do?

Tayuya plunges a knife through her mattress and Sasuke sees the tip coming down on him. It stops an inch from his eye after piercing the wooden base of the bed. "Stop fucking thinking so loud you ice-dicked fuckhead! I can't sleep!"

Still frozen on his last thought, Sasuke can't think of a quick come back. In anger, he grabs the end of the blade and focuses on bringing Kabuto's teachings to mind, sending wires of Chakra up the knife like Kabuto does in people's blood vessels, invisible until they wrap around Tayuya's hand still holding the weapon. She swears at him when she feels them, but it's too late and she knows it. She did not expect him to mimick Kabuto of all people. Sasuke pulls at the chakra strings and sends them further up around her body, his focus entirely on trapping her before she thinks of some way around the technique. She nearly manages to summon a spirit before Sasuke finishes tying her. In the end, she's strapped to the bed by invisible chakra strings, her full lips still spilling curses and insults to make the hardest nin blush.

Sasuke grunts as he gives up his comfortable spot under the bed and climbs out. Naked, tied and furious Tayuya is not a sight to be underestimated. But because Sasuke was interrupted at a crucial point, because he's still angry at Tayuya's pointy knife, he's not going to let that sight sway him from at least a minor revenge. A sadistic smirk curves his lips and it's enough for Tayuya to pause in her bitching and take in the dangerous aura that surrounds him.

Her being practically radiates that 'Oh shit' feeling.

"Indeed." Knowing what Tayuya is thinking is never really a challenge. Sasuke walks to her closet and looks at the clothes there. He takes everything baggy and unrevealing out of the closet, even the Sound uniform with that ridiculous purple bow. He puts them all in a pile, leaving only in the closet some rare dresses, tight shorts and too small shirts. He does the same to every drawer in the room until Tayuya has no clothing left to hide her figure under. She glares at him for the first two minutes of this charade, then starts to trash around in her bonds, threatening all sorts of bodily harm to him.

Sasuke knows how hard it'll be for Tayuya to make it whole outside of her rooms and to the stores in a skimpy little outfit. He knows the men out there will be wolves and she'll have barely enough strength to make it. Sasuke knows how she hates to be sexy and he knows she's probably going to make good on at least some of those threats but he is being good and trying to channel his anger into something that doesn't involve physical punishment.

So he forms a minor Katon jutsu under her suddenly pleading gaze and panic-stricken voice and mercilessly burns every last piece of clothing. She seems to be dumbly silent for a few seconds, staring at the charred remains of her clothes, then she settles on him the most furious glare Sasuke has ever seen on her.

He smirks to himself and ignores it. She is quite powerless right now, so she can do all the glaring she wants. Sasuke walks over to her on the bed, expertly avoiding teeth and nails that somehow manage to reach out for him despite their bonds. He bends over her vulnerably naked body and kisses one of her pert nipples, teeth lightly grazing its hardening peak. She stops squirming and bites her lip, determined to not moan. Trailing suckles and kisses down her bound side, Sasuke lets his fingers caress up her thigh and between her legs.

Helpless and pissed off Tayuya is definitely not something Sasuke will waste.

The Sound of Fear: Chapter 6

2006-09-24T02:50:44Z

This chapter... is definitely my favorite. It's a turning point and it made me do a little victory dance.

For the next couple of months, Sasuke sets out to make the man suffer. He doesn't justify himself, doesn't really think about it. He makes the man suffer for pretending to love, for thinking he can stay by Sasuke's side. Sasuke makes him suffer because Itachi's memory makes breathing difficult.

His name is Masahiro Ren and Sasuke knows two very important things about Ren. The first one is that he truly is a masochist. The second is that he believes in his devotion to Sasuke to a point that would make Sakura look like a frigid bitch.

Sasuke learns quickly that humiliating or inflicting pain on this man serves no purpose. Sasuke can do no wrong and if he punishes Ren, then Ren must've earned it somehow. He finds that the best way to hurt the snow-nin is to hurt himself. To overwork himself and forbid Ren from helping him. He finds that Ren is the only man who can truly push him to useless cruelty.

Ren makes him feel so safe and protected that Sasuke can't take it. It's strange how no amount of pain, fear or death could bring him to be cruel, but someone who pretends to love him brings him to such extremes effortlessly. Sasuke goes through the training with more purpose than he ever has before. His brother's face is all he sees on Ren and Orochimaru knows it. The snake watches and knows. Kabuto watches and knows too.

He's fighting right now, the chidori forming a protective coccoon of intense light around him. He faces three opponents, each a different type of specialized fighter. Sasuke is engaged in close combat with a Taijutsu user, his Chidori countering the ninjutsu of the other ninja and his Sharingan desperately dispelling the genjutsu of the third. Sasuke is struggling to keep up with it all, barely blocking the blows aimed to break his bones, barely countering the powerful waves of water, barely seeing through the dozens of opponents that aren't really there.

He jumps back and away, gaining a few seconds of precious time by hiding behind a large rock. He closes his burning eyes, catching his breath. They've been at it so long already... and he's no closer to victory. A low growl starts in Sasuke's chest and his Sharingan spins when he next opens his eyes. Itachi will be much harder than this, can't you even keep up with a few weak nins? The voice should be Orochimaru's, but it sounds like Ren's and Sasuke's fury roars, more intense than ever. It's barely concealed as he leaps in the air, avoiding the crushing water jutsu that comes at him. He summons the speed and the strength he's worked on so much to slip under the tide that follows him in his leap. He can see the Taijutsu user moving to block his movement, to protect the second nin, he can see exactly where the man will be. He can see the openings, the weaknesses. He knows how to end the battle in ten seconds.

Sasuke starts to count. He catches himself inches from the man's counterattack (one) and he spins around, (two) slams a powerful kick to the side of the man's head that crumbles him instantly (three). He doesn't pause in his movements, because he saw the genjutsu of a thousand blades blocking his path forming before the nin even thought of it, and he plunges fearlessly into the barrage, twisting his body so that he's not where the blades will hit. (four, five) He goes over the shoulders of the ninjutsu user, his Chidori crackling in a thin line near the man's neck, under his control (six, seven). The ninjutsu user's head falls off his now decapitated body (eight) at the exact same time that Sasuke lands beside the last illusion-nin (nine), his blade held up against the enemy's neck.(ten)

Ten seconds to put an end to a battle that lasted hours. Sasuke grunts, disgusted with himself. Orochimaru congratulates him on his victory and Sasuke nods in acknowledgment. He's sweaty and pissed off and Kabuto's grinning that knowing smirk. Sasuke growls at him, every frustration suddenly wanting out now.

It takes a lot of self-control to turn away from Kabuto but Sasuke manages to restrain himself despite his confused and angry state. He turns on his heel and runs off. He flees through the streets of the village, faster than the wind itself. Orochimaru makes no move to stop him. He knows Sasuke will be back.

Just to spite him, Sasuke wants to go on, not stop at the lake. He wants to go over it and run back to Konoha.

He pulls to a stop inches from the water, breathing hard. He's confused at the strength that came to him so suddenly, not at the thought of Itachi or Naruto, but at the fury he felt at thinking of Ren. Everything hurts and nothing makes sense. He feels like he's in a container again, unable to move or breathe. Unable to take control of his life.

Sasuke slips out of his clothes and walks under the water. He holds himself there until his head feels like it's going to explode, until his lungs burn so fiercely he's fairly sure he will die if he doesn't breathe in something.

A hand grabs onto his hair and pulls him to the surface none too gently. Sasuke growls out loud and he's just about to trash Ren, because it has to be Ren who's so intent on saving him but when he turns, he meets not-green eyes.

Actually, he meets one not-green eye. The other is covered by grey-black cloth. Sasuke loses command of his voice and a surprised gasp escaped his lips.

"Kakashi..."

There is so much feeling in that single name that Sasuke immediately attempts to bring his defences back up. The vulnerability that the man in front of him forces him into is too uncomfortable to face, too many memories undealt with, too much raw feeling... something like hope that crushes Sasuke.

Kakashi smiles under his mask, it's a kind grin full of something akin to relief. "You've grown."

Sasuke feels like crying, he feels like running, he feels like latching onto Kakashi and never let go. He shivers, suddenly achingly aware of his nakedness, suddenly ashamed to be exposed so thoroughly. The hand that pulled him out of the water is still in his hair, but it drifts into a caress through the much longer, tamer-looking strands of darkblue, then away.

