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

12. To Be Alive

Annyeonghaseyo! (I'm spicing it up. With Korean. Booyah.)

I'M SINCERELY SORRY I'VE MADE YOU WAIT!

So, great to see you all again. Sorry it took so long, I've been ridiculously busy. Seriously. One weekend, I had homework from literally six of my eight classes. Well, technically all, but I didn't necessarily have to learn those new songs for choir. But seriously.

AP English- write essay over 'The Things They Carried', read 'The Poisonwood Bible'

Varsity Choir- learn S'vivon

AP Music Theory- Analyze Bach piece

Art II- finish contour

Physics- formula worksheet

Chambers Choir- Learn Rutter and Stroope pieces

Pre-Cal- finish packet

Economics- Oligopoly presentation

Fuck. My. Life.

So, if you're wondering why I update so rarely, the answer is fucking school. I pretty much tied my own noose when I signed up for these classes. Buuut, eh, it could be worse.

Can't wait for college. (Sarcasm)

Anyways,

Chapter Eleven 'Recap'~: Itachi seems to be developing strange thoughts and feelings, and not just lovey-dovey ones, and Madara's catching on. Madara is also getting worse, having not had a decent fix in some time. Karin is an Uzumaki. Madara and Itachi dance around each other,(because that's what they do in my story, and when they finally get down to business, they'll romp like bunnies, okay?). Sasuke's emo and lonely and needs some lovin'. Naruto, his new bro, thinks he's dracula. Naruto and Sasuke decide to make a pact. Kyuubi's hiding things, they get revealed. Reading an Uchiha is a science, Naruto and Sasuke hit it off and Orochimaru summons some help.

I hope you don't absolutely hate this chapter.

Chapter Twelve~:

To Be Alive

Itachi

What an awful day.

The one miniscule break I get from loud, giggling, obnoxious, awkward youth, AKA my teacher-conference-period, only served to frustrate me and make the day drag on that much more.

I will admit, I had, at first, been somewhat eager to visit with my Sensei, especially after this morning in the shower. I hadn't expected the same treatment, or even similar treatment, in front of a class, but I surely hadn't expected what I received, which was a rather cold shoulder.

Any attempts at communication were thwarted by dismissive grunts that sounded choked, as if it were bothering him just to be near me.

That isn't what you said this morning, you bastard.

And then, when he actually decides to talk, it's to some red-headed female! I had been ready to use Tsukuyomi and flip her brain upside down, but that was before I let Madara words sink in.

Uzumaki?

I watched as he practically drooled over her. Well, not literally drooled, but I could see it in his eyes. It was a weird hunger, the feeling with no name, relatable but unexplainable. While he continued to make social blunders, I picked up all of the scrap; turning the class attention away from him, making the situation as forgettable as possible. It was a relatively easy task, if you ignored the annoyingly observant eyes of a young, perceptive looking eaves dropper.

Seeing no young demons that screamed 'Mist', I initiated a conversation in Chinese. I figured, since it was the least popular among non-mist demons, yet most universally spoken, that he would speak it well. Fortunately, my judge of intelligence was quite spot on, and he had been comfortably fluent. With the other minds of the room being occupied, or deaf to our particular foreign language of choice, we were free to converse without others listening in.

I successfully capture his attention with my shadiness, trying my hardest to appear more interesting than Madara's mysterious conversation so as to prevent this boy's gaining of knowledge. As our conversation proceeds, I inwardly face-palm myself, as out of character as it seems.

This boy, the lazy bum-looking student I had seen blending in with the scenery, was in fact a Nara, I could sense it well, just talking to him. Damn, Nara clansmen were trouble. Nothing was a proper secret around them. I had known he was not human, for he did not smell like one, but I sure as hell would not have guessed that he would have been a shadow demon.

Then again, not many would be capable of assuming such, since shadow demons were tricky and rather difficult to detect, nothing like Hyuuga or Inuzuka, who could be identifiable among a large crowd with little effort.

The boy, Shikamaru, revealed very little about himself, but just by exchanging words I could tell he was of high rank in an assassin's corporation, no doubt Konoha's. It usually wasn't so difficult to decipher an immortal or demon's village of origin, but once again, shadow demons were tricky; ever cautious and observant, stingy with information, but Nara was pretty much synonymous with 'brains of Konoha'.

Hm, having him around would be-

"Troublesome..." Said the boy when he saw the Uzumaki girl seat herself. Stole the words right out of my mouth.

Damn, I had wanted to listen in to Madara as well. It seems you can't always hit two birds with one stone, then.

I sighed, settling for giving Sensei one last look before teaching his class like he should be doing, keeping an extra eye on the young Nara, but staying attentive to my sensei with my other senses.

He seemed ill, his body had been rather stiff and he had looked to be in pain. The blinds were closed in his classroom, blocking out the hot rays of sun from outside, yet he kept a light, barely noticeable sheen of sweat about his sickly looking skin.

I spoke loudly to the class with his dreary eyes in mind. The dark circles that gave his stare that sexy, matured edge were much darker, making it seem more intense for some reason, giving me that hazy feeling once more.

I frowned when I felt eyes on me. I looked around the room, finding most students taking notes on the famous authors I was teaching about, and the only eyes I encountered were the Nara boy's and Sensei's, but those I couldn't keep contact with for long.

My frown deepened into a grimace. The eyes weren't theirs, but someone else's who was obviously a very talented observer. Perhaps my own observational skills have become rusty due to dependency on Sharingan? Hn, something to work on...

I eventually grew bored of teaching English literature and sat back down next to Sensei, waiting eagerly for the end of third period. One more class to go, then I was done.

Who's idea was it to play teacher again? These pupils were driving me crazy. I couldn't tell if it was just my inexperience with America's way of educating or if the young ones were truly this awful.

God, do I feel sorry for my own Sensei, because I hadn't exactly been an ideal student either, early on(but he beat that out of me real quick).

Still, through these annoying youth, I was learning quite a bit about the current affairs in the hidden villages. I had no idea that my ex-village had become so sheltered, nor had I been aware that the Mist was no longer known as the blood-mist. How boring.

It seemed as though the world had forgotten the leaders of war, leaving so few like Akatsuki and Rogues like Orochimaru behind in favor of painting a false image of utopia and economical efficiency. Only those with relentless ideals and bravery would rebel against the council's two-sided conformity, and those were the only individuals that were capable of facing both of those sides with a sneer.

But I'm sure your run of the mill psychopath could do the same.

Sometimes I wish Madara was run of the mill..

Any who rebelled against The Demonic Council were deemed 'evil tyrants' or 'crazed murderers' and they were quickly abandoned or shunned.

I miss the world of my childhood, where there were more of us who weren't so blind and the acceptable life livers weren't so jaded.

Some could say that world made me who I am, or perhaps made Madara who he is, and he in turn made me who I am. It wouldn't matter how one worded it, as both were true.

I look to my side to gaze at the only man who had ever faced a shunning more fierce than mine. His eyes were on me, making the world shrink and rise in temperature. The color scheme of said world became warm as well, and everything outside of Madara became blurred, and I experience 'The Haze', as I have decided to call it, once more, that monstrous, hungry feeling.

The look in his eyes was so entrancing, almost as hypnotizing and seductive as Sharingan, but they were only those empty dark silver. I felt myself getting closer to them, despite the fact that I had not physically moved and some part of me was waiting for the red that had begun to become familiar. I vaguely wonder if he had somehow trapped me in an eye technique before quickly dismissing the idea. One, I would have at least sensed it by now, and two, he had been strongly against such a thing with out warning and permission.

The bell has rung, but I have misplaced the yearning I previously had toward ending this school day. I could stay like this forever with Madara. It was that feeling again, like before we left for the stores a week or so back.

Everything felt right and perfect in the world, just because nothing else existed apart from Madara at the moment.

Was Madara right and perfect? Not by any means.

Was Madara right enough, and everything desirable? In every way, to me.

I knew it was wrong and unrealistic to any onlooker, but onlookers weren't there to feel and understand, they were there to watch you do that. To my great fortune, the only real onlooker we had was the hypothetical one: normality.

In normality's eyes, my indescribable passion for Madara was too raw, too starving, too complex to be understood. I couldn't bring myself to care about normality, though, not when Madara's presence alone lifted the weight of the world from my shoulders.

I only half register the presence of Sasuke in the room, and it's the only thing keeping us from touching. It seems my inner poet has chosen to ignore the actual tangible onlooker, but Sasuke is normality enough when I think about how I'm hiding my Sensei from him as well. Sasuke, as well as the rest of the world, can be a confused onlooker for forever, because I don't share and they can't understand.

Sasuke, especially, cannot understand, even more so a Sasuke so young. Here he is watching us watch, but not comprehending like us. Uchiha do not love like onlookers and until Sasuke finds out how to love, he will look on as he does now.

My remaining family is frozen, waiting on someone to move and break the spell. It's Sasuke that breaks the stillness, of course, and when he finally leaves, Madara folds and looks away. I frown as I move to approach, ignoring the way his stiff form stiffens even more.

"You look like hell, Madara-Sensei..." I say when I'm sure there is no one near.

He mirrors my expression, "Hn, what a lovely complime- Nnn,..." Well now, I hadn't expected that when my hands began massaging his stiff neck.

I smirk when I realize I accidentally caressed the seal on his neck. 'Oops'.

"You have to be more careful, boy..." And the long speech I'm sure I was about to receive is drown out by his encouraging hums of approval as I continue to kneed at his stiff shoulder muscles.

It nagged at me; his worked muscles, his tired eyes, the fact that he seemed to be in pain with no cause. Something in my core demanded that I fix it. After all, how could I let my mate suffer?

The problem, though, was that I was unsure of what could remedy him. It was like a doctor drawn to an ill patient, but the doctor just couldn't seem to remember how to treat the illness. The knowledge was there, just buried, but called to be used in aide.

It was frustrating, to say the very least.

We shared a grumble as we sense a student nearing the class, forcing us to separate.

"Remind me to have you do that again, boy..." And a part of me inwardly shined at Sensei's praise, but then that part was corrupted by perverted thoughts, saying that Madara was only saying praising me because he liked me feelin' him up.

Either train of thought is just fine with me.

I smirk, "Oh, any time you need it, Kurosawa, or want it for that matter..." And I leave the room on that note, inwardly grinning at the mock-scandalized look his sends over his thoroughly squeezed shoulder. I find myself amused and heartbroken at this, knowing that he was smiling through his pain, but that he was doing it for me. That feeling inside me ignited once more, screaming at me to relieve him, but the barrier was still there. For some reason, I just knew that Madara was holding the key that would unlock the doors to that secret part of my mind and body, but if I could truly 'relieve' him like I felt that I could, why would he stop me?

Why are you with-holding the key to my completeness?

Let me help...

My last class of that day had been pleasant, and I looked forward to teaching them for however long I decided to stay here. Even so, I decided that Sasuke's class was my favorite, despite their obnoxious attitudes. That could have easily been because of the fact that my dear little brother was part of it, though, and I enjoyed seeing him be unsettled by that brave blonde student.

The students leave at the dismissal bell rather loudly, but I don't mind. I was quickly becoming used to young people, demons and humans alike.

Okay, that's a rather fat lie. The truth is that I've developed a talent for tuning out their ruckus.

I have still come to at least appreciate certain good points about them, though. I have learned that while they can be guarded and cautious like my generation, they can also let themselves go. It was something I could respect.

As I lock my room and head into the hallway, on my way across to meet with Sensei, I am halted by Umino Iruka.

"Karasu-san!" He greets almost happily, receiving my nod in return.

"Yes?" I'd rather get down to it, as I wish to bug Madara before I have to leave to meet with Akatsuki.

He frowns ever so slightly, but continues. "Some teachers from B have decided to meet for drinks this Friday evening to celebrate the first week and get to know each other, so I decided to invite you and Kurosawa. Can you come?"

I immediately tried to find problems with the occasion to get out of it, anything to make this seem like a bad idea, "Will there be humans?" and he chuckled.

"Haha, no, the last thing we need is someone drinking one too many and spilling the beans to some human. It's going to be a non-human gathering, naturally." I pursed my lips slightly, taking in his almost hopeful expression. I had never encountered someone so interested in a 'friendship' with no ulterior motives, so with not-so-slight reluctance, I vowed to ask Kurosawa.

"Oh! About your room-mate!" He said, seeming to just remember something. My eyes narrowed, daring him to say something negative about Madara, but such a thing was not on his mind.

"It seems as though he was in a hurry to get to his stay, so I wasn't able to catch him, but he has forgotten to lock his classroom." I roll my eyes, not feeling the need to guard any expression in this situation.

"Yes, he is rather thoughtless sometimes, which is why I have his spare key." Iruka raised an eyebrow in question but he was ignored as I walked a few feet to Madara's classroom to lock the door.

I turn back, "I do apologize, and I'll be sure to get back to you with Kurosawa's reply when I get it. Good evening, Umino-san." And I make haste to my apartment-like living space, leaving him behind instead of doing the polite thing and walking with him to our neighboring stays.

I heave a sigh when I lock the front door behind me, then unbutton my dress shirt to dwell in the more comfortable t-shirt underneath. I looked up to find the living area and kitchen empty, so I shuffle my feet tiredly to the bedroom, where I was sure Madara was.

I find him nodding off in our bed and I fight the frown. Was his last ridiculous sleeping cycle simply not enough for him? He couldn't hibernate again, not when school has started, but he's turned back into the sickly mess that he had been in the beginning.

I walk over to the bed where he lay on his stomach, grumbling into a pillow, sure that I had come to pester him.

Heavens no, Sensei, I would never do such a thing. I only intended to keep my earlier promise.

I kneel next to his dozing form on the bed and begin to remove his shirt, making him tense.

"What are you-" He pauses as I pull the cloth over his head. "-doing, boy?"

I smirk, "You seem tense, Madara-sama. Let me take care of you." And I begin to let my hands roam and press once more, this time all over his back. He quickly melts into the mattress, not even objecting when my hands venture low and I allow myself to grope like I wanted to earlier this morning.

"Nnngh," I smirk, "You're very good with your hands, boy..." And the tone of his voice sends blood rushing south.

"Hmm, you don't know the half of it," I say in an equally arousing voice, licking my lips when he freezes, probably imagining scenarios in which I would enlighten him.

I believe my predictions to be correct when he practically shudders and groans. I bring my mouth down to kiss up the middle of his back, my hands trailing up his sides until one knots itself into his tangled tresses, pulling his head back while the other hand supported my weight so I could turn him slightly. I was still sitting atop the back of his thighs while I pulled him face me slightly, but he did not voice any complaints.

...Unless soft moaning counted as complaints...

I began sucking hard on his neck, paying special attention to his more sensitive, favored areas like the mark and that spot just below his ear. Pleased with the results, I lift my head to be rewarded with the sight of Madara biting his lip with his eyes rolled back wantonly. I tugged his locks in a rough and careless manner, delighting in the slight wince as well as Madara releasing his lower lip in favor of letting out a hoarse pant of approval.

I continued to tease his neck and grip his hair, letting my other hand travel down to his behind where fingers rubbed suggestively through tight black pants.

"So, would you like me to show you how true your last statement really was?"

He seemed as though he was about to answer, but another devilish touch left him only capable of a low, whimpering hum. I could feel us both getting rather hungry for each other, and I wanted nothing more than to prove Sensei's observation right by thrusting my fingers inside him. For some reason, the idea of having him completely at my fingertips, pun perhaps intended, was the most attractive thought in the world at this very moment.

Madara squirms and arches a bit, reminding me that I was still practically molesting him through his clothes rather mercilessly. I shifted to hover over him, pulling his hair harder in order to get his head closer to me so I could capture his mouth. I moved my fondling hand to squeeze and kneed at his hip and ground my raging erection into his unfortunately clothed behind, earning a throaty moan.

I moved my mouth down to his neck, feeling myself start to lose control as I tilt his head back further and, even through his squinted eyes, I could see the red glow. I frown, grinding down on him once more to watch his eyes widen and shut as he pants heavily. I could feel The Haze.

Was it his eyes that were making me lose all lucidity? It seemed that every time I aroused him, hurt him(two things which strangely went hand in hand), his eyes would change to this color. An even scarier thought: every time his eyes were like this, dotless Sharingan, I would experience that feral, beastly high.

Were the eyes the cause? Were they some type of Mangekyou or other genjutsu that Madara obtained? How did he manage to hide something like that? Was he even aware of it's coming and going? Was he controlling it?

...And why did it activate at times like this?

I became distracted with my musings, so when Madara suddenly flips our positions, I gasp in surprise.

I watch as he hovers over me, panting as he tried to catch his breath. He was blinking rather hard as well, and I realize that he's trying to will his eyes away. Once the red had successfully faded to dreary gray, Madara's breathing finally slowed.

So he was aware of it?

He probably couldn't control it much though, judging by the way he struggled to make it disappear.

Hn, interesting...

I remain on my back, by choice, as he finally gets a hold of himself.

"Now... is not the time for- this, boy..." He coughs and shoves off of me, leaving me to stare curiously at his retreating back while he struggles to move to the kitchen area or our living space. Was he upset that I lost focus? Was it the fact that I had touched him like that in the first place?

I slowly stand, with what I'm sure is a confused look on my face, and follow after him.

Madara stumbles through our home, barely catching himself on the table. I sigh, approaching slowly, intent on placing a hand on his shoulder, or simply comforting him, but my efforts are thwarted. Before I can even touch him, he whirls to face me, then spins us both around in the opposite direction and pushes me down so that he has me pinned against the table.

