A/N: Here it is! I hereby dedicate this chapter to amalia0007 due to her perfect understanding of how ItaSasu should be.
XXXXXX
"So don't you dare go soft on me."
"I wouldn't dream of it, love." Itachi grabbed the raven and flipped him over, then crushed their mouths together in a passionate kiss. God, I'm already so hungry for him again... But there isn't time. He withdrew slightly and chuckled at the whimper he received. "Sasuke, as much as I hate to say it, we can't do this now… We should get to a safer enclosure as soon as possible."
The younger Uchiha huffed as his expression settled into a pout. "Nii-san…" He whined at his brother to continue and pulled him down for another kiss. Itachi gasped as a tongue invaded his mouth and teeth nipped at his lips. Unfortunately he's right; we need to deal with the potential threats before they get too many ideas. Sasuke gave his brother one last quick peck before relenting. "Fine, but you have to promise to make it up to me later." He smirked briefly at the thought and grinned when his lover moaned, seemingly having made the mistake of picturing it in his mind.
God, that isn't what I needed to tame my persistent problem... "I promise." He took in the frazzled state of his otouto with a smile and pulled back a bit to avoid the make-out session that he was dying to initiate. "But, for now, perhaps we should focus on something a little less tempting… Such as getting dressed?"
The raven nodded, a slightly distant look in his eyes. I can't believe how perfect this is… He watched as Itachi got up and gathered fresh clothing from a chest of drawers in the corner of the room. "Thanks, Aniki." Sasuke took the tight dark blue sleeveless shirt and black pants and began slipping into them as his brother did the same with his usual under-cloak outfit. "You know… We need a way to get Konoha off of our backs for good. I mean, we can't avoid them forever…"
Itachi sighed, knowing the other was right. "Well, I suppose we could always beat the shit out of them and hope they got the message…" No, the damn Jinchuuriki would take too much out of us not bothering to kill them… My way is so much easier. He moved to the bed and smoothed Sasuke's hair as he thought, trying to come up with a solution that was acceptable to both of them.
"Mnmm…" The raven groaned as Itachi began subconsciously stroking his neck; the action was making it extremely hard for him to concentrate on the task at hand. I can handle it as long he doesn't- "Ahh!" Electricity pulsed through his body as a rough thumb began massaging the curse mark and stopped just as suddenly.
"Sorry, Otouto…" The older Uchiha paused, remembering that there was something he had to tell Sasuke. The raven had noticed his brief hesitation, and he found himself looking into questioning ebony eyes as he tried to decide what to say. "Your chakra… When the copy nin put another limit on the seal, the restriction was ridiculous. I… I don't think you would be able to hold your own in a fight." To his surprise, Sasuke only cocked his head to the side and stood, his crimson orbs now in view.
That's why I couldn't run away… I guess it worked out in our favor in the end; I never would have stayed and listened to Itachi's reasoning otherwise. He immediately summoned the familiar blue lightning and wove it throughout his body, flinching slightly when he found his control to be slipping. Enhancing his concentration, the raven focused on the opposite wall of the room and lashed out against it. For a brief second, Sasuke was satisfied with the large crater-like crack that ran over the side of the cave. "Fuck…" The noise of chirping birds faded steadily and left him in a stunned silence. Upon feeling a warm body pressed against his back, he leaned into the gentle touch. "I can't even…" He closed his eyes and sighed as strong arms wrapped around his waist. Just keeping the sharingan takes so much out of me.
"It's okay…" In a weird way I'm looking forward to protecting him… He hasn't needed me to be there for him like that in so long. The form in his arms shook slightly as his brother exhaled. "I'm sure we can convince Kakashi to remove it, one way or another." Perhaps his death would do the trick?
"No… We can't. There's no need for him to do as I ask when he knows that he's lost me." And there's no way I can convince him otherwise. It would be too cruel for me to take back what I said; the current closure between us is worth so much… The raven gave an exasperated sigh as he came to the answer he was afraid of; Orochimaru. He was the only one that could help now. "Nii-san... There's only one person that can and will get rid of it…" His brother stiffened as he trailed off, confirming Sasuke's suspicion that he had come to the same conclusion. A growl sounded behind him and he was suddenly whipped around to gaze into red eyes.
