Disclaimer: Behold my awesome 1337 powers of not owning Naruto.
Every time I read this chapter... The more I think that you'll think that Orochi-kun is a kinky pedophile. But he's not! Not in this story. Truly. (Well, okay, I don't know about the kinky part, but I promise he isn't a pedophile.)
Chapter 4
"Hey. Naruto." Kiba called as he and his three friends (Chouji and Shikamaru in addition to Naruto) exited the theater.
"Yo." Replied the blond.
"You and that new kid, Sasuke—you guys friends?"
Before Naruto could answer, Shikamaru sighed loudly, gaze directed upward at the evening sky. "That boy is so troublesome." He drawled, "I don't mind that he's antisocial or whatever, but he's kinda moody."
"He's not that bad," Naruto insisted, "I mean, for being a bastard he can be pretty okay."
Shikamaru frowned and turned to look at Naruto, "Hey, it's cool with me that you two are friends, but... something about that kid bothers me. Be careful."
Naruto snorted, "Yeah, his bastardness might be contagious."
Shikamaru smirked slightly, but kept a serious tone, "Just try not to be an idiot when it comes to him, okay?"
"Yo, guys..." Kiba interrupted with a raised eyebrow, "I hate to interrupt this deep conversation you're having but no one cares. So let's find something to do before curfew."
Shikamaru sighed and trailed behind a little, Chouji keeping level with him.
"Those two are so tedious." He whined.
"Don't worry about it." Chouji popped a chip into his mouth, "They're listening even if it doesn't seem like it."
"They'd better be..." Shikamaru mumbled.
"Guh! Why does it have to rain?" Naruto whined one day after school.
Sasuke rolled his eyes.
"Eeeeh... It's going to be a pain walking home." Naruto gave the sky a death-glare.
"Aa..." Sasuke shoved his hands in his pockets. At least Naruto would keep him company some of the way...
Sasuke felt a sharp, cold pain in his neck, and glanced to his side, hoping he was wrong. He wasn't.
Orochimaru was leaning against his car, coolly regarding Sasuke.
"Hey, Sasuke, what's up?" Naruto had noticed his friend's hesitation and backtracked. Orochimaru crossed the distance between Sasuke and himself.
"Let's get going Sasuke," A subtly cruel smile was sprawled across his face. He noticed Naruto, and it was replaced by a look of genuine curiosity. "Who is this?"
Sasuke's eyes flickered toward Naruto, but did not face him.
"This is Uzumaki Naruto. Naruto, this is Warujie, my guardian." He used the false name Orochimaru made him use.
A guardian? Why didn't he ever mention that he was...?
'Warujie' smiled again, and Naruto shivered.
This guy is really...
"Would you like a ride home, Naruto-kun? I would feel guilty if you caught a cold."
Naruto saw the tension rise in Sasuke's frame, although his face gave nothing away.
"No... Thanks. My home isn't too far." He lied, "Um... I'll see you tomorrow, Sasuke?"
He nodded, lips pressed tightly together. Naruto turned and walked away. After a moment, he glanced back. 'Warujie' was walking at Sasuke's side, back to the car.
Why do I feel like I'm abandoning him?
It was several minutes before Orochimaru spoke.
"Do you have homework?"
"No." A lie, but if Orochimaru knew, he would try to help Sasuke.
"I had a few errands to run, so I went ahead and picked you up."
Sasuke looked at him out of the corner of his eye.
Does that mean he's...?
"I see."
More minutes passed.
"We're home, Sasuke." A smirk of lips.
They walked up to the mansion in perfect silence, Orochimaru mimicking Sasuke's stride perfectly, almost as a white shadow.
They entered the house, and Sasuke pulled ahead.
"You must feel elated."
Sasuke stopped and turned toward Orochimaru. The Snake stalked up to him.
"Quite the find, isn't he? Naruto-kun, was it?" Orochimaru's hand brushed Sasuke's cheek, trailing down to his jawline, then tracing his lips.
Sasuke did not react, eyes kept placidly on the floor. Orochimaru continued, "He's so different from you, isn't he? Pure... unlike you. That must be why you like him... Those who are tainted always try to spread their disease..." The Snake smiled, "You should invite him over for dinner, Sasuke. It's only polite." The long, white fingers traced his left eyebrow before lifting away. "He's welcome to come over next Friday."
The Snake stalked away, leaving the teenager alone, in the middle of the room, face expressionless. His fists shook, nails digging into his skin.
"Hey, Sasuke, wanna come to the matsuri with me?" Naruto asked him one day after school.
"The matsuri?" A street festival.
"Yeah, it'll be fun. They've got good food at this one!"
Sasuke's eyes flickered to the ground. When... If Orochimaru found out, he would be tortured with that information... He could be putting Naruto in...
"I'll see if I can." I'll see if I can make up a lie that Orochimaru will believe.
"Awesome! Meet me at the train station tomorrow at 8?"
"Sure."