His eyes bleed to red, this time in Sharingan, and his face moves to mine. A strange feeling almost like fear sparks within me.

Madara's breath fans over my face, "What part of 'Now is not the time' do you not understand, hn?"

His breath smells like sickness and just by looking at him I can tell why he left his class early. A blackness surrounded his eyes that no longer looked natural, now more like some kind of horror make up. I'm suddenly reminded of the dream I had a couple of weeks ago and my breath hitches.

I think back to the face of my mother, the bandit eyes, the teeth, the claws and that cannibalistic look.

The insanity.

The same look that was now directed at me...

I dare to look away so I could see his other hand, the claws, to confirm growing suspicions.

"You look away now, boy?" As if commanded, my eyes return to his.

Madara looked like a starved man, sick and dying. I would probably say it were possible if I didn't know any better. It made me wonder if he wished he could die sometimes...

I reached out to touch his face, "Sensei..."

Madara shuddered angrily, better equated to a spasm, and jerked his head, bearing his teeth. My hand traveled from his face to his neck, his chest, his slightly protruding ribs, and his quivering stomach before he slaps my hand away.

I frown, no longer just a concerned frown, but one that showed exactly frustrated with how seriously unaware I was of my own mate. He was truly disturbed, every aspect of him completely skewed and off and I couldn't figure it out. It felt like it was right there at the tip of my tongue, but it simply simply wouldn't happen, I just couldn't get it.

"Madara, what is wrong with you?"

He shifted his sickly body away from me slightly and rests his forehead on my chest. I don't have to see his face to know that it's no longer angry-looking. Just by the sound of the desperate sigh, by the feel of the hot breath against my stomach, I could tell that his teeth were no longer bared at me.

"I could do it right now, boy," My eyebrows furrow in confusion and I begin to stroke his once-again-oily hair. It was just like when he was in the Uchiha manor, and this bothered me greatly. The only difference was that he only seemed sicker now, more out of his mind, but not covered in swamp-sludge.

Madara continued mindlessly babbling, "It would stop the pain all over... I could protect you forever... Have you forever..." I raise one of my furrowed brows. He sounded delirious, but the man got more sleep than any person I had ever met. And who ever said I needed protection?

"I would even let you do it back..." Madara was still going on, whispering this time, and his reluctant tone leaves me even more confused, because if he were simply talking about finalizing our bond, he wouldn't sound this worried.

"Let me do what back, Madara-sama?"

I feel his face tighten up against my stomach and his breath hitches.

As if my voice breaks him out of his trance, his mouth snaps shut and he swiftly straightens, putting a gap between us in less than a second.

"Leave me alone, boy." And I watch, helplessly dumbfounded, as Madara stomps to his bedroom and slams the door behind him.

Well then.

I sat up on the table top slowly, placing my feet on the closest chair so I could rest my elbows on my knees and place my face into my hands. When I successfully achieved said position, I sighed into my hands. It was a tired sigh, one with my exasperated voice thrown into the mix and that resembled a drawn out grunt or groan of annoyance, and it could probably be named the most irritated sound I had ever made.

Sure, I could waltz over there and bust that door down with my little finger.

Sure, I could use Sharingan to figure out what Madara's problem was.

Was life going to let it be that simple?

No.

Was Madara going to let it be that simple?

No.

Heavens no.

I shake my head in my hands, then run said hands over my face as if they were cleansing me of my troubles.

Another sigh.

Well at least I didn't have to worry about my Akatsuki meeting cutting into my time with Madara.

My eyes fall on the door and my ears zero in on the silence behind it. I listen harder, and even harder until I can make out labored breathing and an erratic pulse, but all I can do is sit back and feel the concern well up within my chest.

Madara shut me out.

He wasn't going to let me do anything.

I couldn't help.

The feeling made my neck burn helplessly, the flesh that bore his name was tingling with some sort of despair that left me angry and disappointed in myself and my inability to be of use to the only person that truly mattered.

Okay, well, Sasuke mattered- but to my bond, Sasuke was non-existent.

According to the mark on my neck, there was no Sasuke- only Madara.

I remember when the thought use to unsettle me. Really, it was only a little over a week ago, maybe awhile after, that it happened. Nothing else mattered outside of my bond-mate.

It could have been anything, any time that set off this tunnel vision. Maybe it was one of the fights, maybe when I put him to sleep, maybe when he held me as his dear one for the first time.

Maybe it was as soon as he stepped out of the well.

It could have been any of those times, I'll probably never know, but some point along the way, something snapped and everything else in the world suddenly lost any chance at being first on my list of priorities. Suddenly it was no contest.

Yes, at first it scared me, but I got sucked in.

Perhaps this applied to all mated beings, but Madara became an addiction.

Madara, my dear bond-mate, was no ordinary addiction, though. No, addictions didn't care, didn't want, didn't need.

And people certainly didn't care for the feelings of their 'addiction'.

I wanted everything for Madara, and I know for a fact that he at least thinks fondly of me. I wanted 'my addiction's happiness, his content, his pleasure, his pain, his troubles, his love, his hate, his worries- his everything.

And here he was, locking me out of what I thought was our shared room.

I roll my eyes at my misfortune, knowing better than to cry at a situation when one could laugh instead, and I make my way to what I had dubbed 'That room full of my stuff'.

Normally, I would trust my instincts when it came to Madara. It seemed to work in my favor when he was involved, and it's what he's always taught me in some way or another, but I simply couldn't today. I knew that he was in no mood to be civil or compliant, and I had no time to fight for an explanation that I may or may not get out of him.

I move around the useless bed, going deep into the room's closet and pulling my Akatsuki cloak from the inside of another jacket I had hung around it.

Sure, it was amateur, but I couldn't imagine anyone snooping through my closet, so I saw no reason to get too creative with hiding it. Besides, the only people who ever came in here were my relatives, and they were already aware of my Akatsuki status.

I folded the cloak and walked to the kitchen area where I retrieved a large paper sack from under the sink. After placing the infamous cloak inside, I walked to the bedroom door, softly tapping it with my knuckles before calling through to my beloved ancestor.

"I will be going, Sensei. I won't be back until well after dark, perhaps morning hours." All I received in reply was silence, and I suddenly miss the sound of the heavy breathing that let me know he was there, listening.

If it wasn't for the steady stream of negative energy pulsing to the mark of my neck, I would have questioned his presence.

When I'm sure I won't get a reply, I turn away from the door to make my leave, but not before calling back to him one last time.

"Madara-sama, if I have offended you once more..." I listen for something, anything to let me know I had his attention from beyond the door.

I sigh, then open the front door before finishing my farewell, "...I'm sorry," and I shut the door behind me. I don't care if he doesn't favor apologies or regrets, I felt them, so I let him feel them too.

As I leave the campus and begin my trek, I come to realize that some mode of teleportation, or perhaps a better and more universal word would be 'transportation', would prove to be much more efficient in getting me to the top-secret California Akatsuki base, but frankly, I felt as though it would seem out of place.

The base was in an underground cave, many miles from my location, but for some reason I felt the strange instinctual need to walk.

Perhaps someone was watching me? No matter, the meeting would take place a couple of hours from now anyways, so I could take my time.

Besides, I had quite a bit to think about to occupy my mind in that time...

Like Madara's eyes.

Madara

I swear on everything, if that little bastard tries to sexually assault me one more time, I will kill him.

…Okay, maybe that was a slight exaggeration...

One, I could never kill Itachi.

Two, you really couldn't call it assault anyway.

Had he assaulted me?

Yes.

Had I been putting up a huge fight?

No, I can't really say I had.

I smirk at my thoughts, giving one breathy chuckle before slumping back onto the bed. Itachi left about ten minutes ago. It was convenient, really, since we both had places to be and people to see, and being together on these trips was not the wisest idea.

Or so I assume, because I couldn't be certain of where he was going. There was a pretty good chance that it had to do with that Akatsuki, other wise he would have told me about it instead of being all mysterious.

Hm, perhaps I should lengthen his leash? I wouldn't want him being too predictable, that would be a bit boring...

I drag myself away from my tangent, annoyed that I had lost my train of thought, but on another hand, pleased that I had been at least temporarily distracted from the searing pain all over.

And now it's back.

Maybe I should have just stayed on the tangent...

Maybe I should have just drank from my bond-mate like my nature intended...

I sighed in defeat, knowing that was not an option at this point.

I look at the clock with what I know to be desperate red eyes. Maybe I should hurry up and meet my 'old friend' (AKA- my temporary food supply). I shudder at the thought. Despite the fact that I technically consume life-blood as a form of sustenance, calling people food still left an unpleasant ring in my ears.

"Ughh..." The pained groan that escapes my throat surprises me. It's dry and raspy-sounding, and the vibrations it sends through my chest only make it ache more, not to mention the intensified pounding in my head.

I don't even think I'm capable of teleportation in this state.

Fuck, I hate this pain.

Fuck, I want blood.

Fuck... I need Itachi...

My longing for my beloved only seemed to make the pain worse, and this time, it wasn't just physical pain. Now my very soul was craving.

Another groan escapes, this time silent since my voice seems to be broken, and I force myself out of the bed, no longer allowing myself to wallow.

I drag myself to the bathroom and grimace at my reflection. I definitely waited too long. It appears that being bonded to Itachi has made endurance a weak point of mine. Why were the cravings and symptoms so severe, and why did they return so quickly? Is it just because of Itachi? Because my body yearned to feel him and taste him just as much as I heard, saw and smelled him?

Was his stunning appearance not enough? Did hearing that beautifully smooth voice not satisfy my ears enough? Not even his intoxicating scent was enough to satisfy me from wanting everything?

Since Itachi left our little home, my complexion had only grayed that much more as even mere minutes passed by, and my eyes were that foggy, empty red color with dark rings around them that reminded me of that red-headed boy with the face-tattoo in my class.

I pinched the ends of my frayed hair in disgust, frowning, then frowning harder when I could see my sharpening teeth through said original frown.

It was definitely time to go.

With haste I walked out to the living room and looked around to make sure Itachi was truly gone. Once I was absolutely sure, I flashed my faded-red eyes and my surroundings warped until I had successfully reached my desired destination and I fall to my knees with a choked gasp. That had taken far too much effort on my blood's behalf and I felt myself paying for it.

Good thing I was on my way to fixing that.

My throat throbbed for that sweet elixir despite the fact that it was second best. I had never drank from my old friend, this one alliance, so I had to wonder whether or not obtaining his blood was going to be difficult.

I was definitely going to obtain it, though, despite my ally's tendency to be uncooperative. Even without Sharingan I was rather... persuasive. I had always been so with the Uchiha clan, and even outside of the clan, and I was quite accustomed to getting my way.

With a tired smirk, I began to walk out of the familiar dark alley way in the Rain Village, a common location for shady meetings. Breathing the air of the hidden world felt good. The air here had a certain taste, a familiarity that made my lungs greedy for more. I fantasized about kidnapping Itachi and running off to some village like this, a village where the air had a wisp of death in it's taste.

Sure, the unhidden world was great with it's unaware humans and interesting quirks, but it was no home for our kind. We needed this air. We needed to be in our element.

Itachi may think that he belongs where he is, but I knew otherwise, and this time, it didn't necessarily have anything to do with his secret, dark ancestry.

Regardless of what he tells himself, Itachi is no mortal. It's not in his nature to be content with mortal things. The boy, like all of his kind, has something deep within him that yearns to protect or fight, to be challenged and overcome said challenge.

Teaching human youth is most definitely a challenge, but not the kind Itachi needed.

It bothered me that he seemed so willing to assimilate to the human way of life. I felt as though he was deluding himself into thinking that it would work, that he could live like them. Not even the other non-human teachers were doing this(they were probably on mission). It bothered me more to think that I would do the same thing for this boy. Now that Itachi was my main priority, nothing else seemed to matter. Part of me liked having Itachi, but another part of me still lived in the past, in the hidden world, and in war.

So, as I made my way to the rendezvous point, I day-dreamed about taking down all who opposed the freedom and happiness of my beloved, and therefor my own freedom and happiness, and exterminating my past. By eliminating our enemies, Itachi and I could live undisturbed and be quite the force, and we wouldn't have to hide in the human world.

This train of thought continues to please, as it always has. Something inside me compelled me to take control, to command, and few have stood in my way and lived to tell the tale.

Suddenly, though, I find myself mourning these thoughts with sighs of disappointment. It seemed that now-a-days, one simply could not conquer. The way of my time has past and I suddenly find myself reminded of old American men from when my ghostly form traveled the world.

It amused me at the time, listening to them complain to one another about the youth of that time. How the 'hippies' didn't appreciate their way of life because they knew nothing about their reality.

Now, though, it seemed like bitter irony. The peace-loving trend appears to have even drifted to the Hidden world, and the youth of the villages were so caught up in love and bonds that they have forgotten where they come from.

They have forgotten the leaders, the wars, and the leaders of war.

I inhale the oxygen of the hidden world once more and find that it soothes my grief slightly.

"It took you long enough."

I look up, tensing to attack. It seems as though I had been on auto-pilot, simply wandering to my destination. I frown when I realize that I had been doing so not only because of my day-dreaming, but because my sight was fading.

I blink my blurry eyes and speak, "I could have taken longer," and I delight in his growl.

"I thought you had keeled over somehow. What are you, a billion years old now?" His voice has changed over the centuries. Last time we spoke, he had been speaking in a dry, sarcastic tone. Now, he was just unpleasant all together.

I sneered slightly, "I doubt I'll be 'keeling over' any time soon."

He raised his brow curiously, almost knowingly.

"Hm, you look like shit, otherwise I'd believe you. Now are we going to get down to business or what?" Business? I wasn't aware that feeding me was 'business'. I had of course let him know exactly what would be going down in this little get-together, and oddly enough he simply accepted it.

I suspected that he just wanted to see if I was truly still alive and kicking.

Glaring at me, he leans against the wall and lowers the collar of whatever strange garment he's wearing.

"Eager?" I tease, though I know I'm not quite correct. Despite our shared masochistic and sadistic qualities, neither of us has ever fancied the other. It could be due to the fact that we're both proud, aged and bull-headed, but we simply aren't compatible as more than allies.

And believe me, as a man who loves rough sex, I thought about it back in the day.

"Shut the fuck up, you bastard." He's grown mouthy. "As good as I'm sure you are at taking dick, I have no time for you. I have places to be, so if you'll kindly get this show on the road-"

I grab the hair at the back of his head and yank back, "Don't talk to me with such a superior tone."

He grins, "Hm, you're pretty testy, you wanna-be cannibal. When's the last time you had your fix?"

I dig the nail of my thumb into his neck and lap at the blood. "Let me get back to you on that." And I move my mouth to cover the bleeding break in his skin. It makes me wish I could bite him, sink my teeth in and truly hurt him, but the last thing I want is to be tied to this little shit.

He goes rigid and I suck hard and mercilessly, imagining that this was my dear Itachi. Strangely, I have to stop that train of thought. Imagining the blood of this man to be my mate's made it immensely undesirable, a reaction I can only assume comes from the bond-mark.

After awhile, it loses it's appeal on it's own and I pull back after getting my fill.

I lift my mouth from him with a gasp and we both stumble apart. My vision slowly, ever so slowly, returns to it's usual quality and the pain all over my body begins to subside little by little until I can focus on reality once more.

"You've sunk pretty low, you old fuck." I look up to see him glaring at me as he leaned on a wall for support.

I wipe my mouth of his blood, "I can live without your crude language- and you are quite aged yourself."

"Fuck yourself, you leech-bastard." I smirk at his irritability. It seems as though our exchange has passed my foulness onto him.

I frowned once more as I thought this over. I should be feeling calm and nourished, but for some reason I was beginning to almost shake in my skin. There was a giddy, crazed feeling that kept bouncing around in my head that felt similar to a sugar rush one would receive after drinking one of those slushees.

I began to over-observe everything. I took in my surroundings, my feelings, my reactions and my thoughts and came to the conclusion that my 'ally' turned on me. He must have drugged himself to drug me or something, because this was definitely not right. I glared, scanning him from head to toe when I suddenly pause and do another once over, then a twice over.

I break out of my musings and address him curiously, trying to hide the strangeness of my voice. "Hn, that's an odd outfit. It looks familiar, but I would not have guessed it to be your style."

He rolls his eyes and sinks into a more comfortable sounding conversation, as if pretending I hadn't just sucked his neck.

"I don't know where you've been, but the world's gone to shit. I don't do anything solo any more."

I give him a look that silently asks 'why?' and he answers. "Believe it or not, more freedom. Ironic, I know. The villages are hunting people like us down, and while I'm difficult to over-come, a four-man cell of powerful protectors against one is a bit much. It's wise to find those of equal or similar interest and stick with them."

"Hn," I reply. This thought reminded me of Itachi and his 'Akatsuki'.

I am interrupted from said train of thought, though, by a choking shudder that quakes my body. I frown at this. I have drank an immortal's blood before, in a time of desperation mind you, and it did not have such a strange effect.

It was almost a buzzing feeling, or perhaps a high of some sort. I felt energized, but in an unhealthy way, and every little detail of my surroundings catches my attention. I wanted to run and fight to get rid of the pent up feeling. My breathing sped up as I realized this also brought forth arousal and excited the supposedly sated monster within.

I don't understand... I had my fill, but my body wasn't using it properly. It's as if I've only taken the edge off, or perhaps a better phrasing would be that I've made a certain edge of my disease worse.

