A/N: So yeah its earlier than normal, but I really wanted to get you're opinion on this chapter so yeah.

It might be just a bit confusing, this chapter is really long.

By the way thanks for the reviews.

Apologies spelling (seriously though this chapter was a little rushed), grammar and OOCness.

Disclaimer: see previous chapters cause I own nothing.

"I take it Karui isn't taking this whole mating thing very well?"

Ten ten looked up at the blond on the other side of the counter, brown eyes slightly wide. "You-... When did you-"

Naruto gave a heavy sigh, "I noticed something was up when the teme started glaring daggers at Darui last night. So when he showed up this morning I wasn't all that surprised."

Ten ten said nothing just stared at him with disbelief.

"What?! I'm not as dumb as you guys think you know." Naruto grumbled before taking a sip of his soda.

The brunette smiled, leaning against the counter. "It's kinda weird though right, who woulda thought that Sasuke would find a mate so quickly and for it to be Karui. I'd be surprised if she doesn't end up killing him."

"Yeah well, I wouldn't be too worried. I mean Sasuke is a pain but I doubt he'd do anything to screw this up and Karui isn't that bad is she?"

There was a moment of silence with both of them staring off in opposite directions seeming to think over the situation as a whole.

"Fifty bucks says she tries to kill him in less than two weeks."

Ten ten smiled before raising her hand to the blond, "I'll take that bet."

"How about this," Naruto turned in his chair and Ten ten looked over the blond's shoulder at the man sitting at a table nearby. It was the same guy Karui was serving earlier, he was wearing an oversized black hoodie so they couldn't see his face right away.

"How about the girl dies before she even gets a chance to kill him." The man stood up pulling back the hood. To reveal long silver hair and a pair of glasses that seemed to gleam in the light.

Naruto immediately tensed and stood up to face the man.

"I think that's worth at least a hundred." Another voice said from across the room at a table with one other. "That sounds like a fair bet." A slightly deeper voice finished.

The tables occupants was a young man who seemed to have two different skin tones one black one white. The other was a redhead with cold doll like eyes.

Ten ten's eyes started darting around the room, fists clinching as she tried to remain calm.

"What are you doing here?" Naruto growled eyes fixed in a glare.

"We heard that Sasuke's gotten himself a neko, so we came to see her." A new voice said from one of the booth's near the front window, which was joined by another.

"Even though the goddamn bitch hasn't even shifted yet."

"Come now Hidan, she might be a newborn but she's still a beautiful creature." A long haired blond said appearing from a table away. He got off his chair and sat on the table swinging his legs lazily "Truly worthy of a bloody masterpiece."

"Well you won't get her!" Ten ten snarled feeling her body start to shift of its own accord.

"Looks like the puppy's got some fire in her." Zetsu said in a low voice before continuing with a lighter one. "Aren't dogs supposed to hate cats."

Sasori spoke as well, "This place is just full of surprises."

"Hey Ten ten its really slow tod-" Choji had appeared in the kitchen door and froze. He looked around the room and instantly recognised the new faces in the room, his body tensed and he took a step forward. "You're not welcome here."

"Well if it isn't Winnie the fucking Pooh, where's Bambie?" The white haired man said smirking.

"I said your not welcome so get out!"

"Uh uh uh," Deidara wiggled his finger no. "Not until we get the kitty."

Naruto growled, "No way you're not-"

"What do you want with her?" Choji interrupted.

Kabuto leaned against the table, "We want her dead," he started. "You see Lord Orochimaru wants Sasuke back, unfortunately he has a nasty habit of rebeling. So when Uchiha found a mate it presented us with a favourable opportunity."

"What do you mean?" Ten ten's eyes narrowed.

"Its common knowledge that when a Kaiju loses their mate either through rejection or unnatural death, they in turn lose their minds with grief. Which is why were here for Karui after all, a mindless animal is easier to control than someone who can think for themselves." He finished with a smirk.

Choji growled, turning to face the rest of the room "Since when do you answer to Orochimaru?"

"Were just in it for the money." Kakuzu said shrugging casually.

"Enough already!" Naruto shouted,"Let's just do this."

Hair started growing rapidly all over his body as he started to shift. Both Ten ten and Choji followed his lead, clothes tearing as their bodies morphed. But before anyone could complete their transformations, two figures moved like quicksilver grabbing the blond and throwing him through the window that acted as a wall for the front of the diner. Glass shattered as he hit the asphalt ground of the parking lot but he recovered quickly and continued his shift letting out a feral snarl.

The other figure grabbed Ten ten and flung her through the front door, the metal frame and hinges buckled and glass crashed as the door curled around the girl skidding into the parking lot near Naruto.

"Now that the bitch is taken care of," Hidan said standing near the door before looking back to a half turned Choji, "I guess its your turn Pooh."

