A/N: Long time no see

Thanks for the reviews. I really appreciate the support

PLEASE READ THE NOTE! VERY IMPORTANT!

Alrighty so, for those who are still following this story (because it has been a while since I've updated) thanks for sticking around.

Here's the deal. If you've been following this story since I started posting on FF dot net then you know that it started out as a one shot. I hadn't really planned on expanding it beyond that first chapter with Gaara/Lee. But then I decided to extend it later although I had no idea exactly where I was going with the plot or if I was even actually going to go all the way and finish it. I was just writing it as I went along.

Thankfully, I've finally figured out what the plot is and how I'm going to end this thing. Unfortunately I've also realised that since I was just writing this as I went along; there are details and other things that I would've liked to weave into the story in other chapters just so everything made more sense and the story flowed better.

Basically, without the details and minor foreshadowing I've written myself into a corner… Also the timeline is kind of a mess.

So I've decided to rewrite the story.

I'm not going to dump any of the scenes or couples, but I will be sorting out the timeline, adding certain details and even extra scenes into earlier chapters of the story. I won't be making any huge changes to what's here already. It'll be just enough to make sure that future chapters make more sense. That's what's coming next.

As for this chapter I wanted to close the book on the pairings and show you guys more or less where I'm going.

Pairings that matter – the ones that have some kind of influence in the plot – go like this:

Gaara/Lee, Genma/Gai, Shino/Kiba, Sasuke/Naruto, Hidan/Asuma, Shikamaru/Choji, Deidara/Lee, Sasori/Choji, Kisame/Gai, Zabuza/Haku, Zabuza/Darui (Go to the bottom notes because we need to talk about Zabuza and Darui), Chojuro/Darui, Shisui/Omoi

This isn't to say that I won't have any other pairings, just that these are the ones that matter.

I wanted to post one more chapter before doing the rewrite or rather edit. A little plot for upcoming chapters. It's not a throwaway chapter, I guess you can think of it as a teaser. I think I'll be posting the edit separately, not totally sure yet. But you can check this one for updates for when I've posted

Let's see, song inspiration:

Big Spender by Kiana Lede

Not Afraid Anymore by Halsey

Heaven by Julia Michaels

Usual apologies

Disclaimer: See previous chapters

Lee woke up to the feeling of warmth, wrapped around his waist and pressed against his back. Someone was spooning him. The raven was almost startled awake when he remembered why he was sharing a bed with someone. He glanced back over his shoulder and found Gaara. The redhead was fast asleep, breathing deep and easy with his face practically buried in Lee's hair so the raven couldn't make out much from his face from that angle.

Lee looked back in front of him, suddenly feeling wide awake and as a result incredibly awkward at the situation he found himself in.

He tried to relax enough to fall back asleep, took in a deep breath only to hold back a squeak when Gaara let out a soft moan and he was dragged even closer to the redhead, with his back pressed flush against Gaara's chest. He felt the redhead's breaths fan out against his neck, felt the heat off of his skin. Lee flushed. It felt so awkward despite what they did the night before.

But he still tried again, tried to relax and fall asleep but it was no use. Gaara's presence was distracting. It's not like he's never had to share a bed with someone before, he's had to do so many times whenever it got cold and he and his siblings had to huddle up for warmth. But with Gaara, with his master, it was just different.

Gaara moved even closer and Lee almost jumped at the movement. He glanced back at the redhead and felt his cheeks flush a little more, so he looked away. Lee took in deep breaths, trying to remind himself that this is just something that he's going to need to learn to get used to.

He glanced over to the window. The sun is already out. Usually Lee liked to get up early to go out for a jog with Professor Maito, but he'll probably have to start jogging on his own now. Maybe Naruto would like to accompany him sometime? He'll have to check but the blonde didn't really seem like the type to get up before dawn to do anything

Lee sighed. Things are going to be so different from now on. He'll have to make new friends. Will he still be able to study? Probably not considering the fact that his whole reason for studying was currently wrapped around him. So what will he do when Gaara isn't around? The idea of waiting around for Gaara to come home everyday did not appeal to him, but from what he understood pets didn't really do anything but tend to their masters. Maybe he could ask Naruto. The blonde seemed pretty well adjusted to his situation maybe he'd have a few suggestions.

He suddenly felt Gaara stir behind him. Hands tightened around his waist before they released and he felt the redhead let out a heavy breath against the back of his neck. Lee kept still and shut his eyes, he tried to pretend like he was still asleep when-

"Do you usually wake up before dawn?"

Lee jumped and let out a soft sigh as he felt his cheeks flush.

"Good morning master."

"You're not answering my question."

"Yes. I-I like to get an early start. Usually I exercise in the mornings and get ready for classes."