"I'm not letting you go back to that goddamn snake." Fury laced his crimson orbs as his lip curled in a snarl at the very notion of that thing touching his brother again. I will never let Sasuke be hurt by him again… And there's no way he's entering that lair in such a weakened state. The voice of reason sang at the back of his mind, telling him that it really was the only way. As he usually did when its song had anything to do with his otouto, he ignored it.
The raven flinched at the stinging hurt that was hidden beneath Itachi's words. "I'm not 'going back' to him… I would never return to that place if I didn't have to." He attempted to get the older Uchiha to look at him by lightly grasping his jaw line, but the other continued to silently refuse and instead settled his gaze on the pale wrist. What is he looking at? Does he need further assurance? "This is our only option… As soon as he removes the restriction, I'll slit his throat. We can take his head to Konoha and express how utterly disinterested we are in the village… Maybe with all of that, they'll stop chasing us." Sasuke was sure that the sannin's part in the plan would make a smirk rise on the stoic face, but instead the other male pulled away.
He looked at both of the other's forearms, as if affirming something. "Where did you get the scars, Sasuke?" They weren't there when I took him from Orochimaru… That means he must have wanted to die even while in my presence. I truly have failed him.
The younger Uchiha blinked in surprise at the change in subject and glanced down at his left wrist to trace the line there. I'd almost forgotten… "Itachi…" The other shook his head, indicating that he didn't want words of comfort, only an explanation. "… When I was cleaning my wounds after getting the ring, I felt like I needed some form of control." His brother's eyes flashed in what could only be agony, but he kept his emotionless mask. "I'd given up so much, too much, to Orochimaru, and everything he did to me was against my will. So, I dealt with it in the only way that works… I made the pain my escape." He looked at Itachi, who was focused completely on him. But he doesn't get it. He's never given up control like that… He doesn't know how awful it is to be utterly helpless and want death more than anything else.
"But, Otouto… They must have been so deep… If even your healing jutsu wouldn't work on them-" He moved forward and once again embraced the raven, leading him to sit on the edge of the bed.
Sasuke flushed and stared at the floor, realizing that he hadn't yet gotten the chance to tell his brother the truth. "It wasn't my jutsu…" Itachi looked at him with a puzzled expression, his eyes narrowing slightly due to the vague nervousness that surrounded the younger Uchiha. "I cut too deep and I was blacking out while trying to execute a blood replacement technique, when suddenly… Madara was behind me." He felt his nii-san stiffen a bit at the mention of the man's name.
"How do you know?" Did that asshole decide to tell him? If so, he's definitely up to something… He shuddered, not wishing to wonder at the masked Uchiha's intentions.
"He told me who he was… And I had heard his name before. Someone once told me that my eyes were like his." Itachi sneered at the comparison and was about to ask who the ignorant bastard was when Sasuke interrupted. "It was the Kyuubi, and I'll tell you about it later, I promise." We really need to leave soon… I'd like to get the trip to Sound over with as soon as possible. "Anyway, Madara healed my wounds after making it apparent that he…wanted me, and said we had things to talk about when you went on another mission." The red glare that met his eyes was growing more furious by the second as he quickly filled in what had happened. I'm sorry I didn't tell him sooner… I hate seeing him this angry. "But he didn't actually do anything." He added, hoping that it might comfort his lover, if only a little.
I'll kill the fucker… How dare he? He doesn't deserve Sasuke in any way, shape, or form… What a coward to advance on him when he was wounded and alone. Itachi protectively slid an arm around the beautiful male's waist, shielding him from the threats that weren't physically there. I just hope he knows how much I love him… "Go on."
The softly spoken words calmed the raven a bit and he was able to continue without fearing his brother's temper. "He didn't heal the wounds on my wrists completely because he wanted me to remember that I chose to live instead of die." And I still appreciate him for that… God, what's wrong with me? Clearly his motives are strictly ulterior… I can't be fooled by his seeming understanding and kindness.
