A/N: I don't own Hostess White Powdered Donuts nor do I own Naruto.
"Orochimaru-sama will not be happy to hear about this," Kabuto murmured to himself, looking over the diagnosis charts once more. Whether he looked at them forwards, backwards, upside down or right side up they showed him the same damn results. A disease, with a probability of five percent, had affected one of the guardians of the gate. A disease that was neither contagious nor a genetic disorder, but just occurred. Looks like he was unlucky, Kabuto thought with mirth as he opened drawers and cabinets in search for medicine. He pulled out painkillers, opiates, teas, and syringes; just in case the patient needed them. He hummed to himself as he arranged the care package, hoping it would bring some relief to the patient. Of course the brat could make my life easier and just take care of the problem himself…perhaps Orochimaru-sama can do something about it, but then again he isn't feeling well either. Satisfied with the care package, he closed all the drawers and cabinets, locked the lab room, and walked out into the dimly lit corridor. His footsteps echoed through the long hallway before he made a left turn and entered the first door to his right. Inside was his patient, seated in the waiting room and rather impatient.
"Well?" He asked, his eyes following Kabuto, "what's my diagnosis?" He wanted to sound louder but couldn't, almost as if his throat were blocked up with cement.
"I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long…Ukon," Kabuto stated as he closed the door behind him. He set the medicine bag on his desk and turned to face the tween ninja.
"Of course not," Ukon scowled, trying to suppress his anger, "not at all."
"Thank you for your patience, Ukon. Because of that I was able to analyze your disease which is quite rare actually. But you mustn't worry its nothing that will kill you instantly."
"How the hell do you expect me not to worry when I don't know what's happening to me? I can't sleep, my hair's falling out, and I'm always tired." Ukon jumped out of his seat and clenched his fists, ready to explode in anger. The straw that broke the camel's back, Kabuto thought smugly.
"You're right," Kabuto rambled, "you should worry. That disease is terminal and will spread through your body like fire, eating all your strength until you die of exhaustion."
"W-when will that happen?" Ukon stuttered, the anger seeping out of him and extraneous emotions forcing their way into his mind.
"Late spring," Kabuto added, "or you might not even make it to spring. It all depends how fast the disease eats you away. Who knows? You might even become the first survivor."
"I don't fucking want to be the first survivor! I want a cure! I can't die at fourteen! What about my brother, sound five, and Orochimaru-sama? Oh god," He covered his mouth; afraid sobs would come out and join the salty tears gathering in the corner of his eyes. His emotions were too omnipotent for his fragile being that he vomited blood, right then and there, before passing out.
"I knew he would take care of the problem himself," Kabuto laughed, picking up Ukon's limp body off the ground. "Let's take you to your room. You're Sakon's problem now." The vomited blood quickly reacted with the oxygen around it and evaporated, leaving a faint stench behind.
Ukon tossed and turned in his sleep, an unusual thing for a heavy sleeper like himself. His subconscious had taken him to a hazy world of gray and beige, the only dark color being the scarlet on his lips. He felt a bottomless pit in his stomach, something was wrong in this world. He turned and uttered a silent scream, staring into the dark orbs of a skeleton version of himself. He couldn't move; his legs betrayed him as he fell forward, but he was determined to crawl away from the horrible abomination. His skeleton version only cocked his head as it slowly limped forward, trying to catch up.
"No get away," He warned, as he dragged his useless legs behind him. He looked in the corner of his kohl-lined eyes, it was no where to be seen. Suddenly Ukon looked up and saw it looking down, a strange expression on its face. It tried to speak but couldn't, it didn't have a tongue. Its bony ivory fingers caressed Ukon's face, tears streaming on both their faces….
"Ukon goddammit wake up!" Sakon yelled, shaking Ukon out of his nightmare. Ukon's eyes fluttered open, staring into the chocolate eyes of his other half. He blinked, trying to adjust his eyes from gray and beige to color.
"G'morning," He yawned, "what's up?"
"You," Sakon replied in a shrill voice, "you're 'what's up'. You were screaming at the top of your lungs and…" He stopped and hugged Ukon, burying his face into Ukon's shoulder. Ukon felt the color rise in his cheeks; he didn't know how to respond to Sakon's otouto syndrome. He stroked Sakon's bluish gray hair, suddenly wondering how he would break the news to his little brother.