"You didn't feel like it today?" Gaara asked with his voice still rough from sleep. Lee's cheeks got warmer with every second that passed.

"No-no! I was just… I did not-"

Gaara suddenly moved, pushing Lee so he was on his back as he hovered above the raven with one hand braced on either side of Lee's head. The redhead's hair was even messier than normal, his skin was flushed ever so slightly, eyelids heavy.

"Did Naruto show you the gym?"

"Y-Yes."

"I didn't buy you so you can sit around waiting for me to come home and fuck you every day."

Lee's face burned even hotter and he paused before he spoke, "Why did you buy me?"

Gaara's head gave a tilt as he reached out to cup Lee's cheek, letting his thumb run over the raven's lips as he spoke. "I like you. I like the idea of having you around. Getting to fuck you is just a perk."

At this point, Lee is sure his face is about to explode. Gaara continued, "But you don't have to wait around for me. You can do whatever you want, go wherever you want."

"I-" Lee was cut off when Gaara suddenly leaned in to press a kiss onto his lips.

"What do you want to do today?"

Lee shrugged, "I do not really have any plans."

Gaara paused to stare at him for a moment before pulling back to reach over to the bedside table, opening a drawer to pull out his wallet and pulled out a shiny black card.

"Here."

"What-"

"You got here yesterday. You probably need some things. I'll talk to Temari, you can go shopping."

"Shopping…"

"It'll give you a chance to get used to Suna."

Lee stared at the piece of plastic, "M-Master… I couldn't-"

"Yes, you can."

"But-"

"I'm telling you to. Besides, I'm sure there's nothing that would make my sister happier than spending my money."

"I am not sure."

"You're my pet, shouldn't I spend as much as I want on my pet." Lee sighed and shook his head. Gaara leaned down to press a kiss on his lips. "Go get ready."

"Yes, master."

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There were good days sometimes. Really Really good days where it almost felt normal being around Kisame, being with Kisame. They'd have dinner, go out for drinks. Kisame would insist that they go shopping since he hated all of Gai's outfits only to cave when Gai refused to get anything different and insisted on paying for it all himself. And then there were bad days and strangely enough, those bad days sometimes felt better than the good ones. On the bad days he was the centre of Kisame's world, the only thing holding the younger man together. Kisame used to tell him that all the time when things got bad and he suddenly became the younger man's intense and almost obsessive focus.

Once something went wrong at work, Kisame refused to explain exactly what.

Gai was home in their apartment at the time. He'd finished his workout, had dinner and was sitting on the couch reading a book. He'd gotten used to Kisame getting home late and having to eat dinner on his own, falling asleep before the other even got home.

That night he was on the couch, Kisame walked in the door but didn't say a word before he took a hold of Gai's arm to drag him from the couch and crush their lips together in a bruising kiss. Gai was startled but allowed himself to be moved. Kisame started taking his clothes off.

"Kisame, what-"

Kisame silenced him with nothing more than a look, reaching up to thread a hand through the raven's hair, brushing it back before he finally spoke.

"Tired?"

"I… no."

Kisame urged him back, back into their bedroom till his back hit the wall and then he kissed the older man again, "Close your eyes."

He did as he was told, his arms were raised above his head.

"Stay still."

Gai didn't move. He felt the other pull away. Kisame was in one of those moods. It was usually just best when he let the younger man do whatever he wanted. That's not to say that Gai was afraid of him, no. It just felt simpler to obey and do as he was told. Somehow it was always worth it later on.

And then he came back he felt hands slowly glide over his skin, going all the way from his chest up his arms. Cold metal then locked around his wrists, first the left then the right but he still didn't open his eyes. Not even when he felt Kisame's sharp teeth against his skin on his neck, down his chest as always biting down hard enough to draw blood and Gai hissed at the stings of his skin breaking before Kisame soothed it over with his tongue as he spoke.

"Who do you belong to?"

"You." Gai breathed almost immediately before the younger man continued.

"And you'll obey me?"

"Yes."

Kisame moved back up to lock the older man in that ice cold gaze as sharp as broken glass.

"You'll always obey me?"

Gai swallowed hard, "Yes."

Kisame was kissing him again, going down his chest. Gai took in a deep breath.

"Is something wrong?"

Kisame paused for a brief moment to look at him.

"Does it seem like something's wrong?"

"You seem upset."

Kisame didn't answer him, Gai went against his usual behaviour and brought his hands down to the sides of Kisame's face and opened his eyes. He was surprised when Kisame actually leaned into his touch but didn't comment on it even as the younger man shut his eyes and leaned their heads together.

"It's strange seeing you upset."

"Strange?"

"It makes more sense to see you angry."

Kisame scoffed, "You want me to be angry."

"You're in the prime of your youth. I'd prefer it if you were happy."

Kisame paused to look at him leaned in to drag his teeth across the older man's cheek, "I'm not upset."

