Sorry this took awhile… But, hey, at least it's long, right? Anyway, thanks for all the lovely reviews; your opinions mean so much to me. Enjoy!
XXXXXX
Sasuke stood alone in the bathroom, finally deciding that he should probably wash the dried fluids off of his skin. In an instant he became aware of just how long it had been since he had had a shower; Kabuto hadn't bothered to clean him too well on account of the fact that his wounds were gushing blood when Orochimaru had turned him over at last. Apparently I was ridiculously preoccupied with escape; God, this is sick.
The water was adjusted to a higher temperature, and just as he was about to step into his relief, there was a sharp knock at the door.
"Hidan, I said you couldn't join-" The raven stopped dead as Itachi stared back at him, positively livid. Oh shit…
"Join what, Otouto? Are you going to let him fuck you just because he can?" Sasuke was wearing a pair of Hidan's pants on account of how blood-drenched his still were, which only added to Itachi's anger as he surveyed the cuts. What the hell- They weren't kidding when they said the snake fucked him up… "What happened?!" The older Uchiha pushed into the room to examine the stitched wounds that seemed to be everywhere, carefully ignoring the hickeys and bite marks as he did so.
"… I'm sure you know where I went by now; I think that's all the explanation you need." The raven lowered his head and backed away slightly, hoping that Itachi would get the message and leave him in peace. I don't really feel like telling him how much control I allowed to be taken from me; I still can't believe I trusted that fucker so much in the first place…
The Akatsuki merely glared at his brother's attempts to convey his wishes. "You aren't getting out of this, Sasuke. Now what the hell happened? Fuck, I didn't even know if you were alive, let alone what condition I would find you in!" I can't even imagine that thing must have done…
Why does he even want to know? He'll just get violent and jealous. Choosing to ignore the last stinging truth, the boy answered slowly, "…It doesn't matter. The point is, I completed the mission." The raven did not proudly display the reward on his finger, though, for he hated its existence; he imagined (or was it real?) that he could feel it burning his flesh.
"Ah, the precious ring!" The other Uchiha exclaimed sarcastically and stepped closer to Sasuke to grasp his throat as he shoved him against the wall. "And what did you have to give to get it?" His red gaze was accusatory as he eyed the object on his brother's little finger. I'm half surprised he didn't try to make it an engagement ring or something... With that thought, he growled and continued, "Take it off. Take it off now."
The raven stared back at him, showing even less emotion than before. "I can't." Great... He just had to ask... Even as the other's eyes narrowed, the younger Uchiha braced himself for a hit. I will not dodge, I will not run... I refuse to submit to anyone's abusive will ever again.
Itachi blinked slowly as his fist came into contact with Sasuke's cheekbone. What the- He could have moved so easily... The boy turned back to him slowly; one of his eyes seemed a bit darker than normal, but a blink later it was gone.
Just as I thought... The bastard cursed the ring. Now his damn seal will be a hell of a lot harder to repress at any sign of threat. A wave of unpleasant prickling forced him to clench his jaw shut to keep the screams at bay. It seems the effects have worsened as well... And if I know Orochimaru, it will only get more and more difficult to hold back… But, more importantly, is his anger so intense just because he was worried?!
"... Why didn't you- I mean, you could have countered..." What the fuck is up with him?! Perhaps the emotional scars are far worse than I imagined... Or maybe... But he would have to test that theory later. The Akatsuki member withdrew slowly and turned back to the raven, who was focusing on the floor. And so I fuck it all up again. "Meet me in my room when you're done here."
I guess that means I won't be sleeping with Hidan tonight… The older Uchiha hesitated slightly, but exited quickly when he got no response. Why do I always have to do that to him? I know he means well... But, fuck, even I don't know what I want. And just how the hell can he always make me feel so goddamn guilty?
