The dread pooling within Naruto's heart did not subside, even as he tried to smash it down. Occasionally, Orochimaru would glance back, smirk, and then continue looking lazily ahead. Naruto could practically feel the man's brain working from his place behind him. Not only was it disconcerting to have such a mysterious man smirking at him, it was extremely annoying. Naruto didn't want to yell at the potentially dangerous man, especially not with his chakra hurting him, but the urge to scream and stomp was incredibly over-bearing. He felt that if he did anything in anger, the man would only laugh and punish him for it later. This sense of knowing without knowledge creeped Naruto out a bit more, so he focused his thoughts on other topics.

He tried first to think of beating Sasuke in the Chuunin Exams, but that only lead back to thoughts of Orochimaru.

He then thought of Sakura, and how much he liked her. She was the prettiest girl he'd seen, for sure. She had sweet, soft features, but a bite to her that gave her the ability to kick his ass on a regular basis. He didn't mind, though. He liked Sakura-chan paying attention to him. At least she wasn't focussed on the bastard. He didn't understand what was so appealing about Sasuke anyway. Sure, he was good-looking. Sure, he had cool hair. But Sasuke was the meanest person Naruto knew, and that was saying something. Sasuke was meaner than any villain Naruto had ever met, simply because his hostility and nonchalance was focussed on people that tried to care about him.

Where was Sasuke, anyway? Why would he be in a place like this?

Naruto focussed hard on what happened in the Chuunin exams. All he remembered about Sasuke was the other boy telling him how much he wanted to fight him. He remembered the embarrassing feelings of pride and excitement. Why did Sasuke's voice sound so strained in that memory?

Naruto awoke from his thoughts when he realized he and Orochimaru were approaching a door.

The door had a biohazard sign across it, along with various metal contraptions that sealed it. Orochimaru stuck out a long white finger and pressed a large red button that was approximately five inches from the door. A loud ringing sound filled the air, and the door immediately slid open, revealing someone Naruto had come to know very well.

"Kabuto-san?" Naruto asked in confusion. The man was holding a scalpel with a frightening-looking serrated edge, and his whole body was covered with Healer's scrubs. Orochimaru suddenly placed his hands on Naruto's shoulders, gently coaxing him to stand in front of him. Naruto's body gave a small quiver at the gentle touch.

"Kabuto-kun...I fear we have a problem. Naruto-kun does not remember me." Orochimaru sounded almost as though he was pouting. The man was much taller than Naruto was, and he could feel his breath ghosting across the tips of his hair.

Naruto shivered again.

Kabuto's mouth opened, then closed. He stared with wide eyes that made Naruto shrink back, feeling cornered.

"Come in, Orochimaru-sama." His voice had an unreadable emotion in it.

Orochimaru led him along behind Kabuto, the weight of his hands extremely distracting.

What they entered was not what Naruto had expected. It was a lab with various computer screens imbedded in the wall, and various shelves and cases sacked against the other walls. There was a circle of curtains in the middle of the room, presumably hiding a patient. Naruto tilted his head to the side, eyes flickering around the room.

"You're a medic-nin, Kabuto-san?" He asked, confusion outweighing his fear. How many memories had he lost? This looked absolutely nothing like a hospital in Konoha.

Orochimaru and Kabuto exchanged a glance over Naruto's head.

Oh! This was absolutely delicious. Naruto Uzumaki, the vessel for the Kyuubi, delivered directly into his hands by his darling little prodigy. Oh yes, perfect. Exquisite. Divine.

Sasuke's usefulness had increased to being something other than eye candy. The Uchiha was as perfect-looking as his brother, but was rude and dull on all occasions. Orochimaru found the boy's presence a required nuisance. He would have to suffer with him until he finally got his body. But in the mean time, Sasuke had delivered him this little morsel.

It was simply breathtaking to see the little fox trembling under his gaze, rather than the usual blind determination that the boy seemed possessed by. His firey innocence drew in Orochimaru like a moth to flame. He devoured the boy's presence, and longed for more of him. He would be so easy to manipulate, and then so useful to trade with. The Akatsuki would love to trade with him for Naruto-kun. They would be all to willing to give him his heart's desire in exchange for the Kyuubi.

But no, not yet. First he would have his fun with the doe-eyed, supple-looking blonde.

He couldn't thank Sasuke enough. The loss of memories accompanied by the suppressed chakra made Naruto into a vulnerable piece of clay in his hands.

Kabuto, seeming to recognize the look in his eye, glanced at Naruto with a smirk. The little kyuubi gave a gentle smile, nervousness still sprinkled throughout his deliciously innocent face.

"Naruto-kun! I'm so glad you've joined us at Orochimaru-sama's! This is really crazy about your memories, how much do you remember?"

Ah, the genius-ness of Kabuto.

Orochimaru gently rubbed his fingers over the back of Naruto's neck. He felt a small shiver race through the boy, and his insides shivered with delight as well.

Mine.

Oooh. It had been a while since he had felt this type of possessiveness. He enjoyed being alight with desire. Naruto-kun was very special to evoke this feelings in him.

He unconsciously licked his lips. Kabuto caught the gesture from over Naruto's head, grimaced slightly, but then continued waiting for Naruto's answer.

"I don't even know how I got here! I don't even know Orochimaru-sama! I don't know why Sasuke would be here either...It feels like...That's wrong for some reason..." Naruto's jaw trembled a bit and Orochimaru could practically taste the frustrated tears building up in those wide blue eyes. He was amused by the small flash of sympathy in Kabuto's face, but not surprised by it. Anyone would feel guilt over the extremely boisterous boy's state of upset.

"I'm so sorry Naruto! You and Orochmaru-sama have been close for a long time. You and Sasuke came here to train under him as apprentices."

"But...why was I in that room? And what's wrong with my chakra?" Naruto glanced back at him, looking less uncomfortable upon learning they were 'close'. Haha.

"I don't really know, Naruto-kun. I will have to ask Sasuke about it immediately. He is always trying out dangerous techniques without regard for others." Orochimaru spoke up, placing a 'comforting' hand on Naruto's shoulder. The boy turned around, his eyes softening.

"Of course, that bastard would." The blonde's lips curled upward in a smile. Orochimaru wanted to lick the look right off of his face.

"Come, Naruto-kun. I wish to speak with you in private." Orochimaru wanted to pounce on the boy, regardless of Kabuto's presence. But from Kabuto's curled upper lip, it seemed that he would not appreciate that very much.

He lead the boy in the direction of his rooms, smirking to himself when he realized Naruto was no longer tense under his hand. He seemed comforted by Kabuto's lies, and Orochimaru was glad he was childish enough to believe it. Sadistic as he could be, he did not want an unwilling partner.

At least, not too unwilling.

But at that time, Orochimaru had cooked up a lie so perfect, Naruto would be in his bed minutes after entering his room.

The snake man smirked in delight.

Please note this,

I hate Sakura with an undying passion. I wish she would die. The part about her 'prettiness' is just me trying to see it through Naruto's eyes. (which I can't because I hate her.)

If she is in this story, it will most likely be when she dies.

I hate Sasuke as well, but at least HE is good for yaoi purposes.

:)

-Marching Clocks