GLUED TOGETHER

by Hitman81

Naruto and Sasuke get glued together and have to be with each other 24/7. But what hapens when they fall for each other and a mark apears on Naruto's neck and age old secet is revealed none of them see coming that could seperate them for eternity?

1. Chapter 1

"I CANNOT IN A MILLION BILLIONS YEARS LIVE WITH NARUTO. NO NOT HAPPENING" Sasuke raised his voice furiously at Kakashi.

"Well that glue like chakra that is connecting you guys at the hand says different." Kakashi said amused.

"Are you sure there is absolutely no way to get this gunk off?" Sasuke hissed.

"Yes" Sakura said who was standing beside him trying her best not to laugh at his situation. On a mission one of the bad guys they had been fighting had had charka like glue and during the fight Naruto and Sasuke had been glued together by both of their left hands. Sasuke wished he could kill the guy again for getting him into this mess.

"Hey, I don't want to be stuck with you either asshole." Naruto said equally angry.

"Oh chill it will only be for a week before it eventually falls off." Kakashi said soothingly.

"A WEEK!" Sasuke yelled and Naruto groaned but stoped half way through and blushed slightly. Sasuke caught Naruto's expression and he recognised it his worst nightmare.

"Not again!" Sasuke groaned.

"Hey man if I got to go, I got to go"

"You just went five minutes ago, do you have a bladder problem?"

"Shut up!" Naruto shot.

"And this is where I leave" Sakura left Naruto's kitchen.

"Ditto" Kakashi said following her. The door shut and Sasuke turned to Naruto.

"We are going to be stuck together for a week whether we like it or not so let's try and make this as painless as possible you moron." Sasuke gritted between his teeth.

"Then it's decided, I need to pee." Naruto said having a one track mind.

"Wha-"

Naruto walked of in the direction of his bathroom yanking Sasuke unceremoniously with him.

"Hey!" snapped Sasuke as they got to his bathroom and Naruto went inside. Sasuke stayed outside his arm out stretched behind him, his hand attached to Naruto behind the door, giving him privacy to pee. A few minutes later Naruto, totally forgetting Sasuke's hand was attached to his and Naruto thrust his hand out to grab the string that would flush the toilet. Instead Sasuke came tumbling into the door swing it inwards. Sasuke tripped on the bathroom mat and landed on top of Naruto chest to chest.

"You idiot, why did you do that for!" Sasuke said, moving against Naruto trying to coordinate them into getting up without tripping over in the small bathroom. Naruto's face was slightly flushed.

"I forgot." He admitted, his breath sucked in as Sasuke put his knee in-between Naruto's open legs trying to get up. He failed again and again because of the awkward angle of their hands that were glued together.

"How can you-" Sasuke stopped talking and narrowed his eyes at Naruto. Something soft was brushing against the sensitive skin of his stomach; Sasuke's shirt had rolled up slightly in the fall. Sasuke could swear it was growing, he frowned for a moment and then his eyes widened when he realised what it was. Naruto had forgotten to zip up his pants. A shiver went up his spine and feelings he didn't want to be aware of coursed through his body like lightening, pooling in his belly. Then common sense kicked in and Sasuke quickly pushed off Naruto.

"Zip up your pants for heaven's sakes." Hissed Sasuke trying his hardest to not look at Naruto as he did so. Naruto was oddly quiet his face was flushed and he was breathing a little heavily. Sasuke stubbornly refused to notice the signs of arousal in Naruto.

Naruto had nearly groaned out loud when Sasuke had wiggled trying to get up, he had brushed up against Naruto's groin and Sasuke's rough pants had rubbed as he had lifted himself and failed trying to get Naruto's body to cooperate with his movements. He had moved up and down...Naruto shivered. He had accepted a long time ago that he was attracted to Sasuke. It was strange, he wasn't attracted to any other guy other than Sasuke, and Naruto also liked women so he wouldn't exactly call himself gay. Sasuke seemed to just be a special case for Naruto.

Naruto had also wanted to know how Sasuke felt, but never knew how to go about it. This situation he found himself in was perfect to find out. He would be with Sasuke for an entire week maybe more. He wouldn't ask him outright but when they had fallen over in the bathroom sparks had flown. So he would test Sasuke in other ways to see if it was all one sided or not. Naruto wanted to make sure before he made a fool of himself. Naruto didn't know why he felt this way towards Sasuke but he was certain in his abilities to find out if Sasuke felt the same way.

Sasuke didn't like the look in Naruto's eyes. However he was distracted by the distant rumbling in his belly.

"What do you have to eat?" Asked Sasuke

"Ramen." Naruto answered instantly.

"And?" Prompted Sasuke.

"Ramen."

"Do you have anything else?" Sasuke asked in exasperation.

"No" He said flatly.

"Or course." Sasuke said to himself as if he was admitting a dumb moment.

"Then we need to go shopping" Sasuke said grabbing his wallet on the bench.

"Why?"

"Because you can't just eat reman." Sasuke said impatiently going to the door.

"Why not?" Asked Naruto perplexed.

"Because it's unhealthy." Sasuke said as if Naruto was a simpleton.

"Well I'm not unhealthy and I have eaten ramen for breakfast lunch and dinner for all of my life so it can't be that bad."

"Too much of anything is bad for you." Sasuke said with a tone of finality.

"Says who?" Naruto said as Sasuke pulled Naruto out of the apartment and down onto the street below.

"Says me." Sasuke said wanting the conversation to end. He didn't like that he actually felt really worried about Naruto's health. If all he did was eat Ramen and nothing fresh Naruto could have nutrition problems he didn't even know about.

Naruto rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath,

"Oh yeah sorry, I forgot-your god."

Sasuke snorted and they lapsed into a confortable silence as they walked to the super market. Naruto stepped a little closer and their shoulders rubbed against one another. The simple touch made Sasuke's arm tingle in awareness. Sasuke stepped to the side a bit not wanting to break the contact, but not wanting to assess his reaction either.

Naruto and Sasuke entered the shop and Sasuke grabbed a basket. Sasuke went looking for supples for a week for both him and Naruto. At least while they were living together Sasuke would make sure Naruto was fed right. Reasoning that he didn't want to be stuck with carrying around a dead body which was what Naruto would be prematurely if he didn't eat right. That was also the excuse Sasuke gave himself for taking out his phone while they were waiting at the check-out and texting his families' doctor to make an appointment for him to come around and make a house call for Naruto. He texted back saying that he would be there tomorrow. Good. People were giving them strange looks but Sasuke either ignored them or glared at them daring them to ask why they had blue stuff on their conjoined hands. No one did.

"Sasuke if you keep glaring like that you're going to make permanent lines on your face." Naruto teased and Sasuke had to keep in a bark of laughter. He never could resist Naruto's wacky sense of humour, no matter how hard he tried. No matter how fierce the glare, no matter how rude he was to Naruto he would just smile at him as if he held some big secret. As if he knew what Sasuke was trying to do. He had always been baffled how Naruto could seem like a wise old man one moment then the next he was a three year old kid. He had come up with one answer; Naruto was just…Naruto. Unique in his own way and stubborn as a bull always.