"You're shaking like a bitch, anything to do with that pretty little tattoo?" I sneer. I hadn't really thought about that...

"Don't pretend like you couldn't sense it, brat. I hate when people play stupid." He chuckled darkly, at my statement or at his correct assumption, I'm not sure.

"Ah, so the great Madara has gotten stuck with a mate. Why not leech off of them? My blood clearly isn't compatible with your cute little bond..."

I give an almost bitter chuckle, "Yes, it seems as though miscalculated the worth of your blood," He clicks his tongue, and I continue in a disappointed tone, "Damn, it really isn't enough. I suppose it will fulfill it's purpose and postpone my madness, though."

He lifts an aristocratic brow, "Madness? Tell me, was your mate aware of this possibility when they brought you back to this world? Or perhaps a new leader of war has resurrected you? Was it Orochimaru?"

I grimace at the thought. All I had learned about this 'Orochimaru' is that he was the twisted snake demon that had a knack for dark, forbidden techniques and had my youngest descendant under his creepy wing. Was the monster truly a powerful force? A leader of war?

What is this about resurrections?

I am eerily reminded of Tobirama's Edo Tensei. What an awful technique to come from such a glorified clan. It made me feel more protective over my mate's younger brother knowing that he had such a monster after his body.

It was almost unsettling me to the point that I felt like doing a bit of investigating. I wanted to find out the true, current state of the hidden worlds- Who were the powers, the leaders? Who was opposing them? Who was after my beloved or his dear ones?

"No, it was no Orochimaru, nor was it my mate."

He smirks, "I see... then who? And who is your mate? Would I know them?" I roll my eyes.

"I would most certainly hope not... The last thing I need is for you to influence and gossip to him, he's good enough at getting under my skin."

He jumps and points his finger, "Ha! It's a male! I always knew... Is he feisty? I bet you guys get real frea-"

"I would rather not discuss this with you..." But yes, feisty is definitely the word to describe him...

A smirk slithers onto his face, "Well enough, I suppose. I'm already late as it is. I'll be seeing you, and hopefully you'll be more willing to indulge and spill those juicy little secrets next time. I've always wanted to know you Uchiha operate in that department..."

I have to smirk at his perversions.

As he walks away, his outfit catches my erratic eyes once more and I stop him just before he leaves the shadows.

"Who must you meet tonight? Exactly where is it that you are going?"

He turns with a raised eyebrow and an expression that seems to say 'what?' painted across his masculine face.

"I'm late for an Akatsuki meeting..."

–

Orochimaru's Edo Tensei (You guessed it~...)

Edo Tensei... What an awful technique. I should go back in time and kick Tobirama's ass to prevent such evils. And how could such a villain obtain the DNA of a Kage? Damn, I should have done something about that during my reign as Hokage... We Kage should be sealed after death for situations just like this! Giving the council so much power seems to have backfired...

Still, what an exciting mission to wake up to!

First, I am informed that the entire Uchiha clan was wiped out by an adolescent boy! He was surely a disciple of Madara's, as there is no other explanation for such strength and skill, but still, not even fully grown! It's rich, I tell you! I hoped to run into this boy while I'm returning his little brother to that snake demon. I wonder if I'll see Madara in the murderous eyes of this Itachi. I also wonder if he will be as pretty as Madara was... Ah yes, and I could only pray that he's half as feisty, because I believe Madara to be forever undefeated in that particular category.

I frown, remembering exactly who I was killed by, as well as how. Feisty indeed, that Uchiha scum.

I am forever a sucker for pretty things, but I just may end up killing this Itachi when I'm done with him in order to redeem the honor I lost in my last battle, if one could really even call it that... Not that playing with him would be about his beauty. No, it was never an Uchiha's looks that got me going, it was knocking them down.

I remember my last days quite well, as Madara and I had a splendid time. I didn't fuck him to make either of us feel good, and it certainly wasn't the pleasure that made me cum, because Madara squirmed and cursed and mocked me the entire time, and frankly, he made it an irritating experience. No, what made me cum was knowing that I was destroying him and his stupid pride. It wasn't the fact that he was being raped that accomplished this, though, for Madara was no female or any naturally submissive creature of the like. What truly tore him down was that fact that his mortal enemy was dominating him.

I was literally fucking him over and robbing him of any power that he could use to defend himself.

I let the memories play over in my mind, remembering every scream, the taste of his monstrous, angry blood, the tauntingly excruciating throb of the probably infected bite mark on my neck and that hate filled gaze that greeted me every visit, the one that never seemed to weaken no matter how brutal the torture.

Of all of these senses, though, the one that stuck with me was the feeling of it all. When I say 'all', I mean it. Biting him may not have accomplished what I had wanted it to accomplish at the time, but it granted me a sort of access to him during our torture session. I had been able to feel him. Every electrifying spark of pain up his spine, every evil, victorious, insane peel of laughter that never stopped. It was passed through me, each physical pain, each bright red emotion.

Each terrifying growl of a monster hidden deep within him. I had always known that Uchiha were cruel, evil beings, and I had always called them monsters, but Madara... He truly exceeded all terrible things that I had ever thought of an Uchiha.

I felt the darkness of the creature clawing at the surface of Madara's subconscious, but thankfully, my seals kept it at bay. So this was the secret weapon Danzou had told me about? It had most likely been the cause for Madara's insanity in the chamber, what with all of the roaring and hissing and maniacal laughter, and let's not forget the clawing and creepy growling sounds. I had just tried to bond with that...

I suppose good and bad came from that failed bond, for if it had succeeded, I would have been in deep shit. Then again, it's failure led to my death... Gods be with any creature who mated with that bastard...

Of course, Madara probably died long before he could do that...

Ah, to reminisce...

I sighed, breaking from my musings to stop and look around. The Hidden world had changed quite a bit, so I may require assistance.

Who better to find than Danzou, have it that young brat still be alive and kicking...

First, though, I'll need to find my necklace...

Itachi

I finally transport myself, via old Uchiha technique, to a foreign northern city in California. It was a rather ingenious plan of Pein's to hide here, like hiding out in the open. Not many would think to look for a group as notorious as the Akatsuki in the world of mortals, since we weren't so interested in them.

Sure, most villages knew little to nothing about us in the first place, but as a group of rogue non-humans, it was safe to say that we mingled in the hidden world.

I stopped before I arrived at the open space hidden in a mountain and hid my energy, as well as my physical presence, watching from the shadows. I bemusedly observed the few that were already there. It seemed as though Sasori had arrived first, naturally, as he was one for being prompt, and with him Deidara, who was talking animatedly, and then there was Kakuzu, who seemed to be ignoring them both. Kisame arrived and I had a sneaking suspicion that he knew I was watching, already well accustomed to my creeping ways.

Kisame took to conversing with Kakuzu while Sasori and Deidara bickered. It was rather entertaining to watch Sasori approach his breaking point, already on edge from having to wait for everyone. Zetsu finally arrived as well, meaning that Leader was not too far behind and that the meeting would start soon. I decided to make an appearance as well, and I stepped from the shadows to receive a semi-excited greeting from a seething(from his arguing with Sasori) Deidara and a knowing grin from Kisame.

I nodded to each and stood next to my usual partner in waiting.

It was not uncommon for leader to be late, or even last to arrive, and Hidan liked to lag, but that little pest Tobi always arrived with Zetsu.

Speak of one of the devils, Hidan slouches into the circle nodding his head and standing next to a peeved Kakuzu.

Said bounty hunter glared at him, "What took you so long? As if Sasori isn't annoying enough when he's not all bitchy and impatient."

"Sasori-no-danna is not bitchy, un, just impatient." He recieves a glare from Sasori. "It's true, un."

Hidan ignores the following argument and shrugs. "I forgot the fucking date, get off my back." He looks around before huffing, "I'm not even that late. Leader's probably gonna stall for another half-hour for Jashin-knows-what, and that little shit isn't even here."

I twitch slightly, not expecting Kisame's voice as bellows across the way. "Ne, where is that twerp anyway, Zetsu? I thought he was your charge."

"Either that or Zetsu's his baby-sitter, un." Kisame and Hidan cackle loudly in response.

Hidan recovers first, only to crack another joke at the newbie's expense. "Hell, Pein-sama's probably slaughtering the little bastard as we speak!" The reply of laughter is halted as the three remaining members make their way to the circle.

I pull my hand from the arm of my cloak out of habit, shivering slightly as my hair brushes that spot on my neck.

Deidara gives me an odd glance before speaking out to Leader. "Hidan seems to long for the presence of you three."Hidan glares and Kisame chuckles under his breath next to me.

When Tobi scampers off to stand at Deidara's side, I have to hold in a chuckle of my own. "Deidara-sempai, it's okay, I know you missed Tobi most of all!" He proceeds to hug Deidara and it proves to be too much. While the less than stoic characters burst into fits of laughter, the rest of us smirk- excluding Sasori, who adopted a rather displeased expression when Tobi embraced Deidara.

How amusing.

"Let's begin." Ah, the fun-loving Leader has spoken. Good timing, too, I really didn't want to drag this out.

I find myself bored throughout the meeting, only half-listening to Pein and Konan discuss locating tailed beasts and future missions. I seem to be distracted and I cannot decide if my thoughts are preoccupied with Madara or the constant nagging feeling of eyes on me.

I look around discreetly, noticing that most are either paying attention and contributing or are distracted with their own thoughts. Kakuzu is suggesting that we turn in their corpses to gain money, Hidan seems to be praying to Jashin for guidance on the situation, Sasori lays claim to at least one of the corpses so he can turn them into a puppet, and Deidara ogles Sasori's young-looking body outside of it's scorpion-dummy.

Sure, he looked good, but I simply couldn't see myself lusting after someone that appeared to be Sasuke's age.

I frowned wondering whether or not Sensei felt that way about me.

I inwardly shook the thoughts from my head and continued to observe.

Kisame looked indifferent to the conversation, neither absorbed in it or against it in any way, but this was to be expected of Kisame, who was only here for lack of something better to do. My gaze moved to Zetsu who, for once, was not watching everyone else. He was usually the eyes and ears of this group, but it appears that I am spacing out during a very important meeting, for if even Zetsu was listening intently, then the topic had to be quite significant.

None of these people were watching me, and Pein and Konan were too busy planning to be bothered with staring at me.

That left only one person.

I kept my eyes forward, so as not to draw attention to the fact that I knew he was watching me.

Why would Tobi of all people be watching me?

I made sure that the collar of my cloak was properly positioned around my neck like always. I never exposed more than my face or hands in the Akatsuki, call it paranoia if you must, so if something were visible I could understand Tobi's sudden infatuation, but I was just as concealed as always.

Could Tobi be a sensory type?

We honestly had no real idea of his capabilities, or how someone so... ridiculous was in such a dangerous group in the first place. Pein was the one in charge and he was a rather serious leader, so I doubt that he would let someone who was dead weight in on his organization.

I really and truly tried to pay attention throughout the meeting to find out just what those plans are, but that nagging feeling that Tobi was still staring at me was making it impossible. I can ask Deidara about the meeting later if it's that important, I needed to see if I was just imagining the eyes.

I turned my head, no longer facing the front, but facing directly across from me wear Tobi had chosen to stand.

Odd, he usually stood in between Deidara and Zetsu closer to the front of our group.

He was indeed staring at me, his mask facing me completely. I couldn't tell for sure if his eyes, or eye, was trained on me because the mask hid all facial features, but why else would he be positioned in such a way? He had to be staring at me...

The fact that I was incapable of seeing his face unsettled me enough, but not seeing his face and just knowing that it was watching me was driving me insane.

Perhaps he really was a sensory type, and he just sensed something off about me.

What could he sense, though? The only thing that had been altered about me since the last meeting was-

Oh.

Could an outsider truly sense an Uchiha bond? Sensory type or not, my bond mark should not be that noticeable, especially in it's adolescence.

I felt an intense urge to place my hand on my neck to hide it, but that would only draw more attention to it, as well as the hickies that probably still littered my neck.

I had forgotten about those...

Oh God, I went to class in a button-up...

Didn't I see Sasuke today?

Aw, fu-

"Hey, Itachi, why ya spacin' out, un?" I look up from the spot on the ground I'd been staring at to see that we had broken from our circle and were all scattered, Leader and Konan no where in sight.

"Hn," Deidara rolled his eyes before approaching and slinging an arm over my shoulder, to which I tensed and glared.

"The rest of them were going to see how long it would take for you to realize that the meeting was over, un. After about a minute, I couldn't take it anymore, un, and Tobi was giggling something about initiating a forced piggy-back ride." I fight the urge to set the nuisance on fire as he cackles and runs to hide behind Zetsu.

Kisame chuckles under his breath, "Aa, I-ta-chi, did you ever get rid of that creep?" My blood froze in my veins when I realized which creep he was talking about.

A few heads turn to listen in but I reply with the usual 'hn.' and ignore them. Kisame chuckles once more and moves to converse with a more willing partner, leaving me stuck under Deidara's arm.

I pull myself away from him and he gives me a look that makes me frown for the umpteenth time this night. He looks as if he knows something.

Brushing it off, I begin to walk towards the exit, silently announcing my leave. Kisame shouts his goodbye, Tobi blurts out a 'See ya, Itachi-san!' and the rest nod me away. Deidara, though, clears his throat from behind me to catch my attention.

I turn just enough to see his face, wanting to get home and go to bed with Madara. He lifts his brow and looks down at his hands while they hold something invisible and suddenly his thumbs are moving about as if he's miming to me.

Deidara wants me to... text him?

He wins the award for making my face show the most emotion for that night, but after my incredulous expression fades, I give him a nod and head out on my way.

Making my way out of the actual hideout, I think of my mate. Was he feeling better? Would he go on another sleeping binge? Was there anything I could do?

After I get to a certain point in my travels, I teleport to the town that housed the school and continue on foot until I reach the campus gate.

The eyes from before are back. They were the ones that prevented me from teleporting on school grounds to skip to my Akatsuki meeting place. This guy, then Tobi, who's next on the 'lets stalk Itachi' list?

I almost want to click my teeth in annoyance. I just can't seem to catch a break, everyone was watching me today. I've felt all kinds of eyes watching me from a distance.

And I still felt the ones that had been watching me on my way to the meeting.

Luckily, they seemed to have stayed within the school, otherwise they might have seen my teleportation technique and recognized it as Uchiha. They had to be demon or immortal, a human would not have waited in the same spot for me to appear for that long.

"Nii-san,"

Sasuke?

What was he doing out so late?

"Why are you out at this time of night, otouto?" He quickly schooled his features, proving that he was hiding something, but he replied in a nonchalant tone.

"Nothing really, talking with a class mate about a project."

I raise a brow, smirking, "What kind of project could be due so early in the year that would require planning until three in the morning?"

I expected a frown or a pout, but I instead received a clever response of, "Nice Akatsuki cloak."

Fuck.

I hadn't even thought about that. Before, I had waited until I was just outside of the Akatsuki base to bring it out, but when I left, it was the last thing on my mind. Thoughts of Sensei and Akatsuki and eyes and suspicions had clouded my mind and I had almost walked into a well-lit, open campus in the infamous garb.

"...Touche, Otouto." He smirks as I rid myself of the cloak and fold it to hold it in my arms.

We walk together until we arrive behind our dorm house.

"Sasuke, do you plan on following me into my apartment?"

He snorts slightly, "Why else would I continue to walk behind you?"

I don't fancy his smart ass mouth.

I sigh, "I'll make some food, then." My Sharingan tingles as it works to flash us both into the living room of my space.

The sight that meets me is a nightmare.

The living room is not so bad, just couch cushions littering the floor, things in general disarray, and the stereo had been linked to the radio channel on our television and was currently playing infectious South American music.

What the fuck does 'Rabiosa' mean?

Umm... "Madara-sama?"

Madara's messy head of hair became visible as he peered out from the kitchen. He looks like a curious animal, almost cute as he gives a sweet smile at my arrival.

"Itachi-kun..."

Well, it was cute until he crept towards me like a sexy feline. Both Sasuke and I stood frozen awkwardly as he approached.

Madara appeared to almost strut along with the music, how one struts so fluidly is beyond me, but I suppose it had something to do with his strange brand of lazy grace. He had those bedroom eyes, dazed and purely red with no Sharingan hints to mar the crimson, but this time the color was deep and rich and almost-

I tensed as he tackled me- well, more like threw himself and collapsed on me- seeming to nuzzle his entire body into mine as he let out pleased humming noises. I shudder as my body reacts, all of my senses tuning to him. It was as if he was giving off pheromones or something, and God it was good...

I jerk as I suddenly remember that my little brother is standing frozen in place, watching his ancestor feel up his Aniki and I push Madara off of me.

"Sensei, what is wrong with you?" I signal him with my face to play along, but it's as if he isn't in the right mind and he simply smiles.

"Nothing, boy, everything is great. Don't you like the songs on the television? Itachi, we should dance."

Suddenly I'm pulled to his chest and he lifts our bodies with frightening strength and proceeds waltz me around like his rag-doll, humming along with the song and ignoring my attempts to break free of his grip.

"M-Madara!" He giggles.

He fucking giggles.

Could he be drunk? If so, he had to be completely trashed.

"Nnn, 'Tachi, you smell good..." When he nuzzles his face into my neck and plants a kiss I freak out and knee him in the soft spot to get him off me.

I wince as the air that's knocked out of his lungs fans over my face and he crumples with a pitiful grunting noise. Damn it! God I'm such an asshole, I can even feel the anger of the bond, punishing me with a prickly sensation for abusing my mate in such a way. Hell, if Sasuke hadn't been here, a drunk Madara would've been a dream come true!

