DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN Naruto or any of its characters and I do not make any profit off of this. This is only for my pure enjoyment and those who wish to read.

CLAIMER: I OWN my original character Yami Uchiha.

WARNING: This is a MALE X MALE / SLASH fan-fiction. If you DO NOT like same-sex relationships, then this story may not be for you. This will be slightly AU.

BETA READER: There is no beta reader for this fan-fiction, so there will be mistakes that I have missed.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Alright, so this chapter may be a little intense for some of you. There is mention of non-con and/or slight dub-con, however you want to interpret it. I just wanted to warn you all in case some (probably all) of you get disturbed by this. Suddenly I realize how dark this story has turned and I have absolutely no idea how it is going to play out.

Chapter Seventy-Three

Mature Content Ahead

.:oOo:.

"DYNAMIC ENTRY!" Maito Gai's joyful shout echoed throughout Konoha and Tsunade sighed heavily as she slumped further in her Hokage seat.

"At least Hatake-san left the compound," Shizune voiced almost solemnly from where she stood by the room entrance with Ton-Ton by her feet and a new stack of paperwork in her arms.

Dull teal orbs glanced over at the one person who was considered a daughter to her. Her marriage to Dan, if he had survived the war, would have made the claim official as the two lovers wanted to adopt the man's orphaned niece.

"What of the other three?" Tsunade asked, her voice a murmur as she spoke of the rest of Team Seven.

Shizune tilted her head slightly in thought, tapping her chin as she mulled over the last time she seen or heard of anything regarding Naruto, Sakura, or Sasuke.

"Naruto-kun was seen at Ichiraku Ramen just this morning with the Hyuga heiress. Sakura did a round at the hospital until noon and Sasuke picked her up for a lunch date," Shizune stated, stepping over to the desk and setting the stack of paperwork on top.

"Good, I was afraid those four would try to escape the village regardless of my previous threat," Tsunade voiced tiredly, thinking back on how she had to threaten the team of four with arrests and rogue status.

"They have lost someone near and dear to them, Tsunade-sama. They remind me of you and I when we lost my Uncle all those years ago," Shizune admitted quietly, her eyes going to the wall length glass window to gaze out across the village.

"That's what worries me."

.:oOo:.

"Did Gai-sensei run through the market today as planned?" Ino asked in a whisper to the group huddled inside Yakiniku-Q for a reunion lunch.

"Yosh, Gai-sensei was most youthful in his endeavor," Lee boasted to his girlfriend with a fist pump, his usually loud voice surprisingly also a whisper.

"Heh, Nee-chan henged as Sakura and did a round at the hospital this morning. Her husband henged as Sasuke and picked her up for lunch," Kiba stated with a smirk, thinking about the new smell that has been emitting from his sister for a few weeks now.

"Choji-kun henged as Naruto-kun and the two of us had ramen for breakfast," Hinanta told the group, a faint blush dusting her cheeks at the thought of her…her boyfriend.

Nodding, Ino smiled.

"We need to keep this up for a long as we can. We are bound to get discovered, but by then it should give Team Seven the distance they need," Shikamaru groaned under his breath.

Another groan left the Nara heir at the thought of his mother's knowing look she shot him before he left the compound today. Scratching the back of his head, he sighed again.

"Kaa-san probably already knows we're up to something, so everyone be careful. This mess is so troublesome," Shikamaru admitted.

.:oOo:.

A cloak of dark foreboding seemed to settle over Team Seven, the heavy ominous presence weighing heavily on Kakashi the most as the four shinobi raced through the rough terrain between Kawa (River) Country and Kaze no Kuni. Cuts and bruises left partially heal covered all four members, reminders leftover from their venture inside one of Orochimaru's hidden bases within the boarder of Tsuchi no Kuni. With the use of Naruto's many clones and Kakashi's and Sasuke's summons, finding the western base took less time than it did gaining entrance. Escaping was the more difficult feat.

Obsidian orbs glanced to the left, Sasuke taking in Sakura's disheveled form sprinting beside him. The steel plated fingerless gloves he had gifted her during one of their many dates were still dusty from where the pink haired kunoichi shattered a thick stone wall that guaranteed Team Seven's escape, but also collapsed part of the ceiling on those still within.

"We should be at the next base within two days if we keep this pace," Kakashi breathed, trying to keep focused on the group's destination and not the feeling of dread creeping into his weary bones.

"We need to rest, sensei," Naruto huffed, knowing Sasuke and Sakura agreed with him despite how much closer they were to finally finding Yami.