Even when Sasuke ran away from the village to join Orochimaru so that he could gain the power to beat his brother, Naruto had gone after him relentlessly. It had been a couple of years ago now but he still remembered the fight they had had. He remembered the battle and what Sasuke had thought had been his victory but ended up being his greatest shame. Looking down on Naruto's broken and battered body a whole straight through his chest, inside he had wept at the sight and had thought numbly; Naruto was dead. How could he have done this? How could he have betrayed the one person that would go to the ends of the earth to save him from himself? He claimed to want justice for his family, to prove himself honourable to his clan. But what would his clan think of this if they were alive? Betraying a friend that only wanted to help. His mother would have been so angry with him. They had talked throughout the battle but nothing that Naruto had said sunk in until that moment. He had been so ashamed of himself he had fallen to his knees and had laid his head band against Naruto's and agonizingly whispered,

"I'm sorry…Naruto."

Sasuke had jumped as he felt Naruto's bloodied hand on his cheek. He never jumped. He couldn't possibly be alive with so many injuries. When he pulled back to look at Naruto his eyes were slightly open and a faint smile danced on his lips,

"I know Sasuke, you stubborn bastard." He had whispered in a half chuckle. Orange chakra had suddenly coated Naruto's body. Healing his injuries. When the orange chakra reseeded Naruto had still been unconscious and Sasuke had taken Naruto into his arms and walked back to the village. Kakashi had met him along the way and without saying anything he had gone to Sasuke's side and started walking with him. Kakashi didn't bother offering to carry Naruto. They didn't say a word the entire trip. When they got back to the village Sasuke had been unable to leave Naruto's bedside. Naruto had opened his eyes a few days later and Sasuke hadn't ever seen a more relieving sight. After the incident they had formed an unbreakable and unspoken bond. They had stayed together over the years for all their bantering, fighting and complaining. They had never been separated for more than a day or two since that incident, Sasuke never realised how much time they spent together until this moment. He had become so used to Naruto. The glue made them physically closer but they were getting used to it so fast because they had always been able to know what the other was thinking even if they hadn't verbally admitted it and that was a deadly weapon in battle, one that always made them come out on top. It gave them an edge no one could match.

Sasuke still craved the power to take down his brother and he would take down his Itachi no matter what. But when he did he wanted to know that he did it for the honour of his fallen clan. He wanted to kill his brother with his moral code intact otherwise he was just like Itachi. A stone cold killer that would hurt anyone and do anything to get what he wanted. That thought scared Sasuke to his very soul. Without Naruto he would have become that he knew that with everything in him.

Sasuke payed for the food and with bags in hand they started to walk back. Reaching the apartment Naruto opened the door and found Lady Tsunade waiting at the kitchen table. A smile on her face looking at their hands.

"So it's true, huh? " She said in an amused voice.

"Yes." They said together.

"Well no matter, the Kazekage of the Sand for some reason wishes to see you Naruto."

"Gaara?" Naruto said in surprise.

"Yeah, it seemed urgent however he didn't confide in me the details, he seems to need you there. This new alliance that we have made works on trust and the relationship between nations. Naruto I think it is important that you go despite your…situation."

"I was looking forward to seeing Gaara again anyway." Said Naruto with a small smile. He wondered how Gaara was going.

"Gaara? The Shukaku's jinchuriki? The blood red haired kid at the Chunin exams?" Sasuke said suspiciously. He didn't exactly not like Gaara he just didn't trust him for some reason. The way he looked at Naruto annoyed him too. Although Sasuke had no idea why. Or at least that's what he told himself.

"Yeah that's him." Tsunade said glancing at Sasuke,

"You will leave tomorrow evening then. Because of your situation it would be difficult for you to move fast so three of the Junín and I are going to create a transportation portal to get you there."

"Cool." Naruto said enthusiastically. He really liked Gaara; they had been good long distance friends for a while now. They had kept in contact via letters and phone calls and they had been talking about meeting face to face for a while now.

Tsunade left them closing the door quietly behind her going to start preparations for the Jutsu.

"We had better pack." Sasuke said after a moment. Naruto nodded in agreement.

"I need to go to my house then." Sasuke said.

"I'll pack my stuff and make dinner while you're gone." Naruto said. Sasuke looked at him drolly.

"What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?" Naruto flashed him a confused expression. Sasuke huffed in aggravation and held up their conjoined hands.

"Oh…Right. I forgot. Guess I'm coming with you then."

Sasuke nodded his head mockingly slow.

"Yes Naruto that would be the logical way to do this. The only way to do this"

"Oh shut up Sasuke." Naruto snapped. Just because he was attracted to the guy to the point of distraction didn't mean he couldn't be annoying some of the time. Naruto just felt so off balance in Sasuke presents. His groin tightened every time they even brushed up against one another. Being so close to Sasuke was killing his brain cells.

They put the shopping down and left again to go to Sasuke's house which was located in the Uchiha's clan's now empty section of town. Because Sasuke was living there they hadn't taken it down in respect.

Walking down the sidewalk Naruto became aware of just how attuned they were to each other's movements. They had had the glue stuck on them for about a day and a half, they both felt awkward but they moved together as a unit. They were walking down a path with numerous trees' and boulders lining it. Wildlife scattered here and there, you could hear them more than see them. The birds chirped happily and one brown bird came and rested on Sasuke's shoulder.

"Looks like you have a new friend-Sasuke look out!" Naruto yelled. The bird had a paper bomb attached to its back. They jumped to the outwards in reflex but because of the glue they got a metre and slammed back into each other again. It was too late. Sasuke cursed foully and rolled covering Naruto with his own body as the bomb exploded sending them flying. Sasuke took the brunt of the explosion and when Naruto inspected Sasuke's would quickly he found only flesh wounds but they were serious. Naruto could heal them but it would take time. A while back he had found that he could cover someone with his red chakra and heal them but it took a lot of energy and concentration and right now they could be in immediate danger. Sasuke cursed and tried to stand up.

"You're going to hurt yourself!" Naruto protested.

"You can't fight without me at least standing up" Sasuke said and he spoke the truth. Their hands were connected and they both couldn't do Jutsu's they only had Taijutsu to work with and for that Naruto needed Sasuke on his feet.

"Dammit!" Cursed Naruto. Sasuke was going to be in a lot of physical pain from his wounds.

"Fine, but be careful." Naruto said as if he was making a decision but really Sasuke as already on his feet and moving. Naruto shook his head exasperatedly and followed him. They hid behind a tree while Sasuke blinked and activated his Sharingun.

"Kick left!" Shouted Sasuke suddenly and Naruto acted without thinking kicking out with his right leg hitting their attacker in the stomach. He fell back into a nearby tree with the force and smashed his head knocking himself unconscious. Another attacker came from above and Naruto used Sasuke's already open hands as a platform to push up into an upwards kick. Sasuke pushed him up giving him extra force and their assailant smashed into Naruto shoe and went sailing into the concrete. Two more jumped out and this time with weapons they attacked them. They were all wearing black, their faces covered with black masks. Sasuke accurately shot six throwing stars at them, one went down the other dodged. The one left had a sword and he attacked Sasuke with it but Naruto ducked down and shot his fist up in an powerful uppercut, it connected hard. The masked man looked dazed and Sasuke pulled his leg back and kicked him in the throat. He was still trying to get at them, so with perfect synchronicity Naruto and Sasuke threw their opposite legs up and hit him in the head on either side, he fell to the ground like a rock sinking in water.

