Sasuke's P.O.V.

"Are you going to see him?"

"I haven't decided yet."

"You literally have three minutes to decide. Just go in there, talk to him, see what he wants."

"Easy for you to say, you were just a guard for him. He literally would sit there and watch me get fucked for over a year of my life."

"Yeah he's a creep, but he's gonna make your time in here a whole lot easier. See what he wants. At the very least he'd support your lover and child like he does for me." Naruto won't even take help from me, I'm sure he'd just love for Orochimaru to support him. No that's not something I need from him.

"Alright, inmates, your loved ones are here put on a good show for them." The guards began searching us and I just sat. I'm not sure if I want to do this. The officers finished their searches and looked at me.

"You coming?" As much as I didn't want to, I felt my feet start moving. They patted me down and walked me over to Orochimaru, or who ever he was going by these days. There he was, my old boss, dressed in drag. Holy hell. A dress, make up, earrings, the whole nine. Well even though he's creepy as fuck, he actually looks better as a woman, go figure.

"Glad you decided to come see me."

"What do you want Orochimaru?" I sneered sitting across from him.

"You of course."

"Stop being a creep."

"I'm not, I came to make you an offer."

"And that would be?" He looked around suspiciously.

"I want you to lead the musicians."

"Excuse me?"

"We all know Jirobo is about as sharp as a bowl of jello. I need you to lead my gang on the inside."

"Your gang?"

"The musicians are my people, a while ago before I got the new club Snake Eyes that you worked at, we ran a much more dangerous operation. Things happened, things I'm not proud of, but I support them because they are of value to me."

"Value huh? Funny, I was under the impression nothing is of any value to you unless it can make you money."

"Is that so wrong? You had a similar arrangement with the Akatsuki didn't you?"

"I'm not leading your gang." Even if I wanted to, how the hell would someone like me be their leader?

"You haven't even heard my proposal."

"What?"

"You lead my gang. No more rent, no more blow jobs for protection, no more treating you like your life doesn't matter. My men are loyal to you, and you are loyal to me."

"And I get what?"

"Unlimited commissary, top dog treatment, favors." Oh please.

"I'm not gonna sell my soul for thirty cent ramen."

"What about a deal for when you get out of prison?"

"In fourteen years? You'll be dead."

"Then I'll keep my promise from the grave. When you get out I want you to be the Head of Security for the Sound."

"When I get out I'm spending as much time with my daughter as I possibly can."

"She won't know your face Sasuke. Join me, have all the power you desire."

"No."

"Is it Yagura you want? Hidan? The rest of the Akatsuki? I'll have the musicians serve their heads to you on a platter."

"And what happens when I get more time because I'm gang affiliated?"

"You won't."

"You can't guarantee it."

"You obviously haven't made friends with the guards or warden yet. Didn't the Akatsuki teach you for the right price anyone can be turned?"

"I'm not doing it." I said moving to get up.

"How's your addiction? Dosu giving you just enough of a taste to get by?" His coke is making my cravings so much worse, and it's not even enough to feel totally comfortable. He's giving me just enough to stay hooked and I hate it.

"You can't control me through drugs anymore. It's your fucking fault I have this problem."

"So let me help you, lead my group and you will never have to worry about when your next line is coming from or what you have to do to get it."

"I'm not that much of an addict, and you're insane." I said getting up.

"Give it a few weeks, you'll come around." Not in your lifetime.

Naruto's P.O.V.

"Checking in, Uzumaki."

"Hello Mr. Uzumaki, welcome."

"Thank you."

"Here are two room keys for you and your guest, you two are in room 425, the elevator is down the hall and to your right."

"Thanks." We walked down the hall and got in the elevator.

"Thank you for inviting me here Naruto, it's exactly what I needed."

"Of course Itachi, we're family. Watch your step." I said as I helped him out of the elevator and to our hotel room. I set Miko up in the crib I requested and then helped Itachi with his things. I'm really glad I invited Itachi to join Miko and I this weekend for our get away. He's the only one who understands what I'm going through.

"How are you feeling these days?" I asked.

"Umm… if I were to be honest, I've had better days. The Uchiha scrolls said the darkness would be permanent, but they never mentioned how your body would react."

"I'm sorry Itachi."

"It's okay, we all saw it coming."

"Would you… would you mind teaching Mikoshina Japanese so she can read those scrolls one day? Teach her how to be an Uchiha?"

"Naruto, I doubt Sasuke would want me anywhere near his child, all things considering."

"If you don't mind me asking, what happened between the two of you?"

"He didn't tell you?" He asked after a cough.

"Sasuke really doesn't tell me much, especially these days."