"It's been two years." Sasuke curses his voice for sounding so weak. He feels shaky, his muscles like jelly, his head full of cotton. He finally breaks away from Kakashi's eye and pulls on his pants. His heart is beating wildly, because Kakashi smells like himself. He smells like a memory. But there's a touch of something else there. Something that's purely Naruto clings to Kakashi.

Sasuke sits on the grass, closes his eyes. He wishes that when he opens them, Kakashi will be gone. He wishes that when he opens them, Naruto will be there. He wishes that when he opens his eyes again, he'll find himself in Konoha, waking from a bad dream. It's so foolish, but Sasuke can't help himself. He gives himself a mental push and fortunately finds that it's enough. It's enough to realise how weak he is right now, how vulnerable and how much he trusts Kakashi still. It's enough to remind himself of why he left in the first place.

"You shouldn't be here, Kakashi."

"Neither should you, Sasuke." Kakashi's voice is soft and serious, his one eye so kind that Sasuke feels cold all over. He shivers.

"I... I have to see this through." The stutter doesn't escape either of them and it gives Sasuke motivation enough to regain control over himself. "I made my choice and you can't change my mind. There is no going back for me."

Kakashi doesn't reply that statement. He sits in front of Sasuke, his one eye serious and tempting. "Let's pretend for a while that you never made that choice, hm? Let's pretend, until I go back to the Leaf and you go back to Sound, that you're still my student and I'm still your teacher."

And Sasuke knows what Kakashi is doing. Kakashi is far too smart. He wants Sasuke to feel the longing, feel the need for companionship again, to feel cared for by someone he trusts. It's an offer. It's a hand held out to show him going back isn't that impossible. Sasuke knows it's a trap for his feelings, he knows it's manipulation in his best interest. But the offer comes at a time when Sasuke can turn no other way. It comes at a time when Sasuke is so confused the only thing he knows for sure is that Itachi's still alive and that's wrong. It's the only thing he never loses sight of.

But Ren's devotion, his aniki's memory, Tayuya's need, Naruto's laugh and Orochimaru's pain... it all makes Sasuke feel full to the brink. He feels like he needs to stop thinking in circles, running over the same things over and over again. He feels like he wants to be cradled in Kakashi's arms as he cries to the last tear in his body. Sasuke's fourteen years old and he just wants to stop acting like an adult, like a master, like a lover, a rival, a prodigy, a vessel... He just wants to be for a while. Is that so bad?

"No. It isn't." Kakashi speaks like he's heard every word and when the warm hand rests on Sasuke's shoulder, the pent up feelings leap up, trying to break free. Sasuke ruthlessly pushes them back down, but not before he shudders and gives into the gentle pressure on his shoulder leading him to a strong chest, another arm around him. Before he knows it, Sasuke is drawn into a hug.

Breathing shakily, Sasuke rests his head on Kakashi's shoulder. He thinks maybe Kakashi is holding him a little too tight, a little too close and it occurs to him that he once hurt this man he trusts. That this tentative hug isn't solely for his sake but for Kakashi's as well. And giving comfort isn't really comfortable but it's better than receiving it. So Sasuke brings a hand up and hugs back. He can hear Kakashi's heartbeat where his head leans against the broad chest and Sasuke thinks he's never heard anything more soothing. He thinks it sounds like relief. He thinks it sounds like his father's hand in his hair.

He opens his mouth to say those two words of regrets, those words he's not uttered since his brother tore away the biggest part of his heart. He can already hear himself say it, 'I'm sorry.' But in the end, he shuts his mouth, lips resting back against one another. Is he really sorry for leaving? No. He isn't. It's not something to regret, because you can't change it. Just like wishing Itachi had never done what he did, wishing he'd never left is just foolish. He did it for reasons which still hold. So then why did he even open his mouth in the first place?

Kakashi pets Sasuke's hair affectionately and gives a light tug to its growing length. "Don't think so much, Sasuke. Just enjoy here and now because it's not going to last."

And so it won't. Orochimaru will feel Kakashi around sooner or later. And then they'll force him back to Sound and kill Kakashi.

Sasuke sighs, eyes shut. "I'm so confused, Kakashi. So fucking lost." It's so honest, heartfelt and true that Sasuke can't stand it. A second later, he tears himself away from the older man and swallows carefully, "You have to leave." He wants to say please, but he doesn't. "Don't tell the Dobe."

Rising in turn, Kakashi gives Sasuke one of his proud smiles, the same he had after he told Team 7 they passed the test. "Just remember who you are, Uchiha Sasuke." It feels like faith. Sasuke gives a curt nod and allows himself to blink.

And Kakashi's gone.

Sasuke slumps back down on the forest floor and he just lies there for a while, giving himself some time. He knows what he has to do now.

It's only a few minutes later that Ren finds him. The huge man doesn't say a word, just looks at him with a hint of despair tainting his devotion. It's obvious he wants to reach down and make everything better for Sasuke. But after being refused time and again, after having been made to suffer for this master's entertainment time after time, he just doesn't dare.

Even with the newfound resolve, Sasuke can't allow him to make things better for him, but maybe he can make things better for Ren. For once. He sighs and softly asks, "Will nothing make you turn from me, Ren?"

Wordlessly, the man shakes his head. He removes his coat and drapes it around Sasuke's shoulders, waiting, watching.

"Let's head back." He allows Ren to help him up, allows him to feel useful and needed. They walk back to the village slowly. Ren isn't smiling, but his eyes are more at peace than any other time in the past.

The Sound of Fear: Chapter 5

2006-09-24T02:48:18Z

That man in the cells is a fucked up person. That is all.

After an afternoon spent with Kabuto in the labs, Sasuke has completely lost his good mood from the earlier fuck. Kabuto is frighteningly smart, he's devoted and he does not like the Uchiha. The medic-nin enjoys finding ways to make the Uchiha participate in the most disgusting of Orochimaru's experiments. Sasuke knows he has more reason to fear Kabuto than Orochimaru. Kabuto has no personal interest in his survival. He has Orochimaru's orders and that's it. It's enough to keep his body safe but his mind is another matter entirely.

Once in a while, Sasuke glimpses jealousy off the man. He thinks that everyone in Sound has Pain and Fear. Kabuto is no different so Sasuke tries not to mind him too much. But tolerating Kabuto is starting to be more and more challenging. The man positively reeks of lust everytime they meet. Sasuke has hardly ever seen anything more unsettling than Kabuto cutting open a corpse, his mind so focused on the task it always looks like he's having sex.

Sasuke knows how badly Kabuto wants Orochimaru. He thinks if Kabuto had the power to do so, he would kill the sannin just to rape the corpse.

Wiping that image from his brain, Sasuke straightens up in his seat and watches closely as Kabuto sends wires of chakra inside the veins of a blond-haired female. There's a wide array of bottles and syringes on the obscenely clean counter. The woman is strapped to a waist-high, white operation table with white bonds that cling to each of her limbs. She's unconscious and naked, but her eyes are covered by white cloth.

The stool on which Sasuke is sitting is also, surprisingly, white. And very uncomfortable. They've been testing poisons on this woman for the better part of the afternoon and judging by her muscle reaction the degree of pain, paralysis and hallucinatory potential in each of the mixes in those white bottles by the table. The wires of chakra that Kabuto sends up her system slowly clean her veins of poison. It's an extremely difficult art that Kabuto masters perfectly. Each tendril of thin, so thin chakra has to split and separate until it's gone by every vein, every hole of her body.

It wouldn't be too difficult to witness if Kabuto had chosen her mouth as the opening from which to send his tendrils in. As if, he's sitting between her spread legs, humming to himself.

Sasuke learns a lot from these encounters. He learns to heal injured people, some new techniques here and there. He learns most about cruelty.

"We're nearly done with this one, she can't take much more." Kabuto's voice echoes through the too-white room and Sasuke nods. It's true. The girl's body is showing the typical signs of strain, the twitch of the unconscious fingers, toes, the breathing erratic, then slow, then not really there, her lips mouthing some senseless words. Sasuke hopes it's a prayer. It's more suiting for a dying girl.

It's better if she dies here. Kabuto is cleaning her veins, hoping to save her body for another day of torture tomorrow. But Sasuke knows her mind is almost destroyed. She hasn't spoken at all during the last year. No begging, no cursing, just acceptance.

When Kabuto is about done cleaning her up and she's still breathing, Sasuke bites his lip to keep from cursing on her behalf. He wishes he could save her. Could heal her. But after what her body's been through, there's no way she could even function properly as anything but a vegetable.