"I'm so sorry that I took my anger out on you... I just couldn't stand the thought of him touching you, hurting you…" The older Uchiha's voice shook and he pulled Sasuke into a tight hug. "That's why I don't want you to go back now…"
Sighing inaudibly, the raven was pleased to be back to the task at hand. And I'm relieved to know what was making him act so cold before... I was worried that he hated me. "I know, but I won't let him get far… I need to destroy him. I'll never betray you, Itachi… I love you. I sorry for all that has happened, I-" He was cut off as warm lips covered his own and a tongue slipped into his warm cavern for a taste. "Mnmm…" Sasuke was still a bit reluctant to give in to the other's celebration as he responded to the kiss. I still have something to tell him… I don't know how he'll react, but now isn't the time to bring it up.
"I trust you, my love…" Itachi outright grinned at the light blush tinting the raven's cheeks; only he had that affect on him, only he could make the young male writhe in genuine pleasure. "Come on," He stood and wrapped an Akatsuki cloak around the shorter nin's shoulders as he moved for the door. "Let's get in and out of there as soon as possible."
Sasuke smiled at how similar their thinking was before joining his brother as he took to the trees, easily sprinting toward the land that he loathed the most. This is the last time… It feels so good to finally know that for sure.
XXXXXX
The Uchiha brothers had been travelling for about an hour when they felt familiar chakra nearby. Sasori and Deidara… I wonder what they're doing here; it seems like they've been waiting for us to come along. Itachi leapt to the forest floor and began steadily making his way to where the other two Akatsuki were waiting.
Sasuke followed suit and stood at his brother's side when they came to a halt. Looking at the redhead next to Deidara, he figured it could be none other than Sasori.
"Sasuke-kun!" The blonde couldn't help himself and went to wrap his arms around the lithe form before him, but was discouraged with a harsh growl from Itachi and a slight grunt from Sasori. They never let me have any fun. He settled for a small pout, accompanied by a wave.
The raven chuckled at the bomb enthusiast's actions and suppressed the surprisingly strong urge to smile and wave back. He shifted his gaze to the puppet master, who was now surveying him with mild curiosity. I wonder how much he knows about Orochimaru's jutsu; maybe he would have an idea of how to remove the oppressing seal…
There was no need for Sasori to introduce himself as the younger Uchiha clearly knew who he was. "It's a good thing you came this way… Pein is furious about your unauthorized departure." He continued to look at Sasuke as he spoke, noting that a wince broke through his mask of indifference when he mentioned the leader's wrath. So I was right; it did have something to do with him… It seemed like he felt guilty for a second there. "What happened?"
Itachi groaned internally at the statement, but only a flicker of discomfort crossed his countenance. Pein'll probably be sure to keep us apart more often if he doesn't blatantly punish us for it. Just as he was about to answer, his attention was drawn to his younger brother.
"I got angry and I decided to exit the lair before I lost control of my power. Itachi came after me." I'm glad he didn't ask about where we've been for the past day… That answer wouldn't fare too well.
The redheaded Akatsuki nodded, "I will pass on your explanation to Pein." He turned to Itachi to voice his next question. "Where are you headed now?" Obviously not back to the lair… But I can't imagine something that would be important enough for them to take a detour with the leader already so angry. Deidara stopped gawking at the raven and also looked to Itachi, curious of his reply.
The older Uchiha hesitated briefly, trying to decide how much to tell them… Pein would indubitably try to take advantage of Sasuke's weakness if he knew of it, but I'm not sure that anything else constitutes our diversion. Sighing, he resolved to tell them the truth in hopes that he and Sasuke would already be to their destination by the time Pein found out where they had gone and why. "We are journeying to Sound to get Orochimaru to remove a limit that was placed upon his curse seal. It won't take long."
To Sound, huh? I didn't think Sasuke would want to go back under any circumstances if everything my undercover agent told me was true… "I see. I'll inform him of that as well." Sasori paused, wondering if his next words, directed at the raven, would seem out of place. "I'm sorry you have to go back there… I wish I knew of a jutsu that could help release the restriction."
Sasuke bowed his head politely at the unexpected expression of regret. He knows what happened there… He must be the reason Itachi found me. "Thank you, but I'll be fine. I intend to leave with his head."
It's about time someone did. Sasori smirked at the thought of the snake finally getting what he deserved. "Good luck to you, then. We'll meet up afterward, back at the lair." He made to leave but stopped abruptly as he remembered something. "Oh, by the way, Konoha has dispatched an assassination squad. With Sasuke at his full strength, they shouldn't be any trouble, but I suggest you take the tunnels until then." With that, the pair disappeared, Deidara pausing to wave a goodbye to the younger Uchiha.
