Hey little sister
Are you ready to dance in the dark?
Can you believe and defy death?
It's only skin and bones, blood in red
In this rotting flesh
Hey little sister
Are you trapped in a life
Where you need a little something to kill time?
A short while till the blood runs red
And the sun won't shine
"Tranquilize" William Control
-

It's really awkward to walk in on two people in the midst of pillow-talk. It is even more awkward to wake up when two people are in the midst of pillow-talk and one of them wasn't involved in the actions before pillow-talk. I roll to my side, seeing Sasuke and Itachi embracing each other. Itachi is stroking Sasuke's hair, speaking softly to him. In my sleep coated brain, I couldn't make out what they were saying, but now it is clear.

"Don't worry about it, Sasuke." Itachi mutters in a very sweet, comforting way. "Uncle knows what he is doing. Besides, Naruto is here, isn't he? Madara is going to fully utilize that skill of his."

"Itachi, you didn't see his face. I've never seen Uncle like that." Sasuke says quietly, it is a little muffled by him pulling the blanket up a little farther. "I have a bad feeling."

Itachi nods his head, pulling his brother even closer, nuzzling into his hair with his nose. He sighs, finger tracing the back of Sasuke's scalp. The sunlight is bright through Sasuke's bedroom window, encasing the Uchihas in its glow. I feel as though none of us deserve the shine of the sun on our skin. We were all soaked in our sins; skins too pale and weak to accept the slightest rays. The night is my usual companion, shadowing me from the purity I once had. It has been a great deal of time since I have existed in the places where the light could reach me.

I sit up. My head and back ache furiously. I send a soft glare to the spiked head of Sasuke, who rolls, pressing his back into Itachi's body. The older Uchiha is still petting Sasuke, like he was nothing more than a large cat. His face looks tired, small, dark bags under his eyes. I glance over at the clock, noting it was well past noon. I woke up early, even for me. I appreciated getting at least twelve hours. I sigh, looking around the room. I am in serious need of a shower and a cigarette.

"Good morning." Sasuke's muffled voice greets. I lean over him, giving him a small kiss on the temple. "Bathroom's open if you want to take a shower." Itachi wraps his arm over Sasuke protectively. We share a glance.

"It's well past noon, Otouto." Itachi teases, gently poking Sasuke in the forehead. He mumbles softly before shooing the hand away from him.

"Good afternoon, then." Sasuke corrects himself. "Don't tease me Itachi-nii, it's still early."

Sasuke is adorable. Everything about him. The way he has the blanket over his face, the smallness of his sleepy voice, the way he greeted me. I just want to pull him up into my arms of hold him until time decided to stop spinning the world.

"Where did you put my clothes?" I question, my fingers reaching out to rub small circles in Sasuke's hair. He stirs more, eyes opening wider.

"They're in the wash." Sasuke says. "Kisame got blood all over your shirt and jacket when he knocked you out." I make an annoyed noise in the back of my throat, making Itachi smirk. "Just grab something from my closet. Your cigarettes are in the kitchen." Sasuke rolls back into Itachi's body, causing a softer look to grace Itachi's usually cold countenance.

As much as I'd love to just lay in Sasuke's bed with him all day, I get up, against my body's protest. I stretch, hearing my back pop in places it shouldn't. Sasuke should take it easy on me next time. Though, I didn't doubt he was hurting. I glance over to where his hand prints were still easily noticeable in the cracked plaster. So strong, so powerful, and so unbelievably deadly. I didn't know why I was still here.

I shuffle some of the stuff in Sasuke's closet, just grabbing a pair of shorts. A cigarette and a shower was all I needed for now. And when I got my clothes back, I'd worry about the rest of what would happen to me.

The back of my mind was warning me about staying too long here. But I knew, Madara was a selfish man, he wouldn't let me go now that he had me. And I didn't know if I could leave Sasuke now. I want to know more about him, let his existence wash over me and cloud me with everything he knows, everything he wants, and everything that he is and was going to be.

I walk out of Sasuke's room, noting how much my back aches when I jumble down the stairs. When I step into the kitchen, Kisame is sitting at the island in the kitchen, reading the paper. If I hadn't know better, Sasuke's life would have seemed so normal. And as much as I wanted to hope to be ignorant and live a life where I could escape everything I'd ever seen or done, it was impossible. Sasuke's life would never be normal. Kisame wasn't just some man in his kitchen. He was an assassin, a man with hands caked in blood.

I grab my cigarettes of the counter, Kisame taking a few nervous glances over at me. For now, I'd let him sweat my presence, especially since he was the one who knocked me out. But, as I knew, I could use fear like that to sustain my ever-lasting quest for knowledge. Kisame would cooperate if I needed him to.

"Hello, Kisame." I say as I walk past him, on my way to the front door. I hear his paper shuffling from the start I give him. This was going to be fun.

There's a soft click behind me as I settle down on the concrete stairs in front of Sasuke's house. The door is shut and I am cut off from the truth inside that house. I always wondered whether I'd be caught by someone I had known. People know my face and I know some have been asking around for me. Though, no one had ever known my real name. I guess, though, I thought it would have been Hashirama who would have dragged me back but Madara's face was always there, in the back of my head.