I kneel down, apologizing and preparing to comfort him in any way but I suddenly seize up as his clawed fingers grasp my throat with his teeth bared and his eyes were... glowing.

The room is suddenly cold and dark, and his voice is low. "Oooh, that was unwise boy..."

I scratched at his hand and Sasuke sprung forward to help me but Madara... repelled him somehow(1). I didn't have too long to think over it, though, because Madara was squeezing my neck until my eyes teared up and it was impossible to breathe. Madara pulls himself to a sitting position and slowly moves closer, eyes fixed on my neck, but he never gets there.

I blinked my eyes a few times before they shut completely and the last thing I see from one of those blinks is Sasuke getting to his feet and preparing to try again. I also see Madara flash him an insane glance that suggested my little brother would not walk away from this next attempt to save me unharmed and I panicked.

When my eyes re-opened, I did what I absolutely had to. Madara was not in his right mind and I couldn't let him harm Sasuke. I frantically gasped for air as Madara's hold on my neck went slack and he slumped, but did not fall. I let my Sharingan fade as I released shaky breaths.

It had only been a second.

I hold my neck and stare at the half-conscious man that I had been in love with since I could remember- but I had never seen this side of. Our minds had been linked for one measly second and I watched clips of his life play out in hyper speed. Once, I was wandering the woods, then I was before the council, then I was fighting Senju, then I was being mated to Mikoto's first born, then I was killing someone, then I was attacking Konoha, then a man exploded, then I was at Izuna's funeral, then there was blood, then I was in a chamber covered with Senju seals...

My head ached and my body trembled as I felt everything. All of the pain, the confusion, the fear, the hate, the hurt, the fire of battle, the betrayal, the shame, the power, everything...

This must be why he lost it at Deidara's when I put him to sleep. I must have unlocked some barrier that kept these memories from bombarding him at random, completely uncontrolled. He obviously didn't want that kind of mind-assault.

But maybe I wanted them bombarding me.

I knelt down and took his face in my hands to reconnect our eyes. Sensei was vulnerable and unprotected, so I could learn even more about him. If I can get disorganized clips from just a brief glance, then I can only imaging what I'd get from such a defenseless mind if I actually tried.

I was back in, but I was wandering around in the dark. I clung to the first image and watched what seemed to be at the forefront of Madara's mind.

I ended up in the last memory I had seen, that dungeon with the seals.

The glow of the room was strangely yellow and I couldn't figure out why. I was about to step forward but something appeared in front of me a few feet away. It was Sensei, but he was chained to a wall, struggling to regain consciousness.

I panic, desperately hoping that I hadn't been the one responsible for making him like this. Some people reacted differently to Sharingan invasion or hypnosis and I wondered if that was why he was so against it.

When I moved to approach him, the glow flickered angrily and the shackles on his arms tightened, forcing him awake with agony. Strangely, I felt his pain as well, so I remained still for fear of hurting the both of us once more. Madara slouched against the wall panting as I try to figure out why this was happening.

I had never entered a memory that engaged me like this. The seals on the walls made me sick, the seals on the shackles that held Madara burn the flesh of my wrists, dread crept into my stomach when I saw the silhouette of a man clad in Senju armor walking into the chamber. It amazed me that the bond would tie us so completely.

I called out to Madara but he wouldn't respond, so I could only watch as the man, clearly responsible for the torture of my mate, advanced. I felt the sting of thin metal slapping against my cheek when the man struck Madara with a whipping rod and I stumbled.

As I was about to pull out of the memory, Madara's face stopped me in my tracks.

His face now had a large gash, courtesy of the rod, but it was healing with an almost disgusting speed, even for a demon. Madara's eyes were swirling with a pinkish red and his teeth were dangerously pointed and bared at the man as he hissed.

Something in my gut told me that this wasn't part of this memory, and I'm only reassured when Madara turns to me out of the blue. He looks exactly like how my mother looked the last time I relived the massacre, only even less sane.

The chambers faded, the man disappeared and the shackles disintegrated, leaving me alone with this beast that had devoured my master. It crept toward me in a drunken manor and I almost feared what would happen once it got closer.

It stopped about a yard away from me, giving me a pleased once-over before putting forth a beastly grin. It's hand was brought up and a single finger beckoned me to approach.

It was almost funny. This evil thing had taken over my Sensei and it expected me to just walk over to it? I would never do something so senseless and stupid, not in a million years.

But I did.

It didn't make sense, but I was being pulled, attracted by this creature had somehow become apart of my beloved master and something in my core loved this thing just as much.

I took a shaky few steps forward, anticipation building with each inch that was no longer between us and I watched as he licked his lips when I could no longer physically get any closer to him without us fusing into one person, literally skin on skin.

His animal eyes went from my eyes, to my lips, to my neck and he bowed his head to place a small kiss there.

For a split second, I thought, 'How can such a beast be so gentle?' but I suddenly let out a hoarse yell, collapsing and holding my head.

That one little kiss seemed to inject pictures into my skull, moving pictures that were a dark, liquid red.

They were Madara's, and they hurt, and they felt so good. I imagined us together, him sinking his teeth into me around that mark, but for some reason, he wouldn't stop there and it didn't bother me. What reason would he had to continue making me bleed? I didn't care.

The images progressively got worse, more gory, more bloody, and for some reason, erotic. As I sit on my knees, still holding my head, I almost cry out. Such images are hard to bear, and I can only imagine living through them. I open my eyes to see the beastly version of Madara slowly kneel down and run his fingers down my scrunched face, looking at me with an animal's eyes. This animal quickly went from gentle and concerned to something frightening. The red eyes glowed and narrowed and he bared his teeth like a weapon. I didn't know what to be more entranced with, the foreign orbs or the long, threatening canines.

Suddenly, the atmosphere changed.

I was back in the apartment, Sasuke was gripping my shoulder and I was panting heavily as I watch Madara collapse into my lap.

"He's not going to be happy that you did that. You remember last time at Deidara's house..." I only vaguely register what he's saying, still slightly disturbed by my sneak-peek into Madara's mysterious mind. Damn, that was fucking weird.

I shake my head to rid my mind of what it had just witnessed before turning to Sasuke, "He pretty much attacked me, so technically it's his fault." I say, trying to reason away my crime. I pick up Madara's limp body and lay him on the couch, frowning in confusion.

Did Madara feel... heavier? I looked down at him, examining his strangely healthy looking features. No sick pallor, no dark circles, nothing of the sort. I even 'accidentally' lifted his shirt to steal a glance as he lay on the couch, stealthily running my fingers over the flesh of his abdomen.

The other day I had been able to see his ribs, but now, his flesh was full and had a pleasant glow to it.

Even stranger, all of his scars were gone.

I back away and head to the kitchen like nothing was wrong, but as I pull food out of the refrigerator, my mind is going a mile a minute. How had the scars disappeared like that? What was with all the energy? Just before I left he was practically dead on his feet, now he had the energy to tackle me and then almost strangle me to death? I was no weakling, either, so the fact that I was unable to push him away while he was holding me just enough to dance was unbelievable, and a bit scary.

In any battle, someone's hands around my neck would not bring any harm; I'm not that breakable. Sensei, though, had been collapsing my throat with the thumb and fingers of only his left hand.

He's right-handed.

Even more so unbelievable and scary was the fact that he seemed to have no qualms about following through with this act and choking the life out of me.

This seemed to make my chest unbearably heavy and I had to drop the package of noodles in order to grab the counter and hold my weight. A dry sob escaped my throat, but there were no tears, so I could cover my mouth and pass it off as a cough when Sasuke walked in to check on me.

"Nii-san?" I bit my lip and composed myself, looking at him indifferently.

"Yes, Sasuke? What do you need?" He looked down at the noodles and stepped forward to pick them up.

I took them when he handed them to me, but his grip sustained when I tried to take them from his hand and I was forced to meet his eyes. His face was as cold and mean-looking as any Uchiha's, and the calculating squint of his eyes only made it worse. After a couple of seconds of that confused thinking expression, he found what he wanted to say. "Nii-san, you are upset." All of that thinking for such a simple statement? It seems he has inherited a rather bad case of emotional retardation. Ah, the downsides of being an Uchiha.

I try to raise a brow and look intimidating, and it works for a second, but he holds strong. Sasuke's eyes flicker to Madara and back to me, "There is clearly something wrong with him. I don't know him like you might, but I've seen a side of him that says he's not as bad as he seems. He didn't mean it." I snatch the noodles from his hand and glare.

I don't want Sasuke seeing those sides of Madara, those were mine.

Still, I do feel better. Perhaps he isn't so emotionally retarded? I wonder where Sasuke learned how to comfort people.

"Since when are you compassionate, Otouto?" Of course I'm exaggerating, but he still bristles.

I continue to get under his skin, diverting attention away from me and my own problems, "It's only been two days that you've been immersed in that sea of humans and other little younglings, have they already rubbed off on you?" He grimaced and went to sit at the table, but I pressed on.

"Or perhaps it's just one that has caught your eye?" He stiffened and my smirk only gets bigger.

"Oh, so someone has?" He glares at me, "Tell me, otouto, is she pretty?" The glare intensifies.

My mind is no longer on my troubles, but wrapped up in my brother's, Sasuke had a way of doing that.

My grin reaches wicked proportions and I lean on the table, positioned directly across from him. To anyone else, he was unreadable, but we Uchiha knew exactly what to look for in one another, what buttons to push to get the answers we want. I stare at him, taking in his squinted eyes, the uncomfortable frown, the nervous twitch, it was all there.

One little twitch of his eye told me exactly which question to ask next.

"Is he pretty?"

The reaction was instantaneous. Sasuke's eyes widened and his brows furrowed angrily, but he wasn't angry, he was embarrassed.

It had been the funniest thing I'd ever seen.

"Well, I'd never taken you for the type to find men attractive, otouto."

He growled, "I could say the same to you, Nii-san, but then again, Deidara does look like a woman."

I freeze, then glare, then swing.

"Ow! Fuck!" He grips his cheek, staring at me as if I'd grown another head. "I'm not Madara, you can't just hit me like that!"

My hand is quickly retracted in regret and I move forward immediately, "I-I'm sorry Sasuke! I wasn't thinking!" I made sure he was okay and whispered, "Where did you get that idea? Both the Deidara and the Madara things," I was suddenly fearful that he had figured out about me and Madara somehow.

He glared and straightens, but still leans away from me, speaking in an unsure tone, "Well, I was just saying that you can't go crazy and beat the shit out of people like that. You and Madara may ambush each other all the time, but I'm not about to take that. Normal people don't attack each other for fun."

I hold back a sigh in relief. Safe on that side...

"We've been teacher and student for years, it's just how we solve problems now." I had thought he was speaking of a relationship between us.

Sasuke nods in faux-understanding, so I move to the next topic, whispering slightly. "And what gave you the idea about Deidara?"

He looks conflicted for a bit, then he straightens and gives me a disturbed look, "When I was there, the hamper had abandoned sheets with your combines scents on them. I simply took the context clues into account." He smirked, "You guys weren't very sneaky, I wasn't aware that it was a big secret..."

God I hated that smart mouth.

Suddenly, a smooth deep voice seeped into the awkward atmosphere of the room, "I wasn't aware of this secret either, boy."

Fuck.

I really hated that smart mouth.

–

Sasuke

Why are we Uchiha so awkward? We were all just sitting here.

It seemed as if Madara was feeling a bit more... sober(I was convince he was high on something, probably the same thing he had been on just before we left the Uchiha manor awhile back)(2). He was no longer trying to kill or dance with us, but he was so... aware, I guess. I felt like I could see every angry twitch of his muscles even without my eyes activated. He was like a robot, the few movements he made were precise and dangerous looking, and his eyes were sharp and deadly just like those movements.

Those eyes were hunting, though, a predator's eyes, and one thing was for sure, he wasn't taking those eyes off of Itachi.

I don't know why a student's love-life was any of the sensei's business, but I chose to keep my mouth shut. I felt guilty for revealing a secret of Itachi's, and frankly, I was worried that if I opened my mouth and brought any attention to myself that Itachi would ask more about where I got the information on Deidara(That, or Madara's killer stare would be on me). That made-up bullshit about the clothes hamper sounded legit, but what if Itachi saw through it?

Then attention would be brought to my first true ally. I couldn't do that to Naruto, especially when I had sworn to protect him.

So now, I was silent. Itachi was silent. Madara was silent.

We were all doing different things. I was watching my relatives, wondering when Itachi would explode under Madara's hard, angry glare. My brother wouldn't meet his eyes and he sprung up at the sound of the microwave. "Cup noodles are done..." He said in a tone I had never heard from him. Hmm, Naruto likes cup noodles...

Instead of following Itachi, I gave Madara my full attention. After he had woken up and overheard that Itachi screwed Deidara, the air had been so thick that it was nearly suffocating me, so I can only wonder how Itachi had been able to stand it this long.

Itachi sat back down at the table, two cup noodles in hand, one for me and one for him. He had given up on making any real food, since standing up under Madara's heavy gaze appeared to make him immensely uncomfortable, so as soon as he could, he sat back down, still not meeting his sensei's eyes.

I watched as Madara snatched Itachi's noodles and began to eat them rather quickly, still not moving his eyes from Itachi.

I still, for some reason, expect Itachi to kick his ass or glare or something, but it seems as though Madara is the exception to every normal response from Itachi. Itachi simply continues to look down like a kicked puppy. I didn't know how to make it better, and even if I did, I'm not sure if I would have the balls to, because instinct told me that I didn't want to cross Madara in this.

I didn't think it could get any worse, any more tense, but I was wrong.

Madara placed his chopsticks on the table and folded his hands under his chin, "So, boy, tell me of how this 'Deidara' scandal came about?" If one looked hard enough, they could see Itachi wince.

Madara pushed on coldly, "You had always been a rather needy child, you know, so it's completely understandable that you had been unable to smother your craving for a warm body." I jumped as he turned to me, "Did you know that about your brother, Sasuke? That he had always been weak to tender feelings?" He leaned forward to hear my response, but I couldn't make one.

It was so painfully awkward for me, to watch Madara tear Itachi down. What I couldn't figure out was why. They seemed almost friendly with each other, and I had always heard that friends are kind to one another.

"I'm waiting for an answer, Sasuke." I shook my head for lack of better response, and as self-preserving as it sounded, I almost sighed in relief when he fixed his intimidating gaze back to Itachi.

"Well, Sasuke, it's true. You see, Itachi was always strong outside, but his heart is like putty, and the flesh is connected to the heart, you know. I'm sure Itachi just couldn't wait to give his heart and flesh to the first pretty thing he laid his eyes on, regardless of prior swearings, isn't that right, boy?"

Itachi is silent.

Now I know I'm missing something, but Madara was being to choosy with his words to reveal that particular piece of the puzzle, so I could only watch.

Madara glares, "Isn't. That. Right. Boy?"

Itachi exhales shakily, but manages to answer after a few seconds of silence. "No, Madara-sama, that is not righ-."

"I beg to differ, boy." Madara's voice was raised and spit out the last word like poison. I thought Itachi would cry, and I had never seen him cry for anything, especially not anyone. When Itachi first realized that Madara had over-heard, he looked ready to head for the hills, but at the time, I hadn't been able to figure out why. I can sure as hell see it now though.

I wouldn't want to face Madara's wrath for anything.

"It seems like you've been harboring quite a few secrets, hm Itachi?" This seems to have crossed the line, because suddenly Itachi's mask is in place and he's standing.

"I can say the same to you, Sensei. What have you been hiding, hn?!"

"Certainly not betrayal!"

"Now I beg to differ!"

There's an angry silence on both parts. They were both standing, glaring at each other's faces with their hands fisted at their sides. They were both trying to look down at the other, both had their eyes bright red and their necks were craned threateningly. It was like watching two alpha wolves circle each other, completely prepared to snap and tear the other's throat.

"Sasuke, get out." I don't know which of them said it, for both of their voices were venomous hisses, but it made me jump. I stayed frozen, half wanting to help if someone lost a limb, half wanting to witness the fight. My eyes flickered from the door to my relatives and back again before I heard Madara's voice roar.

"Get. Out!" I took off.

Man, have I got a story to tell Naruto when we meet again.

–

Madara

Fucking little whore.

I was so furious that I couldn't even think.

How could he? How could he betray our bond?

So I asked, "Itachi, how could you betray our bond like that?" and to my surprise, he looked upset.

"Please, you act as if you've never slept with someone else!" I know my mouth is gaping in disbelief.

"Long before you were even born, boy! I sure as hell never slept with anyone with your name on my neck!" He backed off a bit, faltering in his argument, and I continued, "Tell me, does he ask why a name is on your neck? Has his mouth been there, hn?"

Just the thought of that stupid blonde touching what belonged to me... Itachi was mine- is mine! He will always be mine! My blood boiled with jealously rather than anger, and I had completely forgotten the fact that Itachi had knocked me out a mere half-hour before, having found something even more infuriating to rage on about.

Itachi looks offended at my question but I still wanted to know. I couldn't stand to think that Deidara's mouth had left kisses over the scar of my name.

He sneers, "No! Don't act like this, Sensei! You don't know how it was!" I gave him an incredulous look that begged him for an explanation, because frankly, the whole 'You don't know what it was like!' excuse was complete bullshit.

"You've been a corpse in a hole since just after we were bonded together! I thought that you would never be free again, and because of the curses on the well, as your bond-mate I couldn't free you. I thought that our mark was just a scar now, that it was dead and there was no chance that you or it would live again." His chest heaved and he looked away from me.