"Here, Sasuke-san." Looking up at Kabuto, Sasuke sees the blanket held out to him, an obvious sign that she can be taken back to her container. They're not even cells anymore, just containers. He nods and takes hold of the white cloth, then unstraps the limp body from the table. Wrapping her up in the blanket, Sasuke is suddenly reminded of Tayuya this morning, how he did the exact same thing for her and the thought is so striking and so horrifying at once that he nearly drops the blond girl.

"Do you require help?" Kabuto's voice isn't mocking or reproachful, it's just kind, soft and helpful. Sasuke lifts the girl in his arms and takes her away from him as fast as possible without looking like he's running away. He doesn't miss the smirk on Kabuto's face when he leaves the room.

The containers are coffins, no more, no less. This girl will probably get a week's rest after tonight so she can give better reactions to the tests next time. Sasuke wants to take her out of Sound and into the lake. He wants to wash her with water that hasn't been disinfected. He wants to show her that there's more to life than waking up in a bottle to be tortured.

The first time he tried to save a boy, he was the one to spend a week in the container. Being fed without eating, being washed without moving, living without breathing. So in the end, he just removes the top of her container with a kick and lies her down there. He sits by her side, hesitating to cover her up again.

He traces the contours of her pale face. She could have been so beautiful. Her lips are shapely, her chin is softly rounded, her nose small and uplifted. Sasuke removes the white blindfold, unsurprised to meet two large brown eyes that aren't looking at anything. His forgotten and hardened heart gives a tug. He gives her a shaky corner smile, because with the fate she has in life, she should never be frowned upon. The girl mimicks him dumbly, like a two year old child, and Sasuke caresses her hair gently. "You're beautiful."

Her unseeing eyes seem to focus on him suddenly and Sasuke stares at her, frozen in shock at the spark of life. She smiles wider at him and repeats to herself, "Beautiful." The word is clumsy and half swallowed, but it's clear enough. She closes her eyes, that peaceful smile still present on her lips. When her eyes fall shut, Sasuke recovers from the shock and he blindfolds her again, then puts back the lid of the container. He's unable to make the nausea go away, his headache is back full-force. He can't rid his eyelids of the sight of her smile.

The test subjects are raised to be just that, taken from the streets of Sound and thrown into the containers from their youngest age. They've never known anything but the container, the table and Kabuto. It's not the first time Sasuke feels sick because of this, but it never loses any of its intensity overtime.

Taking a deep breath, Sasuke rises but doesn't walk away. He knows if he turns, he'll meet Kabuto's amused eyes.

When he's fairly sure there's no one waiting, he walks away, his mind entirely set on breathing steadily. He wanders around the village for a while, keeping a watch on every small thing and avoiding the conflicts with practiced ease.

Some of the younger children flock around him and he tries to ignore them. Getting attached to children around Sound is a bad idea. The stronger ones are taken to train around four years old. The others are taken in as slaves, sexual or otherwise, and in worse case senario, they're be taken to Kabuto.

The children generally hover around Sasuke despite the fact that he's no more gentle with them than most adults. He's just not a child-person. He does honor his mother and father's memory, however. He's known the kindness of a mother, the firm hand of a father. He lost them, but he's known them. So maybe he's not cruel with children. Maybe he wants to defend them, sometimes. Maybe he often gets in trouble because of that.

He likes to leave some food for them. He tries not to learn their names. Sasuke thinks there's something fundamentally wrong about him being the kindest presence those children can find.

As things are now, after the dungeons, Tayuya and the blond-girl, Sasuke is in no mood for them. Even as some clamor their accomplishments, yearning for approval, Sasuke grunts out an annoyed noise and disappears onto the rooftops.

Before he knows it, he's back at the entrance of the dungeons. Like before, he can't stop himself from holding his breath. He doesn't really know why he's here. Maybe the cruelty is suffocating him, maybe he's trying to redeem himself for yesterday evening... he has no idea what he's going to do here. But he nonetheless holds his breath and walks past the guards.

To the end of the corridor, then through, to the second cell on the left. Sasuke was expecting to see it empty, the man taken away for experiments or released or just killed. He's surprised to find two vibrantly green eyes looking straight back at him. The man's chakra isn't restrained anymore but he's tame as a kitten, his eyes hinting of a broken spirit and Sasuke knows he did that. The notion doesn't sit well with him.

Sasuke walks closer and pulls off the barrier seal, conscious that only the chains are holding back this huge and powerful man. He again sits on his stool, breathing as little as possible, because the man still reeks of piss and fear.

Speaking so little and being able to turn to his own thoughts is one of Sasuke's great advantages. He's more patient than ever before. He sits and waits, watching, waiting. His attention is fully focused on the man in front of him. How far is he broken? Will he try to escape?

He hopes the man still has some spirit left. He hopes the damage he did can be undone. Watching the man's brightly green eyes and seeing submission and pain and fear there, Sasuke wonders if it's an act. He thinks underneath it all, he can see the need to flee. With a little inner smirk, Sasuke just waits. It'll come soon enough.

He's not disappointed. Although it's hours later, well into the night, the man finally makes a move to escape. His wrists twist their restraints off as if he'd been free all along and the man leaps at Sasuke, killing intent all over him.

Sasuke doesn't move. His body remains perfectly still in front of the man's aggression.

The man stops, his fist inches away from Sasuke's unfeeling face. He's shaking, Sasuke can see the strain, the losing battle the man is warring with himself. So for the first time, Sasuke breaks the silence, "Follow, dog."

And the man lowers his head and his fist. His entire body reflects defeat. Broken indeed.

Sasuke stands and walks away. The man follows him.

Orochimaru is waiting for them outside the prison. Sasuke can't tell if the man is proud, annoyed or amused. Both of those options being positive, Sasuke decides to dare the deed. He holds his hand up, signaling for the dog to stop, which it unfailingly does, then he walks to Orochimaru and requests, "May I keep him, Orochimaru-sensei?"

"It would have been well-manered of you to request that before choosing a pet, Sasuke-kun." That's a threat and a yes all at once. Sasuke knows there'll be punishment, but he'll be allowed this whim like all others.

"When will you expect me tomorrow morning, Sensei?" Because Sasuke is in no mood to play around the fact that he's going to get pain for doing this. He doesn't think Orochimaru is either.

"Six." And the sannin turns on his heel, out of sight within seconds.

"Come, Dog." Sasuke is not looking forward to the next morning. It makes him harsher than he would usually be. He takes the man to his quarters, then pushes him in the bathroom with a stern order, "Clean yourself."

While the man is in the shower, Sasuke's jaw clenches. There's just something about him that makes his fists clench in anger, something about this man makes Sasuke want to hurt him, despite the fact that he brought him here to make amends of some sort.

It's like the man is challenging him, always, in every small thing. Challenging him with his submission. Sasuke can't slide under the bed, no matter how much he wants to. There will be no confusion as to who masters who around here. So for the first time since he came to Sound, Sasuke lies down on his bed.

The large man exits his bathroom five minutes later naked and thankfully clean. Sasuke gestures him closer. Until the so-tall man looms over him almost threateningly. "Kneel."

The man complies, finally brought down to Sasuke's level. He looks almost comfortable with the task. Looks comfortable kneeling like this for a master. Several things click in Sasuke's head at the sight and he orders, "Speak."

"I am... thankful..." The voice is rough from disuse and Sasuke doesn't even hear the words, just the tone. Slow, careful.

"Tell me why you wanted to kill Orochimaru."

The man looks down and Sasuke finds it ridiculous that such a strong, large person should look so vulnerable all of a sudden. It clicks suddenly, why this man inspires so much anger in him. "While you're at it, tell me why you think you love me."

And that brings a glint of spirit back into the man's eyes. Sasuke is glad to see it, somehow. He tries not to think of blue, because those eyes are so green.

"Do not take my feelings lightly!"

"How can I not? What could I possibly be to you apart from your tormentor?"

The wince in the man's kneeling form is unmistakable, "My tormentor is what you are. From the first you came into the Village, I watched you. You are strong, beautiful, spirited, perfect. You have honor. You deserve everything the world can offer... your eyes should never be shadowed with pain... When you kissed me the first time, I found my true master. You torment me with the pain, the longing for you. My master will not be defiled by a snake."

The entire speech is spoken softly, with intense conviction. Surprise momentarily takes over Sasuke's senses and the next he knows, the man is over him, breathing shallow and face scrunched up in desire, "I've watched you grow, adjust and evolve. I have wanted you, your taste, your love. I... need of you. So badly it's a constant ache."

