I encourage all my readers to reread the previous chapters before pushing forward with all future upcoming chapters. There have been a lot of important updates that changes how one will perceive the story. I may or may not answer questions depending on the question.

Best,

Kuukii

"I have business elsewhere." The red headed demon paused to caress the locks of the sleeping Hyuuga.

Haku too caressed the Hyuuga boy. "Are you planning on turning him into one of us?"

Gaara nodded.

"He's worth more." Haku paused to stroke Neji's blushing cheek. "I told you to give the Hyuugas to me."

"You wanted the girl. She's dead." Gaara sighed. "Do you remember how Anzu became a demon?"

Haku nodded recalling the woman's human days as a prostitute so long ago. Her owner selling her to anyone who would pay the ridiculous amount to have her. It was rare and exotic to have a woman so striking and dominant. Who bore the innocence of a virgin while maintaining the craft and audaciousness of a whore. She would never deny enjoying such attention, and once Haku came to her with an offer she couldn't refuse, such lust and desire made her the demon she was today... a succubus, a creature capable of killing anyone foolish enough for a night in her bed chambers.

"Yes." Haku finally agreed. "But I don't see any definable traits within him. If you can't guarantee it you shouldn't pursue it."

Gaara allowed a small smile, his canines lengthening and glinting in the dreary dark lighting of the cave. "True... A soul like his would prove useful though..." Gaara paused, glancing over the sleeping Hyuuga, his breathing slow as he rested, unaware of the conversation being whispered over him plotting his fall from grace and sanity. "You're right though, but if I can't turn him, I will still use him for other means."

"I see." Haku took a moment recalling back to when he had been teaching Gaara to feed. Certain sinful souls had a specific color. His had been a dark red, the colored sin for anger, an equally dark green, for jealousy, and a rose petal pink, the color of lust and desire. Fury for his brother who'd betrayed him on his last day as a human, lust for the one human he would never have, and jealousy for the one who had him. Just thinking about it only served to remind him of the color of that husband's soul from his trek through the town market. The dark red outline edged in green that brightened once he'd slapped his wife for flirting with the Haku. Either himself or Gaara could have feasted upon such a soul.

But the Hyuuga before him now, bore a mix of colors, his soul never focusing on one color. If the boy transformed into a demon with such mixed emotions flaring about, he may either end up like Gaara and himself who could feast upon a wider palette of souls, or like Sakura, a girl who turned but starved to death for never being able to eat any souls.

"Troubles of a virgin I would guess." Haku thought aloud. For this only happened whenever a virgin had been placed within their mists. Coming across one was difficult, the girl Sakura had been one. People today thought more to repopulate rather than practice abstinence.

"I wish to give it more time." Gaara decided with a reluctant exhale. "In the meantime will you look after him?"

"Gaara?" Haku didn't need to finish knowing Gaara figured the hint."When you return we need to discuss other matters."

Said demon rose from the fur bedding, sand swirling around his lean and muscled frame. A rush of sand snatched Gaara from view and and Haku returned his gaze to the brunette. A slow sultry smirk slid across his face. He leaned over the Hyuuga, cool, slim fingers sliding over the Hyuuga's naked side. The muscle twitched and Haku sighed as he slowly pulled back the black furs.

"MMnnhh." The Hyuuga shifted, his long lashes fluttering against soft pale cheeks.

"Time to wake up." Haku whispered skimming his lips across the Hyuuga's ear lobe.

He shifted again his eyes opening with a fatigued flutter.

"Morning beautiful."

Neji moved, a hand raising to rub at his eyes. He whimpered turning to his side to relieve his sore limbs. Last nights events flashed briefly as he became more aware of his surroundings. Jumping forwards, Neji slapping fervently while and quickly ducking away to the floor, casting wary eyes for the red-haired demon.

"Where is he?"

"Gone." Haku rubbing his reddening cheek with an amused smile. "Why did you hit me?"

"I remember what you did." Neji muttered.

"Oh." Haku nodded as he kicked the furs away before turning onto his stomach. "You didn't seem to mind though."

Neji could feel his cheeks heating. Turning to his side, Neji reached over the bed to pick up a tunic Gaara often left by the bedside. He had wanted it. But that was only because he had never been touched like that before. Not by anyone. Deep down he enjoyed it all but he wasn't sure if he should explore such a thing with two demons at his side, especially if when one of them was so seductive and sensuous. Being so careless, he felt foolish considering he could have died. Back home in Konoha, Asuma had been with a woman who seem an awful lot like Haku.