Kakashi seemingly ignored the blonde, quickening his pace enough to where the other three had to do the same in order to keep up.

"Sensei! Stop!" Sakura ordered after her chakra cloaked foot nearly slipped in the dampening terrain of Kawa Country.

The water from the flowing rivers was mixing with the desert sands of Kaze no Kuni, creating small pop up oasis around the area. It also made the ground sludgy. The silver haired man came to a stop immediately, but did not turn around. His breathing came in harsh pants. His fists clenched tightly.

"I don't know what it is, but something terrible is going to happen," Kakashi voiced through gritted teeth. "We have to keep going."

It was Sasuke that finally spoke, his tone just as weary as everyone else's.

"We'll get there as fast as we can, but we cannot arrive dead on our feet if we are going to save Yami-Itoko."

Kakashi's head tilted down and he gave a reluctant nod of agreement.

.:oOo:.

Drip. Drop. Drip. Drop. Drip. Splash.

Crimson liquid dripped from the ceiling only to splash into the growing puddle on the cobbled stone beneath. Mangled limbs lay in piles along cracked stone walls, some parts familiar…others not so much.

A tremble.

Reaching up with a shaking hand, Yami covered the right side of his face as he stared intently at one particular pile. A torn piece of red and white cloth, matted strands of once bright pink locks, an orange-clad leg and what appeared to be part of a face marred with a vertical scar across a gapping socket.

Hissing sounded from behind him and without turning around, the raven knew the one who had caused such destruction…such retched heartache. He cried.

.:oOo:.

Pitch orbs stared straight ahead, counting the lines on the wall of their sleeping chamber. Long slow breaths exhaling with focused intent went unheard by the room's second occupant. Firm arms remained wrapped stubbornly around the raven, not allowing much room to move. The ebony haired man curled snuggly against Yami's back breathed deeply in sleep. Warmth radiated from Orochimaru's form and the thick duvet insulated them both like a heated cocoon. Yami's blood ran cold as the dull throb in his lower back refused to be forgotten. Pitch orbs blurred.

.:oOo:.

"Good morning, Koibito," Orochimaru whispered, his warm breath fluttering across Yami's ear before the tip of his tongue dipped out to trace the curve of the Uchiha's warm flesh.

Yami shuddered at the feeling, both in disgust and shame. Disgust, because it was Orochimaru being so intimate with him and touching him so gently. Shame from a small part of Yami felt a strange sense of pleasure, because it was caused by the ebony haired man and not a silver haired one. Pale hands trailed along bare flesh, causing tingles to follow in their wake. Orochimaru dipped his head down, nuzzling Yami's throat and giving the area over the raven's pulse an open mouth kiss. One hand cupped Yami's hip while the other tangled in short raven locks. The hand tangled in Yami's hair tugged until the raven's throat was offered more freely and the hebi Sannin gave the tender flesh a sharp nip.

"Ot-Otto, I—."

"Shhh, Koibito, I'll take care of you," Orochimaru murmured in a loving tone as he moved to hover over Yami, the raven's pitch orbs growing wide.

Orochimaru grinned, his long ebony tresses pooling around their faces in a veil.

.:oOo:.

"You sssmell like Oro-sssama."

At the hissed words and the tickle of a forked tongue flicking across Yami's ankle, the raven peered down at the opal scaled viper. Azukiiro, as Orochimaru had called the viper, proceeded to slither up the raven's leg and curled up on the unoffered lap. Clad in a midnight blue yukata with a black sash, Yami took pleasure of the warm sunlight shining down on the island garden and had rolled up his sleeves to show off his bare forearms.

"This is hideousss," Azukiiro hissed, spying one of Yami's chakra seals burned into his left wrist. "What isss it? Tell me, sssnakelet."

Yami's pitch orbs remained blank, his lips curving downward. He gently clucked the viper under its chin, earning an annoyed hiss.

"So demanding," Yami voiced blandly, leaning his head back to gaze up at the clouding sky. "Ask your master."

A storm was moving in, but Yami refused to move. Why leave one cage for another? The dome-like shield made the open courtyard nothing more than that similar to a birdcage or snake terrarium. Yami ignored the slithering viper until he was staring into maroon orbs. A rainbow sheen reflected off of the vipers black tongue as sunlight hit it.

"It growsss cold," Azukiiro hissed, flicking its tongue again and it tickled Yami's chin.

He swallowed the lump forming in his throat.

"It's colder inside."