My eyes span the scene in front of me. This neighborhood is huge, but also quiet. And I suppose I should have expected it. There was no way Madara would let his hidden treasure live in a neighborhood as shitty as mine. It is strange to think about. The Madara I had known was a selfish, greedy man. He cared nothing for his underlings and cast them aside when they failed him. But even the hardest men had their weaknesses, at heart.

I hit the bottom of my pack, pushing a cancer stick to the surface. I pull it out, touching my pockets, immediately realizing that these aren't my clothes. I sigh, exasperatingly. Of course. I get back up on my feet when the door opens behind me, Madara stepping out. He has a pack of cigarettes in his hand. We exchange a look, him spying the cigarette in my hand. "You shouldn't do that." He's smirking at me.

"I don't suppose I can bum a light?"

"Bringing yourself closer to the funeral home doesn't bother me much." He puts a cigarette between his lips, the paper of it is dark, nearly black. He flicks the lighter to life between us. I lean into the flame, taking a deep breath of smoke. We both sigh it out, creating a small cloud between us. His smoke smells heavy and sweet with clove.

Together, we sit next to each other on the steps. It's weird being here with Madara. I would have never thought he could be here, calm, nearly silent with contemplation. He flicks as an ash with long, pale, fingers. "I suppose, I owe you an explanation."

I glance over at him, tapping my fingers against white paper. "I'm surprised you're willing to offer me that."

"I hate to admit it," Madara mutters against the filter. "I need you. I've tried a few different Jinchuuriki. You were the one who knew anything, not to mention, willing to cooperate." The smoke drifts from between his pale, red lips. "But even then, you need to know what I know to be of any further use."

"So, tell me. What do I need to know, Madara?" I look over at him and he sighs, taking another long drag.

"A few months back, there was an attempt on my life. Not something too atypical. Single gunman, one bullet, immediate retreat upon failure." Madara begins. "However, they knew where the Akatsuki hideout was. Only certain people are privy to that kind of information. And most of those people know giving out something that sensitive, means dealing with me and anything that I can cook up when I find out. And I always find out." His eyes harden as he glares down at the concrete. "Now that I know Konan was a plant, I feel kind of bad for breaking a few fingers."

"Fingers?" I scoff and he just smirks.

"Skulls, fingers…They're both bone." He is a wicked man. "Anyway, the assassin's identity remained a mystery for about a month until another attempt was taken…That time though, I saw his face. I started poking around and came up with the name; Nagato. Problem was, everyone said he was dead. So, I started looking for the man who supposedly killed him, leading me back to you. I knew then I needed to find you." Madara shoves a hand into his pocket. "Now we know you killed the wrong person." Madara took another drag. "But I also know who hired him to get me. His name is Obito; the man in the mask. You've confirmed it." I feel a chill up my back. "He's also an Uchiha, one the family spurned. No one knows where he is though. Not that I keep in contact with much of the family anyway. Sasuke and Itachi are my only ties to the Uchiha blood." He pulls his hand out his pocket and sets a folded note on my lap. I flip it open. "Normally, I wouldn't do this. I fear you knowing too much, however, I'm willing to make an exception given your particular set of skills."

"As the raven screeches above the open world; rats flee from sight. Gripping, clinging onto a life which they will waste. An experienced hunter sees the weak, black wings ghosted against the sun. Unimaginable is suffering to that which possesses a brain so small. Youth and fertility is all it knows; greed and lust. Killing blows are all a real raven knows before sinking into shadows."

The note itself is cryptic but the look of it, incredibly cliché. It seriously seemed like they ripped off whatever bad kidnapping movie that had been on TV the night they wrote it. But what was weird was that it had been printed that way. It wasn't a bunch of jumbled news and magazine clippings glued onto paper, letter by letter. My fingers brushed the page. Perhaps that way it would seem more planted? What exactly was this person's MO? What did they want from Madara, besides him dead? There had to be more. But if Madara didn't know, or wasn't about to go into deep state secrets, I would only be able to speculate.

"Anything, Naruto?"

I shove my cigarette in my lips, looking over the page multiple times. A large pile of ash falls on my leg and I finally tear my eyes away from the words. Madara is flicking his cigarette butt into the grass, eyes taking small glances at me. I follow his motions, unable to do much else. I bite down on my lip, chewing it.

"Is there anything else you can give me that can help me pull the pieces together? Anything on Nagato or that Obito guy? Habits, personality traits, where they hung out, who they hung out with, family backgrounds…?" I know I was reaching but Madara may have something locked away in that mental safe of his. "Don't make me grasp at straw, Madara. If I do that, I may have to make a few phone calls. And they may not be Uchiha approved."

Madara raises his eyebrow at me. "You still runnin' with the cops, kid?"

"Only when it's convenient for them." Treacherous waters were ahead if I continue to speak to him about this. I couldn't let him in. Couldn't let him find out. I would be flayed on Sasuke's counter in a heartbeat. "I have a plant; keeps me updated. In case I need to clear out, ya get me? But we all know cooperation is a somewhat two ways street. He feeds me info in exchange for assistance. The police are too stupid, and the bureau too."

