Uhhh, I'm finally out of school for the summer. I'm going to try and update as much as possible, but we'll see how it goes. I may go back to writing short chapters(like half this chapter's length short) just so I can update more frequently. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the update. Regular POV
-

Sasuke's eyes traced the patterns of the sky, sighing to himself. He had been waiting what felt like an eternity for Naruto to finish speaking with Tsunade. Together, they had decided they would undertake the makings of an 'adventure' as Naruto coined it. Sasuke was just happy to satiate his stir crazy spirit. But also that he wouldn't be alone while doing so. Even though this Naruto wasn't exactly the same as his, it was better than nothing.

The sun was starting to set over the village, oranges and reds staining the sky as night started to encircle day. He breathed out, impatience making him uneasy. He had been waiting all day for this moment.

The Uchiha rubbed the back of his neck, choking down the need which was digging itself deeper and deeper in his chest.

It had been more than enough time for Madara to formulate some kind of plan, but Sasuke hadn't seen hide nor hair of the man. Sasuke felt his hands shaking; fret sinking in his gut. Fear played out a large part of his feeling but it was rivaling a deeper feeling which sweltered inside Sasuke's stomach; there was desire washing him over. He wanted to see Madara, wanted to hear his voice, endure the never ending feeling of seduction.

But it wasn't just the fear and desire which tortured Sasuke's mind. He felt unbearably homesick as well. He missed his brother and best friend, probably more than words could properly express. It felt like someone had reached inside of his chest with icy fingers, wrapping them slowly around his heart, and began to slowly squeeze. He tried to relax, leaning back his head onto the wall which separated himself from Naruto's persuasive words.

To Sasuke, it didn't matter at all what Tsunade said about their mission. With or without her blessing, Sasuke would leave. The thought of him staying here another day, when his home was so close in reach, made his stomach flip and turn in knots. It wasn't as though he hated Konoha; the people were exceedingly kind and generous. But being misplaced filled him with dread. He needed to right things, otherwise, Sasuke wasn't sure what would happen.

He didn't want to be stuck here.

Sasuke started when heard something hurled at one of the walls, Naruto departing from the room shortly after. He looked ruffled with anger, his fists shaking at his sides. Sasuke blinked at the suddenness. "So, I assume we received a 'no'."

"AND ANOTHER THING!" Tsunade screeched, barreling out of the room. Sasuke's eyes widened as the sheer force of her anger bowled him over. The blonde woman paused as she considered Sasuke's bewildered form. She breathed out, slowly, turning her eyes towards him. "You are not leaving this village."

"I don't belong here." Sasuke's tone was ice cold as he took a step forward challengingly. "I want to go home, Tsunade. This was inevitable."

Her eyes narrowed; severe and set. "You, Uchiha, need to reconsider your position in our current situation." Her tone was calm, but the storm of rage in her eyes betrayed the facade. "It was because of you, and Naruto, that we are dealing with an old, very powerful magic. Madara was no lowly human in life and with his resurrection, he will not be some easily manageable spirit. Our first priority is to keep you safe, Sasuke. This is not a punishment." She reached out, grabbing both Naruto and Sasuke by the front of their yukata, "There will also be no more discussion. If I have to, I will seal you both away in this shrine."

Sasuke huffed as Tsunade let go of him. She sent one more warning look before turning on her heel and walking off. Naruto frowned, turning to Sasuke. "There's no reasoning with a woman as vile tempered as her." The blond sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Please find some forgiveness for me, Sasuke. I know how much your displacement eats at you." Naruto reached out, taking the raven's hand in his own. "I will find a way for us to quit this place."

The Uchiha nodded his head. "We need to plan."

"Tsunade will be watching us in the many days to come while we prepare. We must keep our activities at a minimum, as not to draw suspicion." Naruto muttered. "But, Tsunade did make one very good point while she was attempting to draw and quarter me with that serpent's tongue..."

"Which is?"

"The full moon is coming." Naruto replied simplistically. He sent Sasuke a small glance. "I assume you have no knowledge of what is to come upon that day?"