"Had I known that you would come back, I wouldn't have even breathed for another person." I gaped, not expected that answer.

That's what this is about?

Had Itachi lost hope? Did he truly think I was done, that I wouldn't find my way back? Sure, returning to Itachi as a mate was not my initial goal, just getting out of the well was, but my ex-pupil had definitely been high on my priority list, bond-mate or not.

Itachi had obtained a chunk of my heart from the beginning, no matter what I said about him in my anger. To be perfectly honest, I felt like shit.

I was still furious, the beast within still wanted to leave marks all over him, but he was my... boy. He would always be dear to me, no matter how he crossed me, and I felt that angry monster within reaching to him with intentions that were not only of harm. I gazed upon his pitiful form as he looked down in his utter shame. What was the phrase? Like a kicked puppy? I couldn't remain angry at him for losing faith in me, not when he looked like that. I wanted to 'comfort' him, as awful as that sounded, but I also wanted to hurt him, and I couldn't decide if it was me or my inner demon.

Even if the betrayal was forgiven, it will not be forgotten. We Uchiha are vengeful creatures.

"Itachi," I called, and he met my eyes, "Come here."

He stepped forward cautiously, and for good reason, because as soon as he was within arm's length, I grabbed him by the front of his shirt and jerked him forward. Itachi made a small noise of surprise in the back of his throat when we came face to face and I sneered, glaring at him while he eyed my bared teeth.

Itachi was wise to be afraid when I am angry, but that doesn't mean anything when he was in this situation for being unwise in the first place.

"Tell me, boy, what exactly does that 'stamp' on your neck say?" He hesitates, probably wondering if this was some kind of trick question or mind game.

With narrowed eyes, he answers, "It says 'Madara'..." and he relaxes when I nod and release him, caressing his face with a smirk.

"Yes, and do you know what that means?" My tone is sweet, almost innocent, but that only throws Itachi off more. He seems unsure and I can't help but cackle maniacally in my mind.

I take a step forward, then another, and another, and Itachi is forced to walk backwards until there is a mere inch of space left between him and the wall.

The hand that had been touching his cheek crept down to his neck to brush over the inked-looking scar there before the fingers of said hand wrapped around his neck for the second time that night and held strong, ignoring Itachi's gasps.

"It means that this-" I emphasize with a choking squeeze, "belongs to me."

I release his neck and trail both hands down his arms. He doesn't fight me, probably because he knows I'll win (and because he is at fault), so I do as I please and listen to all of the cute little terrified sounds he keeps making.

When my fingertips reach his, I grasp his hands in a death grip, grinning as I hear a knuckle snap.

"These-" I place the bruised hands in between our faces, "are mine. You will not touch anyone else with these hands or I will break them." I must have looked insane when I cocked my head to the side with my eyes so comically wide, but sanity was far from my mind.

Itachi let out a harsh pant when I carelessly let his mildly crippled hands fall in favor of grabbing his chin. His eyes nearly cross as he attempts to look me in the eyes, then the mouth. I smirk at him and slam our mouths together. It is a harsh, vengeful kiss and it was bordering on painfully uncomfortable but I didn't care. I wanted Itachi's mouth to bruise. I wanted him to remember this lesson tomorrow when he pursed his lips or smiled at anyone besides me.

He whimpers into my mouth and I can feel myself becoming hard. I bite and nibble at his lips, letting my tongue recklessly explore his frightened mouth. After I'm sure he's nearly suffocated, I release him, delighting in the way he desperately pants but licks his lips anyway.

"That mouth," I pat his cheek two times, lightly of course, "belongs to only me." He licks his lips once more and nods.

If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was enjoying this too much to call it punishment.

My smirk turns into a grin, and my grin turns lecherous. My hands grip his hips to pull him closer, so close that there is no room between us. I lick my own lips as my hands snake behind him and grab at his behind. Itachi makes a slightly uncomfortable noise, but I ignore it and kneed at the muscles until his uncomfortable noise sounds otherwise.

"Has Deidara ever had you, boy?" And he leans back a bit to give me a confused look.

I give a meaningful squeeze and ask again. Realization dawns on his face and he fervently shakes his head. "No! No, Sensei..." and he has the decency to look offended at the idea.

I lean forward until my mouth is against his ear and he shivers, "Good... I can't wait to have at least this part of your virginity..." He groans, a sound slightly aroused and slightly scared, both for good reason.

Before he could get too used to the hands at his behind, I pushed him into the wall, hard. Itachi's face scrunches up in confusion, then surprise as I'm once again in front of him.

Quicker than he could possibly think, I none-too-gently grabbed him where it mattered. He gave a choked coughing sound and nearly doubled over. I had to lean down slightly, but I put my mouth at his ear once more and whispered.

"And this, boy-" I began to rub sensually, "will be mine soon enough."

I let my hand dive down into his pants to grab hold of his manly parts. Itachi whimpers and I smirk at my handful, licking my lips before letting my other hand tug the hem of his pants so I could lean down and give my soon-to-be prize a quick kiss before I walk away, leaving Itachi to slide down the wall with his pants undone.

As he lay there on the floor, shocked beyond belief, I walk away as if nothing ever happened. As I get to my bedroom, I turn and stand in the doorway, leaning against the door frame to admire my work.

"It's been a long time since you've received a lesson from Sensei. You will do well to remember everything I just taught you, got that, boy?" He gives a shaky nod, still unable to meet my eyes and I grin.

"Come to my bed any time, my love." And I shut the door behind me.

Okay, so maybe that's not how you really 'forgive' someone, but that's how I did it...

There was a large chance that he would be sleeping in the living room after that little stunt of mine. I didn't really mind all that much, but I was confident that I properly exacted my revenge.

I just hoped that he would forget all about what just happened when his manly parts truly do become mine, because I'm slightly afraid of Itachi exacting his own revenge for what I just did...

May Itachi have mercy on my soul.

...And my prostate.

–

Naruto

Not even two minutes after Sasuke leaves my room, I get a text from the last person I wanted to hear from.

Sai.

Now, I didn't really have anything against him, besides the fact that he's a creepy pervert, but any time Sai sent my team a text, it was never good news.

Akatsuki spotted on mission site.

Fuck, Itachi.

It had to be him, but why parade around the campus in such a conspicuous outfit? Was this the new Akatsuki base or something?

I'm being sarcastic, of course, because the site of a watch-mission turning out to be the Akatsuki base would be far too ironic. Even more so when you consider the fact that this mission was given to the only team that consisted of not only one, but two jinchuuriki, a species that just so happened to be Akatsuki's only known target.

How funny. How bitterly funny.

What didn't sit right with me is indeed the only other question– why? I felt as if someone was holding back information again, be it Kurama or Sasuke, I was unsure. The object of this pact was trust, but not all goals were so easily accomplished and doubt was already starting to creep in.

Such timing couldn't be a coincidence, right? It sounded like a plot of some sort. Sasuke distracts me with a meeting, Itachi purposely gets seen in Akatsuki garbs, and perhaps Sai reports it, and perhaps Sasuke says I broke my oath, and perhaps he tells Akatsuki, or worse (in my case), Madara, who I am, and perhaps all hell breaks loose.

It sounded plausible, if only I hadn't been the one to set up the meeting, and Itachi didn't seem like the type to draw attention on purpose, because after what Sasuke told me, Itachi wanted the very opposite.

I can only pray that Sai hasn't reported it, though.

I begin my reply, Did you get a good look at 'em? I really hope not. I didn't say 'him' or 'her' in the text because I had learned a long time ago that it's better to be seen as ignorant and unaware than to be seen as too informed.

I wait for what seems like years, damning Sai's tendency to reply so slowly. The window is only a few steps away and I find myself glancing to it in the time it takes for him to return my text.

My phone vibrates in my hand and I nearly drop it trying to open the message.

No, he was too far away. Someone is joining him now.

Sasuke... God damn it. Who else would it possibly be? I growl in the back of my throat, a sound that couldn't really be called mine, but couldn't belong to Kyuubi either.

Wait, if it's Sasuke, then that means that he and Itachi have to be in the courtyard directly below my window, right? He literally just left, so he can't be far.

Despite the short distance, I nearly teleport, just to get to my window that much faster. My eyes dart around the grounds outside, settling on two dark haired figures in the shadows before scanning the area once more in hopes of finding where Sai is lurking.

My fingers fly over the keyboard of my phone. Can you at least kinda describe them? So maybe I could at least figure out where he's watching them from.

And with all the faux optimism thrown into that text I can be sure that he'll think I mean it, that I'm sincerely concerned about the two 'mystery' evils, because Sai has never been good at sensing these things, especially not in text.

I look out the window again, peeking through my blinds discreetly and watching the two Uchiha mingle. Itachi is removing his Akatsuki cloak, most likely because Sasuke's said something about it, and they start moving out of the shadows.

I jump when my phone buzzes again. It looks like two Asian males, probably your age, but that's all I can tell you.

I reply with- Damn, there are like a thousand Asians in this school alone. And this will hopefully discourage him singling out any who fit the lackluster description. I watch as the brothers wonder off together in the direction of the teacher dorms and I can't help but feel uncomfortable with the thought of three Uchiha having some creepy ritual meeting of evil spells so close to my Iruka and his sweet little girl.

Uchiha Madara is the only one who knows any spell and such by heart.

Okay, still uncomfortable, but a little less.

Well, he should be the only one. I'm not exactly up to date with the Uchiha...

...Once again. Thank you, Kurama.

I opened the phone to read- I see. in my inbox, and that was usually a conversation stopper, so when my phone buzzed yet again, I was surprised. I expected an awkward, gay, sex-related goodnight, or something of that nature, from Sai, but I got a text from Gaara instead.

I think I hate Neji. Ha.

It was a strange text to get because Gaara hadn't said he hated anybody since he last talked to his father, plus, Gaara's had a crush on Neji since we were like thirteen.

Okay, 'crush' sounds too girly, but Gaara has liked him for years now.

What happened?

Right as I finish typing the text, Neji throws the door open and stomps inside. I almost have to laugh at him, because he's always so polite and proper in front of his captains. Maybe that's what happened when he and Gaara were hanging out? I didn't see Neji as the type to get fresh, but perhaps he didn't show Gaara the amount of respect that said red-headed captain was accustomed to from him.

Hyuuga soon realizes that he's not alone and he quickly pulls himself together. I try to put forth a smile, but he doesn't return it.

"Uh..." I start off awkwardly, "Bad day with Gaara?" and he fumes.

"He just kicked me out. Me! Then he threatened me!" He plopped down onto his bed angrily and I had to force myself not to laugh. This was so different from the Neji that I was used to on missions.

I choke on my laughter when I receive a glare, "Um, what did you do exactly?" He huffed.

"I don't know, we were just hanging out and he slowly got more and more pissy and he just kicked me out!" I hummed sarcastically. Neji was probably being an arrogant douche to 'impress' Gaara, little does he know, Gaara isn't about all that. In front of superiors and comrades, Neji was the essence of grace. Here, though, I noticed that he's a bit full of himself and his Hyuuga status, despite being a branch Hyuuga. It seemed as though he was showing out a bit, because he acted a bit more comfortable being all graceful and shit, but I couldn't say for certain.

I sigh, frustrated. I was going to have to be the love doctor all freaking night, I could already tell. It's already almost two in the morning, but, because I love my friend, I sit there and council his soon-to-be boyfriend on how to 'be yourself'. Yeah, I had a blast. To add to it, I was sending texts to Gaara all the while.

It was a long night, and frankly it only added to the building stress.

The nemesis of the demon in my belly was posing as a teacher with his gay incestuous lover and said lover's little brother who happens to know way too much about me.

I now had an alliance with said evil demo- I mean, little brother.

We just exposed everything about ourselves to each other.

I currently feel eternally fucked. And vulnerable, let's not forget that.

Oh, and my best friend, also my partner in battle and past fuck buddy, is currently having relationship issues with one of our team-mates, who has no idea that he's seeing his captain.

Isn't there a rule that the universe has to follow on stuff like this?

I could see it now- The Golden Rule of The Universe: You can't dish out too much shit on one kid.

Yeah, that should be a thing.

–

Deidara

I'm on top of the fucking world, baby.

I felt like dancing on my roof, setting of bombs and fireworks alike, but as Naruto said, that would only give my neighbors another excuse to hate me and steal my mail.

Plus, it would probably make Sasori have second thoughts about what we just did.

Hell yeah, that's right. I finally shagged Sasori no Danna.

I looked over at him as he slept, admiring his smooth, young-skin. Tell me how someone with the body of a sixteen year old was such an old geezer? He was cool, calm and collected and so much more mature than me, as he often reminded me.

Seriously not fair.

It started as 'Hey, Sasori no Danna! You should sleep at my house, un, you know it's close by!' and he replied with, 'I don't sleep in puppet form, you moron.' and then we got into a fight, but that's only natural. I always forgot about him being a puppet.

I know, you're probably thinking 'Um, the guy is made of wood, how do you forget?', but it happens sometimes, un!

I don't know, he's just, Sasori no Danna! Believe it or not, he talks with so much emotion- be them cranky, angry emotions- and he's so into his art like I am. I just click with the guy- ...er, puppet.

We fight all the way to my house, then when we get there, we just sit in silence, which is kind of weird for me, but I endure for his sake. He looks at me and studies my face for awhile and I stare into the dead, artificial eyes that somehow are capable of watching me. After a good while, he speaks.

"Deidara," He pauses. "do you think gathering the jinchuuriki is..." and he doesn't finish because he can't find the right word.

I understand, though. There isn't really a word for what he needs to say, because this word is actually all kinds of other words compacted into one unspeakable thing that can't be pronounced, and a one-word replacement just doesn't cut it.

It's something like 'reasonable' and 'purposeful' and 'right' and 'necessary', but even those aren't right.

What would be a better thing to ask is 'Why are we doing this?' and I would only have my answer.

I couldn't tell you why Itachi was doing this, or why Kisame was doing this, or Tobi, or Hidan, or Kakuzu- well, he was probably in it for the bounty... But I couldn't tell you why Zet- well, he probably ate our enemies, free food and all, plus he followed Pein like a lost puppy... And so did Konan... Pein was probably just wanting to dominate the world...

Okay, so I could tell you why some of the members were in this, but I couldn't tell Sasori why he was in it.

I looked at him before leaning back on my couch and shaking my head, "I don't know, un..."

Instead of looking discouraged by my answer, he seemed a bit relieved, like he was glad that he wasn't the only one doubting himself. It made me wonder if he was thinking about the one tails. We learned at the meeting that the one tails was from the same part of Suna that Sasori was from, so he and I would be responsible for hunting him.

When Zetsu described him to us, Sasori looked a bit unsettled, as if he knew exactly who we were looking for. Hell, I felt unsettled. That one tails sounded a hell of a lot like that emo kid that Naruto befriended, the one with no eye brows and too much eye liner.

What if it was him?

Could I live my life knowing that I had killed Naruto's best friend? What if the kid was like Naruto and he had no idea? And what if Naruto's there when we attack? Aren't they attending the same boarding school? That's what Naruto told me...

"Deidara, do you think- well, it's almost righteous, isn't it? We'd be freeing them from the monsters that torment their minds..." And I feel bad for him. I'd never seen Sasori try to justify his actions, so it only backed my theory that he knew the one tails, perhaps was related, because I hadn't seen many red-heads the one time I had visited Suna.

I frowned. "Well, what if it's become apart of them, un?" He gives me a suspicious look that makes me wonder if I'm crossing boundaries or being too obvious.

"What do you mean?" and, in a freaky way, his eyebrow raises.

I bite my lip and the mouths on my hand unconsciously imitate the alpha mouth. "I mean, I'm sure they've adapted, un. I hear that the eight tails in Lightning has pretty much mastered his bijuu, un, so what if we're taking a part of them? Not to mention we're killing them, too, un." I sneak a glance at him to find his face pointed to the floor.

He speaks quietly, "I'm not sure if I will end up making the right decision." And I only look at him. I couldn't really call it staring, because that usually implied shock or gave off creepy vibes, but I wasn't doing that. I was just watching him, because it felt like Sasori had undone the seal on his only living feature and has turned into something that lived and breathed and felt.

I craved for it, for him to do that for real because he told me it could be done. Sasori could become touchable with the right seal, the right technique and that thought thrilled me and kept me persistent with him in hopes that I could be the first to touch him.

Another thought that kept me persistent was that even in this puppet form of his, he could still doubt and feel. It seemed to say that no matter how hard you try to turn yourself into a monster, you'll never be able to get rid of certain things that anchor you to your heart.

Here he was in his non-living form thinking about whether or not it would be right to kill someone. It really shouldn't matter if you're a monster, a puppet, an assassin, but it does.

I watched for only a few minutes longer before saying, "Don't worry, un, I'll keep you from making the wrong choice, Sasori no Danna." And had I known saying that to him would make me crave no more, I would have said it the very first time we met.

He turned to me and we stared at each other for a long time before he looked down at himself and did some strange maneuver with his chakra strings. I watched on as he began to turn soft and smooth and alive like some kind of fairy tale. When this transformation was done, we watched each other again, but this time it truly could be called a stare, at least on my part, because there was a disturbed fascination. His eyes were still unreadable, but they were alive and pretty and alive and I just couldn't get over it.

Sasori leaned toward me, and I unconsciously did the same until our eyelashes were mingling. His bedroom eyes were soft and seductive and alive and I loved them.