Choji let out a loud growl and his clothes tore off completely leaving a large brown bear behind. Hidan chuckled and placed his hands on the floor. He started his shift, the bear however thought other wise and lunged for him. Sending the two tumbling outside.

The rest of the diners occupants made to get up but stopped when Kabuto raised a hand, "Zetsu find the girl, but be careful I'm sure Sasuke's with her. Kakuzu take care of the boy and make sure that she won't be a problem." he gestured to Ten ten who was pushing at the door slowly uncurling it from around her body.

"Deidara, you and Sasori stay here and enjoy the show." Zetsu darted out the opening that used to be the door, while Kakuzu just leapt out the broken window.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Suigetsu, Juugo and Karin sat on the rooftop of the building staring down at the empty space surrounding the small restaurant. The diner was located just a couple of yards away from the forest, it was a common place for Kaiju although lots humans ate there too.

"Where is he?" Karin whined, "Didn't Kabuto say that Sasuke would be here?"

"Shut your trap, she's here so Sasuke's bound to show up at some point." Suigetsu said leaning against the barrier on the side of the building.

Just then the back door that lead to the kitchen opened and a redhead walked out alongside a girl with long blond hair.

The three peeked over the side and watched as one of the girls dropped onto an old wooden bench while the other stood in front of her hands on her hips.

Suigetsu asked staring down curiously, "Which one do you think she is?"

"I'm serious Karui," the blond said dramatically flipping the hair from her fringe out of her face, "Working in the kitchen is the worst, you never have to cause you can't cook. You have no idea the kind of damage my hands go through on a daily basis."

"I'm sure its torture, Ino." The girl on the bench said leaning back.

"So that's Karui." Juugo said although it was barely audible.

"That's her?" Karin scoffed.

"So what's with you, you just came running into the kitchen like you were being chased by a demon from hell." Ino said head cocked to the side.

"Nothing," the redhead said quickly making the blond raise an eyebrow, "I'm just... I really wanted a break."

"Oh. Well you did cover my shift last night, thanks by the way."

"Don't mention it." Karui leaned her head back, closing her eyes.

"So Sakura tells me that there was some new hottie here last night, but you know billboard brow she doesn't have the best taste. How was he?"

"Perfect."

"Really?!" Ino immediately flopped down next to her.

Karui's eyes snapped open, "I-I mean he was, O.K you know... He's not you know ugly, he's just-just. Damn it Ino stop staring at me like that!"

"Wow, if he's got you blushing and stuttering so much he must've been gorgeous." Ino looked up with new found understanding, "Billboard brow was actually right."

"I am not blushing!"

"Sure you're not." Ino drawled as she stood up, "I need to stop skipping my shifts, maybe he'll show up again."

The redhead let out a growl, the blond didn't hear it but the three on the roof did. Suigetsu chuckled.

"Hey I'm going into town for a bit, do you mind covering for me?"

Karui gave a sigh, "Sure."

"Thanks." Ino waved as she dashed away leaving the redhead behind. She took a deep breath before laying back and closing her eyes. It wasn't long till she fell asleep.

The girl huffed, "I still don't think that she's his mate."

"And why not?" Suigetsu asked, watching the girl below.

"I mean look at her. How could that be Uchiha Sasuke's mate, I'd make a far better fit."

The pale man beside her scoffed, "I'm sure you would, just don't let her hear you say that. You heard that growl, I bet if she could shift she would've torn that blond girl apart."

"I can take her." Karin said valiantly crossing her arms across her chest.

"You can't even take a insect, how are you planing on handling a neko."

"I-"

"There he is." Juugo interrupted staring down at the raven down below.

Karin beamed, "SASUKE-" Suigetsu slapped a hand on her mouth and pulled her back.

"Shut up! He can't see us yet." While those two argued Juugo watched as Sasuke sat down next to the girl. She shifted and leaned against him nuzzling her face in his neck. Juugo saw the internal conflict in Sasuke's eyes, before the raven finally lifted a hand and gently stroked her cheek.

He was a bit taken back by this, Sasuke was never this affectionate. Was this because of his mates pull or was Sasuke acting of his own accord?

She took his hand still fast asleep and rubbed her cheek against his hand.

Juugo briefly wondered about this plan, Orochimaru didn't tell them much just to follow Kabuto's lead and help bring Sasuke back. But what if Sasuke didn't want to come back, were they supposed to force him into coming with them?

Suddenly a loud shout brought him out of his musings and also put a stop to Suigetsu and Karin's arguing.

"WHAT THE HELL!"

The redhead scrambled back on the bench glaring at the raven on the other side. "Calm down."

"What are you doing here?"

Suigetstu went to stare down at the two, "She doesn't look very happy to see him, does she?"

"No, she's not." Juugo said thoughtfully.

"I told you didn't I, she couldn't be his mate." Karin said with a triumphant smile.

