I lied. This is not the last chapter. I hit 9,000 words with no end in sight and decided to break it up. Enjoy.

Part Seven: Fire and Ice

Leather slapped against flesh and another small, pink welt appeared on tanned skin. Kuro moaned as Fai asked him again, softly, if he'd had enough.

"No, Master," the slave breathed, "three more please."

Kakashi watched as the whip curled and cracked again, a thin black streak, dancing in and out of the light as it was guided expertly into connecting three more times. Fai was patient, methodical, a pillar of control and experience. He commanded the room with a quick snap of his wrist, a small tilt of his head.

The distraction was perfect, Kakashi could not have planned it better. All eyes were on the other performers, giving Iruka opportunity to report on what he had discovered.

The sensei had moved to kneel behind Kakashi, supporting The Copy Nin's back. He ran his hands down Kakashi's shoulders, his chest, touching and caressing, nuzzling into his hair and whispering into his ears.

"It's definitely drugs," Iruka murmured, "highly potent stimulants. I don't know where they get them, or what exactly they are, but I know where they are now."

Kakashi was impressed, and surprised. "You know where they are?"

Sliding his hand over Kakashi's collar bone, Iruka pressed his lips against a pale jawline. Kakashi tried to focus on the conversation—the mission—and not on what a pile of shit he was for loving the feel of Iruka's lips.

"This is the unbelievable part," Iruka whispered, still focused, still on mission. "Fai-san and Kuro-chan are some kind of mules."

Startled, Kakashi closed his eyes. Fai's cock had just slid into Kuro's mouth and it was distracting.

"Wait, how is that possible? Hauling is dangerous even without the extra physical stress. Aren't they worried about accidentally overdosing?"

Iruka made a noise against his throat. "I don't know, I don't understand how it works. I only had a few minutes to talk to Kuro about it. He seemed willing to tell me about it though, maybe we could get them alone after—"

"I've already spoken to Fai," Kakashi said softly. He opened his eyes to watch the conclusion of the scene. "He's already expressed interest in meeting after the banquet."

Iruka seemed to pause for a fraction of a second, his fingers frozen on Kakashi's biceps. "Oh…" he murmured.

Kakashi didn't know what that meant, and he didn't know how to respond, so he adjusted his weight and lifted a hand to take Iruka's.

"Don't worry," he said, "I won't let either of them touch you if you don't want. You don't have to do anything."

Iruka seemed to relax a little and Kakashi's heart panged with every beat afterwards. It was so easy to feel possessive when the sensei did that. It was so easy to pretend that Iruka didn't want anyone else, he only wanted Kakashi. The Copy Nin's head knew that was ludicrous, but his heart would not listen.

They were quiet as they watched the scene. Kakashi felt Iruka's arms tighten around him periodically, especially when Kuro's moans became true cries of pain. He felt the sensei shudder when Fai's voice grew husky and low. Then Iruka's breath left his chest in a stuttered rush when Fai came over Kuro's shaking frame and guided the larger man into his body.

"What is it, Haru?" Kakashi asked.

Iruka's hands were unsteady as they ghosted back over Kakashi's shoulders. "Fai-san is the Dominant… but he's the bottom…"

Kakashi nodded.

Taking a breath, Iruka spoke in a voice Kakashi could hardly hear. "I feel stupid thinking about it now, but I guess I didn't realize..."

The Copy Nin smiled, "The rules of Dominance and submission are pretty universal, but the ways in which they are conducted are infinite."

Fai's words were soft but demanding, and Kuro moaned worshipful endearments with every roll of his Master's hips.

"Yeah," Iruka breathed, "I'm beginning to understand that…"

The scene was reaching its peak. Fai worked it with a seasoned hand, taking the onlookers along for the ride. Kuro's cries were becoming clipped and his breath ragged. Several in the audience had stood, or had begun talking quietly to their subs or slaves. The pressure in the room built in tandem with the passion on the platform. Kakashi felt the tension coil through Iruka's body; the sensei's erection against his lower back.