Naruto and Sasuke were both hyper aware, ready for anything. A haunting laugh echoed around them and made Naruto's skin crawl. He glanced around trying to find the source of the laughter but instead he found at least thirty knifes being thrown at their back and another dozen coming from their left and right. Sasuke was looking the other way and Naruto kicked out knocking him down. He couldn't afford any more injuries. The knives slashed into Naruto but he barley felt the pain. He was aware of Sasuke gasping then only darkness.

Sasuke saw Naruto fall in slow motion at least a seventy knives sticking out of him from every part of his body. Sasuke's mind screamed, NO! He caught Naruto around the wait and hoisted him up on his shoulder despite his own injuries.

"Dammit Naruto, you little idiot!"

Pain racket him but he stubbornly ignored it. A nearby shack he knew was up ahead, he kept emergency supplies there. He hurried as fast as he could, knowing that if he didn't treat Naruto soon he was going to die. He didn't know if their enemy was gone and right now all he cared about was saving Naruto. If he took all the knives out Naruto could heal himself in a matter of minutes. But if he didn't do it soon he was going to die of blood loss. Running down the lane he spotted the shack. He forced himself to run faster and faster. Reaching the shack he pulled open the door and led Naruto down in the corner on a mat. He felt Naruto's pulse. It was dangerously weak. There was so much blood the memory of his parents dying before his eyes and his clan member lying in the streets covered in the same sickening colour arouse in his mind. Sasuke felt sick, he had never had this problem before. Pushing the painful memories away he focused fully on Naruto. He gently but efficiently and quickly pulled the knives out one by one. He didn't want to do more damage but if he didn't take care he could do more harm than good. As soon as the first one was pulled out the orange chakra bubbled up from his skin and started to heal. When Sasuke was done pulling them out he started to feel the pain of his own injuries and Naruto was fully covered in orange chakra. Naruto's eyes fluttered open and to see Sasuke in pain checking how bad his wounds were. Naruto grabbed his hand and pushing his orange chakra into Sasuke's body. He hissed but soon relaxed knowing the feel of the chakra; he had been healed by it many times. About an hour later and both their injuries were fully healed.

"Well they haven t attacked us so I think they're gone." Naruto said.

"We will report it to Lady Tsunade as soon as we get back. Let's just get what I need from my house." Sasuke said and Naruto nodded.

They reached Uchiha property and Sasuke opened the gate. Walking through the deserted streets Naruto's heart lurched at the expression in Sasuke's face as he looked around at the empty houses that had once held his family.

Pain and yearning for them to return and anger for them being taken away in the first place filled Sasuke with its insistent throb. It took his breath away every time. He hated living here but it served as a reminder for Sasuke of why he needed to avenge his fallen clan. Itachi. The name was a curse on his tongue.

He never wanted to loose someone else he loved; Sasuke didn't think he could handle it. He was already filled with so much sadness. He had always distanced himself to stop that from happening. Pushed his emotions away and he had been numb for a long time. Not really living just going through the motions. Until Naruto. He had pushed Naruto away as hard as he could but somehow he had managed to crawl under Sasuke's skin. Here in this place of grief and lose, he could admit that Naruto meant something to hm. He was a friend, his only real friend. Sasuke knew with absolute certainty that no matter what Naruto would risk his life to save his. He had just proven it and he had proven it over and over again in the past.

Walking through the streets that had once been filled with laughter and joy, family and love, Sasuke realised that this was the first time anyone had walked these streets with him. What did Naruto see? Sasuke was too pain filled with memories of his past to look too closely. He used to force himself to walk down these streets every day, for the first few months every time he had cried as he walked. Silent tears of horror and grief. Until he had become too desensitised to cry anymore. His pain had been too much; it had gone past the stage where he felt like crying. He had felt empty, a little boy alone in the world. God, he had felt so alone…

Sasuke suddenly found himself in a warm embrace. Naruto and Sasuke's hands were up lying on their chests that were touching as Naruto put his arm around Sasuke. His head was in Naruto's shoulder. Naruto's hand cradling Sasuke's head gently. Sasuke pulled back and was about to snap something out but when their eyes connected he knew he was bullshitting himself. Naruto had known he had always known that his words and actions was his mask. A mask that kept everybody at a distance a mask that hid his pain from the world, a mask that buried his own feelings, afraid that if the mask slipped everything would fall apart. His mask had hidden everything from everyone, except Naruto. He saw straight through.

His bright blue eyes were filled with pure compassion and getting himself lost in Naruto's gaze, he felt his mask slip and fall away. Pain and grief racked Sasuke and he cried out not even bothering to suppress his cry it was too intense to stop. Everything had been building up inside of him over the years and finally he let it out in Naruto's arms. He truly felt for the first time in years, his emotions pale in comparison to the ones now rocketing through his body like lightning.

Anguish at betrayal of his big brother, heartache at knowing he could never forgive him for murdering their entire clan. Their mother and father, uncles and aunts cousins and friends. Self-hatred tormented him because he still loved his brother, even after all he had done. Sorrow at being left alone drove him to the brink of sanity and his love for Naruto drove him back. He had known deep inside of himself that he loved Naruto; he just hadn't wanted to admit it. Because it would mean accepting the fact that he had something to loose. He would die for Naruto and live for him too. The little idiot had been the one to save him from his aloneness even though Naruto had been one of the loneliest people in the world. In a way they had saved each other from that horrific fate.

For the first time in years Sasuke cried out loud, his anguished sobs muffled in Naruto's jacket.

Naruto knew that Sasuke had finally snapped. The strict control he had always held dear fell away to reveal someone in deep pain. His self-assured air fell away and his shoulders slumped a little. Naruto didn't know what to do other than hold him. So that's what he did. His own tears at seeing his friend in so much pain trickled down his cheeks.

"Sasuke." He said roughly. He hated seeing him like this but was also relieved; he was finally letting all that emotion out that Naruto had seen in Sasuke's eyes every time he had looked into them. The eyes were the pathway into the soul some said. As he held Sasuke in his arms for the first time he knew that he loved him, no matter what Sasuke's feelings were he would always love him. He loved him as a brother, friend, comrade and if Sasuke wanted, a lover too. Naruto would not force the issue if Sasuke really wasn't into it, but that didn't mean he wasn't going to try and persuade him. He loved him either way.

Sasuke's sobs quieted and he fell against Naruto exhausted knowing that Naruto would catch him. As he had known he felt Naruto's arm around his waist. He was sick of wasting his life hiding from his true self. Sasuke had never been a coward and although he wasn't like his brother Sasuke wasn't afraid of taking what he wanted.

