Title: The Epidemic

Rating: T

Chapter Warning: Nothing too serious, a bit of blood

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto

Edit: This chapter has been re-written. The content is still pretty much the same, just presented in a different and better manner.

Chapter One: Some saw it as a curse, others a blessing

Uchiha Sasuke dismissively wiped at the strand of dark hair sticking to his forehead while wishing the humid summer air would hurry up and give way to fall. It was so hot these days and walking directly under the sun wasn't exactly helping. At least he didn't have much farther to go before he arrived at his destination.

Adjusting the strap of the black sports bag on his shoulder, he made his way down the busy sidewalk towards the mall on the west end of the city.

It was quite unusual for him to go to such a place. The only time he could ever recall was a few years back when his father had left on an unexpected business trip with the rest of the family. At the time, Sasuke wasn't old enough to go with them so he had to say behind with the house staff. Despite the reprieve of not having Fugaku there to plan what he would be doing that week, the youngest of the Uchiha family quickly hit the end of the list of things he wanted to do and was left at a loss. The next day passed painfully slow and so when one of the younger maids asked if he wanted to go to the shopping center with her, he reluctantly agreed because he was already bored out of his mind.

The trip, as expected, was dull but a small improvement from staying at home. Kurotsuchi had stopped at practically every clothing store and insisted on trying on at least a couple of things. Despite her at attempts to get Sasuke to do the same, he always remained near the back of the store doing his best to keep a low profile. It wasn't until the mall was closing that they returned to the Uchiha manor….

If his last experience wasn't all that great, then why was he going to that same shopping center? Well, it all started earlier that day.

His chauffeur had pulled up before the dojo where he practiced Kendo and Sasuke routinely waited for the man to open door before he slid off the leather seat and got out of the car. After freeing the man for the allotted time period he'd be at practice with a nod, Sasuke approached the front entrance. Reading the note taped to the door, he allowed his face to scowl for a moment. Apparently his Sensei had canceled all the lessons for the rest of the afternoon due to a family emergency.

Looking behind him, he noted that the car had already driven off and merged into the city traffic. Sasuke suddenly found himself stranded. He could call the man back but… for once his usual jam packed schedule seemed to have a two hour break. Deciding to take advantage of the situation, he made a mental list of all the things people his age usually did. There was the arcade, but Sasuke didn't have any interest in that. He could go to the library, but there wasn't one in walking distance. However the nearby mall should have books…

So now here he was, traveling through the oppressive heat and a construction zone to get to a shopping center of all places.

The Uchiha idly watched the orange clad workers as he went. If the looks he was getting was any indication, he probably wasn't allowed to be there but it would have taken about fifteen minutes that he didn't have to walk around it area as opposed to taking this short cut. But he knew they wouldn't say anything, it was impossible for them not to recognize a face from the Uchiha family.

Speaking of which, Sasuke paused walking in realization; he had left his wallet at home today so he wouldn't be able to buy anything even if he made it in time. Turning to look behind him, Sasuke estimated he was at the half way point between the dojo and one of the city's most popular places.

Without currency, this idea was just a waste of time; he should have planned better before taking off. He could just catch a ride back home and have his owe practice, but if he did, his father would find out about this little stunt and scold him for wasting time by not coming back immediately.

Taking out his Samsung Galaxy from his pocket he started at the blank screen, as if it would give him an answer to his dilemma. He probably should just go find some cool shade to rest in and make sure to be back in time at the dojo for the driver to pick him up.

Deciding to do just that, he checked the time and shoved the phone back in his pocket.

The sound of shattering glass made him and the surrounding crew look up. Not so far away, he watched as a large metal wheel descended from the skeletal building to the earth in what seemed like slow motion. Sasuke felt his body go numb as everything else faded into the background.

Whatever the object's function was, it was huge. A cable wheel maybe? Sasuke wasn't aware that they were made that big. In any case, now would be a good idea to get out of its trajectory path.

Move! His brain commanded his leg muscles.

Nothing happened. He knees remain locked up and he felt panic begin to claw at his chest. It was more than half way down now.

Afraid to take his eyes off the oncoming object, as if doing so would allow it to fall faster; he resisted the urge to glare at his feet. The mantra of 'get out of the way!' echoing in his head became more frantic.

When Maslow published with his 'fight or flight' theory, he must have missed a reaction because Sasuke couldn't get himself to move. It should have been 'fight, flight, or freeze'.