Kakashi also felt his own arousal mounting. The heady air of the platforms had finally gotten to him and he sat forward so he could run his hand down Iruka's thigh. He knew the sensei would perform, and he would perform perfectly, because that was the kind of shinobi—the kind of man—Iruka was. However, Kakashi knew that even though the pull of the scene was hard to resist, it was not very likely that Iruka wanted to do what came next, not after what had already been done to him earlier.

But even after knowing that, even after understanding and coming to terms with everything shitty that he was, every little terrible, dirty piece and foul part of him, Kakashi still wanted Iruka more than anything.

The sensei's body came around him, his lips trailed across Kakashi's chin. Then, once again, he did something Kakashi had not expected.

"Endo-san," his voice was breathy, unsteady.

"Hm?" Kakashi turned his head and met with Haru's flushed face.

"Endo-san. I can't watch the rest."

A shiver rocketed through The Copy Nin's body. He tried to cover up his unbalance by lifting a hand to Haru's cheek.

"Why, my lovely, Haru. Why can't you watch the end? It's the best part."

Haru shook his head and leaned in close. "I don't know why, but I don't think I can handle it… Please, Endo-san."

There were eyes that had strayed from the performing couple and were locked on Haru. The tremble of the sub's body and the hot flush of his skin was attracting attention. A perfect addition to the scene. Kakashi knew a responsive sub like this was what most craved, and those eyes that were on Haru now had no doubt been watching him on and off since the scene had started.

Kakashi didn't know if this was part of Iruka's plan, or if the power of Fai and Kuro's scene had actually gotten to the sensei, but in that moment, it didn't matter.

Leaning back, Kakashi made a small motion with his head.

"Thank you, Endo-san," Haru sighed and curled around him. He undid the button and jerked down the zipper of The Copy Nin's jeans. He wasted no time teasing the audience and immediately slipped his lips over Kakashi's length. His mouth was soft and wet, sucking slowly, carefully. His hand stroked meticulously, his throat resonated in a low hum that moved through Kakashi's body all the way to his soul.

The sensei's singlemindedness, whether it was a performance or not, turned Kakashi's already hot blood into fire. He burned slowly from the inside out, his heart starting to pump violently inside the cage of his chest. Suddenly, he was using every bit of shinobi training he could remember, every little technique he had ever heard of to try and keep what he was feeling off his face. This was not a time to lose it. That would be more than irresponsible, it could mean life or death for both them.

Luckily, he didn't have to pretend for much longer.

"Ah… good boy," Fai sighed, "good boy, Kuro. Lie back… that's it. Lie back, my sweet."

The audience was gathering their wits as the performing couple came down from their climax. Most had started applauding loudly, others were talking excitedly in low tones, a few subs were crying very softly. Kakashi had a moment to be disappointed that he missed the end, but then Haru pulled off of him and licked his cock from base to tip.

It was about time they started.

Kakashi threaded his fingers into the hair on the back of Haru's neck. He pulled just enough to get the other man to stop. Dark eyes came up to meet his and Kakashi had to bite his tongue to keep a moan from escaping his throat.

Those eyes were not Haru's. That mischievous shine and that rebellious, almost cheeky, look was all Iruka.

Thus far, it had been easy for Kakashi to think of this man as Haru when it suited him. When Kakashi was doing the things he couldn't see Iruka doing, or when Kakashi himself was doing something that he felt guilty doing to Iruka, it had been natural for him to substitute in Haru. Had it been to ease his guilt? To perform his own, fucked-up, Kakashi brand of mind partitioning?

Whatever the reason, it was now completely shattered by the force of Iruka's gaze. He was done placating Kakashi's personal desires. He was done letting Kakashi take whatever he wanted and then blaming it on the mission. The sensei had figured out the game and apparently, he was finished playing.

Haru was gone.

Only Iruka, powerful, defiant, beautiful, Iruka remained.

And now everything was going to be so much harder.

"Go," The Copy Nin commanded, and he was shocked that his voice did not shake.

