… *sigh* I'm ridiculous, I know… I promise to update and then I don't… Well, here it is… It's fairly long, at least.

XXXXXX

"So… Any preferences?" The copy nin was standing in the Konoha forest across from Neji; they had to decide who would accompany them on their next search.

"Not really… Unfortunately we should probably get the dog to come with; my eyes can't do everything, and following some sort of a trail could be useful." Kakashi nodded in response. "As for the other, I don't think it matters too much as long as it isn't Naruto." I'm sure several would be willing, but perhaps someone objective would be useful…

We can't pick out anyone who was ever involved with Sasuke; all of us lusting after him last time didn't go too well. "What about Shikamaru? He seems to be fairly fond of the Sand-nin girl…" Let's just hope he isn't a closet admirer like so many others are…

The Hyuuga agreed without complaint. "We may as well. Besides, his strategizing abilities might prove useful." Again, anyone with an unbiased involvement could probably increase our chances quite a bit. "So… I guess we should find them and head out?"

"Yes; as soon as possible." The pair took off in opposite directions to find their potential teammates, neither noticing the blonde nin perched in a nearby tree, the bright red chakra bubbling around him to create a sinister, angry glow.

XXXXXX

The raven reentered Hidan's room, hoping he hadn't overheard too much. I doubt he'd hold it against me, but I can't risk Itachi finding out what I know... There has to be a reason he didn't want me to hear about Madara; I'd like to know what it is.

"Hey princess... Looks like our sleepover's been cancelled, huh?" The silver haired man's mood was light, but there was a definite undertone of disappointment as he smirked. Just spending time with him seems to be enough for now...

Sasuke smiled a bit sadly in return and closed the distance between them. "Yeah, it would seem so... But, soon. I'm sure Pein will feel the need to send Itachi on a few missions..." And maybe it's for the best... I know I don't deserve to be forgiven, even if it's true that I can't live without him. A voice lurking in the back of his mind chuckled at his reason, broadcasting the fact that he had done so for many years. But they were empty... "Thanks for your help, Hidan."

If only there was room for us to have a chance. "No problem." His answer was a whisper as he pulled the Uchiha further into a tight hug. "I see you've healed completely... I'm sorry I couldn't do more." I'm sorry there's no place for us in this world. "I-" The Akatsuki stopped himself before relaying his feelings; even he could see that neither of them could profit from such a confession, especially if the feelings were mutual. He belongs to Itachi... I have to remember that. "Anyway, you should probably go; from what I hear Itachi was pretty pissed..." And judging by what I overheard, his anger is well founded. I wonder what Madara hopes to gain? Their embrace ended too soon and they exchanged awkward looks. Does he feel it too? No... I doubt his emotions seem genuine anymore...

"Yeah... Water healing jutsu." The Uchiha finally responded, choosing not to comment on the last part of the statement. In any case, I'll have to approach him later and find out what he heard... Sasuke withdrew quickly, hoping Hidan knew the value of discretion. I trust him; I don't have any reason to, but it comes naturally and it's not like I have a choice apart from killing him.

Hidan smirked and nodded. Your secret's safe with me, Princess. "Lucky. Well then, come find me if you need anything; I look forward to our sleepover..." He took a large gulp of sake and grinned quickly before collapsing back on the bed. "I'll be waiting." His seductive stance ended in a chuckle as Sasuke rolled his eyes and exited the room. He's definitely hiding something.

XXXXXX

The raven made his way down the hall stealthily, not wanting to wake anyone. Who knows what would happen if I did... He came to a forbidding door and knocked three times in quick succession. I wonder how pissed he'll be... Just then, the door opened and he was yanked roughly inside and slammed up against it. Shit...

Itachi pushed the other into the door and began ravishing all the flesh he could reach as he held Sasuke's arms against the wood. God I missed him... "Mnmm... Otouto... I see you've recovered. Now I don't have to treat like the fragile porcelain you embody so well."

How romantic. "I still have the strength to resist you... Don't make me use it." He stood limply, silently trying to convey that they had much to discuss before anything else happened. He can wait; now we have to decide where this is going, if anywhere at all.

The older Uchiha glared at his brother as he pulled back slightly, his sharingan coming forward automatically. "After all I've done for you, after everything you've done to me, what gives you the right to defy my will?" You are mine and only mine... If I have to enforce my position the hard way, so be it. Sasuke turned his eyes to the floor and shuddered slightly, his anger pushing through as the curse mark rapidly spread across his flesh. Why is he...?