Sasuke grows from surprised to shocked, because This Is a Lie. No one lies with so much need, do they?

He doesn't inspire love in people. He doesn't. People get infatuated with his looks and allure, they never love him because they don't know him. This is no different.

But the shaking of the man's frame over him, the delicate way his so-powerful fingers brush against Sasuke's skin, like he's the most precious thing in the world... that does something to Sasuke's sense of self which he had never thought possible. He's reminded so harshly of Itachi that he puts far more force into the blow than necessary, knocking the man off him brutally.

"You have no grounds to say those things. You don't know me." Sasuke's voice is furious, he's annoyed at his anger but can't seem to stop himself, his fists are clenched and his eyes narrow red on the man.

"Then let me learn you, Sasuke-sama, please. Let me stay near you. I will do anything."

At that, Sasuke sneers angrily, and growls out, "Fool. If Naruto couldn't, what makes you think you can?" And he so dearly wants those words back the second they're spoken. Sasuke's short nails dig crescents into his palms.

The man's reaction is completely different from what he expected. From where he landed on the floor, the man springs up and over him again. The fine shaking hasn't stopped, in fact, if anything, the man is outright trembling now. His hands are seeking Sasuke's, uncurling the fingers and stopping the nails from digging further into his palm. He whispers against Sasuke's lips, "Please... don't hurt yourself like this... Let me stay... let me care for you... please."

Red eyes narrowed, Sasuke pushes the man off him again, thankfully feeling his blanket of cool wrap his anger in ice. "There will be conditions, Dog. Are you willing to submit to them?"

"Anything, Sasuke, anything for you."

The Sound of Fear: Chapter 4

2006-09-24T02:44:26Z

This chapter holds hints of sexual intercourse between a man and a woman. The naughty bits have been cut, but there is still very strong innuendo of violent sex (not rape). Be warned for nasty language as well.

Orochimaru doesn't know what to think of his young protege sometimes. He can read him like a book on most any day but sometimes the boy escapes him. He doesn't understand how Sasuke can still think of Honor in Sound. He supposes the boy is stronger than he thought.

In many ways, Orochimaru knows he's over-indulging Sasuke, letting him have his own time, teaching him so much of the things he knows, from forbidden techniques to some of the unknown history of Konoha. Orochimaru tells himself it's because Sasuke's consciousness will still exist in his body, and it's best he knew how to fight like the Sannin, and best he knew the things that Orochimaru knows.

He knows it's a lie. Orochimaru knows how to detect lies, even in himself. He's mastered that art since he was a child of five. So then, Orochimaru thinks he may indulge Sasuke because he's reminded of himself when he watches him. That's closer to the truth, but still not quite enough.

In the end, it may be that Orochimaru wants to play with destiny. It may be that he wants Sasuke to keep the minute part of him that holds compassion. It may be Orochimaru wants him to keep that weakness.

Orochimaru sometimes thinks he doesn't have a strong enough hold on Sasuke. When the boy passes out in his arms, and he feels something foreign in him, something that almost feels like being trusted, Orochimaru smirks and puts him to bed. His hold on the boy is more than strong enough.

______________________________________________

When Sasuke wakes the next morning, his head is pounding steadily with a headache, his hands have a fine shake to them that indicates the weakness still present in his body. He overdid the training last night, he recognises that feeling. Sitting up carefully, Sasuke blinks at his surroundings. The first thing that jumps to attention is a hairbrush, its handle the head of a snake. It's enough for Sasuke. This is not his room in Sound.

Instantly awake, he gathers himself up and scans the place. The richly decorated furniture and the multiple mirors around the room tell all. Orochimaru's quarters. A sudden flash of memory jolts Sasuke and he swallows silently past a dry throat remembering exactly what brought him here. He closes his eyes and focuses on trying to get the sick feeling in his stomach to leave. The memory is a smell. The smell of a grown man pissing himself in fear.

A few deep breaths and some vigorous biting of a bottom lip finally have the mask of indifference slip on, envelopping Sasuke in comforting coolness, slowing his heartrate, calming the headache. When he next looks up, Sasuke has himself under perfect control and the morning weakness is but a fleeting memory.

He stands and dresses, stopping the instinctive shiver as he thinks of Orochimaru undressing him in the first place. He briskly walks out of the room, through the hall of mirors and underground maze of tunnels that lead to the kitchen. Everyone is already gathered there. Ninjas of all ages and sizes are bickering, some fighting, others just sitting and looking dangerous. There's even some having decent-looking conversations. Sound is a depraved place, but it's also a place for lost souls and not every lost soul is rotten to the core. Bypassing the twins armwrestling, under the stretched limbs of a murderous-looking rock nin, Sasuke makes his way to the counter.

The large woman in front of the cooking pots is someone Sasuke has always been deeply disturbed by. The fat rolls off her muscles and face, making every curve she might've had a flabby and wriggling memory. When she moves, the rest of her flesh follows a second after, like an afterthought. She's huge. It's an advantage, in her case. No taijutsu user can beat her. Nothing can get past the fat to do some actual damage. For his first couple of nights after meeting her, Sasuke had nightmares about being crushed under her massive weight.

He vaguely grunts at her in greeting and she immediatey hands him a plate with the most sincere attempt at a smile. An unseen shudder goes through Sasuke's frame as he takes his meal without a word of thanks. He takes a bite slowly, tasting for poison in the meal. The woman's smile changes into a knowing smirk, as he'd known it would. Then a booming laugh echoes out of her throat and across the walls, getting the attention of all the nins in the kitchen.

"Ah, Sasuke-sama. You know I wouldn't harm such a handsome man as you! You don't need to check for poison, luv." The tone is seductive and wants itself persuasive.

Sasuke simply replies, his voice at its usual freeze, "The day I stop, Mycah, is the day you will poison me."

The laughing, this time, comes from all parties in the dining room. Humor around Sound is always a little screwed up.

"Smart boy, too!" The mound of fat exclaims. Sasuke rolls his eyes and satisfied with his meal, goes to sit beside Tayuya in the back.

Her back straightens up and her eyes narrow silently. Sasuke gives back his own greeting in the form of a knowing smirk. They eat without a word, until Tayuya finishes. They have an understanding. Tayuya doesn't like him and he doesn't like her, but as a growing boy, Sasuke does find himself with some growing... needs. And Tayuya is always responsive to him.

He wonders why she only lets him fuck her. He's had girls throwing themselves at him for years now, it's only fair that he take advantage of some of the benefits. But he's not the most experienced and caring lover in the world. Tayuya could have anyone she wants. She's one of the strongest nins as well as one of the most striking beauties in Sound (although most certainly regarded as such against her will).

She's a feisty thing in bed, and he knows she enjoys the feeling of being controlled by a will stronger than her own. Yet Sasuke is mostly a selfish lover, and Tayuya is a just as selfish. It's a wonder they can fuck at all.

She watches him, taking in his tense frame, shadowed eyes and closed expression. She just sneers at him, "Got your ice shower today, Sasuke-sama?"

The insult brings a raised brow from Sasuke. "Someone hasn't had their fix." He finishes eating slower than usual, drawing more insults from the redhead who obviously wants him to be done now. One insult does make him wince internally though, something about castrating him with her teeth. Her mouth has been in too close proximity to that part of his anatomy for him to not react to that one. He puts his plate down when he's done, taking a second to let the meal settle. He then rises and goes to rinse his utensils and plate. Like the well-raised boy he is, he takes care that all of it is done properly.

Or maybe he wants Tayuya to wait, make her keep glaring at his back like she's trying to pierce his body with her gaze alone.

He doesn't say anything, just leaves and heads into the tunnels. Tayuya follows at a brisker pace, as if trying to force him to walk faster out of people's sight.

The second they find a secluded spot in the deserted area near the servants' quarters, she backs him into the nearest wall. They're the same height now. Tayuya was never a tall girl and Sasuke has grown a lot in just a few months. He is not in the mood to fool around and let her think she may have the upper hand. Not today. He knows she wants a fuck, and damn but he wants her right now. Wants her wrapped around him, desperate and begging for more. He knows she'll give in. She always does. She needs to be taken, a woman like her is too high a price, too beautiful and strong to give in to any less than that.

Oh and how she loves to be brought down from her might to be used... he can smell the need on her. The need to be taken ruthlessly. Sasuke lets himself enjoy the smell of her so close to him, thinking maybe the reason she lets only him fuck her isn't because she wants just him. It's because she smells honor on him. She feels he won't go too far. She certainly doesn't realise that he could decide to not stop when she asks.