The words were said without much emotion. The small amount carried a hint of bitterness. Seeing as the raven was not going to budge, the viper slithered around Yami's neck and tucked into the collar of his midnight blue yukata. Yami shivered as the smooth scales rubbed against the mark Orochimaru left that morning. He had to force himself to relax his fists or risk his nails breaking skin. It was only when the first set of raindrops ran down Yami's cheeks in a reflection of his inner turmoil, did the raven stand up and head back inside.

"Uchiha-san, what a pleasure," Someone spoke from nearby, their amusement evident in their voice. "How about you join us for some drinks to…relax?"

A chuckle sounded from the other two standing on either side of the one who spoke. All three were unfamiliar with Yami, the raven not recognizing most of the base's inhabitants. A pitch brow rose and Yami peered down his nose at the three.

"No, thank you," Yami told them, not in the mood for any silly antics.

"Don't be rude. You being here is temporary. You wouldn't want to do anything to make Orochimaru get rid of you sooner. Right?" The shinobi on the left voiced, smirking arrogantly.

"It's only fair that you repay our kindness with your kindness," The third one stated, his lips twisting in a mocking glare.

Azukiiro shifted beneath Yami's collar.

"Now, come relax with us," The middle one demanded, closing the distance between them and grabbing for Yami's wrist.

Yami's hands shot out and grabbed hold of the man's head. Seconds later, the man collapsed to the stone floor unmoving from Yami slamming the man's skull into the wall. Looking up at the other two approaching quickly, Yami prepared himself. He could still fight, just without chakra to reinforce his attacks. The raven ducked a forward kick and dodged a punch. Grabbing the wrist as the punch sailed by him, Yami pulled. Not expecting the unbalancing momentum, the second man fell right into Yami's chokehold. A twist snapped the man's neck and Yami let his body crumple to the floor.

"You little shit!" The last remaining shinobi sneered, pulling out dual kunais and rushing Yami.

In that split second of Yami shifting out of the way, Azukiiro revealed themselves and fangs glistened in the dim lighting. A piercing wail of anguish sounded from the shinobi. Kunais clattered to the stone floor as the man grabbed at his melting face. Yami breathed deeply, leaning up against the wall opposite and watched in surprise. Pitch orbs glanced down at Azukiiro still coiled around Yami's neck.

"What isss the meaning of thisss?" Orochimaru hissed in anger, his golden orbs narrowed into sharp slits as he glared at the scene before him.

A pained groan came from the first man, only having been knocked unconscious by Yami's attack.

"Argh…you'll fucking pay for this," The only surviving man groaned as he struggled to push himself up.

Do not let it be said that a furious hebi Sannin is a merciful man.

.:oOo:.

It was when Yami was soaking in the stone baths that acted as a natural hot springs that the raven was joined by his husband. Yami remained leaning against one of the warming rocks with his head resting on his folded arms.

'Is it even official?' Yami wondered, hoping beyond everything that it was not.

"Kabuto-kun will guard you for now on when I have not with you," Orochimaru stated, stepping into the waist deep water.

"What?" Yami questioned, finally turning around to look at the ebony haired male. "No, I—."

"You were attacked and it could have ended up very differently than it did, especially if Azukiiro was not with you," Orochimaru interrupted, wrapping his arms around Yami's waist and drawing the raven up against him.

Yami's brows twitched in annoyance, wanting nothing more than to shove the hebi Sannin under the water and drown him.

"I am perfectly capable of protecting myself, more so with Azukiiro," Yami voiced, his annoyance slipping into his tone.

Orochimaru's lips twitched as if he were about to smirk, his golden orbs glowing in humor.

"I said—."

"And I said no," Yami cut Orochimaru off, taking pleasure in the look of surprise that filtered through golden orbs as he pushed himself free.

Yami went back to his original position of resting against a warming rock. He cut a glance at the stunned male still standing before him.

"Now leave me alone. I'm mad at you and don't wish to see your face right now," Yami huffed, turning his head away and hoping with everything within him that his words were heeded.

Orochimaru chuckled.

"Fine, but on one condition," Orochimaru finally spoke after getting his amusement under control.

Yami turned his head and glanced up only to have his mouth captured by the ebony haired male. A surprised gasp had lips parting and a devouring tongue dipped inside. Golden orbs stayed locked onto pitch, not missing Yami narrowing his eyes. Orochimaru yanked his head back and swiped his thumb across his bottom lip where a drop of blood welled.

"You bit me?" Orochimaru voiced in amused confusion.

Yami snapped his teeth in a threat of doing it again.

Orochimaru threw his head back and laughed.