Asuma had loved Kurenai but she had been an succubus all along. The village soldiers found Asuma dead holding a painting of Kurenai from thirty years ago. He'd seen the photo of Kurenai, met her in person even, she was beautiful, but her eyes had this unnatural tint of red. He thought nothing of it at the time considering his own family ailments. When the people committed to a man hunt the demon woman was already gone. He'd never saw Asuma, but according to the villager gossip, nothing was left but a dried out husk of skin and bones.

He didn't want to end up like that.

Looking at Haku now, all Neji could see were those simple brown eyes that could belong to any man or woman. Skin as pale as his own, only paler, and the picture perfect face of innocence. Haku was a little feminine in features but then again, so was he. Curious and unnerved Neji couldn't stop himself from asking.

"Did you know a woman named Kurenai?"

"Yes... Why?" A finger curled itself into inky black hair as he watched Neji with an eerily intense gaze.

"She killed Asuma. Why would she do that? He loved her." Neji had found his way back to the bed kneeling a few feet away.

"Demons are incapable of love, at least not with any human. If he was in love, then he is a fool. If she loved him, then she is the bigger fool." Haku reached a hand out to caress the Hyuuga's thigh. There was a shudder before he was pushed away. "Why do you care anyway? She's dead."

"Dead? How? I thought demons were immortal."

"We are immortal, yes, but that doesn't mean we can't die."

"How would one kill a demon?"

"Hmmm." Haku rose to his knees, his nudity baring him to the Hyuuga forcing him to blush and look away. "Are you hungry?"

Neji shifted on the bedding, turning to avoid eye contact with the naked demon. He refused to answer but his stomach didn't seem to mind.

"You know... Its hard keeping a human for a pet. Have to keep you fed..." Haku pulled a robe over his frame from the bedside. "That reminds me..." He moved in close to the Hyuuga caging him in his thin but strong arms. "Winter is coming. What will you need? I have to know so that I can get it so that you can have it. Whatever you want actually. Let me spoil you."

Neji frowned his eyebrows narrowed. "I'm not stupid. I'm not giving my soul to you."

"You'll give it up one way or another." Haku ran a hand over Neji's back before settling both hands on the Hyuuga's waist. "But I need to get you prepared and settled. You'll be staying with us now."

"Don't lie, I'm won't make it by the next full moon." Neji pulled from the embrace and settled into the furs.

"What are you talking about?" Haku looked genuinely confused.

"Gaara wants me to bear him a child on_"

"What?!" Haku sat on the bed and leaned in close. "Say that again."

Neji swallowed as he tried his best not to cry. "Gaara wants me to bear him a child on the next full moon."

"Pffftttt!" Haku burst into laughter his face falling into Neji's lap. Tears gathered as his body shook and as he lifted himself up right once more he spotted the look on Neji's face only to keel over again. Neji could only watch in shock and confusion as the demon tried his best to speak between his little fits of laughter. "Oh help me." Haku sniffed as he rose up for the last time. "He told you that?"

Haku giggled some more as he pushed back stray hairs behind his ear. "It is not the way you think little Hyuuga."

"But Gaara said... I know what he said. That was the deal I made with him."

"Mortal men can not bare children little Hyuuga. Surely you know that?"

"But then, why would Gaara... I don't understand." Neji sighed as he buried his face into his hands. Relief seeping from his very nerves as he shook. He was glad. So glad words couldn't even begin to describe... but with this relief came a confusion. What was that demon planning?

"You'll figure it out in time. But trust me, you'll be here for quite some time."

Neji buried his face into the furs his hair falling about his frame in disarray. "So he was just... messing... with me?" His hands balled into fist his face burning red with embarrassment. He should have known better after all. Mortal men couldn't bare children even if they wanted to.

"I suppose he was." Haku giggled again. "Nothing to fear little Hyuuga."

Neji grunted the sound muffled by the furs.

"You have other worries for the winter."

"Like what?" The question was muffled but Haku heard it nonetheless. "What?" Neji lifted his head to look at the demon. "What do you mean."

Haku shrugged his slim fingers skimming through the human's hair. Playing with the silky strands Haku wondered why his hair couldn't be like this. Soft and beautiful and natural. It made him a little jealous to look at this human sitting before him who was so pure and innocent. He grabbed Neji's face in both hands, thumbs rubbing reddening cheeks. Without warning he kissed the Hyuuga, taking his shock as a means to deepen the kiss.