Madara laughs, shaking his head. "Looks like we're all in too deep, huh?"

"Never stopped me from disappearing before. If I ever needed to, I could be gone. Just like before. That plant keeps me safe."

His eyes are full of suspicious as they take in my own. "You better not suddenly disappear on me, Kyuubi."

"Uzumaki." I correct. "Uzumaki Naruto. Remember, kay? It may be the only real pieces of my past you can get from me."

"Sure, kid." Madara says, standing up. "Let's head back in. I'll fill you in as much as I can." I stand up and Madara pauses, reaching into his pocket. "Oh, I almost forgot." His hand resurfaces and I can feel the treacherous waters lapping up on the shores. They're already reaching me. "Here's your phone; it went off quite a lot before dying. Lotsa missed calls from a man named Sai."

My body is submerged in ice, spreading through my veins, into my muscles, along my spine, building up in my gut as Madara hands me the small device. I straighten up as I feel the heated plastic in my fingers. It was warm from his pocket. "Thanks. I know you didn't have to give me this."

"Of course. I know how you kids are with your technology these days."

He shoves his package of cigarettes into the pocket of his jacket. I shudder, the wind finally picking up. He steps up to the door, his hand reaching for the bronze knobs. His fingers are long, delicate; they are the perfect hands to strangle someone with. They are thin, gentle-looking, as if they couldn't snap the neck of a bird. But I knew what those hands had been stained with, and we all just wished it was the blood of animals.

"Oh and Naruto…?" I glance at Madara, keeping the panic off my face. If I can let the water take one thing, let it take my feelings, let it rip away and drown them somewhere where they cannot betray me. Madara cannot know. He'll keep me around but it'll only be a matter of time. Sasuke won't be able to save me.

"Yes?"

Madara puts a hand on my shoulder, forcing me to look upwards at his face. He's smiling. "Thank you for helping me."

I smile, forcing my lips not to quiver. "My never ending quest is one of knowledge. I want to know the world, Madara."

"Knowledge is power, Naruto. And isn't that all we've ever wanted? From the moment Prometheus gave the mud creatures fire, we have been hungry, crawling through our own waste, through the blood and guts of others just to say we are the most knowledgeable, the most powerful. That we are stronger than the gods…"

Watching and waiting has always been a game I was never quite good at. But, if I step incorrectly, falter in a single movement, let them know what I've done…The den of the Uchiha lions will come after me. The Uchiha manor will become my personal sepulcher; the mausoleum of my secrets and betrayal. Sasuke and his family will rip apart my skin, rending it from the bones…

I refuse to burn out.

Sasuke's PV (starts before Naruto wakes up)

I stir immediately as I feel weight shifting behind me. I moan, rubbing my eyes on the back of my hand. I pull the blanket higher over my head, to block out the sun, and the ache of the world around me. The comfort of his hand is immediate, small circles rubbing into my spine. I know it's Itachi. He must not be too pleased about the intruder in my bed but to be fair, it is my bed, not his. He's an intruder too. It's not my fault he chooses to sleep here. I roll towards him; he opens his arms to accommodate me. He's looking over my head, eyes predatory in nature. "No," I mutter, pushing on his cheek.

He grabs my hand, putting it back down at my side. I cuddle closer to him, nuzzling my face into his chest. He pushes me back towards Naruto, giving himself more room on the bed. I know it's not the biggest bed in the world but still, he needs to stop being so pushy. I whine and he nuzzles me, finally laying down and settling in. I move even closer to him, head pressing into his chest as my arms wrap around him. His fingers are pressing against my scalp, circling and drawing in the spaces between follicles on my scalp. It makes me sigh with content.

"Are you still naked?" His words are barely above a whisper and I stare at him at a moment before nodding. He makes a face.

"What? It's my bed. You knew what he and I were going to do." I reply, making Itachi seem even more unamused. I smirk. "You finished your assignment quickly."

"Hn." Itachi's hand pauses in my hair. "It was simple enough. I also brought you back a present." My skin begins to itch at the thought. I'd been ignoring my craving all last night but now it was there, pulling my flesh too tightly too my bones, wrapping the hands of need around my throat. I whimper and Itachi pulls me close. "I made sure it was a good one." He kisses my temple lightly.

Apprehension fills me, its snakes leaping from the darkness to seize the depths of my heart. I shudder and Itachi's eyes are upon me; I can feel his gaze. Madara had divulged secrets to Naruto and myself, letting me in deeper to the world he saved me from. It made me fearful. Madara is my uncle, my family. I felt strongly worried. It wouldn't be the first time someone had ever tried to kill him; I knew that for certain. No doubts about it, not many could stomach Uncle. We all knew it. But this time was obviously different. If he needed a professional profiler to give him answers, that meant he couldn't figure it out for himself. There were pieces and loose ends fluttering around carelessly, eluding Madara's grasp.