"Cool. See you then." Naruto ran off, giving him a wave over his shoulder. Sasuke raised a hand in farewell.
Naruto was surprised with Sasuke's clothes. He wore a plain black t-shirt with white armbands and baggy jeans. So casual, like a typical teenager. Naruto had never been able to imagine him in anything other than his school uniform, that being so... formal.
"C'mon, let's go!" he grabbed Sasuke by his wrist, dragging him down the street toward the matsuri. Sasuke scowled and jerked his wrist out of Naruto's hand, but not angrily so.
The two walked side-by-side; Naruto grinning brightly, Sasuke his stoic companion. They wandered about the festival, stopping occasionally for Naruto to play a game or to buy something, Sasuke just with him, not wanting or needing. Naruto was rambling about something, Sasuke not really paying attention, just nodding occasionally, and scanning the crowd. Then he heard a crash.
Sasuke sharply looked over at Naruto, who, walking backwards, had bumped into a table and had sent it to the ground.
"Quick! Run!" Naruto cried, and he grabbed Sasuke's hand and ran as fast as he could. Sasuke stared at him from behind; they wouldn't have gotten in much trouble. All they would have had to done was set it back up.
No... That wasn't why Naruto was running. He was being silly... and having fun...
Sasuke laughed.
It was a soft, light sound.
He smiled and laughed, running after Naruto.
This is fun.
Hearing his laugh, Naruto giggled, dashing around a corner to a deserted part of the street, softly lit by paper lamps.
He stopped and laughed again, facing Sasuke.
Smiling... he's never smiled before...
Naruto reached out and brushed hair out of Sasuke's face. Sasuke blinked in surprise, his smile fading.
A pair of chapped lips pressed against chapped lips.
He is pure... Sasuke thought, returning the kiss.
Naruto's right hand wound into Sasuke's dark hair, and his left hand rested on Sasuke's shoulder.
Sasuke's tongue brushed over Naruto's lips, gaining entrance.
I'm tainting him... I'm going to ruin that purity... But I don't care...
They parted, and Naruto's wide blue eyes looked down at Sasuke's slanted black ones.
Damn you, Orochimaru. How were you right?
How did you know I wanted him before I knew?
Naruto pulled him in for another kiss, and Sasuke found himself returning it, his back pressing against a brick wall.
There was a buzzing sensation in Sasuke's chest and stomach. It took him a moment to identify it.
Happiness...?
The next kiss was deeper, and he moaned softly.
I'm ruining him...
...And I'm happy...
The two were dimly lit by the soft, hazy glow of paper lanterns.
Naruto saw Sasuke off to the train station, but he was unusually silent. After all, it wasn't everyday you kissed your (best?) friend.
The train ride seemed too short and too long, sleep pulling at Sasuke enticingly.
His stop came and his feet pushed him...
...Down the street...
...To the gate...
...Up the path...
...Through the door...
...And face-to-face with Orochimaru.
"You studied awfully late, Sasuke." He smirked.
"Aa."
"It occurs to me that there was a matsuri on that side of town."
Sasuke snorted. Why would he go to a matsuri?
"Did you have fun with Naruto-kun?"
Sasuke felt his blood turn to ice.
"What are you talking about?"
Orochimaru stroked his cheek, making him shudder.
"Don't lie to me, Sasuke. I'll always know when you do... You belong to me, and there isn't any place where my eyes can't see."
Sasuke pulled away, feeling sick. He walked up the long stairs to his room. He undressed and pulled on the loose sweatpants and shirt that served as pajamas, and went to sleep.
He couldn't shake the feeling he was being watched.
"We need to talk, Sasuke." Naruto declared the next day after school. He grabbed Sasuke's hand and pulled him away.
Sasuke followed after him, trying to decide if he should be angry Naruto felt the need to lead him; if he liked the warmth of Naruto's hand...
The blond had led him under the bleachers, far away from prying eyes.
Naruto let go of Sasuke's hand before he could decide anything.
"Um... Sasuke, about matsuri..." His eyes flickered, "I... Do... Where exactly do we stand?"
"...?"
"I... Well..." Naruto blushed, "Did that kiss mean anything or were we just fooling around?"
That's what he...?
"It meant something." But I wish it didn't.
Naruto looked up at him and smiled.
"Good." He murmured as his lips touched Sasuke's.
Sasuke savored the warmth and softness that Naruto offered. His world had always been so cold and cruel...
No... Not always...
Sasuke pulled away, missing the warmth. "Naruto," I can't stop myself... I have to... "Do you want to come over for dinner Friday?"
Naruto ran a hand through Sasuke's dark hair, "Sure."
A part of Sasuke cried out in protest, but it was soon drowned out as Naruto claimed his lips again.
In the shadows, Orochimaru smiled.
Friday dinner was a tense affair. Naruto and Sasuke sat across from each other, Orochimaru at the head of the table. Naruto shifted uncomfortably, feeling 'Warujie's' bizarre eyes on him. He glanced up at Sasuke, the pale boy offering an apologetic smile before fixing his eyes on his plate.