When her lips come into contact with his, Sasuke draws his hand back, and though she sees the hit coming, she stays right where she is, waiting for the palm to strike her pale cheek. It does with a loud smack and her head snaps to the side, red hair covering half of her face when she brings herself back to look at him, heat in her gaze. Sasuke fists a hand in those beautiful crimson locks and crushes their mouths together. His tongue slips into her mouth, tasting alcohol, need and a breeze of lightning. He keeps a tight hold on her hair, not enough to really hurt, but enough to force her still. She moans into his mouth and submits to having her mouth taken.

Sasuke shifts their positions, pushing her up against the wall and holding her there with his kiss, with his hips slowly thrusting against her. He begins to fuck her mouth, tongue driving into her rhythmically. The girl mewls under the treatment, her fingers coming up to grasp needfully at Sasuke's shoulders. Then one hand slips lower, gripping tight to his hip under the shirt. She thrusts back against him, one leg wrapping up high around his waist. He breaks away from her and slaps her again, the other still untouched cheek, earning himself a low growly moan from her. "So eager..."

About an hour later, they're both breathing hard, collapsed on the floor of the public shower room of all things. Sasuke knows Tayuya couldn't move if her life depended on it right now. He ponders leaving her here to recover, but quickly decides against it. He lifts her to lean against the shower wall and covers her body as best he can with what's left of her clothes. When he moves to pick her up, he wincess at the sudden pain on his back. She must've scratched him from shoulder to waist again. Damn bothersome girl. He leans her head against his chest and kisses her hair. She would protest the action at any other time, but now just lets a content and subdued hum out of her throat.

Sasuke brings the redhead back to her quarters, setting her down on her bed. He removes all of the remaining clothing, leaving her bare as she was minutes before, then wipes a bit of blood from the corner of her mouth where she bit through her lip. Next, he wets a towel and carefully cleans the mess of semen between her legs and over her face. When he's done, she stops him from doing anything more for her with a few soft words, "You'll always be too good for this place, Sasuke." Her voice is a mere whisper, but Sasuke wants to tell her how wrong she is. He wants to say he deserves to be here, because it was his choice and he lost Konoha and everything in it voluntarily. He wants to say he deserves the consequences of his actions. But he doesn't. He just kisses her lips quickly and orders, "Rest, Tayuya."

It feels like atonement and it's cathartic in its sweetness. Sasuke won't ever admit that he feels sunlight and blue eyes on Tayuya.

The Sound of Fear: Chapter 3

2006-07-27T16:34:06Z

This chapter is when it started to get really interesting to me during the writing process. Oh, and my spacebar has been acting up, I need to change my keyboard. So please forgive the words that get stuck together (those I don't catch) for a little while longer.

Sasuke's role in Sound has evolved in the past year. He started out as a simple guest, then lower than dirt entertainment, then he was one among many, singled out for better purposes and now he's a regent, a force to reckon and a feared enforcer. Sasuke doesn't lik echivalry, he doesn't believe in saving the weak from the strong. Survival of the fittest is what he lives by.

But as days go by, growing stronger steadily, Sasuke starts to see people for their potential, not their worth. The child so easily crushed under a grown man's weight could outgrow that same man. The woman insulted and slighted could bear and raise children strong enough to defend her.

In the dark and cruel environment that is Sound, Sasuke finds himself wanting to save those he can, for their potential. It's not meant to manipulate people into owing him, Sasuke could never bring himself to see kindness as a tool for manipulation. His aniki has seen to that. Sasuke likes to think he still has a parcel of honor when he can afford it. He likes to think he's different.

Orochimaru calls Sasuke's attempts pathetic. The cruelty around Sound is like the sea; changing, calm sometimes, other times furiously intense, but it surrounds everything. The snake sannin has built the environment in his mind and transposed it into this village. In many ways, Sasuke thinks, Sound is a reflection of Orochimaru's strongest and yet weakest point. His pain.

It surprises Sasuke that he gets along well with Orochimaru now. After their little face-off earlier, the Sannin started to take Sasuke more seriously, if only slightly. The boy never forgets that he's a pawn, but Orochimaru never forgets that Sasuke has what he needs. If he didn't know any better, Sasuke would say the snake likes him. But Sasuke does know better.

They talk a lot. Considering Sasuke's silent ways, or as the snake put it, his 'aversion to speech', that in itself is surprising. It's an exchange though, and Sasuke learns to measure his words even more than he did before because Orochimaru is smart and he is devious in conversation as in pretty much everything. They discuss techniques and human nature. Sasuke doesn't like that he agrees with the snake so often.

He knows Orochimaru lets him get away with a lot of things, and though the reasons why that is still escape him, he's thankful enough fo rthe lenience. No one around Sound gets away with trying to breathe kindness into the sea, and certainly not training alone for extended periods of time or running off periodically without someone tailing them. The dark-haired boy is very aware that this is not a show of trust or kindness, but is unable to come up with any explanation for it.

Sasuke wonders sometimes if the snake wants to die. It seems a little ridiculous to say it aloud, considering the sole purpose of Orochimaru is immortality. But sometimes, when no one's looking, the village echoes feelings around the Sannin. Orochimaru stinks of fear. Fear of death, fear of need.

In those times when no one's looking, Sasuke can't help but think on his unique freedom in Sound. He wonders why Orochimaru lets him train on his own so much. He wonders if Orochimaru even considers him a threat. He wonders if the snake really intended for him to grow as strong as he has.

In the end, Sasuke thinks his freedom in Sound comes from a delicate balance of Orochimaru's greed for power, his fear of death, and his need of pain.

A couple of months after Sasuke's fourteenth birthday, the snake bringshim to the dungeons. Sasuke has always known they existed, couldalways feel them, but he's never allowed himself to go there before.So when they head south and below, Sasuke holds his breath. It's a useless gesture, so he quits it almost immediately, only to start over again. He tries not to smell the feelings around this place. Hearing them is enough.

Orochimaru kisses him for the first time. All Sasuke can think about is whether or not his lips taste like death and fear. The sannin's do. But Sasuke has made both of those allies, so he returns the kiss, just a touch of shyness about it. He thinks: this is pure, this is not evil.

The snake releases him, and Sasuke could swear that he can hear the sannin's pain now. Orochimaru looks the same, smells the same, he even feels the same. But he echoes of pain. Stronger than ever.

Sasuke quickly dismisses the thought that he brought that pain out. He thinks it's this place, the dungeons with all its moans and pleads that calls out to the sannin. Yet that's not right either, because as soon as the snake releases his arms and takes a few steps away, the muted silence wraps back around him.

Sasuke wonders if the deafening silence would break, should he kiss Orochimaru again. He thinks that wouldn't do it, unless they were in the dungeons again. As always, everything in Sound is a combination of feelings.

When they reach the end of the road to the last cells, Orochimaru pauses and smiles that cruel smile. Sasuke thinks he knows where this is heading.

"I will require your help, Sasuke-kun."

And that's bullshit, really. Sasuke knows that. He can feel that from miles away.

"Of course, Orochimaru-sensei."

"In the second cell to the left is a snow-nin who persistently attempted to assassinate me for the last year and a half. I would like you to question him and figure out his motives. His chakra is bound and we have blinded him temporarily. He is no threat to you."

"Learning of his motives is all you wish, Sensei?"

"No. I wish for you to destroy him. You will come back as many times as needed until that man is no more, understood?"

Sasuke nods, because he knew where this was going. It doesn't stop him from politely and silently asking his friend Fear to leave for a while.

"What may I not use to accomplish this goal?"

"All possible means are at your disposition, Sasuke-kun. Make me proud."

Those last few words finally get a visible reaction from Sasuke and even though it's just a tightening of the fists, a bite of his bottom lip, Orochimaru sees it and he smiles again, an almost fond smile.

When the snake leaves, Sasuke breathes in deeply, gathering his wits about him. He figures he might as well see the man he's going to destroy. It takes another few seconds of focusing on breathing before Sasuk e is content with his emotional state. He then walks steadily, proudly and with purpose to the second cell to the left. The jutsu holding the walls of chakra up earns Sasuke's attention for a long while before he even gets interested in the man inside.

When Sasuke's fairly sure he can put up a similar jutsu after his visit, he takes the scroll and rips it away, sensing the barrier disappearing. The man inside does too, judging from the rattling of heavy chains and the sudden raise of a brown head.

It comes as no surprise to Sasuke that he recognizes this man. The ordinary brown hair has grown in captivity so it now falls down to the man's broad shoulders. Sasuke steps inside the cell, unsurprised that there's a stool waiting for him just about an inch away from the chains' reach. Orochimaru knows Sasuke well enough.