Did I mention alive?

"This one doesn't count," he said with a smirk, and due to all the lust in the air, it took me a good minute to realize that he was saying that 'us' could possibly be one of his wrong choices. I was about to go off on a rant like I usually do, but before any words could come out, his mouth was on mine and I had lost all interest in speaking.

Now, he was sleeping and he was beautiful and he was alive. I had to rid the couch of the smell of sex, but Naruto wouldn't be home from his fancy school until a three-day weekend came along, so the couch would probably smell like that for quite awhile.

Yeah, I'm a pervert.

I look away from Sasori to stare out the window.

Maybe I could convince Sasori to help me, to make sure the Jinchuuriki were kept safe and untouched. It was possible, he already seemed to doubt the Akatsuki, so perhaps he could be my partner in this as well.

I crawled up Sasori's body, wincing at the discomfort in my lower back, and laid myself next to him. I really regret not pulling out the bed to this couch, but it hadn't really been at the forefront of my mind at the time.

I snuggled next to Sasori, letting my finger trace the Kanji over his skin that took the place of his puppet heart. He hummed and his voice sounded young, and I almost laughed. I just slept with someone who is technically younger than my little brother.

When he held me closer to him, I couldn't really bring myself to care.

–

Itachi

The Next Day

As soon as I woke up this morning, I got dressed, tapped on Madara's bedroom door and headed to class. There was no way in hell I was facing him after last night. I don't know what the fuck was wrong with him, but it was freaking me out. First he almost kills Sasuke and I, then he brutally molests me, key word being 'brutally', and then he just goes to bed?

And let's not forget how sweetly nonchalant some of these actions were. He even kissed my dick.

I don't know what has gotten into him, but it feels... wrong, yet right at the same time. It sends me weird vibes, both pleasant and unpleasant, but at the moment, they leaned heavily toward the latter. Last night had been a disaster. I'm so filled with shame that I could crawl into Madara's well and stay there forever. Will I ever be able to look him in the eye ever again?

I sigh as the first bell for class rings and let the students in. I look across the hall and see that Mada- 'Kurosawa' has yet to arrive to his class room.

Umino noticed as well.

Damn it all. I really didn't want to sit through some pleasantry conversation while I was still wallowing in my 'I cheated on my mate' shame.

He approached in a sunny manner, "Karasu-san, good morning! Kurosawa having a late start?" I wince, unable to stop myself.

"Um, yes, I guess so..." and he quirks his eyebrow.

"'You guess'? Don't you two live together?" and his quirked eyebrows bounce up and down suggestively, a gesture I wouldn't expect from him.

I clear my throat awkwardly, ignoring his implication, "Ahem, yes, we do. I just haven't spoken to him this morning..."

He frowns, "Lover's quarrel?" and I promptly begin choking on air. Did he really just say that?

It was blatantly obvious that he was just trying to be friendly or familiar with me, but talking about my love life with a stranger is a little fast for me...

He immediately began patting my back and apologizing, "I'm sorry Karasu-san! Oh god, how embarrassing, I didn't mean to be- um..." but there wasn't enough damage control in the world to save this situation.

Umino backs away awkwardly as the late bell rings, "Oh, well look at that, there's the bell!" And he makes a hasty escape to his class room, calling over his shoulder, "See you at lunch!" before shutting his door.

I feel my face twitch and I shake my head as I go to my own class room to start the day.

"Shut up." and the once once-chatty class is silent. Hm, fast learners.

I smirk at my first period, hoping that Sasuke's class will be as compliant. I begin writing intermediate Kanji on the white board as I speak. "For warm up, you will do drills. Translate each of these words and phrases into their simplest form, then write a sentence with each as the subject." and the universal groan is music to my ears.

I really should be a sensei, I enjoy a student's despair as much as Madara had enjoyed mine.

I stood at the front and watched their frustrated faces with a bit of amusement until my phone vibrated rather loudly, eliciting amusement from the students at my jump.

I glare at them before checking the message, praying to anyone who cared that the message wasn't from Madara.

Guess who got freaky with AkaSuna no Sasori last night? THIS GUY! :D

I almost didn't recognize who was texting me(I'm used to hearing 'un' every two seconds), but the 'Sasori' thing was a dead give away. I never texted him like I was supposed to last night, did I?

As I was typing a witty reply, a dangerous thought occurred. What if Madara and Deidara see each other again? What would happen? Madara would probably murder him... What if that's why Madara is late to his class? Could he be hunting Deidara? Would he do that?

In the past I would have answered 'No, he would never. He doesn't care enough to do that, and that kind of thing is below him.', but with how insane he's been lately, I couldn't answer that question with any certainty.

As the students continued working I made my way into the hallway to see if Madara had arrived yet.

The door was still locked. Students were leaning against the wall, rolling their eyes, listening to ipods and cursing 'Kurosawa'. I even heard one student say he was almost as bad as that Kakashi, which made me laugh. There were many things Hatake was famous for, the top two being his copy eye and his tardiness.

I could only hope that he lived up to the latter trait and showed up several weeks later than when he was due to arrive here. Better yet, I hope he doesn't arrive at all. Sure, no Konoha(or other) citizens have recognized us yet, but Kakashi most definitely will recognize me.

I walked up to the door and let the student into his class room, promising a substitute if the substitute for Kakashi didn't show up. Some laughed, some shrugged, so I sent a brief reassuring smile and went to ask Iruka where I'd find a sub on such short notice.

"You don't think he'll be here today?" And I shrugged, making him frown.

He sighed in thought, "Well, they have other live-in subs like Kurosawa, just in case, you know? I guess we could ask the front office to-"

"No need, I'm right here, Umino-san." And that smooth voice that I adore had dread pumping through my veins.

I lean back against the wall coolly and fold my arms. It was somewhat childish and showed mistrust, but it also showed casual fearlessness. He smirked, still, taking it for the former and he eyed me up and down in a way that reminded me of the 'inner demon' looking creature that I saw when I invaded his mind.

No, I didn't really fear Madara or his disturbing behavior last night, it actually kind of excited me in that Hazy kind of way, but it bothered me not to know why he was acting like this, so aggressive and dominant, yet so demanding of my aggression and dominance.

It was already frustrating and confusing, but it was even worse when I couldn't figure out why it was happening. It's like he's on drugs, or perhaps there's a full moon?

It didn't matter. I couldn't figure it out, but I knew it had to do with his eyes and his mark and all of the other weird things he's been doing...

I eye him suspiciously and his smirk widens, "Something bothering you, Karasu?" I see Umino raise a brow in interest from the corner of my eye.

Madara was messing with me.

I push off of the wall and glare, watching as his teasing smirk fades a bit in confusion. I slowly move until my face is directly in front of his, trying to tower over him despite his superior height. Sure, it was a bit awkward with Iruka-san standing right there, but fortunately, he was uneducated in the art of reading an Uchiha, so to him I simply looked angry, but to Madara, well, it was a rather suggestive challenge...

"Yes, there is indeed something bothering me, Kurosawa..." I my eyes flicker to his neck. I expected him to smirk or wink or hell, something that was Madara, but he... shivers.

Where my eyes said "Stop these games, or I'll make you regret it." His eyes said "Promise?"

He seemed almost excited, but I honestly couldn't call it strange anymore. It was as if the sensei I had been in love with and the strange creature he was becoming now had fused, but strangely I only seemed to adjust instead of resisting the change. I mean, I couldn't exactly be mad at him for not being exactly the same as he was in my childhood, for I too had changed since then.

I rolled my eyes and went back to my class room, making sure our shoulders bumped as I walked by. I can't say that I'm fully comfortable with all of this change, but I would have to play this cool. He grabbed my arm as I walked past him and I was jerked to a stop. When my eyes met his it was impossible to hide what I was feeling. I was still ashamed of my actions, surprised by his, and confused.

As we stared at each other I wondered what he had been thinking last night. I sure as hell knew what he had been feeling, because all of the possessive rage and burning jealousy scorched my poor neck, but I hadn't known exactly what had been going through that strange mind of his...

He obviously wasn't going to hunt Deidara, because if he wanted to, he would(just because Madara's not the 'sit and wait around' type of guy when it comes to revenge, a theory well displayed last night). Madara's eyes are lidded as he looks at me, a sign that he was now calm no longer full of rage, but I slowly and reluctantly pull out of his grasp and walk towards my class room once more. I shut the door behind me without glancing back. I felt the eyes on me, but I forced myself to ignore them.

I had to think, and I really couldn't do that around Madara, so when I returned to my class, instead of doing the complex lesson, I left them with a video on Kanji stroke-order so I could mindlessly grade papers. The kids groaned, but I couldn't really bother myself with it. I really did need to put the puzzle pieces together, plus, assignments piled up at a rate I had been unaware of and I was rather behind. Productivity is efficiency and efficiency requires the skill of multitasking.

I looked towards the door, watching Iruka attempt awkward conversation with Madara while the latter only stared at him.

Poor Iruka-san.

I smirked and shook my head, looking back at my papers, wincing occasionally. Nothing worse than bad grammar.

As I did this, I began my mental checklist of oddities that had been recently displayed by my sensei.

Let's first talk about his spontaneous bouts of insanity. What the hell is wrong with him? It's like he's having a manic episode one day, then the very next he turns into some cuddly(horny) candy-fiend. It made me wonder if he had caught some form of mad cow disease or something when he left the well. Can someone catch bipolar disorder?

And those red eyes, that were most definitely not Sharingan, played a big part as well. They always seemed to show up in these crazed episodes of his. Any time he wasn't what I would define as normal, which could best be described as docile, because in my opinion 'normal' and 'Madara' were antonymous words, his eyes would change to that shade.

It seemed to be happening more and more, and each time it does he seems to struggle as if it's something uncontrollable that continues to escalate. I sometimes imagined him turning into a wear-wolf of some sort, jokingly of course, but the idea recently seemed to become reasonable to me.

I couldn't be blamed for thinking these things, really. Any man could become paranoid, all he needed was to be excluded from something, like a secret. As soon as someone finds out you're hiding something from him, trust begins to wear away until it reveals a thick layer of suspicion. As this particular layer of an excluded man wears down, it slowly gets worse. Just after you've worn away that last, resisting layer of suspicion, the man begins to look at the ones he loves differently, as if they are against him in something.

Now we've reached the core of the man. He has gone mad with his paranoia and is now doing everything in his power to reveal the seedling of a secret that started his madness. Some call this breaking point a spontaneous fall into schizophrenia- I call it foolishness.

Of course, I was no man, so I could not relate to them completely- I could only observe. My paranoia was very different from a man's, as it would not cause insanity in a naturally(arguably) sane creature like me. Since, being non-human, I could not fall victim to these inconvenient behaviors I was free to think rationally about what to do, so naturally, I do so.

This 'rational thinking' was not so easy, though, especially when it revolved around Madara. All the clues and the haze and the lust and the connection and everything else all added up to one thing somehow, but I simply could not develop the thought.

I look out into the hallway through the small window in the door and blanch. Dear God, Iruka-san and Madara-sensei were still conversing! I watch his strange expressions, some familiar, some relating to this strangeness and I must wonder what exactly they're talking about. When I see Madara wiggle his eyebrows suggestively I can only assume.

What horribly embarrassing comments could he be making about me? It seemed to me that they were talking in a somewhat perverted manor and I shake my head. Really, sex-talks in the hallway? How does one even get on such a topic with a stranger? Don't they have classes to teach?

He met my eye with a particularly devilish grin that give me shivers and his own eyes flashed hungrily in response. Those eyes again... It wasn't just the hue, it was the message they conveyed. He was fighting something, an urge perhaps, and it was a rather strenuous battle.

Madara licks his lips and walks away from Iruka-san and into his class room mid-sentence, leaving his neighboring teacher shocked and slightly offended.

I shake my head thinking, Madara-sama...

Let me help you...

Madara

Ah, so he was indeed afraid to face me after last night. I had suspected this when he did not come into the bedroom to awaken me, but as I face him now, I was positive. 'Afraid' may not be the correct term, since he still attempted a firm stance and daring words, but his intimidation tactics were all half-assed and they only excited me more.

I watched his hips sway as he tried to walk past and I grabbed his arm to stop him. His brave front shattered then and there and I was suddenly struck down by his eyes. They were the same as last night. I loosened my grip on his upper arm, watching mournfully as it slowly moved out of my grasp. I continued to watch him while he walked away from me and into his class room, but he spared me no glance.

"I'm sorry, I think I offended him earlier..." I glance at Umino with a raised brow and he averts his eyes in a rather embarrassed way.

"How so, Umino-san?" I swear to Amaterasu if you've damaged my dear one...

He gives a nervous laugh, "I may or may not have called him your lover..." and I have to hold back my laughter.

It was truly ironic to me, that Itachi was trying so hard to catch my attention yet he clams up when someone else notices these attempts. He was a strange creature, that boy.

Still, our neighbor's observations proved that our bond was not as well disguised as we thought. This could pose a threat to us and our many secrets, and I'm sure Itachi would lose his poor mind if Sasuke knew the truth about us.

I decided to be discrete, for Itachi's sake. "What a wild idea, Umino-san," and I try to sounds friendly or light hearted, but neither tone seems to work with my voice, and I'm sure it comes out as an intimidating or threatening sound.

My suspicions are confirmed when Umino awkwardly moves away a bit. I continue speaking in an attempt to create a conversation I could function in.

"Perhaps your longing for this 'Kakashi' has brought on these romantic ideas?" and his entire aura changes into one that radiated fuzzy feelings, so much so that I almost became nauseous.

"Oh, it's so funny that you would say that, Kurosawa-san! He called me last night saying that he should be arriving here soon!" After this statement he swooned a bit.

"Am I to assume that I will be hearing strange noises from your home upon this arrival?"

Umino gave a blank and confused look before turning red and stuttering. "Oh! Umm, I don't think we'll be doing anything like that with my daughter in the next room..." but then he turned and mumbled to himself, "But you never really know with Kakashi..."

I smirk at that, "So this Kakashi is kind of..." I wiggle my eyebrows for lack of better means of communication and Umino laughs awkwardly while he nods. "It's odd, really, considering he was such a broody guy when we met. I never really thought he'd have a crazy libido like that..."

I glance into Itachi's class room and watch him watch us. "I can relate to that. Karasu has always been a broody friend of mine, but he's apparently a rather generous lover..." I say in Japanese, with a bit of resentment, but then I catch myself and add, "Or so I hear..."

Umino raises a brow in playful suspicion, also switching language. "Oh? I thought you guys were just room-mates?" and he then returns my eyebrow wiggle.

Damn, now I have to make up shit... "Yes. We are." There, that wasn't so hard. And I thought my talent for lying had gotten rusty...

He seems to shake his head in confusion or exasperation, I can't tell which. "You know, Kurosawa, you and Karasu are strange guys," Damn! I had been such a great actor in my youth! Now I couldn't even maintain nonchalance...

Wait, why did I care? This is Itachi's little game, not mine. I inwardly roll my eyes at myself. Lately I'd been feeling torn in two, as if one side of me was dedicated to protecting those who belonged to me and the other side couldn't care less. That side had been depressing Itachi, it seemed, eating away at our bond like it wanted to eat at his flesh, the damned monster. In my battle days, the inner hunger inside was relied on and treasured, but now it was a pest.

Honestly, that mock-vampire was like a womanizer, only wanting Itachi for his body. Well, I couldn't call it that, since Itachi wasn't a woman, but it was the same concept.

Love and war may be close relatives, but they are not exactly the same, and an unsated hunger had no place in the former.

Does this mean I've 'settled down'?

Is Iruka-san still talking?

"...so I assumed that his awkwardness was because of the language barrier, but he was fluent and even when I spoke Japanese he was stiff." Is he talking about Itachi? "Oh! And I invited you both on behalf of the Language Arts hall to come hang out and get to know everyone. Karasu said he'd ask you?"

Oh God, he talked so fast... Fortunately I had caught most of what he was saying. "Why?"

He gave that 'Wow, you're awkward.' look again, "Because you guys are teaching in this hall, plus the other teachers thought you guys were funny when you ate lunch in the lounge and stole that Chemistry teacher's drink." Oh, yeah, I suppose that was 'funny'.

"I see." When he continued to look expectantly at me I figured out he wanted an immediate answer, but quite frankly I wasn't so sure Itachi really wanted to go, otherwise he would have just said yes, instead of that "I'll ask Kurosawa" shit.

"I'll think about it. Have fun letting this Kakashi screw your brains out." I say in english.

He sputters like a sprinkler and I fear that I've used an incorrect term. I swear I've heard students say 'screw your brains out' as some odd slang for sex, so what's his problem?

I shrug, looking one last time into Itachi's class room. He looks up to meet my gaze and I feel my blood pump faster. After a while I turn and leave a still-stuttering Iruka in the hallway as I think about his invitation for Friday.

Itachi... What is going through your mind, to contemplate drinking with strangers? Do you wish to exact your revenge for last night when you've gotten me drunk? How noble of you, little brat...

There is no way I'll let myself get drunk, there was too much at stake, plus I could lose my mind or give in to my core desires and make a meal of an unsuspecting B hall teacher...

That didn't mean I couldn't get Itachi drunk, though. I inwardly rub my palms together maniacally, outwardly smirking(gaining horrified glances from the class I was now in front of).

I can't wait to see what kind of fool you become on Friday, dear one...

Naruto

Despite being exhausted, the last few days had been pretty kick ass. I usually spent nights filling out reports or trying to convince Neji to be himself without revealing that I know him outside of 'school'. Not an easy task, I can tell you that much...