As soon as the door slammed shut, the raven stepped lightly into the scalding shower and began to scrub. He dug into the marred flesh with his nails until the wounds were bleeding twice as bad as before, but he wanted more. Opening the shower door, he retrieved a kunai knife from his pants pocket. This is what I crave… I want, no; I need this. The Uchiha concentrated as he carefully slashed two long gashes spanning from his wrists to about halfway up his forearms. Yes… More. The new wounds were much deeper than the reopened ones, and the blood began flowing forth in delicious spurts of warm pain to stain the surrounding tile in deep crimson. He rested his head against the cool wall, every ounce of his body screaming at him to stop the pain. No… I think this may as well be the end. Still, he got ready to do the hand signs for a blood replacement or clotting jutsu; the shower was drenched red and he was getting light-headed.
Just as the tender flesh was starting to fall into a numb buzz, he turned up the heat again. Suppressing a scream, the Uchiha folded his arms and tore at his wrists further; it was a feeling he had always liked. This was his control, his action, and he would enjoy the power while he could. His vision blurring, his hands began to clumsily form the signs for the jutsu of their own accord. Shit… I have to focus… But, oh god, the glorious pain…
Sasuke's eyelids slipped closed and he swayed on his feet, leaning further into the wall for support. He could feel himself beginning to lose his grasp on reality, and soon he knew he would be falling… Strong arms wrapped around him, holding him tightly to a firm chest. The chakra was familiar, and in his delirious state all he could manage was a feeble, croaked sob of, "Itachi…?" But, no, that's right; he hates me now… What I've done is unforgiveable and things can never be the same.
"No, Sasuke…" The boy in his arms froze and began to struggle as he recognized the voice of the masked man. "Shhh… You are far too injured to fight me." The raven only put more force into the attempted blows. Fine… I'll just have to show you your weakness firsthand. He leaned down slightly to run his tongue along the black tattoo and shuddered as a long moan burst through the boy's lips. Delicious… But I still have to earn his trust.
Sasuke leaned forward to rest his forearms against the cool tile as the man's hands fell to his waist and a warm healing chakra embraced him. The pulses of the pleasant reaction were flooding his senses, making him nearly forget just who was behind him. I was right… Even the worst side of the curse mark is more powerful… Damn snake; I doubt he knew the extent of the damage he was doing. The feeling ebbed to a strange throb, allowing him to speak in a whisper, "What… do you want?"
A grin sounded in the deep voice as the masked man responded, "But, of course, I want you, Sasuke-kun." The raven closed his eyes; he had expected such an answer. Every expression is flawless beauty… Even as he writhes in such mixed distress I can hardly bear to resist him. He shifted forward to let the boy feel his stiff member; I need him to know just how much…
"No… Please…" The Uchiha choked out softly. I can't take it like that again… Just kill me.
"Shhh… It's okay; I, unlike everyone else around here, possess self control." Sasuke opened his eyes in shock and turned to look into the seemingly kind sharingan eyes. There we go… Now he can learn the truth about his brother's lie.
The healing chakra now encompassing his form was soothing his nerves. "Who are you?" The man before him was tall and well-muscled with short, dark hair. His piercing red eyes did not roam as they had before, but stared straight into his own. I feel as if I've seen him before; I must have if he belonged to the Uchiha clan. But if he didn't… There wasn't another case like Kakashi's, was there?
"My name is Uchiha Madara; I am the founder of the Uchiha clan." The raven's eyes widened slightly, but he showed little surprise. He's heard my name before… But certainly not from the clan; they faithfully pretended that I don't exist ever since I began to stir up contention with the Hokage. He continued to gaze at Sasuke curiously, interested to find that the boy was now completely calm.
"You are the one that set the Kyuubi on Konoha." That's right… When I met him for the first time inside Naruto, the demon told me I had powerful eyes; just like Uchiha Madara. So he does exist… Their staring match continued, Sasuke remaining impassive as the man showed more and more of his peaked interest.
Amazing. Even Itachi didn't realize that it was me for quite a while. "Indeed." Kyuubi's the only one that could have said something; I think I know exactly when their conversation occurred. Madara smiled at his recollection of a certain encounter he had witnessed in the forest outlying Konoha. It was the day the boy lost control almost completely… The demon was never one to sit back and watch as a potential mate so ideal was training before him.