"But something is wrong." Gai said, "Do you want to talk about it?"

"No."

"Why not?"

Kisame leaned in against his ear, "If I told you, I'd have to kill you."

Gai scoffed with a roll of his eyes, "I'm not afraid of you."

"I know… You should be."

His tone was odd. It made Gai pause and start to pull back to look at the younger man only to gasp when Kisame suddenly lifted him up and pushed him back against the wall, sealing their lips in a deep kiss.

There were good times with Kisame, times that made it hard to think of the bad stuff. The stuff that lingered in the back of his mind. Coming to life only in his nightmares.

"You promised me Gai."

"Kisame don't-"

"This is the only way you'll learn."

Gai gasped, sitting up in his bed he was breathing hard, covered in sweat, eyes wide and unblinking at the dark shadows of the room. He shut his eyes, tried to drag himself back to reality.

"Gai."

He gasped again when an arm went around his shoulders, pulling him back against a hard chest. Warm skin not cold, the smell of metal and earth and not ocean air. Gai breathed deep, relaxing back into the man's grasp.

"Are you alright?" A deep voice said softly against his ear. Gai let out a heavy sigh, reached up to hold the hand holding him loosely in its grasp and he let Ibiki pull him back onto the bed.

"Yes."

They lay back in silence, with Gai staring at the ceiling as he tried to get his heart back under control when Ibiki suddenly spoke.

"You should call him."

"Who?"

"Genma. You don't have the nightmares when he's here. Does he know why?"

"No."

"Call him. Tell him why."

Gai took in a deep breath and shut his eyes, leaning into Ibiki a bit more.

"I'll think about it."

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There were hands running over his sides. Over his shoulders and down his chest to his waist, fingers slipping along the hemline of his pants not quite slipping in underneath but still far enough to make him feel uncomfortable. Make his skin suddenly feel hypersensitive and his heart feel like it was about to jump out of his chest. But it was hard focusing on that when those piercing red eyes were staring at him taking him apart before putting him back together again.

The redhead smiled as he leaned in pressing a kiss against the younger teen's temple. The touch startled him and suddenly he remembered what it was like and how he would always ignore it. Ignore the way that Sasori's touch almost burned.

"I've missed you, puppet."

"S-Sasori." Choji started, squirming uncomfortably under the other man, "How did you get in here?"

"It wasn't hard." The redhead said, "Choza should really be more careful. Leaving you out in the open like this. Just anyone could come in and steal you away."

There was something in Sasori's tone, something almost threatening. Choji swallowed hard, trying to think of what to say. Only one thought came to mind.

"Why are you here? You just disappeared and-"

"I know and I'm sorry for leaving you like that. There are things that I needed to take care of." Sasori said carding a hand through the younger man's hair, "But I'm back now."

"Why?"

"For you." The redhead said simply and Choji blinked.

"For me-"

"We've been apart for so long, how could I not?" Sasori said leaning in to take a deep breath along the younger man's neck and let out a shuddering sigh, "Finally, it feels so good holding you after so long. You changed your shampoo?"

"Well-"

"I like it, you still smell as sweet as I remember."

"Sasori…" Choji didn't know what he wanted to say, he didn't know what he wanted to ask. But he felt a shiver run down his spine when the redhead ran a hand through his hair, felt something heavy settle in his chest when Sasori pressed kisses against his skin and yet, at the same time he-

"You've been here for so long." The redhead started, letting his hand run along the edge of Choji's pants in the space just below the hemline of his shirt. "Have you let anyone else touch you?"

Choji felt himself flush, "I-"

"It's alright, you can tell me. I know what kind of school this is."

Choji swallowed hard, "Yes."

"How many?"

"Just-just one."

Professor Nara's the only tutor he's had, the only one that ever touched him or even showed any kind of interest in touching him.

"The one that was here just now?" Sasori's voice dropped a pitch.

"No, no one of the other professors."

That's a lie. He actually lied to Sasori. Choji could hardly believe the words that came out of his mouth, he just felt the overwhelming need to protect the man. Something told him that he cannot let Sasori know about Shikamaru under any circumstances.

The redhead watched him for a moment and Choji worried that he'd been caught when Sasori spoke.

"Who?"

"Zaza…"

That old nickname, he hasn't used it in such a long time. He was fifteen, he'd knocked over one of the weapons in Sasori's workshop. Sasori shook his head that time, kissed him on the cheek and told him to be more careful.

"It's just a teacher and I don't… I'm embarrassed." His cheeks were flushed in a dark blush, Sasori's head gave a tilt and he leaned in to kiss Choji's cheek just like that time.

"If you don't want to talk about it right now, we don't have to. I just hate the thought of sharing you."