Neji, at first, simply dropped all movement. His cheeks began to burn with embarrassment as this liquid heat pooling in his stomach made him want to sink into the furs, and let the demon keep touching him as he had yesterday night. But then his mind flashed to Kurenai and the picture of a dried out human body, and he was suddenly filled with this bubbling fear.

He started pushing bringing up his knees to kick when his hands proved useless. It wasn't until the demon pulled away that Neji was able to finally voice his opinion.

"Don't ever do that again!" Neji rolled from the bedding only to land on the fur covered ground. "Don't ever!" He could feel the tears welling up as he tried to think of a reason why. But there were none. The demon could rape him if it wanted to and that was the last thing Neji wanted. "Please..." Neji swallowed. "Please don't. I'm not ready for this."

"Hmm. I see." Haku took a seat on the edge of the bed his legs crossing. "Well Gaara expects your company. Tonight. Whether he wants you to remain a virgin... well it can be guaranteed if you let me help you. He won't be as lenient as me. He's not known for his patience."

A few tears fell as Neji sank to the floor. "I don't want this." Sobs choked him as he spoke. "Please... I don't want this..."

"Be careful what you wish for..."

"Yeah... I see that now." Neji snapped. As stubborn as a mule the Hyuuga wiped away his tears. "...Mmmm such a fool."

Haku nodded his head in agreement staring down at the human. "You still want your revenge don't you? I can help you."

Neji looked around the cave, eyes raking over the insane amount of gold and jewels sitting in heaps. The sand that managed to pile from the other section of the cave. Then finally, his eyes landed on the beautiful demon who was sitting on the bed, gazing down at him, his posture calm and waiting.

"Fine." Neji swallowed as he spotted the giant raccoon, Shukaku, returning to the cave with a deer, snapped in half, hanging from its mouth. "Tell me."

XXXX

"You shouldn't kick when being kissed," Haku smiled. "Or slap when touched."

"But I don't want to be kissed..." Neji paced down the small aisle of handmade oils and incenses. Haku had dragged him back to the Suna market to stock up on necessities. "Or touched."

"Get used to it." Haku picked up a bottle of a bluish black oil, sniffed it, then added to the basket hanging on his elbow.

Neji picked up a bottle tinted brown smelling like the spicy cloying scent Gaara always seemed to be emanating. "Can I have this?"

Haku sniffed the bottle and gave Neji a frown. "Yes."

The bottle was tossed into the basket and the two continued to the shopkeeper arm in arm. The gesture made Neji blush uncomfortably.

"We look like lovers." Haku whispered leaning in. "This," He motioned to their linked arms. "Means you belong to me. Or rather Gaara. No one should cross you. If they do, find me or Gaara, and we will deal with them."

Neji nodded as they continued past the front counter and to the door.

"Hey? Aren't you going to_"

"Hey!" The keeper beat him to it. "You didn't pay!"

But Haku kept moving without rush or a need to stop. Instead he looked at the keeper with a gaze that made Neji shiver, and shoved him hard, sending the poor man flying to the ground, red blood welts swelling on the front of his rumpled tunic. Satisfied Haku guided the two of them out onto the dirt street making their way past other markets and vendors. With a glance back Neji looked to the demon on his arm.

"Why did you do that? Why didn't you pay?"

"Why should I have to?"

"But..."

"Such meager human laws and morals don't apply to me."

"You still could have paid him."

"Don't be so naive. You will see things a lot worse than me not paying for simple body oils." Haku pulled the Hyuuga close, their lips barely touching. "A lot worse."

They kissed, sweet, and lovingly. As if they were lovers of old blooming across the years. Or at least that was how Haku was kissing him. The lurid demon held him close, the embrace more tender and sweet than how Gaara would hold him.

It was nice...

"See?" Haku leaned away, his arms easing their way about the Hyuuga's waist. "That wasn't so hard now was it?"

Neji blushed as he was pulled along. The streets bustling as he gazed unseeing to the villagers making their final sales. "A coat."

"Again?" Haku swiveled around to face him.

"I said I need a coat." Neji reiterated as his blush darkened. He did want another kiss but his fear of Gaara held him quiet.

"Yes you do... Anything else?"

Neji swallowed watching the demon watch him. Those dark coal like eyes following the bob of his throat. "Clothes...?"

"Gaara got you those dresses didn't he?" The two continued on as Neji's face morphed into an unmistakable frown. "Anything else?" Somehow Haku had led them to the same dark gambling quarter that Gaara had taken him to a few days ago. The place sounded of laughter and merriment as if the man, Hidan, was still alive.