"Geez Sakon," Ukon commented playfully, "why the tears? I only had a nightmare. It's not like I died or anything."
"Yeah I guess," He replied, wiping his muddy eyes; the eyeliner he wore had smudged. "It's nothing. Speaking of nothing, get up; we have to train. You've been slacking off for the past week and you aren't getting off the hook today. Come on." He grabbed Ukon's arms and attempted to sit him up, but Ukon refused to move. Sakon glowered at him, his guy-lined eyes boring it Ukon's tired ones.
What the fuck are you waiting for Ukon?
I don't feel like going Sakon. Besides, its 7:00 in the evening and I'm really tired.
More the reason to go, we can start our night training. Now get up, or I'll drag you to the training field myself. The silent eye contact argument continued until Ukon yawned again and sat up.
"How about we train next week? My chakra levels are pretty low right now." That and the fact that I want to freaking puke right now, Ukon added silently. He pouted, hoping that would soften up his little brother. It worked, but not for the reasons Ukon thought. Secretly Sakon was a little turned on by his brother's cute expression, especially when Ukon's lips were plump pink and he looked at Sakon that way.
"Fiiiiiiiiine," Sakon grumbled, his cheeks tinted slightly pink, "stay. But promise me you'll go see Kabuto. I think you've got some virus or something." He turned and left the room, failing to notice Ukon's lips twist into a melancholic smile. I should have told him myself, but I couldn't bring myself to hurting him. Now that I'm useless to Orochimaru-sama, what will happen to him? I hope… he rested his head on the wall, letting vertigo overcome his fragile body.
"So what'll happen to Ukon? Orochimaru's gonna kick him out right?" Kidōmaru asked after hearing Kabuto announce the grim news.
"Whadda ya think? It obvious poor Ukon's gonna get kicked out into the world of small portioned meals where he'll have to live off old rice, cold ramen, and bitter Pocky." Jirōbō answered, opening another bag of strawberry-covered* Cheetos.
"Will you two just shut the f%! up?" Tayuya spoke, looking up from her flute. "I mean Kidōmaru can you ask a more stupid question? And you fat ass, why does everything with you involve food? Ukon will be lucky if he lives to next week."
"Watch your mouth Tayuya," Kimimaro warned her as she looked shyly to the ground and mumbled her apologies. She looked up, relieved that Kimimaro wasn't mad at her. He smiled a quick smile at her before looking away.
"What the hell is going on?" Sakon asked; his arms crossed as he stood against the wall.
"We were just wondering how lonely it would get if Ukon or any one of us left Sound Five," Kidōmaru rambled, "I mean not that any of us would leave. And I'm not saying your brother would leave either it's just that…"
"Ukon's dying," Kimimaro replied emotionlessly, "Kabuto's diagnosis is that he will live to see this Spring. I'm sorry you had to hear this news from me but I'm sure your nii-san didn't have the heart to tell you."
"He's…dying?" Sakon repeated, his heart sinking below sea level and into oblivion. The faces of his comrades all held the same expression of pity and worry, for both of them. He looked into each of their eyes, hoping this was some kind of sick joke they were playing on him. But eyes never lied, even if they belonged to a blind con artist.
"Well?" Tayuya said, breaking the silence, "are you just going to stand there? Get your skinny ass back to your room and go talk to him. He's the one who needs fucking support, not a bitchy little brother who doesn't do shit for his older brother." Everyone's eyes were wide open, was Tayuya actually helping Sakon? Sakon dashed out of the room, his brother needed him right now.
"Any of you flabby-lipped pussies who tells anyone about this will wake up tomorrow without a head." Why did I say that? What's Kimimaro going to think of me now? The threat wasn't for him…WHY DID I SAY THAT? Tayuya lamented as she looked away from Kimimaro, her face burning with shame and embarrassment. Kimimaro only smiled, he liked it when Tayuya was all fiery; it was what made her more attractive.
Sakon bolted into his room, slamming the door opening and giving his brother the fright of his life. He rushed to hug Ukon and rocked him back and forth, as if trying to comfort Ukon and himself simultaneously.
"Mmm Sakon, what are you doing?" Ukon mumbled, his heart racing at hundred an hour. First Sakon waked him up brutally and now he was hugging him? His brother wasn't this affectionate unless…
"Why nii-san? Why didn't you tell me you're dying?"
