Power and Possession

by sabakuXnoXsalem

'Sei Ryoku to Ryoudo' That was Madaras answer when asked what he lived for. If people count as possessions, Itachi could agree. So could Sasuke. How will Naruto protect his friends from the Uchiha spell without being caught in it himself? What secrets will come out? Yaoi,Demon/VampyThemed,dirty rotten tricks &a dash of deception. ItaMada, MadaIta, SasuNaru, Nejigaa, fullsumm inside

9. Our Own Affections

Hey there, Sorry update took so long(for me at least). I have been away from the computer, but I think I have a whole week of doing nothing, so I'll probably update 'Escaping a Dead End' soon. I usually don't unless I've been utterly inspired, but I have this notion that I'll just feel like it within the next week.

Okay, I'm lying... but hey, no one reviews that anyways!

This chapter will probably be weird and perhaps fluffy at some points? I'm listening to 'Light lights up Light' and frankly, it's a sad piano song. It's mellow...

ANYWAYS.

Chapter Eight 'Recap': They make it to the school and they're signing in under aliases just in case, you know? Sasuke wonders off to meet his friends, they fanboy/girl over the Uchiha survivors, Madara and Itachi fight, which ends up as a 'Can you feel my dick through my pants?' kind of thing, then it starts driving Madara into a different kind of lust and they fight. Then they have a heart to heart, then they go to bed. Oh yeah, and Naruto's flippin' shit. :D

Chapter Nine~: Our Own Affections

Sasuke PoV

We finally got out of that damn office.

I thought I was going to kill that idiotic woman, 'April-san'. She kept blabbering on about how 'Shisui' got moved into the B dorms a few floors below her.

I don't fucking care.

And I loved how Itachi just decided to switch his surname to 'Karasu'. Oh, let's just make up funny names for everybody, that's cool too, not like we're all S-class criminals currently on the run.

Frankly, I want nothing to do with the last name 'Crow', but apparently, Itachi doesn't think he's spooky enough. His name in English sounded like and Indian cowboy's name. I imagine Madara came up with it, though, judging by what I've seen of his odd sense of humor.

Luckily, Itachi registered all of us under different surnames, making it seem as though none of us are related by name, so I wasn't stuck with Karasu.

Unluckily, my registeredsurname is Hebi. My stay with Orochimaru was being thoroughly mocked, and I could almost imagine Madara and my brother snickering behind their hands as they wrote down all of the false information.

Fuck you Itachi.

The fact that he switched his first name to Shisui is a bit weird, though. It would make sense if we were wandering around a Hidden village, but this was L.A., California. Who's going to know about Uchiha Itachi?

Well, I suppose if the Akatsuki is here then other allegiances would be here as well, and not many outside of the clan knew about Shisui, so it should be a good alias. I'm sure any ANBU would piss their pants if they got word of 'Uchiha Itachi' teaching at a school full of demon and human teenagers.

So 'Karasu Shisui' is a fine name for a teacher.

But if any one of us was trying to make this into a joke, it was Madara, who chose the surname 'Kurosawa'. Black swamp.

Oh yes, very funny.

The fact that we all had different surnames seemed kind of stupid to me considering how similar we all look to each other, but I suppose it is mostly to deter being tracked by anyone from the hidden world rather than to deceive teachers and students into believing we had no affiliation to one another. After all, we had checked in together.

Fortunately, I hadn't had to make up a given name, as 'Sasuke' was common in Japan and I wasn't quite as infamous as my relatives since 'The only Uchiha survivor' was swept under the rug in most Hidden Villages, and young demons of my generation had not been old enough to be in the loop around the time of the Uchiha massacre..

I was stilla bit disappointed that I had yet to make a name for myself like my relatives had...

"Sasuke! What're you thinking about, man?" I'm jarred out of my depressive musings by Suigetsu and his obnoxious voice.

I scowl, "I'm thinking about how much I regret making you tag along." He only shakes his head.

"Psht, You would go crazy without me here to bug you, Sasu-kins."

Karin smacks him, "Don't call Sasuke that!" Thank you, Karin.

Then I hear Juugo, "Sasuke, isn't that Itachi's sensei?" All three of us look up to find Madara walking straight at us.

When I see him closer up, I notice the evidence of a hand-to-hand fight, and when I see the angry scowl, I can only assume that Itachi has pissed him off yet again. He continues to walk toward us, licking blood from his lips and teeth in a tired way.

Karin speaks, slightly worried, "What do we do?"

What the hell else? Does she expect us to hide when he's about thirty feet away?

I'm almost tempted to say "Act natural!" or "Quick! Scatter!" in a hushed tone to make fun of her. Instead, I make a show of walking toward him as we all had been, and they reluctantly follow. I expect him to act like I don't exist, but he stops and speaks to us, making my company go stiff.

"Sasuke," He looks at me with angry eyes, one swollen a bit from what I imagine to be a deadly punch to the temple, courtesy of Itachi. "Your brother has your papers in his possession, 117 Dorms B." He pauses and eyes Karin before he walks past us, not even waiting for my reply.

I shake my head and sigh as I hear the red-headed female free the breath she had been holding.

"Damn, he looks like shit. He must have made Itachi pretty mad." Suigetsu says in a carefree tone.

I raise an eyebrow, almost laughing internally. It was probably true, but I've heard plenty of stories from Madara about their battles, and I'm sure Itachi is worse off.

"Holy shit!" Karin whispers harshly.

Ah, speak of the devil.

I look back up and watch as Itachi snakes around, looking for Madara. He spots us and comes our way, making my group tense up even more.

It's funny how they were more freaked out about Itachi than Madara, but I'm sure it's because they were unaware that they had been in said ancient demon's presence. As they say, ignorance is bliss.

I realize now why Karin had seemed so surprised in her exclamation, though. Itachi really was worse off, by quite a bit. His normally tame hair was all over the place, his mouth, as well as the many scratches on his body, was bloody and there was a nasty bruise forming on the left side of his jaw.

And that was just the parts we could see.

I had never seen Itachi fight hand-to-hand, and I had certainly never seen him fight someone better than him. This was worst than when he fought Madara at the Uchiha manor.

Watching Itachi walk up and speak to us was like an instant replay of what Madara had done. It was obvious that the latter had rubbed off on the former, also proving that they spent a large quantity of time together while Itachi was growing up.

I inwardly shake my head to tune back into reality as Itachi stops in front of me.

"Sasuke," He even spoke like Madara sometimes, "Have you seen Kurama?" I raise my eyebrow, looking him up and down. It seemed to me as if he had got enough of his ass kicked, and with Madara's attitude, starting another fight would probably leave craters in Itachi as well as the Campus.

Itachi seemed to have read my face, scowling. "Which way did he go?" I sigh, pointing my thumb behind me, and instead of walking around us, he decides to walk through us, bumping into those in his way, making Karin squeak.

Asshole.

When he's out of earshot, Suigetsu laughs. "Daaaaamn, I would have killed to see that fight!"

"You would kill on a whim."

"Shut the fuck up, Karin, it's an expression."

I ignore them and continue walking down the cement path towards the dorms. Itachi probably left my papers in his dorm in favor of chasing his sensei.

My group follows as I waltz into Dorms B, only to be intercepted by a hall moniter.

"Excuse me, sir, this is the faculty level, and I'm going to have to see your papers, because you don't look like a teacher to me." Are you fucking kidding me?

"This is the first of four floors. You see, my friend here," I point to Suigetsu, who is actually staying in Dorms D. "-is staying in the student floor of Dorms B on the second floor. I'm not sure if you realize this, but to get to the second floor, we have to get passed the first floor."

I'm sure I've succeeded in making him feel retarded when his face reddens and his cheeks puff out in a childish way. "Then... Then I need his papers!" He didn't want to do this the easy way.

"Of course sir, right here..." I say, activating Sharingan.

Suigetsu and Karina laugh while Juugo and I share a smirk as we walk down the teacher's hall, leaving the monitor stunned and frozen in place.

And Itachi thought I was fit for the human world.

Honestly, the hidden world was so much simpler, just because of the fact that humans made things difficult for no reason, while people of demon or immortal lineage kept it simple. Humans liked complicated rules and steps, making everything a slow, painstaking process. Why can't they just function like demons?

I get my answer as I open the door to suite 117.

If humans were like demons, this whole world would be blown to shit.

We all glance around the living area, catching spots of blood, torn parts of someone's shirt, and claw-marks on the floor.

I sigh and walk to the bed, where the papers are scattered all over and the mattress lay slightly lopsided, completely destroyed.

It takes about a full two minutes before I can actually find the papers that are mine.

"Its seems I am also in dorms B. Juugo, go get your room switched to room 239, you will be my room mate."

Juugo nods before backing out of the room, leaving.

Suigetsu huffs, "Oh, okay, let's just leave Suigetsu with some random human while everyone else sticks together. No big deal." Karin growls at him.

"Whatever Suigetsu, I have to stay in an entirely different dormitory! I'm not even in Dorms B! At least you're on the same floor as Sasuke and Juugo!"

Suigetsu gapes, "Karin, you're in the fucking C dorms for electives and shit. That's like, the best place to be. Your 'dorm room' is basically a fucking house." Karin scoffs.

"Yeah, but I have three other room-mates while you guys have one! It will be just as cramped!"

I growl as their argument grows in volume.

"Shut the fuck up." Ah, sweet silence.

They continue to glare at each other before Suigetsu laughs.

"Ha, Karin, you're stepping in Uchiha blood."

She jumps up, shreiking and pulling her shoe off.

"Aw, man! Seriously?" Suigetsu only laughs louder.

"Damn, Uchihas are fucking crazy."

I glare, already tired of both of them. They're just so damn loud. I look at the room, taking in the damage. It didn't look like Itachi's room had at all. There was no severe destruction, and the way the blood was in puddles suggested that it did not come from a moving target, but rather a still one, as if the owner of the blood simply let himself get wounded.

It seemed as if this battle hadn't gone as planned.

"Let's go."

We all walk out, but as I close the door, I look around the room one last time with narrowed eyes.

Something isn't right around here.

I'm gonna find out what it is.

Madara

Shit.

What the hell was that?

I shake my head, leaning against the side of a building to sort my thoughts away from prying eyes, away from Itachi. I couldn't stay in that room when I could feel him just outside the door.

It seems that this bond is pushing us together.

No, it couldn't be the bond entirely, but something was different.

It had been one of our regular meaningless scuffles, scrapes and bruises here, a broken knuckle or two there, little things. Everything had been fine, but then, I felt his tongue run up my neck, and Kami it was good.

Everything would've been fine and under control, but then the little bastard had to pull my hair...

And that was the point of no return.

Damn him.

I almost felt like he had planned the whole thing, starting the fight to get my blood pumping, but there was no way that Itachi could have known how to excite me. Frankly, I hadn't even known it would excite me, because fighting with Itachi had never deviated from hand-to-hand combat.

I suppose it could be because he was still a child when I got my body back, and by the time he was an adolescent, it had already long been taken away again. Besides, as an adolescent, Itachi had clan assassination and protecting Sasuke in mind, not hormones.

Now that Itachi was an adult, the bond would scream to be finalized.

It was a scary thought for some reason.

Naturally, I was more sensitive to the bond mark, because it appealed to both my Uchiha blood and my secret blood. I was also very inbred, my mother and father being sibling, so my blood is much more pure than his. This made me even more vulnerable to the effects of the bond.

But I could also control it better.

My mind flashes back to Itachi when he started to bite. I sure hadn't controlled it then...

The fact that Itachi had tasted my blood probably fueled the fire... But that didn't stop me from suddenly wanting to taste him back.

Itachi was already feeling it, then; the desire to taste, to hurt, to please.

I'd be lying if I said that I weren't. At least I saw it coming, I could only imagine Itachi's surprise at the sudden lust for blood. I myself am somewhat amazed at how intense the feeling is, to fully brand Itachi as mine, to have him brand me. It excited me to the core to think of Itachi pulling my head back and sinking his teeth in, right as he impaled me with his-.

I shiver, blocking thoughts out.

That couldn't happen. Itachi couldn't have the vulnerabilities that the bond brought on. Or the vulnerabilities that my blood brought, either, because as soon as it happened, Itachi would be like me, always craving, needing.

With his acquaintances using Senju seals, Itachi would be that much weaker. I'm not entirely aware of what this 'Akatsuki' is, but it sounded pretty serious and I didn't want any weakness in my charge if he was in such a risky situation.

And if we were bonded, I wouldn't be able to live through his death...

Perhaps that was what got me, the fact that we would be linked so entirely. Itachi would know of all of my scars and Kami knows that Itachi is covered in scars of his own. Finalizing the bond would only bring us more pain...