"I..." Neji gave a start licking his lips as they passed a bread and sweets vendor. "A brush."

"Right..." Haku glanced at the little pastries and guided him over. "Do you want one?"

"I-I-I yes." Neji watched as a gold coin exchanged hands and a sugar coated danish stuffed with fruit was placed into his. "Thank you." Haku nodded and began walking, holding a grace that Neji couldn't help but envy. "Can I ask you something?" He didn't realize they were holding hands until he looked down. It never occurred to him to pull away. And honestly...

He didn't mind it.

But shouldn't he?

This was a demon he was holding hands with after all.

"Ask away." Haku tightened his hold as he maneuvered them through the fruit and vegetable stalls.

"How did you... Why are you like this? Doesn't it bother you to be like this?"

"Never." Haku pulled them through a door and into a warmed room of fur coats and felt boots.

"But why?

"Humans are just as bad if not worse at times. Once abandoned by my brethren I was tortured at the hands of humans, imprisoned." Haku could feel his eyebrow tick with annoyance at the remembrance. "Should I have enjoyed it? Should I have stayed?"

"Well no..." Neji paused as he finished his pastry, eyes taking in the different coats of size and fur types. It never occurred to him before that this demon could have suffered so much. But Haku had said that human rules didn't apply to him. "Why are you like this then? Cruel?"

"Because I don't like humans...anymore." Haku smarted dropping coins onto a counter, a bundle wrapped in brown paper being thrust into the Hyuuga's arms. Just as quickly the two were back out the door and onto the dirt road, Haku guiding them to another vendor. "You won't be doing much traveling, but better to have something than nothing. A tunic or two, and maybe some trousers." Haku turned on him suddenly. "Keep them clean won't you?"

Neji nodded. With their hands no longer connected, he couldn't help but feel a sudden loss. Almost as if he'd offended the demon.

"Did I upset you?"

"No... But Neji?" Haku turned to him once more eyes a dark black. "I didn't like remembering such times. So don't bring it up again okay?"

Neji nodded again. This time though the same fear that had bubbled before was resurfacing again. "I'm sorry."

"Forgiven. Now let me finish spoiling you. Let us get you a brush so that I may run my last errand for the day."

"Yes."

They did manage to find a brush, although this time, Haku didn't bother to pay, but the salesman did nothing as if expecting this form of treatment. Even Neji saw the slight tremble as the vendor watched them walk away. But this time, unlike the last, Haku turned at the last moment and blew the unknown man a kiss. This seemed to reassure the man as he turned back to his stand and resumed selling as if nothing happened.

Neji watched as the demon smiled and led them into a bustling hall where a small celebration seemed to being going on. Though Neji assumed from the way women were dressed that this was a celebration children should not attend.

"Come." Haku pulled them to a long table of foods and drinks. Although there wasn't much left. It was possible that the celebration was coming to an end. "Stay here." Haku pointed to a spot at the table kissing him on the cheek as a comfort. "I'm going to retrieve something. I won't be off long."

"Alright."

Neji sat and turned to the table, taking in all of the bright lights and expensive clothes spinning in a merry dance. It was lively, much more lively than Konoha had been. Happier too. With a sigh Neji hugged the bundle tighter. Just as the tooting of flutes and clapping of hands was coming down, a tap to his shoulder brought him away from his quick nap.

"Are you gonna eat that?"

Neji straightened his back as he turned around to face a very familiar face.

"Chouji?"

The thick bodied man cocked a brow his rounded belly pushing closer with the smell of rotting food and stale wine. "Do I know you?

"No." Neji shook his head and moved as the man leaned over him for a plate of mostly eaten pork.

"You look a little familiar though..." He paused as he stuffed the remnants of a pig ear and cheek into his mouth, cheeks bulging like a stuffed squirrel. "Have I seen you somewhere before?"

"Uhhh... Maybe." Neji looked away past the round man to spot Haku standing next to a woman of blonde hair, in the corner of the festive hall. She seemed swooned as the he kissed his way down her neck, her leg hiked up as the demon settled between them.

Was Haku really about to...

"I do remember you." The plate was clean as it was set back onto the table. No bones, skin, meat... nothing. Neji didn't even hear a crunch of said bone either. "You the lad that was wearing that pretty dress a few nights ago."

Neji swallowed as Chouji sat, the wooden bench jumping and denting as he reached around the Hyuuga to finish off a cup of misplaced wine.