"You guessed it. Let's go back to the room." Naruto nodded, rubbing his hand around the spot where the cloth had been pulled so tightly around his neck. They began walking back to the center of the shrine, feet padding softly in the dying light. "So, what happens during a full moon?"

"Demons, every kind, every making, every mold, become more powerful." Naruto's matter-of-fact tone made Sasuke's spine shiver with a sudden cold burst. "It will be dangerous to travel during that time. If we could, I would suggest moving about when the moon is waning. Perhaps arrive around the time of the new moon; ideally, it would be the best time to try and bargain with Orochimaru, he would be weakened as well."

"Do you have more power during the new moon, being that you are a priest?" Sasuke wasn't sure why he asked, but having as much solace as he could reassured him. This Itachi had warned him of the dangers of just leaving the village; the Uchiha knew he needed someone to count on. Naruto just happened to be the best he could find.

"Oh, if only I could wish upon Kami's stars and make it so." Naruto replied, with a slight shake of his head. "Unfortunately, no. I do not gain much from a new moon..." They paused in front of one of the sliding door. Naruto and Sasuke locked their gazes, charcoal burning into blue. "While I can say the Kyuubi is weakened by the new moon, I will have more chakra available to me. But that is, only for a short period, just the day."

Sasuke felt like he could fall to his knees and sob. He knew it had been a long shot, hoping that Naruto may be able to carry them. A wave of anger and uselessness gnawed at Sasuke's gut; he aggressively pulled open the paper door, stomping into the room. "I can never win, can I?" He sat down in front of the small cooking pit in the middle of the room.

"Please, Sasuke, do not fret. You know I will do any and everything in my power to keep you safe. I will not allow any more harm to befoul you. Believe it." Naruto's sureness made Sasuke feel even more guilty. He knew this Naruto was just like, if not identical to his own, in personality. He was selfless and giving, going more than the extra mile to make sure everyone was happy. The Uchiha, though, much to his chagrin, was not happy. As much as Naruto's confidence and words made him want to believe he had a chance, there was still the very possibility they would fail. Sasuke didn't even want to think about what would happen then.

Sasuke let out a short breath, rubbing his temples gently as Naruto put a kettle onto the fire. "There's always your swordsman skills, as well, we can garner strength from."

The Uchiha paused in his brooding to look up at the gently smiling face above him. "Naruto, I've never actually used a real sword in combat. I'm classically practiced in a different, non-offensive art..."

"Nonsense." Naruto brushed off Sasuke's negativity with a wave of his fingers. "You forget, you disarmed me upon our first meeting. And not even with a sword, I might add. If you get used to the weight and do a bit of practice, rumors will spread quickly about your prowess as a samurai."

Sasuke's lips quivered slightly but he couldn't bring himself to wear his smile.

...

Madara frowned, face set firmly in his brewing annoyance. "So, that's it then? How is it possible that they've betrayed me so easily?"

"They were tired, my lord. The war lasted for…A very long time."

Madara turned his head, scowling even deeper than before. "I gave my life trying to end that barbarous war and this is how they repay me? Everything I did, I did for them, so they could have the perfect lives." The Uchiha shook his head, his long hair settling over his shoulder. "No matter, I suppose. Once I have the things I require, they will all sleep."

"Yes, of course." Tobi stood from his sitting position. "I have been preparing for you return, my lord. We have been scouring the country looking for the Jinchuuriki. So far, we have a total of six."

Madara nodded in consideration. "Good, good. I'm glad that I have such a loyal servant to assist me. The Gods obviously smile upon me."

"As they should, my lord."

Tobi and Madara paused, feeling a presence approaching nearer to their room. The older Uchiha knew this scent, this chakra. He frowned as the sliding door revealed another Uchiha, his long black hair shining in the light of the candles. Madara knew there was no mistaking this man; it was him, the one who had sealed him in the crumbling shrine.