Sharing him? Honestly this is the most that they've ever touched. Usually Sasori would just hold him. Kiss him on the forehead or cheek. Choji knew what Sasori meant but the words still confused him. The look in his eyes put him on edge, but he didn't move, didn't push the redhead away.

"We should leave soon."

Choji blinked, "Leave?"

The redhead smiled, "You don't expect me to leave you behind do you?"

"Where would we go?"

"Away from here."

"But dad, he's coming here tomorrow. There's some kind of meeting and… I have to be here."

He was starting to panic just a little. He didn't want to leave with Sasori, he knew that leaving with Sasori was a bad idea, but he also knew that there would be very little he could do about it if Sasori decided that they were going to leave.

Sasori's head gave a tilt, "What time?"

"Ten. He'll be meeting with lady Tsunade and-"

"What's the meeting about?"

"I don't know. They didn't tell me."

"Who else will be there?"

"I'm not sure, some of the kages but not all of them… a few of the families too."

"The Uchihas?"

"I don't think so, lady Tsunade didn't mention them."

The redhead listened intently as Choji spoke before nodding, "Then we'll leave tomorrow night. You'll come to the back gate at midnight."

"I-"

"Don't tell anyone and don't bother taking anything with you. I'll get you anything you need."

Choji swallowed hard, "I don't know if I can do that-"

"Of course you can and you will."

His tone left no room for argument, that much was clear. Choji just nodded his head and Sasori smiled.

"Good. I really missed you so much. It's been torture trying to stay away. There's so much I want to show you."

"Like what?" Choji asked and Sasori let his hand drag through the younger man's hair before his hand suddenly clenched and Choji was pulled up to meet Sasori as the redhead gave him another kiss. Choji squeaked in surprise as the redhead worked his mouth open to deepen it and he couldn't help but melt into it. He wrapped his arms around the older man's neck. It was a bad idea but Choji couldn't stop himself, it was almost instinctual.

On some level he's always been afraid of Sasori, always been wary around the man and exactly what the redhead might want from him. But it's been years since he was that clumsy boy that used to follow Sasori around in an effort to escape his own lonely isolation. Somehow when Sasori kissed him the fear melted away. It's insane really, but Sasori pulled him closer, he could feel the redhead get to work on taking off his clothing. Somewhere in the background he heard something rip and tear away.

"ha…" he gasped when Sasori suddenly broke the kiss and pulled back to take away the now ripped remains of his shirt before he just as quickly moved down to start kissing down the younger man's chest.

"Zaza?" he asked in confusion.

Bright red eyes snapped up to lock onto deep blue. Sasori moved over to the boy's ear.

"Are you afraid?"

"Yes." Sasori's head gave a tilt.

"Do you want to stop?"

The answer came before Choji could even consider it.

"No."

The redhead smiled, warm and adoring. He reached up and put a hand over Choji's eyes, engulfing him in darkness.

"Close your eyes," he whispered, "And feel me."

Choji felt Sasori's other hand leave him and slip under the hem of his pants and he gasped.

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Nagato doesn't like leaving anything to chance. He doesn't like uncertainties. He doesn't like not knowing where every single member of his crew was and what they were doing at all times. So it was compulsory for them to tell him about every detail about their lives and as long as they were honest about what they were doing then Nagato let them go about their business without interference.

That's why how he knew that Sasori had gone after the Akimichi boy. Something he didn't approve of in the slightest but something he allowed since the Akimichi boy was effectively the only reason Sasori even agreed to joining the Akatsuki. He knew that Kakuzu was off gambling for the afternoon, a waste of time and a waste of money in Nagato's opinion but far better than meddling with one of the head families the way some of the members of their crew seemed insistent on doing.

Its also why he decided to… chaperone Deidara on his trip to Suna for the day. Naturally Nagato didn't approve of the little venture. But Deidara insisted and nagged and threatened to burn down their base if he wasn't allowed to go hunting for his wayward pet. Normally Nagato would've just killed the blonde and been done with it but Deidara was usually very cooperative, never asked for more than his share and other than the odd whine every now and then he usually wasn't too difficult to deal with. Even with their current endeavour, Deidara didn't want any payment for his contribution to the job.

He said he wanted this boy. A boy he used to be in a group home with, who still lived in Konoha. Deidara managed to find out that the boy got himself enrolled in Kitsune Academy and was then sold to Suna Academy's dean. It was a dangerous prize. But one they could get a hold of if all went well with their search for Itachi Uchiha.

Deidara wanted to go see his prize. This is the first time that he's ever really asked for something so Nagato figured he could indulge the little arsonist just once.

They were in Suna, in the middle of the town square. It'd be a few days before they were all supposed to meet up in Konoha. Nagato went with Deidara to the city in the sands. The blonde could be impulsive and Nagato wanted to make sure he didn't do anything to ruin their plans. They had a few contacts in Suna that informed them that Deidara's boy, Rock Lee, was in town for the day with the dean's sister to do some shopping.