Sai didn't say anything else about the Akatsuki sighting, so I left it alone. He hasn't even contacted me since then, so I'm pretty sure my pact with Sasuke is still going.

Speaking of that bastard... I nod a greeting as he sits next to me, something that has become the norm since we made this arrangement. We've only been sitting together since Wednesday, but for a two day companionship, we were already pretty tight. He spent that Wednesday telling me about how Madara reacted to Itachi and Deidara's past adventures. Sasuke assured me that he did not reveal his source, so I had nothing to worry about. Once this was made clear, I simply listened with a fascinated ear.

It was a bit hard to understand at first, since I wasn't an Uchiha, but Kyuubi translated all of the Uchiha-stuff for me. The situation seemed completely odd to Sasuke for reasons I couldn't decipher. What's so weird about it? I mean, I'd be pissed if I got cheated on too.

Then I had to listen Kyuubi rant about how Madara was abusing his Uchiha dominance over Itachi. Kyuubi said that he could only imagine the abuse Itachi had suffered after Sasuke was sent out, and I remember searching Itachi for signs of punishment.

By now, Friday, all of the little signs were gone, but on Wednesday he had a few suspicious bruises...

"Dobe, I asked you a question." Oh, right.

"What did you say?"

Sasuke glared at me, shaking his head and taking what seemed to be a difficult breath. "I asked if I could stay in your dorm this weekend. I need a break from my team, it seems that I underestimated how annoying they could be in large doses."

I smirk evilly, "Sure..." and he raises a brow.

"What is that stupid face about?"

I lean back in my chair, closing my eyes as I link my fingers behind my head. "It's okay, Sasuke, I understand completely. You're not the first to fall victim to this awesome personality, and let's face it, no one can resist this hot bod of mine..." I open one eye to look at him as I grin.

For some strange reason, I don't expect the "You're an idiot." that is grumbled at me, but I definitely should have.

I mockingly sigh, "Well I suppose if you're willing to admit it, that you can't resist my hot bod, that is, I could find it in my heart to let you intrude..." Yeah, I had an evil streak too.

Sasuke glared fire at me but I raised a challenging brow that conveyed my seriousness. Sasuke let out a tense breath and forced his body to face me as he looked me in the eye. Just as he's about to stutter out the required phrase, his demeanor changes and suddenly I'm nervous.

He places his hand on the back of my chair and leans into my personal space almost in slow motion. I was deathly still. After observing Sasuke I had been absolutely positive that his only emotions were 'broody', 'annoyed' and 'I-will-fucking-kill-you'.

Of course, these observations had been over the span of less than a week, and two of those days I had also been positive that this guy and his family would murder me and every thing good and beloved in my life...

Wow, maybe I'm the depressive emo...

Sasuke was closing in, definitely not in one of his only three moods so all I could really do was hope that he wasn't pulling a Madara and trying to go Dracula on my neck. Instead, he gave me a predatory glance before he whispered in my ear. "I can't resist your body..." At first, my ears didn't quite register what he was saying, too overwhelmed by how sinister Sasuke could sound, but then it sunk in.

"You stupid bastard! Don't scare me like that!" And the entire class turned to face us, mainly me. I sunk into my chair with a nervous laugh and Sasuke nearly suffocated himself with his collar in order not to laugh at my expense.

Hmm... I wonder if Sasuke could laugh...

When everyone lost interest, I turned to him and pouted. "You're a dick, you know that? I thought you were going to rape me or suck my blood or something..." And he gave a small snort, rolling his eyes.

"Why would I do that? I bet you'd taste like a complete loser..."

"Losers don't have tastes!" He raised a brow, smirking. "...And I'm not a loser!"

"Ah, that's what I was waiting for."

I fold my arms and slouch, grumbling under my breath. "Socially retarded bastard..."

Sasuke sighs and leans back on the desk behind him, "Well, I've fulfilled my end of the deal, can I stay?" Oh, I guess he did...

"Uh, sure?"

You're an idiot, kit. You're practically Uchiha bait.

It's not like he's bringing his family over for a slumber party or anything...

I hear Kyuubi sigh, I'm just counting down the seconds now...

I quirk a brow, making Sasuke smirk knowingly. He seemed so amused when I spoke to Kyuubi.

Counting down till what?

Until Akatsuki or Madara finds us out and kills us, because you're bound to make it happen any second now...

Hmm, Kyuubi's become a bit of a drama queen.

Say that again, brat!

I shake my head in an exasperated manner.

"Voices in your head again, Dobe?" And I looked at him tiredly.

"You don't know the half of it."

Then, something strange happened. Sasuke silently moved his chair closer to mine and placed an awkward hand on my shoulder. I looked from the hand to Sasuke but he was looking straight ahead, avoiding my gaze. Well, he may not be a pro, but he was getting better at the friend thing. I've come to learn that he's a fast learner and I can see us becoming really close in the near future, maybe even best friends. We seemed to compliment each other somehow, like we naturally fit together...

My pocket buzzes and Sasuke jerks his hand away as if burned, making me grin. I pull out my phone and open the text, then look up to see Gaara staring at me.

What's going on between you and Hebi?

Damn, if only Sasuke could fit in with the rest of my group, now.

I look back to Sasuke, taking in his dark aura and shady appearance. It sucked that we were on two different sides of the fence. I sure as hell couldn't side with Akatsuki, but maybe I could get Sasuke to join my side...

I smell a sneaky plot coming on...

Shut up, you fox.

---

Sakura

Oh come on, Gaara, hurry up!

Ugh, I have better things to do than wait for that brat behind the school. I just got a date with Lee! The poor boy's been begging me for years in the Hidden world! Sure, he doesn't know that he's going out on a date with his beloved lady-captain, but the hopeless romantic inside me likes to think that he can sense it.

"Sakura..." Finally!

I turn around to face him, "Hey Gaara-kun! What did you wanna talk about? Can we make this quick, I got a da-"

"Naruto is up to something."

What? "How do you know?"

He looks down, thinking. "Honestly, think about it Sakura. Naruto has always been the talkative type, calling us twice a day sometimes just to keep in touch. Lately, I've been initiating conversations."

Oh, that is kinda strange...

I watch Gaara's concerned face morph into a pout and I can't help but think that Gaara feels left out of Naruto's life or forgotten or something. They were always so attached to each other, maybe Gaara simply isn't used to it.

I pull him into a hug, "Gaara, don't get all worked up over this, it's the first big undercover assignment. We're supposed to be strangers weaseling our way into different groups. You can't get upset just because you're going through Naruto-with-drawls." And I try to convey my thoughts and reason with him, but he simply wouldn't have it.

"No, Sakura-chan, you don't seem to know Naruto like I do..." Um, Ouch? He pushes me away, still pouting almost.

Gaara suddenly glares at the sky, as if it were responsible for Naruto 'abandoning' him. "Naruto is pushing us away, but he's not upset. This started when he told us to stay away from Hebi Sasuke, yet, Naruto remains by his side at all times."

Ah, I knew it. Gaara is jealous.

I smirk and shake my head. "Oh Gaara, are you upset because you don't want to share Naruto with his new boyfriend?" at this, I get a rather cold glare.

"This is not funny, Sakura-chan. Naruto-kun told us to stay away. He usually tells us everything, why would he be scared to talk about a love interest, especially when we've gotten involved with interests of our own?"

"Oh? Gaara-kun has a love-interest?"

I get the 'Shut the fuck up' expression. He sighs, "I think... I think Naruto is in some kind of danger..."

Woah, woah, woah! "What? No way, Naruto can be a little thick in the head, but he'd never keep something like that from us, we're his team! 'We're united against dangerous shit!' He's the one who said that!"

Gaara's head droops and he puts his hands in his pockets as if he were wearing normal Suna garbs. It reminded me of how lately he had been thrown into Suna's political matters and I begin to think that maybe the stress is what has Gaara thinking these things.

Before I can ask about it, Gaara speaks once more in that raspy, dead tone. "... If I'm right, then it's gonna be bad..."

I choose to stay silent, now we're standing solemnly next to each other, thinking. If Naruto is really in danger, why would he keep it from us? What does Hebi Sasuke have to do with it?

And how bad does Gaara think it is? I turn to him and ask, "Like... Orochimaru bad?" And Gaara looks grave. "I think it may be worse..." I shake my head in disbelief.

"No way, maybe it's just something personal, something he doesn't feel concerns us?"

This time, Gaara put his hand on my shoulder and looked me in the eye with... sympathy? I couldn't name it, but it made me feel like a child. He inhaled, and his next words floated out with the breath that escaped his lips shortly after. "That's what I worry about, Sakura..." And Gaara turned and left in the sand.

I stood rooted in my spot suddenly hating what was supposed to be a fun, laid back undercover mission.

"Son of a bitch..." With this mood hanging in the air, I could already tell that my date would be just fantastic.

Thanks, Gaara, thanks a lot.

Madara

Plotting was so fun. It was definitely on my 'Favorite Things To Do' list. See, I had originally planned to get Itachi drunk, but I soon discovered many flaws in this plan. I then thought, 'Hey, how about I get drunk? Then I'll have full control of the situation.' and humiliation would be twice as simple with no bumps in the road.

I wore a grin the entire time, even before I started getting 'drunk'. My mother and I had always said that to get inside someone's head, without Sharingan of course, was to break it open. In other words; utterly humiliate them. Now, with Itachi I had to approach this with caution because, although he's unbreakable on the outside, his insides can be, as previously said, like putty, especially in my hands.

This 'humiliation' would have to be approached delicately, and in a sneaky manner. I couldn't stomp about clumsily with his innermost secrets and weaknesses, as that would defeat my purpose. All I wanted was to observe him in an uncensored fashion, see how he'd react if he thought that I wasn't 'all there'. Naturally I'd be a complete embarrassment to him in my 'drunken frenzy'. This would allow me to see how he handles me in such a state, also how he handles the others present, and let's not forget my third reason for plotting something so out of my way and being so ridiculous.

It would entertain me.

This is what I thought as Itachi drove us to the bar designated for our inebriated festivities, but there was one thing I simply had not bet on. Now what could possibly sneak up on me, Uchiha Madara, great warrior and schemer? Itachi.

More so, Itachi getting drunk.

I had assumed my first plan wouldn't work because I simply couldn't imagine Itachi putting himself in such a vulnerable state. I mean, what would motivate Itachi to pick up a drink?

Damn it all, I was supposed to be the one to have drunken fun and embarrass Itachi, but it seemed the boy had it in the bag. I sat there awkwardly, in shock as Itachi hung all over me, slurring his words. I suppose it was my fault, though, for if I hadn't stared him in the face and deep-throated a Popsicle at our table then he wouldn't have taken that first giant gulp who-knows-what kind of alcohol. At the time I was sure that it had been worth it, because the red faced, heated gaze that I received would be saved in my memories for the next time I was alone in the shower.

Now, everyone was red faced, but for a different reason. Words were slurred and sloppy as once-collected language arts teachers conversed and joked. Even that busy-body Umino was a little tipsy as he eyed me and Itachi with suspicious, knowing eyes. He would smile in a somewhat perverted way that said he was completely aware of Itachi and I, not that Itachi was making it hard for him...

Itachi was currently recovering from a drinking game that he had just won, emitting lazy giggles. He leaned back, unconsciously imitating my exact sitting position. When he noticed, he rubbed his neck and laughed. It would have been 'cute' if he had not placed that same hand on my inner thigh and smirked immediately after. Naturally I took this as some kind of challenge despite Itachi's less than challenging state, but honestly, the boy was asking for it. Our game of seduction was officially back on and the goal was to see who could be the sneakiest sexual predator. We wouldn't want anyone to see through our little 'room-mate' charade, right?

You see, that's what I thought, but it seemed that Itachi was too smashed to care, and throwing caution to the wind, he crawled over the table and into my lap.

Everyone froze. It seemed as though such boldness coming from someone like Itachi sobered them up rather quickly. I tried to play it off, pretend to be disturbed by this act.

"Ah, Karasu, it seems you've had a few too many..." But Itachi only squinted his eyes in confusion, as if my statement flew completely over his head.

"Karasu? Sensei, what are you-"

"AHA- um, yeah, we're going home." My hand was now uncomfortably wet from being slapped over Itachi's open mouth but I kept it there. I gave the other teachers at our table a 'mind-your-own-business-or-I'll-kill-you' grin and they all gladly turned back to their drinks- All except Umino Iruka of course.

Nosy bastard...

"Kurosawa-san, will he be alright?" Asked Umino as he followed us to the parking-lot. I couldn't exactly answer that since I currently had the object of our concern swung over my shoulder so I chose to keep silent. Instead of walking away, though, he continued behind us until I got to Itachi's automobile.

Damn, how does that thing work again? Why won't Umino go away so I could just phase us all home? Okay, act natural, like someone who hasn't spent the last few years in a well. Um- Oh! Right, keys.

"Karasu, your keys." I sat Itachi on the hood of the car as gently as I could, watching as he swayed and looked around before looking at me.

"Karasu?" he asks. I sigh and inwardly facepalm.

"Where-Are-Your-KEYS, boy?" He looked around once more before shrugging.

I'm never letting this brat drink again. Talk about a light-weight.

I groaned in annoyance, then Umino spoke. "Could they be in his pocket?" Ah! Good idea, Umino, that's why I keep you around!

"I'll check." but of course, Itachi wasn't going to let it be that simple.

"...Aah, Sensei, if you wanted to shove your hands down my pants, all you had to do was ask..."

"Shut up, brat!" Ugh! I'm going to kill him! He chooses now to be a sexual deviant? After so long of Itachi's squirming, I finally yanked the keys from the back pocket of Itachi's uncomfortably tight black pants. "Hey, my keys!" And suddenly, from his place sitting upon the hood, he wrapped his legs around me and glared. By now, I was rather fed up with Itachi's behavior, as it was nothing like him at all. I could handle crying drunks, I could handle crazy drunks- and I was usually rather happy handling horny drunks- but Itachi was really close to being dubbed an annoying drunk, and I don't fancy those. Hell, Itachi would be dubbed a horny drunk in any other situation, but frankly, in this particular situation it pissed me off.

I throw the keys behind me, assuming by the peculiar clinking sound that Umino caught them. My hand slaps under his chin, forcing his head up and his eyes to meet mine in an unpleasantly familiar way. He jerks his head away like a child and I slap my hands down on his thighs, prying them open so that their hold on my waist would weaken. It did, and I left my hands there to dig my elongated claws into his skin in a warning manner, but be it the alcohol or something else, Itachi did not back down like usual. He instead fixed a heated, challenging gaze on my and I felt myself gulp with anticipation.

It was now a battle for dominance.

Itachi's hands slowly crept onto mine, holding them there against his thighs when I tried to snatch them away. His voice was silky all of the sudden, and so low that I almost felt each heavy sound wave wash against my face as it vibrated from his throat. "Sensei..." and from just that word, that tone, that voice, my eyelids fluttered and my spine curled uncomfortably in a way that made it difficult to continue glaring at him. "Sensei, why do you wear so many clothes?" he says as if he just noticed and those hands snaked up my arms to my shoulders to my chest where they explored briefly before I smacked them away.

Itachi wasn't about to take that, though, and I find myself clutching my face when his clawed hand swings. I stare at the blood on my hand, dripping from what was surely a terrible bunch of gashes on my cheek, then I find myself in a glaring match with Itachi. Both of us growl with our teeth bared and I find that I don't know whether to be enraged or aroused.

I hiss air through my teeth in frustration, and "You're an awful drunk, boy." is the only thing I can say in reply. He smirks in a satisfied manner at my indirect submission, leaving me to growl and look away. I almost choke when I remember that Iruka is still there, nervously holding my keys as he shakes in the presence of our excited demonic auras.

I snatch the keys from him with a sneer. "There is no need to see us off, Umino-san, you can go back inside, we're leaving." My tone assures him that the 'go back inside' part of that sentence was not a mere suggestion, and he awkwardly leaves, looking ready to throw back a few more after what he just witnessed.

When I see him disappear inside I go back to glaring at Itachi, but freeze, suddenly feeling like cornered prey. The air around Itachi had shifted in an unsettling way that said Itachi wasn't exactly 'all there' and I felt myself entranced by this sudden change. My mate was suddenly towering over me, almost in a threatening manner but I knew what was really happening. Itachi's mind was no longer there, leaving his body to fall into command- and his body wanted mine. And judging by his red, dotless eyes, I'd say he was attracted to something even deeper.

I did the first thing that came to mind; 'get the fuck out of here'. My eyes bled with the sudden Sharingan transformation, but it couldn't be helped. I had to get Itachi away from anyone. I left the car behind, because transporting that into our living room would be strange, but doing something like teleportation so spontaneously was still a bit painful, so as soon as I was sure that we were home, my hands slapped over my bleeding eye.

"Gah-... che!" Shit! This is why I use Sharingan less... I pulled my hand away from my face, glaring at the blood. Fucking Itachi, this is all his fault...

I glared across the room, my eyes zoning on a panting form lying pathetically on the floor. I crawl over to him, stupidly concerned. 'What is wrong with my mate?' my inner demon thought.

"Itachi...?" He shuddered and curled in on himself even more.

My body seems to have a mind of it's own, that or my inner self has decided to indulge in the tender aspects of it's bond to Itachi, because I was back to crawling on my hands and knees until I was right at his side. "Itachi..." My hand reaches out for him, turning him over so I could see his face, making sure that I hadn't hurt him somehow while transferring us here. My hand is suddenly trapped in a vice grip, along with a large bunch of my hair, and I'm pulled down and over Itachi and thrown onto my back.