"Get away." The raven clenched his eyes shut, trying to repress the murderous urges that always came with the heaven seal. Shit... It's so much harder to hold back... But I can't hurt him; I refuse to let it take control. He fell to his knees, his clenching fists digging into the soft carpet as he fought to repress an explosion of chakra that was bound to draw unwanted attention. I have to leave before I reveal their location; Konoha nin are probably nearby if no one else. Sasuke rose slowly as his decision was made final. After all they've done I can't just lead others to their lair… Besides, I can take down anyone I encounter easily enough, especially in this state. Another surge of power overwhelmed his senses and he began forming the hand signs to exit as quickly as possible. "I'm sorry, Nii-san… We'll finish this later."

What the fuck just happened? Itachi stood rigid, staring at the spot that his brother had just disappeared from. Where could he have gone? And why…? "Sasuke?" He glanced around, knowing full well that his attempts were in vain. I'll find him. The older Uchiha made up his mind and wrenched the door open to sprint down the hall and out the door. Now, to sense that monster amount of chakra; there's no way he can hide it…

XXXXXX

Kakashi had been leading the team in circles for the past three hours. He was trying desperately to find any evidence that he had truly seen Sasuke in that same clearing a week ago, but as they found none he was beginning to think it was all a dream. But they must have had it too… Or did we just make it all up to feel like our continued efforts aren't wasted?

Just as the group was beginning to give up hope, an immensely concentrated form of chakra made their eyes snap simultaneously to the east. Could it really be him? The Hyuuga turned, automatically activating his Byakugan as he searched for the source of the energy. Could it really be Sasuke? I doubt he would allow himself to exert chakra unless he wanted to be found... Or unless he was in pain... Either way, we have to get to him, and fast. Before he changes his mind... "It has to be Sasuke; his chakra is slightly different than normal, but no one else's signature could be that close." He turned to the others, seeing their surprise at something actually working out for them; it had been a hard few days. Hopefully this can be the reward we've sought.

"We can't get too excited; Sasuke clearly isn't himself right now." Has he finally leaped into the tempting abyss of insanity? God I hope not. "I'll go on ahead and analyze his state of mind while the rest of you stay nearby." Though the others didn't openly object, Neji's gaze narrowed and grew a little less friendly. I'll admit that this precaution isn't entirely founded on their safety, but any possible chance of getting him willingly is worth the loss of credibility as a leader.

XXXXXX

Goddamnit, Sasuke; it seems like I always end up chasing after you… Itachi continued his search, determined to find and claim his prize, no matter where they ended up. I'll be sure to keep you this time, Otouto; I'm sick of trying to live without you.

XXXXXX

"Where do you think you're running off to, Sasuke-kun?"

The hauntingly familiar voice came out of nowhere as the Uchiha sprinted through the trees, immediately forcing him to freeze in his tracks and look desperately for the speaker. "Who's there?" It couldn't be… Why would he keep coming after me? I can't let him see me this out of control… His brain was refusing to process any sort of data as he focused on the task at hand: get as far away from the Akatsuki as possible. I can't let them suffer because of my carelessness; they helped me when no one else could. A wry smile almost came to his lips as he realized how mushy he sounded. Hn; it seems I still have the capacity to care for others after all… He began sprinting through the forest again, madly heading for any direction in hope of escape. The presence was suddenly beside him, and before he could react, strong arms wound around him and shoved him against a tree to halt his speed.

God, it just feels so good to hold him again. Kakashi reluctantly suppressed the urge to smother the Uchiha in kisses, and instead searched for the cause of the untamed look in his eyes. His well-being is far more important that my pleasure; I just hope I'm not the only one who realizes it. The curse mark was running rampant over the boy's pale flesh, steadily advancing an assault on his sanity. "I can help, Sasuke; please let me." He pushed all the persuasive powers he possessed into his expression as he gazed at the raven, hoping he could see the honest intent as well as the genuine love that was still reserved only for him. There is no one else; there never has been, and there never will be.

"Stop… I don't deserve your concern…" He has to leave before I do something I'll regret… He shifted, trying to get out of the tight hold without resorting to chidori, but it was no use. "Should I use force to make you let go?" Kakashi simply stared at him as if daring the raven to do something. "Or do you think you can release your pathetic fantasies?" He spat the question with as much venom as he could muster. You must leave for your own sake; I can't let you care for fear of your demise. If Itachi came along to see this… Sasuke nearly shuddered in response to unbidden bloody memories of what his brother's jealously had accomplished in the past.