Iruka wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and nodded. He stood, and moved to stand in front of the platform. Kakashi's heart was heavy and his ego was crushed, but he tucked himself back into his jeans and sat up straight. He then leaned down to open the small duffle he had brought with him onto the stage.

The audience had started applauding in full as Fai had helped Kuro sit up. Now the two of them were standing, with Kuro only leaning against Fai for minor support, and bowing their heads graciously.

"Thank you," Fai's voice was still calm and cool as ever and the crowd quieted to listen to his words.

"We are honored to have been part of your celebration. Hopefully, you all will enjoy the next performance as much as Kuro and I will."

A few more cheers rang out as Fai and Kuro exited, and Kakashi wondered where they were going that they would be able to watch. Possibly the balcony. The Copy Nin made a note to check later.

When the cheers died down, Kakashi turned to look at his partner. Iruka was standing, facing the crowd, body relaxed, hands at his sides.

"Haru, my love. Take off your clothes."

Without hesitation, Iruka unbuttoned his jeans and slid them down his thighs. As the denim pooled on the floor around his feet, Kakashi tried not to think about how they had looked just like that on the floor of their room only a little more than an hour ago.

When Iruka straightened, an appreciative murmur ran through the audience, and Kakashi felt smug.

"Turn around, Haru. Show them what I did to you last night."

Iruka turned around and lifted his arms. He rested one over his head and the other at the nape of his neck. The stance pulled muscle groups, shaping the lines of his back into something exquisite.

There were gasps and a few quiet whimpers at the sight of those perfect cuts on either side of Iruka's ribs. They were already healing, and were now just small, red lines against a backdrop of creamy, tanned skin.

"How do they feel?" Kakashi asked.

Iruka sighed and arched a little. "They itch, Endo-san. I can feel them under my clothes."

"Good."

Bending to take a container from the duffle bag, Kakashi motioned with his head to the platform.

"Hands and knees, my love. Ass facing the audience."

Iruka moved. "Yes, Endo-san."

As Iruka climbed onto the platform, Kakashi turned away purposely to distract himself from getting caught up in watching as the sensei arched and spread himself for everyone to see. If he watched that, The Copy Nin knew he would probably forget what he was doing. Elite shinobi or not.

So instead, he watched the reactions of the crowd, smirked at the wide eyes and tongues that flicked over lips, and winked at a sub who was already wiping away tears as they trailed down his cheeks.

Kakashi opened the container and dropped the lid back into the duffle bag. Then he reached in and pulled out a partially melted ice cube. He brought it to his lips and ran his tongue over the smooth, cylinder shape.

"Haru, mu love," he said clearly.

"Yes, Endo-san," Iruka murmured.

"Tell everyone whose idea this was."

Iruka arched and looked over his shoulder towards Yang's table. Kakashi almost grinned as Son Yang's meat slab trembled ever so slightly.

"It was mine, Endo-san."

Kakashi hummed in approval and slipped the ice cube in, and then back out, of his mouth.

"Tell them why you wanted to do this."

"Because," Iruka's back bowed as the sensei stretched out his arms and slid lower onto the cushion, "It's going to feel very, very good at first, but then it will slowly start to hurt."

"How much will it hurt?"

"A lot."

Kakashi found himself shaking as he turned back to Iruka and asked. "Why, my love, did you choose something that will hurt so much?"

With that, the sensei slowly pulled himself back up, staying on his knees but keeping them spread, he straightened. He twisted his body and turned to look directly at Kakashi. His eyes were bright, his face flushed as he spoke, and Kakashi could almost taste his own heartbeat.

"Because I want to show them that there is nothing you can do to me that I don't love."

A tremor ran through the crowd, through the room; possibly the very ground the hotel was built on. Everything seemed to shudder at Iruka's words. Or perhaps it was just Kakashi's heart, and his body, and his soul, collapsing underneath Iruka's sexuality.

Kakashi ran the ice cube once more over his tongue.

"Knees and elbows, my love."