"I'm back," Itachi bowed towards Tobi, looking up from the floor as he shut the door behind him. Madara's chakra overwhelmed him in a second. Madara wasn't bothering to hide himself now and the force that engulfed Itachi almost made his eyes start to water. He felt a thump of chakra push through him and he backed up, hitting the sliding door with his back. Itachi's eyes widened.

"You, the betrayer." Madara moved slowly, eyes spiraling red as he appraised the young Uchiha. "Fortune really does smile upon me this evening."

Tobi let out a small laugh. "Of course, it was you, Itachi. I should have known as much."

"Itachi? Yes, the weasel…" The youngest Uchiha couldn't look away from Madara's eyes; they had captured him in their crimson stare. With all his will power, Itachi turned his head. His stomach was turning in knots. "More akin to a serpent." The older Uchiha reached out, cupping Itachi's face with his fingers. He forced Itachi to look at him. "Tell me, where have you hidden my sacrifice? I urge for him, dearly." Itachi's felt his tongue loosening in his mouth as his lips parted. No words escaped. He bit down on his lip, making Madara laugh. "Such resilience. Have it your way, dear child."

A fist buried its way deeply into Itachi's gut, making the Uchiha sputter out more than just saliva. He could taste the bitterness of vomit and the copper of blood as it filled his mouth. It spilled from his lips and Madara watched, eyes wild with amusement as Itachi crumbled, falling forward. The older Uchiha let Itachi fall. The air had completely escaped his lungs and his legs were trembling. Madara laughed, his velvety, deep voice filling up the room with its musical tones. He reached down, grabbing the long, silky locks of hair and twisting them in his fingers. Madara dragged Itachi up from the floor, noting the sickened expression gracing the Uchiha's lovely face.

"Itachi, tell him what you know." Tobi's voice sounded muffled to Itachi, as though his head had been stuffed with cotton.

"He cannot hear you; he's trapped in my stare." Madara pulled Itachi so that he was kneeling in front of Madara. He grimaced, knowing immediately he didn't have enough strength in his arms to push Madara away. "It is just you and me now, child. Now tell me, relinquish the secrets of my dearest love. Where is he?"

Itachi's lips quivered, Madara's eyes were the only thing he could see, Madara's voice echoing off his skull as he slowly felt himself starting to be consumed.

"That's a good boy." Itachi felt himself sinking back into the moment, panting harshly, knees shaking as he looked up at Madara. The older Uchiha seemed very pleased with himself, smirking wickedly as he glanced over at Tobi. "Off to Konoha, it seems."

Tobi nodded his head. "I will prepare everything necessary for our departure, my lord." He reached towards Itachi, but Madara stopped his hand. A venomous look graced Madara face as his eyes looked into Tobi's.

"Leave the boy with me."

"He is no use to us dead."

Madara smiled, a horrifying glee wrapping in his features. "Don't not fret, I would not kill such a beautiful child."

Tobi shrugged his shoulders. "As you wish." He disappeared through the sliding door.

Itachi was still panting, nausea grating his stomach. Madara was silent as he looked down at the Uchiha before him. "What a good boy you've been. Almost redeeming, I would say." The older Uchiha bent down, coming eye to eye with Itachi. He didn't have the strength to move away, feeling as though his body couldn't respond to any request he made of it. "Don't struggle too much. I need to feed."

"I didn't…" Madara watched as Itachi came to grips with himself. "I couldn't hear myself…"

"Hush, child." Madara's finger slid gently against Itachi's lips, forcing them to close with a simple press. "You were locked outside of yourself; far more honest that way." The older Uchiha's hand swiped through Itachi's hair, the softness of the tresses gliding through his fingers like water. Madara moved closer, his nose tracing a path up Itachi's neck. "You smell like him, my cursed beloved."

"You will never have him." Itachi choked out. He was shivering against Madara and the older Uchiha chuckled, his ice cold breath caressing the paleness of Itachi's delicate neck. Madara couldn't help but think it was that of a swan and with one movement, he could break it. His fingers abandoned Itachi's hair, joining his nose and mouth on the younger Uchiha's skin.