The girl below went from angry to embarrassed and shy before going back to being angry again. Juugo wondered how Sasuke was going to deal with such a temperamental girl as a mate. Uchiha Sasuke wasn't exactly the patient understanding type and it was obvious that she wasn't either. These two looked like they were more likely to kill each other than have an actual relationship.

"What makes you think you have a choice?" Sasuke asked staring at the girl with a smirk.

Karui growled, "What makes you think that I don't?"

"Did she just say what I think she did?" Suigetsu asked with a quiet voice.

Karin's eyes were wide, "Do you think she'll actually reject him?"

"I thought you didn't believe that she was his mate?"

"I don't, but he doesn't know she isn't his mate!" Karin said valiantly trying to save her pride.

Suddenly a scent came surging up towards them in a not so subtly way. Karin was nearly knocked on her ass by the sheer force. The scent was raw and intense.

Lust.

When they looked down at the two below they realised where the scent was coming from.

Sasuke had Karui pinned beneath him, "The pull." The raven started as he leaned in breathing on her neck. "There it is."

"Damn." Suigetsu's eyes went wide, "Do you smell that? If these two don't get a room, were about to get a show."

For once Juugo agreed with him. Maybe this is how they plan to avoid killing each other. Meanwhile Karin fumed, her hands were on the barrier on the roof knuckles turning white.

Suddenly Juugo looked up amber eyes darting around, "Its starting."

A loud crash came from the front of the diner followed by a feral snarl. Another loud crash rang cut through the air followed by the sound of metal screeching.

Sasuke's head snapped up and he sat back, sniffing the air, before letting out a loud growl.

"What was that?" Karui asked looking a little breathless. Sasuke got off the bench, eyes narrowed in a glare aimed at the diner.

"Stay here."

Karui quickly stood up, "What. No, if somethings wrong I can't just sit here and do noth-"

Sasuke grabbed the girl by her shoulders and pushed her down onto the bench, "You haven't shifted yet, at this point you'll just get yourself hurt."

The girl glared at him, "So basically I'm useless and I'll just get in the way?"

"Basically, yes." She started to argue but Sasuke grabbed her by the back of her neck and pulled her in for a kiss. Karui stared back at him wide eyed, effectively silenced. After a few moments he pulled away, "Besides your my mate, remember? I'm supposed to protect you."

Karin started screeching again, she on the other hand was silenced by Suigetsu clamping a hand around her mouth and dragging her back, again.

Sasuke shifted his clothes slid off as he elongated and his body morphed. Karui watched silently until a ten foot python lay in front of her, she reached out and touched the snakes smooth skin making it look back at her for a moment before snapping its head back and slithering away so fast she didn't think it was real.

"Is he gone?" Suigetsu asked.

Loud hissing, growls, snarls and roars filled the air and all those sounds came from the front of the diner. Karui shook her head and started picking up Sasuke's discarded clothing.

"Yes." Juugo said as he watched the girl neatly put the clothes down on the bench and start pacing back and forth.

"What's with her?" The pale man asked gazing down at the girl.

"She wants to help." Juugo said.

"How, there's nothing she can do." Karin said looking down at the girl in every sense of the phrase.

A new presence arrived. They all watched as Zetsu walked toward the girl below seemed oblivious until she turned around and froze.

"What is he doing?" Karin asked a little confused, their target was Sasuke right, what was Zetsu doing?

"Here kitty, kitty." A light voice said teasingly making the girl step back.

"I wouldn't run if I was you." A darker voice said, Karui's movements were stuttered clearly surprised at the mans speech patterns.

"And why would I run from a circus freak like you?" The redhead spat eyes narrowed at the multicoloured man.

The man chuckled it sounded like two different people were laughing at the same time, "You're a brave one, but bravery won't get you far."

Zetsu stood still as his body started to shift. Suigetsu's eyes went wide, "What's going on?"

The mans clothes tore off as he transformed until a two headed hyena was left behind. Two pairs of yellow eyes flashed and the heads twisted and turned until they focused on the girl.

"He's going to kill her." Juugo said in a monotone voice watching as the girls body tensed. Interestingly enough she didn't freeze up instead, she placed on foot back slightly trying to prepare herself for an attack.

"B-but were supposed to bring back Sasuke, why kill her?" Its not like Karin cared all that much about the girl, its just... She was confused.

The two headed hyena snarled, before launching himself at the girl. Surprisingly she dodged him, tumbling on the ground and quickly standing up to prepare for another attack.

Karui stood in front of the bench and watched the animal move around her until it launched itself at her again. She ducked down and Zetsu went crashing through the bench wooden shards and planks flying through the air. The redhead moved away as the hyena stood up and shook both its heads. She stood up and Zetsu gave a vicious growl.

Karui glanced around looking for a way out of this and saw a wooden plank by her feet. The hyena stalked around her eyes glowing brightly, it charged at her one more time. The girl quickly crouched down and grabbed the piece of wood, as Zetsu pounced on her she stood up and slammed the 2x4 on one of the heads, sending the animal crashing to the ground.