Arched, spread out, and open to the crowd, Iruka moaned softly as Kakashi pushed the first ice cube inside. It went easy, slipping past that dark pucker. Kakashi followed it with his finger, pressing it in all the way to the third knuckle.

"How does it feel?" he asked.

"Good," Iruka replied simply. "Thank you, Endo-san."

Kakashi lifted another ice cube from the container and ran it over his tongue. A small trickle of water ran from the tips of his fingers, down his wrist, and dropped onto Iruka's skin. The sensei gasped and made a small noise as it ran down his taint and across his sack.

The second ice cube went in easy like the first.

And the third.

With each cube, Kakashi asked if it was good, and Iruka said yes, and thanked him. After five, the sensei started rocking back against Kakashi's fingers, groaning softly, praising his master's skill.

"It's so good, Endo-san," he breathed, "It's so cold. Ah, it makes your fingers feel hot."

There was murmuring through the crowd as several subs started to moan and plead. No doubt after watching Fai and Kuro's amazing display, the building of the new scene was too much for them. Kakashi smirked and reached for Iruka's jaw.

"Haru, love…" he whispered.

Iruka turned to look at him and smiled as Kakashi offered him an ice cube. He slipped it between his lips and rolled it over his tongue before pushing it back out and holding it between his teeth for Kakashi to take back.

Kakashi pushed five more inside. Ten. Iruka's moans were getting louder, his skin had started to glisten with a fine sheen of sweat.

"Haru," Kakashi said as he slipped another cube inside, "how does it feel?"

"Ah…" Iruka was shaking, his fists were clenching in the fabric of the cushions. "I… it feels full. Overwhelming, Endo-san."

"Are you in pain?"

Iruka shook his head. "No, not yet. It's just… Ah, Endo-san, how many more are there?"

"Three."

"Mmm…" his breath was heavy as he pressed his face into the cushion. "Endo-san, I want the rest, please."

Kakashi heard someone in the audience moan. He didn't blame them, he ached to touch Iruka's skin, pull the sensei against him and bite all the parts of him that were slick with sweat, shining under the spotlights.

Those last three ice cubes went in with a little bit of resistance. Kakashi pushed the last one in with his thumb. Iruka groaned loudly, hissing through his teeth as The Copy Nin stuffed him gently.

The empty container returned to the bag, and Kakashi slid a hand over Iruka's shoulder.

"Straighten, my love."

Iruka pushed up on his hands and slowly lifted his body. When he came close to upright, he faltered for a moment, whimpering. Kakashi caught him with an arm and gently pushed him up the rest of the way. The sensei's back arched and his head fell back, his hands grasping at Kakashi's wrist.

"Now, how does it feel?" Kakashi asked.

Iruka made another noise that shook The Copy Nin's core and rattled his bones. His cock was already so hard from watching Iruka's slowly tensing body, but it throbbed almost painfully at the sound of the sensei's voice.

"Haru," Kakashi said firmly, "How does it feel now?"

"Ah…" Iruka breathed, closed his eyes, slowly calming himself. "It hurts."

Kakashi's heart tore itself to pieces. Iruka was so fucking perfect, so fucking beautiful. Even if this was all just a performance, even if it was all pretend and Iruka hated every single part of it, that didn't make him any less than the most amazing thing Kakashi had ever seen.

Why had he gone and screwed it all up? Why had he been so stupid? If only, just this once, he had done things differently… Maybe if he hadn't let his body and his terrible, selfish, feelings make decisions for him, Kakashi might have had a chance.

He bit his tongue. As the coppery taste of blood filled Kakashi's mouth, he focused. He was a goddamn Konoha shinobi, and he would get this finished, even if it did cost him what was left of his heart.

"Turn and face your fans, Haru."

The audience had already been through so much, Fai-san and Kuro's performance had left more than a few subs finished for the night. Their Dominants and Masters hid their faces in their chests or laps. The tension in the room was beyond high, it was past high and had moved through uncomfortable and had entered beautifully, exquisitely painful.