And how come his life wasn't flashing before his eyes yet, isn't that supposed to happen before you die? Also, was he going to be the first person ever to be crushed a cable wheel?

Man, that was so … incredibly lame. He was an Uchiha, he didn't do lame. So why wouldn't his limbs just cooperate?

A ground shaking loud crunch resounded close by finally snapping Sasuke into action as the device recoiled in his direction.

Knees unlocking, he moved with speed surprising even himself to a nearby bulldozer for cover. Out of the corner of his eye he caught a bright blur zoom past him towards the hazardous area as he slid in between the two back tires. Just in time too, the wheel smashed to a stop where he had been standing not a second before.

All was silent for a moment before reality roared back into life. Somewhere a car alarm was screeching, workers were shouting, and the distant sounds of traffic assaulted his ears. From what Sasuke could tell, peering through the clouded area, four people hadn't been able to get out of the way.

The Uchiha tried calming his beating heart while he emerged from his cover resisting the urge to cough as he inhaled the stirred up cloud of dirt. Just before closing his eyes and willing them to return to normal, he caught movement from his right.

Restoring his normal vision, he stood up and brushed himself off. At first, he thought all the casualties were construction workers but after taking a closer look at the groaning body nearest to him, he realized the other wasn't wearing a yellow construction hat and a uniform but was a blond with an orange jacket.

Sasuke stared at the recuperating stranger with morbid fascination as the teen pushed himself up on his feet and snapped his neck back into place with a crack!

Another Infected Sasuke's surprised brain supplied.

He was transfixed by the other, who couldn't have been any older than him, as the cuts on his face began to heal. His skin fused back together seamlessly, closing one gash from the top of his check straight down toward his mouth.

A bright blur…

Still trying to recover from shock, Sasuke couldn't help but ask the nearby blond: "Are you suicidal?"

"What? No you jerk! I jumped in to save your ass but as soon as I get there, you've disappeared leaving me to be crushed. I mean seriously, who does that?" The stranger shouted, having seemingly recovered.

"That should be my question idiot. Who rushes into the middle of the scene of an accident?"

"I was trying to save you!"

By now, people were gathering and those who weren't trying to aid the injured were watching the two bicker in a daze. Sasuke, taking this into account hissed a "Shut up."

"Shut up? Don't tell me to shut up you bas—"

"No, I meant think of where we are stupid."

The blond paused and looked around as a blush crept upon his face.

Sasuke, almost wanting to roll his eyes in frustration, grabbed the other by the arm and led him around the other side of the bulldozer, out the view of spectators. Before he could say anything more however, the blond pulled away and let out a quite: "Don't tell anyone okay?"

The Uchiha stared into the other's blue eyes. Don't tell anyone what...? Oh, the teen must be trying to keep his condition a secret. That was understandable enough. After the government placed a nation-wide registration, not reporting a case was now illegal. But no one wanted to hand themselves in because those who did had to enter into a facility.

Speaking of which, his pulse spiked. Recalling that unnatural speed, he was sure his eye awoke, but had anyone seen? Luckily, dirt had been kicked up around the accident area and smoke shrouded him in a cloak of brown fog. At least he made sure to deactivate them when he left the vehicle's shelter. That only left the issue of this stranger...

"Uh, are you going to say anything? Your stare is kinda freaking me out…" the fidgeting teen in front of him asked, drawing Sasuke's attention back to the present.

"I'm not going to say anything," he eventually replied, "but the blood on your jacket is going to give you away as someone who was involved and walked away."

"Well, I guess in that case-" the blond shrugged off a jacket and pausing to see his red stained shirt, took it off as well, revealing a flawless tan torso. Bunching the clothes under his right arm he continued. "-I had better get going …um?"

"Sasuke."

"Just Sasuke huh? Well, I'm Uzumaki Naruto and don't you forget it!"

"Hn" ignoring the enthusiastic teen, Sasuke brought out his phone, making sure it didn't get cracked in all the excitement and dialed his family driver.

"Okay then," Naruto said while the phone rang "I'll see you around Sasuke!" and with a wave he took off.

The chauffer picked up just as Naruto disappeared around the wooded fence.

After the brief conversation, Sasuke ended the call and peered around the other side of the bulldozer looking for his sports bag. Fortunately, it was by one of the rear tires.

It seemed the local authorities, the fire department and some ambulances had shown up by now. Using the chaos to his advantage, he snuck over, grabbed the duffle, and followed the path the blond took, leaving the site with a back entrance.