Itachi nodded cordially as they left. I'm actually a bit offended that they would even dare to think of killing my darling angel, but I knew those bastards would attempt to do so eventually. "I imagine we should be on our way then, Otouto." He decreased the space between them and leant down slightly to steal a kiss. The raven responded eagerly, allowing his mouth to be ravaged by the only he loved. I just want this to be over with… Life will be complete at last when we can lie peacefully in each other's arms.
XXXXXX
"Sasuke… Are you sure you don't want to do this a different way?" I'd rather hold the snake down and threaten to slit its throat than let him go in alone… And that would involve actually touching the revolting thing.
The raven couldn't help but chuckle lightly as his brother asked him the same question for what seemed like the hundredth time that day. "Yes, Nii-san… It's the easiest way. I doubt he'd help if he knew he was going to die by your hand immediately afterwards. Besides, at the very least, he trusts me to not kill him." I hope he's cooled down enough after last time… If he decides to chain me to a bed as soon as I set foot in the place, I might have some trouble. Sasuke glanced at the entrance to the hideout, his external composure never slipping even as he thought through his doubts.
Itachi sighed, unconsciously beginning to fidget slightly from the stress of having to wait outside and let his otouto go in alone. "Fine… But if you aren't out in an hour, I'm coming in and slaughtering everyone that stands in my way. That's a promise." He moved to take the other in a near-suffocating embrace, trying to convey both his apprehension and intense adulation. God, I'm going to go crazy waiting for him… Why the hell did I say an hour? I don't want him in there for more than five minutes.
The younger Uchiha rolled his eyes at Itachi's neurotic behavior. Still, it makes me so happy to know that he doesn't hate me for coming back here… I know how opposed he was. "Okay, Aniki. As soon as the limit is released, I'll let my chakra rest at full strength before repressing it again. After that signal, you can do whatever you want." Itachi let go of him, reluctantly realizing that it was best to get it over with. "Trust me, everything will be okay." Sasuke smiled softly before planting a kiss on his brother's cheek and walking steadily through the darkness toward the Sound entrance.
He's grown up so much… God, I never thought he'd be the one reassuring me. Itachi let his fingers graze the spot that the raven's lips had last touched and smiled, an odd sense of pride coming over him. He can do this… I know he can.
XXXXXX
As soon as Sasuke was inside, he stopped and attempted to sense the signature of his former master. Getting nothing, he grimaced at how little strength he had access to. Well, that's what I'm here to fix…
He wandered down the hallway, easily masking his small amount of chakra and stepping silently as he inhaled the damp air. When he felt someone coming toward him, he froze, quickly ducking into a nearby room as they passed. That was close… I guess my best bet is to make my way to his chambers; no one else is allowed in, and he's bound to come by soon if he isn't already there.
After a couple minutes of quickly traversing dark passageways and avoiding Sound nin, he arrived at a set of forbidding double doors. Not knowing what else to do, he knocked softly and entered when the voice inside bade him to do so. He looked around the candlelit room and noticed a figure on the bed; Orochimaru. He was sorting through a few documents on his luxurious four-poster and had yet to acknowledge his presence. I'm sure he thinks I'm some random subordinate here to deliver a message… And my chakra doesn't disprove his theory. In an instant, the raven had slid onto the bed in the scant amount of space behind the sannin. He let his breath ghost the other's ear as he spoke. "Would you really rather play with your silly papers than me, Master?" The Uchiha nearly choked at how alluring he sounded; his tone was horribly drenched with desire and the promise of obedience.
Orochimaru stiffened at the feeling of someone behind him and couldn't believe the voice when he heard it. He inhaled, confirming that it truly was the male that continued to haunt his dreams. Immediately, he turned, scattering the documents, and shoved the raven onto his back. "Sasuke…" Fury filled him for an instant, but the very sight of his lovely pet brought him back to the state of arousal he had experienced at his student's words. "You naughty slut… You ran off before our deal was finalized."