"I will destroy the world for Sasuke." Madara's teeth scraped against Itachi's skin, making him shudder with an unknown feeling. "I will kill any and every person who dares get in my way." Madara's grip suddenly tensed, his thumb pressing dangerously hard into Itachi's windpipe. He coughed, the air slowly trickling into his lungs. He couldn't take a full breath. Itachi felt light headed as those red eyes continued to stare into his own. "That includes you. Tobi may insist you're more useful alive, but I have yet to see you live up to any beneficial purpose." Itachi felt his breathing getting more and more constricted, Madara's thumb pressing harder into his throat. "Now then, let me taste you, boy."

Madara's teeth sunk into the delicate flesh of Itachi's neck. He grunted in pain as the teeth gnawed and chewed his flesh, blood springing out in heavy streams from the wound. The older Uchiha moaned, slurping and licking at the flesh. Itachi could feel himself getting weaker, but it wasn't just from the blood loss. Madara was sucking his chakra out too.

The thumb pressed against his throat lessened until Madara was pressing both of his hands into Itachi's back, holding him in place as he continued to feed. Itachi's vision was blurring, his breath ragged as pain and weakness blended in a way that made him sick to his stomach. He fought the urge to vomit a second time.

Itachi closed his eyes, urging the ache to subside. Madara feeding off of him wasn't a permanent solution; his chakra would only be able to sustain him for so long. But Itachi knew, deep down, the only reason he'd be kept alive was to be cattle. He hoped Sasuke had ignored his advice and already fled Konoha.

Madara moaned, smacking his lips, which were soaked and darkly crimson with Itachi's blood. "You smell like him. It's faint, but I can still smell his scent on you." He muttered the words into the wound. Itachi weakly groaned. "His blood is sweet, like yours; drenched in youth."

"Stop…"

"Kiss me, boy." Itachi's hair was pulled back harshly, his scalp aching as long, pale fingers dove deeper, and wound around his midnight locks. Madara's tilted Itachi's head back, licking up his chin, covering it in his own blood. When he reached the younger Uchiha's lip, Itachi gasped, an urgent flood of pleasure assaulting him. "Let yourself go, child. Enjoy this indulgence; think of it as a reward for giving me such a delicious treat."

...

Staring deeply into Itachi's eyes, the dark swirls around Madara's iris began to shift and move, hypnotically causing Itachi to stiffen locked into the eyes once again. Itachi couldn't help it. Those eyes were so powerful, able to crack into his mind and suffocate his reasoning. But, as Madara noticed a little too late, Itachi was staring back at him with similar eyes. The black lines were sharper, looking like a deadly throwing star surrounding his pupil. Madara pulled back, frowning as he did so. "Ah, you pushed me out." Madara clicked his tongue, chuckling slightly. "So, we are not so different. We have both made the ultimate sacrifice." The older Uchiha stood up, leaving Itachi on the floor, still breathless. "No matter, just knowing that Sasuke is your brother is enough for me to understand you."

"I believe that is quite impossible." Madara turned towards the door, not even bothering to redress himself. Tobi looked towards Itachi, who had rolled himself over; blood and other fluids stained his flawless skin.

"Oh? And why is that?"

"Itachi's brother was a still-born."

Madara's eyes darkened slightly. "But how…I…" The older Uchiha turned so that he was looking out towards the dim candles crackling in the room. "Never mind. I suppose what is important is that I have the information I seek."

"I have made certain preparations to leave soon, my lord. With your…Recent bedding, it would be smart to move by the morning, at the latest. We would arrive in Konoha by the moon's zenith."

Madara nodded indifferently. "Morning would be the best time." He cast his eyes down at Itachi who was still pulling himself together, wordlessly dressing. He reached out to stop the boy when he realized his hand was already beginning to show the signs of aging, wrinkles sucking his skin together. He pulled back, realizing Itachi's blood and chakra wasn't enough. He needed to take Sasuke as quickly as he could. Even if he could get a few drops of the boy's blood, it could work. He had to keep himself young while he search, otherwise…. "Yes, we leave in the morning. Now, leave us. I am not quite finished with the boy yet."