"Are you one of them too?"

Neji would have asked what the man was talking about had he not seen the finger pointing in Haku's and the blonde's direction.

Was the man calling him a prostitute?

"No shame really. My friend Ino is making her next piece of gold as we speak."

Neji followed the finger to the same corner as the blonde, Ino, and Haku, only to quickly turn away with a red drenched face. "No."

"Oh. Well that's too bad. Would have paid a good golden piece for ya."

"You can still have his company."

Neji could feel his body stiffen as Chouji turned to face the new voice. It was a voice Neji new, however he wasn't expecting to see him until Haku had returned them to the cave.

"Neji." With a hard, gulping swallow Neji turned to face the red demon sitting casually on the other side of the table. "Come." Shaking Neji refused to move, his eyes darting to Haku who was still... He stared at the worn wooden floor.

"I see." A clatter of dishes and the demon was hovering over him from atop the table. "I'm holding a feast at my dwellings tonight. Surely you will come?"

Chouji nodded as he moved having finished clearing the table of any scraps to be had, and Neji couldn't help but frown.

Honestly, what if he were hungry?

"Will there be lots of food? Where is it?" Chouji asked dropping the cup he'd been holding.

"The outskirts, no more than a horse ride away."

With another nod Chouji left the table barely blending in with the group of dancers who parted as he made his way to the next table.

"No hello?"

"I remember what you did to me." Neji spouted the pitiful excuse.

"You didn't seem to mind." Gaara reached out and stroked the brown strands of Neji's hair caressing them behind an ear.

"Well..." Neji huffed as his cheeks burned again. The memory having not yet faded from the mind. "Where did you go?"

"I added to my gold collection."

Neji flinched as he remembered what happened to Hidan. "Oh."

"Did you get everything you need?"

Neji nodded.

"Good, Haku's just about finished."

Neji looked to the corner to see Haku with no blonde. His mind immediately went to Asuma and he shot up from the bench as Haku approached them.

"Is she okay?"

"No." Haku gave a sultry smile as he laced their hands. "We're going aren't we?"

Gaara nodded as he laid a hand across Neji's waist, steering the Hyuuga from the room. Just as they crossed the threshold, a scream came from the back towards the corner Haku was in. Neji just barely caught a glimpse back.

A dried out husk of a body flashed in between skirts and trousers.

Ino was dead.

Just as they entered the bedchamber, Gaara flicked a golden coin into a golden cup while Haku tossed a red gem into the miniature pond by the raccoon. The water splashed, and Shukaku gave a long low growl, stalking from the cave.

"I thought you were holding a feast." Neji whispered as he sat on the furs, still clenching the coat and boots Haku bought.

"I will."

"Gaara?" Haku questioned from his laid position behind Neji.

Said demon looked between the Hyuuga and Haku and smiled. "It is done as promised."

Neji glanced back and forth between the two as they traded some hidden message unknown to him.

"Alright..." Haku reached a hand around the Hyuuga's waist pulling him backwards along the bed.

"Chouji should be here by nightfall." Gaara paused in front of Neji, pulling the paper bundle from his arms. "Tell me, how do you feel. You seem... comfortable."

"Well, I am stuck here." He blushed as a his robe was pulled apart from behind."Nothing I can really do about it." The hand pulling at the robe dipped downwards tugging at the knot holding the fabric together.

The demon in front lowered to one knee hands coming to join the hands around his waist. He jumped when the warm hands belonging to those demons' finally made contact and a hard sigh escaped him. He needed a distraction. He didn't want that happening to him again. Neji doubted he could stop those hands a second time. "Uhhm... Chouji..." A hand tweaked a nipple and he could literally feel himself swoon backwards. "Chouji will be here soon... won't he?"

"He will." Gaara lowered his second knee, face bent as he pressed into the Hyuuga's chest, reveling in the newfound scent the boy had acquired. "You carry an interesting scent."

Neji sighed as he lost the energy to think morally. With lost inhibitions he fell back into Haku's embrace as those hands dipped into his sacred place.

"He has identified you," Haku whispered down Neji's ear to Gaara. "At least by scent." Haku placed a tongue filled kiss to a pale and ruddy tinting ear.

"Have you now?"

There was a lick to his belly from the red demon, and Neji realized through the cobwebs of his mind, that the two demons were talking about him, or to him, or both. He couldn't be sure with the webs thickening nor could he bring himself to respond. By the time the two demons were done, he was spent and sleepy, half covered by the bed furs, but most of all... he was... content. Gaara was right. He was a lot more comfortable then he should be.

