Wow...I'm extremely slow. I apologize...but I've been beyond busy lately. Hopefully I should be able to update again during my short vacation from school. -crosses fingers- Anyway! I was pleased with the reaction I got for the previous chapter...I got a record total of 15 (yes, 15) reviews. YOU GUYS ROCK. Though it was a long wait, here is the next chapter. Enjoy!

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Teamwork –part 7 –

I slept through the night, content and dreamless. I probably would've continued to sleep if it hadn't been for a hand gently nudging me awake. In my sleepy haze I vaguely recall someone saying something, but I didn't care. I was still sleepy, so I resisted it.

"I thought you were in a hurry to get back." Oh right, I forgot about that. I sat up, reluctance heavy in my movements.

"Shut up," I muttered, letting out a yawn as I stretched.

"We don't have much farther to travel, maybe ten miles…so we should be back by the afternoon." I nodded, turning slightly to begin repacking my things. After eating a small amount of food, we were off.

We walked in silence, but it wasn't an uncomfortable one, for a change. As the sun climbed in the sky, I realized that if I kept ignoring my illogical side that things would only get worse. Taking a somewhat deep breath, sounds stupid perhaps, to calm my already jittery nerves, I began to think about the non-ninja related parts of the mission.

As much as I hated to admit it, I must be harboring feelings for my idiotic teammate. That much I had already come to terms with, but the real question was why? Why was I, of all people, obsessed with him, of all people? The only answer I could come up with that was reasonable was that he actually cared about my well being. Others may have acted as though they did, but you can't fake the emotion I saw in his dusky grey eyes.

I looked down, feeling guilty once again for the way I had treated him. I had been cold, even after all the help he had given me. I'd find someway to make it up to him…

I looked over at him once or twice during our journey, finding his expression thoughtful. I quickly looked away. What was he thinking about? My logical side claimed it to be something stupid, like usual. My illogical side demanded that he must be thinking about me.

Given the way he had acted at the hotel made me lean more towards my illogical side. Why else had he left his bag at my feet, knowing that he didn't bring clothing with him? I may be uninformed when it comes to this sort of thing, but even that much was obvious. He had been deliberately teasing me.

Wait.

Did that mean he had figured it out?

My heart rate went up once more, and I felt a little shaky. If he had figured it out and that was the way he was treating me because of it…

I was screwed.

Eventually we reached Konoha, and I couldn't hide my relief. Finally I could get away from him, and stop acting like an idiot.

"Hey Orochimaru…" I had just been about to bolt. Damn.

"Hmm?"

"Let's meet with Sensei at five to turn in our report."

"Sounds fine by me," I replied. It couldn't be much later than two in the afternoon…that would give me enough time to regain control over myself. I wasn't about to let him tease me anymore.

I was grateful when we could finally go our own ways. I let out a sigh of relief and returned to my apartment as quickly as I could. I locked the door and dropped my bag close to it. I'd probably burn it later anyway, what would be the point in carrying it all the way to my room?

I hesitated, glancing back at it. Annoyed, I opened it, taking the contents out until I found my blood soaked robe. I slowly brought it up to my face and just as I suspected, amidst the scent of my blood, I could easily pick up his scent.

So maybe I wouldn't burn everything, but most of it would still get roasted.

Letting out a sigh at my ever growing weakness, I trudged to my room, shoving the dirty thing to the back bottom corner of my closet. After that was done, I headed towards the bathroom. I disregarded time, standing under the heated water, letting my thoughts wander.

When they began to roam towards the second dream I had had in the cell, I turned the water off. I shook my head, trying to rid the images from my head. Try as I might, they lingered, every once and a while becoming more vivid, and sending a pleasant, if annoying, heat through my body.

I put the full uniform on once again and waited. The time seemed to drag on as I sat around, trying to find something to occupy myself with. Whenever I tried to start something, I found I couldn't concentrate, my thoughts continuing to wander, despite my attempts to keep them focused.

Eventually I decided the best way to waste my time was to wander the streets of Konoha. I unconsciously went to the old training grounds. I stood in the shadow of the trees, gazing at the area, memories causing phantoms to appear where our old team once stood. I shook my head, and headed towards the meeting place.

I was a good twenty minutes early, but I had nothing else to do, so I waited. Luckily, Jiraiya had decided to come a little early as well, so I only had to wait about ten minutes. I looked up when he approached, smiling a little. I was surprised that I felt more at ease as he grew nearer, his grin brightening my mood. We then climbed the stairs to the Hokage's office.