Following his lead, Naruto focused his attention on his meal. It was chicken with some sort of spicing. It wasn't too bad, but the thought that 'Warujie' made it was unappetizing.
Shockingly cold fingers touched his hand. He didn't need to check to know it wasn't Sasuke. Sasuke wasn't that cold or pale.
"Are you enjoying your dinner, Naruto-kun?" The voice was unpleasant in its faux care.
He saw Sasuke's hand twitch, fingers curling inward.
"Yes, Warujie...san." Naruto was careful in reply.
A decidedly nasty smile spread across 'Warujie's' features.
"Good." He pulled his hand back, and Sasuke relaxed.
The rest of dinner passed in silence.
"Fuck, he's creepy!" Naruto declared as soon as they left the mansion behind.
Sasuke smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes.
Naruto sighed, "Let's not do dinner at your place again, okay?"
"Aa."
They walked down the street in silence, their surroundings absent of any life except for the couple.
Why do they live in such a desolate, isolated place?
The train station was only a few meters ahead, bathed in light; a stark contrast to the dark streets they had been traveling. Sasuke stopped just outside of the ring of light.
"I'll see you later." Naruto promised, squeezing Sasuke's hand.
"Bye."
Sasuke stood in the darkness, watching Naruto depart, walking in the luminescence.
He turned back to the mansion...
Back to Orochimaru...
When he entered the mansion, there was no one in sight.
Relieved that Orochimaru had apparently found something else to entertain himself, Sasuke kicked off his shoes, intending to retreat to his room.
"Where does he live, Sasuke?"
Blood running cold, Sasuke faced the Snake.
He was hiding just inside the door... my blind spot.
Orochimaru lightly lifted Sasuke's chin with two fingers.
"Well?"
"I don't know."
"Hm." Orochimaru searched Sasuke's eyes, looking for any signs of a lie. "Find out."
Sasuke had been with Orochimaru for nine years, and the Snake had ensnared many children—varying in age, gender, and ethnicity—most of which Sasuke never saw, much less learn the name of.
They usually died the first night.
There were a few exceptions to this rule: he recalled a girl named Tayuya that lasted two weeks, she had something to do with music; another boy named Dosu that lasted eight days; and there was...
Sasuke had been Orochimaru's longest living, and his apparent favorite. He had never tried to stop the Snake, he had too long ago given up, but...
"You can't have him."
Orochimaru's golden eyes widened, then narrowed. His hand dropped down to Sasuke's right wrist, pushing up Sasuke's sleeve. Sasuke's eyes widened, Orochimaru's sadistic smile returned. He held Sasuke's wrist firmly, running his thumb along his forearm.
"Don't forget, Sasuke, you belong to me. Mind," His thumbnail dug into Sasuke's scarred wrist, drawing blood. He pulled down, slicing his skin.
"Body," Blood flowed onto Orochimaru's hands, dripping onto the carpet, staining it. It took all of Sasuke's willpower not to wince and pull away.
"And soul." The nail bit in deeply, the dark crimson was flowing more thickly. Sasuke gasped, unable to keep from flinching. Orochimaru stopped there, holding his wrist, "Naruto-kun can never belong to you, because anything that is yours is mine. Naruto-kun will be mine. Just like you're mine... Just like he was mine." Sasuke winced, eyes flickering away, "Don't worry, Sasuke, you'll still be my favorite, as always. No one can replace you."
The pallid fiend smiled, noticing that Sasuke was beginning to breathe rapidly and feel light-headed. At long last he released the boy.
"Leave." It was a simple command, one that Sasuke was quick to obey, clutching his bleeding wrist, hurrying upstairs to his room.
His hand frantically searched under his pillows, mattress, bed. Where had he left it? He rummaged through his drawers, ignoring the blood getting everywhere.
Panic was making him breathe harder. Where...? A glimmer on his window sill caught his eye, relief overwhelming his senses.
He picked up the knife as if it were horribly fragile.
He tried to breathe evenly, taking it in his left hand and resting the blade on his right wrist.
He would kill himself. If it meant saving Naruto, he would kill himself.
He bit back a sob, thinking of the sweet, blond fox.
Naruto... Thank you. And I'm sorry.
Sasuke closed his eyes and the knife swept downward.
End Chapter 4
Ugh, I feel like I made them hook up too quickly. I checked and they've known each other for about three weeks. :shrug: It was just how it came out, I guess. Nonetheless, I think this is my favorite chapter.
I know SOMEONE is going to ask how Orochimaru was able to cut Sasuke's wrists so easily. Anime physics, my friend. Either that or really damn sharp nails. You know, there was a tribe of Native Americans that would grow out their nails and harden them over a candle flame to use them as a last-resort weapon. Or so I've heard. Don't hold me to that.
Haha, and stalker!Orochimaru is rather voyeuristic. Not that it's a surprise...
And to lighten the mood: Orochimaru in a pink polka dot apron making food!