Sasuke didn't know what he was going to do until he did it. He grabbed Naruto's neck and pulled him down, their lips met and Sasuke's body lit on fire. Naruto gasped as Sasuke deepened the kiss, their tongues danced and everything fell away. There was only Naruto and Sasuke nothing else existed. Possessiveness Sasuke hadn't known he had swelled up inside him.

Somehow Sasuke was on his feet again and he took a firmed grip in Naruto's hair careful not to hurt him but strong enough for Naruto to know who was in control. Sasuke tipped Naruto's head further back and plundered his mouth.

Sasuke tasted like dark chocolate with a hint of cinnamon, unique and utterly addictive. Naruto was a little shorter than Sasuke and Sasuke used his height to get a different angle in the kiss. They backed up and Naruto's back hit a wall of a house. His body felt like someone was shooting lightning bolts of desire at his groin. Naruto groaned as Sasuke pressed his pelvis up against his.

Sasuke shivered at the contact. Their lips broke contact and they both gasped for breath. Their eyes were focused on each other. Sasuke's eyes no longer held so many dark shadows, they were clear with emotion. Sasuke feathered kisses along his jaw.

"You don't seem surprised?" Sasuke said huskily.

"I have known-" Naruto gasped as Sasuke licked his ear.

"Known that I was attracted to you." Naruto finished closing his eyes and leaned in to the kisses. Sasuke looked up, did Naruto mean just sexually attracted? Naruto saw the question in Sasuke's gaze.

"When I mean attracted to you I mean to just my body but my heart-" Naruto punctuated his words with his own kiss. Sasuke groaned.

"With my mind maybe even my soul too." Naruto's words were soft and he wasn't looking at Sasuke in the eyes not wanting to see the rejection in them. He wouldn't have been able to stand it. Sasuke was still unsure of himself but there was one thing he knew for certain. He tipped Naruto's head up his two fingers,

"I love you too Naruto."

Hope flared in Naruto's eyes. No one had ever told him that. Then he saw something move behind Sasuke. It was a big black figure and it stepped out of a dark ally, the sunshine lit up his features and Naruto's eyes widened.

"Itachi." Whispered Naruto. Sasuke froze at the mention of his brother's name. Naruto's eyes were looking behind Sasuke's back and Sasuke swivelled on the spot one hand behind him in front of Naruto in a protective gesture. Sasuke stared into the cold eyes that haunted his nightmares. Sasuke remembered a time when those eyes had been lit with warmth and laughter.

Itachi Uchiha was slim but obviously physically strong, he was wearing the Akatsuki robes that fell almost to the floor and sleeves that came up past his wrist partially concealing his hands and a black vest underneath.

"Hello Sasuke." Itachi said in a deadly calm voice that never failed to make Sasuke on edge. Feelings were coursing through his body and his mind could barely keep up. He felt hatred at his brother but also deep brotherly love that hadn't faded over the years, confusion at why he would massacre their clan and most of all betrayal, Itachi hadn't even killed him. He had sentenced him to a fate worse than death, to live with the images of his kin being slaughtered, of being alone in the world with no one left to care. But Naruto had saved him. Saved him from his sentence, he had been their when he needed him weather it was someone to fight or someone to go to the movies with; Naruto had always been there. He had made him feel that he wasn't alone anymore; even now he stood at his side knowing that if Itachi choose to fight them, with them being unable to perform Justus; because their hands were stuck together, they would lose for sure. If they ran they wouldn't be able to get the momentum they needed to even have a chance of escaping the glue was too heavy and bulky. They had no means to send for help either, they were stuck and Itachi knew it. Sasuke cursed foully.

"Now Sasuke is that anyway to greet your brother?" Itachi said in the same quiet voice. His face was blank and looked like it was made from marble. Sasuke swallowed and said nothing, right now they were in a very venerable position, and he could kill them easily. Sasuke thought wildly trying to come up with a plan. As Itachi turned his head to Naruto a faint smile fluttered on Itachi's mouth cruelly.

"Naruto." Itachi voice was like silk flowing over his skin. Sasuke narrowed his eyes at Itachi's tone. What was he up to? Suddenly Itachi was gone. Where did he go? Thought Sasuke frantically, Naruto gasped and Sasuke turned around quickly. Itachi was somehow behind Naruto's back, one finger stoked down his cheek and Naruto stood still as a statue like he unable to move.

"Why him, Sasuke?" Itachi asked softly. Then Itachi glanced down at Naruto then the finger stopped moving and his eyes were glued on Naruto's neck. Sasuke frowned what was he looking at? He couldn't see at this angle.

"How…unpredictable." Murmured Itachi. Itachi was gone again and back in the same place that he started from.

"I was assigned to procure the nine tails but now I see that I will have to wait." He said as he sunk back into the shadows.

"Mine." Growled Sasuke surprising himself. The mocking laughter that they had heard earlier filled the air and then Itachi was gone leaving a chill in the air. Sasuke suddenly realised that Itachi was probably the one who had ordered the earlier attack to weaken them. As much as Sasuke hated to admit it was a perfect plan. So why didn't he just take Naruto? Why leave? Maybe because of the glue? No, he would have saw it and would have just left and waited for the chance to take them by surprise. Now they were on high alert making it harder for him. So why?

Sasuke stepped closer to Naruto and pulled back his collar to look at the place Itachi had been staring at and saw nothing. Nothing made sense!

Naruto felt as though he had been staring into the eyes of death and he had been staring right back. Chills went up Naruto's spine at the memory of that one cold finger that had traced his cheek. He had been frozen with terror that had zinged though his body. He had heard whispering and pain filled moaning all around him and it had flowed over him like thousands fluttering butterfly wings. As soon as Itachi had removed his hand the whispering had receded instantly. But the memory still haunted him. Suddenly it was as if someone had turned up the volume. He was abruptly aware of Sasuke shaking him and calling his name.

"Naruto! Answer me, god dammit!" Sasuke nearly shouted. Naruto blinked and shook his head.

"What happened?" Naruto weakly trying to clear his head.

"Itachi's gone." Sasuke said taking a relieved breath. He had been non responsive for the last ten minutes just staring off into the distance his eyes dull. Sasuke grabbed Naruto and pulled him into a fierce kiss. After a heated moment Sasuke pulled back slightly

"Don't scare me like that again." Sasuke murmured against his lips, their breath mingling.

"Sorry, I don't know what happened." Naruto said sincerely. Sasuke pulled further back.

"Let's just grab my stuff and get out of here." Sasuke said and Naruto nodded.

Sasuke was quick grabbing a few things and they were gone in a few minutes. Walking back to the apartment they were quiet. As Naruto walked he thought about how much had changed in such a short time. As he walked through the village everything looked the same and yet everything seemed…happier. Everything had changed and yet…not. Like a dark veil had been taken off his eyes letting him see clearly for the first time. Everything had irrevocably changed between him and Sasuke. He would never think of Sasuke in the same way and he him. The fear of rejection was gone; like a heavy weight on his shoulders that had been removed; he knew that Sasuke felt the same way he did. They had both been through much separately and together they had gone through even more with one difference, they had had each other. Maybe not romantically but as true friends.