Endo-san spoke softly, but his words carried through the ambient mic system so all could hear his questions, his commands. Haru's cries had turned from small whimpers into all out moans of discomfort, and then evolved into low cries of pain.

Everything was painful. It was painful to watch and to listen—to just be in the room. And it was so perfect.

The ice inside Haru had long since melted, but the incredible sub had held the water inside him, even as he ached. Even as he was struck with the flogger in Endo-san's hand. He stood straight and proud, hands laced behind his neck, eyes closed in concentration as he was beaten slowly.

How did he do it? How did he have this much control?

"Haru, my love," Endo murmured. His breath was coming quicker now, and sweat ran from his temples.

"Y…yes, Endo-san?"

He was shaking so hard it was shaking the sweat from the tips of his elbows. Haru's whole body glistened under the lights. He shone.

"You are stuffed, cramped, and bleeding," Endo-san said, and his power was captivating. "Do you think you can come?"

Haru breathed out through his teeth. His eyes stayed closed.

"I don't know, Endo-san."

"Could you do it if I asked you to? If I wanted you to?"

With that, Haru's body tightened. He stood straighter.

"Yes. Yes, Endo-san. I can do it."

Another wave of heavy arousal swept through the crowd. Never had anyone seen such a powerful sub. He had so much resilience, so much control, it was staggering.

Endo-san dropped the flogger and came to stand behind Haru. He slid his hands over his sub's hips and took his half-hard length in his palm. It took a mere handful of seconds to work Haru back to a full erection, and the sounds he got for his handiwork were almost as rewarding as his ultimate goal.

"Keep your hands at your neck," Endo-san commanded.

"Yes, Endo-san."

"Hold in the water as long as you can."

"Y-yes, Endo-san."

He was crying now, lost in his submission as Endo-san coaxed him to climax. The pale hand on his length was expert, just shy of violent. The other splayed over his lower abdomen where the water cramped his insides. It was so beautiful, so perfect. And then—

"Haru, are you going to come?"

"Yes!" Haru cried, "Yes, Endo-san!"

"Hold it in until you do, then you can let it go if you want."

Haru's cries turned into soft wails of pain as he arched against Endo-san's body. Everything in the room went still, the tension mirroring the coming peak of Haru's climb toward completion. Every eye was on him, every breath waited in anticipation.

"I can feel it, Haru, my love," Endo-san breathed. "Come for me. Let go, I'll catch you."

Haru's jaw clenched and his teeth bared. Already closed eyes squeezed shut even tighter, and then he leaned back into Endo-san. He let out one last beautiful cry, and came. Softly, perfectly, ropes of silky white splashed over Endo-san's slowing hand. The audience reacted instantly. Cries of conclusion, gasps of relief, and murmurs of approval all flittered through the crowd.

Endo-san caught his sub as his legs gave way. He tucked his arm underneath the other man's legs and lifted him. His strength was incredible. The handsome Dominant gave one polite, formal nod to the crowd, and moved away, taking Haru back behind the curtain.

The audience's applause were thundering when Kuro turned to Fai, his face hot and his hands trembling slightly.

"Haru didn't let go of the water…" he said softly.

Fai nodded, a soft smile pulling at his lips.

"No he didn't."

Chest tight, heart beating rapidly, Kuro ran his hand over his Master's thigh. "They are so strong."

Nodding, Fai adjusted in Kuro's lap.

"I've never seen anything like them before."

Intrigued, Kuro ran a few soft kisses along his Master's spine. He hurt everywhere, his skin burned from the whip, but it was lovely. Master had not whipped him in a long time.

"Are they coming to see us?"

"I had a note sent to their room," Fai said softly. He ran his hand along the balcony railing and adjusted himself again, effectively sliding the clef of his ass down Kuro's hard length.

Kuro closed his eyes. His Master was in such a teasing mood tonight.

"Do you truly think they will be able to help us?" he asked.

He heard his Master sigh, felt the air leave his thin body.

"I hope so, love. I truly hope so."

"Endo-san, put me down," Iruka said softly. "Please, please now!"