And that was what frightened me most. The man who bought and sold the sins of the world couldn't stop his own extinction. Caught in a web of his own demise, spiraling outward into the unknown.

My fingers shake as I reach up, gripping the material of Itachi's shirt with them."Itachi, someone's trying to kill Madara." I mutter into his clothed chest.

"What else is new?" Itachi snorts, hand starting to move against my scalp again.

"It's not normal this time…" My voice sounds small, still slightly cracked with sleep. "He needed Naruto's information which means he couldn't figure out something by himself."

Itachi stills against me, hands and body seeming to not move. He is thinking, the pensiveness of his face revealing all. Itachi only showed these things to me. I sometimes feel sorry for everyone else. They never got to see Itachi as he was. But this part of Itachi is exclusively mine. I didn't like to share. And I refuse to share this part with Madara, especially.

I hear Naruto moving around next to me, obviously slowly starting to wake up.

"Don't worry about it, Sasuke." Itachi mutters, pulling my attention away from the blond on my other side. There's a soft hint of jealousy that he grabs my attention so quickly. "Uncle knows what he is doing. Besides, Naruto is here, isn't he? Madara is going to fully utilize that skill of his."

"Itachi, you didn't see his face. I've never seen Uncle like that." I says quietly, shuffling the blanket around my face. "I have a bad feeling."

Itachi nods his head, pulling me even closer, nuzzling into my hair with his nose. It feels good. It always feels good when Itachi comforts me. His touch is like fire and ice, burning my worry to ash but cooling my blazing heart. He sighs, finger tracing the back of my scalp. He also knows now that Naruto is awake; blue eyes squinting from the light of the sun. I can see him through my peripherals, he looks wrecked. Though, I was none too gentle last night. No one had been particularly nice to him, I muse, in retrospect. I smirk a little.

He sits up, swearing softly under his breath. He must be aching. I must be truly evil if I enjoy his suffering, even if it was just a little bit. I can feel his stare on me and I roll over to face him. Itachi makes a soft sound of annoyance in his throat, I doubt Naruto could hear it. He's still petting me. Naruto's face looks blank with contemplation. He probably wants a shower and a cigarette; humans were creatures of habit and Naruto was included in that.

"Good morning." I sound more muffled and tired than I feel. He lean over me, planting the flower of a kiss against the small portion of exposed skin I offer to the sun. "Bathroom's open if you want to take a shower." Itachi wraps his arm over me, possessiveness is in the touch.

"It's well past noon, Otouto." Itachi teases, gently poking me in the forehead. I paw at his hand weakly, moaning with unamused words.

"Good afternoon, then." I correct, sending a small glance Itachi's way. I hear the chuckle in this throat. "Don't tease me Itachi-nii, it's still early."

Naruto is smiling at me and my heart feels strange in my chest. Those blue orbs shine as they look at me. It looks like affection, ardor, and all the emotions in between. In the strong rays of the sun, he looks like my Apollo; blond hair, messy and beautiful as it frames the soft tan skin of his face. It's a halo around his head though we both know he is neither angel nor close to godliness.

"Where did you put my clothes?" he asks, fingers reaching out to rub small circles in my hair. His touch brings some of my sinful emotions to the surface. I already want him again.

"They're in the wash." I say, the blanket hiding my amused quirking mouth. "Kisame got blood all over your shirt and jacket he when knocked you out." He looks displeased with this information, a soft noise pushing past his lips. It is in Itachi and I's more devious nature to smirk at his misfortune. "Just grab something from my closet." I offer, feeling a possess urge in my stomach. Naruto's body wearing my clothes is just a sign of ownership. That he's mine. "Your cigarettes are in the kitchen." I roll over again, back into Itachi's snug embrace. I can feel his satisfaction leaking from him. Such a possessive, stingy creature my brother is. He never liked to share me with anyone, even family. Him and Naruto having to share my affection, especially since Naruto gets special perks he can't, must drive Itachi insane.

Naruto's body is bruised, touched with the mars of our lovemaking. I don't doubt his hips are dented with my fingers prints. His wrists and his legs, especially bruised, from where they had been bound. He unconsciously rubs the sore spots as he walks into my closet, reappearing after a second or two.

Itachi glares as Naruto disappears through my doorway, heading downstairs. I scoot towards the middle of the bed, letting Itachi have more room. I almost hope that it'll be Itachi's misfortune to lay in leftovers of our passion. I smirk a little as he continues to watch the door, still glaring. "Be civil, Aniki."

Itachi scoffs, muttering annoyed words under his breath. "No."

"Stingy." I say against his chest.

He laughs softly. "Anyway, back to what you were saying."

I look up at Itachi from the small corner of the blanket, still over my face. I pull it down slightly, sighing. "I was saying, I was worried before you brushed it off. If Madara needs Naruto, it must be pretty serious, right?"

"Not necessarily." Itachi replies, soothing me. "Madara has employed the help of profilers before. Naruto is the best we could have found; he probably had some information Madara did not."

"Yeah…" I sit up slightly, my back against the headboard. There was still rope tied around the posts and I hold back my smirk.