I couldn't give the boy my pain. Just the thought of him catching a glimpse of it this morning frightened me. This thought only distresses me more. I'm suddenly back to fretting over whether or not he had seen my nightmare. The betrayed feeling I got when I thought of the fact that he could have been responsible for the change, it made my chest feel heavy, unsure.

Sinking into a shallow sorrow, I almost miss the approach of his presence behind me. My body tenses, and I realize that after the incident at that Deidara's house, I don't trust Itachi quite as much.

I force myself to keep my back to him as he nears, not wanting to show my discomfort, but I almost turn despite myself when he just stands there, silent.

He hesitates, something strange for him, awkward sexual tension or not. I turn, finally, wanting to see his face, but I regret it immediately. Itachi stood foot away, face pointed toward the ground, waiting to be addressed.

I speak first, "Since when do you not follow orders, boy?" I smirk when he scowls, relaxing slightly at the bit of normalcy.

He doesn't meet my eyes. "Madara-sama..." I feel pulled to him, feeling the need to be closer, but I resist, putting up my front. "You didn't answer my question, boy."

Itachi suddenly lifts his head to glare, "You are not in charge of my actions, Madara." I feel my own glare at the lack of respect, but he continues before I can react. "I'm not a child..." Itachi looks down again, but this time I can't resist and I step closer.

"You seem to have grown quite rebellious in my absence, boy. First this morning, and now this?" I see him wince, but my bitterness has yet to evaporate.

Itachi sighs and lifts his head, jumping slightly at the lack of distance between us. I would have moved, but it felt good to be so close to him, so I remained still as he spoke, his breath fanning over my face and his eyes darting about my features. "About this morning... I'm sorry-" He pauses at the narrowing of my eyes, but continues, rambling slightly, "I knew you hadn't slept and you looked ill, so I put you under a sleep genjutsu... I didn't think that- I didn't intend-." But I stop him.

"You didn't use Tsukuyomi." It was more of a statement to my self, but Itachi's lips parted in surprise, his eyes proving his innocence. "No. No, I didn't. I noticed you were having a nightmare and I instinctively went to-, the bond, but..." He struggled a bit, never one for long sentences when talking about personal matters so I lift my hand to silence him, understanding what had happened.

So he hadn't seen, it had been an accident... I felt the tenseness leave my body, relief flowing through the now-relaxed muscles as I sigh.

"And about earlier, when I..." Itachi's eyes meet mine, searching, "Sensei, I'm... Sorr-"

"Stop saying that, boy, it shows weakness." He narrowed his eyes at me.

"It is not weakness, it is regret, and I have plenty. I should not have tried to dabble in something I had little experience with and I am sorry it brought you pain." I glare harder and his eyebrows furrow.

"The clan is gone, I don't understand why you insist upon living by old ways." I step forward, making him back away slightly.

"I am old ways, boy! I've lived through centuries upon centuries of those ways, this very bond is 'old ways'. You contradict yourself, boy!" I feel my breath come out in angry huffs, but it doesn't stop Itachi.

"What are you talking about?"

I almost throw my hands up in frustration, "You go on about how you are no longer a child, how I'm not superior to you, yet come with apologies about being on equal footing with me in battle, like you are below me." I grab his chin when he looks away, forcing his gaze to meet mine.

"If anyone is lost in old ways, it is you, Itachi. You are far too used to putting someone's comfort in place of yours. Do what you want to do, boy, not what that Konoha wants, not with just Sasuke in mind." I spit the village's name like poison, and he looks ready to argue but my voice over-rides his.

"In this bond, you are my equal. I want your respect, but only as such equal. I do not want your blind worship." I stroke his chin with my thumb, then his bottom lip. "If you are unsure, I am unsure. That's how this works, boy. We are connected. Do you understand?" Itachi's breath comes out shaky as he slowly nods.

We stay like that for awhile, staring at each other. I suppose I should have had this talk with him long ago, but at the time, sweet revenge had been top priority, and he seemed too young to know all of that.

My eyes widened ever so slightly when I felt Itachi's fingers run up my arm. I give him a questioning glance, my eyebrow quirked a bit.

He meets my gaze evenly, "I wanted to touch you, so I did." And I smirk, glad that he took my words to heart.

I'm about to commend him, but he suddenly leans forward, not stopping until he's a mere centimeter away from my lips, our noses brushing.

In all honesty, any sexual escapades I'd had before Itachi's time had been extremely impersonal and usually angry, so something as intimately pleasant as a kiss had never even crossed my mind. It would change things. It would bring the tender feelings I had for Itachi to the surface.

And in that moment, I panicked.

This wasn't lust. This wasn't even the bond. I knew there was a certain fondness that I had always had for the boy, but it was always forced down, not thought on. This closeness, it brought feelings that I thought had died with my brother.

But these feelings were different, and this was Itachi. As I gaze into his calculating eyes I feel my throat constrict. He knows that this is not of the bond, he knew before I did.

My muscles tensed once more and he felt it. I couldn't blame this on the mark, on an influence. He began to back away but it was too slow for me, and I jerked backwards to get distance.

Stupid child.

I didn't want Itachi to become this, to become my heart.

I look up to see Itachi glaring at the ground. In some ways, I felt that he would forever be the little boy who gripped my hand as we walked through the forest, the little boy who cried silently.

But he gripped only my hand, never reaching for anyone elses, so did that make this okay?

I call to him, "Itachi," and he lifts his head. "Follow..." And I turn my back, walking toward our stay.

This can't happen, right? I can't let the boy hold my very heart in his hand. Foolish brat...

I wait to hear his footsteps behind me in three... two...

Ah, good boy.

I can feel my self glaring at nothing, but I couldn't help it. Perhaps I was glaring at the situation itself?

No matter.

Fuck what I said. If this is what he wanted then he was going to have to fight me for it.

Itachi

Sensei was confusing the shit out of me.

Oh, Do what you want.

Bull shit.

I had been looking after everyone else's ass my entire life. Sasuke. Konoha. Madara. The Uchiha.

Never mine.

Then, as soon as I go for it, Sensei freaks out. So, Do what I want, but not if it involves you?

What the hell.

I was so close too...

That's okay, though. It didn't feel right, too quiet, too sentimental to be our kiss. As a young child, sweet things were something I dreamed about. I remember once wishing that I could cry on que, just so Madara-sensei could float over to me and run a gloved hand through my hair.

Comfort. I suppose I craved comfort, then, but I'm far too old, now.

If I truly want Madara enough, then there will be other opportunities, other kisses that belonged to us, not to sappy character's from a human's romance novel.

I watch as his hips sway as he saunters confidently through the campus, no longer full of students like it had been.

If he didn't really mean what he said, then why did he say it?

We are equals...

If we are equals, then why can't we-... Gah!

Sensei is the only fucking person that could confuse me of all people. It was like playing a strategy game with only half the pieces. It felt like he knew things I didn't, and it drove me insane. His words hint at something else, and he wants me to guess, but he won't come out with it.

What does he mean? I feel like his words went deeper, as if he were speaking in code. I couldn't take them for face value. I want to dig into his mind for real, lock us in a Sharingan connection so I could sense every feeling that much more, so I could see how his beautiful mind works. I wanted to seal our bond, to take him to bed and make everything complete.

This is why I never brought Sensei back. I suppose part of me secretly knew that this would happen to me, that I would want all of him. I had feared that Madara would take over my mind, body and soul.

He had.

When we reach our suite, we begin cleaning in silence, Madara transporting the remnants of my bed to my bedroom and throwing out the chair that had been crushed by one of us after a body-slam.

That's okay. We only needed three.

Speaking of that, "Sensei, where is Sasuke?" I ignore the way he tenses at the sound of my voice.

"He already has all of his registration papers. I'm sure he is in his own dorm." I looked to the ground. That worried me...

We hadn't actually gone over this, truly.

I wish I had sat him down, talked to him and had a real conversation with him like I'd planned. I wanted us to be brothers, I wanted him to talk to me and follow me around like he had as a little kid.

It was a little late for that, but I still wanted to be his older brother.

"There is plenty of time for that, boy." I glance up, seeing Madara smirking at me. I wonder briefly if I had spoken aloud, but scratch the idea. Sensei probably just read my face.

He seemed proud of himself for it too, if his teasing grin was anything to go by. Cheeky bastard.

I silently made my way behind him, bringing us nose to nose when he turned around. His eyes dart from my mouth to my eyes, his own eyes terribly wide. Well-well, Sensei, you can't seem to make up your mind.

I smirk, then give a chuckle, literally laughing in his face.

Madara was full of complete bullshit. He may act like he had it all together, but I could now see that he was falling apart as fast as I was right now.

I make my way to the bedroom doors, contemplating my next move, then turning to Sensei before walking into his room.

Hmm, we need linens. Damn, I hate shopping...

I can feel Madara watching me stare at the bare mattress and I'm almost tempted to dance provocatively in the doorway, just to see what he would do. I had never really done such a thing, but if it drove Sensei mad then I was just fine with the awkwardness.

I smirk at my thoughts, inwardly shaking my head at myself before laying on the new mattress, pining for a nice and plush comforter.

Madara raised an angry eyebrow, "That's my bed your crawling into, boy."

I remove my shirt and pants, wiggling out of the uncomfortable clothing as best I could while laying down, leaving my self in boxers as I look up to meet his gaze. "And it was my money that bought it, as well as my bed that we literally destroyed. I'm glad we've stated the obvious." And I have to suppress my smirk as I watch his eye twitch with the effort it took for him to refrain from looking up and down my exposed body.

He wants it.

So he will push me away, but stare longingly from afar as if I hadn't just offered myself up on a silver platter? I inwardly scoff, what's wrong with him?

If Sensei wanted to play hard to get, then he better prepare himself, because he had no what he was getting into.

I close my eyes, wanting to sleep so I could start my 'Do what I want' project first thing in the morning.

You can guess at what I want. I want Madara. I have always wanted Madara.

I fall asleep with a smirk on my face, vaguely remembering Sensei crawling in bed much later.

Hn.

Let the games begin.

Naruto

Gaara, Sakura and I walk several feet ahead of the rest of the ANBU, all of us silent and somber.

Neji and Hinata look down, sensing the the dark, depressive aura around us. Kiba tries to lighten the mood, telling Tenten and Lee a funny story about something Shino had done, but I knew the Inuzuka smelled my tears.

My tears for Gaara...

The lot of us had been on guard, called down to the 'Silent forest' to check up on something. It had been freaking everyone out, that part of the forest having been forbidden for years. I remember Kiba rambling out possibilities as to why it was called 'The Silent Forest', Neji glaring at him, knowing the actual answer because of his lineage connections.

I was beginning to panic, recognizing this part of the forest, coming to realize that I might know why as well. At the time I had been glad to hear Sandaime's voice crackle over my headset, ordering us to transport to Suna.

Now, I regret the very feeling.

I would have faced the creepy demon-pond ten times if it meant I could have saved Gaara this heart-ache.

When we made it to Gaara's ex-village, the place was unrecognizable.

Apparently, that Orochimaru bastard was throwing a snake fit, deciding to do some damage to any nearby villages. According to local ANBU, his apprentice had fled, and he hadn't been all that happy about it.

Temari had been in the human world, while Kankurou had been in Suna, visiting their father, the subject of his and Gaara's last argument. He had been badly injured and was in critical condition.

Gaara's father, the leader of his ex-village, had been murdered.

Gaara didn't know what to think.

He remained silent, ignoring the stares Sakura and I were giving him. I know he could feel them. His ANBU mask had nothing to do with his lack of response to our gazes. I know because I felt stares like that too.

Man, with all the water works I was pulling, the other ANBU were going to think I was the superior from Suna.

They knew we were all of different villages, I from Iwa, Gaara from Suna, Sakura technically from Konoha. I wonder how they would feel about their Fourth Hokage's son crying over the Fourth Kazekage's son? We weren't exactly allied, because Gaara's father is an asshole, but it was still Gaara, and I'm a compassionate guy so you can't blame me.

There were so many lives lost, too. Fucking Orochimaru, he's the only reason we had to get involved, since he's kind of our problem. Other wise, Gaara wouldn't have had to see Kankurou get carried away in a make-shift stretcher, beaten and broken. He most certainly would not have had to see the corpse of the man who had tried to murder his own son too many times to count.

I sighed, wishing Gaara, Sakura and I were alone. I wanted to unmask my chakra and let the good feelings flow into him, I hated seeing my friends like this, so distant and hurt.

When we get back to Konoha, I turn to the other ANBU. "You are to report to Sandaime Hokage-sama immediately. You are dismissed." I'm sure The Geezer will understand our absence.

I hand my team-mates each one transportation kunai before flashing out of Konoha and into the human world, too lazy to walk to the designated checkpoint for such travel.