Sasuke takes the stool and inches it back two inches, because he knows Orochimaru too. He sits, legs spread comfortably, settling for a long wait. He watches the man, notes down everything about him.

The man obviously can't see, the irises of his eyes are discolored to a pale green, almost like the Hyuugas' discoloration. Sasuke thinks (remembers) they would be much more vibrant without the jutsu. He finds himself wondering how his own black eyes would look discolored like that. Would they still be dark, or would they grow pale grey?

The straight nose and full mouth make for a generously handsome face, but the rough skin, scarred over cheek and forehead make him much more ordinary than he could have been. The dirt all over him does not help.

Sasuke's eyes drift down to the large shoulders, almost twice his own width.Yeah. This is definitely the man who greeted him to Sound. The chest is partially exposed, hints of dried blood under ripped clothing showing off a tightly fit body. Powerful legs, muscled arms... Sasuke knows how strong this body is, how worthy of his scrutiny, but he gets caught up in watching the hands. He pulls his own hand up, watching his masculine but still delicately long, agile fingers, then compares it to the brute strength demonstrated in the shackled hands. Large palm, thick fingers that could crush someone's head on a whim.

There's also an aura of stubborness about him. Sasuke figures Orochimaru already tried to break him and when he found enough resistance to be challenging, transfered the burden to Sasuke.

Red slowly seeps into Sasuke's eyes and he watches the man. The Sharingan makes understanding easy. It makes Sasuke remember how a simple kiss brought the man to his knees. It makes sense of the man's reaction to being called a dog. It shows him how this man has been subtly rubbing his wrists against the shackles to increase his pain. A masochist. No wonder Orochimaru chose this one.

And the man knows he's being watched. Sasuke can see him feel it, can see the shiver up the man's spine and his minute movements, readying himself for an attack, in so small shifts that normal eyes would never catch on.

He seems to need so much. Despite his overbearing build, the man seems to crave pain permanently, he's almost vulnerable in his defiance, as if begging someone to tame him and force their will onto him.

Sasuke wonders if breaking this man would be such a bad thing. He seems already so damaged. Sometimes you have to break in order to heal right. With a nod to himself, Sasuke begins the process to end this quick.

He closes his eyes and calls around him the fear. His own fears of not being good enough, not being strong enough, of Itachi, of breaking and dying, of loving someone too much. It's all around him, all his fears and weakness, like a dark beast Sasuke knows all too well. He breathes some Chakra into the sound of fear and opens his eyes. Beside him is the fruit of his training. It's what Nagraji warns him against, it's what he does under the bed, it's the secret skill he keeps from everyone. Beside him is a beast of fear.

It's a wolf, as far as Sasuke can tell, and it's not just dark, it's red and blue and orange and pink; it's every color painted in black. The Sharingan still simmers hotly and responding to its master's wish, the beast stalks forward. It leaps, faster than any eye can see, and molds into the man. The effect is immediate.

Screams. From the most secretive, instinctive place, the man screams. His body twists in horror, his hands curled up in tight fists, eyes so wide and mouth open, endlessly spilling screams. It looks like he's contorting to escape himself and it's the most horrible thing Sasuke has ever seen.

He's never subjected anyone to this before. Only the barest hint of willpower keeps Sasuke from calling everything off, fuck Orochimaru, fuck Sound and fuck Naruto too. Because those screams are so raw. It's not an expression of deep and hidden pain, the man doesn't even know he's screaming, it's primal fear.

After a minute, Sasuke can't take it anymore. He calls back the beast into himself and tries not to shake. The man in front of him is still blind, still shackled, but finally unconscious. Sasuke smells urine and he feels sick with the knowledge of what he's just done. He stands and exits the room, putting back the barrier distractedly before hurrying past the horrified stares of prisoners who saw nothing, but heard every single scream.

He can't stand being congratulated for this, so he leaves the village. It's night and the soothingly cold light of the moon filtering through the trees is just enough to stop Sasuke from vomiting. He keeps walking, holding his stomach, aware of nothing but the next step. He doesn't go too far though, that's one of the things Orochimaru wouldn't permit, no matter how tolerant he's decided to be with Sasuke and the boy has regained enough control to remember that. Once he's reached the lake, Sasuke stops walking and collapses to his knees. He closes his eyes against the screams echoing in his head and summons Nagraji.

There's no words exchanged, the snake knows better than to speak the second he spots the fine trembling in Sasuke. He slithers over to the boy and wraps around him, offering what comfort he can.

Nagraji may not be as powerful as Manda, but he's not at his first skin shed. He knows Sasuke is no ordinary kid. He's a Sharingan user for one, and he's got a lot more guts than Orochimaru, if you ask Nagraji. His creation, the beast of fear, shows that much. Nagraji thinks of Sasuke as his master and if he were a human, no one would ever be able to touch the child but him.

"I used it against a man today, Nagraji-san." The shaking has settled some and Sasuke is starting to feel more like himself. He whispers, because it's Nagraji and they're in Sound territory.

"Call the Chidori, child. It will make you feel better." The boy's creation does unsettle Nagraji, but he also thinks it's genius. Because everyone fears. Some can face it, but in the end, everyone feels it and no one ever truly overcomes a phobia. Sasuke doesn't need to hear this. He needs to feel human and Nagraji knows (in all his wisdom) that nothing does that like the Nagashi-chidori.

Sasuke nods at the snake's words and stands, waiting for Nagraji to uncurl before he performs the seals for the Nagashi-Chidori, the full body chidori that demands so much Chakra, so much energy and speed and strength that he can finally put his mind to rest and just fight.

When he finally gets back to the village, Orochimaru is waiting. Sasuke doesn't have the will to oppose him right now. He's just too weary. So he lets himself be led to the snake's chambers, lets himself be congratulated on his work today. Sasuke knows there's more coming, but the edge of his vision is turning black and though Orochimaru's quarters are far from a safe place to do this, especially with the snake in them, Sasuke just can't take anymore strain. He leans against the Sannin and promptly loses consciousness.

TBC...

The Sound of Fear: Chapter 2

2006-07-23T02:51:52Z

This one is too short for my liking, but it was the best way to split the whole thing up. Sorry!

Orochimaru's training is not just grueling and strenuous, it's plain cruel. Most of the so-called training Sasuke endures is planned, forethought to mentally break him. Fear is his constant companion, he's gotten to know it well. Fear of not being strong enough, fear of death, fear of giving in, fear of the unknown, fear of breaking, fear of pain. He's made fear an ally. He's learning to control it, so it can become an underling.

The worst he's had in the past couple of months was when they took his eyes away. Kabuto, that snivelling worm, sewed his eyes shut with metal wire, leaving him unable to even want to blink for the pain. The first week still makes Sasuke shiver with the memories. Recently blinded, thrown inside a prison with the most vile and revolting criminals in Sound. Of course he'd been caught. That was the point.

Sasuke knows what the snake is doing, keeping him too busy to think while still not giving away any of his tricks. But Sasuke isn't just any Shinobi. He's not just any lost soul, not just any needy apprentice. He's an Uchiha. He's Sasuke Uchiha. And that means he has the drive, the will to get what he wants.

So when he sneaks into Orochimaru's private quarters, he doesn't get caught. When he sits on his bed, legs crossed, patiently waiting, he's not surprised that the snake smells him before coming in.

"Sasuke-kun, what brings me the pleasure of your presence?"

The snake's voice is slithery, as is all of his character really. Sasuke has had the opportunity to change his mind since coming to Sound. He doubts anyone in this village could take on Orochimaru. Because the snake keeps it so. He keeps everyone bellow him, including Sasuke. And that won't do.

"I have some things I'd like to discuss with you, sensei." The title slips by Sasuke's lips effortlessly and he pauses for a moment. Lying has never come to him so easily before.

"Considering your aversion to speech, this must be important." As if the sneaking in private quarters didn't prove that already. "Do take a seat. What may I do for you?"

It's not the first time Sasuke notices how smoothly Orochimaru takes control of a conversation, tilting it the way he wants it. Like Sasuke came here to ask for a favor.

"I came to you four months ago for the power to defeat my brother. I haven't seen a glimpse of anything here that will help me do that yet. But I know, Orochimaru-sama, that you have that power." Sasuke pauses, looking suitably impressed with the Sannin, "Although I don't remember our discussing terms for handing my body over to you."

"Terms, Uchiha-san?"