Jiraiya knocked on the door, "Come in." He opened the door and we stepped inside. Predictable as ever, our old teacher sat behind his desk, a wide array of papers stacked on his desk as he took an idle puff from his pipe. "Ah, it's you two. I'm glad to see you both back in one piece. How'd things go?" Sarutobi asked.

"Relatively well, as you might expect from the prize the Anbu returned with," I answered.

"Indeed, they're interrogating him as we speak. May I see your report?" he asked. I brought it out and handed it to him before returning to my spot next to Jiraiya. Sensei skimmed through it, pausing once. "Interesting strategy, allowing them to capture you," he mused. I fought off the ensuing blush, and glared briefly at my white haired teammate so that he'd keep his mouth shut. He looked off at the wall, staying silent.

At least something went right.

I let out an inward sigh of relief, and soon he was finished reading. "Since it would seem that you accomplished your mission, how did the other portion of it go?" he asked. Oh right, the supposed "bonding" we were supposed to experience. Now it was my turn to bite my tongue to stay quiet.

"It went well. We had some time to ourselves and I think we're closer because of it," Jiraiya replied. Time to ourselves…closer…? What was he referring to? Regardless, I didn't want another, "bond while you fight for your life" mission, so I nodded, keeping my face smooth.

"Good! I'm glad to see you two have gotten past your differences. And that you make quite the team because of it. All right, you're dismissed until further notice. Good job." That went surprisingly painless. We gave him minor bows before we left his office.

As I walked down the stairs, Jiraiya tagged behind me, making me a little uncomfortable. Was he planning something again…?

"Man I'm starving…what about you?" he asked, catching up with me as we reached ground level.

I nodded in an off-hand way, "I haven't eaten anything since this morning, so I'm rather hungry. Why do you ask?" I decided to play along. What was the worst thing that could happen, my illogical side getting the best of me? Ch-yeah, like I hadn't already had that happen enough. I was getting used to it, as sad as that was.

"Well before I came, I think I went a little overboard making my dinner for when I got back. Maybe you could help me get rid of it?" I laughed to mask my surprise. Was he asking me out?

"I thought you said you were starving."

"I am, but, well, you have to see it to understand. C'mon," he insisted, grabbing my arm to drag me along. I was glad he wasn't facing me any longer; because I was sure my face turned a nice shade of red. I let out a sigh, and allowed him to pull me along. I was certain there was something more to this meal, but I was getting sick of fighting with this.

Then again, I could just be an idiot and reading way too far into things. I kind of hoped that was all it was.

In hardly any time at all, we reached his apartment. It was about then that I realized that I had never actually been to his home before. I guess there was a first for everything. When we entered, he dashed off to the kitchen, and I wandered around, looking things over curiously.

"This is a pretty nice place you have," I commented.

"Yeah, but the rent is pretty insane," he replied from the kitchen. I continued walking, finding a door only slightly ajar. I gently nudged it aside, going inside. I didn't even notice what else was in the room; the only thing I saw was the large window, the scarlet light of the setting sun setting the room ablaze. I let out a low gasp as I drew nearer to the window. I didn't know you could get that kind of view anywhere…

"Something wrong?" Jiraiya asked, appearing almost instantly in the doorway.

"No…it's just that this view is breathtaking," I replied, continuing to look out the window. I hardly even noticed when Jiraiya stood next to me, leaning on the window ledge.

"Yeah, it was one of the main reasons why I had to live here," he said. I felt his eyes on me before he quickly looked away. Odd. He started walking off again, "If you think that's amazing, you should stick around for moonrise."

Now I was interested.

"Why's that?" I asked, tearing my gaze away from the natural beauty to another one that was insistent on walking away.

"If the curtains are open, my entire room is flooded with moonlight," he replied.

"I guess I'll have to stay then," I answered, entered the kitchen, his back to me. I could see the massive amount of food behind, well technically in front of, him. "You really weren't lying. Maybe we should call Tsunade over as well."

"Nah, you know her, she eats like a bird around us," he remarked. I laughed. He did have a point.

"Yes she does. You never know though." If she were there, it would ruin any plans he might have…which could be good or bad, depending on which state of mind was in control.

He shrugged, "By the time she gets here, we'll have it all eaten anyway."

"Good point," I laughed again to mask my thoughts. Okay, he definitely wasn't acting normal. If he had been, he would've jumped all over the opportunity to have Ms. Bosomy come over.