"I betrayed his trust. Did something he could never forgive me for, and I wouldn't expect him to. I can't tell you the details Naruto, it's not my place."

"I understand, but even still, Mikoshina needs a strong Uchiha role model, Sasuke's gonna be gone for a long time."

"We can start now, hand me her please." He said with a smile. He began baby talking her in Japanese, I didn't understand a word, but she seemed to love it. I smiled for the first time in a while. I then went out to the balcony and looked outside. We were in a snowy lodge hidden in the mountains a few towns over. It was a beautiful sight, I just wish Sasuke was here to share it with me.

"You're hurting yourself so much by thinking about him, you need to move forward with your life, we all do." He said looking at me with his sharingan.

"I didn't know you could still use that."

"It doesn't help me see, but my gift is intact. I can see how much you're hurting."

"Are you hurting? Because of Kisame?" He shook his head.

"Kisame and I didn't have the bond you and Sasuke had. And to be honest I expected something like this from him. He's been in trouble with the law many times before."

"So you're just okay?"

"I lost my job, my reputation, my family. No I'm not okay. But Kisame left me a little nest egg, so I'm getting by. He made sure I was going to be okay. Didn't Sasuke leave you something?"

"He said he hide a case with money in the floorboards, but I don't want to use it, that or any of his dirty money for that matter." Itachi only nodded and continued his baby talk. "I'm gonna go to the spa, would you like to join me?"

"No, I'm good here. Miko is going to learn Japanese. Aren't you Mikoshina?"

"Yes." She giggled.

"Hai." Itachi corrected with a smile.

"Hai." She repeated.

"See, she's learning. We'll be fine here Naruto, go relax."

"Okay… I will, thanks Itachi."

"Of course." I grabbed my things and changed into some swim shorts. I kissed Mikoshina and made one last effort to make sure they were going to be okay, then went downstairs. The spa was beautiful, the bath house was a glass enclosure looking out to the mountains with big glass windows, a gorgeous sight. I went into the hot tub and just relaxed, looking out at the view. It was peaceful, exactly what I needed. I almost fell asleep, it was so peaceful, until I noticed another man get in the tub with me.

"It's so pretty here, relaxing." He said politely.

"Yeah it sure is." I added to be polite. That's when I actually noticed him. Upon first glance he… he looked like Sasuke… His hair was a little longer, he was slightly taller and thinner, less muscular, but the resemblance was shocking. I felt myself start staring.

"I'm Utakata." He said sweetly, offering me his hand.

"Naruto." His eyes were a pale golden, his hair a lighter brown than Sasuke's, but he was very attractive.

"Vacationing alone?" He asked sincerely, sitting down in the water with me.

"My Daughter and her uncle are up in the room, learning Japanese." I replied. "And yourself?"

"Just me, here on business."

"What do you do?"

"I'm a musician, the saxophone."

"Wow that's incredible."

"Yeah, I'm playing tonight, you should come check me out." He said with a flirtatious smile. Is he… is he flirting with me? When was the last time someone flirted with me? I don't even know.

"I… I might."

"You should, I'll save you a seat in the front row." He chuckled. "How old is your daughter?"

"She'll be three in May."

"Such a cute age. Traveling with your brother in law? No wife?"

"My fiancé he's… umm overseas… won't be back for a long time." Couldn't exactly tell the truth.

"I see, sounds rough."

"It is."

"I swear I've seen you before, are you a male model or something?" He chuckled, I felt myself blush.

"I'm… I'm in politics."

"Maybe… I swear you could be a model, you have the looks."

"Uh… thanks."

He moved to get up, "You should come to my show tonight, it's the in lounge, nine pm."

"Wait, you're leaving?"

"I just wanted a quick dip, and to talk to a handsome politician." He said with a wink, getting out of the tub, putting a robe on and walking away. I had not idea how to react, a cute guy just hit on me… wow.

Sasuke's P.O.V.

"Rise and shine inmates, lets try to make this day a good one." Officer Guy said as he went through the rows clicking. I got out of bed and lined up for count. Ever since I turned down Orochimaru's offer, the musicians have been shunning me. After count, we made our way to the showers. Cue the harassment. I didn't realize Juugo's protection actually meant something. The other prisoners were relentless. Grabbing my ass, whistling, making passes at me. I'm used to strange men grabbing my ass, what I'm not used to is me getting nothing in return, that and wealth makes people more attractive. Hard to reciprocate if the guy's teeth are rotting out of his scull. Gross. So no protection and dirty inmates constantly trying to get into my pants. Not exactly a way I want my prison sentence to go.