You mean before you could rape me again. He bit his lip innocently before answering, perfectly aware of the affect it would have on the older man. "I'm sorry, Orochimaru-sama... I was so bad, but can you ever forgive me?" Sasuke grimaced internally as the snake leered down at him and tore the Akatsuki cloak open. He gasped as a hand ran up the abdominal muscles under his shirt.
"Of course I can, my slave, but you will receive a harsh punishment for your actions." The Sound leader dove at his favorite spot on the raven's neck; the heaven seal. He lapped at the black marks and was less than satisfied when all he received was a slight groan of pleasure. It should have had a much greater impact, especially with the special present that I put in the Void ring... Looking at the area more closely, he noticed that there were symbols surrounding it. He hissed angrily and turned his attention to the ebony eyes before him. "Who did this to you?"
Sasuke faked a wince at the sannin's anger; of course he had been expecting it. Everything is going according to plan… "It was Kakashi… He said he'd help me even if I didn't want it." He paused, letting a whimper rise in his voice as he spoke. "Master, he tried to take your gift away from me… I…" He looked away, allowing pain to lace his features expertly. Before he could continue, surprisingly gentle lips were upon his. At least he believed me… God, now I've got to try not to gag. The Uchiha let his eyes slip shut, seemingly in response to the passionate kiss, and opened his mouth wide for the roving tongue.
After a few moments of bliss, Orochimaru pulled away from the enticing cavern. "Shhh… Don't worry, my pet, I'll remove it just as soon as I reclaim you with my seed." He grabbed the hem of the raven's shirt and tugged it over his head, letting both it and the katana drop to the floor. Just as he began working on the bothersome pants, a hand closed over his.
"Orochimaru-sama… I want to feel your influence, your venom, running through my veins as you fuck me. Please…" He begged, writhing under the lustful gaze as the serpentine eyes took in his flushed appearance with a growl. Shit… He wants me now. I have to elaborate. "I need to feel you all over inside me… I've missed you so much." The raven finished his pleas with a whisper and looked away, suppressing the satisfied grin that rose within him when the snake sat up and nodded, pulling Sasuke along with him.
He wove a hand into midnight hair and stroked the locks softly, tugging gently to get the owner to look at him as he spoke. "Alright, but as soon as it's done, I'm fucking you into oblivion." He covered the pale beauty's lips again and moaned at the response he got. "Stay." Orochimaru smirked before he rose and went to an alcove that held his many scrolls. Scanning them for a moment, he selected one and opened it to double check that it was indeed what he wanted.
It's already been fifteen minutes… I hope Itachi can maintain his patience. "How long will it take, Master?" He shifted uncomfortably and allowed a blush to rise on his cheeks. "I need you…" To his delight (and disgust), the snake didn't suspect a thing and hurried back to the bed so he could graze his fingers over the crotch of Sasuke's pants to feel his arousal. He let out a breathless moan and let the blush deepen. God, I feel like such a shameless slut… But it's almost over.
"Ah… Sasuke-kun…" The sannin licked his lips and palmed his pet's growing erection with more force, growling appreciatively when the Uchiha arched into the touch. "Don't fret; all I have to do is carve a few kanji into the unwanted seal and use your blood to separate it from my curse." He paused, reaching for the sharp knife that was attached to the scroll. "I imagine the pain will be excruciating; Kakashi, the fool, decided to weave his limit into your chakra stream." Unfortunately a very good idea on his part… The first one was only attached to Sasuke's will, and that was easy enough to break. "Shall I begin?"
The raven shuddered at the description of how the restriction was attached to him; the man was right, it was going to hurt like hell. But I've been through worse… He looked directly into the snake's eyes, forcing trust onto his face as he nodded firmly. Orochimaru began the first kanji, and the Uchiha could feel the knife biting deep into his flesh until it was perfect. He knew this was the easy part, and only had to grit his teeth a bit on the tenth symbol. As the last one was finished, he noticed that blood ran down his back and chest. The feeling made him shiver into the comforting hand that was massaging his other shoulder reassuringly.
"Don't worry, love… After this you will be all mine again." The sannin looked into the hazy dark eyes of the raven and maintained the contact as he bent down to lap at the crimson liquid that was staining pale flesh. He gathered as much of it as he could in his mouth and, without warning, bit into Sasuke's shoulder so that his fangs sunk in to the bone, forcing the blood with them. As expected, the boy screamed in pain as the kanji burned into his skin and the tattoo underneath steadily disappeared.