"Not bad." Suigetsu said appreciatively.

Even Karin nodded in agreement, "For a newborn." She added quickly not wanting to seem like she was going soft on the cat.

Unfortunately it was short lived as Zetsu stood up on his feet, one of the heads drooped slightly before receiving a sharp bite to the ear brining it back to reality.

Karui's gave an exasperated sigh, breathing heavily. She turned only to find another Zetsu standing in front of her, and another, and another.

Her eyes went wide when she realised that she was completely surrounded. Countless eyes in a circle flashing menacingly at her. The animals snarled and barked, shaking their heads and slowly pacing forward.

"Shit." Karui cursed trying to look for a way out.

Suigetsu gripped the boundary, "What now?"

"We can't help her." Karin said although her face looked anxious.

They got closer closing the circle around her.

"Let's go." Juugo said climbing onto the barrier before jumping down.

"What?!" Karin asked red eyes going wide. Suigetsu didn't pay her any attention and jumped down after Juugo.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Karui started to panic.

Multiple eyes were glaring at her, teeth were bared and loud snarling rang all around her. She started off scared, but managed to hold her own pretty well for the most part. But now she was surrounded, with absolutely no way out.

She was just thankful that she decided to change out of her uniform before taking a break, heaven forbid she died in that horrible green uniform.

Wait...

...Died.

'I'm about to die!'

The animals moved closer and Karui closed her eyes, waiting for the pain to come. Strangely enough when she closed her eyes, she saw Sasuke and the kiss he gave her just a few minutes ago. She quickly opened her eyes, and realised that the hyena's were much closer than before and crouched ready to attack.

She took a deep breath, preparing for the worst when a figure jumped down beside her. He had pale skin, white hair and violet eyes. Before she could say a word the animals pounced. The man wrapped his arms around her and smiled, "Hold on."

Suddenly Karui dropped. As to how she dropped she had no idea, but looking up she saw the hyena's all crashing against each other giving pained yelps and surprised grunts. The animals stumbled around some looked disorientated while others looked around, searching their surroundings until they seemed to find a new target.

Karui tried to move her arms, but found herself unable to do so. To be honest she couldn't feel her arms or anything else for that matter. Just as suddenly as before she felt her whole body rise, until she was standing again, still securely wrapped in the strange mans arms.

Her head started spinning, and the man started chuckling, "You'll feel better in a second."

Shaking her head Karui finally got her bearings and the man let go, when she looked up she saw either the coolest or the most terrifying thing she's ever seen.

The hyena's seemed to have a new target and they were all attacking a large bear, which was viciously defending itself, claws gashing at the oncoming assault. Karui was so transfixed in the sight she didn't realise that some of them had turned and noticed her presence.

"Time to go." The white haired man stood in front of her and started to shift, his body elongated and stretched a lot like Sasuke did and this one was a snake too only he didn't exactly look the same. Judging by the odd tail it was a see snake, an eight foot long see snake but a see snake none the less.

He darted out from beneath his clothes and launched himself straight at the oncoming animals.

For lack of a better thing to do, she bent down and picked up his things. When she stood up again she found a pale redhead standing beside her, red eyes narrowed in annoyance.

Where are all these people coming from?

The girl lifted her hands and stretched them out over the battle before them. She stopped to glare at Karui for a moment, "Just so you know, I don't like you."

Karui stared at her surprised not sure what to make of the comment, "Oh...kay."

The girl seemed to concentrate as her hands started to glow. After a few moments she stopped, "Hey! Juugo, he's that one over there!"

The bear responded and threw a hyena that was growling and snarling at his neck to the side and lunged for the one nearest to the wall. The animal barked loudly but the bear silenced it as he grabbed both heads and tore it apart, killing it instantly.

The others instantly vanished leaving only one hyena's disfigured bloody remains behind. The bear was visibly exhausted, pant's coming out in heavy grunts as he stood on all fours with its fur smeared in blood. The snake had slithered towards her seeming to look up at her expectantly before his body started to grow and expand. Until a violet eyed man stood naked in front of her.

Karui flushed. He smirked at her, sharp k-9's peeking through his lips.

The redhead beside her gave an annoyed sigh, "If we don't leave now, we'll get caught." She ripped the clothe's from Karui's hands and shoved them into the mans chest, "Let's go."

He quickly tugged on his pants (cause apparently he's going commando), shirt and shoes. The bear was getting restless and finally trotted away not even looking back at the two behind. The violet eyed man winked at Karui before running off with the redhead.

After they disappeared seemingly into the nearby forest, Karui looked around her and saw an even more gruesome sight than there was before the strangers left. In the place of the disfigured two headed hyena, was the bi-coloured man only instead of there being two separate heads lying on the ground it was just one head which had been torn in half.

Blood and guts lay sprayed out in front of her and the smell started filling the air. She raised a hand to cover her nose and mouth as the smell started to grow and make her feel sick.