"I couldn't bring myself to tell you because I didn't know how you would react. I don't know what's going to happen now that everyone knows." He kept his tears at bay; the last thing he wanted was Sakon to see him crying. But his eyes betrayed him and tears spilled onto Sakon's bluish gray hair. Ukon could feel drops of Sakon's tears on his shirt but said nothing; they cried silently until Ukon tilted Sakon's face up.
"Shhh," He murmured, placing a finger over Sakon's teal lips, "we've gotta stop crying. We're Sound Ninja and we can't cry over little things. Come here," He patted the empty space next to him and gestured for Sakon to come. Sakon reluctantly got off Ukon's chest and climbed next to him, wrapping his arms around Ukon's waist.
"I won't let it win," Sakon promised, holding him tighter, "we won't let it win." They closed their eyes at the same time and slept together, for the first time in years.
Dull sunlight entered Ukon's room, waking him up more than he already was. The covers were thrown over his head, which he hated. He preferred the sheets tucked under his chin, that way he could avoid drowning and waking up too soon. He slowly got up, and found a note on his lamp drawer.
Ukon,
Went to train this morning but stopped by Kabuto's office to pick up your meds and stuff. I set the ones you're supposed to take right after you wake up next to this note. I'll see you after training.
Sakon
P.S. Go see Kabuto once you get dressed. He wants to talk to you about your alternate assignments.
"Alternate assignment huh?" Ukon thought out loud as he walked down the long underground corridors of Orochimaru's temporary lair. He knocked quietly on Kabuto's door, hoping he wasn't late. It had taken him awhile to get dressed without getting dizzy.
"Come in Ukon," Kabuto spoke from inside, "the door's open." Ukon walked in, surprised to see a huge stack of archives out in the open. Ninjas like him were not allowed to peek at said files; they were strictly classified. He sat far from the files and tried not to look at them but his curiosity was getting the better of him.
"Well Ukon you look…different," Kabuto mused, looking at Ukon through different angles. Ukon's clothing had certainly changed, he wore a lavender yukata with a plum-colored sash and had his hair tied into a messy ponytail, leaving only a few strands of hair to cover his left eye.
"How are you feeling? Are the meds giving you side effect?" Kabuto queried; Ukon only shook his head, the pills tasted terrible but they stopped his headache.
"Well you won't have to train outside," Kabuto continued, "unless you want to pass out during battle every five seconds. But you still have to perform duties if you wish to remain with Orochimaru-sama's cause. You will have to file paperwork, classified and unclassified, and learn all the names of the special and not special cases in each base. I think you can handle it right?"
"Yeah," Ukon sighed, "I'm glad Orochimaru-sama didn't throw me out. When do I start Kabuto?" Kabuto's smiled vanished; he hated any type of hope.
Ukon spent most of his days in Kabuto's office filing and shooting the breeze with Kabuto who had grown tolerant to the tween boy. Other than that, he was quite lonely. Sakon usually visited him during his lunch break to eat with him but then left to train. Sometimes he came to his room late at night, tired and sore, and fell asleep right on the spot. Even though he promised they would fight his disease together, Ukon was starting to doubt his brother's word. And the disease was inexorable; he was starting to feel weaker and weaker each day.
It was the first day of spring, February 3rd and Ukon woke up to another day of emptiness. He tried not to dwell on the day too much, it was nothing. The first thing he did was to see if Sakon was still around but he wasn't; no surprise there. He yawned and got up, nausea and vertigo be damned. But he drank his meds anyway, why change the routine? Once he got that out of the way, he dressed into a flowered light blue yukata and tied it with a dark blue sash. He decided to let his hair down today and walked out. He made his way to Kabuto's office to find the desk empty.
"Good morning Kabuto," Ukon greeted, "did I come late again?"
"In theory, yes, but there is nothing to file today. Go enjoy yourself; it's a beautiful day outside…" He hinted, looking up from his notes, "I'm going to be here all day editing these bingo books." Ukon's face fell in disappointment, he had been looking forward to filing, not enjoying the first day of spring.