"As you wish, my lord."

Itachi felt his back tense, not daring to look up at Madara. He could already feel those dark red eyes boring into him again. It was going to be a long time before the night begot the day.

...

Sasuke woke with a start when he heard the screen to his room close. He turned towards the door and saw Naruto, looking completely exhausted. The Uchiha sat up from his futon, rubbing his eyes. "Naruto, what is it?"

"Do not fret, Sasuke. It is nothing." Naruto muttered walking over to one of the cubbies of the room, pulling out a different futon to sleep on.

"You're sleeping in here?"

"Tsunade has demanded that at least one priest needs to be near you at all times." Naruto placed everything next to Sasuke, throwing himself on top. "I thought you'd mind the least if it was me. You know me better than anyone else here."

Sasuke nodded, his eyes full of sleep. He rolled over so that he was facing away from the door. He closed his eyes but startled again hearing the full force of Naruto's snores next to him. He should have known this idiot was going to snore just as bad as his. Sasuke took a deep breath, settling himself deeper under his blanket.

It reminded him of home. Being in his room with Naruto sleeping on the floor, his snores loud enough for Itachi to complain the next morning while Sasuke was perfectly able to drown them out. His heart clenched in his chest. Thinking about home only made him feel sick; there was a very real possibility he wouldn't get back.

The Uchiha rolled onto his back, looking at the ceiling. He didn't know how long it would take for him and Naruto to get ready for their adventure. But the longer he stayed in this village, the higher the risk became. He sat up, sighing. He knew he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep.

Sasuke walked out of the room, shutting it quietly behind him. He sat down on the wooden porch, staring up at the night sky. The moon was almost fully waxed; it would probably be full in about two days.

The night air was cool, making Sasuke shiver slightly as he continued to stare up at the stars. It was clear, the night sky shining brilliantly as every star seemingly shone individually. It was beautiful. He heard some distant chanting in the air, but he paid it no mind. Even with those ancient words gracing the air, it was dishearteningly quiet. Sasuke shut his eyes, soaking up the atmosphere, hoping it would calm his racing mind and help him eventually get back to sleep.

Suddenly, a painful spark shot through his chest. He gripped the scar above his heart, gnashing his teeth as waves of agony ricocheted through his back. Sasuke closed his eyes, leaning over, panting and gritting his teeth.

"Sasuke?" The Uchiha turned his head seeing Tsunade approach him. She wore a concerned look as she leaned over him, putting her hand over his hand. "Are you alright, child? What is the matter?"

"I…" Sasuke moaned, the pain feeling like it was burning up his entire body. "Ts-Tsunade, please…"

Her hand pulled away Sasuke's own, glowing green against his pale chest. Her face seemed relaxed but her eyes revealed a deep set worry. Sasuke, slowly, started breathing normally. The pain receded and Sasuke looked into the caramel eyes staring back at him. He frowned, looking at the ground. "Sasuke, does this occur frequently?"

Sasuke shook his head. "No, this is the first time. Forgive me if I worried you."

She sighed. "No matter." She sat down next to the Uchiha, looking up at the sky. "Do you really wish to leave this place so soon?"

Sasuke straightened his shoulders. "It is not that I am ungrateful of your kindness, Tsunade. It is just that I wish to have more answers to my situation."

Tsunade sent Sasuke a look, shaking her head. "Understandably, Sasuke, I know it is your wish to go home. But I do not think it is the best option for you to show your face outside this village for some time. We do not know how long Madara will be roaming the Earth in search of you."

Sasuke shivered hearing Madara's name. The all too familiar desire flooding back into him. It didn't matter where he was or what he was doing, any mention or fleeting thought of Madara rolled him in urges he could never speak out loud. Frankly, Sasuke found it more annoying than anything else. He breathed through his nose. "It doesn't matter where I am or where I go, he will hunt for me. I need to keep moving to keep you and the village safe."

Tsunade's hand shot out so fast, Sasuke had no time to react. She pulled him in closer, so they were eye to eye. "Never speak those words to me again, Sasuke. The people of Konoha protect their own and since you're here, inside the walls of this shrine, that means you're part of this village. We will defend you to the death."