A loud hiss filled the air as a large python, which she presumed would be Sasuke slid up to her. The smell was so bad she didn't even notice that he'd shifted back to normal and found his pants among some broken pieces of wood.

"Karui?" He asked voice laced with disbelief as his eyes darted between her and the slaughtered body on the ground.

She looked slightly traumatised as she tried to look everywhere else but down, hand firmly over her nose and mouth. She gave a cough.

The redhead felt two arms wrap around her and pull her into his chest, when he suddenly pulled away holding her at arms length. Karui looked up into onyx eyes filled with anger as the raven looked down at her.

"Why is Suigetsu's scent all over you?"

Xxxxxxxxxx

"What was that?!" Karin glared at Juugo who was crouched by the side of the river washing away the blood that covered his body.

"What was what?" Suigetsu asked as he leaned against a nearby tree, obviously trying to annoy the girl as much as he could.

"What was that back there?" She asked again pointing in the direction that they just came from, "We were supposed to look out and wait for orders, not save the neko!"

Suigetsu raised an eyebrow at the girl, "For someone so upset, it didn't stop you from jumping in and helping."

"Oh I don't wanna hear this from you! You obviously have some kind of ulterior motive when it comes to that Karui girl."

The violet eyed man snorted, "Like what?"

"Like-"

"She's Sasuke's mate," Juugo said calmly standing up to put on his clothes, which Karin had thankfully brought with her. "If she dies, it would ruin Sasuke. He'd go crazy."

Karin tried to think of something to say back but failed, she huffed arms crossed over her chest.

"Would you have preferred we let her die and watch Sasuke fall apart?" The amber eyed man asked with Karin fixed in his gaze.

"No of course not!"

"Then stop complaining." Suigetsu finished walking past her to sit next to Juugo on the grass.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The first thing Sasuke saw when he got to the front of the diner was a large mountain lion snarling and growling at a slightly smaller bright orange fox. The two were in a stare down. Each one watching the others every movement. On the other side of the two was a six hundred pound alligator hissing and snapping its jaw at a brown wolf and a large bear. Both of whom were growling menacingly at the lizard, eyes flashing and teeth bared.

Sasuke let out a loud hiss announcing his presence to the battle.

"Well well well, look who's here." Sasuke looked to the side and saw Kabuto standing in front of the restaurant with Sasori and Deidara flanking his sides.

Suddenly the bear and wolf launched themselves at the alligator tumbling across the parking area. Sasuke brought his attention back to the fight in front of him.

Naruto quickly jumped out of the way as the lion attacked skidding on the asphalt, the fox bounced back and lunged for the animal managing to sink his teeth into his right shoulder earning a pained growl. The lion started wiggling furiously trying to get the fox to let go, after two more furious jerks Naruto lost his grip and went flying across the makeshift battlefield.

While the mountain lion was distracted Sasuke attacked, darting out towards the animal and wrapping himself around its torso. The python tightened its hold listening as ribs cracked painfully inside its body. The lion howled in pain and started clawing at the snake trying to do as much damage as it could. Sasuke turned his head around so his eyes met with Kakuzu's, once their gazes were locked the lion stood perfectly still in a trance.

It was strange for some reason he felt stronger than usual. He even felt bigger than normal, although he did feel the need to restrain himself a little more.

Suddenly Naruto came running up to the two, the fox leaped up, bit into the lions jugular and tore out the animals throat. Blood went spraying everywhere and Sasuke untangled himself from the lion as it went crashing to the ground. Kakuzu twitched and shifted back to his human form before he died.

The fox grinned at him, orange fur drenched with blood as he yelped happily. On the other side Choji had Hidan restricted up against him, the bear was holding the lizard up against his chest leaving its underbelly exposed. Ten ten growled in frustration, she'd been trying to bite through the lizards skin but it was simply too tough.

"That's enough, let's go Hidan." Kabuto said this time he was standing a little away near the forest along with Deidara and Sasori.

Hidan swiped his tail beneath Choji making the bear fall backwards and let go, the lizard swiped its tail at Ten ten knocking the wolf to the side before quickly making its way to the others.

Sasuke hissed and Naruto barked both glaring at the group as they disappeared into the woods. Ten ten whined as she ran up to Choji, nuzzling the bears arm. Naruto was the first one to shift back his hair and face still covered in blood.

The brown wolf quickly darted inside the diner, while Choji shifted back to human as well.

Soon Ten ten came running out of the diner. She was barefoot wearing one of the green waitressing out fits. She handed Choji and Naruto a pair of pants, while looking around the parking lot.

"Sasuke where's Karui?" Choji asked the snake as he pulled on the pants that Ten ten handed him.

The python twisted his head to the side seeming to cock his head in question.

"They were here for her, teme! Now where is she?"