They stepped into the apartment and together they started preparing dinner. Well Naruto just stood there following Sasuke around the kitchen as he made dinner seeing as Naruto had only ever cooked ramen and the only complicated thing about making that was pouring the water onto the packeted noodles. Sasuke was making a stir fry and Naruto bulked as he saw all the vegetables on the chopping board

"I don't eat trees." Naruto pointed out looking at the broccoli,

"Or green slime." He pointed to the cooked spinach,

"Or miniature green marbles." Pointing out the peas,

"Or…well I'm not really sure what that it is- but I'm sure I don't eat it." He said pointing at the carrots.

"Well guess what?" Sasuke said dumping all the veggies into the pan.

"What?" Naruto said hesitantly Sasuke had a stubborn glint in his eyes.

"You're going to eat it. Do you know why?"

"Because you said so?" Naruto said dryly. Sasuke flashed him a smile as he stirred the pot.

"You're learning."

Naruto groaned aloud and Sasuke laughed as he poured the soya sauce in with the veggies. It sizzled then calmed down. He also put an arrange of spices in it and after a few minutes more he got a spoon and dipped it into the sauce he had made.

"Try it." Sasuke said holding the spoon out to Naruto who with extreme hesitancy bend his head and opened his mouth. Sasuke tipped the spoon up but pulled it out too soon and a bit of sauce dripped on Naruto's chin. Naruto was too distracted to notice.

"Oh my god that is good…I mean it's not as good as ramen but nothing is as good as ramen…but very close." Naruto said swallowing. Sasuke laughed and bend his head and swiped his tongue over Naruto's chin where the sauce had dripped. Naruto jumped a little at the sudden contact.

"Hhmm…I did do a good job." Sasuke said but as he was about to pull back Naruto leaned forward a little and captured his lips again. Sasuke laughed against his lips and lifted his free hand to the side of Naruto's shirt and pulled him closer then moved his arm up to cradle Naruto's head in the crook of elbow and deepened the kiss. Naruto's arm went around Sasuke's waist and he groaned, his legs losing all substance and he fell on Sasuke who was not ready for the sudden weight. They fell to the ground but Sasuke barely noticed; he was too busy plundering Naruto mouth who accepted his tongue smoothly as if they had done this a million times. Naruto's arm stroked up and down his back making Sasuke shiver a little.

Sasuke felt like he was soaring across mountain tops, as he let go of everything and just focused on Naruto. Naruto must have felt the same way because they both failed to notice Sakura entering the room.

She stood there her mouth open looking at the scene in front of her, eyes wide and mouth slightly open she was holding a letter in her hand that she had been asked to deliver from lady Tsunade. She stood there in complete shock then what she was seeing sunk in and she squeaked and ran out of the room. A few minutes later she had stopped hyperventilating. Naruto and Sasuke are…Wow, thought Sakura. Another few minutes went by and three motivation speech's later she managed to pick up the courage to go inside again knowing that the letter in her hand was extremely important and urgent.

When she walked back in Sasuke shirt was off Naruto's shirt open and Sasuke was skimming kisses down Naruto's flat belly. Sasuke glanced up saw Sakura standing there, then as if deeming her unworthy of stopping he looked down again and continued his journey down Naruto's navel with his tongue. Totally ignoring Sakura, Naruto grabbed Sasuke's head and was breathing hard, a noticeable bulge in his shorts. Sakura blushed deeply. Sakura had no idea what to do.

"Lady Tsunade wishes to see you immediately. It's urgent." She blurted and turned on her heal and walked out the door as fast as she could. She had had no idea about Naruto and Sasuke liking each other…that way. Hell she didn't even know that they liked each other period.

Pushing that out of her mind she walked into lady Tsunade's office she looked up from her desk that was scatted with papers.

"Are Sasuke and Naruto coming?" Tsunade asked. Probably just about now, thought Sakura and giggled to herself.

"Yes my lady." Sakura said. Tsunade narrowed her eyes.

"Are you blushing?"

"No my lady." Sakura said quickly.

…

Naruto's body was an inferno of heat. He felt hyper sensitive and could feel flames of desire lick at his skin as Sasuke lapped his nipple.

"That was a bit mean…what we did to Sakura..." Panted Naruto.

"I didn't see you stopping." Sasuke said tracing his tongue back up to Naruto's neck and suckling the lobe of his ear. Naruto gasped,

"She said it was urgent."

"Sakura says a lot of things." Sasuke said dismissively his breath tickling Naruto's ear.

"You know better than to ignore this." Naruto said

"So do you." Sasuke rebutted. His breathing had also become heavy as he had become addicted to Naruto's taste. He didn't care if the world ended at this moment. The incessant throbbing in his shorts had become unbearable and he rubbed it against Naruto. Desire hit him hard and pooled in his belly like molten lava and he pressed harder making Naruto groan and bite his lip.

"Why do I have to be the responsible one?" Grumbled Naruto. Sasuke laughed,

"All you have to do is tell me to stop." He said grinning.

"Sto-Jesus Christ!" Naruto half groaned half whimpered as Sasuke bit down on the place where his neck and shoulders joined.

"How are you so good at this?" Naruto said weakly.

"My families' library is very extensive it covers every topic imaginable and in my free time…I like to read." Sasuke teased huskily, whispering the words in Naruto's ear. Naruto shivered and swallowed hard.

Naruto's and Sasuke's hand that was stuck together was to the side lying limply. Sasuke's other free hand grabbed Naruto's wrist and held it above his head while he ravished Naruto's mouth. Naruto pulled back to trail small kisses along Sasuke's jaw then down to his throat, he felt Sasuke's swallow under his tongue.

Naruto felt like electricity was flowing in his veins, as Sasuke let go of his wrist to slide his hand down Naruto's arm, down his chest, abdomen then teased the seam of his pants.

Sasuke pulled back,

"But I guess your right I better stop."

"No!" Growled Naruto. Sasuke laughed making his body vibrate against Naruto creating an erotic friction. Naruto couldn't help it he moaned again. Naruto's body burned hotter with need.

"Just do it already!" Gasped Naruto as Sasuke dipped his hand in Naruto pants whispered his hand over Naruto's cock then reseeded again. Sasuke chuckled darkly and suddenly rolled off Naruto to stand grinning down at him.

"I think we should go see what Tsunade wants." Sasuke said and when Naruto was about to protest he raised an eyebrow,

"That is what you wanted isn't it?"

Naruto cursed and got to his feet, wincing as he readjusted himself in his pants.

"Fine, let's go." Naruto grumbled. He smirked as he saw Sasuke also adjusted himself in his pants. They fixed their clothing to rights helping each other with buttons since they only had one hand available. Walking out of the apartment and down onto the street. Sasuke couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. He looked around and cold saw nothing but people going around their own business no one was particularly interested in them except for the odd glance at their glued together hands. Nothing suspicious was going on but Sasuke could shake the feeling.

When they got to Tsunade's office they knocked on the door. A call came from within to enter. They walked in and confronted Tsunade's frowning face.

"Took you long enough to come." Tsunade scolded. Naruto struggled not to laugh at the double meaning.