Barely through the door, Kakashi placed Iruka gently on the floor, and watched as the sensei moved stiffly into the bathroom. The door did not close, but Iruka had shut it most of the way, indicating that he wanted privacy at least for a moment.

The shower turned on, and Kakashi heard the dispersal of water as Iruka stepped under the spray. He turned away and tried not to listen as the sensei groaned. He wasn't sure if it was in relief or in pain, but he knew it was good, and he didn't want to interrupt just yet.

Kakashi was in a state. Not that this was particularly new, given the last few days and his pension for being a complete asshole, but it was a new and different kind of state and The Copy Nin was having trouble with how to handle it.

This time, Iruka had chosen the scene. He had created it, planned it, and told Kakashi how he had wanted it to go down. Kakashi had only made minor adjustments here and there, to keep it in line with what Endo and Haru were known for doing. Then it had happened, it had been successful, and of course, Kakashi had loved it. How could he not?

However, herein lay the problem. Kakashi' black, disgusting, traitorous heart was telling him that this time, it was okay to love it. This time it had been Iruka's idea, he had brought everything that had happened upon himself and Kakashi was not to blame for any of it. He even had a right to have enjoyed it.

But then his head, his shinobi training, and what little sense he had left had screamed. This was no different than any of their other scenes. In fact, this made him even more of a monster for enjoying it. Iruka was doing his job—his duty. He had pulled recon by himself and had acquired more than adequate information, on top of creating a perfect scene that would win the hearts and minds of the entire community for decades. What had Kakashi done? Watched is what he had done. In other words: nothing.

This mission was shit. He was complete shit and he deserved to be demoted. Stripped of rank and forced to work gate guard for the rest of his miserable life.

Sighing, The Copy Nin turned back to the bathroom and slowly unbuckled his pants. Even if the mission was shit and he was foul and undeserving of anything more than a good gang beating, he knew he still had to join Iruka in the shower soon as not to invite suspicion.

The sensei was leaning against the tiled wall when Kakashi pulled the curtain aside. His hair was plastered to his face and his skin was red from the scalding water.

"How do you feel?"

Iruka nodded, "Better, Endo-san. It doesn't hurt at all now. Well, besides my back."

Kakashi moved to inspect where the flogger had left heavy red lines across Iruka's lower back and thighs. They were beautiful, marring his skin with the kind of unorganized chaos that can only be achieved with thick floggers. Perfect lines were good when it came to whips and crops, but with something like a nine-tales or any multi whip, the patterns were a unique and lovely surprise each time.

"It looks good," he said simply.

Iruka smiled softly and looked at him. His eyes were tired, but still defiant.

"Thank you, Endo-san…"

Kakashi was beaten.

"The water is too hot," he said softly. "I know it feels good, but you need something cooler on your back. Here, turn around."

He adjusted the water temp and guided the sensei to face the opposite wall. Iruka did as he was instructed, compliant, but his face betrayed how completely not submissive he felt at that moment.

"Do you need anything?" Kakashi asked.

Iruka's eyes were clear, burning when he looked right at Kakashi.

"Wash my hair?"

The tone of Iruka's voice was not a surprise, but the shiver that rocketed down Kakashi's spine was.

Iruka might not have been submissive or truly compliant at that moment, but Kakashi was. It felt right after everything he had put Iruka through, and now with his feelings in turmoil about how he should be feeling about what just happened. Saying nothing, Kakashi stepped into the tub and stood facing Iruka. He took the shampoo from the rack and poured some into his hand.

"This will hurt your back."

Iruka's shoulders twitched in the smallest fraction of a shrug. "I don't care, I'm sweaty."

Kakashi obeyed and ran his fingers through Iruka's hair. He lathered the generic, chemically smelling shampoo through heavy, brown tresses and then tilted Iruka's head back into the spray. He kept his movements superficial, professional, like he had when he had cleaned the cuts on the sensei's back. Iruka closed his eyes and let Kakashi work. He said nothing, apparently enjoying The Copy Nin's attention to his cleanliness.