Ignoring the looks Sasuke got for his dirt covered clothes as he waited by the sidewalk, he was silently grateful when the chauffeur finally pulled up. Not paying attention to the worried man's jabbering, Sasuke climbed in the car and put on his seat belt waiting for the car to take off.

The driver got the hint and hurried off, but despite both of their rushing Sasuke was still-

"You're late" Fugaku called sitting in a lush chair in the entrance foyer when Sasuke stepped into the mansion immediately feeling the rush of cool air.

"I apologize father but on my way-"

"I don't want to hear any excuses boy; you've already wasted enough of my time. Just get over to the dining room so we can eat." The older Uchiha stood up, making his way in between the separate white marble stair cases and into the open double doors in the back.

Sasuke set down the sports bag on the equally white floor for the maids to pick up later and bring it to his room. He then followed Fugaku into the dining hall and took his place at the long table.

Sitting down, Sasuke hid a wince. In the rush of the earlier incident, he hadn't realized he'd been hurt. Most likely it was just some bruising from diving under the dozer.

Spotting a much needed glass of water near his decorated salad appetizer, he picked it up and he brought it to his lips, drinking down the ice cold liquid. Once he was finished, he set the empty glass back on the table.

His mother sitting diagonally from him gave a nervous smile before asking "You're filthy. What happened dear?"

"I was passing through a construction zone when a cable wheel nearly fell on top of me." He answered keeping his eyes on his plate, not wanting to see his father's glare.

A loud slam caught back his attention and echoed around the room until it faded back into silence which was broke by Fugaku. "Sasuke, why were you not at practice?"

'Of course, just ignore the fact that your youngest son almost died and focus solely on the part where he broke the rules.' Was what Sasuke wanted to reply but settled with: "Sensei canceled for a family emergency so I was going to-"

"I know for a fact that your Kendo trainer doesn't have much family left so he wouldn't cancel for such a reason. He even called earlier to ask about your whereabouts."

"But there was a note on the door-" Sasuke protested.

"Silence! I expect you to make up for the session you decided to skip. Also, you're old enough to know that you shouldn't tell such lies. Your English teacher may appreciate inaccurate reenactments of your life, but your Mother and I do not. If you continue to act so rebelliously, there will be severe consequences.

"Yes Sir" he forced out.

It was quiet for a while after that. There really was a note on the door, so why then, did his father get a call from his teacher proclaiming his absence? Maybe someone had tapped it there as a prank?

Finding no use in dwelling further on other's foolishness, the youngest Uchiha, now nearly finished with his main course, eyed the plate with interest. He never minded the silence during dinner, for he had no desire to fake interest in a conversation with his parents anyway. Anyone could see just how well the first one went. Besides, talking to them meant looking his at parents in the eye. It always made him wonder how they would show their disgust for him if they ever found out he was an infected as well. When Itachi, the favorite son, admitted he was one, they immediately kicked him out without warning. Sasuke didn't want to think about what they'd do to him.

He accidentally let his eyes stray, looking at an empty chair across from him.

Itachi didn't even look at him as he walked out their front door that day for the last time. Sasuke hadn't heard or seen him since, was Itachi even still alive? If so, what was he doing now, had he turned himself in?

Well, at least for now, Sasuke was safe. Itachi, his parents and the world would never find out what he was because he'd continue to keep it well hidden.

Quickly, he averted his gaze in another direction before Fugaku caught him staring at a forbidden topic and swallowed the rest of his food. He didn't need to get into that now.

He changed the direction of his thoughts. It really was pointless for the trio to be eating at such a large table, a thirteen ft. mahogany antique dining table with sixteen luxurious matching chairs to be exact. The exquisite food for the evening didn't even cover a third of said table and most of it wouldn't even be eaten. His parents went out of their way to display their wealth in any way they possibly could. Hence why four… now three people lived in a house that could fit twenty.

Growing bored, he was almost relived when Fugaku decided to address him.

"Son," the older man started off, setting down his utensils and looking at the dark-haired youth "your mother and I have been discussing this for several days now and we've come to the conclusion that it is time for you to get involved with a proper girlfriend so you can immediately become engaged and be ready to marry once you graduate."

Sasuke barley registered his mother joining the conversation while trying to get over his shock and keeping his expression blank. "We were going to wait until tomorrow to tell you, but this is so exciting that I requested that we mention it today."