I wonder just how much Itachi really knows about what's going on. Sure, he and Madara share blood but sometimes I thought they would kill each other. They only saw eye to eye on certain issues, usually pertaining to me, but other than that, they'd always butt heads. But I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask. "Itachi…Do you know anything about a man who wears an orange mask?"

Itachi freezes, whether he thinks I didn't see, I wasn't sure, but I know. My eyes narrow as he lets out a long sigh. "Well, things are obviously more complicated than I thought." Itachi muses, rolling so he's lying face up, staring at the ceiling.

"What do you mean?"

Itachi sighs, rubbing his face with his hands. "The man in the orange mask is also an Uchiha. His name is Obito; I've only met him once. He was practically shunned from the family. Just like Madara. Only, Uncle doesn't particularly like him either. They used to be in business together but Obito and Madara had different ideals. He tried to kill Madara himself, once. And then he's been on the lam ever since." He sets his arms down at his sides. "If Obito has anything to do with this, Naruto should be able to track him. Naruto managed to find me, after all. I wouldn't worry; Madara will give Naruto anything he needs to find Obito."

I sigh, getting up from the bed, throwing my blanket over Itachi's face in the process. He makes a disgusted sound in his throat as he pulls it off of him. He glares at me. I shrug as I step into my closet, grabbing a pair of shorts and a black white beater. When I step back out, Itachi is holding the remote vibrator in his hand, mouth open slightly with revulsion. I bite my lip to keep from laughing. "What exactly did you do to that poor child, Sasuke?"

"Hey, that's not mine. It's Uncle's. He's the real pervert in all this, not me." I defend, but only slightly. I did let this get carried out in my room, on my bed, with my body. And I loved it. Every second. Every thrust. Each moan reverberated through my body, licking my soul with the passionate flames.

Itachi got out of my bed. "You're forcing me to sleep with Kisame, you know that?"

"Itachi, there's an entirely empty room down the hall from this one. You can have that one."

He scoffs at me, heading towards the door. I follow after him, thumping down the stairs. I doubt Itachi has slept but I know he'll refuse to do so until I've cleaned my bed up. He also probably won't sleep if Naruto is still here. He doesn't like to share his bed partner much and Naruto did have the pleasure of my company all last night. He must have been so mad to see Naruto in the bed this morning. He probably made the funniest face.

Naruto is looking something over as he sits at the kitchen island. He hasn't bothered to change yet or shower and seems almost consumed with whatever he was staring at. I lean over his shoulder and he makes a soft noise in his throat. He turns his head upwards, giving me a soft kiss on the cheek.

Kisame returns from somewhere, handing Naruto a paper and a pen. "Here ya go, kid." Naruto mumbles his thanks, a bright smile gracing his features. Kisame is obviously disarmed by the sudden kindness. Itachi is muttering something as he glances over his shoulder at us. He is obvious displeased.

"What are you doing?" I ask, Naruto doesn't look up but mumbles something like 'working'. His hands are moving fast, writing down words, rearranging and dissecting them. Anagrams…? I lean closer, watching as the pen stops in his hands. He's frowning but continues to scribble after a second.

"Don't bother him right now Sasuke." Kisame warns, waving his hand at me. "He's helping Madara with something."

I nod knowing it has something to do with what was discussed last night. Madara must have needed Naruto badly if he already had him working on something. Or maybe he just didn't know how to put everything together. Naruto obviously knows a lot of tricks. He had to be the best for a reason.

Itachi sits down across from Naruto, another bowl of oatmeal in hand. I feel an edge of anger pulse in my blood.

"Itachi, what's that?" I ask, innocence of my tone betrayed by my face.

He looks up from the bowl, spoon full of mushy oats. He smirks. "Well…This is certainly awkward."

"What have I said?" My eyebrow is twitching as I try to keep my face steady.

Itachi leans back in his chair, a pensive, thinking look coming over his features. "I do believe our last conversation entailed that you were going to stab me if I continued to eat your oatmeal." Itachi presses his fingers together, pointing both hands towards me. "Though, I'm still alive."

I walk from Naruto to my brother; my blond is watching us. Blue eyes sparkling with amusement. Kisame is sitting next to Itachi, shaking his head. I loom over him, digging my elbows into both of his shoulders. Itachi reaches up grabbing my arm and pulling me forward. I slid, losing my balance and crushing my body into Itachi's back. He lets out a hard breath as his ribs press hard against the marble. Itachi's hands grip around my neck, pulling me closer to him. He wraps his arm around the back of my neck, holding my head in place. I struggle, punching his back, pushing him farther forward. Itachi uses his free hand to grab the spoon. Oh god, no. I try to pull my head back. I can already smell the maple syrup and sugar sticking to the oats.

"NO!" I can tell Itachi's smirking as the spoon brushes against my lips. Kisame and Naruto are just staring, obviously too amused or afraid of Itachi to help me. I know Itachi will shove that spoon into my mouth without a single hint of remorse. I need to play dirty.