Not moments past, did Haku kill the blonde woman Ino. Left her dead, dried out, husk of a body in a corner of the festive halls. Yet here he was, laid out and spent at having the demon touch him. He knew what Haku did, yet he still came home wanting Haku to touch him. Hoping for it...

"Am I..." Neji wiped a weak hand over his damp brow. "Will I end up like her? Ino... and Asuma?"

"No. I have other plans for you."

Drained, Neji sat up, aided by Haku's side. "You know them too? Ino and Asuma?" His eyes drooped as he fought to keep them open. Gaara nodded, his muscular frame draped near Neji's waist. Spying the intense gaze of Haku, Neji swallowed the knot in his throat. "Did you know Kurenai?"

Just as he thought to look down Gaara had shot up from his perch eyes turning from their dim green to the same glowing amber cross the raccoon held.

"What of her?"

He didn't seem angry, but the gaze he held, intense as it was, said otherwise about his temper.

"Nothing. I was just curious." Neji shrank as Gaara leaned forward, eyes hooded with unknown intentions.

"I killed her."

Haku snickered from behind his hand coming forward to hold Neji's thumping chest.

"W-why? Did y-you..." Neji flinched as Gaara's hand came to his face, the demon's knuckle trailing along his cheek.

"That succubus had no business here. How do you know of her?

"She gave me food... At one point... That's all." The bed rustled as Gaara settled down, pulling the Hyuuga and Haku down with him. Still trembling Neji laid down as Gaara allowed himself to lay across his stomach.

Haku giggled and Neji turned only to see Gaara dancing his claws below the his navel. Still trembling and just as tired from earlier activities, Neji drifted to sleep. When he woke again, it was to the smell of meat roasting and the splashing of water; there was also a faint chirping sound. It echoed dimly, making Neji wonder about the time of day. There was a small low table, next to a low pile of gold, it reflected across table holding different meats and fruits giving a golden hue to the food. This was next to a smoldering fire with a pig roasting over it.

Apparently the amount of food on the table wasn't enough for four, but considering the way he had seen Chouji eat. Maybe, perhaps, it wasn't enough. Gaara was nowhere to be seen, and Haku was dropping a bundle of apples into a barrel filled with wine.

"Don't you usually fill that with water?" Neji mumbled wiping his eyes, mouth creaking as he yawned.

"Usually. But this will be a lot more fun than dunking your face in water. And the apples will taste better." When the sack was empty the demon tossed it to the side and crawled onto the bed. "How do you feel?"

"Alright I suppose."

"Good. I expect you to be ready to play when Chouji finally arrives."

"Play?"

Haku nodded as he placed a chaste kiss against Neji's quivering lips.

"Play what?" The furs were pulled away and Haku dragged Neji's numb body from the bed.

"A game. Who wins depends on you though. Have you ever bobbed for apples?"

"I have."

Haku redressed his mussy robe and tightened the knot.

"Good. Chouji's here."

An echo sounded through the cave over the crackling of roasting meats, a horse, neighing as if it were rearing up. The clopping footfalls echoed louder until there was a grunt and something solid hitting the ground.

"Damn you! Be off!" The horse whinnied and the footfalls faded only to be replaced by a harsh breathing. "Hello!"

Haku smiled as he cupped his hand to his mouth. "Further down Lord Chouji! Follow the light!"

Another grunt and clatter, the sound of gentle bells. Chouji must have tripped over one of the outer piles of gold that lead to the caves main segment.

"Oh!" Chouji had turned the bend and was making his way over. Not to Haku and Neji standing by the bed but to the low table next to the fire.

"Hope you're hungry." Haku pulled Neji over and made him kneel at the table. "We made a lot for you."

"All this?" Chouji's thick hand was inching closer to a platter of sliced pork decorated with cloves and raspberries.

"For you Lord Chouji, for honoring us with your presence." Haku pulled a silver chalice from a nearby pile of gems and gold, and filled it with the bejeweled golden pitcher in front of Neji. He then pulled a ruby studded chalice and a golden chalice, and filled those too. "A toast if you will."

Chouji took the cup his beady black eyes glancing over Neji briefly before pulling a plate of lamb legs closer, topping it off with three slices of ham and a vine of grapes.

"To gluttony. Because honestly, who could resist such good food."

"Not me." Chouji agreed raising his glass. "To the pig in me."