"Do you want some time alone? Or would you like me to get you a towel?" Why was he asking? Why had he switched the decisions completely over to Iruka? What was happening to him?

"I'd like a towel, please."

Kakashi nodded and turned off the water. He stepped out of the tub and grabbed one of the rough, white towels from the rack above the toilet. Iruka stepped out behind him and stood waiting. Apparently he wanted Kakashi to dry him off.

This was such a different dynamic than Kakashi was used to, but for some reason, probably because it was Iruka, it seemed right. Comfortable.

Ten minutes later, the two of them were dry and dressed. They stood in the kitchen together, staring down at a sealed note that had been left with their clothes. The handwriting was small and neat, not one that either of them recognized.

"Interesting…" Iruka said, his eyebrow cocked.

Kakashi took the note and opened it. He read aloud:

Endo and Haru,

We were sure that your performance would impress us, and we
were not disappointed. If you are still interested in meeting with
us privately, Kuro and I have changed locations. We have rented
room 1304 above the club Tic Tac Toe. I suggest you take the fire
exit and walk. Otherwise, our meeting might not be so private.

Looking forward to getting to know you better,
Fai and Kuro

Kakashi refolded the letter and looked at Iruka. The sensei shrugged and motioned to the door.

As they made their way down the hall, two men in suits and nametags met them before they reached the lobby.

"Endo-san, Haru-san. That was most impressive."

Kakashi inclined his head and put an arm around Iruka's shoulders. The sensei leaned into him.

"Thank you, gentlemen. If you would excuse us, Haru and I are going to step out for some air. Can you please direct us to a more… private exit?"

The men nodded and motioned down another corridor.

"Of course. There is a staircase on the right at the end of the hall. Fire escape. If you leave that way, you will not be bothered by patrons or members of the club."

Kakashi inclined his head again. "Thank you."

The air outside was cold, but it felt good against Kakashi's skin. He chanced a quick, sideways glance at Iruka, who closed his eyes and breathed in deep. The sensei still had his arm linked with Kakashi's but, surprisingly, The Copy Nin felt more like the one being led than the one leading.

They asked the first person they saw where Tic Tac Toe was, and found it was only one street over and around the corner. Convenient.

"Well," Iruka said, "we're either walking into a terribly obvious trap, or I'm going to have to think of another way to play with that poor Kuro."

Kakashi chanced another sideways glance. "You're okay with that?"

Iruka nodded. "I… like them. I don't know. Something about them…"

Kakashi nodded. He had felt it too.

Tic Tac Toe was another fetish club, but less exclusive than the ones they had visited previously. The majority of people were decked out in fetish gear, but there was a large number of folks that seemed relatively normal. The music was more mainstream, and there was no open nudity.

Until they climbed the stairs to the second floor.

"May I help you?" A receptionist behind the large desk pushed his—or possibly her—glasses up their nose.

"We have friends staying in room 1304."

"Ah yes," the receptionist smiled, "We have been expecting you. Sherlock and Watson, I presume?"

Kakashi felt Iruka snicker at his side.

"Yes," he said.

"Sign here."

Kakashi leaned over the book and signed his name next to Bonnie and Clyde, smiling at Iruka's mirth.

"Thank you," he said as he straightened.

"My pleasure. Room is up those stairs on the end. Please enjoy."

As they climbed the stairs, Kakashi heard muffled cries behind more than one closed door. Iruka stayed at his side, not in the least frightened, but doing an excellent job of shadowing him just in case this was indeed a trap.

Room 1304 was unassuming. A plain red door against the gold and red pattern of the wallpaper surrounding it. Kakashi glanced down the hall the way they had come, and then looked at Iruka.

"Ready," the sensei said.

Kakashi nodded, and knocked once before he turned the nob, and entered.

Fai sat in a cushioned chair in the middle of the room. Kuro was at his side on the floor, his hands folded neatly in his lap. The small, blond Master smiled as they entered and he took a sip from his glass. The door closed with a click.

He then greeted them in a calm, soft voice.

"Welcome, shinobi."

TBC