When we flash into my room, I'm the one to break the silence. "...You guys can sleep here for tonight, I'll lock my door so you'll have time to hide if Deidara comes knocking." I tried to make it sound casual, but I know there will be no sleeping. Gaara is too emotionally rattled for the one-tails to let him and Sakura and I won't be able to sleep knowing our friend is hurting.

Sakura removes her mask, "I'm gonna leave a text on Neil's phone, so he won't worry."

I try to lighten the mood, "Haha, you mean his 'Jitter bug'?" But the smile I get is a weak one.

"Naruto," Gaara finally speaks, "it is not right to make fun of the elderly."

I glance at him, "I'm not, I was just saying." I frown. Gaara probably thinks I offended our female friend.

With Sakura being human-turned-immortal, she will remain forever seventeen, but her younger brother, Niel has continued to age. He was now in his late eighties, but only because of Sakura's medical work.

I suddenly fear that I have indeed offended Sakura, making the situation worse. Gaara's father dying could have brought up the thought of her little brother doing the same.

I always stick my foot in my mouth, but this time, I felt particularly terrible.

With Deidara being so spontaneous, him deciding to become 'fleeting art' terrified me to the core. The Akatsuki is the most dangerous threat to the hidden and unhidden world, and he dove into it head-first, just to watch my back in secret. It pissed me off and made me smile at the same time. Deidara has always been there, if in his own secret little way. Him just slipping away like the after effects of one of his explosions made my emotional walls crack a bit.

Fuck. Now we're all sad.

I watch as Gaara sits on my bed, removing his mask but not looking at anyone. Removing my own mask, I sigh, pulling his head to my chest and holding Gaara to me. Sakura turned back to us, sitting behind Gaara to wrap her arms around his waist and lay her head on his back in a comforting embrace.

Gaara remained silent, opting to grip Sakura's hand on his stomach instead, nuzzling his head into me a bit to show his gratitude. He had never really cared for his father, since Gaara was still a homicidal maniac when they lived in the same village, before Gaara and his siblings relocated to the human world.

Iruka had found Gaara the same way he found me: confused and hurting. I had never known about being the Kyuubi's vessel, never understood Deidara's hesitance in letting people near me when we lived in Iwa. I had believed Deidara's lies, about what and where Iwa was, about our parents, everything.

When Iruka told me, I was mad at Konoha, but I had no idea why. Perhaps it was because I didn't want to be mad at myself or Deidara for all of the lies, but I fought Iruka all the way to Konoha, my father's village.

For about four years Iruka and I went to and from Konoha in secret, training me with the Sannin that trained my father. There, I met Sakura and Granny, but I had still been a secretly bitter brat of a child. That's when Gaara came along. He had been silent and brooding, but I could tell he was confused. He stood as far away from Iruka and everyone else as humanly possible, which was difficult in my oppinion because Iruka is a sweet guy, so I had no clue how he did it.

But I understood after seeing his eyes. They were dead, glazed over with stone. When Iruka took us both to the side and told me that we were the same, I vowed never to pity myself ever again. We were the same, but we were not. I had a loving brother who protected my heart, I had Iruka, Jiraiya, Tsunade and Sandaime all looking out for me, so much to be thankful for when Gaara was alone, isolated even by his own family who feared him. I had all of these people who loved me and cared for my well-being, while Gaara had no one, and had to watch his own back.

That day, I decided Gaara would have me.

When we became a team, I made a vow to him.

Gaara, as my team-mate, comrade, and personal friend, I will always protect you, be there for you, and look out for you.

So tonight, as Sakura and I lay us all down, holding Gaara as he soak in his thoughts, I keep my vow.

Now if only Gaara could protect me.

Itachi again, because he's a favorite. ;D

I don't know what time it was, since we were lacking more than just linens but an alarm clock as well, but I know I stayed in bed for a good hour.

I hadn't thought about California nights being so cold, but without any clothing or sheets of any kind, the air quickly chilled my bare skin, but that's not why I woke up, though it would have been.

I woke up because something beneath me had moved.

When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was black. I blinked my heavy lids in drowsy confusion, soon recognizing the the blackness as cloth. Madara's shirt.

I came to realize that it was his arm that woke me up, probably moving to rid itself of the numbness from my head lying on it. There was a pleasant heat radiating from Sensei, who had taken to becoming my blanket at some point during the night.

I raised my sleepy eyebrow as I take in our somewhat foreign position. We both lay on our side, face to face with each other, my head on Madara's bicep as his forearm loosely snakes around the nape of my neck, lazily holding my head to Sensei's muscular, but sadly clothed, chest while his other arm was thrown over my only free one.

Said free arm was resting on the thigh of the leg that was currently hiked up and hooked around my hip. Oh yeah.

Fortunately, Sensei had tangled his other leg in between mine, hindering me from grinding my morning wood between his legs. I don't think waking up to that would help him get over our latest squabble.

So, not wanting to ruin a chance to touch Madara, I remained in my spot for a bit, rather comfortable.

I enjoyed listening to him breath softly but deeply, watching his chest move, wishing he wore less clothes. I can't understand how he does it, sleeping in the same jeans and turtle-neck that he had this entire time. The turtle-neck alone would drive me insane.

Hell, I would appreciate it if he at least wore a t-shirt, then I wouldn't have to fight a collar to taste his skin.

Hmm, that sounded kinda kinky...

After awhile, I find myself unable to resist exploring our position, despite my previous thoughts. The hand that was once immobile on Sensei's leg began lightly caressing, resisting the urge to squeeze at the flesh and muscle beneath the dark denim. I feel the muscles in Sensei's arm twitch, then he inhales deep through his nose, making me freeze.

I tilt my head back slowly and slightly to glance at his face. It had tilted down and his brows furrow slightly at my sudden stillness and I fear that I have woken him. His lips part and his lashes flutter as if his eyes are about to angrily open and glare at me. Instead of opening, his lids clench making his face twitch and he licks his parted lips before relaxing once more, his face falling calm and still.

He had just tweaked our position in a way that left me having to crane my neck back to avoid waking him. We now lay with our foreheads almost touching, me having to look slightly up at him. Damn, that was going to give me an awful neck cramp, but it was worth it.

Now, as my stealthy right hand crept up his side, I could watch his reactions. Slowly, my hand slipped under the thick fabric of Madara's turtle-neck, pulling the hem up a bit to finally allow my left hand, that had been previously pinned between us, the chance to feel as well. My right hand ventured over Madara's hip, eliciting a long sigh as I ran my fingers over the expanse of his back with a feather-light touch.

I felt the faint scars that my eyes had always traced as a child, wondering if they were why Madara seemed so against showing skin now that he was back. Perhaps he knew I wanted him to, and was hiding himself just to annoy me... Bastard.

I narrowed my eyes in my musings, but got no reply from my sleeping Sensei, so my hands continued to feel. I felt the muscles of his stomach, wishing I could press and grope. Still, even with such light touches, I could tell that Madara felt thin.

I frown.

I usually ignore hunger unless it's convenient, but most demons do. I haven't thought about how my relatives view the eating ritual. I keep forgetting that I no longer live alone...

Hmm, I imagine being practically comatose for seventeen years can leave you a bit malnourished.

Damn, another thing to shop for; food.

My hands stilled, feeling Sensei shift and arch forward slightly into my touch, his brow twitching. It seemed Madara liked my hands on him.

The thought was turning me on.

The hand on his abs stayed still while my right hand traveled lower on his back, gliding over his ass and stopping to grip the bottom of his upper thigh. I really wanted to pull him down on me so our hips were better aligned, but that would wake him for sure, especially with the current tenting of my boxers.

Still, a little groping never hurt anyone, right? As long as I didn't get too carried away.

...Who am I kidding, I wanted to get carried away.

With that, I continue the absent minded groping that I had unconsciously begun, careful not to grip Sensei's thigh too hard. Then, against my will of course, my hand started traveling up and I was soon rubbing Sensei's firm ass, thinking about the fight it would start if he woke up mid-grope.

Strangely enough, there was no snapping awake, no growls or violence at all. Madara's eyebrows lifted just slightly, and his hips rolled a bit before his face unconsciously nuzzled in between the crook of his arm and my jaw, making our cheeks rub together as he let a deep purr vibrate from his now-closed lips.

I smirked, continuing to grab hand-fulls of Sensei, delighting in the occasional pants that escaped his tempting mouth.

Ha, Sensei liked getting felt up.

It made me wonder if he'd let me do this if he were awa-

"Nnn, 'Tachi..."

I stopped, retracting my hand immediately, fearing the worst.

After my mind recovered from the tidal waves of fear, it became obvious that Sensei was in fact, moaning my name, not waking up in a vengeful rage.

I smirked, about to resume my earlier explorations, but dim rays of sun began to glimmer through the window above Madara's bed. With all of the will power in my body being used in that one moment, I slowly untangled us, figuring that he would wake up with in minutes of light entering his previously dark room.

But he didn't.

I suppose it was because a mere few days after Sasuke was born, he became that strange phantom-sensei, never requiring something like sleep to fuel his body (because he no longer had one) that seeing him like this fascinated me so.

I frowned, noticing how deep his slumber was. One would assume that being so comatose would have left him well beyond rested, most likely healthy looking, but he seemed so off lately, so ill and tired, as if his body were desperately trying to recuperate from a sickness or battle.

Considering Uchiha rarely got sick and he has not had a truly devastating battle in over seventeen years, his exhaustion was extremely unsettling.

I laid there watching him, playing with his hair, testing to see just how deep his sleep was. Finally, when I decided that an hour of wasted daylight was enough, I actually put effort into rousing him. We had things to do today, and like hell I was leaving him here while I went to do the work.

I nudged his shoulder a bit, "Sensei," No response. "Madara-sama," I only received a low grumble, his face twitching as if he were unsure of whether or not he was dreaming.

I sigh, beginning to get frustrated. I shove his shoulder harder, making him flip onto his back, "Sensei."

"What, boy?" He growled, making me smirk at how strangely cute it was to see him cranky.

He was facing away from me, his eyes closed, but I could tell he was glaring behind his lids by how furrowed his brows were. I speak, unable to control the smile that had taken my lips, "Wake up, Sensei. We have stuff to do today. You and Sasuke are involved." Madara rolled his head over and slowly opened his eyes to stare at me, still unhappy.

He sneered, "I don't feel like it, boy. What is so important to you that you had to wake me?" Important to me?

"So if it is important to me, you will do it?" His eyes widened at his mistake and I fought to keep a poker face.

He sneered harder, eyes narrowing, "Don't be so full of yourself, boy. I merely asked why you decided I must accompany you on this errand." Don't try and save yourself by bullshitting your way out of this one, Sensei, I know you care.

I couldn't help it when the corner of my mouth turned up. Madara saw it, then glared at me, trying to discourage the notion that I mattered to him.

A pleased sigh escapes my lips before I can answer. "Well, I must say sleeping on a bare mattress was not very pleasant considering the cool night weather." I'll leave out the part where you held me. "And we also need other things, like food and living requirements, Sasuke needs supplies, we as teachers need supplies, I haven't heard you speak one word of English, so you probably need a book on that..." I was going to continue rambling but I was interrupted.

"Why must I go." He had that angry pout again, the one that could be easily mistaken for a glare if you weren't me.

I stare at him, "Because we are currently sleeping in your room. I was courteous enough to consider the fact that perhaps you would want to pick out some of your belongings, as well as everything that would go into this room. You're welcome." And I get up, noting how he was too drowsy to even attempt not to stare at my exposed body.

What I didn't notice was him coming up behind me, turning me and cornering me against the door when I had turned to walk away. I swallowed a bit as his hungry gaze looked me up and down, drinking in every detail about my body. Madara placed the tips of his fingers at my throat, making me lift my chin, then lightly ran them over me, gliding over every muscle, stopping around my hips where his arms could no longer stretch without him bending down.

He brought his heated gaze up to mine, a dull, almost translucent red bleeding in towards the dark pit in the center of both of his seductive eyes. "... You've grown so well, Itachi..." And the eyes smile at me, the lips taking no such movement, before he walks away, making me shudder as I stand by myself in the corner.

How does he just do that? Say and do something like that, and then just walk away as if he hadn't just blown my mind. I felt like my skull was a bucket of marbles that he had just picked up and shook until he was sure everything was completely mixed up. Sadistic bastard.

But then what he had said registered. Sensei had basically just checked me out, not only with his eyes, and then liked what he saw. He didn't even tag 'boy' to the end of it! He'd said 'Itachi'.

Perhaps I would not be playing alone in this game of seduction...

I looked into the living area where he was now sitting on the couch, staring at the television despite it being turned off.

I smile, moving in front of the screen to turn it on and grab the remote sitting on top. When I throw it to him, he scowls, having not been looking at the television at all and not expecting the remote.