Neji shrugged as they each took a sip, save for Chouji who finished his entire cup.

"More?" Chouji nodded as Haku took the cup and refilled it, Chouji was nearly done with his plate by the time Haku passed it back. "How is it?"

The man was too busy clearing the remainder of the pork and raspberries to answer. Neji hadn't seen the last time how Chouji managed to eat at the festive hall. When he'd put the plate down it was empty, seeing how it was done now, face to face. Neji couldn't help the turn in his stomach. Whenever Chouji couldn't chew, or didn't want to chew through whatever he was eating, he simply swallowed. The man was eating so fast and so fully that he'd broken into a sweat.

Neji grimaced recalling so many times before how hard it was to come by food. Begging for scraps that couldn't even feed a rat. Yet Chouji sat here downing food that was meant to be shared amongst four. It was disgusting.

Disgusting pig.

Neji pushed away his plate his anger allowing a frown to turn his lips as he looked to Haku.

Haku didn't seem to mind the sight. He just kept refilling, and pushing over more food until all of the table had been cleared out. Even Neji's little plate of cantaloupe and melon. The only thing that remained was the barrel of wine and apples, and the roast still cooking over the fire.

"Want more?"

"Course." Chouji licked his fingers eyeballing the roast as Haku lifted the stick it sat on with ease. He slammed it down on the table and gestured for Chouji to help himself. He didn't need to be told twice. "Mmhmm."

Neji could feel the bile rising, and when Chouji pulled his hand back Neji gasped.

"Your hand..."

Chouji wasn't listening, and Neji watched horrified as Chouji ripped the scalding hot meat straight from the equally hot bone, fingers red and starting to blister. When he did it a second time, the blisters burst and blood oozed free.

"Chouji?"

The man was in a daze, tearing through the meat without regret or remorse for the damage he was causing to his mouth and fingers. It wasn't until he'd cleared the pig and its bones that Haku stood up and motioned to the barrel.

"Look Chouji, there's more." Stuffing down a leg bone, Chouji half rolled half crawled to the barrel. When his hand rose to grab an apple Haku smacked it away.

"No hands. Come Neji." Neji moved over his body stiff from sitting for so long. "We bob for apples now. First to eat all of the apples wins. Although," Haku had pulled some rope from nowhere and was tying Chouji's hands in front of him, hogtying him. "Should you lose Neji," Haku was now behind Neji, pulling his hair into a loose braid. He whispered into his ear. "If you should lose... Chouji will die."

"But... But wait... why?!"

Haku pushed the Hyuuga to the top of the barrel. "On three... One ..."

"Haku? I don't understand."

"Two... Three!"

Chouji dove into the barrel splashing wine across the sides, soaking Neji's once blue robe a watery purple.

"If you care enough to save him, you'd better start bobbing."

Neji braced his hands on the rim of the barrel, the sloshing wine dampening his hold. He made to bob, only to have Chouji head butt him and swallow two wine soaked apples whole.

It was like fighting with a pig. A dogmatic pig hungry for food.

"Bob Neji. Unless you don't care. Then again, you didn't seem to care for Hidan."

Neji tightened his wet grip, saw an apple bobbing near his left knuckle and dove for it. When he pulled back up he regretted it. A burn was scorching his nose and eyes, blinding his senses to his surroundings. He dropped the softened fruit from his mouth and coughed to clear his nose and throat. The wine was potent.

"What is..." Neji choked and swallowed, the spices, names he didn't know, used to flavor the wine tingling at the back of his throat.

"It is a special brand."

Neji swiped his eyes but the burning didn't fade. He looked at Chouji through a blurry watered gaze. Through his messed up eyes Chouji look like a fat boar, trying not to drown. Shrugging the odd visage away, Neji swiped his eyes and dove again. For as much as he disliked Chouji and his, terrible eating habits. He wouldn't let this death fall on him like Hidan's did. Besides... he didn't even know Chouji.

"You're losing Neji."

When Neji pulled back up with no apple, he swore he'd ingested more wine than fruit. He sniffled only to taste spiced wine. He sputtered and tasted more. His gaze was even more blurry, and his hearing was going in and out between Chouji splashing and his own harsh breathing.

"Chouji." He tried calling to the man, and when he looked at him again he couldn't help but laugh. Chouji honestly looked like a pig bobbing for apples. It was an odd but funny sight. It didn't help that the man would snort every time he came up for a pause of air.