After catching sight of one of the official cars they followed at a distance with Nagato keeping his eyes on the road and Deidara practically bouncing in his seat. They stopped at a clothing store in the middle of the town square. Deidara seemed more than excited, Nagato couldn't deny that he was a little curious as well. What kind of boy would be able to grab Deidara's attention and keep it so long. What did he look like, how did he behave?

The driver got out of the car and opened the passenger door to let out a blonde woman with green eyes. The dean's sister, Temari Kaze and then he walked around to open the dean himself. Gaara. It was odd seeing the redhead just out and about in town and their contact didn't say anything about the dean also going out for the day, but Nagato barely had a moment to think about it when another young man followed shortly after. He was lanky, pitch black hair, round eyes as dark as his hair and-

Nagato frowned.

"Lee." He heard the blonde beside him breathe out as he leaned forward to fold his arms on the dashboard, a wide grin spreading across his lips.

Nagato glanced at the blonde for a brief moment but couldn't help the frown that spread over his lips as he stared at the boy.

"You said his name was Rock Lee, right?"

"Yeah." Deidara answered absently, Nagato's eyes narrowed down ever so slightly only for realization to dawn in his eyes and they went wide.

"Shit."

The blonde looked up at him.

"What?"

Nagato ignored him, moving in his seat to quickly fish his cell phone out of his pocket to turn on the screen and make a call.

"What's wrong?" Deidara asked again.

The phone rang once and then twice.

"Nagato?"

"The boy's still alive."

"What boy?"

"Sato's boy."

"No, no that can't be right-"

"I'm looking at him right now Konan."

"But how?!"

Nagato let out a sigh of frustration, "Call Kisame. Tell him we have confirmation, the rumours are true. Tell him to go to the meeting."

"On it."

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"Solid oak and gold trimmings. Very classy."

Chojuro froze just as he entered the room and couldn't stop the smile spreading fast and wide across his face when he saw the younger man sitting at the edge of his desk in his office. Darui smiled back, flipping through a random file that he'd picked up on the table.

"Though the portrait over the fireplace is pushing it just a little."

"Sir-"

"Cancel my meetings for the day."

"But sir-"

"I'm busy." He shut the door before his assistant could say another word. He usually isn't that rude. Darui wasn't surprised, even less when Chojuro rushed up to him, walking right into his personal space.

"It's so good to see-" the older man cut himself of just as he was leaning in. He paused, hesitated and then wrapped his arms around Darui in a hug. "It's good to see you again. How long has it been-"

Just as Chojuro pulled back, Darui leaned in and kissed him. Putting his hand on the other's hip as he tilted his head to deepen it only for Chojuro to break the contact. He stared back at Darui; eyes intense and calculating.

"Did Zabuza send you here? I thought you weren't doing his dirty work anymore, Darui. He got run out of Kiri for a reason-"

"I'm not here because of him." Darui said clearly leaning back so he was perched on the desk again. "I'm here on official business, getting to see an old friend is just a bonus."

"What kind of business?"

"There are rumours about the Akatsuki moving. Boss man wanted me to come up and check it out."

Chojuro arched a brow at him. "The Akatsuki haven't been in Kiri in years."

"Yeah but Hoshigaki still has connections around here right?" Chojuro paused pulling away from the other to walk around the desk.

"No one that we haven't either run out of town or wasn't picked up by the cops." Chojuro sighed, "The only place that I can think of Kisame going to would be Konoha."

"Because of Gai?"

Chojuro shrugged as he sat down and Darui turned to face him.

"Kisame doesn't like loose ends and when it came to Maito, something about Gai always made Kisame slip." Chojuro paused and shook his head, "But Nagato isn't the type to let him pick a fight in Tsunade's territory without reason. There'd need to be something bigger going on."

"What about Suna?"

"No amount of gold would have the Akatsuki messing with the Kaze. We both know how ruthless Gaara can be."

"And Iwa?"

"There's nothing there they'd want. Your father's hold on Kumo is too strong for them to even make an attempt at anything there. No, it has to be Konoha. I just can't think of what they'd be after that'd be worth the risk."

"You're not very helpful are you?" Darui teased as he got up from the desk to sit in one of the chairs, Chojuro gave a snort, "If you have anything better I'd love to hear it."

Darui was silent and Chojuro frowned as the younger man looked down at his hands for a moment.

"Darui what-"

"What about Uchiha?"

"Uchiha?"

"That night, here in Kiri all those years ago." Chojuro tensed and Darui caught the movement, "Did Uchiha survive that night?"

Tension instantly rose in the air and Chojuro huffed out a sigh, "You have been talking to Zabuza."