He had to admit, he was more surprised than he should have been. Sasuke had known they wanted him to settle down in an arranged marriage (his parents still lived like it was the Middle Ages) but not this early! He had only just turned fifteen and wasn't going to graduate for another two years. This was absurd, even for them.

How much more abnormal was this day going to get?

Making sure his voice in check, he replied "Don't you think it's a little too early for me to be considering marriage?"

"Nonsense, tomorrow I expect to find you in my office at 8 A.M. sharp prepared to go over potential candidates."

"Yes, father." Knowing that further protest was useless, he could only agree as the occupants finished up dinner and went off to their respective bedrooms.

That night he had trouble falling asleep even though he had the best bed money could buy. It wasn't his back that was bothering him; the soreness had practically faded away by now. It was the earlier conversation that kept playing itself back through his head like a broken record. There wasn't much he could do about it and it's not like he had to get married tomorrow. He just had to pick someone. That really that wasn't such a bad thing, was it?

The dark silk sheets rustled as he rolled over onto his other side and closed his eyelids, finally feeling sleep start to creep upon him.

In fact, it should be a welcome distraction from his busy schedule which became even more so after his older brother was forced to leave. Now Sasuke was expected to wake up and get ready at six. Including a bath and getting dressed for breakfast which started at seven. Since he was out for summer break, he stayed home to study until lunch time. After which he went to his other two lessons for the day.

Currently he was enrolled in tennis, piano, violin, and kendo. He went the first two on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and the others on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a longer period of time.

Taking another bath before dinner so he looked presentable (he had to miss today's much needed one because he was late), he then sat most often in silence with his parents, often letting his mind wander during the meal. Every day, was just like the last and Sasuke was becoming very tired of his parents instructing him how to live his life.

Before, he was just the extra child. He was still required to follow a similar schedule but Fugaku had hardly ever spared him a glance. All he had ever wanted was to be recognized by his Father. Now that he was, he wished he could go back to the days when he was normal and still had a caring older brother…

A screeching alarm clock sounded somewhere to his right and startled Sasuke out of his already forgotten dream. When did he fall asleep?

He groggily reached over to his night stand and turned the annoying device off. He didn't feel rested at all. Sasuke sighed and brought both hands up to his face in an attempted to rub the sting out of his eyes recalling his thoughts the previous night. He hadn't even been awake for two minutes and already he wanted this miserable day to be over.

He moved his hands and shoved off his dark blue covers so he wouldn't get tangled up in them and trip. After sitting up and shifting his legs over the side of the bed, the Uchiha held back a wince as his bare feet made contact with the cold hard wood floor.

He stood up and moved his arms over his head in an attempt to stretch out the kinks that usually came from sleeping and briefly wondered what his parents would say if they saw him act in such a manner. After a few satisfying pops sounded, he put his arms back down and walked across the room to put on his robe. The hired help would be here soon to open his curtains and prepare his bath. Sure enough, a knock sounded at Sasuke's door.

"Master Sasuke, may I come in?"

"You may" he called as he slipped on a pair of black footwear.

The morning went by quickly after that. He had finished breakfast and followed Fugaku up the stairs and into the man's luxurious study. The pair proceeded to go through file after file of each female candidate examining the benefits and who had the most potential. It was a dull process but it was almost refreshing to get a break from his usual studies.

Apparently, his father had taken that Friday morning off so they spent until lunch going over the applications. It was quite different from the usual, and Sasuke was permitted three months to sort over the information, get to know the girls, and make a selection.

After lunch, the raven mentally prepared himself to go back to the regular routine. His piano session for the afternoon went by quickly and eventually he was on his way to the courts for tennis practice.

Watching the buildings pass by as they drove, his eye caught the dojo and Sasuke could help but think on how much a life could change in twenty-four hours.

A/N:

I know things may seem strange at the moment, but I was trying to come up with a believable excuse for the characters to have the same abilities (mostly) as those in the cannon. I apologize for the whole x-men cliché explanation.

If you didn't know: Kurotsuchi is the female ninja in Hidden Rock village, who attended the five Kage summit with the Tsuchikage, and not an OC. :) I can promise I will shy away from those.

So, please let me know if you have corrections, comments, suggestions, questions or just plain complaints. And because I think this site should implement a rating system, I'd be happy even if you left me a number of 1-10 to let me know if I should continue. It would be much appreciated. :)

Thanks goes to froffify and SinsofYouth, who beta'd this :)