Sasuke nodded his head. He wanted to smile and thank Tsunade for treating him more than an outsider, but a part of him wished she didn't say that to him. It would only make him feel worse when Madara finally came.
-

Sasuke panted harshly as he lifted the blade in his hand, swinging at the immobile lump of old clothes and hay. It was a training tool for the priests, one that he was fully utilizing. It was nearly unbearable in the heat, but the Uchiha grit his teeth and pushed through it. He needed to get strong, actually able to wield a real blade in combat. Fencing had come in handy for this training, but the weight of the blade was far more than he was used to. A foil was thin and barely weighted anything in comparison to the behemoth of a blade he now held. It messed with his balance when he swung, not that he let it show. Naruto had straightened his posture more than once, much to Sasuke chagrin. He closed his eyes, letting the beads of sweat mist and accumulate on his forehead before he lunged forward swinging and parrying backwards, trying to get a grip on how to handle the weight in both defense and offense combat. If he went into any situation blind about either technique, he'd lose more than just a few points for a messy strike.

"I should think that is enough for one day." Naruto commented, looking down at the Uchiha from the roof. The blond had jumped away from the Uchiha after a few well-worded threats about his safety. Sasuke frowned, letting the blade drop from his hands. He was drenched in a heavy layer of sweat, breaths coming out in short puffs. Naruto relinquished his position and joined Sasuke on the ground, smiling as he patted him on the back. "As I suspected, you are quite good at sword play."

Sasuke clicked his teeth in response, wandering over to a bucket of water placed by the training area. He splashed and refreshed himself quickly, letting the droplets sink down his skin and around his neck. He looked at the obnoxious priest as he grabbed the blade Sasuke had left on the ground. Naruto held it out, in both hands. "One of your mistakes is that you think of this blade as a burden, because, unlike that other…what did you call it?"

"A foil." Sasuke replied in a snappy tone, unhappy he was being lectured about the faults in his technique. Rome wasn't built in a day, not that he could use that expression on Naruto. He would just stare at him in silence as his brain tried to figure out just what 'Rome' was supposed to be. Sasuke shook his head.

"Right," Naruto smiled, tightening and adjusting his grip slightly. "You're more used to the foil being in one hand and are thrown off by the weight, am I wrong?"

"Just get to the point."

"Hold it with two hands." Naruto rolled his eyes. "You try to hold it with one when you strike, but with blades this long, you should consider the need for support and the strength, as well. A steady two handed strike will be far more powerful."

"Yeah, yeah I get it." Naruto let out a sigh. Sasuke pushed his hair out of his face, looking up into the bright sun of the afternoon. It was completely clear and bright blue, the clouds burned off some time in the morning light. "We need to start preparing more."

Naruto nodded his head, moving to stand next to the Uchiha. "We should have more than enough time to get a few things together before we leave. The slower we move towards this goal, the less they will suspect our leaving. For now, Tsunade believes that we are under her yoke. We should try to keep it that way."

Sasuke ran a hand through his hair, noting how wet it was. He would need to bathe today. He wished he could have kept his duffle bag; it had all of his shower supplies and an extra pair of clothes in it. But knowing the damn dobe had probably burned believing it was some kind of witchcraft, he'd never see those things again. Sasuke turned towards the blond, scowling with renewed annoyance. "What is it?"

"Oh, nothing, just reminding myself that you were the one to lose my bag in the woods when we first met."

Naruto looked at Sasuke puzzled before his eyes widened in realization. "AH! Your sack!"

"It's not a sack, it's a duffle bag."

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Does that really matter?" Sasuke crossed his arms over his chest, making a motion for the blond to continue. "Well, uh, the duffle bag is here." Sasuke's eye had never narrowed so quickly on a target before.

"And you didn't bother to tell me, why?"

"I, uh…Forgot." Naruto was smiling that familiar sheepish yet wide grin Sasuke had become accustomed to with his idiot; and his Naruto used that smile a lot because he did stupid things constantly and got busted for them.