"Is it true?"

"Is what true?"

"Is Uchiha alive?"

Chojuro took in a deep breath, "Its complicated."

"I don't see how it could be. He's either alive or he isn't."

Chojuro said nothing and Darui let out a frustrated sigh, "Jesus, he's alive isn't he?"

"Darui, you have to understand-"

"Understand that you lied to me?"

"Its not that simple."

"Do you know how much shit's gone wrong cause of Uchiha supposedly dying?" Darui was getting angry, his hands clenched tightly on the arm rests of his chair. Chojuro got up as he other continued, "Zabuza lying doesn't surprise me but you? Is anything you told me back then true?"

"It's complicated. Mei was in trouble and she needed help, the Uchiha's weren't listening to reason and Danzo kept stoking the fire. Shisui was… Itachi's the only one who was willing to help-"

"After I… You let me think I got him killed. The Akimichi's only just managed to get their territory under control after the shit that went down, the Inuzuka's are terrified of letting their son go home-"

"Darui-"

"The Namikaze's ended up getting the Satos killed, Chojuro-"

"They managed to get the boy out so-"

"What?" Darui blinked, "What boy?"

Chojuro paused, "Tsunade didn't tell anyone. She didn't even tell Ei?"

"Tell Ei what?"

"One… One of the Satos survived."

"What?!"

"It's complicated." Chojuro said clearly as he stopped in front of the younger man and shut his eyes as he let out a heavy sigh, "It's a mess, I know it's a mess. But its happened and now its over. There's no way the Akatsuki could know about Itachi."

"Where is he?" Darui asked and Chojuro looked away, "Somewhere safe."

"Is he in Konoha? What about the boy?"

"Darui."

"If the Uchihas find out-"

"They won't." Chojuro went down to a crouch in front of the other, "Look at me."

Darui shook his head and Chojuro reached out to grab his chin and make sure they held eye contact.

"I'm sorry for lying to you about what happened, but I promise, the only way they could find Itachi is if he revealed himself to them and he won't do that. Uchiha knows what's at stake. He won't be found."

Darui swallowed hard at the lump that was slowly forming in his throat, "You know what I went through that night when I-"

"I know and I'm sorry." Chojuro took Darui's face into his hands. "But everything's going to be fine, so don't worry about it."

Darui let out a shuddering sigh and made to get up, "I need to go-"

"Wait."

"What-" before he could leave his seat Chojuro leaned in and closed the distance between them with a kiss. Darui immediately broke it.

"Stop."

"Don't leave like this."

"I can't stay."

"Yes you can."

"Zabuza knew that you'd do this you know?" Darui bit out, hands clenched tightly on the arm rests of his seat. "That's why he told Ei to send me here. He knew-"

"I don't care." Chojuro breathed drawing the other man in again and despite his earlier protests Darui let him.

Same as every time.

It's been years but, nothings changed. Like riding a bicycle, that's what they say right? You learn how to do something once and you never really forget. Darui wishes he could forget.

Back then Zabuza used him as bait. It was easy. Darui had a carefree attitude, he was likeable and friendly, easy to warm to, he had a protective kind of energy about him. People let their guard down around him.

Zabuza would send him in as bait and it would be easy. Chojuro was easy; awkward and eager to please. He was sweet. Darui felt terrible about working him but… But Darui didn't know how to say no to Zabuza. Zabuza needed information on Mei, on the Uchihas and the rumours about the dissention in the family, Zabuza wanted to know about what Itachi and Shisui were up to. He baited Darui by suggesting that they knew what happened in Kumo when his little brother was abducted. Chojuro knew these things and Chojuro was so easy. So sweet.

Chojuro gave him the information he was looking for, Darui thought that would be the end of it, but of course it wasn't. When has enough ever been enough with Zabuza?

The last straw was that night in Kiri. Haku was already part of the picture, Darui was already looking for a reason to leave. Somehow the lies and manipulation he'd already been subjected to wasn't enough to shake him free of Zabuza. No, the last push came in the form of Itachi Uchiha.

Zabuza told him what to do, told him where to go.

It was late and it was raining. A shiny black jaguar pulled up right beside him on the side of the street-

Chojuro's hands were under his jacket, dragging the blonde down to the floor with him as he pulled the jacket off and tossed it aside.

Like riding a bike. You never really forget and Darui never forgot. Since that first night he never forgot.

"Really? You've never done it before?"

"Never?"

"Your father runs Lighting academy, doesn't he? Daddy never taught you?"

A chuckle, "Come here. Close your eyes."

"Don't make me repeat myself."

"Turn over for me."

"Seeing isn't important. What's important is how it feels."

"You need to remember how it feels; every second, every moment."

"When you touch like that, I want you to remember how I touched you just like this."

"I want you to remember."