My hand is moving frantically around his back and I feel the silk of his hair. I wrap my fist in it, giving it a hard pull. Itachi gasps, his head thrown back as the spoon retreats. "Let go, Otouto!" Itachi's fingers find my face, prying my lips open as the spoon makes another appearance. I can't even shake my head away as it slowly starts to push into my mouth, clacking against my teeth.

"What are you two doing?" Madara asks, his footfalls loud on the tile. Itachi uses this distraction to shove in the spoon in, nearly gagging me with it. I pull his hair even harder. He releases my head to attempt to grab me differently but Madara immediately grabs my arm, pulling me away from Itachi. His eyes look downright murderous, as though I might get a nasty surprise later tonight. I stick my tongue out at him. Madara grabs onto my chin, shaking my face in his grip as if to punish me. His grip on my jaw starts to sting and he releases me, walking up to Itachi, sighing. "Itachi, you're twenty eight. You're practically as old as I am. Start acting like it."

"Madara, you're twenty two years older than me." Itachi replies, turning back to his oatmeal.

Madara walks up and yanks Itachi's ponytail once before throwing it back into his face, effectively whipping it him with it. He makes an annoyed growl as Kisame and Naruto both simultaneously burst into laughter. Both of them laugh like they'd found the entire situation very, very funny. I didn't think it was. That oatmeal was disgusting. And now it was coated all over my tongue.

"I thought I was gunna die if I held that in any longer." Naruto wipes a tear out of his eye. His arm is wrapped around his stomach, holding it from pain. "Sasuke, your face was priceless. You were like huahhh!" I watch, unamused, as Naruto tries to replicate my expression. Though, it might not have been too far off. Kisame howls with laughter, slamming his hands down onto the island.

Kisame nearly falls from his chair when he leans over the side. Itachi chuckles in his throat, looking over at him. He is wiping away his own tears when he stares back at Itachi, slowing composing himself. "Sorry, sorry. But Naruto was right, it was good. Oh man, I even cried."

"So glad to keep you in such good spirits." Itachi mutters, glowering at his partner.

I walk back to Naruto, looming over the back of his chair, grabbing him with my arms. He's still laughing, now struggling a little. "No, I'm sorry." Naruto laughs even more. I love his laughter. It's husky and full; thick with his feelings of amusement. I pull him backwards, his legs kicking out as I tip him back. He's still laughing as my lips press into his. His hands weave into my hair as he pulls me closer, causing the chair to tip back more.

I overestimate how far I tip him and we both have to scramble so he doesn't fall out of his chair. He screams a little out of shock. The look on his face is of terror and exasperation. He kicks a glass on the counter, causing it to spill over. When I set the chair up right everyone is watching us. Itachi picks up his bowl, the glass still spilling water. Madara rolls his eyes.

"Mini-Uchiha, no party fouls." Kisame says, shaking his head. I snort and Naruto picks up the paper in front of him. It's dripping with water and a small, annoyed smile is on his lips.

"Nice one, Sasuke." Madara sighs exasperatedly.

My jaws slackens. "Whatever, Naruto was the one who kicked the glass."

"You tipped me! I got very scared." Naruto laughs out his reply. He sets the paper back down. "But no one freak out, it's just water. I mean the ink isn't even running. We're in the clear."

"What is that, anyway?" Itachi asks, licking his spoon. He turns, going towards the sink, leaning over slightly as he pulls a hand towel from a drawer. He throws it to Naruto.

"Ask the looming old man." Naruto replies, pressing the towel into the small mess. "Oh and by the way, Madara, I'm definitely going to need more than what you gave me." Naruto looks annoyed as he slightly glares at Uncle.

"Kids are so pushy these days." Madara mutters as he hands over a small file to Naruto. He slaps it down on counter when it's dry enough. "No more complaining, I just had Hidan drop it off. That's all the intelligence we have." Uncle turns, looking at Itachi as he pets my spikes. I lean into his touch. "That note was left by my assassin, Nagato. Or it could have been Obito. Either way I'm having Naruto look over it, see if he can pick up anything."

Itachi nods. "Kind of stupid to leave a note; he must think that would scare you."

"It's a pretty ominous note." Naruto adds.

I forget that Itachi didn't see the look on Madara's face last night when he was interrogating Naruto. There was fear. But of course, Madara would never admit that. Why would he? Uncle was anything if not proud. I bite down on the inside of my lips as we share a glance. He moves away from me, coming to stand over Naruto, whose eyes are pouring through every inch of the documents.

It is weird to watch him. I've heard so much about Naruto being good at profiling but this is the first time I've seen him actually doing it. Actually looking through documents, eyes focused as they scan through words, picking them apart and putting them back together. But I can already tell there's a problem. That file was small, probably only a few pages. Naruto makes an annoyed clicking sound with his tongue, swiveling around to look at Madara.

"You're really going to make me call in favors, aren't you?" Naruto whines. He huffs, throwing his arms across his chest. "I really thought if you wanted me to solve this, you'd have something substantial prepared."

Itachi snorts a laugh at Naruto's snippy comment.

Madara's jaw clicks with annoyance. "You know, just because your under my protection right now does not mean I won't slowly start breaking your fingers."