"Yes. Terms."

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Since that night, Sasuke has improved tremendously. It's not so much a matter of sheer power, although just on that front, he knows he's a match for pretty much any sound nin.

What Sasuke has learned from the snake is all about weakness. His own and other people's. It's been six months since he left Konoha and Sasuke can't even begin to articulate how much his view of the Shinobi life has changed. Much of what Kakashi said makes more sense now. He finds staggering the idea that he once thought he could rid himself of every weakness. That he once thought, (all of those two months ago) that he could become too strong for weaknesses.

He's lying in his dark room, under the bed where he spends most of his free time. There's something superstitious about it, but Sasuke can't bring up the energy to give a fuck. Orochimaru spies on him from time to time, but for some reason, he tends to leave Sasuke alone in his room. Sasuke figures It would be too easy if that were always true and that's precisely what makes him slip under the bed to think.

He summons up some Chakra to his fingertips and snaps them, producing the essence of the Chidori, having it lick at his hand. It used to be painful, but he's gotten used to the sting now. It's a vain and purely pointless vestige of pride that makes Sasuke glad it's not burning his skin or scarring him some other way.

What makes Sasuke a genius isn't the Sharingan. It's not the hard work he does to perfect his techniques. It's not even the ease with which he picks up notions and techiques. What earns him the title of genius is his mind, the way he thinks and understands every jutsu he's shown. To learn it isn't enough, because everyone can learn a jutsu or two. That's nothing special. What's special is being able to improve and innovate. Sasuke knows he wouldn't be able to challenge Shikamaru's cold genius for strategies and for juggling with so many goddamn wild cards, but he's fairly sure the shadow-nin wouldn't catch up to him in this area. It requires more than IQ, it demands a streak of artistic soul to feel a creation.

So Sasuke spends his time under the bed, because he'll be damned if he lets Orochimaru know what he can do with his mind.

"It's unhealthy, masster." Sasuke turns to the voice, giving a pointed look to the large serpent curling beside him under the bed. Ever since he signed the contract with the snakes, Sasuke has been reflecting on their natures. Loyalty seems a strange concept to associate with the snakes but he's surprised to find most of them are lazy, good-natured and tend to be stubborn in their opinions to the point that some of it might be considered loyalty. This particular snake is a prime example of it. The problem with snakes, though, is that you can't predict them. Cruelty doesn't seem to be a part of their vocabulary. They just don't recognize it from typical behavior. Sasuke wouldn't be surprised to find that the reptile had been telling all about his activities to Orochimaru if he thought it would be in Sasuke's best interest to do so.

"Hello, Nagraji-san."

"You should get some resst."

"Will you keep watch for me?"

"Of coursse."

Content with just that, Sasuke curls up on himself and closes his eyes. He feels the snake slither over and around him protectively and sighs.

"Ssleep."

#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#

It's another month before Sasuke learns about the Kyuubi. He can't say he's shocked, or even surprised. If anything, the feeling that comes over him is disappointment. He's disappointed in himself for thinking of Naruto for one. For indulging in memories of him. All the anger, the compassion and understanding, every bit of the competitive edge to their relationship, it comes back in a rush and Sasuke feels it keenly.

And second, he's disappointed in Naruto.

Cheating.

Because the Kyuubi isn't Naruto. And Sasuke doesn't want to fight the Fox. He wants to fight Naruto. To find out Naruto's worth. To challenge his strength. Not the demon's.

Sasuke feels cheated. He feels cheated out of his sense of worth. Because now, he knows Naruto's strength isn't all his. And he knows Naruto would have failed if not for the Kyuubi. Sasuke would have been Naruto's first true failure with Haku. He would also have been his last at Valley's End.

That moment still gives Sasuke pause. He had felt the killing instinct back then with Naruto. Sasuke had really wanted to kill him. To end his life. To make him nothing. Sasuke wanted to prove Naruto wrong. No, Naruto, you can't do the impossible, you can't redeem everyone, you can't be this strong and you cannot convince me. If I can't do it, then neither should you.

Is that betrayal? Sometimes it feels like it, and Sasuke doesn't like it. But sometimes it feels like love, because Naruto is and always was an unstoppable force. To be the only one able to freeze him so thoroughly... that sometimes feels less like a betrayal and more like a desperate attempt to feel important to someone.

And that is childish enough.

Sasuke is thirteen years old.

End Chapter 2

The Sound of Fear: Chapter 1

2006-07-23T02:46:52Z

And on it goes...

When Sasuke first gets to Sound, he's disappointed with the cuddling, the falseness of the display he's greeted with. Every person he meets lowers their gaze in mock deference and it only serves to deepen the frown on Sasuke's forehead.

He's been known as a self-important bastard in the past, the respect of others always instinctively granted to him. He's reputed to be sure of himself to the point of arrogance. Arrogance has nothing to do with this greeting. Sasuke is very conscious of the fact that he was brought here for his potential, not his present worth. He knows he'd lose against most of these fuckers. He swears under his breath that it won't stay that way for long. But for now, the false respect makes his tired walk straighter, his black eyes mirroring red with the urge to unveil his Sharingan. He's going to have work to do around here. But at least, judging from the almost tangible hostility beneath the bowing, Sasuke knows he won't be cuddled.

He's not surprised to find some of the eyes on him are looking with more than need to hurt or fear. It's that something more in most of the eyes that makes Sasuke's chin lift up a little more, his smirk a little wider, his walk more gracious despite the bone-deep weariness. Envy. Envy and lust. Konoha and Sound aren't really quite so different.

Sound is built underground, the buildings made of rock and echo. Sasuke thinks he understands why this is the sound village after all. The acoustics of this huge grotto are unique. He notices that he can almost hear people's feelings here. Hushed voices that aren't really there, but always speak the truth.

As he walks deeper in the city, his keen disappointment shifts into anticipation. This is a test. Sasuke rubs his forehead where the weight of the headband is missing and smirks. He likes this, the hostile false respect, the people, the dirt and the need in everyone. If he gets to the center of the town unchallenged, he'll be severely disappointed.

It seems that just to prove him right, a derisive snort interrupts Sasuke's musing and he turns to face the source.

"So that's Orochimaru's future." The man who speaks the words is the only other person on the street and it strikes Sasuke as odd for the second it takes to he realises that the man in front of him planned it so. If others obeyed him, he probably isn't to take lightly. Therefore, instead of answering, Sasuke sizes him up, intelligent eyes scanning up and down the other man.

The hair is brown and cropped short, the features handsome but not striking. He's a big man, taller than Kakashi by a head at least. His eyes are striking green and sharp, but overall there's nothing to give away why this man should have the influence to empty a street on a whim. It's precisely that which makes Sasuke pause, cocking his head and wondering what he can't see.

Sasuke doesn't blink, just keeps watching him silently, the tension growing steadily. Sasuke doesn't blink and looks closely for weaknesses. Sasuke doesn't blink, because if he does, the man will kill him.
When the man takes his first steps towards him, Sasuke doesn't back away. He's fairly sure this is going to decide his standing in Sound village, so despite knowing how much strength this man radiates, he stays where he is and glares.

They're inches from each other before the man stops. Their eyes are locked and though Sasuke has to tilt his head up, craning his neck almost uncomfortably, he knows he hasn't lost an inch of ground. Sasuke knows how to look at others from above, even if he's bellow. He's going to force this man to his level.

"What's your name, boy?"

One corner of Sasuke's mouth curls up and he raises a brow. Not backing down, he supplies the answer, voice calm and sure, "Uchiha Sasuke." He lets the man nod at that, lets him think he deserved that response from Sasuke before he adds, smooth and clean, "Try to remember it this time around." That's subtle enough to go over the head of a brainless muscle-fighter and enough of a light insult to be dismissed by someone wanting to be the 'bigger man'. The man in front of him though, isn't either of those types.

There's an almost comical freeze to the man's nod and Sasuke's smirk grows a hint. Oh yeah. He loves this place already.

"Fucking brat."

Before he knows it, Sasuke is pushed against the nearest wall, breath knocked out of him by the strength of the body slamming into him. Shit. Fast.

He shifts his head to avoid a blow and takes a sharp breath when he sees that the punch intended for his face went through the wall he's pinned to. Strong too.

And he can't win on either of those fronts right now, so Sasuke fights dirty. He lashes out and kicks the man's groin, sending him into gasping agony. Freeing his arms, Sasuke grabs the man's hair, keeping a good hold on it as he pulls the head up to meet agony-fury filled eyes. He only has a second to establish dominance in a clear victory. Only a short second before the man reacts. Sasuke can't kill this man in a second in his present position, he knows that.