"No one else will ever be able to touch you like this."

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Kisame crossed one leg over the other as he sipped from his cup, glancing out into the street through the window to his left as he watched the people go by. He hasn't been in Konoha in a while, mostly because he really didn't have much interest in the little town. The world was so much bigger than Konoha, so much more interesting.

The only interest he has in Konoha is Gai and to be honest, when Nagato called him in, he hadn't had any intention of actually showing. The old hag had Gai locked up pretty tight in that school of hers. From the intel that he's managed to gather, the older man didn't leave campus very often and even when he did, there would always some kind of escort there with him. Honestly, Gai almost wasn't worth the trouble.

Almost.

But today he isn't here to catch a glimpse of his wayward pet. There'll be plenty of time for that later. Today he has other business to attend to.

The raven cringed as the brew from the cup exploded on his tongue. Disgusting, he hates matcha tea, but he managed to develop a taste for it since Gai was always brewing a pot of the stuff when they were still living together.

"Matcha tea. I thought you hated that stuff."

Kisame looked up and paused, watching as the raven-haired man before him sat down in the vacant seat at the table.

"Things change. You're looking good for a dead man." He answered simply as he took another sip form the cup and the other man let out a soft chuckle.

"Konoha's been good to me. It's been good just getting away from everything for a while." He lifted a hand to call the waiter and the brown-haired girl rushed over. "I'm sure you'd agree. I'm hoping that getting some time away from Gai for a while would cure your unhealthy obsession with the poor man and he can finally live in peace-"

"What do you want, Itachi?" Kisame growled, as he glared at the man across the table and Itachi arched a brow at him before he spoke.

"I know you've been looking for me and I know why."

"So you're giving yourself in?"

"I want to make a deal. The Akatsuki will get what it wants and I'll get what I want."

"And exactly what is it that you want?"

The waitress stopped at the table and Itachi have her a charming smile, "I'll just have a roasted tea, please."

The girl nodded her head and rushed away. Itachi took a deep breath and crossed one leg over the other as he looked up at the other man.

"I want to finally put an end to what started that night in Kirigakure."

"And you think we'll be willing to negotiate with you?"

"I think we're all after the same thing and as long as everyone cooperates, this matter should be resolved in a matter of weeks."

"And what's stopping me from just dragging you away right now? Nagato is in Suna, what's stopping him from just snatching the boy."

"We both know Nagato wouldn't risk stealing from the Kazekage, not unless he had some sort of leverage." Itachi gave a snort, "As for dragging me away, I'd love to see you try. But I think we'd both prefer it if we didn't have to play that particular game right now, so how about we keep things simple. I'm willing to negotiate if you are."

Kisame's jaw clenched, "Fine, exactly what is it that you want Itachi?"

The raven-haired man looked up at the other and smirked.

"You know what."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"What're you doing?"

Omoi jumped and quickly spun around to see the raven-haired man standing in the doorway of the kitchen and let out a soft sigh.

"Why do you always do that?"

Shisui scoffed, "Why're you cooking?"

Omoi shrugged, "I felt like it."

"You suck at cooking." Shisui said simply and Omoi just turned back to the pot of what was supposed to be rue but looked distinctly unrue-like.

"You said you wouldn't be back till tomorrow."

Shisui seemed to ignore his question as he crossed the kitchen and went over to stand by the blonde's side, "I thought we agreed that I would do all the cooking."

"We also agreed that you wouldn't be gone for longer than a day." Shisui paused.

"I needed to take care of something."

"Take care of what?"

Shisui reached out to turn off the burner on the stove and set the pot aside without saying a word, Omoi frowned.

"What're-"

"I have to go back to Konoha, you need to go back to Kumo-"

"What-"

"You know we would've had to go back eventually. It'll be safer if you go back. I can't protect you like Ei could."

"But why?"

"Itachi called." Shisui sighed, "The kid… they found him. Tsunade found him and then she sold him to the Kaze."

Omoi eyes went wide, "But… how will I even explain where I've been? I got lost? I've been in a coma for the past five years? I lost my memory and I've been wandering around-"

"Tell him the truth."

"Are you insane?"

"It's the safest option."

"You kidnapped me."

"You can't kidnap the willing. Besides, you were eighteen when I took you so its more like abduction." Shisui smiled while Omoi just gave him a dull look.

"You're not funny." Omoi sighed, "I don't understand why I need to leave. No one knows I was there. They don't know I have anything to do with-"

"That's exactly why you have to go. You aren't in any danger because no one knows and as long as they don't know, you won't have a target on your back." The raven sighed, "The second Itachi and I go public its going to open a can of worms that can't be shut and I don't want you getting caught in the middle. If you go back to Kumo, Ei will be able to keep you safe from everyone-"

"Even you?"