"Right… Ittadakimasu!" Though it wasn't like me, I started to let my guard down around him, pushing my 'what if' thoughts aside. So what if he found out that I like him? It's not like the world would stop moving, right? And if he shunned me for it…well, it would make researching easier, I suppose.

"I think if I eat anymore, I'll explode," I said, letting out a small sigh. Who knew the idiot was that good at cooking?

"That's a good thing. You need to get some meat on those skinny bones of yours."

"Ha ha, very funny."

"I know." I smiled wryly at him. It certainly was a strange sensation to be this at ease around someone. I had to admit, it was really…nice.

"How long do you think it will be until moonrise?" I asked.

"I'd say somewhere around 9:30, 10pm."

"We still have quite some time then," I stated, having glanced at the clock. It was only quarter after seven. I wondered how we'd find a way to stay occupied until then…I certainly was no good at starting conversations.

"Since we have some time, there's been something that's been bothering me…" I froze. Was he going to ask about the incident in the cell…? "Just what were you going to say in that cell if those thugs hadn't shown up?"

I knew it.

So much for having 'read too far into things'. Damn it.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," I said, trying to keep my voice even. I didn't want to panic.

"Yes, I believe you do. You were going to tell me why you didn't like the idea of even a clone 'screaming' my name, as I recall you saying," he continued, as if I had said nothing, "Also why you were uncomfortable with having the experience of such a thing."

"You're becoming clever as you mature…" I said softly, my pulse beginning to quicken despite my attempts to calm it. "You set this all up, didn't you? This was all bait so you could get me alone to ask such inconsequential things… Very clever indeed."

"You're avoiding the question, Orochimaru."

"I don't feel obligated to answer it. Them, rather."

"So you'd prefer for me to tell Sensei the truth about how the mission really went?" he retorted. Damn it…

I narrowed my eyes, "He wouldn't believe you. Who was the gifted student of the squad and who was the one to be tied to a log?" I shot back coolly. Jiraiya got to his feet. He must be serious.

"Yes, but who wrote the report? And who was the honest student and who was the brooding one?" he countered, heading for the door. I couldn't let him leave, because I just knew Sensei would believe him. I got to the door before him, and pressed my back against it.

"You aren't leaving," I said coldly, glaring up into his grey eyes.

"I'm not? You're forgetting who's physically stronger," he taunted. In one swift motion, he pinned both of my hands above my head with only his right hand. My eyes widened in surprise and I immediately fought against his hold.

"Let go of me," I growled, fighting to no avail against his strength.

"No. Now, you can either make this easy or fun for me. You can answer my question, or I can find out through trial and error," he smirked. Damn him…he completely tricked me into this, and I followed his little plan perfectly. Was I becoming predictable…?

"Try me, I'm not telling you a thing," I hissed, glowering at him.

"Very well, as you wish," he murmured, coming close to my face, his head tilted slightly to the side. My eyes widened again.

Was he going to kiss me?

I flattened against the door. Deciding my arms were useless, I tried using my legs to get him away from me, but try as I might, he wouldn't budge. In a last ditch effort, I whipped my head to the side. If he did kiss me…I wasn't sure even I could hide the effects it would have.

His heated breath caressed my neck, causing me to shiver. Shit…that's right, I'd worn the uniform with the shorter collar…could I be any more of an idiot? And then he pressed his lips against my throat, and if I hadn't the will power I did, I would have whimpered. I bit my tongue hard as he continued; making my already racing heart beat faster. I nearly lost it when he dragged his tongue against my jugular. I opened my mouth slightly, my accelerated heartbeat demanded more air.

"Is something wrong, Orochimaru? Your breathing is rather irregular…" he said softly. I refused to look at him; it would only make this humiliation worse. If I could keep control during this, I could probably do anything.

He forced my face to look in his direction, but I kept my eyes away from his. I wasn't going to let him win this…

"You could just stop resisting this and start enjoying it," he suggested. As if that was an option… Didn't he realize what he was doing to me? Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him lean in again, but I couldn't look away, his hand keeping my face from turning. He pressed his lips against mine, kissing me softly. Was this what heaven felt like…? He increased the torture by pressing the rest of his body against mine. Try as I might, I couldn't keep from gasping. Luckily for me, it probably seemed like it was from surprise, and not from desire. He made things worse by slipping his tongue into my mouth. This time it felt like he was urging me to kiss him back. It took everything I had to not give into that urging. With all of my strength concentrated on that, the rest of my body went limp.

