Orochimaru's PoV

There is something so very intriguing about Sasuke. And it has nothing to do with his skills or appearance. I noticed that he started to behave somehow different around me, he was more cautious and trained far more than he used to. He didn't come round for dinner with me like he used to, he walked away when I entered some room... I am far too proud to actually ask him what's going on but this really is bothering me. There has always been this fine line between him and me which neither of us crossed. Sasuke does sence the hidden tension, I'm sure. But from the way he's been behaving recently I really wonder has something between us changed? He views me as his sensei. That someone who will make him skilled, the one who will teach him all he needs to know to revenge his clan. That has always been his obstacle and thus the sole reason he came to live with me and Kabuto. For two years he grew before my eyes, and, oh has he grown. In the beginning he was like a stubborn little child and would not always agree on what I said, it's actually pretty much the same now but he does give reasons. Physically, he's grown a great deal too. Oh, he is the only one that can make my stone cold heart actually stir. And he does know that, he knows that I'll do anything for him, anything he wants. I am ready to spoil him, to give him all. And Sasuke know why I would do that too. Not just because I want his body it's because I want him. The fact that he won't be tamed makes it even funnier to toy with him. I wish to control him, that is my only desire. I have even accepted the possibility that he's too strong to take over and I still want him close to me. Of course, he shall never find that out. I'm too afraid of losing him to do anything at all. But he's getting further away from me and I have to know why. I just have to.

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I heard his footsteps in the hall, so near my room. I knew that confronting him might lead to even worse but as I said I had to know. I opened the door and went out, just in front of him. His eyes widened. Was he scared?

"We have to talk," I said dryly and pointed towards my room. "please?" I added as he did not move a muscle and continued staring at me with some strange look in his onyx eyes, one that I had never seen before. He swallowed and even sighed quietly. What is it with him?! He sat on my bed and I remained in the hall for a few more seconds, thinking of what to say. I turned:

"Sasuke-kun, is something bothering you?"

Sasuke's PoV

Was something bothering me? He can be damn sure that something was bothering me. That tickle in my stomach and the way I wanted to be close to him was not just bothering, it was frightening. I spent so many nights thinking of it. Why? WHY? And how. How did this happen? Why did the whole world change in just that split second? Why did I start seeing him and so much more than a teacher?! His yellow, glowing eyes kept staring at me. I had to explain, to say something. Anything... and fast. He's not the most patient person in the world.

"Not at all. What are you referring to?" Counter attack is the best way to defend yourself, he once told me. I slightly smirked as he wasn't too sure what to say. Did I actually made him worry? And if so, what with?

"Erm... well it's been a few weeks and... you have been... behaving kind of strange. Are you avoiding me?"

The pauses and hesitation made me feel calm for just a second. Avoiding him. That is what I was doing and I spent so much time making sure that I wouldn't run into him. I mean what would happen if I did? What if something slipped? What if I lost it and did something stupid? That would be risking to lose him... I mean lose the opportunity to learn new jutsu... *sigh* I can't even fool myself. It might even be more serious than a crush. Am I in love?

Orochimaru's PoV

He was the one to hesitate and think too much of it. Why so? That was just a simple question and I did need the answer in order to keep myself together.

"No. Why say that?"

I smiled. His attempt to fool me was weak, even weaker than Kabuto. Time to get serious.

"You either tell me now or I force it out of you." A little touch of drama was appropriate so I ran the tip of my tongue on my sword. He knew that there was no way he'd win when facing me. At least not at that point. Sasuke knows me. Why is he bothering to lie? To no tell me straight? At that point I was really starting to worry. Have I done something to deserve this? Did I push too much? He stood silent, minutes passed slowly and it looked like the world was still. Every second lasted more than a decade for me. The candle's flame was dancing on the wall behind him, his eyes were empty, not a sparkle not a glare - nothing. Utterly absurd. He never held back on what he said to me or what he tried to do. Why start now?

"You won't tell me no matter what I do, am I right?" I asked weakly and my voice almost trembled. He shifted his now activated Sharingan eyes toward me, he was too cautious, and nodded. That really was out of the question! "Is it my fault?" I asked when he was at the door. For him thins conversation, rather a monologue was over and all he wanted was to leave and not have me in his presence. "It isn't." Sasuke said and quickly returned to his room. That confused me even more. If it wasn't my fault than something was going on with him. What might that be?

He was so pretty when he was asleep. The candle light made his pale skin glow, his breathing was so calm... I glanced at the curse mark, I still remember that day so clearly as if it happened yesterday. I remember how he gave into me, may it only be for the power I could give him. And now this. He was avoiding me. Not saying why. It had to be something with him! Something... something between us was really different. Why would he back off so suddenly? I stayed watching him all night, trying to calm myself. To somehow convince myself that it can be helped. That I can understand or more likely find out. There was one thing I couldn't resist tough - touching his neck. It was just for a few seconds, I ran my fingers on his jaw line and lower to his Adam's apple, I could feel his steady pulse. I quietly sighed and left the room before he would wake. If he did, how could I explain my presence in his room in the middle of the night? He would just think that I'm a pervert and even if this is not far from the truth, still...