Chapter 4

"so, Sasuke. Tell me, why are you so late?"

Sasuke was currently in a dimly lit room, that stank of earth and stagnant air. It was chilly, and cave-like. The walls made every noise echo loudly. The only light came from candles dotting the walls every yard or so, their flames flickering eerily.

If the surroundings weren't enough to set his nerves on end, then the glowing golden eyes staring straight at him through the darkness and the sickly sweet slithery voice WERE.

Sasuke was to the point of exhaustion. He wished he could just go to his room, get a good meal in, take a shower, and possibly sleep for a week or two. But nooooo. Life just couldn't go easy on him. It was his responsibility to make a report each time he returned from a mission. …Which was why he was standing in front of a very familiar snake-like man, 'Lord' Orochimaru.

Sasuke gazed at the older man with a bored glint to his eyes. Better to act as if he didn't care whatsoever about the situation. "I was attacked by a couple of patrolling anbu, that's all." He knew he was downplaying it, but it wasn't exactly in his nature to make a big deal over things that have already happened. Besides, Sasuke didn't really like showing any sign of weakness, especially to his 'lord'.

Orochimaru studied Sasuke silently for a moment, probably looking for any sign of a falsity. Well, if he was, he found none. Sasuke's emotionless shield was impenetrable .

"Fine. Give me the scroll, and then you may leave." Sasuke almost sighed in relief, but stopped himself. He took out an old, frail looking scroll from his sleeve and handed it to the old sanin. Without another word, he turned and exited the room.

He was gonna take a SHOWER!!! (A/N: wow, lots of enthusiasm O.o)

- - - - - -

Itachi practically melted onto his bed. Sure, he enjoyed nature, and being out in it…but…that didn't mean that when he got back he didn't thoroughly enjoy manmade facilities. (A/N: I know how THAT feels…)

Staring up at the ceiling, Itachi replayed the last two day's events in his mind.

Part of him wondered why the hell he did that, saving his brother like he did. Why should he care about something like that?

The other part of him mentally smacked the first. Why should he care? He's his BROTHER!!! That was all there was to it!!!

Itachi wondered how Sasuke was doing. Was he ok? Was he back with that hyperactive blonde and the Pink Horror? (A/N: Itachi hasn't been informed of Sasuke's migration to the sound for reasons that will be later revealed. Also, haha pink horror. Lol)

An evil smirk appeared on Itachi's face as an idea made it's presence known. No time like the present to try out his new…advantage…that was given to him when he used the jutsu on his brother…right?

Right.

Ever get the feeling that you're being watched?

Sasuke'd returned from his nice, hot shower. He was currently sitting on his bed in a pair of sweatpants, toweling his limp wet hair dry, when suddenly he felt as if there was a presence near him. He turned around, searching the room, but no one was there. Hm… Sasuke pondered the being-watched feeling. Normally, you wouldn't like the feeling, correct? Nope. This was…calming. Like, someone had arrived to protect him.

Sasuke shook his head like a dog to rid himself of the ridiculous thoughts. (A/N: heh heh…woof.) That cave had driven him insane. Yeah, that was it…

Like what usually happens in any point of concentration or drama in an anime, comic relief came in the form of a loud GROOOWWWWLLL from Sasuke's stomach. After all, he hadn't eaten in a couple of days…

So, without further delay, he removed himself from the comfort of his room to get something to eat.

End Chapter.

A/N: Sorry my updates are taking so long. Busy life, anal computer, and an almost fatal case of WRITER'S BLOCK!!!

But I think I'm out of that, so…phew.

Thanks to my reviewers:

Jessica-Uchiha123

Perfect Dreams (thanks for the critique. It helped)

egglorru

Itachi's little weaselette

yaoi-midnight-mistress.

Sorry, I'm no longer answering reviews ON the story. A reviewer pointed out that my a/n's are longer then my chapters! (it's true, sadly T_T) But I WILL answer each of you privately and I will still put your names on my fic out of pure gratitude.

Soryy about the shortness. I'm TRYING, jeesh!

So…I'm thinking of taking a beta. I've gotten a few offers, so..what do you guys think?

Ja ne…