"I apologise, I was in the middle of a delicious feast." Sasuke said calmly, Naruto chocked.

"Are you okay Naruto?" Asked Tsunade with a frown.

"Fine." Naruto gritted out discreetly stepping on Sasuke's foot. Sasuke stiffened and being equally discrete he turned around and patted Naruto on the back with one hand and rubbed their conjoined hands on Naruto's crutch just the right the way that made Naruto crazy with desire. Naruto sucked in a breath and narrowed his eyes at Sasuke who just smiled slightly. Sasuke was satisfied that he had made his point.

"Naruto? Sasuke?" Tsunade interrupted.

They turned around and Tsunade's face had turned very serious. They immediately adapted their behaviour getting serious themselves.

"The reason why I have called you here is that I have just got news from the Hidden Sand village. It Gaara, he's-"

"Here." Finished a voice from behind them. Naruto let out a surprised gasped and Sasuke turned around to stare into moss green eyes.

"Gaara!" Exclaimed Naruto happily,

"I thought we were coming to you?"

Naruto walked over to Gaara pulling Sasuke with him. Gaara glanced at their hands frowned but chose not to comment. Gaara was wearing his green and white Kazekage robes and his blood red hair was tousled as if he had run his hands through it numerous times. Gaara looked tired and he sighed in frustration,

"The situation has changed. Come let me explain." His deep throaty voice was tinged with worry. Sasuke narrowed his eyes at Gaara. Something wasn't right; his gut was nagging at him trying to tell him something.

They all went and sat down on a couch a few meters away. Once they were all settled Gaara spoke.

"Let be start at the beginning. A few days ago Kankuro went missing. Yesterday I discovered that he had been kidnapped. A few hours ago I found out it was by the Akatsuki."

Naruto let in a sharp breath.

"The Akatsuki? What would they want with Kankuro?"

"And why come to us?" Sasuke asked narrowing his eyes at Gaara. Something was defiantly up.

"The person who pacifically kidnapped Kankuro was your brother, Itachi Uchiha."

Naruto's eyebrows shot up but Sasuke remained stone faced. He wasn't that surprised, Itachi was capable of much worst.

"So why ask for Naruto? He's my brother not Naruto's." Sasuke interrogated.

"Sasuke remember who you're talking to." Lady Tsunade warned. Sasuke gritted his teeth. The way Gaara was constantly glancing at Naruto was pissing him off. Gaara obviously wanted Naruto Sasuke was surprised at the intensity of his emotions. Sasuke glared straight into Gaara's green eyes. They spoke with their eyes clearly,

Sasuke's eyes screaming, mine!

While Gaara's eyes were challenging and that infuriating him. Sasuke had never known that he was so possessive. New aspects of his personality were rising in him. Strong, fierce and dark. He felt distinctly threatened by Gaara for some reason and Sasuke trusted his instincts.

Gaara reached his hand out to touch Naruto.

"Touch him and die asshole." Sasuke hadn't realised he had spoken aloud until Tsunade snapped sharply,

"Sasuke!"

"Sasuke? What is it?" Naruto asked stunned that Sasuke had called Gaara an asshole. Gaara had barely looked at Sasuke.

"Apologise to the Kazekage at once." Tsunade demanded. Sasuke ignored them all.

"Your heard me asshole. Naruto is mine. Mine alone. If you have a problem with that, don't let the door hit your ass on the way out. No one, no one will take him away from me." Sasuke growled the words. An animalistic sound that made everyone in the room tense.

Sasuke was on his feet. He was almost vibrating with the sudden urge to attack Gaara. What the hell was happening to him? Something feral, untamed and instinctual inside Sasuke demanded that he and Naruto were in danger. That Gaara was a threat. He wanted Naruto. Sasuke could feel it like a creeping hand up his spine.

"Sasuke! Calm down, everything's fine!" Naruto didn't have time to process that Sasuke had just stated that he basically owned him to a room of people. Sasuke was growling and when Gaara started forward to stop Naruto from coming any closer to Sasuke. Sasuke lunged at Gaara but it was too late. Gaara had grabbed onto Naruto wrist. Naruto suddenly screamed as if someone had just stuck a hot poker in his gut. His agonised screams penetrated Sasuke's fury fogged mind. Gaara looked worried.

"What's wrong Naruto?" He urged. His hands fluttered over Naruto's body and Naruto screamed harder in pure agony. Naruto felt as if he was being burnt everywhere Gaara touched, the pain increased to excruciating levels. He couldn't move from the intense pain. Naruto didn't know what was happening all he knew was pain. Then he felt himself being tugged hard, he fell limply to the side and was caught by a pair of arms. It was like falling into a cool pool of tranquillity,

Sweat was pouring off Naruto and he was gasping. His unfocused gaze locked on Sasuke's dark eyes and it was like a soothing balm on the burns that were covered Naruto's body. However looking down at his wrist Naruto shockingly saw no burns, not even redness. Naruto was so confused, how could this be? Sasuke had become very still.

"What is it?" Naruto asked weakly. All of a sudden Sasuke activated his sharingun and roughly pulled down Naruto's collar to stare at Naruto neck.

"I thought…I thought it was just a myth." Sasuke said in a breathy voice filled with disbelief. Sasuke stared wide eyed at Naruto. Then like a cobra he burst into movement without any warning. With Naruto still in his arms he ran from the room. Tsunade shout was heard even from down the hall but Sasuke ignored her.

He ran and ran, as fast and as hard as he could. What had he done? He didn't stop running until he had gotten to his family's library on the other side of town. Sasuke's breath was coming in gasps and but he refused to put Naruto down despite how sore his arms were, Naruto was no small child.

Sasuke walked up the steps to the library and opened one of the double swinging doors. Naruto was silent for once trusting Sasuke to show him what was getting him so work up. The library was huge the room was painted a rustic brown; shelves full of books were everywhere. The Uchiha symbol hung proudly at the entrance of the library.

Sasuke walked to the corner back of the library, and he set down Naruto gently on his feet. Naruto swayed slightly his body still in shock from the previous pain. Sasuke frowned and pulled him closer so that if he fell Sasuke could catch him easier. Naruto smiled sheepishly thanking him with his eyes. Sasuke nodded slightly then lifted one finger and trailed it down the crease where the two walls met.

Writing began appear on the wall like ink dripping onto a tissue melting into symbols Naruto didn't recognise. As soon as Sasuke lifted his finger the walls shuddered then slowly pealed back to reveal a small dark blue painted room with nothing in it. Naruto gasped at the unexpected movement of the walls but frowned at the empty room. Sasuke moved forward into the room and Naruto was tugged along with him. They stood in the room for a moment in silence before the room started to move. The movement was so smooth the only sign that they were in fact moving was that the parting in the wall that showed the library, started to disappear. At first Naruto thought it was the parting in the wall closing. It was extremely dark then a doorway appeared in front of them and Sasuke strode confidently through leaving Naruto still confused. What was going on!

They walked through the threshold into twisting dark tunnels. Naruto's ears popped and he winced. Naruto had no idea how Sasuke navigated where they were but he seemed to be going somewhere in particular. Or at least Naruto hoped so, he was getting really tired but his curiosity was killing him.