"No, my love, I'll never let you go. No matter how awfully you pretend to insult me, how many scathing remarks you make to force me to go away; I will never leave you at the mercy of your brother's wrath." He can't be happy with all that's happened… It's only a matter of time before he snaps; I can't trust him to not hurt Sasuke. He watched as the beautiful face before him curved into an angry snarl. Looks like I hit a nerve… Perfect.

"What the fuck do you think you know?" The Uchiha growled as he began steadily concentrating his chakra so he could get away, only to cease the action immediately as he felt lips cover his own. He can't be…

The copy nin smirked as his desired reaction of pure shock overcame the raven's senses. I didn't feel like being hit by chidori so you could leave me again, Sasuke-kun; besides, I've been dying to do this for so long…

FLASHBACK

"Ah… Sensei…"

Kakashi grinned behind his mask as the other writhed before him, his moans a constant plea for more. These are the moments I live for; breaking down his cool barriers to get at the passion just beneath the surface. "Yes, Sasuke?" His casually reply was teasing as he loomed closer and steadily increased the pressure of his palm on the boy's boxers.

"Stop… I can't take…" The raven was panting heavily, desperately trying to weave away from the powerful hand that had his wrists bound to the forest floor.

He removed the undergarment and continued his ministrations a bit more slowly with the delightful friction of skin on skin contact; it turned out to be more than the horny boy could handle. The copy nin watched in nothing less than delight as his student groaned his name and arched against him. He's so goddamn beautiful that it shouldn't be possible… But I guess that must be why his only flaws spawn from his chosen emotional isolation.

"Mnmm… Sensei, you give the best hand jobs… And it's a damn good thing since you're too lazy to pull down your mask." Sasuke flashed one his gorgeous smiles that made Kakashi's heart skip a beat.

"Too lazy, huh?" He wrenched the piece of cloth down and pulled the raven to his chest. "Be careful what you ask for, my love." Their mouths connected and he began immediately ravishing the boy's mouth, shoving his tongue in with a demanding hunger that was thankfully well met with Sasuke's undying need for physical contact. Itachi really fucked up his opinion of love; I'll kill that prick if I ever see him again… But for now, at least, I can keep Sasuke safe.

As they parted, the Uchiha smirked in satisfaction and straddled his waist as he forced him to lie down. "You shouldn't have tested me, Sensei; I don't wear a mask."

If only that were true, Sasuke… You wear a mask of the worst kind; you think it's protecting you, but really it creates a void that even the greatest of affections cannot cross. No matter how much I love you, I can't bridge the gap without your help.

XXXXXX

"The rain washed away his trail; I can't follow it." Pakkun sat next to his master as he stared out over the fated Valley of the End. "But it's for the best; saving Naruto is more important than finding Sasuke."

No. Nothing is more important than Sasuke… And his fate could be far worse than death if he ends up with the snake as he intends. His emotions were running rampant in his mind, begging, pleading desperately for him to do anything, something to save the most important person in his world. I can't leave him at the mercy of that thing! I have to help him, save him… I can't bear to lose him, not like this… Kakashi shook his head in defiance, but knew it was no use; his honor as a Konoha ninja prevented him from going after his love. "Yeah…" There's nothing else I can do now; I have to get him back. Still, the sick impulse to throw down the body in his arms and chase the Uchiha was suffocating in its intensity.

He returned to the village in a daze. He ignored his desires to run back, knowing that now it was no use, and continued to the Anbu quarters located below the village itself. Kakashi headed straight for the records department, halting just long enough for the guards to wave him through. "Give me all you have on Orochimaru and the Sound village, quickly." The copy nin must have sounded far more urgent than ever before, for the woman gave him a startled look and urgently began gathering the files he had requested. I don't blame her for looking scared; I sprinted in like a madman, hardly thinking about more than him… His beautiful, perfect face, so tragically shrouded in the agony of loss.

END FLASHBACK

The raven stood stiffly, hating how easily his composure was slipping due to a single kiss. After all this time I can still be so weak… I have to get rid of this curse before it ruins me completely. "Leave me alone; you can't do anything to help." They both knew he didn't mean it; they both knew it wasn't true.

"Fine… I guess I'll have to help you whether you like it or not." He immediately began preparing a seal much like the one he had placed around the cruel mark so many years ago. I guess I'll have to rely on the notion that he doesn't like what it's doing to him… He can't appreciate his location being revealed to anyone and everyone, I'm sure. Anyway, it's a damn good thing I perfected that jutsu just in case something like this happened again; hopefully that'll throw him off long enough that he doesn't try to stop me.