FLASHBACK
"Dobe… What are you doing?" The blonde's eyes had turned a fierce crimson as he suddenly snapped his head to face the other with a wide, maniacal grin. What the fuck is up with him? Did the hit I landed piss him off that much? "N-Naruto…" He was much closer now, and Sasuke was becoming frighteningly aware of the fact that he was practically pinned against the large tree behind him. Shit… Is this his idea of a new technique? Freak me out, then beat the shit out of me when I have nowhere to go?
He's even more fuckable than I possibly could have seen from within the idiot boy… "Quiet, bitch; your dobe is hardly in residence anymore. In fact, come take a look…"
Before the Uchiha could even tell what had happened, he found himself in what seemed to be an underground waterway. What is this…? And what the hell does he mean? His attention was immediately drawn to a form rising from the water in front of him as it boiled furiously, turning red as it completed the form of a giant fox. "What the-"
"Ah, Uchiha Sasuke… How I wish I could fuck you in my true form." The lecherous smile was unmistakable as the sharp teeth parted to reveal a long, thick tongue. Mnmm… His scent is so much more alluring in person… Well, sort of in person, anyway. As the sharingan eyes flared to life before him he chuckled deeply, "You possess great power, my new mate, but I shall get what I crave from you at last." After a moment of consideration, he added thoughtfully, "In fact, your eyes are much like those of Uchiha Madara; I doubt there is any limit to your potential."
Who is he talking about? The raven was stubbornly refusing to think about the demon's other statements; the thought was already driving heat to his nether regions against his will, making him grit his teeth in anger, "Now, why the hell would I know who that is?" A deep, warm laugh greeted him as the scene melted away, returning them to reality where Sasuke was now shoved roughly against the tree. How did we…? What the fuck is he doing? Dobe… "Get off, idiot! I'm not in the mood to play your games."
How sweet… He's still in denial, even after all that. "I told you, bitch, I'm going to get what I've always wanted from you. Sure, your 'dobe' was able to hold me off for a while, but then he realized how much he had always wanted the exact same thing…" A knee came forward to part the Uchiha's legs and put a delightful pressure on his groin that was getting harder and harder to ignore. He let out a whimper as the limb began to move and the demon leaned closer to lick his neck. Beautiful… I can't wait to claim each and every part of him. "It's incredible how quickly one's motivation is compromised when faced with the perfect rationalization for the forbidden instinct they have longed to act upon."
"No… He can't be… Letting you…" Naruto wouldn't do that… Would he? He doesn't like me that way; he never has. Or had he? There was the kiss I guess, but wasn't that an accident?
The ravenous gaze was busy taking in every part of the quivering form before him and didn't respond immediately. I know I'm not the first to claim him; I've seen the way that perverted jounin looks at him… Still, he will remember this above all else. "Believe whatever you like, my mate; we shall still have our way with you in the end."
END FLASHBACK
Sasuke shivered at the expression of the other; he knows what happened… He knows how I figured out that it was him. He can't possibly have been there…? "So are you here merely to heal my wounds?" The question came out in a colder tone than intended, but such anger was acting as a mask for the other emotions he could not explain.
Back to business so soon, dear nephew? I thought we had a mutual interest in one another for a second there… Alas. Madara's smugness showed as he responded a bit mockingly, "But of course, Princess; I live to serve." He made a small bow and laughed quietly at the raven's sneer as he slunk hopefully toward the exit of the shower. Mnmm… Such grace… I can behold every muscle moving with utmost perfection; thank god for the sharingan. "Not so fast… We still have a few things to discuss."
Firm hands caught his biceps quickly, interrupting the liquid movement of escape with far too much ease for the young Uchiha's taste. Shit… He's nonchalantly broadcasting the fact that I'm no match for him. He relaxed instantly, trying to appease the hunger for power that emanated from the older man. "Well I'd like to get dressed, if you don't mind."
He walked right into it… How cute. "Actually, Sasuke-kun, I do mind." A calm, questioning look came from the youth, as if daring him to go back on his earlier promise to forego his desires. He very nearly presents me with a challenge… Such spirit! At least that remains after his years of sick training; it was hell to lie in wait for some sort of clue as to where he was. "But, taking into account how you've been so kind as to allow me a bit of control, I think I'll let my desires to see you stand unguarded by petty comforts go unfulfilled for now." His grip loosened reluctantly, letting the other pass.