"I'm going to get dressed, you can entertain yourself for now." He gave me a look but complied as I walked into the room to change.

When I walked back in fully clothed, he was intently listening to the news, eyes narrowed in focus. I looked towards the set, trying to see what he was so interested in.

"...saying that the building and the one resident in the bottom floor had been bombed, destroying the two buildings on either side of the initial target. Police are still investigating..." I raise a brow.

What could have Sensei so interested in this? I look over to him to catch a slightly confused glare.

He looked at me, "What is that woman talking about, boy?" So we're commanding me again?

I sigh and move to stand closer to the couch, "She's talking about an investigation on a bombing. It looks to be Deidara's handy work, but I don't see him bombing the unhidden." His lack of English speaking skills only fueled my further belief that he had to accompany me on my 'shopping trip'.

Madara looked up at me, "Why not? He seems like a loose cannon," I smirked.

"It's just not done. If we wanted to take over the humans, we would just do it. No attacks or petty bombs would be required. It was probably a bomb that Deidara sold to a human for extra cash. Besides, in Akatsuki, we're all loose cannons." Though, the only problem we would have would probably be Konoha's ANBU, as they were the most developed and international village corps.

I relay these thoughts to Sensei, but he addresses a different matter. "What is 'Akatsuki'?"

I tense ever so slightly, barely catching myself before it's blatantly obvious. It seemed as though Madara had a way of pulling things out of me that would normally be kept secret. I loved and hated that about him.

"... It's the work I told you about. It is similar to Konoha's ANBU when I was apart of that, only Akatsuki is rogue." He was silent, mulling it over before looking to me, trying to meet my eyes, but I kept my head turned to the television as if telling him wasn't a big deal.

He didn't like me ignoring him, much. Madara stood and lifted my chin so our gazes finally clashed. His eyes were once again their natural dark silvery-gray, still seemingly see-through. I stared into them, frightened at how they could mezmorize me without even having Sharingan activated.

Sensei spoke quietly for some reason, as if speaking too loudly would alert someone, "What is their purpouse?" I wanted to tell him everything I knew about everyone. I wanted to tell him about our ties, our members, our goals, our plans, my alternate plans for Sasuke's sake, everything in between.

But I knew I couldn't. As soon as he caught wind of the Kyuubi being a main factor he would stick his claws straight into the Akatsuki. If that happened, I don't know what I would do... It would be like taking separate parts of my life and smashing them together. If Akatsuki had Madara, there would be no hope for the hidden, and perhaps the unhidden, world.

I would have to choose between my loyalty to Sasuke's well being and my loyalty to Madara in general. The only reason I joined Akatsuki was to make sure I could keep tabs on Sasuke from afar. After I learned the rogue's intentions, I had to stay to protect the world as secretly as I could. Now, with Sasuke here, it was about my loyalty to the world, to my family's past village ally, to myself... and Akatsuki.

Believe it or not, I would have trouble choosing if Madara became the Akatsuki. It was just how in over my head I was, how in deep I was with Sensei.

And now, he was staring at me, expecting an answer.

I steadied my voice, "Their purpose is not of my concern. I joined to watch over Sasuke in secr-"

"You're lying to me now, boy?" He was good at pretending to be hurt, just like when I was young. I swallowed, unable to stand looking into those eyes. Madara was using the empathy of our bond against me and we both knew it, but there was nothing I could do to stop him.

So I defend with logic, "Tell me then, Sensei, what are your truths?" He back-hands me, but not hard enough for it to be serious. My cheek tastes the assault; he's testing me. I narrow my eyes, giving him a taste of his own medicine and smacking him much harder than he smacked me.

The blow took his balance and he half-stumbled, leaning on the arm of the couch that had been behind him.

I tensed, waiting for him to lash out and begin an angry spar, but instead he faced me, smiling slightly, and for some reason, I smiled too. The air around us changed, suddenly feeling like gravity wasn't quite as heavy. It felt weird, as if we had gotten something off of our chests, but we hadn't said a word about anything. We just, felt better. We felt good.

Was this our kiss? Was this our love? This sick, therapeutic mutual abuse? Part of me disagreed, because if it were, then my tender and gentle feelings would have been absent, right? Then maybe, this was just apart of us. I wanted to hit him, hurt him, but I also wanted to hold him and really kiss him.

It was so much like the high I felt when lapped the blood from his neck, but much less carnal. Was that what that was? Was I high? Did Sensei do that to me? It seemed like his blood made me physically so, and his gaze made me emotionally so, making me feel as if I were floating above reality.

Nothing made sense, but it didn't matter to me because Sensei's eyes understood. Sensei always understood.

I didn't realize it, and I'm not sure he did either, but we had somehow moved closer to each other, our eyelashes reaching out to caress one another since the distance was almost non-existant. I was literally lost in his eyes, so much so that the need to press our lips together had smothered itself under his gaze. It felt good. Everything felt good.

"Umm... If you guys are done having your glaring contest, I would like to inform you that I'm in need of certain necessities." When had Sasuke opened the door?

Slowly, unwillingly, we separated, not breaking eye contact until the last second.

What had just happened?

I blink, wanting to clear my head but needing the feeling to stay. "Come with us to get supplies, Sasuke. We all need them." My voice felt foreign, almost floaty and tired. I ignored his look, waiting for my important people to follow me.

I place my hand on my neck, thinking to him, reaching out if you will.

Sensei...

I know, boy...

Madara

As we sat in the car on our way to some modern market, there was a silence. It wasn't like the last car ride, this silence was comfortable, soothing. As if I were basking in Itachi's presence. In reality, I probably was.

I had hit Itachi to see if he would do something about it. He deserved to, as he hadn't truly done anything to deserve such a punishment. I had expected him to verbally abuse me, something he fancied doing when angry, but instead he reciprocated, back handing me harder to show that I was in the wrong and he was not afraid to say so.

It felt so different. I had assumed I would feel proud of him, perhaps feel aroused that he was standing his ground in challenge against me, but it felt like much more. We had just communicated in a way that belonged solely to us. I felt light, as if I had told my darkest secret. Strangely, the feeling held itself in the atmosphere, drawing us closer together as we hypnotized one another.

We shared that look, that connection that told you: 'I'm bonded to the right person.' and you believed it because it felt true. I'm not sure if Itachi understood, but I did. I was somewhat scared.

Sensei... So was Itachi.

I replied, letting him know that he was not alone. I know, boy...

The car jolted to a stop, Itachi stepping out to free Sasuke from his prison in the back seat. I get out too, careful to not phase any part of myself through. We walked in and a gust of cold, conditioned air struck me by surprise, preparing me for what I was about to see. It was the weirdest market I had ever seen. In the Uchiha district, there had been individual shops for each type of item, but this place had many of those things thrown together.

I quickly followed behind my bond-mate, sticking close enough to feel his body heat radiate from his back. He spoke to Sasuke, "Otouto, could you do a favor for me?" Sasuke gave a nod, making Itachi smile. He really loved that boy. "I need you to get us clothes. You know your own size, and you're wearing my clothes so you know mine. I'll need dress shirts, preferably black, as well as semi-casual shirts. Black slacks, black denim. Prices are irrelevant. 'Kurama' will want comfortable but modest clothing. Do your best?"

"Hn," and Sasuke was off.

We began walking, Itachi grabbing random foods, meats, vegetables. My stomach churned. I couldn't eat that, even if I craved it. Honestly, the demon in aisle seven looked much more appetizing if I could choose.

But then again, If I could choose then Itachi would be on a silver platter, covered in the blood that flowed through his veins and-

"Ah-" I had been walking too close, stepping on his heel and tripping into him.

He looked back at me with his eyebrow raised, bu he wasn't upset. "Sensei? Any reason for attaching yourself to my hip?" Itachi was teasing me. I thought he wanted me at his hip...

I decide to be honest, "I don't understand the words around this strange place, and I do not want to wander around here." He smirked, translating it into 'I don't wanna be lost and confused...'.

Damn you, Itachi.

The smirk drops and he smiles, pleased with my honesty. "I'll finish here, then we will get living supplies. After this store, when I take Sasuke to get school supplies, we will buy you an English dictionary. You can copy that with Sharingan." Hmm, what an efficient way to learn a language.

Itachi, my genius.

I resume following him like a lost puppy as he walks on. We get to the linens and I watch as he picks two different bed sets, each for a King size. "Your bed is broken..." I say. I enjoyed the new feeling I had with Itachi. I felt calm, in control of my desires for the moment. Plus, I must say I enjoyed having him stay in my bed like he had when he was a child, his body fitting mine better now.

He simply gives me a look before grabbing a full size set for Sasuke, walking away and ignoring my statement. I can tell he's thinking, probably figuring out my thought process. I stay silent, but start as he speaks, revealing his own thoughts. "I got two because I remember you sleeping with many comforters when we first became bonded. I also got the other just in case you did not want me sleeping so close."

Itachi seemed fine on the outside, but I knew that he was rather insecure about things like affection and emotion. He walked lightly upon eggshells, making sure not to say anything to offend me. I wait, not wanting to answer his silent question with a straightforward answer. A sigh escapes my lips and I walk forward, grabbing a soft and plush throw blanket and place it in the basket as well. I continue to walk past him, gently placing my hand on his shoulder blade, mumbling a soft 'Thank you, boy,' before continuing forward.

It's true that I enjoyed sleeping with many covers, hence the extra throw blanket I tossed into the basket, but I could tell that Itachi was just using it to ask: Are we okay? Do you mind being around me?

No, boy, I don't mind.

But that's what was getting to me.

Last night I had been valiantly fighting this, but just earlier today something had happened. All of the sudden the fight was leaving me slowly. There was some kind of connection that went beyond even my understanding of the bond.

We kept moving, picking up things that were apparently a necessity to humans, Itachi silently looking around, I silently looking at Itachi. It was true that he had grown into a very sexually attractive man, but it went beyond making people lust after him. Itachi still had the same beauty that he had as a child, the gorgeous eyes, the flawlessly smooth hair, just the way his features fit together. Itachi had always been beautiful, even beyond Uchiha standards, and those were extremely high.

In fact, there were still memories of him in my head from so many years back, images of him talking, crying, making a certain face. Things that were normal, but for some reason remained in my brain, simply because Itachi had made them beautiful. He made nothing else matter.

Did he know that?

"Sensei?" My eyes had already been focused on his face when he called to me, but that didn't mean I was aware of that fact. I stare into his eyes, acknowledging him, telling him I heard him.

He looks at me for a while longer before speaking, "I found a book on english grammar. Please read it as we walk." I once again look at him, and he turns after handing the obscenely large textbook to me.

Activating my Sharingan, I lazily and inattentively flip the many pages, copying the knowledge into my head without having to put forth any effort. It was almost done absentmindedly, and I would have believed it to be so if it weren't for the fact that we had finished our spree without my knowledge, me being distracted by the book.

I deactivate Sharingan, leaving the book on the nearest shelf, then looking around. Sasuke had joined us at one point, most likely long ago or shortly after I received the book. The clothes hanging from the basket were mostly dark, the occasional white garb that I assumed was for Sasuke, because I sure as hell wasn't wearing white.

I move my attention from the clothing to my descendants.

They looked comfortable around each other, just not like they use to be. That could be blamed on age, but I could tell it bothered Itachi none the less, if his longing gaze toward his brother's back was anything to go by. I moved forward, placing an arm around either of their shoulders, pulling us all closer together.

Sasuke didn't seem to understand what was going on, looking to Itachi for help. The latter simply stared at me before smiling in appreciation and wrapping an arm around my waist before giving a comfortable squeeze.

I released them, watching as Sasuke moved closer to Itachi as the latter explained that I was 'spontaneous' at times. Either way, my plan worked as Sasuke stuck closer to his brother, almost fearing physical contact from me. Sasuke seemed like the type to question people's motives, so he remained a bit wary of me as we payed for everything and checked out of the store.

We were on our way to our new home when Itachi turned for yet another store, making Sasuke sigh.

We got out to follow but suddenly Sasuke stopped.

"Hell no."

Itachi gave him a side glance as we all stopped outside the store. I of course just watched, because I was unaware of the significance of this particular store and had no idea what was going on or why it mattered.

"Sasuke, it's just for show. Every human, especially students and employed humans have these."

"I don't want, nor do I need a cell phone. It's just a means of communication with them..."

Itachi rolled his eyes, "Sasuke, I'm even getting Madara one." I raised my brow at the whispered mention of my name. Honestly, we're outside a store in the human world, who's going to recognize my name?

Sasuke looked at Itachi incredulously, "What? Why? He'll be lucky if he can even figure out how to turn it on!" What?