The breath is knocked out of me and I arch with the unexpected force of the hard floor on my back. I open my eyes to see Itachi hovering above me, red eyes now glowing. I was confused and I stared at him, watching him watch me. What initiated this? Could the alcohol have lured Itachi's inner demon from it's dormancy? My question was answered negatively when Itachi runs his fingertips over my face before pulling back to admire the deep red life blood that now coated his hand.

It wasn't the alcohol, it was my blood that brought this out of Itachi. I'm sure the alcohol played a part in breaking down Itachi's control, but the sight and scent of my blood must have unleashed him. I watched helplessly as he raised the hand to his mouth, fully intent on tasting what seemed to be teasing his senses. Just before his red fingers reached his lips, I decided to be not-so-helpless. Itachi flew backwards with the force of my kick, his back smashing into the wall and I find myself thankful that Iruka was still at the bar, because I have no idea how I would have explained that, or Itachi's abnormal state.

I jumped up, intent on running to the kitchen to fetch water or something to rinse my face and Itachi's hands of my blood. I didn't look behind me, but when I heard a feral growl I knew Itachi was on his feet and pissed. My front smacked hard against the kitchen floor as Itachi tackled my legs. Blood was smeared all over the linoleum where Itachi's hands and my face broke our fall. I twist my body to get this mindless Itachi off of me but he doesn't budge.

"Get off, boy!" I yell when his teeth come dangerously close to my throat. I give into a slight panic when I feel him pinning me down, but I am not scared for me. I find myself afraid of what woes Itachi will face if this heritage is activated. The demon inside me is positively purring, eager take whatever my mate has to offer, and this primal, animalistic feeling is exhilarating, but I fight it. I can't let him taste it, because who knows what will happen. I twist once more and roll onto my back and use rinnegan, which was much more effective in getting Itachi off of me.

I teleport to the sink and grab the sprayer, turning on the water and aiming at the fast-approaching descendant of mine. As he stares at his now-cleaned hands in confusion, I take the chance to rinse the blood from my face. By the end of this insanity, both of us are very wet, and one of us is very disoriented.

"...Sensei...?" I look up to see bleary eyes blinking water from their lashes. That could have been a really shitty situation...

I slowly walk toward him, wrapping my arms around his neck and holding his head to my chest. He resists at first, tensing slightly before giving in and returning the comforting embrace. "Madara, what is wrong...?" but there was no way to give him a completely honest answer.

I continued to hold him, then I began almost petting him, burying my nose in his hair as I came to a realization. I was scared. It was the first time I have been truly scared in centuries. I was scared that Itachi would lose a part of himself when he became like me, that there would be something different about him, that he would change. I would be with him regardless, but what if this change hurt Itachi? I could never live with myself, despite how pathetic it sounds.

"Don't drink..." and I'm not sure if I mean alcohol or blood. Itachi only slumps further into my embrace, giving an unsure nod. I won't be able to hold out much longer, there is no way I can continue to dwell in denial, because tonight was my wake up call. If a bit of alcohol can break Itachi's walls then he's much farther gone than I could have guessed. This proves it; Itachi is cursed to be like me.

My mate is falling into his inner demon's clawed hands and there is nothing I can do to prevent it.

Iruka

"No way! I'm not drunk! I've had a few with some teachers..."

"Oh? Any I'm familiar with? You know I'm kinda famous..." I can only imagine the comical eye-brow wiggle.

"Yeah, all of the teachers and agents ask about you, and some of them aren't even from Konoha! Oh! And you know who's been dying to see her daddy?"

I hear a deep, hummed chuckle, "That couldn't be my angel, could it?" I feel my heart swell a bit.

When my wife died, I had been sure that it would be just me and Minako from then on, but she and Kakashi took to each other so quickly, where as others found her shyness and broodiness off-putting. She was just like her mother, really, and I found it adorable, as did Kakashi. 'She reminds me of a family I spent a lot of time with.'

After her mother died, she was always so quiet. I was sure that she would never open up to anyone, but I can only thank the heavens for that family of Kakashi's, because he knew exactly how she worked.

And the fact that I loved him to death was a plus, too.

I laugh warmly, "You're all Miko talks about, when she talks of course. It's either you, Naruto, or Karasu."

Kakashi is silent for a bit, "... Who's Karasu? You're new boy friend?" He asks jokingly. Well, I suppose I haven't told him about the neighbors. This is our first phone call in since the start of the mission.

"No, stupid, more like Miko's new boyfriend. It's one of the teachers that lives next door to us. Every time she sees him in the hall she stares."

He sighs, "Maa, so young, yet she's already boy-crazy..."

I laugh and lean against the outer wall of the bar, having walked back out to answer my phone after my odd neighbors left.

"Yeah, it's her first crush. I think it's just because he's quiet and mysterious, misunderstood like she often is." Kakashi hums in understanding.

"Ah, the awkward type. Does he have glasses?" This time I laugh out loud, because I'm sure Kakashi translated 'misunderstood' into 'dorky'.

"No, no, no, he's very... pretty. Long dark hair and pale skin like Miko, another reason she might identify with him. And I wouldn't call him awkward, just... I don't know, 'new' to interaction. He was probably raised as some village's fighter, he seems like the assassin type, so that might be why he's like that."

Kakashi hummed once more, now serious and obviously interested in the business part of this call. "Describe the way he acts, maybe it will tell us which village?" So I get down to it, remembering the way he moved, the way he spoke, the way he communicated and interacted.

"Hmm, well, like I said, he was really stiff, very difficult to talk to. He seemed like he was really trying to be friendly, but it just wasn't comfortable or there was somewhere he needed to be. He's definitely hiding something, but there's no way he'd trust me with it-"

"So he talks to no one?"

"No, he has a room-mate-"

"Why didn't you mention that earlier?" I almost throw the phone.

"Why don't you let me get to it?" Silence. God damn. "Anyways, Kurosawa is his room-mate. He's weird too, but he doesn't waste time trying to hide it when Karasu isn't around. He will literally creep you out on purpose, that, or walk away mid-conversation. You know what? He did that just today! You won't believe what he sai-"

"Iruka! Just tell it to me report-style!"

Oh, of course... "Okay, gotcha. They're both obviously Japanese, very shady, and are well acquainted with each other-"

"Team-mates? Relatives?" If he interrupts me one more time.

"I was thinking lovers. Karasu seems to be trying to keep that a secret as well. Kurosawa usually goes with whatever Karasu does, he doesn't really care about pleasantries. I think they have bigger secrets though, maybe not malicious, but they feel... dangerous, you know? If they aren't from a specific village, they've had clan training. Karasu seemed to have heard your name before, as well."

Kakashi is silent, thinking most likely. "... Recent activity from these two?"

Oh, God, Duh! I just saw a whole storm of 'activity'! Maybe I have had a few too many...

"Holy- I'm so slow, 'Kashi! They were actually just here an hour ago! I was trying to pull them out of their secret bubble, maybe throw them out in the open to get some information, and the weirdest shit happened! Karasu got completely wasted and practically tackled Kurosawa. The poor guy tried to play it off, but Karasu was all over him. Hell, if Kurosawa hadn't carried him out of the bar on his fucking back, Karasu would have raped him on the table!"

I was panting after this big reveal, catching my breath for the next half. Kakashi stayed awkwardly quiet for a second, "...Umm, okay? That is strange I guess..."

"No, it gets weirder! I follow them out and Kurosawa drops him on the car and he's sitting there all clueless, calling Kurosawa 'Sensei' and only responding to 'boy' like some kind of sexy role play. Then, Kurosawa gets pissed off and- and they growl and claw and hit each other and it was like watching a pair of hungry lions fighting over a carcass! Their eyes were red and their teeth were all sharp, like a cat demon, but with the glowing red eyes of a crow demon! Then, Kurosawa shooed me away. I haven't seen them since!"

Kakashi sighed, something he only does when somethings wrong. "Red eyes, pale skin, claws and pointy teeth? That's pretty much half of the eastern demon population... Not to mention Europe's 'vampire'..."

We seemed to be at a dead end as I listened to Kakashi muse on about mannerisms and behaviors. I was about to tell him goodnight when he suddenly spoke up.

"Iruka! Has Naruto been alright? Acting weird? Kyuubi bothering him?" What?

"Um, no, not that he's told me. His team and subordinates have been fine, aside from village business. Neji's been either with Gaara or in Konoha with the Hyuuga clan. Gaara himself has been a bit off, even toward Naruto, but that could be due to the death of the Kazekage. He's supposed to be speaking with Sandaime tonight, by the way, could you be there and talk to him afterward? That woul-"

"Iruka! Just, tell me about anything that even remotely sticks out about Naruto! Jumpiness, paranoia, anything like that?" My tipsy mind back tracks, trying to break away from my 'Gaara tangent'.

"Um, kinda. He was kind of wary of this one boy, Sasuke, completely blew up and I was sure they were going to kill each other, but after that, the two were inseparable."

"Tell me about the kid." I wanted to be annoyed, but I could tell he was serious.

"Well, he's the stuck up type, that's probably what set Naruto off, but you know how that kid has a thing for problemed people. At first, Naruto wanted absolutely nothing to do with him, but they just kept arguing and fighting. Something about him had obviously gotten under Naru's skin. The next day, though, they were practically attached at the hip."

Kakashi 'hmm'ed, "What do you, think about him?"

"Well, to be perfectly honest, he looks like the type to kick puppies. He has the same creepy qualities as our neighbors, but there's definitely something off, and whatever it is, it's sinister and familiar..."

Kakashi latches on to the creepy part. "What qualities?"

Well, I wasn't actually comparing them, but, "Well, mysteriousness, social skills, the strange knack for intimidation- they even look alike. Hell, Sasuke-san and Karasu could be related!"

"I think they are."

Would this make more sense if there wasn't alcohol in my system?

Before I can comment or ask, Kakashi curses into the phone, "No, that wouldn't make sense! There's three of them..." He pauses, "Look, Iruka, I want you to watch the neighbors, and watch how they, and Naruto, interact with Sasuke."

"Alright. Go meet Gaara!"

He sighs, "Alright, alright. I gotta go, take care. Tell Miko I love her. Jaa."

I close my phone, looking at the screen for awhile. I couldn't tell if the swishing of my stomach was a bad feeling or nausea. Kakashi was worried about Naruto for reasons that I simply hadn't seen. Had I not paid enough attention? I mean, I've known Naruto longer... Then again, it could be a Kyuubi thing, Kakashi and Jiraiya were the ones who knew the most about that...

I sigh and lift my head, staring at the cold night sky one more time before turning to go back into the bar to find a designated driver. Before I can even take a step, though, something catches my eye across the parking lot.

My eyes narrow.

Karasu's car hadn't moved.

Sasuke

I think this moron's 'idiot-syndrome' is contagious, because the longer he's around me, the more I feel the corners of my mouth pulling up.

I turn my head to look at the alarm clock on his night stand and almost choke. It was nearly three in the morning. That wasn't the big deal, really, because I, as a great and powerful Uchiha, could go without sleep for days, not as long as Itachi, but still significant. The only difference here was that we had spent all of this time goofing off and... talking. I am not a 'Chatty-Cathy', so this is rather odd for me. But instead of finding this uncomfortable and annoying, I could only find it annoying, but for a different reason than what would normally be assumed.

I had at first thought the annoyed feeling was because of Naruto low IQ, but I soon discovered otherwise. Contrary to what I previously believed, Naruto wasn't nearly as stupid as I had first imagined(Though I had been dead on when I assumed he would be irritating). No, he couldn't exactly be called intelligent, but he was exceedingly intuitive, so his interesting conversation made his thick-headedness close to tolerable.

I feel him elbow my side a bit, "Hey, are listening to me?" I nod without looking at him, uncomfortable with how close he had gotten to my face. He continued babbling about how prissy Hyuuga Neji was while I half-listened with a smirk. We were laying side-by-side on his bed(because I sure as hell wasn't sleeping on Hyuuga's) talking about anything that came to mind, and I was enjoying myself. I inwardly laugh at Naruto's animated impression of Neji whining about that red-headed kid, Gaara.

"'Oh, Naruto, I do everything I can to impress him! I talk about how awesome I am and I talk about my vast collection of conditioners and how pretty our eyes are without the pupils!'"

Yes, Uzumaki Naruto was easy to like- That's what annoyed me. When I had been sure that I was going to hold his secrets over his head, when I had been sure that I would end up killing him by the end of the day, when I had been sure I couldn't stand him, we end up being the two most compatible beings. He understood my silences, he knew just how to reply, he knew what was safe and unsafe to converse about, but the most interesting thing of all was that in the few short days we had known each other, he already knew how to make me smile.

And it was annoying.

"Hey, teme, what's with that pissy expression all of the sudden?"

And he could read me like a book.

I only glared at him, unsure of how to handle such feelings. This moron's talents lie in getting under people's skin, and he is damn good at what he does. I look away from him, aiming my glare at the ceiling. I have fallen for a trap, it seems, and I have no knowledge of how to free myself. Has Naruto put some kind of spell on me? Perhaps Itachi- scratch that, if anyone knows about spells of this nature, it should be Madara. Now, how would I do this in a way that doesn't reveal Naru-

"Ah! Damn, Sasuke, help me find my cellphone, it sounds closer to you." I grimace at the awful dance-music that plays as his ring-tone, as it is indeed closer to me, there for easier to hear.

I pull the phone out from under me and toss it at him with a smirk, enjoying his mortified face.

"Gross, Teme, now I have your ass indirectly touching my face!- Hello?" He says into the phone.

'You love it.' I mouth at him, but I get no reply or laugh. Naruto's face has twisted into a grave seriousness that I hadn't seen since our first encounter.

"Kakashi, are you alright? Oh my god, is Gaara down there- No, I'm there." And he abruptly hung up. I feel my curiosity bubbling and the question spills from my usually tight lips before I can stop it.

"Dobe, what's going on?" He answers as he moves frantically around the room, stripping and changing clothes as he does so.

"Konoha is under attack. Gaara has taken on some political responsibilities after his father's death and was meeting with the Sandaime. Every man with the Konoha emblem is moving, which means I'm late!"

My eyes follow him as I hum in thought.

"Do you want me to come?" and suddenly the speeding bullet stops and almost throws his neck out just to stare at me.

"What? Are you kidding, Teme? Madara hates Konoha, Itachi is an S-class criminal, you were probably buried under the rubble of the Uchiha Massacre, why the hell would you think prancing around a manic Konoha is a good idea?"

I stand from the bed and walk toward his half-clothed form, inwardly laughing at the fact that he could still think to be shy in this situation. I smirk instead at his futile attempt to cover himself, then proceed to invade his personal space. "You are my comrade, Dobe, isn't that right?" He nods dumbly as I back away from him and walk towards the door, intent on grabbing my old mission gear from my dorm room.

"Don't leave with out me."

Hashirama

This village has changed quite a bit. It was late evening and villagers were still out and about, something pretty well unheard of in my time. Of course, now-a-days everything is so peaceful that any form of attack seems unheard of.

That's going to change.

I'm sorry, dear village of mine, but it is quite literally out of my control. I have a mission to complete and in order to do so, you will need to return my necklace.

I calmly walk toward Hokage mountain, examining my successors indifferently. That third looks a lot like that little brat Sarutobi...

Naturally, getting past all of the guards and seals was effortless- I kind of invented this place. Many things had changed, but the general lay out of everything had stayed exactly the same, something that irked me a bit. Uchiha Madara had come up with that layout, modeling it after what would be called the Uchiha district. It's almost as if they kept this part just to get under my skin. Laughing even in the grave, Madara?

I break out of my memories as I swing open the doors to my old office and meet two sets of eyes, one surprised, one bored and half obscured.

The man with the covered eyes had crooked silver hair and a voice to match his tired eyes. "And how may we help you mister...?"

I did not have to answer his question, though, because an aged brat with a familiar face stole the words right out of my mouth.

"...Senju? Senju, Hashirama?" the lazy young man no longer looked as tired, standing tense and attentive.

I face the current Hokage, "Yes, and I want my necklace back."

---

Ahh, It's shit. I've been trapped in the worst rut, this story is not going where I want it to go! I keep finding flaws in my ideas and having to rework or completely change them, and man, all of the tweaks are a pain to remember.

If something doesn't make sense, please pm or review, because I have no beta.

I'm sorry I put off updating for so long! I'm going to go Jiraiya mode and spend my break doing 'research' so I can feel motivated for the lemony goodness in future chapters~! I hope this wasn't too dry for anyone, I just feel like this chapter sucks!

I promise to improve!

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Madara... repelled him somehow. - it was Rinnegan if you couldn't guess.

(I was convince he was high on something, probably the same thing he had been on just before we left the Uchiha manor awhile back)- He's talking about just after Madara came out of his room. He had just drank his 'elixir'.

How come the stories I favorite/alert are the ones that only get updated during blue moons? Seriously, it sucks. I'm dying to see what happens in 'What went wrong?' (a Madaita by stephfarrow94), and that's not even the only dormant story. I wuv your story stephfarrow94 :(

And woah, just saw the MadaIta story 'Possession' by Vicious94. At first I was like 'Am I being jacked?!' but then I read it and I was like 'Oh, nevermind...'. It's pretty good, too :D You guys should look it up~!

Wow, I'm advertising and I don't even talk to this person...

I hope I haven't let P&P followers down!

~SaLEm