If a snakes eyes could go wide Sasukes would have been enormous. He darted back around the building moving faster than he ever has. When he found her she was standing in front of what looked like a disfigured body, a hand clamped over her mouth looking like she was about to be sick.

Sasuke shifted back to his human form, when he saw his pants in what looked like the remains of the wooden bench. Tugging on his pants he noticed that Karui was yet to acknowledge his presence, the girl looked sick as she tried to look everywhere but down.

"Karui?" She said nothing. It looked like she was traumatised. Sasuke briefly looked down to realize that it was Zetsu's body that was lying on the ground. Did he attack her? And if he did how did... How did this happen? She can't shift yet there's no way she did this kind of damage to him.

His head was torn in half for goodness sake. The raven felt guilt devour his insides for leaving the girl alone, sure he was grateful for for whoever saved her. But,

She's his mate, he should have protected her. Karui coughed the smell was obviously getting to her. Sasuke stepped forward and wrapped his arms around the girl, pulling her close. Someone actually came after her.

He felt a pang of fear and held the girl tighter against his chest, Sasuke leaned down needing to breathe in her scent. However when he did, a scent of a different kind assaulted his sense's and Sasuke growled when he realised who's scent it was.

Sasuke pushed her away, holding her at arms length. "Why is Suigetsu's scent all over you?"

Karui's eyebrows furrowed, "What?"

"White hair, purple eyes. Why was he hear?"

"Oh," she started eyes seeming to light up in recognition, "The guy that saved me. His name is Suigetsu?"

'He saved her?!'

"Is he the one that did that?" Sasuke asked nodding towards Zetsu's remains.

"No, a bear did that." A bear?

Juugo.

"Is that all that happened?" He watched the girl closely, looking for any sign of dishonesty.

"Yeah, there was a girl with them and she helped too, although I don't know how."

"Nothing else happened?"

"No not-" Karui's head snapped up towards him and she narrowed her eyes at him, "What's with all the questions?"

"I'm just wondering why Suigetsu's scent is all over you."

The girl glared up at him, her hand dropped down to her side as her fists clenched. "He was helping me, after you made me stay here!"

Sasuke growled matching the girls glare, "It was for your own good."

Karui scoffed, "Yeah and it was obviously a whole lot of good." She waved her arms around her. "What are you getting so pissy about anyway? He did help me after all. What are you jealous?"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sasuke flinched.

Karui was pissed. First he ditches her then he gets mad cause someone saved her. She crossed her arms over her chest waiting for a reply, glaring up at the raven in front of her.

When he didn't say anything she relaxed a bit and gave him a smirk. She did decide to give him a chance cause she really didn't want anyone to get hurt because of her.

But since he was being an unreasonable bastard, she figured that he might as well suffer a little.

"I can see why you'd be jealous. He's not bad." The redhead said walking away, "What did you say his name was? Suigetsu right?"

She heard a loud growl as she walked away towards the front of the restaurant. Not surprising seeing as how she practically purred Suigetsu's name. "I got to see him before and after his shift, not bad at all."

Suddenly she felt something grab her arm and pull her back viciously. She almost shrank back when she saw the anger in his eyes. He snarled, "Don't."

Karui pulled herself together, glaring back at him. "Don't what?"

"Don't provoke me, or els-" He took her other arm and leaned forward, tightening his grip.

She snorted, "Or else what?!"

Sasuke pulled the girl up against his him and breathed on her ear as he spoke. "Or else I won't be able to control myself."

Karui froze and she felt heat rush to her face her body was completely stiff as her mind raced.

"You wouldn't want that to happen, would you?"

"Uh-" Karui gulped, lips started trailing down the side of her neck and her mind fizzled out.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sasuke knew he was losing it. He let go of Karui's arms and wrapped his own around her waist. He knew that he should stop. Stop right now.

But he couldn't.

Karui pressed her hands against his chest, he wasn't sure if it was to push him away or if it was a reflex. He was answered when the girl gave a breathless moan.

He let his mouth wander up towards hers, feeling his own heart beat increase...

"Uhm!"

Karui immediately pulled away as soon as she heard the sound. Sasuke mentally thanked and cursed the interruption. He looked up to find Tenten and Naruto watching them, with the blond snickering at the side.

"I see that Karui is, O.K." The brunette said with an amused voice.

Naruto looked the girl over, "I'll say."

Karui pulled away completely and started rubbing her neck looking away.

"Prepare to pay up." Ten ten said smugly glancing at the blond.

"Hey! We got attacked it doesn't count anymore!"

Sasuke looked down at the redhead who seemed to be burning with embarrassment. He remembered the argument they were having earlier before they got attacked, knowing that it wouldn't go down well to bring that up again so he thought of an alternative.

"Go get your things were leaving."

Karui looked at him seemingly confused until a thought crossed her mind and she growled, "I am NOT staying with you."

"Hn. You already said that, I'm walking you home."

The girl stared at him for a moment, "I can't just leave, the place is a mess and I mean then there's that," she gestured to the corpse lying behind them.