He didn't relent until he needed to breathe. I struggled for breath, my eyes closed.

"Why…?" I managed to get out, keeping my eyes shut.

"Why what…?" he asked, his voice soft and comforting. Was this part of his act as well…?

"Why me…? I'm cold, and treat you horribly…and above all else, I'm male." Did that even matter to him? It sure didn't seem that way when he was ravishing me a few seconds ago.

He chuckled lowly, "You're a challenge. You fight me every step of the way, and I enjoy that. Though, it would be nice if you would let me catch you every once and a while…" he hinted, tilting his head again. This time when he kissed me, I kissed back, even though I had no idea what I was doing. His words had given even my logical side a reason to please him.

He dropped my arms and linked both of his around my waist. I hesitantly slipped my arms under his and gently pulled him closer. As unreal as it seemed, I wasn't going to let this get away unused. Sure, the dreams felt life-like, but now that I had experienced it in real…I realized how fake the dreams had been.

When we pulled apart to breathe, I smirked slightly.

"I take it you won't be telling Sensei anything now…?" I asked smugly. He narrowed his eyes. What was that for? I was just joking…

"You were acting this entire time…?" he asked, his voice nearly pleading.

"Not exactly. I did over-exaggerate my breathing a few times, but that's not to say I didn't enjoy it."

He pushed me away, "I don't believe you…"

"Nor do I. To think you'd pin me against a wall to get your way. Pathetic," I taunted. I saw him tense before storming off. Wait…was he taking my jabs seriously? He never used to…

Honestly Jiraiya. Moron.

I managed to slip inside his room before he slammed the door shut behind him.

"Did you come to tease me some more?" he muttered. I sighed.

"Jiraiya, you take things way too literally around me."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"There you go again… What I mean is when I said that thing about you not having to run to Sensei…it was because you got what you wanted, so you no longer needed to go." He looked at me confused. He really was simple minded at times. "You got your answer, one way or another, didn't you? I'm assuming the real question you wanted to ask was whether or not I liked you…?"

"And if it was?" I sighed again. The fact that he was acting like childish proved to me that he wasn't just teasing me earlier with his actions. He must feel the same to be this upset.

"Would you prefer if I just answered your first questions, now that the truth is pretty much out of the bag?" He nodded. "Very well, the reason why I didn't want my clone and your clone doing things was because I was afraid it would give away the fact that I wanted the act to be real. I was uncomfortable because I was certain you, my skirt-chasing teammate, could never feel for me what I was feeling for you." I finally looked away, feeling completely exposed. I'd never told someone so fully what I was thinking or how I felt. Taking a breath, I continued.

"Besides," I said, looking back at him, smiling wryly again, "did you honestly think I could act something like that out that well without ever experiencing it? I know I'm clever Jiraiya, but that's really pushing even my skills." I managed to draw a small laugh from him with that.

"So all this time…?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

Silence settled between us after that, but it was an 'I like you enough that words don't need to describe it' kind of silence. The moonrise finally came, pouring its silvery blue light into the room. Up until that point, I couldn't remember a time when I had seen him bathed in moonlight.

I walked towards him slowly, feeling shy again, taking in his moonlit features.

"Something wrong…?" he asked when I had reached his side.

"Not really, just that the moonlight does some amazing things to your appearance…" I trailed off, my wandering gaze landing on the bed, his bed, behind him. Was it really necessary to have that large of a bed…?

He must have seen where I was looking because he spoke up, "You know, there's plenty of room for two in there if you'd like to stay the night," he suggested. The tone of his voice and the serenity of the night nearly made me nod in agreement, but even when I was illogical, I could still draw a line.

I smiled, closing my eyes to forever etch the memory of this night into my mind. "I think I'll pass. I've already been a glutton tonight."

"Are you sure…?"

"Quite, but I won't object to a goodnight kiss," I commented, reopening my eyes. He smiled, bringing me into his arms again.

"A goodnight kiss it is," he murmured, connecting our mouths again. Deciding I had a better idea of how to kiss, I ran my tongue across his lower lip. He understood what I was asking and allowed me in. I could definitely get used to this feeling…

When we finally parted, we were both breathing harder than before. Even though I knew it would be stupid to keep going, I couldn't seem to draw the strength to pull away from him.

He dazzled me again by being the one to pull away. I looked into his grey eyes thankfully.

"No need to rush through the good stuff. There's plenty of time for that," he smirked. I grinned back.

"Exactly."

"I'll see you tomorrow snake-boy."

"Likewise, toad-face."

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