"Excuse me? I am Uchiha Madara, I'm sure I could easily figure out whatever a cellphone is," I see Itachi try to smother a snort behind his hand and I glare at him.

"Look, we're getting them. Get over it, otouto." And he walked inside.

Sasuke growled but followed, I doing the same...

Only to back away and outside of the store.

What the fuck was in there? I have seen a computer before, but this place was covered in it's parts. That's at least what it looked like. There were screens of various sizes, buttons and flashing lights everywhere and it was hurting my sensitive eyes. I saw Sasuke scoff at me, opening the glass door and pulling me back inside by the sleeve.

I quickly reattached myself to Itachi. This place was even more abstract than that giant market place.

As a non-physical being, I only wandered to where Sasuke and Itachi were, mostly Sasuke because facing Itachi had become troublesome over time, and he moved around too much to keep up with.

Plus I could only stray so far from things that were not Uchiha, and I spent most of my time gazing into the silent forest around where the Clan was massacred.

Since I had such little recent exploration under my belt, these advancements caught me by surprise. I had spent my time in the human world after I killed Senju, not wanting to be apart of the hidden world after that, but apparently, that had been a very long time ago.

Who knew the humans could change so much in a few decades?

I practically held onto Itachi's shirt as he got 'cell phones' for us, deciding plans and features or whatever. If it bothered him he didn't say anything, but the look we I was getting from Sasuke clearly stated that he was bothered.

Suddenly, Itachi moved away from the desk, a bag with three 'iPhones' in hand. I followed quickly, uncomfortable with the thought of being stuck in that place alone. When we got back into the car, the bag was given to Sasuke.

"Program them, otouto." Sasuke glared, mumbling a sarcastic 'yes sir' before digging the phones out and handling them. I watched for a bit from my spot in the front seat with my Sharingan going, trying to learn about how they operate in case I actually did need to use them.

After awhile, they bored me and I moved my attention to Itachi. I kept watching Itachi from the corner of my eye, making a game out of him trying to catch my gaze, when we pulled back into the campus.

I could already feel my body's exhaustion. For some reason, my blood concoction doesn't seem to be working as well as it use to, back when I was on 'body probation' after they stuck Itachi and I together. Sure, Mikoto was a direct descendant of mine, but that didn't mean my self-medication was fool-proof. The one vile had not been a sufficient amount on it's own, but perhaps it would have been better not to mix it.

No, that would have been worse. The small amount would have only teased that side of me, arousing it and making it uncontrollable.

I needed to sleep, to let my body recuperate without using Mikoto's blood as a source of energy.

From here on out Sharingan wasn't a very wise thing to use...

I lean on the car, watching as Itachi loaded Sasuke's arms with his personal belongings, sending the boy off to his dorm.

"Sensei," I looked up, barely finding the energy to do so. "Could you assist me?" I reluctantly nodded.

Luckily, I only held a few things, opening doors and making sure Itachi didn't run into someone. It seemed that the other teachers were also getting situated in their somewhat-apartments, as I discovered some new, more mature looking faces wandering the halls. We receive a few odd looks, but I brushed them off, occasionally glaring to do so.

Humans these days, never keeping their eyes to themselves...

When we made it to our room, I dropped everything I was carrying in the middle of the floor. Itachi glared but didn't say anything. He walked the extra twelve or so feet to place everything on the dining room table. I nodded to him and turned to go to my room to sleep.

"Where are you going, Madara-sama?"He asked. I told him, rather lazily. He narrowed his eyes, silently asking why.

"Because I feel like it, boy. Don't question me right now." I was getting angry, perhaps cranky, but I felt ready to collapse. Something isn't right...

Itachi sighed, "Let me put sheets on it first," and he pushed past me with one of the bed sets.

I followed, leaning on the door frame to remain standing. As soon as he got the sheets on, I crawled into the bed.

"Sensei, I still need to get the pillows, get up." I growled, taking the comforter from him and wrapping it around my slightly shaking body. Perhaps I mixed the concoction wrong, because these were symptoms of my starvation, the weakness, the exhaustion, the shaking.

I needed to feed or hibernate, now.

Itachi placed the case around a pillow before placing it on the bed, but paused when he saw me.

"Sensei..."

"Now isn't the time, boy. I need rest." I just felt it instinctively, the need to be unconscious as my body worked to help itself. I think Itachi did as well, because he stopped talking and ever so slowly and carefully climbed into bed with me.

He moved close to me and pulled me slightly against him and I was too tired to argue. It felt good to be held, I suppose. Itachi was warm, and the way his hands would caress me was extremely soothing, despite being slightly uncomfortable.

It reminded me of the one time Itachi had gotten sick when he was young. He had gotten sun fever after being outside too long, his skin bright red and hot, but he shivered and had a cold sweat.

I placed a cold rage over his face, not wanting him to see as I basically drooled on him, using the only natural healing element I had. I smirked at the memory, wondering what he would have done if I had told him what the tingling salve was. Frankly, he was lucky I hadn't just ran my tongue all over him, because although that would have been effective, it would have been extremely awkward.

I hear his voice break through my thoughts, as if knowing they were about him. "What's so funny, Sensei?" He must have felt my smirk.

"Nothing, boy..." No, I probably wouldn't tell him that funny story for awhile...

Besides, we were two different kinds of sick, and sadly, Itachi running his tongue up and down my body wouldn't help anything. It would sure be nice though...

I started as he pulled the blanket over himself as well, then pulling me even closer to him. His warmth felt so nice and I moved so that our bodies pressed against each other, reveling in the contact. He sighed and I placed my lips against his collar bone, humming as I buried my face into the crook of his neck.

I could get used to falling asleep like this.

Naruto

When I woke up this morning, Deidara was singing his theme song at the top of his lungs:

Dude Looks Like a Lady, by Aerosmith.

He usually sings obnoxiously loud while he's doing chores, so he's probably cooking me breakfast.

I smile, turning to Gaara as he lay awake next to me on my bed. He glanced at me from the corner of his eye, smirking a bit.

"How long have you been awake?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

He snorts at me, "Ha, funny, Uzumaki."

I grin, glad that he seemed to be doing better. "My real question, how long has my brother been screaming his theme song?" This got a chuckle. Yay.

It made me feel good that I could make even grumpy emo insomniacs laugh.

He allowed one of his small Gaara-smiles. "For a good half-hour now. Sakura and I should probably go. She's taking me shopping for 'school'." Now its my turn to snort.

"Yeah right! She just wants to dress you up... Make you hot stuff!" He smirks, and a mischievous grin spreads across my face. "You know, Neji attends the school we're scouting, and since he's not on the job, you can't really get in trouble if you wanna go after him..." Gaara glares at me by the end of my sentence.

"But I am still technically-" I interrupt excitedly.

"Ah, but you are under cover! That's the beauty of these kinds of missions! So perhaps secret ANBU captain Sabaku no Gaara can't fool around with a team-mate, but Gaara the normal high school student can screw around all he wants!"

He glares, turning his head to stare at the ceiling.

"... Perhaps." Ha! Gaara's gonna get laid!

Usually, when one of us was horny, the other was a helping hand. ...Or a helping penis, but that's not the point! We had only ever really messed around with each other, and the only time I had strayed from my buddy had been a big mistake.

That crazy stranger still wanders around Konoha shouting the Alias I had gave her...

Yet another reason to never remove my mask in the hidden world... Women seemed a lot less appealing after that, though I would still screw Sakura if she gave me the chance.

'It would be too weird, you guys are my friends!' Ha! Me and Gaara slept with each other and we were just fine!

Okay, we were drunk on most of these occasions, and it usually was weird when we woke up, but we were still bros!

But now that's not a big deal, since Gaara has him some man-candy.

I kept my grin, waiting for it to become as contagious as always. I laughed when Gaara began to cheese, "Shut up, Uzumaki," but he smiled none the less.

He gave a soft sigh, turning his head to the side where Sakura lay curled up in a ball.

"Sakura, wake up," but she only whined in response. Gaara nudged her, making her squirm but eventually get up.

"What!" And both of mine and Gaara's hands cover her mouth in an instant, eyes widening and listening for Deidara's singing. Sakura remembers where she is, finally.

We remained frozen, finally sighing when we realized that Deidara's silence was due to an instrumental on the song he was singing, because he was back to screaming the chorus.

As soon as it's safe, I whisper-yell, "What the fuck, Sakura? I'm supposed to be sleeping peacefully alone in my room!" She merely gives me that 'oops.' smile, shrugging her shoulders cutely.

Gaara shakes his head, "We should go if you want to get clothes." She tiredly nods, all of us getting out of bed.

"I'll take you guys to Sakura's house," And I received a slightly frightened glance from Sakura.

I narrow my eyes, "What?" But she just looks to Gaara, watching him smirk.

She directs her eyes back to me, "Uh, well, it's kind of weird doing the Flying Thunder God with you... I mean, I knew your dad, so it gives me the heebie-jeebies..." By the amused smirk on Gaara's face, I could tell this was something she kept from me, but told Gaara.

"So? It's really not that big a deal, Sakura. How else do you plan to get home?" And I could see her nervously glance at Gaara.

Oh, I see. She was afraid to offend me. She had probably told this to Gaara after I had fallen asleep.

I roll my eyes, "Sakura, it's no big deal, I understand if you feel uncomfortable, but..." I look to Gaara, giving a smile of my own as we make an amused eye-contact. "...Gaara can only transport himself via sand. My shunshin is a technique, his is something that belongs solely to him." I chuckled at her expense as she frantically looked to Gaara.

When he nodded she slumped.

"Meet you at your place, bubblegum-head." And with that, Gaara faded into sand, disappearing.

I knew the Flying Thunder God tended to make people nauseous, but honestly, no need to be over-dramatic.

With a grin I grabbed her arm and stuck two fingers of my hand up, flashing and dropping her off at her house, only staying long enough to enjoy her creeped our shiver before I reappeared into my room.

"Heh heh heh..." I remove all of the mission underclothes from the night before, storing them out of site. As I open my door, Deidara's voice blares into my ears, no longer muffled. I grin, yelling along with him as I dance into the kitchen, all Uchiha-related betrayal from last night being put aside.

He waves the spatula around, just finishing breakfast. Deidara's crazy grin is just as contagious as mine, and I can't stop the laugh that escapes my throat mid-line.

I snort as Deidara rolls his body seductively to the line 'Do me, do me, do me all night!' winking at me.

"Jeez, Dei, do you have this song on repeat?"

"Hell yeah, un!"

He grins, grabbing the remote and turning off the speakers before sitting down at the table with me.

"Do wonder our neighbors hate us, un." I smile, only able to hum in agreement while shoveling syrupy french toast into my mouth.

I clear my throat, "You haven't made any francy food in a long time. I miss it." He refused to teach me french back in Iwa, afraid that I would hear people talking about 'hidden topics'. After we moved from Iwa, he only ever spoke English, shutting away any thoughts of my isolation within that small cottage for the first seven years of my life.

He looked somber, "I just felt like it, un. Just enjoy it." The lady that took care of me was prohibited (by Deidara) from ever speaking french around me, but she made sure I at least had the food, and Deidara knew my favorite breakfast was french toast.

It meant a lot, knowing he had made it for me.

We moved away from touchy subjects and began everyday conversation, which for us was anything but 'everyday', especially at the breakfast table.

"So, you gonna go after that Suh-sorry guy?" He laughed at my purposely butchered Japanese.

One of these days, Deidara. One of these days...

"Un, I don't know if that would be a good idea-" I loudly interrupt.

"WHAT? You've wanted to fuck that guy for years! Even if you guys don't screw each other the first chance you get, you can at least try to get closer to him!"

"Naru-"

"NOPE! I've had to listen to you for years whining about 'Oh, we both love art, UN!' and 'Oh, our personalities mesh so well, UNNN!' and all that mushy shit about how compatible you guys are! I've never seen you so gay for someone, which says a lot, because you're pretty fucking gay!" I breathe heavily, my eyes wide as my chest heaves.

Yeah, I was serious business. Sasori may be one of the most dangerous Sand people of all time, but if my older brother was crushing on the guy, I was gonna make sure he got laid!

Said older brother gaped at me before glaring to the side, mumbling 'I don't whine...' before muttering things out of my hearing range.

I slouch back down into my chair, "You should just go after it. You only live once, right?" I avoided the phrase 'life is short' because it wouldn't have helped my point, considering we would live until something killed us.

I smirked to myself. I always wondered how he would explain my apparent lack of aging after my body matured. Kyuubi said that once I stopped growing, I would be stuck at that age. It made me giggle mischievously every time I thought of Deidara sputtering out a response fifty years from now when neither of us are wrinkly.

I jumped when he spoke, not noticing his thoughtful silence during my musings.