They finally stopped at a door that ominously swung open as they approached it, like it had been waiting for them to arrive. Sasuke pace didn't slow. They stepped past the door and Naruto winced at the sudden light invading his eyes. His eyes widened as he took in the large furnished room. The room was a dark purple with the Uchiha symbol pained on the wall above a lit fire place that held dancing black flames surprisingly giving off light. Six chairs were placed around the fire place and a small coffee table was in front of the chairs, books lined the opposite wall. On the other wall was also a shelf, it was filled with small glass bottles, the colour of the liquid inside ranged from pure black to see through.

"What is this place?" Asked Naruto his voice laced with exhaustion and confusion and not a little curiosity.

"This is a private chamber that my family would use to discuss information they didn't want over heard. These walls have a special Jutsu imbedded in them to stop anyone outside the room listening in. Only people with Sharingun's can even get through to the elevator." Sasuke explained as he went over to the bookshelf and skimmed his hands over the titles of the books obviously looking for one in particular.

"It is also a safe room of sorts. My family kept our most guarded secrets down here." Sasuke said distracted. Naruto was happy that Sasuke confided one of his family's secrets in him; it made him feel truly trusted by Sasuke.

The books had no titles so Naruto had no idea how Sasuke recognised the book he wanted but a few seconds later he stopped at a green covered book and slid it from the shelf. It was at least two inches thick and looked heavy but Sasuke carried it to one of the chairs next to the fire with graceful ease. They sat down next to each other not really having much choice because of the glue but Naruto would have sat next to Sasuke anyway.

Naruto slumped in his chair looking curiously at Sasuke as he opened the book and started to flip through page after page.

"Sasuke, what's going on?" Naruto asked quietly. Sasuke stopped in the middle of turning a page.

"I had my suspicions when Itachi stared at your neck in such surprise. Itachi is hardly ever surprised, if ever." He said his voice hard.

"Suspicions of what?" Naruto asked still very confused,

"Why are we here Sasuke?"

"Because what I am about to tell you…It's a secret my family has carried for a very long. I am going to share this secret with you." Sasuke said simply. His voice not holding any hesitancy. Naruto envied how assured Sasuke was in his every decision.

"What secret?" Asked Naruto sitting up straighter.

"I think I may have marked you." Sasuke confessed looking Naruto straight in the eyes. Sasuke's eyes were surprisingly bursting with emotion; surprise, delight, pride but most of all love. Naruto licked his suddenly dry lips; Sasuke's eyes were so expressive it took his breath away every time he gazed into them.

"Marked me?" Naruto asked complete baffled with the conversation. His voice was a little breathy. Sasuke nodded.

"With the sharingun comes the ability to bind someone to you. My father told me about it when I was a little boy. It's really complicated but my father explained it like this; if I were to feel so strongly about another person and there life was threatened my sharingun would activate without my knowing and bind that persons soul to mine. The sharingun only does this if it knows that I would not survive the loss of that person, it does so to protect its host. By binding their soul to mine they cannot die without me dying first. I think that is what happened to us."

Naruto breath hitched in his throat as he remembered when he had been pierced with all those knifes. He had felt himself being pulled back from the brink of death by a soft but demanding touch. Sasuke. He had known it at the time but had dismissed from his mind until know.

"Why did you say that you marked me?" Naruto said frowning.

"When my soul bound itself to you a mark of the binding would appear on your neck only visible to people with strong sharingun's."

Naruto nodded finally beginning to understand even though it was a lot to take it. There was one thing he was still confused about though.

"Why did Gaara's touch burn me?" Asked Naruto.

"Newly bound couples can't handle the touch of another without excruciating pain." Sasuke said his lip curly at the mention of Gaara touching Naruto in anyway .At least Sasuke knew now why he acted so irrationally against Gaara. The first couple of days the more dominant person in the couple was renowned for being extremely over protective. Sasuke looked at Naruto and only one though went through his head. Mine.

A realisation hit Naruto.

"You're jealous of Gaara!" Naruto said incredulously and he laughed out loud. Until he found himself being roughly pulled out of his seat and into Sasuke lap. Naruto yelped and opened his mouth to snap something at Sasuke but his mouth shut with a pop as he stared into Sasuke's dark swirling eyes that burned with hunger. Naruto gulped and knew he was in trouble. Sasuke eyes glittered dangerously as said,

"You didn't let me finish." He reprimanded as he lifted hand to slowly trail down Naruto's chest. Naruto didn't dare move.

"As I was saying. While the bond is settling you will be unable to stand another's touch… and I also will be unable to let you be touched by another-man or woman."

Sasuke whispered the words softly in Naruto ear. Naruto shivered as Sasuke hand moved further down to teased the hard muscle covered in soft and sensitive skin that was Naruto stomach.

"And after? What about then?" Naruto said in retaliation to Sasuke teasing. Sasuke's hand moved ever further down to lightly caress the bulge in Naruto's pants.

"Let me make myself crystal clear to you Naruto," He said dangerously quiet,

Sasuke wanted- needed to make Naruto understand. Needed him to know that he was his and his alone. That only he could for fill him, no one else. Needed Naruto to accept him. Sasuke was no longer thinking logically, he was riding on instinct alone. That was dangerous and he knew it because he might do something he might later regret. But right now all he could think about was Naruto in his arms his rich scent filling his lungs. Sasuke felt the bond now and it pushed him hard to take Naruto. But he didn't want to hurt Naruto and he knew even with his mind hazed over with lust that he could never hurt Naruto. He would wait. For now. But until then…

Naruto breath was coming in pants as Sasuke started to massage his cock through his pants. The rough material rubbed in a sensuous rhythm that was driving Naruto crazy. His insides boiled, his cock thrusting against its confinement, the length of his shaft growing, aching to be free. It made him ache for something… more.

"I. Do. Not. Share. What. Is. Mine. Ever."

Sasuke punctuation his words as he unbuttons and unzipped Naruto pants. Naruto cock was released from its restricting binds to stand proudly against Naruto stomach, long and thick, almost fully aroused. Sasuke captured Naruto's lips in a hard possessive kiss as he began stroking Naruto's cock with a firm grip. Naruto moaned against Sasuke's lips. Sasuke's body pressed against Naruto's side until he could feel the hard thrust of his erection against his hip.

Sasuke never let up for a moment growling in the back of his throat, his fist pumped Naruto's cock mercilessly with increasing intensity. Sasuke broke off the kiss to suckle Naruto's nipple that was peeking out from the v of his t-shirt, ravishing the little nub.

Naruto couldn't belief the amount of pleasure coursing through his body. It was like someone was electrocuting him with bolts of pure pleasure. His frazzled nervous system was going haywire. His body was on fire desire licking at his body like flames. The fact that he loved Sasuke made it all the sweeter. However it was over all too quickly as the pleasure was all too much for Naruto. Naruto's eyes rolled back in his head as he came, arching up in Sasuke's hand with a shout.