Venom leaked into the Uchiha's bloodstream and he angrily stayed still as he felt the limit on his chakra weakening. When Orochimaru pulled away, it was completely gone, and he allowed himself to release the breath he had been holding. He tested his power and let a sincere smile filled with relief break onto his face as he felt the familiar strength dancing in every muscle. Now to signal Itachi… The raven released the vague oppression that he had automatically induced and let his chakra blaze for exactly three seconds before taming it again. Sasuke turned to face the man that was still gazing at him, that disgusting tongue slurping up the blood that remained on his chin. "Thank you, Orochimaru." He stood, immediately regaining his stoic composure as he unsheathed the katana that was suddenly in his grasp. "I am done being your 'pet', your 'slut', your 'slave'… At last, it is time for you to meet your end."
Fear clouded the snake's features as he took in what his student was saying. In an instant, he was standing as well. He found himself searching emotionless sharingan eyes for an answer. "Sasuke…" For a moment he thought something must be wrong; his student couldn't be turning against him… But then he noticed that pure hatred was emanating from the Uchiha in waves. He immediately gasped in shock and backed away from the sharp point that was now against his throat. It followed him until he ran into the cold stone wall.
"You can't possibly be afraid of the pain?" Sasuke allowed his sadistic side, a part of him that the snake himself had nurtured into bloom, to come out as he whipped the sleek blade across the man's chest. He repeated the action a few times until he was satisfied with the cuts and the amount of blood that was pouring from them. "How does it feel, Master? Do you like it when I hurt you?" He let his sword drop for a moment, the blood dripping from it onto the floor. All that could be heard was the slow, sickening sound of the liquid falling and landing with a 'plop' while its previous owner gasped and almost whined in pain. The Uchiha's eyes suddenly adopted a strange glint as he looked at the dark red mess that he had created. Forcing his palm against the damaged flesh, he heard a hiss rise from the sannin as he leaned in closer to whisper in his ear. "If you had a heart, I'd break it."
The sannin growled at their proximity in spite of the pain; even in this situation, the raven was positively beautiful and completely captivating. He couldn't help himself. His eyes wandered up and down the pale torso that was still exposed to him, moaning softly at the perfect composition. The only thing that hurt was his inability to reach out and run his fingers across it, to pinch a dusky nipple and make the other squirm, to bring their lips together and dominate the warm mouth. "If I had a heart, it would belong to you… So that would be your right." The snake's eyes became half-lidded as he gazed at the surprised expression on Sasuke's face. Surely he didn't expect me to fight back? If I'm going to die, this is the way to do it…
Orochimaru's words echoed in the raven's head and made him pause. The only thing that brought him back to the present was a voice calling to him from the doorway. In one swift, fluid motion, he drew back, raised his blade and slid it clean through the sannin's neck. The body slumped to the floor and the head rolled a bit, landing at his feet. A sick wave of humor ran through him as he noticed the angry hissing expression that was frozen on the body-less head. Itachi shows up and ruins things for him even in his last moments of life… How fitting and cruel. "Nii-san…" He turned to face the figure at the door, not noticing the wary stance his brother had taken. Sharingan eyes met his and he smiled softly, the adrenaline pumping through his veins was threatening to take over and send him off on a crazed killing spree through the lair. He suppressed the urge and spoke softly to Itachi, hoping he was pleased with how well their plan had worked. "It's over."
XXXXXX
A/N
Hurray for a long chapter!
Okay, I promise this is the last time Orochimaru will come up… See, he's gone! Dead! (And I totally miss him *sob sob* lol). I honestly didn't intentionally bring him back into the plot; he just showed up. Bad Ochi!
Anyway, there are only a few chapters left, so REVIEW while it's still directly relevant to do so!
I appreciate your continued support, dear readers, you keep me going. Special thanks to Darkwolf95 for her excellent suggestions, and also to amalia0007 for the insanely awesome review and continuous friendship XD
Oh, and give a HUGE round of applause to MadaSasu (a glorious author) for her recovery and speedy return to writing the wonderful Uchihacest stories that we can all enjoy.
Much Love,
Viotox