"You know what, un? I think I'll do it! I'll charm his fucking pants off, un!"

"Literally!" I grin.

"Yeah-! Wait, what the fuck, un!" And with that, he chased me around our house, yelling curses at the top of his lungs as I laughed over said curses as loud as I could, just because.

The neighbors probably preferred waking up to Aerosmith.

Sasuke

I kicked the door of my dorm open, throwing my stuff onto the bare mattress I had slept on the night before.

I turn, glaring at the two other people who had taken to making themselves at home during my trip to the store.

Karin and Suigetsu had paused in whatever argument they were having to greet me. "Sasuke!" I glared harder.

"What are you guys doing in my (and Juugo's) room?" They pout, Suigetsu speaking first.

"Well, my room-mate is registered, but he won't be checking in until the day before school starts! I'm rooming with a human! It's gonna be so lame!" Karin rolled her eyes.

"At least you aren't living with a total bitch! I mean, one girl hasn't even shown up and the Hyuuga isn't so bad, she's just a little shy, but that Ino-skank! UGH! She walks in all-"

"Did you say 'Hyuuga'?" My voice betraying my distaste against my will.

Karin struggled to nod, confusion written on her face. I sneered, not liking the idea of formal schooling even more if a snobby Hyuuga was here.

It was one thing to get attention against your will, it was another completely different thing to bask in said attention.

I have associated with very few Hyuuga, but said associations were always unpleasant, especially the males. Where as Uchiha males were very broody and possessive, Hyuuga males tended to be overly confident and stuck in their ways.

I almost wanted to shiver in disgust.

Karin gives me a look, "Um, Sasuke?" She says awkwardly, noting my expression, "She's actually easy to get along with. Hell, I don't even think you could have a problem with her." Ha, yeah right.

But then again, Hyuuga females usually weren't the fangirl type, either brought up as too prideful or too submissive to outwardly fawn over a man that could be considered 'worthy' of their bloodline.

The way Karin described her timid personality made me lean toward the Hyuuga being submissive.

I frown, but nod affirmatively to Karin's statement, finding it agreeable.

Suigetsu frowned, then grinned. "Hey Karin, I'll bet you fifty dollars that my room-mate will be lamer than all three of yours put together!"

Karin stared at him, I glared at him and Juugo pretended he wasn't there.

Karin pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose, "Suigetsu, you are so fucking stupid."

And the war begins.

I honestly didn't understand why they fought. It was so obvious that they were made for each other, but they couldn't resist putting the other down at every opportunity. Why couldn't they understand that when one stopped, the other would?

It annoyed me, how childish their bickering was, how their banter had become so common that it was turning into a means of communication. I suppose every pair had something like that, something that they both understood and were comfortable with, but it was definitely something that I didn't comprehend and probably never would.

Only a little over a week later would I discover just how wrong I had been.

One week later

Itachi

I stirred the tomato soup once more before grabbing three bowls.

I feel Sasuke approach behind me, "Is it done?" I turn and nod, handing him one of the dishes I had retrieved.

My little brother had been visiting about every other day, usually because I made food he liked. It was nice having him around, despite the fact that we had yet to really talk about the past, but that was okay though. There was a comfortable normalcy settling between us, and we were slowly but surely getting to know each other once more.

I sit down with my soup, mumbling a quiet 'Itadakimasu', before bringing the spoon to my lips. Sasuke does the same, a clipped 'Thank you, nii-san.' being grumbled under his breath making me smirk.

As I glance to the bedroom door, the smirk drops.

I had been sharing the room with Sensei the entire week, but most of the time, he had been either unconscious or very lethargic. Sometimes he will sweat and hiss in his sleep, letting a low rumbling growl fill the quiet room. We had long ago blacked out the window above our bed, the morning light hurting Sensei's eyes.

Whenever I asked if there was anything I could do he would pull the blankets over his face, squeezing his eyes shut, telling me to leave him alone.

I sighed. If Sasuke noticed my worried glance he didn't say anything, and we eat in silence until he does.

"When was the last time he was awake?" A simple, monotonous question, but it received a strained, worried answer.

"... Seventeen hours ago."

Sasuke nodded before returning to silence for a full minute, as if he had thought rather critically about speaking.

"I learned in Orochimaru's layer that ties that involved curse marks are more effective on older and purer demons of that specific mark's roots. Perhaps it is reacting negatively because of just how pure his blood really is." I tense, praying that Sasuke had not researched Uchiha bonds.

"... What reason did you have for gaining this information?" He lifted a brow before answering.

"Orochimaru placed this curse mark on me as my sensei, but since it was not an Uchiha mark,my body was not as sensitive to it, and I did not feel the need to always be near him, but Madara seems to feel this way about being near you." I relaxed when it was apparent that he thought I had the mark as Madara's student.

I hummed, thinking the hypothesis over. It wasn't that far-fetched, especially considering the fact that mating bonds were so much more intense and empathetic.

But how could I relieve him of his sickness? If the bond mark was at fault, how could I fix the problem, and why was I not feeling anything? If it were the mark then I should have at least a portion of Sensei's symptoms, right?

I shake my head, confused. "This doesn't seem like the mark is at fault. This is something that is solely him." It was Sasuke's turn to hum in thought.

"It very well could be due to the body transfer. I don't know what he was like the last time he had his body, since it seems it was taken once again shortly after my birth, but I imagine he was nothing like this. What was he normally like?" I wrinkle my nose against my will.

I know Sasuke is just trying to help the situation, but I really didn't want him knowing anything about Sensei. He was mine and I didn't want Sasuke knowing anything about him beyond common knowledge. Why should Sasuke get to know the real Madara when I had to try so hard as a child? I went through years of his training, spent my free time with only him (and Sasuke), and finally Sensei let me in, trusted me. Would this be betraying him?

I really knew what was inside, just like he saw past my icy mask. I only knew the caregiver, the man with so few close to his heart. I only knew the strict, hard sensei that looked after my wounds at the end of every battle and defended me when I was threatened within the Uchiha district, as he could not leave.

The world only knew his evil. Yes, it was there, but evil resided in everyone. Sensei may have a twisted love, and an even more twisted hate, but he was still mine. Perhaps the world's Madara didn't belong to me. The cold war-lord, the demon who would slaughter any demon on a whim, the titan who could leave the world a barren waste land if he so wished.

They could think they knew Madara, but they didn't know him. He may very well be all of those things, but within his cold exterior was a hidden warmth, there was a demon who refused the murder of a child, who would defend those who were his with his all.

Who would defend me...

I didn't look at Sasuke, "It's late, school starts tomorrow. You should go back, otouto."

I couldn't see the exact expression, but I knew he made a face at my evasion. Giving a soft 'hn', knowing he wasn't going to get an answer, he got up from the table. He seemed confused as to why I was so secretive, but he wouldn't understand. It made me hope that someday he would find someone to call his so that maybe one day he would get it.

Sadly, Sasuke didn't seem the type to stray from those he was already comfortable with, so meeting new people was probably unlikely.

I watched as he made his way to the door, frowning. "Sasuke," and he turned, glancing at me skeptically before I beckon him with my hand. He frowns but walks forward, completely unaware. I smile, sticking out two fingers and muffling a chuckle when they make contact with his forehead. His mouth drops open and Sasuke gapes at me in a slight wonder that I hadn't seen from him in years.

I let my small smile shine through, "I'll see you tomorrow, Sasuke." and he closes his mouth, nodding before walking out and gently shutting our door.

I start at the sound of a voice, "I am glad you are both back to the way you were," I look to the side and leaning against the door frame was Madara, but his face was blank, drowsy.

I stare at him, silently taking in his cozy appearance. Madara's hair was even more untamed that before but it seemed that the dark circles had vacated their residence under his eyes. His body was relaxed, but no longer struggling to keep upright in it's desire to sleep. He looked healthier, at least, but not by much. I couldn't understand why he didn't look the same as he had last time he had his body. I don't remember any of this happening to him.

We stay like that for awhile, watching one another, before he moves near me. I relax, "Are you hungry, Sensei?" and I see him tense as I nod toward the soup. His eyes narrow, much like a child's when they know they're being made fun of, but I saw no reason to be angry with the meal. I place the lid back onto the pot, taking his apprehension as a no.

I feel him press against my back, his face peering over my shoulder as his arm wrapped around to lift the lid once more, smelling it before placing the lid back and forcing air through his nose in a sort of distasteful hiss.

I smirked at his reaction, thoroughly amused. Abruptly, I turn in his half-embrace, having to lean down so as to not head-butt him. His eyes were lidded, making his gaze seem slightly heated and I reached up a bit to twirl the ends of his hair.

The locks were strangely oily, and he had a mildly musky scent to him, having probably not bathed. It wasn't overwhelming considering all he had done was sleep, but it still amused me that even Sensei was not as perfect as he seemed.

"Your scent is very strong..." And he almost chuckled at my attempt to sugar-coat it.

He leaned against me, talking softly in my ear, "If that is your way of telling me to bathe then I must say you're trying too hard to charm me, boy." I scowled, annoyed at how easily he could irritate me.

"Fine. You stink. Take a shower." and he chuckled.

"I prefer a hot springs, but I suppose a regular bath will do." And I could only gape as he walked away, shedding an article of clothing with each step toward the bathroom. By the time he made it to the door, he only had his baggy boxers and an undershirt on. I swallow, still staring as he pulls the door behind him, smirking at my reaction before leaving it cracked.

Okay, Sensei had definitely just scored points in our seduction-game.

That was the most skin I had ever seen of Sensei. My mouth opened and closed a few times as the water began running, the door still not fully closed. Was Madara inviting me in? Did he want me to bathe with him or did he simply want my company?

Well, only one way to find out.

I quickly make my way to the bathroom, opening the door only to get assaulted by the thick steam. It was rather hard to see, even harder to breathe, but I shut the door behind me and continued. There in the tub was Sensei, soaking in the possibly scalding water up to his nose.

Sensei and I had bathed together before in the hot springs, but he usually made sure to keep his distance from me and always made me get out first so I couldn't ogle him. He didn't seem to be a fan of people doing that.

Madara's eyes were closed, but I was sure he would feel my eyes burning holes into him so I resisted the temptation to check him out.

I sat on the edge of the large tub, fighting to face away from Sensei. Now that I think about it, there was no way Madara wanted me to bathe with him. The tub, though large, was not spacious enough to be shared in any way other than intimately, though I wouldn't mind being intimately close to Sensei.

Wouldn't mind a bit.

I hear the sound of water upon water as Sensei shifts and there is a comfortable silence between us, making me think that my presence truly was all he needed. It made me happy, knowing that Sensei was attracted to my company, to me.

"I have read all of the books." He said in slurred English.

I glanced to him, replying in Japanese, something we were both more comfortable with.

"That's good, I was wondering what you did when you were awake. I'm glad it was something productive." And indeed it was. I hadn't bothered to listen to all of what April-san said, but I knew Madara was going to be subbing in an English literature class. It would have been rather awkward if he couldn't read or speak about the material.

I spoke once more, "How are you feeling, Sensei?"

From the corner of my eye I see him turn away before sitting up, his back facing me. I turned more toward him, deeming it acceptable to look at him, waiting for an answer. I noticed with interest that the scars I had seen on his back after the first bath were a bit more pronounced and visible. Perhaps it was because I was closer?

No, they were definitely darker, even if by a mere shade. I absentmindedly wondered if it had to do with his health. There were so many weird quirks about Madara, so I could only assume.

He spoke finally, "I... believe my rest has helped quite a bit. I am not quite so bothered any more."

I wanted to ask what it was that bothered him, but I was almost sure that I would receive no response. He seemed to be rather secretive about it, almost as much as I was secretive with him, so I knew not to pry, despite my desire to know.

He leaned against me, his face on my lap dampening the sleep pants I had put on before dinner. It still surprised me at times, but I found that I loved when Sensei was openly affectionate. I played with his damp hair and he sighed, closing his eyes and nudging my lap slightly with his cheek, making me tense.

It was hard enough to ignore the fact that Sensei was naked with his boxers at my feet, but with his face in my crotch it was damn near impossible. I feel him laugh against my thigh.

"Something wrong, Itachi?" He said my name on purpose... Evil bastard.

I reply through clenched teeth, "No, Sensei." and I feel rather than hear him hum.

"Are you sure? Perhaps the steam is making you light-headed, you should probably remove some of your clothing, it may cool you down, boy." Madara was practically purring, and I would have definitely taken his advice if it weren't for the fact that I knew he was playing games with me.

That didn't mean I wasn't getting hard.

I remain tense, fighting to will away my growing erection as he looks up at me and smiles. "You are far too much fun to play with, my dear boy," and he reaches a wet hand up to caress my face, and I somewhat childishly bite at his fingers to get the warm hand away.