Sasuke grabbed the sword from Naruto's hands, staring down at the blade. "Ah, I think I may be ready to practice on a living target."

"Sasuke, please. I'm sorry!" Naruto backed up slowly, catching the shimmer of mischief in the Uchiha's eyes. "AH!"

...

"Here." Naruto threw down Sasuke's duffle at his feet and the Uchiha began to immediately rummage through it, happy to find nothing was missing. He removed his towel and began to dress in the spare clothes he found. Naruto's face flushed, feeling suddenly embarrassed to see Sasuke's lack of modesty. But the feeling was short lived when he continued to stare at the Uchiha…Strange attire. It reminded him of their first meeting. He rubbed the back of his neck, laughing slightly to himself.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing. It is just that this reminds me of our first meeting. With the bizarre attire and everything."

"Hn," Sasuke straightened out his v-neck, reaching down into his duffle again to retrieve a bottle of cologne. He frowned as he held the bottle in his hands. "Uh, dammit Naruto."

"What? What did I do now?"

"No, not you..." Sasuke paused. It was difficult dealing with reincarnations of the same name. Sasuke seriously wondered if there was a version of himself running around that he hadn't met yet, but apparently anything was possible in this time. "I meant my Naruto."

The blond huffed a little. "You are quite possessive of a man you claim to just be a friend."

Sasuke felt a hot flush but then buried it with his cool Uchiha demeanor. "How else am I supposed to call him? His name is yours too; think about how confusing this is for me."

"So, what exactly did he do?"

Sasuke showed the blond the bottle and he just stared at it blankly. Realization donned on Sasuke and he shoved the bottle back in his bag. "The idiot switched our cologne, again. The orange bottle is a dead-giveaway. He doesn't smell good in Versace, that dumb asshole."

Naruto stared at Sasuke, silence building up between them. "You've said many things in this moment that I cannot begin to comprehend."

"I can show you."

Sasuke reached down and grabbed the obnoxious bottle and sprayed it, "Ah, Sasuke, stop that at on-", the blond priest, who tried to pull back but suddenly stopped. He smelled himself and his eyes went wide with amazement. "This…I smell incredible."

"Yeah, I know. I picked it out for him."

"Wait, I know this scent." Naruto leaned so that he was smelling close to the bottle. "This is the unexplained scent you carried around with you upon our first meeting."

"So you really were smelling yourself! I told you I wasn't demonic."

Naruto huffed indignantly. "Forgive me, but a scent this alluring has to have some proponent of dark magic." Sasuke shook his head zipping shut his bag. "Well, you must really treasure him if you mark him with a certain scent."

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "There you go again with strange comments like that." The Uchiha smirked at the blond, "Are you jealous?"

Sputtering, Naruto took a step back, his cheek flushing slightly as he avoided eye contact with the Uchiha. "As though I could be jealous of a man who you proclaim to be a fool."

"Yes, a fool who is almost exactly like you."

"Are you calling me a fucking fool?"

Stunned by the sudden comment, a lull fell between them. The Uchiha stared, befuddled and incredibly amused by the blond's outburst. Sasuke started laughing, conflicting pictures of his Naruto and this one colliding in this moment. "Naruto, did you just use that word because of earlier?"

"Perhaps, I felt like it may have been appropriate for this situation. It is for burst of outrage, correct? You did slip quite ungracefully."

"Yeah, yeah."

"Why are you laughing?"

Sasuke shook his head. "You're usually so proper, hearing you swear is very surreal. It's like I'm home."

"If you wish for me to swear more, as you say, I can do so." Naruto's grin was wide.

Sasuke smiled gently. And Naruto felt a leap in his heartbeat, seeing such a warm expression on the Uchiha's usually controlled face. He knew that those kinds of gestures and softness was probably saved for his future counterpart, but seeing one given to him was nearly euphoric. "Whatever, dork, let's go get supplies before Tsunade realizes we're gone."