Naruto's PV

I really don't know what Madara expects out of me. For god's sake, I am not psychic. It's not like I can touch it and get some kind of giant mental picture of what's supposed to be embedded in the words. I roll my eyes at his empty threat. Sasuke probably wouldn't let Madara hurt me. But who knows, Sasuke seems to be stuck under Madara's thumb, for whatever reason. I guess I'd never understand the bonds between real blood.

Every word he gives me, every piece of information, it doesn't just add up into an epiphany. I have to slowly piece everything together and it's not like this is so simple. This isn't like dissecting a personality. I'd only seen Nagato a few times while I was hunting down the man who claimed to be him. And even then, I didn't know how accurate everything was considering I still ended up killing the wrong person.

But if I killed the wrong person…Why did Hashirama confirm the kill?

My eyes narrow.

I glance over at Madara. "I'm going to need a phone charger." I say suddenly, causing everyone to look at me strangely.

"Why?" Sasuke's voice is quieter than I expect even though he's standing right next to me. My eyes trace him. He is obviously concerned, not that he shows it in his face. He shows it very much in his posture.

I sigh heavily. I really don't want to do this. "So I can call Hashirama." I reply, looking around Sasuke to stare at Madara. His eyes immediately lighten up hearing the news.

"Sasuke, go get Naruto a charger." Madara's face is near elation and I almost want to tell him to calm down. "NOW!" Sasuke rolls his eyes but turns, heading upstairs.

I pull my phone out of my pocket. It had been so long since I resorted to this. Hashirama was probably the last person I wanted to call but Madara was really not leaving me a choice for anything. Besides, I am the one burying myself. I am infinitely curious about the man who escaped me.

"Is it really a good idea to call Hashirama?" Kisame asks, looking at me from across the kitchen island.

"Probably not." I mutter. "But he has some answers we don't…"

"I don't know what you're talking about; it's a great idea." Madara says smiling. A smile doesn't suit the seriousness Madara usually carries around with him. His face is too stern, too severe for one. It makes him almost look more menacing. And maybe that's a little closer to the truth.

Sasuke comes back down, handing me the device. I lean behind me, plugging it into the wall and the other end into my phone. I guess I should be lucky it fits but I feel uneasy. Sasuke and Madara are right next to me while my livelihood and the coat of lies I've created lays, ready to use. I slid through my code and ignore the piling missed calls. Sai was certainly persistent last night.

I scroll through my contacts, my thumb hovering over his name. I didn't want to do this. I didn't want to owe Hashirama anything. It had been two years since I had seen him. A year after I started to work for the police, he found me, tried to take me back. His determination had been frightening. And then I had to immediately disappear. He hasn't found me since. I keep switching numbers, breaking phones, cutting ties with people, never letting people know my aliases or what I've done. I've been hiding from him for all this time and I know as soon as he hears my voice, he'll try to call me back to him. And now I am showing him that I'm still here, seeking him out instead. He'll be suspicious of me.

"When you call," Madara began, hunger in his eyes. "Put it on speaker. I want to hear what he tells you…"

I glance around the room. "Fine, but none of you can talk. If Hashirama hears a single one of you, I won't be able to get anything out of him."

I double tap his name and it starts to ring. I press the speaker button, chewing my lip. I am nervous, the blood pumping through my veins pounds in my ears. Sweat gathers up on the back of my neck, running slowly down. I didn't want to hear his voice.

"Yeah?"

"That's not a very good greeting for someone, Hashirama." I say, my voice is lighter and more sensual than I want it to be. It makes Sasuke twitch where he stands. I can hear his office chair squealing in the background of the call. I obviously shocked him enough to make him sit up.

"Kurama?" His voice sounds hopeful. I bite the inside of my lip, wanting very much to press the small red phone button and smash the device against the wall.

"Yeah…" My voice cracks as I choke down a sob of despair. "It's me, Hashirama. I'm alive."

"Where are you? I'll come get you."

I chuckle, laughter sounding cold as it leaves my throat. "Why would you do that?"

"Don't be stupid. You're in trouble, right? You would have never called me if you weren't!" He sounds worried; the volume of his voice booms from the speaker. And I guess it's warranted. That night when I disappeared again, I told him I'd definitely give him a solid answer about coming back…He must have thought something happened to me, again.

"Hashirama, yelling won't solve anything. I'm fine. Maybe I called just to talk."

His laughter is just how I remember it; deep and rich, like dark chocolate. He continues to laugh for a few seconds before taking a long breath out. "No one calls just to talk to me…Well, except maybe Madara." At the sound of his name, Madara immediately perks up, eyes flashing with happiness. "And speaking of Uchiha blood, Madara is looking for you, Kurama. He's roughed up Shukaku and Gyuki. He's asked specifically about you. You need to watch yourself."

"Not to sound rude, or anything, but if you can't find me, what makes you think Madara can?"

"What Madara lacks in information, I assure you, he will make up for with determination. Once he's got his sights on you, he'll hunt you down."

"Got any ideas as to why?"