Instead of laughing or being offended, he seemed pleased with the way I fought back. Madara's face was blank, but there was an unnameable emotion behind his eyes, one that was fueled by instinct and some sort of primal submission that brought back that intoxicated feeling.

He backed away and resumed his bath, the both of us keeping soft conversation about tomorrow and how it would go. We continued talking as he left the bath tub, leaving me to avert my eyes out of respect.

"Your classroom is next to the room across from mine. After the teacher returns from leave, you will be a regular substitute, sitting in on classes as needed." When he was dressed, I turned around to find him staring at me rather intensely.

Madara's voice was low and monotone, "Why are we doing this, boy? Why are you trying so hard to be like these people?" But I ignored his question and walked away and into his bedroom.

I couldn't really find an answer that covered everything. I didn't come here just to build Sasuke, to spy on a school that most likely had little activity concerning Akatsuki in the first place. It wasn't because Akatsuki met here to avoid ANBU protectors and I didn't even come here to hide Sensei, because I knew that if he wanted to, he could disappear without my help.

He could also just eliminate his pursuers, but that wasn't the point.

I was here because I wanted to run. I had the ones that mattered at my side, I had my only two 'friends' nearby, none of the humans here knew what the name 'Uchiha' really meant. I had no stigma, no target on my back, no past for people to look upon.

I felt Sensei's hand on my shoulder, squeezing in a threatening way, daring me to ignore him once more.

I turned to face him, keeping my voice steady, "I am wanted all over the hidden world, and I am tired of running for something that people don't understand." I look down, unable to look him in the eye when I was speaking of such pathetic and selfish wants. "I want to be free from my title, and I don't want to be separated from..." But I couldn't finish, not in front of Sensei.

We stood in silence, him looking at me, I looking at his feet. When it became apparent that I couldn't finish, he placed his fingertips below my chin, gently pushing my face upward to meet his.

"It is alright to want, boy, I have said this. You are not expected to live for others besides yourself. If freedom is what you desire, then take it. I just do not see the need to pretend we are something we are not."

I smile, and I see my reflection in his dark silver eyes. How could I have forgotten? This is Madara-sensei, he always understood me.

I speak softly, "We don't have to hide around each other, Madara-sama. But just imagine it, walking out of this room, being a different person. No one know you as some kind of ruthless evil. You will simply be 'Kurosawa-sensei', and you can make him into anything you want. Here, with me, you can be Uchiha Madara and I will be Uchiha Itachi." His eyes met mine and glinted a bit with comprehension before the corner of his mouth turned up.

"We will see, my dear boy." And he led me to the bed by my hand, laying down and pulling me to rest on top of him.

I sighed as his chin rest atop my head and I adjusted the arms that were pinned between our chests. His own arms were wrapped around me and I couldn't help but to embrace the treatment I was receiving. I had always worried as a child that one day I would outgrow the nights that Sensei lay me on his chest to sleep, outgrow him taking care of me, but it seemed that I had simply grown into being able to do the same for him.

I listened in amazement as he once again fell asleep, his breathing and heartbeat slowing considerably. Well, at least he would be well rested tomorrow. I was almost excited to see how everything would go tomorrow. Would I be a good sensei like Madara? Would Madara be a good sensei, or was I the exception? How would Sasuke do?

I smiled as I fell asleep, moving my arms to hook them under Sensei and return his unconscious embrace. It didn't matter how tomorrow went.

I was free in this world, despite the ugly reminder of an Akatsuki meeting that was scheduled in a few days. It didn't matter to me. Even though joining the Akatsuki now seemed all for naught, now that I had no need to protect Sasuke from the sidelines since he was with me, I still had the responsibility of watching them.

But it wasn't my main focus, because I had more important things on my mind.

And with that, I fell asleep against Madara, eager for what tomorrow would bring.

Morning

'Fuuuuuuuck.'

Who kept knocking after being thoroughly ignored?

I pulled myself from Sensei who had sprawled out with me in our sleep. I contemplate just laying there with him, ignoring the knocks that intruded on my morning, but I had a feeling they would only get louder. I sighed, taking one last longing look at Madara before turning and heading to the living room.

I put on my best 'Don't worry, I probably won't kill you.' face and opened the door.

By his reaction, I don't think it worked, as he was still frightened upon seeing my stare. Deidara and Kisame once told me that my stare was intimidating, but at the time, I hadn't really believed them.

I of course had never really stared at a human, but now I think I see what they meant.

He calmed himself, putting on a sweet and friendly smile before speaking, his English bright and cheerful sounding. "Erm, hello, I am Umino Iruka." I nodded, not feeling like speaking to introduce myself.

Umino awkwardly cleared his throat, "Right, well, I live next door with my fiance and our child, my other half is currently taking care of personal business in another country. I assume you are Kurosawa, the one taking over his class? Your classroom is right next to mine, isn't that funny? We're like double neighbors-"

"No, I am not Kurosawa." His ramblings finally catch up with me. I am always a bit drowsy when woken up and he was far too bright this morning. Plus, it had taken me a little while to remember how to reply in English.

He seemed to wilt a bit in his confusion. "Oh, well, the other teachers in the department told me that an older gentleman lived here as well, so I naturally assumed that he would be the teacher and you would be the substitute, being younger. I apologize, Mr. Karasu." I nod and he brightens once more.

"I hear you are new to teaching?" I nod again, "Well, this is a wonderful school to get started with! We have international students and teachers, many of Japanese descent, so I'm sure you will feel rather comfortable here." I had already known that about the school, assuming it was because of the Hyuuga youth attending.

He continues after my blank stare, "Well, erm, it is apparent that I have woken you, but since you are new to teaching I will assume you are unaware of this. Teachers are to be in their classrooms at least fifteen minutes before first bell. Most go in and hour before bell to get everything situated and organized so their day can be well planned out-"

"I organized my classroom the day everyone was setting up. I have my Japanese curriculum as well as my Calculus tutoring sessions all planned. I take ten minutes maximum to get ready in the mornings, if you are worried for tardiness, though I appreciate your concern." My tone was even, but I was a little more than offended that he assumed that I was behind. Itachi was always prepared. I'm sure I was glaring.

Umino truly did wilt this time, "Well, I suppose I will be seeing you across the hall then?" I gave a curt nod, dismissing him before shutting my door.

I made myself a small breakfast to eat before I wandered into my room to dress. I glanced at the useless mattress in deep thought. My sleeping in Madara's room had been a topic left unbreached, both of us silently using my lack of sufficient sleeping quarters as an excuse when we both knew that obtaining another mattress would be a simple task.

Now, all the room was good for was a closet, storage for all of my possessions and clothes. I liked it that way.

I walked out of my room and into Madara's clad in fitted black slacks, with a fitted black button-up dress-shirt to match. I lean over Sensei's sleeping form to tie back my smooth hair in a low pony-tail, not needing a brush.

Okay, so perhaps I had purchased the fancy mirrored head boards with perverted things in mind, but... Well, there were really no buts about it. I was a pervert.

I smirked at my thoughts, looking down at Madara's serene expression, wanting to know exactly what that beautiful face looked like when Sensei's orgasm shot through him.

I shake my head violently, not needing to walk out of here hard.

My hand gently strokes his arm, making him stir and mumble before turning into the contact.

"You should get up and ready, Sensei, we start school today." I smirk when he pouts. It was kind of sexy.

With a grumpy sigh he sat up, not bothering to acknowledge my presence as he moved out of the bed and sauntered to his closet, picking dark black denim and an equally dark turtle-neck. It amused me, his obsession with such clothing. I supposed that it was because he had always been used to protective, full-body armor that he persisted in dressing so modestly.

Madara had always been paranoid and introverted, so perhaps he used the clothing to 'shield' himself.

I continued musing to myself about Sensei's odd behavior as he changed in the closet. I don't see why he bothered considering I had practically watched him bathe the night before. Okay, maybe I hadn't allowed myself to watch, but I had been in the room when he was stark naked. I suppose he had been feeling bold last night, such confidence coming and going with Sensei.

He returns to my field of vision fully dressed, looking to me blankly. I give a small smirk, getting up to leave, him following behind me wordlessly.

When we get into the building and near our respective classrooms, he sighs, glaring at the offensive door that led to his class as well as any early student that happened to walk past.

I unlock my classroom, giving him the key to his, "I have already arranged your classroom for you, Kurosawa, everything you need, such as instruction and curriculum, is in your desk."

I watch as he unlocks the door and pockets his key, "... Thank you, boy."

I smirk, "That's Mr. Karasu, to you." He raises a slightly offended eyebrow, but nods and enters his room, and shutting the door.

No 'see you soon' or anything of the like? He must be cranky...

I do the same, sitting at my desk and fiddling with papers in thought when the first few children file in before bell.

I looked at my roster, smirking when I saw that Sasuke was in my second period class.

Yes, I thought as the bell rang, this was going to be entertaining.

Sasuke

It was the first day of school and I already wanted to shoot myself. I hadn't even come into contact with a human. Yes, in truth, they hadn't been that bad so far.

Everyone had settled in two days before and most humans had been either too occupied with getting situated to approach me or they were simply giggling from afar. Karin had scared away the only females that had been gutsy enough to block my path and had thoroughly discouraged them. She had been rather annoyed lately due to one of her room-mates and was quick to take out her anger on a few stupid little girls.

The room-mate situation had been the bane of my existence this entire week, and it had nothing to do with Juugo.

All Karin and Suigetsu talked about was the 'bet' that Karin had apparently agreed to in the end.

Karin had ranted about how domineering Yamanaka continued to be, and how despite her efforts to get Hyuuga to take her side, the timid girl remained neutral. Karin had been in mid-yelling-match when her third room mate had walked in.

~Flashback, Karin POV~

I swear to God if that bitch says one more thing-

"Karin, why are your shoes next to mine in the shoe closet?" I felt my eyebrow twitch.

She had laid out some 'ground rules' as soon as she walked in, despite Hinata and I being here first.

One; She got the room with the human so she could boss her around.

No problem, I didn't want to share a room with you anyway.

Two; No one touches her stuff. No one's stuff touches her stuff.

I didn't want anything of yours in the first place.

Three; Whatever she says, goes.

Like hell.

I rolled my eyes, not bothering to keep the annoyance out of my voice. "It's a shoe closet. Shoes go there."

"No, I said your shoes could go in your room."

"And I said I don't give a fuck about what you said, you stupid bitch! That closet is one-fourth mine, maybe if you didn't have shoes out the ass, mine wouldn't have to touch yours!"

"Maybe if your shoes weren't so fat and fugly it wouldn't be such a big deal!"

I narrowed my eyes. "Just because you have dwarf-foot doesn't mean size seven is 'fat'!" How dare she call my feet fat.

"Well, mayb-"

"Um, hello?" Ino paused mid-screech to smile deceptively at the girl in the doorway clutching her bags nervously.

"Oh, you must be my new room-mate! I'm Ino. My you have a big forehead!" This bitch.

I sigh when the only reaction I see is a frown. Damn, not another Hinata. Well, it's only to be expected from a human, right?

Ino continued, pleased that she wasn't as smart as I was. "Well, anyways, here are the ground rules. One, our closet is mine. Two-"

"Yeah, no. Fuck that, pig. Half of everything that is rightfully mine is going to be just that: mine. So you can go ahead and get over yourself." I grinned, eagerly calling in Hinata to meet our new bad-ass room-mate.

When Hyuuga was here, she introduced herself sweetly. "I'm Haruno Sakura. To my understanding you are Hyuuga Hinata, Maki Karin and … Ino-pig." Hinata giggle behind her hand, and I nodded my greeting, happy to have an ally.

Ino, still in mild shock at being talked down to, finally stopped gaping like a fish to speak, "Excuse me? You seem to be confused about who is in charge here! I am-"

"I don't give a shit who you think you are, to me, you're just some bitch until you decide to pull your head out of your ass and act otherwise." She released her suit-case to crack her knuckles, looking intimidatingly at Yamanaka. "And if you think I'll put up with your bullshit, I'd be glad to show you just how serious I am."

And with that, I made a new friend.

"Now, where is my room?"

~End funny flashback. Take that, Ino~

Sasuke Pov

I must admit, it had greatly amused me. The first time.

Even though Karin had hit it off with this 'Sakura', she still complained about Ino, just so she could beat Suigetsu in his rants.

Suigetsu though, had ended up liking his room-mate, or rather, his room-mates friend.

Flashback, you guessed it, Suigetsu pov

Fuck it's boring in here. It's been almost a week, and despite who my room-mate ends up being, I'll probably end up happy to see them. Sitting alone in your dorm on a laptop wasn't my idea of a good time.