"Don't worry," Ten ten chimed, "We've got this."

Naruto put his hands behind his head, "It wouldn't be the first time I had to get rid of a body."

"Really?!" Gold eyes went wide.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Karui fell on her back onto her bed.

Mortified doesn't begin to describe how she feels right now.

After finding his shirt Sasuke walked her home, like he said he would and things were fine. The Uchiha was quiet for the most part, Karui figured that this was normal for him. However its wasn't for her.

She's nowhere near the chatterbox that Naruto or Ino are, but the silence that hung over them felt uncomfortable so she figured she could ask him some questions about this whole mating thing, somehow managing to avoid topic of the... consumation of said mating-thing.

He answered her all the while sounding completely bored, making her feel slightly annoyed. But still everything was O.K until...

~FLASHBACK~

"So how do you know Suigetsu?" Karui stared at the ground as she spoke, kicking a few pebbles to the side as she did.

"Why do you want to know?" Sasuke asked in return eyes fixed ahead of him.

She looked up at him giving him an incredulous look, "He helped me out. Why wouldn't I want to know?"

The raven looked down at her for a moment before returning his gaze to where it was before, "He works for someone I used to know."

"And who's that?"

"No one you need to know about."

She gave an exasperated sigh, "O.K then who were the others." She added quickly, "And don't say you don't know, because its obvious you do."

"The bear's name is Juugo and the redhead's name is Karin."

Karui paused before asking, "Do they also work for he-who-shall-not-be-named?"

"Yes."

"Well they seemed nice, except for... Karin. She doesn't seem to like me." The redhead grinned, "Ex-girlfriend?"

"Something like that." Sasuke said without showing a shred of emotion.

Karui's grin fell and anger ripped through her body before she could stop herself, "Excuse me?"

The Uchiha raised an eyebrow giving a brief glance to the girl beside him. "What's wrong, jealous?"

"I-I'm not..." Karui stuttered, earning a smirk from the male. She felt heat rush to her cheeks. "Shut up!"

When she realised that they were almost at her house she walked faster, considering the conversation officially over.

Sasuke however effortlessly matched her pace, "Hn. I didn't take you for the jealous type."

Karui glared at him stopping as she stood at the gate of her home. "Drop dead." She turned around and marched right up to the door, absolutely fuming.

Just as she reached for the doorknob, she was suddenly spun around and slammed against the door.

"You didn't answer the question." Sasuke said smugly, hands braced on either side of her head.

"What do you want, asshole?"

"Are you jealous?"

"Jealous of what?"

"Me."

"Don't flatter yourself." Karui rolled her eyes, "The only reason I haven't rejected you is cause I feel sorry for you."

"Really?" An odd expression rested on Sasuke's face one she couldn't name. Karui felt a shallow pang in her chest regardless of the fact that she didn't know what that look meant.

Sasuke leaned forward, raven bangs hanging over his eyes. "Is that the only reason?"

The redhead said nothing, feeling guilt slowly start to eat away at her. But why?

That was the only reason right. She only met Uchiha the night before, she couldn't already have feelings for him. You know other than intense dislike.

"Is that the only reason?" He asked again this time looking straight into her eyes. Karui's breath hitched when she looked back. For the first time since she met him, which admittedly hasn't been long, he looked...well he looked,

He had actual emotion in his eyes that didn't have anything to do with anger or boredom. The redhead tried to look away but shame refused to let her, 'Did it really sound that bad?'.

Karui rarely ever thinks before she speaks, but she's never felt bad about anything she's said. Although right now, she felt horrible.

The redhead lifted her hands up to his face, still feeling like the scum of the earth, and pulled his head in closer to give the Uchiha a kiss.

It was clumsy and uncertain. After all Karui's never kissed anyone before and the time that Sasuke did it she was too shocked to really pay attention.

Her cheeks flared when he gently pushed back, returning the kiss. Sasuke's hands fell on the girls hips as he let out a soft moan.

Click

Suddenly Karui fell backwards along with the raven, letting out a soft 'Oof' when they hit the wooden floor. When Karui looked up she found her uncle and Darui looking down at them, with Darui looking amused.

"Geez Karui, when you referred to yourself as a sex toy I thought you were exaggerating."

The girl hid her face in her hands briefly noting the light pink dusted across Sasuke's cheeks.

~END FLASHBACK~

When they had finally managed to pick themselves up, uncle Bee didn't look impressed. His glare was fixed in Sasuke's direction as the raven introduced himself.

It was most awkward experience she's ever had in her life. The conversation between Sasuke and Bee went something like this.

"Karui's not quitting school."

"Yes, sir."

"She's not living with you."

"Yes, sir."

"If she still isn't eighteen when she gets her mark and she mates you back, she's still not living with you."

"I understand."

"If you hurt Karui in anyway I'll kill you."