"Alright," He sighed, "I'll leave you to your work then Kabuto." He trudged out, making his way outside. He hadn't felt the sun on his skin for weeks and it burned, but he smiled and kept walking. He sensed chakra not far from where he was and decided to check it out, perhaps it was his brother. He walked until he reached the chakras but stopped, surprise clear in his face. The view was breathtaking; he didn't think anything like that existed so close to the lair. He was face to face with a crystal blue lake that shimmered in the sunlight and was surrounded by a deep green forest. The water was so clear Ukon, mesmerized, walked to the edge of the lake and looked down at his reflection. He smiled, suddenly filled with happiness as he looked up to the sun. Perhaps today would not be like the other days after all.
"Hello Ukon," Kimimaro shouted from the other side of the lake, "nice of you to join us today!" He waved to Ukon; glad Ukon had decided to come out. Ukon looked around, wondering who else was out there. He spotted an orange haired guy sitting next to the shore, talking to a bird.
"Hi Kimimaro! Hi Juugo!" Ukon yelled, waving like crazy to them. Juugo looked up in surprise and gave a questioning look to Kimimaro.
"It's alright Juugo," Kimimaro assured him, "Ukon is supposed to know your name, with all that filing I'm sure I won't have to introduce Suigetsu to him. "
"So he's Ukon," Juugo spoke softly, "He's very pretty, like a doll. Are you sure he's sick like you?"
"He's sicker than I am," Kimimaro replied, "and it won't be long before he departs. He's very thankful for your curse mark, it is what makes people like him and myself live a little longer." Both boys turned their attention to Ukon who was enraptured by his reflection, like a new age Narcissus. Nearby was a lurking Suigetsu, an evil grin plastered on his face. He got closer and closer to Ukon before grabbing his arms and pulling him under water. Ukon fell with a loud SPLASH!
"Gotcha!" Laughed Suigetsu, wiping tears out of his eyes; that trick never got old. Ukon swam to the top, shivering and sputtering lake water. He was about to yell, until he took a good look at the guy.
DAMN HE'S HOT! Ukon thought, trying to look away but couldn't, he was lost in the guy's purple-violet eyes.
"Gee I'm sorry," He apologized, wrapping his arms around Ukon, "I didn't think you'd shiver, the water feels fine to me but I guess it's not. Here, we can share some of my body heat, in the water my body temperature heats up." He kept still as Suigetsu's damp shirt pressed against his soaking wet yukata, feeling Suigetsu's heat travel to all his body. They stayed like that for what seemed hours until Ukon coughed self consciously and Suigetsu pulled away, both of them blushing slightly.
"Spring love Juugo?" Kimimaro asked, pointing to Ukon and Suigetsu.
"Seems like it," Juugo sighed, "it's too bad for both of them."
Sakon was in a good mood, better than that, he was ecstatic. Today he managed to sneak out a few hours early out of training and couldn't wait to talk to Ukon. How long had he actually hung out with his nii-san? He was thinking of taking Ukon to the lake nearby or even to town and drink tea together. He walked right into Kabuto's office, slightly disturbed. Kabuto and Orochimaru were making out, tongues and all. Orochimaru and Kabuto parted as a slightly flushed Kabuto asked, "Can we help you Sakon?"
"I can see my brother's not in here," Sakon said nervously, "I'll be on my way now. Have a nice afternoon Orochimaru-sama, Kabuto."
"Same to you," Kabuto replied as he closed the door to his office. Sakon closed his ears, Kabuto moaned a little too loud for someone who was just making out with his superior.
Thank god Ukon isn't around, Sakon sighed, he's probably in our room, better look there. Sakon walked up to his room and opened the door, but the room was empty. Ukon's bed was neatly made by the servant and his meds were in the drawers. So if he wasn't filing and he wasn't in their room, where was he? Sakon began to panic; it wasn't like Ukon to just leave suddenly. His brother never went anywhere without Sakon, it gave Sakon really bad anxiety problems. Alright, Sakon breathed deeply, collecting his thoughts together, Ukon's not a little kid anymore. He's probably around here somewhere. I'll just ask if anyone has seen him. He frantically began his search for his brother, deciding that the training ground (located in the opposite direction of the lake) was a good place to look first.
Meanwhile Ukon and Suigetsu were throwing water at each other, enjoying each other's company. The afternoon soon turned into late afternoon, the sun had started to set behind the hills. Suigetsu pulled Ukon out of the water, handing him a towel.
"W-wannatakeawalk?" Suigetsu suggested, trying hard not to blush.