Sasuke couldn't help his curiosity as he watched the man closely, his head subconsciously cocked to the side to make him look humorously birdlike. Is he trying to get us out of here? He should know that isn't a possibility unless he suppresses my chakra… Oh shit. The raven realized the other's plan too late and screamed in agony as the heaven seal's chakra was forced back into his body.

Shhh… It's for your own good… Kakashi thought to himself, knowing that it would insult that damned Uchiha pride if he said it out loud. "Like the first binding seal I put on you, I'm reabsorbing the chakra into your body, back under your control… This one, however, is stronger, and not easily released, even by your will." Unfortunately I can't rely on him to control his power this time. We need to find a way to get rid of the curse for good… Sasuke was panting now, trying to suppress the pain he felt running through his veins. "I'm sorry it had to come to this, but I'm taking you back to Konoha."

How dare he even threaten to do so? "You, of all people, should know that's out of the question, even if it has been your goal all along; I'll break away and destroy your village the first chance I get." The raven leaned forward and couldn't help but smile slightly as Kakashi's breath mingled with his own. If I can distract him then I can get away... I need to find Itachi again now that my chakra's more under control… I guess I didn't really give him a chance to try and bind it himself. "But, you know, I wouldn't mind if you stuck around here for a while… Just so I could get my bearings, of course…" He shifted his legs purposefully as his voice went from irritated to alluring in less than five seconds. I'm sure he'll see right through this, but hopefully he'll have missed me enough to give in…

Fuck. I know exactly what he's up to… The copy nin's eyes narrowed as the object of his desire moved a little closer and grazed the steadily forming problem in his pants. I honestly can't help myself anymore… I'm surprised I haven't raped him yet. "I know what you're doing. Even though I hate it, there's no way I can refuse you if you truly want this… As hard as I try, I can't deny that I love you, I miss you, and I need you."

The raven hid his surprise at the clear declaration of devotion and cursed himself for feeling bad about misleading him. I can't stay with him, he knows that… And, yet, he's willing to torture himself with one last fuck that he knows he'll regret, all just because he thinks I may want it too. "Sensei… You know I can't promise-"

"I know. Just the thought of being with you for a mere minute longer makes me happier than I've been in the last five years." Before Sasuke could protest he had closed the distance between them and was massaging the other's tongue against his own.

Their passion was soon overpowering, and the slow kisses had turned to violent bites and scrambling hands before either nin knew what was happening. Silent promises of love and traces of regret were woven within the gentle touches and suffocating embraces that were too perfect to ignore, yet too painful to acknowledge as real.

No words were exchanged. Each knew what the other would have said, how he felt, and how much he wanted it to last. But most of all each knew that with the rising sun their time together would end, possibly forever.

XXXXXX

A/N

In Kakashi's flashback, by the way, the second part of the memory took place right after Sasuke left for Orochimaru and had his little battle with Naruto. (The one that they go back to all the time whenever Naruto thinks of Sasuke and how he told him that he doesn't understand how losing someone feels because he has always been alone). If you need further clarification let me know.

Okay so I kind of got lazy at the end there… If you want a KakaSasu lemon, let me know, and I just may throw one in later XD (I definitely owe it to you)

I'm so sorry that I didn't update forever!!! My muse was lost for a really long time... I'm sorry if this chapter wasn't that great; I'll try to make the next one (whenever it may be posted) better.

I would promise to update soon, but clearly I can't keep such commitments :-( … So, instead, how about I promise to update eventually (probably within the next two weeks, I'm hoping)?

Also, I know it's superbly lame that I still haven't really given you Itachi's reaction to it all… The little anger streak at the beginning was just a preview of what's to come, I assure you, and you will undoubtedly get his thoughts, feelings, and actions in response to Sasuke's whorish-ness very very soon =]

Again, your reviews are fantastically motivating, and, quite frankly, I'm kind of in need of such inspiration now… Speaking of which, if anyone knows of a lovely SasUKE muse (in the form of a really nice picture or story) that I could use, do tell!

Thanks so much for reviewing (FOREVER ago; again, I'm so sorry) and encouraging me to keep writing this story; your opinions mean so much!!! By the way, if I haven't updated for a while and you're getting impatient, feel free to drop me an angry/pleading/friendly review or PM to get me going again (thanks Twin Fox Tails).

Much Love,

VioletIntoxication