"You lose Neji." Haku voice was clear but oddly high pitched. "All of the apples are gone."

"Chouji stop. You're going to drown like this." Neji meant it. If the apples were gone, then Chouji was bobbing for nothing. "Chouji!"

But he wasn't listening and like anyone being held underwater for too long. Chouji began to spasm, the wine bubbling as he gurgled looking for apples that no longer existed. Neji reached over and pushed the large man back, he was still when he fell. And Neji realized with a knitted brow that the more he stared the more Chouji... the more he looked like a pig. His mouth was holding an apple, and Neji hoped that the man wasn't dead.

With the way the fruit was logged, it was possible that he did drown, choking on the apple stuck in his mouth.

"He's not dead is he?" Neji ran his wet sleeve over his face, but it only made the burning in his eyes worse. He also couldn't help the wobbled feel of his legs and arms.

"Pigs die all the time Neji. How else are we going to eat."

"What?"

"You must have really hated him deep down." Haku nudged the pig-ish looking body with his foot. "You only managed one apple."

"No that's not true. The wine..."

"Doesn't matter now." A towel landed on the Hyuuga's face. "Are you hungry? At least now we can eat."

Neji rubbed his eyes as best he could. The dry, wine free towel providing some relief to his eyes. "But what about Chouji?"

"I'm surprised you care."

"Of course I do! I have no reason to wish death upon him. I don't know him."

"All the more reason to not care." Haku was easing a massive pig over the fire, adjusting it so that it rested flat on its belly.

"Where?" Neji looked about the cave searching for the man's body. "Where did he go?"

"Gone." Haku took the towel and ran it though Neji's hair, undoing and drying the braid all at once.

"But what happened to him?"

"You should know."

Neji shuddered recalling how Hidan had died. His body crumpling into the same sand that was no trailing in from the south tunnel. "Gone." Neji repeated a lump building in his throat.

"Its not your fault Little Hyuuga." Haku pulled the boy into his arms hugging him as he kissed the building tears. "He wouldn't listen to you. Its his own fault. Now come. The food is almost ready."

Neji was led to the table again. The empty platters that had been bare seeming only moments ago, held half the food it had before Chouji had eaten it. The only meat to be seen was roasting over the fire. Drained and still quivering Neji sat at the table.

"I didn't know him. I wouldn't..."

"No," Haku spoke up from his perch by the fire. "I suppose you wouldn't. Eat Neji. The roast will be over shortly."

Neji stared at the platter of fruits, and plucked a grape, rolling it between his fingers, but not eating. The fire crackled in the quiet of the cave the fat from the pig sizzling every so often. Despite himself, Neji asked a question that had been plaguing him for quite some time.

"Will it happen to me too?"

"It could if you allow it." Haku cast him a careless gaze blinking slowly. "But I want more for you. A lot more."

Neji swallowed staring at his hands as a blush crept across his cheeks. The more he thought about it the more he realized with a conflicting swirl of emotions, that he would rather be with...

Haku...

"Its ready." Neji snapped from his stupor tipping to the side as Haku pulled the roast from the fire and placed it on the table. "Dig in Little Hyuuga."

But it was Haku who pulled a knife from the end of the table and cut Neji a piece of the thigh. It tasted of tart apples and a sweet and potent wine. The same wine from the barrel actually. He'd never had such a delicacy before.

It was delicious.

After two thick slices of the spiced and fatty meat and Neji was in the mood for no more. He pushed his plate away, and watched as Haku tore the apple free from the creature's mouth. With a sultry gaze and a gentle smile, Haku used the same knife to cut the cooked apple in half. Inside, sitting lodged in its center was a golden coin. The bile Neji didn't realize he'd been holding resurfaced, and he didn't dare bother to stop it.

"Oh dear god." The meat and fruit came up along with the potent wine from the barrel.

"What? Never had pig before?" Haku smiled as he tore off the ear and popped it into his mouth. "Oh come now... Chouji can't be that bad."

Neji stood from the table nearly burning himself as he shot past the fire and towards the cave entrance.

He was a monster. He had eaten... another person.

And he had enjoyed it.

Heavens... What's wrong with me?

Neji collided with the turn in the cave and fell over into a stray pile of gold. And the tears fell. And they continued falling even as he was picked up and carried back the way he'd come. Even as he was laid down, constantly assaulted by the smell of roasted pig... no... roasted human...Chouji.

He cried harder.

He could hear the faint giggling and throaty chuckles as the demons laughed at him.

They had turned him into a monster.