Fortunately, there's no hesitation. Sasuke brings the man's head forward and kisses him, deep, hard and domineering. He bites the lips trying to fight back and pushes the man off him with almost no effort involved.

"And I am not to be trifled with, dog."

The man flinches and lowers his head, almost unconsciously showing submission.

There's nothing stopping the man from attacking him and winning now. And Sasuke's almost shaking with the implications of what he's just done. Provoking mass murderers is never a smart move, especially with sex. But none of it shows, none of the fear, anger, anticipation. Outwardly, there's only Sasuke and his emotionless eyes staring at a dog.

The man is struggling with his breath and Sasuke can't tell if it's from pain. That bothers him more than he likes. Swallowing silently, Sasuke walks away from the man, who is still unmoving. He knows better
than to turn his back to him though.

He wonders as he reintegrates the more populated streets how he knew a kiss would earn him victory back there. Sasuke's not quite sure what affected the man so much that he was willing to submit so easily, but he simply takes a note to think on it later. The man submitted once, and for now it's enough.

Sasuke wonders how Naruto would react to him using that tactic. Before the urge to smile at the thought hits him, Sasuke blocks out that memory. Thinking of Naruto is forbidden. And so he won't. He won't smile for him.

The memory of the man's reaction at being called a dog has Sasuke pausing in his walk. He remembers a second later that he has other people to impress if he's meant to live here for a while and he straightens up, resumes walking.

His thoughts turn to the master of this place next. Orochimaru. The snake Sannin. The man who promises to make him strong enough to beat Itachi. There's power there, of course.

Sasuke allows himself a moment to mourn over Konoha and everything he left back there. He came to get away from Konoha more than to come here. Every moment more in Konoha, with him and Kakashi and Sakura made him want to stay, forget about the Clan, forget about Itachi. And that would destroy all that Sasuke is. Not until his task is accomplished will he be allowed to forget. That is his punishment for surviving.

Orochimaru is strong, but looking around himself to all the people here... all the lost souls, Sasuke realises that it's not a matter of strength. He's fairly sure that certain combinations of strengths in this village could kill the Sannin. The point though, is that they won't.

Exploiting weaknesses is what Orochimary does best. Emotional, physical, hell, spiritual weaknesses. Everyone has them. Sasuke ponders that even as he steps onto the grounds of where he knows he'll find the snake. Orochimaru has those weaknesses. Itachi doesn't.

For a second, that thought almost makes him turn back, he's got a dobe to beat, a mentor to crack and a pink menace to ignore. Then he remembers he's still alive. That's Itachi's weakness. And Orochimaru will teach him how to use it.

When he sees the snake on his throne, looking every bit of the sovereign of darkness that he is, Sasuke finally lets his Sharingan simmer in his gaze. He observes every hint of movement, struck by the silence around the man. The voices people were giving off in the streets, the feelings of hate, need and despair are all muted here. This is a man who isn't there. The thought makes no sense yet, but Sasuke knows it's true. This is a man who lost himself portraying what others want to see. Sasuke finds that even more disgusting than the greed that suddenly takes over the yellow eyes.
It's the first time Sasuke notices just how badly Orochimaru wants the Sharingan. That greed is Sasuke's leverage. It's the snake's defeat, handed to him on a silver plate.

End Chapter1

Fic: The Sound of Fear

2006-07-23T02:37:32Z

Okay, first post, first fic. I've posted this on FF.net but it doesn't seem to be targetting the right audience. It's heading into the Very_Mature_Territory, and that's not even permitted on FF.net. (On a good point, I was there when they allowed NC-17... when they called it that... am I that old?). The first chapters are fairly tame however.

This fic is an introduction to another. It's my take on the events that potentially took place while Sasuke was in Sound. (Will probably be AU to most of those who've read the mangas) That unfortunately means there'll be no Naruto for most of this story, (except for the prologue, which is Naruto's POV, and maybe bits and pieces of flashbacks in Sasuke's head... a very messed up place... *shifty eyes*). It is however, essentially and deeply SasuNaru. This part of the fic is Sasuke-centric. If you don't like him, don't bother reading. Really.

Warnings for this fic include the following: Hetsex (graphic sex between a boy and a girl, thankfully not Sakura), SasuOro (hints of it), KabuSasu (again, in light doses), SasuOC (which is omg, so screwed up), graphic violence, abuse, cruelty, might be hints of rape (still thinking that through), and lastly, Tayuya resurection (fear my power for I bring back the dead!)

Any errors you may notice are mine and mine alone (either stupidity or ignorance), I have no one helping with this but would love if some kind soul would offer themselves for slaught... erm... if someone would help along. Yeah. That's it.

Lastly, Naruto isn't mine and unfortunately enough, neither is Sasuke. They belong to their amazing author. The only thing that's mine is the male OC (whose name is so not important).

The Sound of Fear

I'll never give up on you, you know? You betrayed me, Konoha and everyone in it. You did horrible things. Stuff people only see in nightmares... I've seen some of those battle grounds myself, the whimpering, felled warriors. Not dead, some not even wounded, but somehow fundamentally destroyed. It's worse. You don't kill half as much as I expected you to at first. You'd rather scare them, leaving a permanent scar in their minds that you can use in the future, when they think they've recovered from you.

You blinded Neji. I just don't know how you did it. There's no trace of injury near his eyes yet he can't see a thing. That was glaringly obvious the first time he walked into a knee-high table. Everyone's tried to help him along but there's only so much you can do for a blind Hyuuga.

I've seen Hinata train with him countless times, so careful around him that he couldn't control his words, his pride and his pain. He said some pretty bad things to her, but she was still there the next day. I've seen Sakura try to heal him so many times she drove herself to exhaustion, her hands burned with chakra, trying to undo your evils.

I've been researching every single record of jutsus known to cause blindness, revising all I know about that Mangekyou and the Sharingan itself with Kakashi. I don't know how you did it, and whether it's fixable. There's nothing I can do to help him. And it's your fault.

He's sworn to kill you, but we all know he won't. He never will.

A few days ago, Shikamaru told me that you'd come to him at night. That you'd been visiting him almost every week for months now. He didn't give me a reason as to why he withheld the information for so long. He just told me, no hint of regret about anything. I guess that's Shikamaru for you, really. He's smart enough to choose the paths without regret.

At least that's what he tells himself. I went numb when he told me he was seeing you. I should've yelled and screamed and punched, that's Naruto after all, isn't it? But I just stared at him. Unable to get past it.

Shikamaru is safe for you. It's so much you to go to him. He's the only one who can't gather the energy to feel for you, be that hate or love. Maybe... Maybe it was you trying to hurt me too.

Shika didn't say why he chose that moment to tell me about your visits either. I think if he waited so long to tell me, it means that somehow, in some way, he cares enough to want to protect you. I don't know how you managed to get even that much feeling from him.

He defends you, once in a while. Not always and certainly not when Neji's there but sometimes... he makes you think he's not quite as objective as he should be. He's smarter than to fall for you though. He's always been much smarter than me anyway.

There's the other people to consider as well. Sakura hasn't given up on you and isn't about to. In her case though, I'm still not sure what it is. She doesn't know you, how can she love you? But she sure as hell likes to think she does. She's so in love with the idea of you that it's sickening. To find so much... infatuation in an adult, sexy and smart woman is entirely too irritating. She's prepared to be all you need and the more trials you put her through the better. It makes her feel strong, stronger than everyone to be able to withstand anything for your sake. She can always say, I've suffered for love, I deserve it. I wonder how much of it is self-inflicted, really.

But she'll always think you need her. That you just don't acknowledge that yet. She'll always think that she's your path out of the darkness and into light.

Maybe I'm just as bad as she is after all.

The rest of the populace seem to just generally fear you. You've never done anything to harm Konoha, directly or indirectly. I'm a little curious about that, actually. Are you still tied to this village, emotionally? Is it a conscious choice to not fight those who know you? I suppose it matters little. The only significant consequence is that I'm not bound by duty to hunt you down.

The villagers though, they hear the rumors, the whispers. They're scared to death of you, the last Uchiha, the Sharingan unveiled, the nightmare in your eyes. But even when they lower their voices to say your name, there's respect, that admission that you're better than they are. Some awed tone to their fear. Sometimes that respect borders on pride. You're still the golden boy of Konoha, the genius child, impossibly strong, born and bred in their own little town.

Everyone knows The Uchiha is from Konoha.