"Come again?" Ukon asked, trying to make out what Suigetsu said. "A walk? Sure I mean we gotta dry off right?" Suigetsu nodded, as they both began walking towards a trail leading the edge of the forest.
"They're so cute together!" Karin squealed, clasping her hands together, "it's too bad we have to go now."
"Let them enjoy each other's company for a little while longer," Kimimaro said, "it's the first time in weeks I've seen Ukon so happy." Juugo nodded in agreement as Suigetsu and Ukon disappeared. Just then Sakon appeared, sweaty and out of breath.
"Have…any…of you guys…seen Ukon?" Sakon managed to say, "I've…been looking…everywhere."
"Nope," Karin replied, burying herself in the magazine she brought along.
"You guys?" Sakon asked hopefully, but Kimimaro and Juugo only shook their heads in denial.
"Oh, well I'll be on my way now." He turned and walked back to the lair. He knew they were lying, he had felt Ukon's weak chakra just a couple seconds ago. He probably went to the forest alone. But why?
"No way! How many did you eat?" Ukon asked, deeply engrossed in Suigetsu's tale.
"I probably ate all their inventory of yogurt," Suigetsu bragged, "but only because they fucked up my order. Maybe I can take you there some time, we can both enjoy some of their frozen yogurt, and maybe Orochimaru can let me take you back to my home."
"Yeah," Ukon looked away; he felt bad promising something he couldn't keep. How could he tell Suigetsu he would die soon? And that every time he looked at him his face turned into Sakon's? And here he was, carelessly raising false hopes.
"What's wrong? You got quiet all of a sudden." Suigetsu gently turned Ukon's head to face him, violet eyes meeting chocolately ones.
"Nothing," Ukon whispered, "now let me go and never, ever talk to me again." His jerked out of Suigetsu's touch and walked away. Suigetsu grabbed his hand and looked at him straight in the eye, before pressing him against a tree and gently touching his face.
"D-don't touch me," Ukon warned, trying to sound intimidating. Suigetsu chucked and whispered in his ear, "don't you mean 'please touch me more?'" He licked his earlobe then captured his lips in a sweet kiss.
"Mmm," Ukon sighed, wrapping his arms around Suigetsu's neck, pulling him closer. Blood rushed to his head and he let go of Suigetsu, disgusted with him all of sudden. But…why do I feel like this? First I'm begging to be touched now I feel like killing him…oh no…Sakon!" He turned around, and saw his little brother clenching his fists and glaring straight at him.
"Wait," Suigetsu looked at him confused, "is this a clone of yours?"
"I…happen to be his brother," Sakon replied, "now get lost, asshole."
"Hm," Suigetsu acknowledged, smiling at him with the fakest smile he could muster, "then you won't mind if I do this to your brother." He kissed Ukon on the forehead then whispered, "I'll see you soon, Ukon."
"Well," Ukon said awkwardly, "what brings you here Sakon? Out for a walk?" Sakon's glare deepened; his eyes boring into Ukon's.
"Look Sakon," Ukon said, getting closer to Sakon's face, "you have no right to be mad at me. I honestly did nothing wrong and neither did Suigetsu."
"He pressed his filthy fish lips against yours," Sakon muttered, "and if I recall, you told him to stop. Why are you all of a sudden defending him? Do you like getting molested?"
"Shut up! That's none of your damn business," Ukon yelled, "I can kiss whoever I want."
"It is my damn business," Sakon replied, kissing Ukon on a surprise attack. Ukon tried to get out of his brother's grasp but Sakon held on tight to his waist, determined to prove him wrong.
What if someone sees?
Then let them see. We aren't doing anything wrong…doesn't this feel right Ukon?
NO, no, no, we can't. Let go, please.
Sakon blinked, unable to read Ukon's mind. For the first time, they weren't on par. He couldn't tell what his brother was thinking.
The next few days were hard for Sakon; he wanted Ukon to do something, not lightly touch his own lips and think of that stupid fish boy's kiss. He wanted...the forbidden. The disease continued its steady pace, Ukon stayed in bed for days; he just couldn't find energy to get up.
Ukon gulped, he knew what he was doing was wrong. So wrong, but he loved him. His stupid brother, the jealous, forgetful brother with delicious teal lips and a slim body, the one he was on top of, waiting for him to wake up.
I love you Sakon.
Sakon smiled, slowly opening his eyes. I love you too Ukon.
A/N get ready for part two! Review?