Naruto nodded, smiling too. They headed towards the door and the blond hopped out into the courtyard, feet grinding into the dirt. "Sasuke, what is a 'dork'?"

The Uchiha stifled a laugh.

...

"Perhaps it is a good thing we have this sack." Naruto commented as he stuffed the bought supplies into the duffle bag. Sasuke had revealed to him the wonders of the zipper and he felt very intelligent having mastered such a simplistic future construct in a matter of seconds. He zipped the duffle bag back up before shoving it into the back of a cubby.

Sasuke rolled towards him, already inside of his futon. "I told you it isn't a sack."

"It works like a sack."

The Uchiha rolled his eyes, staring up at the ceiling. "How much more do you think we'll need?"

Naruto stoked the dying fire in the middle of the room, shrugging. "It honestly depends. I don't know how long it will take us to get to the snake sanctuary and then back. It shouldn't be more than a three day journey on foot there, so at most another three back…" Naruto paused, reaching up and stretching his back. Sasuke could hear the faint popping of his spine. "But we also need to have correct medicinal supplies as well. My healing powers are…A bit lacking, as it were, so we need take something of Tsunade's in the days that follow."

Sasuke nodded, sitting up. His body was aching and he was trying to fight sleep off for a little longer. He wanted to have a plan laid out so there were no surprises ahead of them. "We may also need a map."

Naruto shook his head. "As long as you have me, I know how to get there. I've been there before and know the way."

He looked over at the blond, watching the shadows and warm light dance across his face as he sat infront of the fire. If he wasn't wearing the clothes, it would be his Naruto sitting there, poking the fire. But instead it was someone else with the same voice and face, and the same eyes that bore into Sasuke's with the same intensity.

"Do you really want to come with me?"

Naruto turned his face away from the fire, bathing half his face purely in shadows. "Are you worried about something?"

"I don't want you to make a mistake because of me."

The blond chuckled softly, smiling gently. "I do not believe helping you is a mistake, Sasuke. I understand well what you want and I am a priest, which means it is my job to help those who need it. And if I'm not mistaken, you are in desperate need of help."

"Madara hasn't made a move yet." Sasuke said in a quiet voice. "And last night…"

"What about last night? Did something happen?" Unconsciously, Sasuke gripped the area over his chest, recalling the sharp pain that had rocked his body. "Sasuke…Are you feeling well?"

Sasuke nodded slowly. "I am well, thanks." Naruto stood up, closing the distance between them in a matter of moments. The Uchiha looked up into the blond's face as he slowly sunk down next to him. He grabbed Sasuke's hand tightly, looking Sasuke straight in eyes. "Naruto?"

"Sasuke, believe me when I say that I will give my life to protect you. I know we've only known each other for a short time but I feel…Connected to you. I do not know if it is because our souls recognize each other, even in this time, but I want to help you. If that means I have to walk with you to the ends of the Earth, so be it."

Their fingers interlocked and the Uchiha felt his hand shake with a sudden, unnamed emotion. Staring into Naruto's bright cobalt eyes, he felt safe, he felt the closest to home he had been in days. Sasuke chuckled, finally breaking eye contact. "What a different attitude you're sporting. The other day you seemed as though you couldn't protect me at all."

Naruto smiled. "You believe in me and if you believe in me, I also have to." The blond stood up and set up his futon. "Now, we have a long day tomorrow with training and planning our escape. Go to sleep, Sasuke. I'll see you in the morning."

Sasuke nodded, muttering his goodnights under his breath. He laid down, facing towards the blond who seemed to pass out as soon as his head hit the pillow. Earlier that snoring had kept his from sleeping, but now, it was just enough noise to lull the Uchiha to sleep.

...

Madara is coming for that ass, Sasuke. Ya better RUN!

Sasuke: Well, I can't right now because SOMEONE, won't let me.
Me: It wouldn't be entertaining if you leave right away.
Sasuke:...Then how do you expect me to run?
Me: Oh, you'll see. I'm cooking something up.
Naruto: is it ramen?
Me: And a grilled cheese.
Naruto: Bless you. Until next time, this was Hitoko-sama