After breakfast I went to the library. Yagura was already there, as usual. It's like his office, everyone stops by to see him and pay their dues, and that freaking prick loves that he can just keep tabs on me. It makes me sick. After a few hours, Dosu came in, right on schedule like he always does on Saturday. He handed me a book. There was no coke in it. I looked up at him with a glare.

"It's Saturday, where's my line?"

"You think you get a free line for not obeying Orochimaru's orders? As if. No, you want a line, you pay the same price as every other damned spirit in here."

"What's the price?"
"Hundred bucks a line."

"You have got to be fucking kidding me."

"That's the price." I've never had to pay for coke in my life, a hundred bucks a line that's… steep.

"You think holding out on me is gonna break me? Oh please."

"Saw you in the showers this morning, if you're not careful, you'll get it in the ass without them asking permission." Dosu dared before walking to the back of the library. I gripped my hair in frustration. What the hell am I gonna do? A hundred bucks for one stupid high? But even still… coke is the only way I'm getting through prison these days. I worked to the end of my day and then went out to the yard. As I was walking to my usual bench press, Jirobo stopped me.

"What?" I said angrily.

"You need to stop putting on a brave face and give in already, being stubborn is going to get you killed."

"I'm not taking Orochimaru's offer. I'm not working for him again."

"You'd have a much easier time in prison."

"I don't need an easier time in prison, I just need to serve my time and move on."

Jirobo grabbed my arm tightly, "Do you have any idea how many people Yagura has killed? Think about it for a second, why isn't he in max? Because he's smarter than all of us. If you lead the musicians, you might actually have a fighting chance, if not, you'll be dead long before your first parole hearing. You really want that? To leave your kid without a father?"

"I don't want my kid to know I'm affiliated with a gang, Orochimaru's gang at that." He looked from side to side, checking for guards.

"Sure would be tragic if something happened to that pretty little face of hers…"

"Is that a threat?" My heart started pounding. Drugs I can say no to, but my daughter, that's crossing a line.

"1217 Leaf Court Avenue." He knows my address… no, no this isn't real. He can't threaten my daughter, he can't!

"You wouldn't."

"You don't know me that well then. Orochimaru has plenty of friends that would love to slit that Uchiha throat of hers." I panicked. Full fledged panic. I ran inside, sprinted to the phones, cut in line and dialed Naruto's number. Pick up! Pick up! Pick up! Nothing… it went to his voicemail. Before I could leave him a message, Asuma hung up the phone for me. No!

"It's not your phone day inmate, your phone day is on Monday." He said, getting in my face.

"Officer Sarutobi, you need to understand-"

"I understand that your phone day is on Monday."

"My daughter is being threatened."

"You willing to say that on the record?" It's my daughter's safety at stake.

"Yes."

"You're such a rat, a dirty spineless rat." He smirked, walking away.

"Wait you're just gonna walk away."

"No, I'm gonna go file your shots."

"Shots? Are you fucking kidding me?"

"One for violating your phone privileges, two for cursing at an officer. And three, for making up a threat to get attention."

"I didn't make it up!"

"I'm sorry was that back talk? Do you want me to take you back to the SHU, or maybe just give you another shot for insubordination." He said, pulling out his billy club and aiming it just under my chin. Damn it! Of all the guards at all the times, why Asuma?

"No."

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that." He said getting back in my face.

"No, Officer Sarutobi."

"That's right, have a nice day inmate."

Naruto's P.O.V.

"Ohhh yes, yes, yes!"

"Right there, yes, right there."

"Mmmmm yeah, really get in there."

"Ohhh man, that's the spot!"

"Mikoshina, you doing okay honey?"

"Pretty!" She giggled. I looked over to her and the woman at the salon had painted her toes purple and was working on her fingers. Meanwhile, the message experts were just dissolving all of mine and Itachi's stress.

"You have a lot of tension in your shoulders Mr. Uzumaki, being Mayor must be hard." My specialist mused and she really dug into my shoulders, it felt so good.

"Oh you have no idea, that feel wonderful." I said melting back into the table.

"Mr. Uchiha, all your tension is in your neck, years worth."

"Decades really." Itachi laughed. Oh man, this is so fun, exactly what I needed right now. After our hour long message and Miko's baby mani pedi, the three of us got facials and seaweed wraps. Well Mikoshina got a green tea ice cream facial and a warm towel wrap. She was just relaxing in between us like she was born for it, so adorable.

"I can't believe everyone in your office pitched in for the spa treatments and the inn this weekend." Itachi said happily, after we were all wrapped up.

"I'm very lucky to have the staff like I do. Plus Hyuga own this resort, so Hinata got the office a killer deal.