Sasuke blinked, "Yes sir-"

"I promise you that if they do find your body, they won't be able to identify it."

The raven gulped, "Yes, sir."

After Sasuke left Darui proceeded by torturing her. Asking exactly how they managed they get themselves in that position. Of course when he insinuated that Karui might be starting to enjoy being Sasuke's mate, the redhead practically beat him into a big mushy pulp.

Sure she had feelings for him, but that isn't her fault! That stupid mating bond is messing with her head and making her feel bad for the arrogant prat.

She was basically being forced to fall in love with him.

And sadly, Karui was ashamed to admit that it was working.

She turned over on her side and gave a sigh. The redhead was exhausted. Not only had she barely slept at all, but she'd been told the most ludicrous secret she's ever heard and been attack by members of said secret all in one day.

If tomorrow is like this she might never get out of bed again.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

When Sasuke got home he immediately caught three different scents coming from the kitchen. Giving an annoyed sigh the raven walked towards the scent's, mumbling under his breath. 'How do they keep braking in here?'

When he reached the room he found Choji and Shikamaru sitting around the kitchen table while Naruto stood with his head buried inside of the fridge.

"I though I told you to stop coming here."

Naruto looked around the fridge door giving Sasuke a big smile, "We didn't listen."

The raven growled and made his way over to the blond, shoving him aside before grabbing a bottle of water.

"Hey, watch it!" Naruto shouted glaring at Sasuke before crossing his arms over his chest and mumbling, "You'd think that spending so much time with his mate would make him less grumpy."

At that Sasuke smirked, remembering the events that took place after they left the diner.

To say that his heart nearly stopped when she said that she hadn't rejected him out of pity was an understatement. The Uchiha honestly felt like his world had ended, he didn't want her pity, he wanted... He wasn't sure what he wanted but he didn't want her to be with him cause she felt sorry for him. He wanted...needed for her to want him like he wanted her.

So when the girl kissed him, Sasuke was elated. Its not like it was his first kiss, but it was kind off obvious that it was her first. Sasuke felt an enormous amount of pride at knowing that he got his mate's first kiss. Sure he kissed her earlier but this time she did it out of her own will.

Sasuke realised that he was falling and falling hard and no matter how hard he tried he wouldn't be able to stop it, not that he wanted to.

Stupid mark.

"I assume things went well with Karui?" Choji asked noticing the smug look on the ravens face.

Sasuke's smirk grew, "Hn." He sat down next to Choji in front of Shikamaru, while Naruto searched through the pantry.

"It better have," the blond said loudly, "You have no idea how hard it was to get rid of Kakuzu and Zaku before Ino got back."

"Choji tells me they were after Karui." Shikamaru said, he was slumped with his elbows on the table.

Sasuke growled low in his throat.

"Did you tell her?"

"I told Tsunade this morning."

"I was talking about Karui, did you tell her about Orochimaru?" The deer asked keeping his gaze on the raven.

"No." He answered taking a gulp of water.

"She deserves to know why someone's trying to kill her." Choji said eyes flashing with concern.

Naruto appeared again holding two packets of chips, he tossed one to Choji before sitting down at the table himself.

Sasuke looked down staring intensely at the wooden surface below. "Its too soon."

He didn't want her to know. There are a lot of things that happened in Sasuke's past, most of them bad. Most of them he didn't wanted to talk about. He didn't know how the girl would react to hearing all these things. She didn't exactly seem like the understanding type and again Sasuke didn't want her pity.

He felt a hand fall on his shoulder making him look up. Naruto gave him a warm smile, "You don't have to tell her about Itachi yet, but you have to tell her something."

Uchiha Itachi, Sasuke's... Late older brother. He slaughtered their entire family seemingly on a whim and Sasuke hated him for it. Who wouldn't? After that Sasuke was left alone. In his hatred he went looking for help, which he got from Orochimaru.

It was only after Itachi's death that he found out the truth. About the Kaiju elder who forced Itachi to kill his family, the impossible choice that he had to make to keep his little brother safe. All of this Sasuke only found out after he had sunk his fangs into his brothers head.

Could he really tell her all of that?

"Whatever you do, you should keep an eye on Karui. Who knows what Kabuto will try next." Shikamaru said leaning back as far as the chair he was sitting in would allow.

"So when's she moving in?" Choji asked as he munched on the chips that Naruto gave him.

"She isn't, at least not yet."

Shikamaru and Choji looked at him curiously, before the brunette spoke, "Why not?"

Sasuke froze trying to will away the images of the gruesome torture that Karui's uncle would inflict on him should he break any of his rules.

Naruto beamed at him, "You met Killerbee didn't you?" Before he started laughing loudly.

The raven gave a groan, making the blond laugh even more while the others chuckled with amusement.

A/N: there it is, although I feel like Sasuke was a little too mushy in this one. It might be a while before the next one is out, but it won't be longer than two weeks.

Tell me what you think.

Please review.