Naruto's body was still humming when he heard a deep chuckle. It wasn't Sasuke's. Naruto's eyes flew open to stare opened mouth at the last person he expected to see leaning lazily against the door jam.

"Gaara?" Naruto gasped surprised as ever still out of breath. Sasuke jumped up knocking Naruto off his lap. Sasuke pushed him protectively behind his body. Naruto was still dazed but managed to do up his pants again with shaking fingers.

Gaara shook his head slightly,

"You know, when Itachi told me that you two were stuck together I laughed because I thought it was going to be torture for the both of you, a very amusing scene indeed. I even came to the hidden leaf to watch. But when Itachi told me that you had bonded, to tell you the truth I didn't believe him. I had to find out myself. And surly enough here you are, bonded couple and all, it couldn't be more…perfect." Gaara chuckled darkly.

"Gaara?" Naruto said shakily, he was confused again for what felt like the millionth time today.

"You spoke to Itachi, Gaara?" Sasuke said narrowing his eyes. He had a creeping suspicion that raised the hairs on the back of his neck. Only an Uchiha had the ability to access these tunnels.

"Oh I spoke to Itachi alright,"

He chuckled again to himself then grinned predatorily,

"But I'm not Gaara."

Naruto's intake of breath was loud in the deadly silent room. He was on his feet frowning at the supposed fake Gaara. Sasuke had already guessed as much but he was surprised he had admitted it.

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked. The fake Gaara flickered his gaze to Naruto then back to Sasuke who spoke,

"Who are you?" Growled Sasuke.

His grin widened then chakra built up swirling over his body until it covered him fully for a moment then reseeded. When it reseeded it revealed a tall man with a swirling orange mask on his face with black robes draped over his body.

"Madara." Hissed Sasuke leaning slightly into a fighting stance, swiping a knife from his belt.

"How?" Naruto asked stunned.

"Genjutsu." Sasuke said in-between clenched teeth. If he had looked at Gaara with his sharingun he would have seen past the Genjutsu instantly. But he hadn't, Sasuke couldn't believe he had been fooled.

Madara's face was hidden behind his mask but Sasuke knew that he was amused and that just pissed him off. He had known that there was something wrong with Gaara and he berated himself for not listening to his instincs. Sasuke backed up slightly to give himself more room to attack.

At the sight of Madara, Naruto had also gotten out a knife and resumed a similar position as Sasuke. Naruto wondered where the real Gaara was. He was very worried about his friend.

"So what now? Have you come to fight us?" Sasuke asked calmly his mind focused on getting Naruto and himself out of this sticky situation.

"Oh no my dear Sasuke I don't intend to fight. I just want to…borrow you." Madara said, Chakra built again and Sasuke back up, he knew he was trapped, but he would try and make a run for it with Naruto. He didn't finish one step before a vortex sucked them both up. It was like a gut ranching feeling that made Naruto feel nauseous. His arm felt like it was being ripped from its socket all of sudden, Naruto wanted to scream but nothing came out. Wind whipped around Naruto, he didn't know which way was up or which way was down. He felt like he was floating, like the wind was holding him up in mid-air. Abruptly Naruto's back hit something hard winding him and making him groan with pain.

"Naruto?" A worried voice called to him as if from very far away. Naruto cracked his eyes opened. Sasuke was hovering over him, a small frown on his face. A few seconds later his voice intruded in Naruto's dazed mind.

"Are you okay?" Sasuke asked.

"Yeah…I'm good." Naruto groaned. He sat up slowly, he looked around and realised with shock that they were in a jail cell. Silver bars lined the wall across from them; behind the bars was only impenetrable darkness. The cell was as large as a normal room; it was empty besides for a single bed, blanket and bucket. There were two torches on either side of the walls giving off little light but enough to see.

"Where are we?" Asked Naruto. He began to sit up groaning at the ache that had started in his back.

"Limbo." A voice answered from the darkness. Sasuke jumped up and automatically reached for a knife with his left hand. It was only then that he realised that the glue had come off. He stared at Naruto who was gazing at own left hand as if it were a foreign object that he never seen before.

Sasuke looked back to where the voice had originated and found Itachi leaning against the bars. Sasuke curled him lip even as his stomach flipped. He hadn't been this close to his brother for many years without fighting him.

"What are you doing here?" Asked Sasuke. Itachi's face was illuminated by the faint light. Sasuke saw his brother's mouth twitch, Itachi's version of a smile.

"I'm your jailer." He said simply.

"Why are we here?" Asked Naruto standing up. His expression wasn't scared as he looked at Itachi more curious and wary.

Itachi shrugged but said nothing.

"Answer the question!" Sasuke demanded but Itachi just looked at him emptily as if he hadn't heard him.

"Don't waste your breath. He won't tell." Croaked a weak voice from behind them. Sasuke and Naruto turned around quickly.

It was only then that they noticed the small crumpled body in the far back corner of the cell. Red hair was illuminated for a moment in the dancing torch light.

"Gaara." Whispered Naruto stunned. He ran over to him. Gaara lifted his head slightly; his face was hollow and paler than usual.

"Naruto. He got you too? And I didn't think things could get any worse" He whispered faintly.

Sasuke felt so strange looking at Gaara. This Gaara had a totally different feel to him. Sasuke didn't sense danger or evil coming from him, just deep sadness and pain. The only anger Sasuke had detected was when he had said 'He got you too'. Gaara cared deeply for Naruto and that made him a friend to Sasuke. Gaara reached out to touch Naruto. Then again friendship only went so far, thought Sasuke.

Naruto didn't move as Gaara clutched at his jacket suddenly staring straight into Naruto's eyes. Gaara's eyes were haunting depths that spoke of untold horror and pain. Gaara leaned in closer to him glancing at Itachi then spoke in a low voice.

"Everything is not what it seems and yet everything is the same. Three torches, four doors but none of them are right. Turn around Naruto! When the darkness reseeds run into the light for only then will you discover the answer you are searching for!"

A panicked hysteria seemed to take over Gaara and he was shaking Naruto with every word. Sasuke pulled Naruto out of Gaara's reach and Gaara fell forward collapsing in an unconscious heap.

"What-" Naruto didn't seemed to be able to finish his words. He was staring wide eyed at his friend on the floor to shaken to move.

"Oh dearie me." Said a silky mocking voice. Naruto looked up to see Madara standing behind Itachi.

"What have you done to him!" Yelled Naruto still shivering from the crazed look Gaara had given him. Sasuke unable to take anymore came up behind Naruto and hugged him from the back gently. Naruto closed his eyes and leaned back into him for support breathing in Sasuke scent. Naruto stoped shaking as Sasuke's warmth invaded his body soothing his nerves, giving him silent comfort.

"Ahh isn't that sweet! Don't you think so Itachi?" Mocked Madara. Itachi Drew on his fine command of the English language, and said nothing. He just stared at Naruto and Sasuke with a blank expression. Madara chuckled.

"What do you want with us?" snapped Sasuke all of a sudden. Madara turned to Sasuke.

"I was waiting for you to ask that. Well you see I wasn't going to capture Naruto for some time still, but since you two bonded… I couldn't resist taking both of you."