"This is wonderful, tell them I said thanks."

"Will do, believe it." I said with a chuckle.

"How was your night last night?"

"The band was really good. Utakata is really a fantastic musician. How was yours?"

"Well after dinner, Miko learned her colors, isn't that right my mei."

"Hai, midori, iero, aka, buru, pa-puru."

"Wow, that's… impressive."

"Oh she's gonna be a genius Naruto, I can't wait to watch her grow up."

"Thanks Itachi, that really means a lot."

"So what are your plans after this? I can watch Miko if you want to skiing or something."

"I skied all morning, I can watch her, you need a break."

"I haven't seen her in more than a year, I'm prepared to kidnap her all weekend if I have to. We just play on the floor, neither one of us can bump into much down there."

"Are you sure?"

"Very. Maybe you'll see that cute musician again."

"Itachi…"

"You deserve a little fun, and it's not like Sasuke can really tell you otherwise."

"I had fun skiing the best slopes in the Land of Fire."

"I didn't know you knew how to ski."

"My parents used to take me to resorts like this all the time when I was younger."

"My parents too, I still remember Sasuke doing the bunny slopes and crying when he hit the snow." He chuckled.

"You're parents took you skiing?"

"All the time, skiing, snorkeling, sailing. Uchiha used to be the wealthiest clan in the Land of Fire, more wealthy than any Hyuga."

"And they didn't save anything for you when they died?" He paused, sadly.

"The state seized most of it, banks too, Sasuke and I only inherited what was in our parents will, got us through the first few years, but in truth it wasn't that much. Uchiha don't budget finances well."

"Sasuke seemed to always have it together…" Even if he did horrible things to end up that way.

"That's part of his gift, attention to detail. He learned to be stingy with money at a very young age. That's why I always trusted him with the bills."

"Part of me wishes you hadn't."

"Looking back on it, I'd have to agree. After this, lets go have dinner, the three of us."

"Sure Itachi." I said with a smile. We finished up our spa treatments, then went to the room to change for dinner. I looked at my phone and I had a call from county correctional. That's… odd, Sasuke doesn't have phone privileges today. I hope he's okay. Well it's not like I can exactly call him back…

"Hey Itachi, I'm gonna make a phone call real quick." I said stepping out to the balcony. I called Jiraiya. Maybe he knows something.

"Hey kid, what's up?"

"I missed a call from Sasuke earlier, have they told you anything?"

"No… no haven't heard a peep."

"Do you think he's okay?"

"I'm sure he's fine kid, they would have told me by now if he was really in trouble, go back to your vacation, have fun."

"Thanks Jiraiya, can you keep me updated?"

"I always do. Alright… I'll see you when you get back."

"Bye Jiraiya."

"Bye kid." Well… I guess it's okay then. I came back into the room, Itachi had already dressed Mikoshina and she was handing him things to help him get ready too.

"Fiancé troubles?"

"He just called me, and didn't leave a message, Jiraiya said he's fine. You ready?"

"I am." He said with a smile, picking up Mikoshina. I lead him out of the room and we went to dinner. It was nice, we had drinks, talked, ate some really yummy food. Miko seemed to really enjoy her mac and cheese, even though she managed to smear it all over her face. It was a successful dinner. After dinner Itachi took Miko to the lounge to practice numbers. I decided to have another drink at the bar and read through some emails. After a few moments, Utakata joined me at the bar.

"This seat taken?"

"Go for it." I said with a smile. "Your band is fantastic. You guys actually made me like jazz."

"Well thank you, we try." He said with a warm laugh. He's so much warmer than Sasuke. Sasuke's demeanor is always so cold and focused, unless it's just he and I in private, then he's just as warm as Utakata. But it's weird, being around someone that looks so much like him, yet they act nothing alike. "Was that your daughter I saw in the lounge?"

"Oh yeah, her uncle is teaching her Japanese."

"She is beautiful. Her other father… is he part of a clan?"

"He is."

"I can tell, she'll probably have some pretty amazing gifts when she grows up."

"I'm sure she will."

"She has your good looks."

"Thanks… but her father's pretty attractive. She has his face, just my eyes." She looks more like him every day.

"How long will he be gone for?" Fourteen more years.

"A while, a few more years or so."

"I see. So you're in politics, will I be voting for you for president one day?" Not with my approval rating.

"Umm… we'll see, maybe." We spent the rest of the night talking, having drinks and some innocent flirting. It was good. I felt… desirable again. I haven't felt that way in a very long time. At the end of the night he gave me his number, it's not like I'm going to call him, but even still… it was nice to feel wanted.