"Why he's hunting you? Yeah, I got a good idea. He's been asking about one of your assassinations. I don't exactly know what you'd be able to tell him about it, but he seems keen on you anyway. He'll probably want to use your skills for whatever it is he needs."

Sometimes Hashirama is too perceptive. "Well, I'll keep my head down then. Can't catch what you can't see."

"But in all seriousness, Kurama…What do you want? If you don't need help, it must be something else important. You still runnin' with the Feds?"

I laugh but really just want to cry. Madara and Hashirama weren't stupid. They knew how infinitely valuable I was to any organization, criminal or not. This charade wouldn't last forever. "After the Itachi incident, they've left me alone. I think they realized my skill set isn't exactly ideal to take him down. Besides, I almost died because of them. If my death was linked to them, it would create a huge shit storm. I was in their employ, still known to be a professional assassin, and without federal consequences taken against me. It was better for them to just drop me."

"I'm still waiting for an answer. What do you need?"

I bite the inside of my lip. "I need information. Something isn't sitting quite right with me and you're the only one who can give me any perspective on it."

Hashirama laughs again but this time, I know, it isn't his normal, amused tone. It is his darker, more plotting laugh. I grind my teeth together. "Only if I get to see you. I won't give you anything otherwise."

I hit my hand against my forehead, annoyance pulsing through my veins. Of course he would going to make a big request like that. I really should have seen that coming. He wants me back and he wants me to be exclusively his again. But I don't want to be tied down anymore. It's bad enough I'm getting caught up in Madara's webs. "Hashirama, that's a little…" Madara catches my attention from my peripherals, he's waving his hands wildly. He points to the phone and then points down to the floor. He wants me to bring Hashirama here?! Is he stupid?

Itachi makes a soft noise as he looks at his Uncle, shaking his head at me to signal 'no', Kisame and Sasuke seem to be agreeing with him. Madara, however, makes a threatening gesture towards Itachi, slashing a finger across his throat. Itachi licks his lips, shrugging, looking at me.

I guess it's really just my call. To be fair, I know exactly what Hashirama will do. He'll bring himself and at least two other Jinchuuriki with him. And they will be ones I was close with, so probably Gaara and Bee. He'll definitely go on the defensive, stop at nothing to guilt me. I don't want to go back, though. I don't want any more blood on my hands. Blood that black will drive a needle into my veins. But either way, with Madara, Itachi, myself, and Kisame, Hashirama will be out skilled. I'm not sure about Sasuke's prowess as a killer but if he's Uchiha blood, he has to be handy with a knife.

"Fine." I send a small glare Madara's way but he shrugs. I can feel Itachi's enraged eyes all over me. He's definitely not happy but what else am I supposed to do? "But let's cut the bullshit, I know you're tracing this call. Why make such silly requests?"

"I wanted to give you a chance to cooperate. But you're too smart for me." Him praising me isn't a rare occurrence but he must be pretty desperate to keep me in a happier mood if he's resorting to it. "I'll meet you at midnight, at that address. I look forward to seeing you, Kurama."

I sit in silence as the call goes dead. Blinking, my fingers wrap around my phone. Before I can really stop myself, I'm slamming it against the marble. I know it's already too late, that I'm too far inside this world to pull myself out, but I still let the anger flood up through my veins, let it control my muscles. I'm not just putting myself in danger, I'm putting everyone around me in danger now.

Sasuke grabs my arm, stopping me from smashing the device any farther. I can feel pieces of the screen's glass embedded into my skin, blood dripping all over the cracked plastic. I pull my arm back, looking over at Madara. He seems lost in thought, holding his chin between two fingers; the gentleness of his smile only speaks of lies.

"Well, we better start getting prepared." Madara says with finality. He must have known the risks; known them all. He didn't bother to care that I was leading on the most dangerous men into the house where he held his secrets. I really doubted anyone knew about Sasuke.

"That's all you're going to say?" Anger pulses inside of me and he just smirks at me.

He leans over, gently tracing my cheek with the tips of his fingers. "You played your part beautifully. Now, go get dressed. We need to make sure everything is ready for Hashirama. Unless, that is, you're okay with seeing him without your gun?"

I tense, looking over at Sasuke. He's rolling his bottom lip around his teeth. I hear the screech of metal against tile and see Itachi getting up, shaking his head. "I'm going to get some sleep." He mutters, shouldering past Madara as he heads upstairs, most likely back into Sasuke's room.

Kisame sighs. "Is there anything that you need me to do before hand?"

Madara shrugs. "No, not really. Follow Itachi's lead for now. I need to play with our lovely children for a little bit."
-

There is so much going on right now that I can only touch on. I'm going to give a couple plot twists in the next chapter but that means you have to wait for them. OHHHH SO MANY GOOD THINGS HAPPENING.

Naruto: I feel like I've fucked up.
Me: We both know if you didn't agree to meet up with Hashirama, Madara woulda snatched that phone out of your hand and started trying to plan shit with him. It was better this way.
Naruto: I guess.
Me: I hope y'all enjoyed the update! This was Hitoko-sama.