… Right… Does he really think I'll allow this to happen again? The raven hesitated before stepping onto the cold floor, hardly believing the man would let him pass. "What, exactly, are the 'matters' that you refer to?" He asked slowly, his voice now devoid of all emotion as he bent over to grab a clean pair of pants lying beside the door, courtesy of Hidan. I can't let my vulnerabilities be known to him any more than they already are, even if we supposedly are related… Besides, Itachi doesn't trust him, so why should I?
Madara wrapped a towel around his waist as he marveled at how blank the boy's expression seemed to be, even though he could see the dark eyes calculating everything carefully, attempting to assess all the new information. He's sharp; earning his reliance will be difficult, and impossible if he doesn't learn to accept it… Itachi's influence is a constant roadblock, it seems. "Sasuke… You look tired, so perhaps we should speak later, after you've rested." The other revealed a blink of surprise, followed by a sigh of relief. Ah… Just as I thought; even petty mercies can do much to earn his trust. Not to mention that Itachi will show up soon if his lover doesn't return to him; he may be pissed, but it's just because he's being driven crazy with worry, and he feels ineffectual when he attempts to deal with it.
"… Later? Thank you…" The raven smiled slightly and moved toward the door, only to look back to the oldest Uchiha. "I was afraid of Itachi being pissed off more by all of the… marks. Thanks for healing me." And he still has so much chakra… Damn I'm sure I wouldn't want to take him on in a fight; he could beat me with little or no effort. He halted again as he glanced at the hand that was about to open the door. My wrist…
The older man knew instantly what had caused the pause and strode over to take both of the slender wrists in his hands. "I didn't heal everything." When a confused gaze met his own, he continued, "Not because I couldn't, but because I thought there were a couple scars that you needed to keep." The other's eyes shifted to see two long scars on each of his arms spanning from the heel of his palms to the middle of his forearms. "Those two remain to remind you of your actions of pain, and how they were nearly the end of you. They shall show you that you always have control, one way or another, as well as the fact that you chose to live rather than die."
Sasuke stared at the scars, knowing how angry his brother was bound to be upon their discovery. But, strangely, I appreciate that he didn't heal them… What they symbolize is important; far more so than the perfection that I have been so prized and used for.
Another soft spoken expression of gratitude reached Madara's ears, easily spawning an internal smile. He understands the point I was trying to make. And my deduction was correct: he needs the pain to remind himself that he exists, that he possesses control of himself if not of those around him that would abuse the power he relishes relinquishing. "You are more than welcome. I thank you for listening to what I had to say. In a few days, Itachi will be sent on a mission; we will speak then."
The raven nodded and pulled away to leave the room quickly. And now I just have to survive hurricane Itachi…
XXXXXX
A/N
Hmmm… Was the punching thing too harsh? I kind of wanted to take it out, but I was just too inspired by that one scene in the Naruto vs. Sasuke fight (at the Valley of the End) where Naruto punches him and the curse mark makes Sasuke's eye go gold and black… So pretty!!! That was a damn good fight too… But, alas; dear Sasuke is absent of the manga as of late… *sigh* And that's why Masashi Kishimoto will forever be on my shit-list.
Moving on… Thank you SO much for your input!!! It is wonderful to know that many of you still long for the next chapter… I am forever grateful for your reviews, alerts, and favorites XD
I know this chapter was a little delayed, but I am sorry to say the next one may be as well… You see, I'm getting behind on my writing due to stupid busy shit in my life, and it's rather frustrating when I keep getting distracted by other fics.
Speaking of which, thanks for the reviews for 'Wonderland'! I wrote it so fast that I'm not sure how it turned out (I'm still kind of afraid to read over it and see how truly awful it is ^.^'), but I gained confidence from you darling reviewers :3 (Let me know if you want a sequel on that; so far I have one yay and one nay…)
Oh, and lately I've been possessed by this fantastically demented plot… What do you guys think about FugakuXSasUKE? It would ultimately turn to something else, of course, but lots of nasty graphic things would happen… Also, they would be step-father and step-son.
Do let me know what you think ;D
Much love,
VI