I could only hope that he was cool, though, because my dorm was a replica of Sasuke's and Juugo's. It was a semi-large room with a bathroom and a small kitchen area to the side. It wasn't much at all, but it was enough to house two students, so I guess that's all they were really going for when they designed it.

I glanced to the bare bed mirroring mine on the opposite side of the room. I wonder what he would be like? I could probably handle an asshole, dealing with Sasuke's mood swings all the time had practically trained me in the art of prick-mastery.

My musing was interrupted by the sound of my door opening for the first time by someone who wasnt' me.

I prepare for the worst, but frown when I see two guys bust in, one laughing loudly, one glaring slightly.

"Come on, Gaara, I was just kidding! No need to get pissy!"

"Naruto, if you invite me to your room to 'hang out' one more time, I'll kill you." Woah, he sounds kinda serious...

The blonde one only grinned, "But Neji would be so eager to- Oh! Hey dude, didn't see you there." Both guys looked at me, finally realizing I was there.

The blonde dropped the suitcase he was carrying and bound over to shake my hand. "I'm Tachibana Naruto!" and he grinned. This guy's pretty cool, but 'Wild Orange Fishcake'? I couldn't help but agree when I saw his obnoxious orange hoodie, but that name was completely fucked.

"You my new room-mate?" He shrugged a no, throwing his thumb behind him at 'Gaara'.

"Nah, you're with this cool guy. He's fine after you get past the icy glare and the death threats."

I grinned, "Well then we'll be just fine! I have an evil bastard of my own!"

"No way?" and we shared a laugh, making the red-head behind us glare as he put away his things.

Naruto elbowed me playfully, "You qualified to room with a grumpy fuck?"

I smiked, "I'm over-qualified. My angsty friend practically has me certified to deal with heartless pricks."

"He sounds so charming." And we bark with laughter, I even see Gaara smile slightly.

My new room-mate speaks, his voice reminding me of Sasuke in that it was low and monotone, the only difference being that Gaara's was scratchier and devoid of the arrogance and hatefulness that Sasuke's carried. "I can hear you, you know." Yeah, he wasn't so bad.

Naruto smiled, whispering, "Maybe we can set up a asshole play-date and they can take turns saying mean things to each other, maybe have a glaring contest!" And I can't help but laugh when said icy glare is directed at Naruto's back.

Damn, that would give Sasuke a run for his money.

Naruto seems to feel the eyes on his back, turning and walking towards the redhead, ruffling his hair, "Ah, you know I don't mean it, Gaara." And the latter nods, a small appreciative smile on his lips as he goes to put his toiletries in the bathroom.

Naruto sobers a bit, "So, Gaara's an insomniac, if he sleeps, call me." And he hands me a folded slip of paper with what I assume to be his cell number. "He's quiet and doesn't talk much, so don't expect a lot of conversation. If you fuck with him, I'll kick your ass. If you're cool, feel free to hang out." He finished with a grin and I nodded dutifully, not willing to offend such an honorable bro.

He nodded back, turning to holler. "Gaara! I'm going to unpack my stuff! I'll be sure to tell Neji how good you are in bed!" And he shrieked, barely dodging the bottle of shampoo that had been chucked at him. I gaped at the open comment, wondering if it was just teasing or if they had actually boinked.

Naruto winked at me before racing out of the room, laughing maniacally.

That's when I decided: These guys are alright.

~End funny flashback. Hehe, poor Gaara~

Sasuke

I honestly didn't see what was so great about a dumb blonde and a most likely less hot me, but it was better than a 'whiny bitch', so Suigetsu had to pay up fifty bucks.

This week had been far too long, though. I spent most of it alone with Itachi, since Madara seemed to be sleeping a lot. I vaguely wondered if it had anything to do with the candy thing.

Still, part of me was glad that Madara had been scarce, since they tended to stick to each other like glue whenever one was around. Madara's absence left Itachi and I time to get back to normal, like we used to be. I mean, I didn't see myself riding around on his back or asking to train with him and Madara anytime soon, but still.

… Okay, it would be kind of awesome to train with Itachi and Madara some time, but I wasn't going to ask!

I checked the time on my cell phone, eager to leave this first class. Mitarashi-sensei was a complete psycho, and there was something about her that reminded me of Orochimaru, which was extremely unsettling, especially considering the fact that she taught chemistry of all things.

There hadn't been anyone in my class from my small group either, making me more than a little uncomfortable around the crazy woman.

I glanced to the pink haired girl next to me who offered a charming smile in return before going back to the note she was writing the Hyuuga girl.

When Mitarashi made us complete a social activity (to get us to mingle), she had valiantly saved me from a mob of giggling arians with fake tans, her conniving method of doing so reminding me of Karin.

When she introduced herself as Sakura, I immediately knew why, and I saw why they hit it off so well. Though Sakura was definitely sweeter, I had to say that they had quite a few similarities.

Especially the shameless flirting.

I immediately shot her down, not bothering to be nice about it since females, human or not, only seemed to get it if you were completely clear.

Surprisingly though, she had only sighed and said, "Well, can't blame me for trying," and sat down next to me, bringing the Hyuuga female with her, much to my prejudice distaste.

I would have normally gotten up and changed seats, but she seemed okay and she stayed quiet, only talking to her room-mate, who was polite enough to ignore my glares at her.

Towards the end of class when Mitarashi-sensei told us to keep our conversations at a dull roar, Sakura turned to me.

"What's your next class, Sasuke?" I gave her a look from the corner of my eye, not bothering to face her and deemed it okay to hand her my schedule, not seeing her to be the stalker type.

She held it next to hers, smiling as she handed it back to me. "Man, that's gonna be one hell of a class! It seems all my friends are in it!" Woah, we aren't friends... "I wonder what the teacher is like."

"He's probably a prick," I say before I can stop myself. I had meant for that to stay in my head as a joke, but it had escaped against my will.

Sakura seemed thoroughly amused. Annoying wench. "Oh? Are you familiar with Mr. Karasu?" I scowl, wishing I could glare at my mouth.

"You could say that." I decided to leave it vague. If I lied and she noticed how identical Itachi and I look it would be suspicious.

She pouted, but jumped as the bell rang, dismissing us. When I got up, her arm hooked through mine, making me bristle uncontrollably. "Let's all go to class together! C'mon Hinata!" and she dragged us both, most likely not noticing how tight my muscles were.

She pulls Hyuuga and I at a brisk pace with strength that had me doubting her humanity, passing classroom after classroom until we make it to Itachi and Madara's hall in the B building. I could feel myself slowly losing my composure after so long of putting up with her skin touching mine.

Yes, there was a big difference between Sakura and Karin. Karin knew better, where as Sakura had no idea.

We near Itachi's classroom and I stop, jerking Sakura to a halt, consequently doing the same to Hinata. I can't let Itachi see me so bothered. Surely he would understand, but I still didn't want him holding anything like that over my head, especially something I couldn't control.

I let my mask take over, coming up with a believable lie, "I see one of my friends in that class," I say, pointing to where I saw Madara lounging in his swivel chair. "I'm gonna go say hi." Sakura nods before walking into the classroom, Hyuuga looks knowingly but follows at my glare. That's right, bitch.

She must know I don't like her kind. It makes me wonder whether or not she's figured out I'm an Uchiha yet with her Byakugan.

I sigh, making my way into the classroom to my side, glaring at the students and addressing the teacher.

"Kurosawa." Madara had been leaning back in his comfortable looking chair with his feet on the desk, enjoying a sour lollipop.

He pulled the candy from his lips with a pop, "Sasuke, you must be mistaken, you have my class tomorrow." and he resumes his previous activities.

I glare. "I am aware of that." Ha, me, mistaken.

Madara places his feet under his desk, moving to lean forward and place his elbow where his feet had once been, resting his head on his hand as he looked at me expectantly.

He spoke in a hushed tone, "Is something bothering you, child?" and I suddenly realize why Itachi had always favored his sensei, following him like a lost puppy as a child.

Despite the demeaning terms of endearment, his concern was comforting and he seemed legitimately interested in my well-being. I had always thought it to be strange, but I sort of understood why Itachi still called him Sensei.

He waited patiently for my answer, and I sat in the empty student-desk directly next to his. I suppose it had been placed there for occasions just like this, but not for me. I knew Itachi to be the one responsible for arranging this room and couldn't help but wonder if he had arranged his the same, leaving a designated desk in his room for Madara to visit as well.

They really were attached at the hip.

I reluctantly met his eyes, "I just needed to compose myself away from Nii-san." And he narrowed his eyes, but nodded in understanding.

"What has disturbed you?" and I look at him questioningly. I had imagined Madara to be the type to let me alone to figure it out on my own, not wanting anything to do with my problem.

I answered hesitantly, keeping our conversation low so the few students in the room couldn't eavesdrop.

"This female grabbed my arm, and it just-" My hands tensed angrily and his watchful eyes took notice.

He did something strange, unexpected. I watched apprehensively as he placed his hand in mine and wrapped my fingers around his.

I looked at him questioningly, to which he simply replied in a hushed tone, "Squeeze," I raised an agitated eyebrow. I was trying to get over a mild freak-out, this was no time for handshakes.

He smiled a disarming smile, one that seemed to run in the family, "Just do it. Squeeze until you can't anymore, until my knuckles break, until your knuckles break." I gape at him, but he just nods.

Awkwardly, I do so, increasing the pressure until I felt his bones resist, then shift, trying not to snap.

"Keep on," He murmured, not phased in the least. It soon became me trying to get a reaction out of him, but he only kept that pleased expression, even after multiple snaps were heard. I finally release his hand, letting out a gust of slightly exhausted breath, watching as he cradles the lifeless thing in his lap, popping the bones back.

How could he possibly be okay with me breaking his hand? Why hadn't he told me to stop? I had crushed his hand as completely as I could without turning the thing into a lump of wet bone dust! What did his mangled hand have to do with Saku-

"Do you feel better?" I looked up, stopped mid-thought, and assessed my current state.

Well, yes, I thought slightly amazed, I do feel better.

"How did you know how to fix it-" But he waved off my question.

"I can tell you some other time, Sasuke, you should go to class. You don't want to be late for his class, do you?" And he gave me the smile again.

I nodded, getting up and mumbling my thanks before walking across the hall.

Perhaps I had misjudged Madara. I had assumed he was moody and angsty with a dash of insanity, but it seemed that there was something else that lied deep within his cold, hard exterior. Something that contradicted the rumors of his mercilessness, something that went against the supposed 'evil' within his dead, blackened heart.

As I walked into Itachi's classroom and gazed upon his own cold, ruthless mask, I tried to see beyond it. It would probably be easier if he would stop glaring at me for almost being late.

Still, I tried. I stared challengingly at his mask from the doorway, noticing the frightening similarities between all of ours. That meant that I too had a deeper center to myself, but frankly, it was much easier to dissect someone else. I nodded to him, surprising him slightly out of his glare, and he nodded towards the desks, telling me to find a seat.

I walk up the aisles, more comfortable with a seat in the back next to Suigetsu, despite the general ruckus and chatter. I sit down in the seat, making sure not to make eye contact with anyone, and glare straight ahead to the white board, just as I had last class.

The shark demon turns to me, grinning.

"Sasuke!" And I begrudgingly turn to acknowledge him, but he's turned away from me once again, now talking who ever was at his other side.

"This is the asshole I was talking about, Naruto." And he leans back to let the boy get a look at me.

I was prepared to be gawked at, because it seemed that humans didn't really know how to react to such deceptive beauty, but I didn't even get a glance.

I raised an eyebrow, letting my eyes roam over his tense form.

And tense he was. It seemed as if every muscle in his body had clenched up, even the ones in his constipated looking face. His shoulders were hunched and his hands were in his lap, probably squeezing each other as hard as I had been squeezing Madara's had a mere few minutes ago. It was kind of funny, how focused he looked as he glared at the top of his desk, refusing to lift his pretty blonde head-.

A sadistic, sinister smirk spread over my intrigued face.

No way...

---

BWAHAHAHAHA!

Jk, bro.

Sorry it took so long to update, but I had a short bout of laziness, as well as a long trip at my friend's house where it is slightly awkward to write smutty stories on my laptop when we are trying to bond. I mean, she's totally cool with me writing them, but she's like "Hey bro, I'm trying to hang out with you, here."

So! I shall gift you with a longer chapter! I'm thinking about making all of the future chapters this long, so, I probably won't update quite as often.

Also, I didn't really read over it again, so if there are any mistakes, please point them out and I'll correct them. I'm too lazy to do so now, but I'm too eager to wait to upload... I need a beta...

Pekudi, Maximoffs_forever! 3 3

Your reviews keep me going! I'm glad you guys enjoy my story! Thank you SO much for reading!

You too, guest readers! Threes all around!

(woot woot)

~SaLEm