Shisui looked away, "Going back to Konoha means going back to my family. You don't know what they're like. What they were going to do before Itachi and Namikaze saved the Sato boy. What they wanted me to do to you."

"Shisui-"

"There's poison in Uchiha blood. Something dark and twisted that gets corrupted so easily… that night, I was half scared I'd end up corrupting you as well. When Itachi faked his death, he hoped Sasuke might be able to change things but Fugaku… my uncle is difficult and Sasuke has a softer heart than he lets on. He won't be able to handle what's coming on his own." Shisui let out a deep breath before looking up at the blonde, "We are going back to Konoha and you will go back to Kumo."

Omoi frowned, "But-"

"I can't do what I need to do if I'm constantly worried about you. If you're with Ei then I won't have to."

Omoi opened his mouth to speak only to shut it again as he looked away, "How long?"

"Itachi met with Kisame today. I'm leaving for Konoha in the morning, you need to go tonight." Shisui tried for a smile, "With the Sato boy in the Kazekage's care we won't have to worry about keeping him safe too. If Nagato or Fugaku found him before Tsunade did, we wouldn't stand a chance. We got lucky. This won't take too long."

Omoi didn't say anything to that, his hands clenched and Shisui reached out to take the left one and ease it open. "Think of it as visiting your family, once we finish in Konoha I'll come get you."

"You're going to abduct me again?"

"Hopefully once this is over, I'll be able to use the front door."

Omoi let out a snort, "If you even get that far."

"You'll see, your family's going to love me."

"Would your family love me?"

Something in the raven's eyes changed, "Raikage's long lost son? With that kind of leverage… If things go my way, you'll never have to meet them."

"You're scared of them aren't you?"

"Not scared." Omoi waited for Shisui to elaborate when he didn't the blonde just shook his head.

"Fine. I'll go." Omoi started as he reached out to take hold of the raven's shirt to pull him in and hold tight, "But you have to call me everyday."

Shisui scoffed, "O.K."

"Everyday?"

"Everyday."

Omoi then took a deep breath, leaning up to press a kiss on the older man's lips, "Don't leave me."

Shisui paused, held his gaze and smiled, "I won't."

Omoi's hand clenched one more time before letting go to turn around and leave the room. Shisui dragged a hand through his hair and looked around the room, at the mess his boyfriend made in his attempts at making dinner he almost smiled again only for the thought of what he had to do immediately killed that impulse.

He pulled out his phone and found Itachi's number.

It rang twice.

"Done?"

"Yeah."

"Good. I'll meet you in Konoha."

A/N: Just so we're clear: Sasuke doesn't know about the stuff with Lee, but Naruto does

O.K so, like I said before, we need to talk about Zabuza/Darui. They are the one couple who I haven't really decided on an endgame for yet, mainly cause I've been thinking about ending the story with them as a pairing. But if you've read the story so far I mention that Zabuza kind of dumped Darui for Haku, and although I don't ship Haku/Zabuza I understand why others do. Honestly I don't mind the Haku/Zabuza ship, I had intended on just having them together for this story. But again, I've finally figured out the plot and ending, and the plot and ending do allow for Zabuza/Darui.

I love crack pairings, crack pairings are my jam so I'm kind of excited about having a little more relationship development for Zabuza/Darui maybe some smut. That being said, having Haku/Zabuza would allow me to have Itachi/Darui instead (The crackiest of crack pairings, I am still excited).

Haku/Zabuza is one of those popular pairings that I feel like it's been done already and I don't ship it, so its convenient to have as a background pairing but I don't really have the drive to do anything substantial for it.

Here's the thing.

Everything that happens, happens because of what happened that night in Kirigakure. The night Lee's parents are killed (very very important), Itachi fakes his own death, shit goes down with the Akatsuki… everything revolves around what happened that night in Kiri. As I've hinted at already in this chapter and previous chapters, Darui and Zabuza were very much involved with what happened that night; so a resolution to the mess in Kiri would allow for Zabuza and Darui to get back together.

So here are my options as far as how I'm ending the story in regards to that whole situation.

Option A: Zabuza/Darui, Itachi/Haku

Or

Option B: Itachi/Darui, Zabuza/Haku

I've decided to let you guys decide what I should do here.

As for the story as a whole, I've realised that this story doesn't really have a main couple or pairing. For practical purposes you could say that Gaara/Lee is the main pairing. Lee's parents are very important for the stuff that goes down in Kiri. But I feel weird about calling this a Gaalee story cause I feel like that wouldn't be accurate anymore, especially with the changes I'll be making.

Anyway, please review. I wanna know; option A or option B.

The one that gets the most votes before my next post wins

Now that that's out of the way…

I'm going to post the rewrites first and the chapter that follows after this one will be working backwards. Flashback from what happened in Kiri to the present.